Four Positive Paws

18/11/2024

Mind your own Beeswax

During a recent walk we spotted a large dog on an extender lead.

We increased our distance to prevent a non consenting approach from the unfamiliar dog.

We also created space so that the dog would not make a head to head approach because that can be particularly difficult for many dogs. It can feel invasive and worrying, especially when there is a big size differential.

The person proceeded to let their dog come towards us and we moved further away.

The extender lead was extending to the point when I had to say ‘No’ to the guardian.

They made direct eye contact with me, continued with the approach and I repeated ‘No’, ‘No thank you’.

A reasonable statement, a polite request, a non offensive ask?

I thought it was but, I got a confrontational facial expression and was asked ‘why’, ‘why not’?

It wasn’t an inquisitive tone, it was spoken in a challenging way, accompanied with the facial expression it was a brief but unpleasant way to be communicated with.

My response was a simple and polite ‘because my dog doesn’t know your dog’.

I got a nasty look and moved on because I did not want to engage in further communication or have to justify my choice to support and advocate for my dog.

I understand that my reason for our dogs not getting up close and personal would not have made sense to the person. That is okay, sometimes, some things will not make sense.

It was the reaction to my request that was the bigger concern.

I understand that my reason may have not made sense because many people think that by saying hello to each other the dogs would then have got to know each other.

However, that person does not know my dog and I don’t know their dog.

Other people don’t know the underlying reasons for our dogs not getting really close to an unfamiliar dog, especially on lead.

Saying no is our choice, it does not affect other people or their dogs, it is not offensive and no means no.

We do not have to say yes to a person that decides they want their dog to come up to our dog and say hello.

We don’t have to justify the reason why we don’t want the other dog to get into our dogs personal, safe space.

I do wish that there was a better awareness about appropriate approaches, social skills, giving our dogs a positive learning experience and respect for people and dogs choices.

It is not an insult or offensive to say no thank you. If a person is offended that is on them not us.

It isn’t rude or anti social to say no thank you to a dog getting up close, especially when on lead.

I wish there was more open mindedness about dogs that may not want or need to get so close to an unfamiliar dog.

Imagine being a person that likes personal space and a complete stranger walked directly towards us. reached out and hugged us just because we are another human being. Imagine it happening regularly, unpredictably and every time we went out for a walk.

It is not okay for us and whilst many dogs tolerate an approach that is too fast or too close from an unfamiliar dog, it doesn’t mean it is a positive experience for the dogs.

Multiple approaches from unfamiliar dogs does not mean our dogs will get used to it. It can start to affect a dogs responses towards other dogs and may result in our dogs escalating their communication from avoidance to a significant reaction. This can be ‘normal’ behaviour in certain contexts however, if our dogs are not feeling comfortable and safe, why would we continue to put them in a situation where they must react to unfamiliar dogs at a higher leve.

One day, one dog may react with a snap and this may then escalate to a fight.

Good socialisation and social skills come naturally for some dogs while others need more time, different distances and choices to feel safe from their perspective.

I am not suggesting no dogs should be able to interact with other dogs. There are plenty of dogs that can mix well with unfamiliar dogs off lead and have good social skills. There are some well skilled dogs that will not make an approach because they can read the other dogs body language.

Being kind and compassionate, respecting each others space and choices goes a long way to a walk that feels safe and enjoyable for both ends of the lead.

We could say that a walk like that could be the Bees Knees.

14/11/2024

Medication and behaviour support for our dogs that are struggling.

This is a really important post and video by Ros Pooley - The Mutty Professor and one that I believe every dog guardian will benefit from listening to and watching.

Why?

When we struggle with a physical, emotional or mental health challenge we can decide to take medication to support ourselves and our well being.

If we are in physical pain we can get pain relief from a store or pharmacy (in the UK) and we can seek out clinical support via a Doctor for advice.

If we are struggling with our mental health, we may have strong beliefs about medication.

We can explore options and opportunities, we can have a conversation with a qualified professional, a Doctor, a mental health practitioner, etc and we may choose whether or not to utilise medication for support.

