Gooddoggie

11/11/2024

Do dogs need rules and boundaries?

Trainers talk about dogs needing rules and boundaries all the time. Aversive and balanced trainers tell us we need them because they make our dogs compliant and submissive. They use them as an excuse to punish dogs. I think dogs benefit hugely from having rules and boundaries. But, for me, it's nothing to do with compliance or submission, and that is not how we should use them.

In this latest blog I'm going to talk about the true benefits of rules and boundaries, how to use them to build trust and confidence, and how to use them to change behaviour!

Check it out...

https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/dogs-need-rules-and-boundaries/

10/11/2024

Brilliant classes at Scot Paws, Jenny is brilliant ❤️💪🐾

We have two spaces left for our last Clever Paws program of the year starting Thursday 14th November.

This is suitable for dogs of any age that want to brush up on basic skills.

The program runs for 6 weeks at 7.30pm indoors on Carlunie Road.

Total cost £85.

09/11/2024

Did you know...? 💥 I can help you with your dogs behaviour wherever you are in the world! In fact, my clients have come to me from all areas of the UK and Europe, and as far away as New Zealand.

Many people think you need a behaviourist standing beside them, but there are plenty of reasons why you might choose to get help online...
1. You get a greater choice of who you work with - particularly important when you need an expert in a particular area. Most of my online clients come to me for my expertise in trauma recovery, following that it's reactive behaviour.
2 - No need to remember every detail! Most online behaviourists record sessions so you can re-watch them. Much better than trying to remember every conversation you have.
3 - Sessions aren't weather dependant! No matter how stormy, how hot, or how snowy it gets, your progress won't be hindered by the weather!
4 - Sessions are shorter as you won't spend extra time trying to set up, or find, situations to practise in. Instead, you'll do make a video in advance.
5 - Using videos is especially helpful as you won't miss any aspect of the behaviour. You can also rewind, pause and slow down the action which is a huge benefit. In person, once the live situation has passed, the learning opportunity has been lost.
6 - Less impactful on very anxious or aggressive dogs who might get overwhelmed by a new person visiting.
7 - Not everyone wants strangers visiting them at home.
8 - You can do sessions in your pjs, with a cuppa or even a glass of wine 🍷 (I won't tell!!)

For more info and a quote for online dog behaviour advice and support, please head to my website!

https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/quote/

07/11/2024

Resource guarding is such a stressful problem and it can affect the whole family, so I know how much it meant to everyone to get it under control. Thank you so much Olivia, you made my day 🙏🐾😍

06/11/2024

Recipe for change:
1. Manage the environment so your dog makes the right choice.
-You could move away from a distraction, take away an element such as muting the sound of the doorbell, or using a long line to keep them close.
2. Reward the desired behaviour as soon as he does it.
-Clickers are very precise and will help your dog realise what you wanted quicker, but anything he loves will do - just be ready.
3. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
-He might learn what you want quite quickly, but it will take many, many, many repetitions before he will do it automatically. Don't stop practising until it becomes instinctive to him!

What are you working on with your dog?

Get in touch if you want help putting this into practise. Consultations available in person and online.

www.gooddoggie.co.uk

04/11/2024

Check out my latest video on YouTube... How Do I Choose the Right Dog Behaviourist or Trainer?!

Choosing a dog behaviourist can be a tricky process. With so many options out there, it’s important to find the right fit for both you and your dog. In this video, I break down key factors to consider when selecting a trainer or behaviourist who meets your needs, values, and training philosophy.

I’ll cover the main differences between trainers and behaviourists, so you know who to look for based on your dog's unique needs. We’ll discuss methods, from reward-based training to other approaches, and why it’s crucial to ensure the trainer's style aligns with how you want to interact with your dog. I also dive into online vs. in-person options and why each format can be useful, depending on your dog’s behaviour challenges and your lifestyle. Finally, I’ll talk about the pros and cons of send-away training programmes and share tips on checking qualifications and reviews to ensure your trainer has the right experience to handle your dog safely and effectively.

Whether you’re working with a new puppy or addressing complex behavioural issues, this video offers you guidance on finding a compassionate, experienced behaviourist who can help your dog learn and grow in a positive, supportive way.

00:00 - Introduction
02:30 - Trainer vs Behaviourist
04:36 - Methods Used
09:13 - How to Check What Kind They Are
11:44 - Online vs In-Person
18:11 - Send Away Training
23:31 - Experience vs Qualifications

You might also be interested in these blogs:

Rehabilitating a reactive dog: https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/rehabilitating-a-reactive-dog

What is fight or flight in dog behaviour? : https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/what-is-fight-or-flight-in-dog-behaviour/

Also check out my Free Reactive Behaviour Support Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/475509291233979

Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/

Courses:
learn.gooddoggie.co.uk

Get in Touch:
www.gooddoggie.co.uk

Follow Me:
www.facebook.com/gooddoggie9
www.twitter.com/gooddoggie9

A rescue dog and trauma specialist; Caroline has been solving canine behaviour and training problems since 2004. Over the past 20 years she has tried and tested her own set of techniques that are designed to help you restore balance and calm to your dog, in a kind and positive way.

Choosing a dog behaviourist can be a tricky process. With so many options out there, it’s important to find the right fit for both you and your dog. In this ...

02/11/2024

Come join us for reactive dog tips, blog shares, and support. New paws always welcome!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475509291233979

31/10/2024

***BEAR WITH ME*** Having a few technical issues (well my web hosting company is) which means my website and email aren't currently available.

If you've been in touch I'm not ignoring you - promise!

