Positive Dog Power

16/09/2024

Thank you Dynamic Dog for this brilliant post!
Pain is determined by the animal, not by us.

This is becoming a welfare issue!

Im tired of hearing “the vet says there is no pain” by a guardian after they have taken their dog to the vet. It leaves me deflated and frustrated and feeling so sorry for the dog.

Myth Bust:

PAIN CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN ANY ANIMAL (dog, cat, horse or hamster), by anyone!

* A quick palpation - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

WHY?

The dog may shut down due to environmental factors or dislike of a strange human touching them, they keep still to get it over with ASAP!

The dog may be over aroused or overwhelmed by the clinical environment (excited/scared etc) to the point that adrenaline is so high it blocks pain!

* Blood Tests - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

There is currently NO blood test that can detect pain.

* Diagnostic imaging - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

Yes they can pick up a variety of conditions, but even the GOLD standard MRI doesn’t pick up everything, but NONE of them can detect PAIN.

Just because a source cannot be found doesn’t mean there is no pain.

PAIN is subjective, it is whatever that being (human or animal) perceives it to be!

Pain can come in many different forms, it is extremely complex, and can effect the individual in many different ways. A dog may get injured, the injury may have healed, but the pain remains … this is known as maladaptive pain.

Behaviour can be a HUGE indicator for PAIN:

* There could be a change of behaviour that has been directly caused by PAIN.

* There could be a worsening of behaviour due to an increase or new presence of PAIN.

* There could be a lack of “normal” behaviour due to PAIN.

* There could be behaviours that are present but that the guardian/owner don’t deem to be problematic that are indicators of PAIN.

* The dog may have ALWAYS displayed behaviours that are indicators of PAIN, but they have been ignored and put down to “just the way they are”.

* There may be NO problematic behaviours at all …. And the dog might still be in PAIN!

* The dog might be energetic, always on the go … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog might be lazy … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog may zoom up and down stairs … and still be in PAIN.

Diagnosing PAIN is not simple and can be difficult to get on top of.

A PAIN relief trail can be great! But often only one type of analgesic is tried and sometimes this doesn’t get results leading to the ASSUMPTION that there is no PAIN!

Here’s why:

* The drug was only trialed for 2 weeks - when living with chronic pain it can take longer to relieve. 2 weeks is not enough.

* The drug used wasn’t targeted to the type of pain the animal is feeling; soft tissue, bone, nerve or a combination of all.

It might take a number of different medications or a combination OVER TIME to see a difference.

ALWAYS keep in mind, NO ONE can rule out another being’s PAIN.

NO ONE. Not me. Not you. Not a Doctor. Not a Vet.

29/03/2024

What an achievement!!
Leo and his people have been working on his fear around dogs and other animals. He will usually bark and lunge when he sees animals on a walk, telling them to go away and give space
He's been having sessions with Positive Dog Power to work on building his confidence.
He's doing so well with this, it's easily rubbing off onto other animals! Check out how calm he is in the video below! A month ago, he was barking at cows and sheep, and now he's looking with curiosity!
This type of method isn't distracting the dog, it's teaching a dog they don't need to feel scared, and it works so well!
Find out more about the methods we use below:

https://www.positivedogpower.co.uk/post/react-less-relax-more

22/03/2024

Does your dog struggle when you go to the vets?
Does it fill you with dread when the biannual check comes along?
Well, we know how difficult and stressful it can be for some dogs and their owners. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help the situation run a lot smoother!
The blog below goes over some tips to help the vet (and even grooming) visit go as smoothly as possible!

Taking your dog to the vet can be a very stressful experience for both them and you! Not only is it full of strangers in human and animal form, but it will also smell and look very unusual to them. They will often form an association of these surroundings with being touched, prodded, injected and mo...

17/03/2024

George and his people have been absolutely smashing their training sessions!
We've been working on fear around dogs, pulling on lead, and some bonus recall! You can see from this video that George is in a park around other dogs, super chilled and happy, AND he's responding to recall whilst walking beautifully!
Well done all!!
If you would like to know more about tackling loose lead walking, find out more here:
https://www.positivedogpower.co.uk/post/stop-pulling-on-the-lead

08/03/2024

We've had an amazing day at Crufts, NEC this year!
My personal favourite was seeing all the interesting and wonderful pet vendors and the brilliant freestyle heelwork to music - incredible! It was so lovely to speak to everyone and share the love of dogs and dog training!

We've come back with quite the haul!
As brand ambassadors, we couldn't resist getting our paws on some more Tug-E-Nuff toys! We LOVE using these to improve recall and boost confidence with reactive and fearful dogs!

08/03/2024

Guess what!
Positive Dog Power - Dog Behaviour and Training are at Crufts today!
If you see us, come and say hello!