Times have changed, medication is usually not given as a stand alone and a Doctor will suggest additional support to compliment and combine with medication such as counselling.

A combined support can work well for many people that may have tried lots of other routes to improving mood, emotions and mental health well being.

Our dogs lives have also changed as mentions in the post below.

Only a Vet can prescribe medication for our dogs.

If you are struggling with your dog and if your dog is suffering and struggling, please have a discussion with your vet.

There is no shame or failure in reaching out for clinical and behavioural support.

Your vet will provide you with up to date, accurate information about the medications available, the purpose and function of the medication, possible side effects and how to administer it.

I have a duty of care to my clients to listen, observe and support without making statements about what should or shouldn't be done ref medication. I am not a clinical behaviourist so I cannot diagnose or make statements about what medication should be used.

Instead, I can support the client with their dogs behaviour to prevent, manage and improve it and focus on welfare and well being both ends of the lead.

I can certainly suggest a discussion with the vet in certain, individual circumstances.

Shaming people, sharing personal opinions without the appropriate clinical qualifications and scare mongering is a huge disservice to dogs and their care givers.

A huge thank you to The Mutty Professor for the post below.

13/11/2024

HELP! WE ARE REALLY STRUGGLING.

Whether we have just adopted or purchased a dog, whether we have bought home a puppy, adolescent, adult or older dog we may see signs of behaviour that we are concerned about.

Trauma is something that is to be considered when our dogs are struggling in a new home.

Some dogs may be resilient and may transition to a new home relatively quickly and naturally.

Many dogs, depending on their history may well be feeling the effects of trauma.

A sudden change in environment and circumstances can be a traumatic event for our dogs.

It is easy to underestimate the frequency, duration and intensity of behaviours that we may see when we welcome our new dog into our home.

Going slow is the quickest way to help our dogs feel safe and secure.

Managing our expectations can help reduce disappointment, fear and frustration.

Self care and support for ourselves is also important when our own emotions feel as though they are all over the place.

Our behaviour will impact on our dogs behaviour.

Planning and preparation is a positive way to help our dogs settle in.

We often do not know how our dogs will behave until they land in our homes and our lives.

When what we imagined doesn't materialise we can very quickly regret our decisions. We may then feel guilty or panic and feel as though things are not going to work out.

This is quite a normal response when there are challenges.

Some challenges may feel small and easy to manage but many feel huge and overwhelming.

One of the most important things when we bring a new dog into our homes is to feel safe and for our dogs to feel safe from their perspective.

The dog that first arrives is often not the dog we will be living with in the future because they need time to adjust, to get to know and trust us and us them.

Trauma in dogs can present in a variety of ways.

Settling in our new dogs, when we see behaviour challenges and when we want change to happen, we will do well to consider what we can do to help our dogs without over asking of them.

Give them the time they need. This may not be aligned with our own agenda or time frame but, if we can give our dogs this time it will certainly help create a foundation to build on in the future.

If we rush things, try to hurry the settling in along too quickly or over stretch our dogs we are likely to see the potential fall out of that mindset.

Go slow, take time, facilitate a safe environment built on trust and enable a positive relationship to flourish over time.

This multimedia expert program is designed to provide practical tools and strategies for working with rescue dogs who have experienced canine trauma. You will learn about the most common sources of trauma in dogs, how it affects their behaviour, brain development and emotions, and how to create safe...

13/11/2024

On lead only dogs.

There are often strong beliefs that our dogs should be walked off lead because it is critical for their physical and emotional exercise.

Many dogs lack the important skills to be off lead in public spaces.

I love seeing dogs that have good social skills off lead because a dog with these skills will often be able to read other dogs body language and not approach inappropriately or at all in many cases.

When a dog is off lead and does make an inappropriate approach it is easy to judge and blame the guardian with their on lead dog.

Blaming the on lead dog and guardian may be due to embarrassment or defefensive mind set.