31/10/2024

It makes my day to get great feedback like this. Especially as I know how affecting it is to have a pup that struggles to be alone. Thank you so much 🙏😍

30/10/2024

It's WinsDay - yippee! Here's just a few of my clients' recent wins... and all achieved using only rewarding methods 👏💪🥇
💪 Roma stayed calm while an off road bike shot past us in the middle of the park
💪 Tiko calmly snuggled up with a stranger in his home
💪 Milo settled in his bed for a massive 90 minutes by himself
💪 Eddie followed a dog all the way down the street without reacting once
💪 Theo managed 15 minutes in the car without so much as a drool, and walked calmly past a house he hates, with barking dogs inside
💪 Holly managed a massive 5 minutes home alone, with no stress
💪 Casper waited calmly in his spot while a visitor came in
💪 Hazel made lots of friends at a pack walk
💪 Malteser asked for a sausage treat from someone he hardly knew
💪 Ralf got playful with a group of dogs - won't be long before he can play off lead
💪 Boab walked with a large group of dogs and made lots of new friends
💪 Scout stopped himself from reacting to another dog
💪 Pippa and Penny haven't reacted to another dog for 3 whole weeks
💪 Mabel takes dog treats - even on walks
💪 Tiko learned recall and touch in a week and responded brilliantly, even when distracted by a bus!

What can your dog do now that they couldn't before? Share your story and celebrate with us! Well done all 👏👏👏

28/10/2024

New Blog Alert!!! The role of management in dog behaviour training!

The role of management in dog behaviour training is so often understated or shrugged off as avoidance. But there are some excellent reasons why it should take centre stage in your dog behaviour modification plan.

In my latest blog, I'll talk you through why it's not cheating at all. And why it could make the difference between success and failure for you and your dog.

https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/the-role-of-management-in-dog-behaviour-training/

27/10/2024

Thanks to everyone who turned out for this morning's pack walk, we had a gorgeous morning for it.

Looking forward to seeing you all again on the 24th November for what will probably be our last walk of the year 😲 I can't believe this year has gone so fast!

25/10/2024

Who's coming to our free pack walk on Sunday - its looking like it'll be a lovely morning? New paws and old friends always welcome.

Get more information and register free on the website. See you Sunday!

Free Pack Walks in Dundee are fun for all, and are a great way to meet new people and socialise our dogs. RSVP now.

23/10/2024

Rumbled 🤣🤣

21/10/2024

Check out my latest video on YouTube... Why Does My Dog Bark at the Window Cleaner? And Why You Shouldn't Train Them to Stop!!

In today’s video, I’ll be tackling a common question I get asked all the time – should you train your dog to stop barking at the window cleaner? Now, this may sound like a straightforward issue, but there’s more to it than you might think.

Dogs bark for a number of reasons – it’s how they alert, warn, and sometimes call for backup. So when your dog barks at the window cleaner, they’re just reacting to something unusual and potentially threatening in their eyes. Unlike the postman or delivery person, the window cleaner’s behaviour is completely different, and from your dog’s perspective, suspicious.

I’ll explain why trying to train this out of them isn’t practical and why it’s actually their natural protective instinct kicking in. More importantly, I’ll give you simple strategies to manage the situation instead of fighting against their natural behaviour – like taking your dog for a walk or moving them to another room.

If your dog’s barking drives you up the wall when the window cleaner visits, this video will give you a fresh perspective and practical alternatives without the need for intense training.

I hope this helps, and if you’ve ever had the same problem, let me know in the comments below!

You might also be interested in these blogs:

Rehabilitating a reactive dog: https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/rehabilitating-a-reactive-dog

What is fight or flight in dog behaviour? : https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/what-is-fight-or-flight-in-dog-behaviour/

Also check out my Free Reactive Behaviour Support Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/475509291233979

Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/

Courses:
learn.gooddoggie.co.uk

Get in Touch:
www.gooddoggie.co.uk

Follow Me:
www.facebook.com/gooddoggie9
www.twitter.com/gooddoggie9

A rescue dog and trauma specialist; Caroline has been solving canine behaviour and training problems since 2004. Over the past 20 years she has tried and tested her own set of techniques that are designed to help you restore balance and calm to your dog, in a kind and positive way.

In today’s video, I’ll be tackling a common question I get asked all the time – should you train your dog to stop barking at the window cleaner? Now, this ma...

19/10/2024

If you are struggling with your dogs behaviour, I'll show you how to boost confidence, and create calm, so your dog can make better choices and learn new behaviours.

Help available online and in-person. Get more info on the website: https://www.gooddoggie.co.uk/dog-behaviour-rehabilitation/

18/10/2024

Worth a try 🤣😍🐾

16/10/2024

It's WinsDay - yippee! Here's just a few of my clients' recent wins... and all achieved using only rewarding methods 👏💪🥇
💪 Ailsa got her heart checked at the vet and walked right up to another dog calmly
💪 Casper sat calmly at the front door for 10 clicks
💪 Buddy takes great joy in bringing found items to exchange for a treat, much better than guarding them
💪 Pippa walked home from the park on a loose lead
💪 Penny enjoyed calm play with her sister at the park
💪 Scout walked at least half his walk on a loose lead
💪 Nessie managed a full professional groom and looks awesome
💪 Oli has made a remarkable recovery from a recent trauma and mixes confidently with other dogs again
💪Casper waited patiently by the front door
💪Popo managed 5 minutes home alone without worrying
💪Harris relaxed so much on his walk that he laid down
💪Theo got in the car without being lifted
💪Holly stayed calm while her mum left the house and closed the door
💪Duke was more interested in sniffs than other dogs
💪Derry walked slowly on the way home
💪Charlie has switched from panic to curious when people sneeze, and he does brilliant silent recalls
💪Bonnie played hunt the treat and stayed calm when someone went by
💪Ralf made friends in the park with several dogs and calmed himself when he felt himself getting over excited

What can your dog do now that they couldn't before? Share your story and celebrate with us! Well done all 👏👏👏