Tina's Happy Hounds

09/09/2024

Hey, dog parents! 🐾If your pup has separation anxiety, it’s totally okay to let them follow you to the door when you’re heading out. 🚪 Here’s the thing: letting your dog walk you to the door can actually be a helpful part of their routine. It helps reduce the stress of those dreaded exits because you’re not making a big deal out of leaving. No need to sneak out or make it dramatic—just a calm, simple “see you later.” Your dog will learn that it’s not the end of the world when you leave, and that you always come back. 🌟Remember, small steps lead to big progress with separation anxiety. So if they’re following you to the door, it’s just another part of the process, not a setback! 💛

08/09/2024

In this crazy world sometimes all we need is kindness - both humans and our companions alike...

The way to bridging the gap between species is with compassion and care 🐾💕

07/09/2024

We try to incorporate a little training into all our walks (as well as plenty of free time to explore and sniff). By adding short training sessions to our walks the training doesn’t seem like an overwhelming task and Sadie doesn’t get bored with it because we don’t repeat the same exercises over and over again. This keeps it fun and entertaining plus provides a bit of extra mental stimulation for our walks 😃How do you add training to your daily life? Share in comments 😊

06/09/2024

Kom nu - der må da være et hjem til Tiger derude…

06/09/2024

Let’s have some fun! Caption this photo of Sadie from when she was a puppy – best caption wins bragging rights! 😆

06/09/2024

If you are getting your first puppy soon and are not sure how to get started - then book me for a 15 min free discovery call so we can figure out what kind of help you need.

Among other things I offer a Puppy’s First 7 Days programme to get you started with home alone training and other basic skills.
This includes two Zoom sessions and ongoing support for two weeks via WhatsApp or email.

Get in touch - message me here or email me at [email protected]

05/09/2024

Today we celebrate veterans in Denmark and fly our Danish flags for those who served their country abroad in conflict zones like Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The photo is from Kandahar Airfield in 2006 or 2007.

I served:
Bosnia - 2 deployments
Iraq - 1 deployments
Afghanistan - 3 deployments.

I came home with mental and emotional scars. But I came home. Some didn’t. Some gave all and with this post I remember each of them.

The late nights on the airfield carrying coffins with dead soldiers on board one aircraft after another.
Rest Easy soldiers! Your watch is over. We will not forget your sacrifice. 🫡

05/09/2024

Every dog is unique, and not all crave social interactions. 🐶

Forcing a dog to be around other dogs or people can lead to stress and anxiety.

Let's respect their individual personalities and create a safe, comfortable environment for them.

04/09/2024

Have you ever noticed how your dog can go from chill to chaos in a flash? 🐶

It might be trigger stacking!

When multiple stressors pile up quickly, it can overwhelm even the calmest of dogs.

Let's learn to recognize the signs and avoid overwhelming our dogs with more than they can cope with. As Edie Jane Eaton says, it can turn volatile if we don't try to blow out some of the candles.

If you have a dog that you think is trigger stacking easily then decompression is key. Reach out if you need help.

03/09/2024

Are you a first time dog guardian?
Or perhaps just someone wanting to find their next best friend?

Have a look through this information to find out some of the things to consider...

03/09/2024

Ever wondered why your dog does that weird thing? 🤔

Learning to understand your dog's body language can make a huge difference in your relationship. From avoiding misunderstandings to providing better care, it's a valuable skill that can lead to a strengthened bond with your dog.

A wagging tail isn't always a happy tail! 🐾
Understanding your dog's body language goes beyond just the tail.

Look for cues like ear position, eye contact, and overall posture. These can reveal their true emotions. Let's learn to communicate better with our dogs. By doing so we will be able to meet their needs more which can to healthier, happier and more balanced dogs.

02/09/2024

Training adolescent dogs can be challenging, but remember: Patience + Consistency = Success! 🌟

Don’t give up, even when it feels tough. You’re building a lifelong bond with your pup. 💪

And even when it feels like they’re giving you a hard time they’re actually having a hard time.

Are you having a hard time connecting with your adolescent dog? Reach out for a 15 minute free discovery call.