16/02/2024

An excellent, and very important post from Trailie Paws For Thought
Pain IS important when assessing behaviour issues!

EIGHT TIPS FOR TACKLING CHALLENGING OR NEW BEHAVIOURS

Before attempting to tackle any behaviour challenges or the appearance of new behaviours, our first port of call should always be a thorough veterinary examination in order to rule out any underlying pain, discomfort, or previously undetected health conditions. The importance of this is highlighted in the recent study carried out, entitled “Pain and Problem Behaviour in Cats and Dogs.” Doctor Daniel Mills et al. found that, of 100 recent referral cases of several authors, around a third of those involved some form of painful condition, although this figure is a rather conservative estimate; the actual figure is thought to be as much as eighty per cent, which is a whopping great number!

Pain can be difficult to detect, for several reasons:

*Sensitive dogs might be too stressed to be examined by the vet.

*Dogs are often very stoic, and may be in pain without showing any visible signs.

*Adrenaline can mask pain.

*Some conditions may not be picked up in a physical examination.

In view of this, a medication trial can be really beneficial in determining if there is pain present. My dog Jack has immune-mediated Polyarthritis, and I recently began to suspect that he was experiencing a flare up, after noticing a few small behavioural changes. He had been symptom-free and medication-free for almost a year, but some increased environmental and sound sensitivity, along with becoming worried on some slippery flooring and some unexplained avoidance during training sessions, rang alarm bells. A physical veterinary exam was inconclusive, but following a course of pain relief, there was a distinct difference in Jack, which confirmed to the vet and I that he was, in fact, in pain.

The moral of the tale is that if you are in any doubt, always get them checked out!

Have a look at my blog to read more on how you can ensure that your dog receives the best help possible when their behaviour deteriorates and you need reliable information on the course of action you should take:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/eight-tips-for-tackling-canine-behaviour-change

© Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

14/02/2024

Happy Valentines Day from us at Positive Dog Power!

There's nothing quite like the loving wagging tail of a happy dog to brighten your day!
Besides plenty of woofs and licks, what did your dog get you to show you how much they love you? Pictures of cards, gifts, and happy dogs are welcome!

28/01/2024

Charlie and co absolutely smashed todays resource guarding/leadwork/distraction training session!
He's a clever boy and tackled every challenge with ease, all with the help, care and patience from his people!
If you would like some help with your dog, get in contact today! 😁
www.positivedogpower.co.uk

03/01/2024

This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of/follows/watches or supports Grahame Hall and his methods.
Thank you Trailie Paws For Thought for this well written and evidenced piece!

Here we go again 😔

A new series of the dreaded tv show featuring Graeme Hall has just started, so it's time to update my Iist of articles which explain exactly what is so wrong with the methods used (I can't bring myself to call it training) and why they are so harmful.

Canine professionals are appalled that this man receives endorsements and that dog guardians are led to believe that, just because he's on the telly, he is bona fide and qualified (he is not!).

Not only does he appear on the telly, he also takes his "show" into theatres, including my local theatre. On his recent tour, many venues cancelled (at last count it was 24) due to pressure from canine professionals and dog guardians who are absolutely mortified that someone, in this day and age, is allowed to promote outdated, physically and psychologically damaging handling and training methods on tv and in theatres in this way.

Yet, he is still out there, causing harm to dogs.This is a classic example of why we so desperately need regulation in the industry. Anyone can label themselves a trainer or behaviourist, with no fear of legal repercussions, (until someone gets badly hurt), and it stinks.

If anyone is considering buying a ticket to see his “show”, maybe thinking about buying his book, or you perhaps watch him on tv, please read the post below. Be warned, the short video clip is upsetting.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=383448190451133&id=100063578648415&sfnsn=scwspmo

Link to a longer clip, if you can stomach it:
https://fb.watch/c87rGn9_Wf/

If you aren’t yet convinced that this man is a menace to dogs everywhere, please also read the following:

https://www.thecanineconsultants.co.uk/post/tv-dog-trainers-aren-t-magicians?fbclid=IwAR0cPPSp-q2Q1YY9aJaoJsEvZE6HX0csqFg7xkffc6IZHBKsE1p5XdOoy7U

https://www.facebook.com/1659340574339198/posts/3087540054852569/

https://www.facebook.com/118727936181612/posts/756331382421261/

https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/naughty-dog-or-a-dog-in-pain

https://www.canineprinciples.com/blog/dogs-behaving-badly

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=568559395269487&id=100063462942142

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=519019713569357&id=100063839988392

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1868531703337013&id=550766838446846

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1566463597055004&id=406334209734621

https://www.politepawsdogtraining.co.uk/2023/03/01/review-of-graeme-hall-dogs-behaving-very-badly-jax-a-malinois-with-separation-anxiety-season-5-episode-8/?fbclid=IwAR0mXnZPu4sLpH3a32xRttpD-33CRVPntOWIKU0Tnwtu7A7AE25GeX9wFPI

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=588863950065064&id=100068243926722

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=293030710260340&id=100086602389434

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6vj6yHKZNqzgBk96/

I will continue to update my list of articles - there is no doubt that there will be more as a result of the new series.