Sharing public spaces can be a pleasure or a pain depending on the individual and collective dogs and humans skills.

Respecting individual needs and choices can go a long way to enjoying our walks and feeling safe.

If we have an on lead dog, we can choose quieter times to walk, bigger spaces, less dog dense areas and different environments where our dogs feel safer and we are less likely to have a negative experience.

If we have a dog off lead, we can ask permission for our dog to approach, recall our dog from an approach before they reach the other dog or pop our dogs on lead and provide adequate space and distance.

There are common beliefs that only bad dogs or aggressive dogs are on lead which simply isn't true.

I was delighted to be approached by who has written a wonderful article in Magazine all about dogs being walked on lead.

I have popped the link to the article in comments.

12/11/2024

Making sense of our dogs behaviour.

Living with a dog that is challenging to walk or cannot switch off at home can be draining.

Is our dogs behaviour what we expected or imagined?

I work with many people that wanted a dog to enhance their lives and the reality has been very different.

When we first experience a behaviour that we find stressful or worrying it is usual to hope it will stop and just go away.

When the behaviour continues we often reach out to friends with dogs or dog groups on social media and receive lots of well intentioned opionions and comments about what others have done to sort the problem out.

We may then work on trial and error, trying different suggestions and hoping things will change for the better.

We may learn to live with the behaviours and hope they don't get worse.

Until . . . .

The behaviour becomes too much to cope with

The behaviour escalates

The dog attempts to or actually nips or bites a person or another dog

We feel that there is no hope

It is absolutely possible to prevent, manage and improve our dogs behaviour with the right guidance and support for you and your individual dogs needs.

What else gets in the way of reaching out for professional support?

Denial, embarrassment, concersn about costs and how much work might be involved and whether we have the time and resources to do what is necessary.

Another barrier might be concerns about who to work with and the methods used.

I have experienced all of the above and decided in 2011 to not only get the help I needed for my own dog and myself but to also qualify as a behaviourist specialising in fearful, anxious and reactive behaviour.

I have lived experience of life with dogs with challenging and complex behaviours and the emotions that go alongside this.

My one wish would be that people could feel able to reach out as soon as the behaviour starts or as early as possible.

It is common place to reach out after years of our dogs practising unwanted and worrying behaviour.

It is usual to reach out when we hit crisis point.

I often work with people that have tried a lot of things or have worked with a few other people.

That isn't to say there is anything wrong with the previous people, it may simply of not been a good fit, it may be that we were unable to put in the work needed, it may be that our dogs behaviour has changed and has different needs now.

I wholly empathise with the emotional stretch we experience when our dogs are not what we thought they would be.

I also know that positive progress is possible from a human and canine perspective.

Taking care of both ends of the lead makes a big difference.

I fully appreciate the journey, the ups and downs, the successes and the challenges of life with a dog that is struggling and a care giver that is feeling at their wits end.

I offer a free initial call so that we can explore what might be possible for a better quality of life with less worry and more peace of mind.

My website link is in the comments.

You are not alone and help is there for you and your dog.

09/11/2024

Fix my dog now.

Behaviour happens for a reason.

Our dogs deserve us to be curious about the why, to be open minded when we explore the possible causes and truly listening to their needs.

To help our dogs we need to also help ourselves, to be in the best place to support ourselves and our dogs and to start with welfare and well being front and centre.

Behaviour issues can be life changing and life altering for us and our dogs.

I love supporting people that need help when life with our dogs starts to become a struggle.

Loved the L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation lessons.

Thank you Kim Brophey

Get Started for FREE - Lessons from the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Pro Course

06/11/2024

Living with a dog that has bitten or attempted to bite.

I have written the post below because I am passionate about safety, welfare and well being.

Our dogs are being asked to live and walk in some really challenging environments from their perspective.

Living with a dog that is struggling can be a real challenge.

Living with a dog that has bitten or attempted to bite.

Very few people sign up to living with a dog that has bitten or attempted to bite or that practises predation, has high prey or chase drive or that displays aggressive type behaviours.