30/08/2024

Here are some recommended resources for further reading on force-free puppy training methods:

Books:
"Puppy Nurture" by Shay Kelly (my personal favorite)
"Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy" by Steve Mann
"The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller
"Your Puppy and You: A step-by-step guide to raising a freak'n awesome dog" by Irith Bloom
"The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy" by Victoria Stilwell.

Websites:
Ultimate Puppy https://ultimatepuppy.com/
Victoria Stilwell's Positively Puppy Quick Start Guide: https://positively.com/dog-training/article/adopting-a-dog-puppies´

28/08/2024

When your dog is finally moving out of adolescence (and reactivity on and off) and is able to hang out with little friends off lead yay! 😃

28/08/2024

Have questions about your dog’s separation anxiety? Drop them in the comments or DM me! I’ll be answering your questions throughout the day. Let’s work together to help your pup feel more secure. 🐾

28/08/2024

The first time I saw someone do this I was shocked.
I thought it was a one off, clearly it isn't and social media "influencers" have started to spout this as a "solution".
When I first saw this a few years ago, I could see the skin under the belly twisting and stretching while a lead was tightly pulled up from above.
There was bruising and this dog was certainly in pain.
All because someone wanted a quick way to teach a dog to walk beside them.
Companies even sell carabiners that encourage using this method.
What people may not realise is this can kill a dog.
The belly is not well protected...at all.
The intestines are right there and there are no bones in that area to protect those precious and vital organs.
That constant pressure and squeezing can and DOES cause serious abdominal issues.
PLEASE don't be tempted to follow this trend if you have seen it on social media.

27/08/2024

Did you know that addressing your dog’s separation anxiety can benefit both their well-being and yours? Reducing their stress makes leaving home easier for everyone. Remember, calm pets equal calm guardians. 🧘‍♀️🐾

If you don't know how to address this issue and would like some help - get in touch for a 15 minute free discovery call. Message me here or email me at [email protected]

26/08/2024

🎇 Helping Your Dog Cope with Fireworks

Fireworks can be beautiful to us but terrifying for our dogs. If your dog struggles with the loud noises, you're not alone (I struggle too personally), and there are humane ways to help them cope.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

🐾 Understanding noise sensitivity
First things first—let’s talk about noise sensitivity. Some dogs have an innate sensitivity to loud noises, which can trigger anxiety or fear. This can be due to their genetics, past experiences, or a combination of both. It’s essential to recognize that your dog's fear is very real to them, and it’s our job to help them feel safe.

🩺 Rule out medical issues
Before diving into training, ensure there’s nothing medically wrong with your dog. Sometimes, underlying conditions like ear infections or chronic pain can exacerbate noise sensitivity. A visit to the vet can rule out these issues and give you peace of mind.

🎧 Start with desensitization (exposure therapy):
Desensitization is a gradual process where you slowly introduce your dog to the sound of fireworks at a very low volume. The idea is to start at a level where they don’t show any signs of fear and gradually increase the volume over time. Here’s how to do it:

Create a calm environment:
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed, and play a recording of fireworks at a very low volume. You can add calming classical music also.

Pair the sound with positive experiences:
While the sound is playing, engage in a fun activity with your dog, like playing with their favorite toy or giving them treats. This helps them associate the sound with something positive.

Gradually increase the volume:
Over days or weeks (depending on your dog’s progress), slowly increase the volume. If at any point your dog shows signs of stress, lower the volume and take a step back.

Short, frequent sessions:
Keep the sessions short (5-10 minutes) and do them frequently. Patience is key!

🏡 Create a safe space:
During fireworks season, creating a safe, quiet space for your dog can make a world of difference. This can be a room away from windows, filled with their favorite things—like a cozy bed, toys, and maybe even some calming music. Consider using pheromone diffusers or calming supplements (after consulting with your vet) to help ease their anxiety.

🚶‍♂️ Exercise and enrichment
A tired dog is a relaxed dog. On the day of an expected fireworks display, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day. This can help them be more relaxed when the noise starts. Additionally, providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training sessions or scent work can help keep their mind occupied.