Link to one of several ongoing petitions: https://www.change.org/p/channel-5-get-dogs-behaving-very-badly-taken-off-air?fbclid=IwAR2M5JT0M3K2gmPgt1YCPieBn8AoS_iZjHDq0bq-1kQE0GgKB5vvHkNA_OM_aem_AYj5pYXAGcnGSqi9PR4_hVi2gndBDvrRBG_RXCPLCXvG0Yzru44wg5PyWe3CxOs6ywk

PLEASE SIGN!

Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

EDIT: Sadly, I have had to remove the images because of possible copyright infringement issues, but there is evidence in abundance if you take a look at the links provided. Instead, here is a rather apt typo for your amusement, from one of very many show cancellations. What a shame. I do hope it was deliberate.

30/11/2023

Enrichment isn't just beneficial to dogs! It can bring a little something extra to any animals life!
This snuffle mat not only helps Mochi to work her brain, it allows her to "hunt" for her food and provide some natural explorative behaviours.
Find out more about enrichment here:

https://www.positivedogpower.co.uk/post/the-importance-of-enrichment

12/11/2023

Wait or stay isn't just a handy way of getting your do to stop or stay still when you ask, it can be a literal life saver. Crossing the road, offlead fun and even spending time near wildlife/livestock can all be made safer with a solid wait/stay.
Getting your dog to stop, stay put and engage with you should be a crucial life skill we teach all of our dogs.
Check out our latest free training video to learn how to twach your dog a wait/stay.

https://youtu.be/TKywqgkieNs?si=z61AHtRY_yLRILdC

Wait or stay isn't just a handy way of getting your do to stop or stay still when you ask, it can be a literal life saver. Crossing the road, offlead fun and...

24/10/2023

Recall with your dog is as much as about getting your dog to STOP what they are doing, as it is about getting them to come back.
Why do they run to that dog, bird, or squirrel to begin with? Well, because they are FUN! So, we need to tap into our dogs "fun drive" to get them to see that coming back to us is just as, if not MORE, fun and entertaining as those distractions are.

Shuffle n' Treat taps into your dogs natural chase drive, showing them that the fun happens here!

Get more free training tips on our website:
Www.positivedogpower.co.uk

https://youtu.be/-Ydtmj29iz0?si=wPAtNE9Q929VCb8U

Recall with your dog is as much as about getting your dog to STOP what they are doing, as it is about getting them to come back. Why do they run to that dog,...

16/10/2023

Temptation alley is part of our rapid, reliable dog recall series. It puts your recall practice to the test, but our handy video shows you how to do Temptation Alley with maximum success!

https://youtu.be/zYWJQH6-Tg4?si=D-ZW2JOcSEb998Xg




Positive Dog Power is a Dog, Puppy and Rescue Dog Training and Behaviour business based in Cheltenham, UK.

Temptation alley is part of our rapid, reliable dog recall series. It puts your recall practice to the test, but our handy video shows you how to do Temptati...

10/10/2023

6 Quick Tips to Leadwork/leashwork Success!
Become a lead work pro by following these quick tips!


Positive Dog Power is a Dog, Puppy and Rescue Dog Training and Behaviour business based in Cheltenham, UK.

Check out Positive Dog Power's video.

04/10/2023

RECALL!
It's the word that makes some smile happily, and some hide behind their hands! Reliable, rapid recall can be a tricky thing to help your dog learn, but not impossible.
This video and blog (linked in video) will give you all the tips to recall success!



Positive Dog Power is a Dog, Puppy and Rescue Dog Training and Behaviour business based in Cheltenham, UK.

Treat Dash is a perfect way to get your dog recalling to you flawlessly!Get reliable, rapid recall in just a few short steps.Check out our recall blog for ev...

02/10/2023

When you hire a dog trainer it is MUCH more than an hour of their time...

This is so they can give you and your dog the very best ongoing support, with effective long term results.

So please take a moment to consider the following if you are looking to hire a professional.

And always do check their experience, their accreditations/courses they've completed, testimonials and ensure that the training they do puts the needs of the dog first, with no harsh or outdated methods.

Here at PPN we are committed to supporting kind and ethical pet professionals and offer a range of CPD to ensure ongoing learning and support.

This helps not only improve the industry and business standards but also offer a safe place for pet professionals to connect and support each other.

Pet Professional Network

'Together we are stronger'