Behaviours can present early on or start to happen over a period of time, sometimes escalating in the moment or gradually increasing in intensity.

A bite may seem to come out of the blue, without any provocation or it may happen with a known trigger in a certain situation or environment.

What happened beforehand and what happens next?

I often get a call when a dog has been practising the behaviour for some time, often a long time.

I understand why there can be a significant amount of time that goes by before I get a call.

We may try to fix it ourselves by going on social media and asking what should we do.

We may then try different things which may sometimes work temporarily or could make things worse.

What are the risks of turning to social media?

We receive generic information and opinions from people that have little to no experience of aggressive types of behaviours.

The information is usually relating to one persons experience with one dog.

We may think we cannot afford professional support or worry about who to choose to work with.

Recommendations may include people that have used certain tools like e collars, prong collars, slip leads/grots, physical and emotional punishment.

What works for one dog could be disasterous for another.

We may feel embarrassed, ovewhelmed, guilty or concerned about what others will think. We may feel as though we have or are failing the dog.

We may hope that the behaviour will just go away or adjust our lives to accommodate the dogs behaviour as safely as possible.

Fundamentally, if our dog is displaying and practising 'aggressive' types of behaviour, getting professional support from a person that is qualified and specialises in these behaviours can provide appropriate support.

I work with people that want to help themselves and their dogs without using physical force or punishment and instead, want to navigate a way forward using kind and effective methods.

Fundamentally, safety, wellfare and well being is a priority.

Fundamentally, we need to understand what the possible causes and triggers are so that a best matched solution can be implemented.

I personally struggle with certain labels because our dogs behaviour as well as our own can be complex and until and unless we unpack it we could put ourselves and others at risk.

Dogs do not bite for no reason.

Discovering the reasons for the behaviour enables us to put in place safe management and facilitate learning so that we and our dogs feel safe as our first port of call.

I loved this webinar.

I love keeping up to date with continuous professional development and I love working with people and dogs that are able to make a difference in their quality of life.

Thank you and Michael Shikashio for such a wonderfully information packed webinar.

This webinar provides an insightful overview of the perspectives of neurosciences and the two main behavioral sciences that concern wild and domestic canids. We will explore different types of aggression, categorizing them based on brain systems.

03/11/2024

ACCEPTANCE and REFLECTIONS

We are all in our individual places on our journey with our dogs that need space and support.

I have been thinking about what acceptance means for us.

Here is a story about one of my own dogs and our acceptance journey.

Doogie is 13 years old now and we are in a new chapter of our lives together. He was just 8 weeks old when I adopted him from rescue. He was a stinky little boy having been in a kennel environment with ten litter mates.

I bought him home and bathed him in my kitchen sink, he still had his baby blue eyes and had big paws and knotty wrists. He was well tolerated by and respectful towards Brandie who was around six at the time. He was not so respectful towards Benson who was around one year old.

Doogie was exceptionally mouthy.

I remember taking Doogie to puppy classes, one which we left because they were using startle devices (rattle cans and water squirting).

Another we completed but it was very traditional, in a hall, lots of sounds and scent and a slippy floor. We would do exercises and weave in between other pups while they had to sit.

His education continued when we discovered Sheila Harper and attended a social skills course and were introduced to a longer length lead and harness.

I didn't understand what good social skills were back in those days and I couldn't make the link between good lead and handling skills and good social skills.

We stuck with it and saw significant improvements. I remember Doogie used to be walked both on and off lead and I cannot remember the exact situation or environment when I realised that he needed to be on lead only.

It may have been a gradual realisation that he was uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs, he displayed this with stiff posture, creepy gait and predominantly non vocal.

The journey from realisation to acceptance was a long one.

Although I realised as a responsible care giver I needed to support him on lead and I knew from the lead skills work that we put in he could have good quality walks and stay safe I struggled to accept that he would always need to be on lead, especially as he was so young.

I remember clearly how nerve jangling our walks were. Not because of us but because of off lead, unskilled dogs making inappropriate approaches.