🐕 Gradual exposure in real life
Once your dog is doing well with recorded sounds, you can gradually expose them to real-life scenarios. Start with quieter fireworks or distant displays, and be there to reassure them. Remember, never force your dog into a situation they’re not ready for— gradual exposure is the name of the game.

🚫 What to avoid
Don’t punish fear: Punishing a dog for being scared only heightens their anxiety and breaks the trust they have in you.
Avoid overexposure: Too much too soon can worsen your dog’s fear. Slow and steady wins the race.

❤️ Seek professional help if needed
If your dog’s fear is severe, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can work with you to create a personalized plan to help your dog feel safer.

Final Thoughts
Helping your dog cope with fireworks is all about patience, understanding, and gentle guidance. With the right approach, you can make those noisy nights a lot less stressful for your pup.

26/08/2024

If you’re in Gloucestershire check out this page:

https://www.facebook.com/share/dYDu3NQYrgn2qNKM/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Owned by Veterinary Nurses Claire and Lucy. We have our own grain free dog food recipe Doggy Deli,

26/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day!

These are my two loves Mandy 🌈 and Sadie 🌟. See the text under each photo what they have taught me.

Please feel free to comment with a photo of your beloved dogs 😍

24/08/2024

Using a schock collar isn’t training! It’s using pain to suppress behaviour!

Thank goodness they are illegal in Denmark - although I know of people still using them. Make no mistake - I will report it if I see it…

23/08/2024

23/08/2024

👏👏👏

The horse world is terrified of giving horses autonomy.

They drill the danger of horses into your head, taking all sorts of precautions like “No hand feeding! It will train them to bite!” Or “don’t hug their heads or let their muzzles anywhere near you, they’ll bite!”

Meanwhile, horses are a passive and gentle species naturally. They investigate the world with their muzzles wnd we effectively “cut their hands off” when we don’t let them do that.

Horses become aggressive due to a variety of factors, almost all of which are related to the management imposed on them by humans.

Of course the horse who is stalled for 20+ hours a day and has exactly 0 hours of socialization with horses each day will be more likely to bite.

He is frustrated and easily overstimulated when he gets a small crumb of socialization each day with people and has no idea how to act.

It’s a sad world when people view it as safer to slap all sorts of tack on their horses in the name of riding and competing them.

They feel safer piloting them at jumps and transporting them around the world to competitions than they do relaxing and cuddling with them, learning about how their horse actually exists when they’re given the autonomy to make their own choices…

The funny thing is that what makes horses dangerous is NOT giving them autonomy.

It’s taking away all their ability for choice and rendering their life entirely controlled by humans to the point where the horse can’t even self exercise due to lack of space.

All of the real movement they’re allowed to express is only when the human is seated on their back, pulling their puppet strings like a marionette doll.

Horses are dangerous when they’re chronically stressed.

Then, yes, they are like ticking time bombs who react “out of nowhere.”

But, it isn’t really out of nowhere. It’s the predictable result of trigger stacking from their stressful lives.

As soon as you start to make changes to reduce their stress, they become more resilient and less reactive.

The fear people really should have for the danger of horses should be rooted in how much poor management and stressful training increases risk.

If we systematically addressed this, people would see how much it changes their horses’ behaviour.

But, they’ve become so complacent that they don’t even believe it to be possible.

They think everything is a training issue or an unavoidable trait of horses.

Horses are harmonious animals who do not want to cause harm.

When this aspect of them is altered, it’s almost always due to human influence.

The problem lies within the human, not the horse.

Try hanging out with some horses living in 24/7 herd turnout and species appropriate care and go compare that to the behaviour of the average stall reared horse with no socialization.

The difference is undeniable.

So, no, bonding with horses and enjoying your time with them without restraining them for “safety” isn’t the danger.

The danger lies in trying to control them to such an extent that the horse feels constantly at risk, unsafe and unfulfilled.

Pictured is my OTTB mare, left photo is at the racetrack where she was very stressed and lacked autonomy. Right is in herd turnout 24/7.

This mare was a liability as she let down from the track into a new lifestyle and learned people didn’t predict stress. She was dangerous

Until she learned the new pattern of low stress and enjoyment with humans. Now, she is one of my most dependable and gentle horses.