We would wear yellow vests and choose off peak times and spaces we thought were safe. But, even though we were doing this the anticipation of a situation from another dog felt horrible.

Gradually, over time, I started to feel more comfortable as we enjoyed more safe and relaxed walks that were calm. The more I could see, feel and believe the benefits the more I was able to feel less fearful.

There were many times that the walks felt too much, when I felt tired of trying to plan and discover new safe spaces, when I wished for a dog that I could take anywhere, anytime.

Acceptance came alongside the realisation.

Acceptance became a way of life and a release from the shoulds and the what if's.

Acceptance enabled me to focus on what we could do, where we could walk, that we could reduce risks and enhance the quality of our walks.

Acceptance meant I could let go of my grief, my conflict about why my dog was like he was and accept him for the dog he was and is today.

He taught me a lot, he was a beautiful boy, I am so glad he came into my life and I shared every moment with him with gratitude especially when he was in his twilight years. It was a difficult but also privilidged time while I nursed him through his palliative care.

RIP my wonderful boy. Doogie passed on the 12th of August 2022.

I hope this story inspires and supports others. Feel free to share if you would like to.

01/11/2024

A new month and new opportunities.

What will November bring us and our dogs?

Do you have any goals for this month?

Our main goal is to enjoy the time to winter a little. To nest and create a calm and safe environment while navigating the Fireworks.

We have the opportunity to make use of some great secure fields with another five that I know of that are opening up.

Secure fields enable us to enjoy our time together, with all of the dogs off lead and with the peace of mind that we will not have an off lead, unskilled dog make an inappropriate approach.

We feel safe and relaxed and can just enjoy the time and the dogs love to sniff and mooch. It feels so fulfilling to observe them doing what they need to do, each having their own preferences.

November is going to be spent doing less, taking pressure off and enjoying different experiences that are relaxing, pleasurable and are in flow with how we feel.

31/10/2024

Howloween.

Halloween celebrations aren't for everyone.

Our dogs may not be able to cope well with fancy dress, trick or treaters at the door, fireworks and changes to routine.

We have prepared to protect our dogs to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible.

Our dogs deserve to feel safe,

It might look funny if our dog reacts to a costume, some dogs will get teased, some will be video'd and put onto social media.

What does this do for our relationship with our dogs and the trust that is important to help them feel safe?

We are lucky that we have so far, each year, been able to avoid trick or treaters at the door.

We usually put a table at the end of the path blocking entry and a tub of sweets.

If a person knocked on our door we would not answer it.

We keep everything as normal as possible and will also have a walk free day or will walk early and well before celebrations are likely to start.

A fearful or frustrated dog may behave differently and could growl, snap, nip or bite.

Keeping ourselves and our dogs safe goes beyond Halloween. We have a few months now where Fireworks will be set off at random times, even during daylight.

We will be adjusting walking times, toileting times and feeding times to support the dogs.

We keep everything as normal as possible and will also have a walk free day or will walk early and well before celebrations are likely to start.

A dog that becomes highly stressed or distressed following a meal may become poorly or get a gastric torsion (bloat). Bloat is an emergency and it is important to understand the symptoms that include dry retching, looking at the belly frequently, pacing and drooling and looking uncomfortable.

It can help save time and worry to have your vets number in your phone. Out of hours information will be recorded as a message when you call the normal number.

Considering how our dog will cope with Halloween and making a plan to support then can make a big difference for our dogs who have little to no choice in how the evening goes.

30/10/2024

TIME TO PAWS

How often do we find our selves feeling like human doings instead of human beings?

Too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

Feeling stressed, rushed and frazzled. Having a feeling or sense of lack or that no matter what we do it can never be quite enough can be exhausting.

When do we or when can we simply stop, take a moment and simply 'be

How much do we need to take time to pause for a while and allow some calmness, balance and peace.

To be instead of do and what are the benefits?

When we are constantly rushing and pushing ourselves, trying to fit more than is realistically possible into our days we may be able to cope for quite some time but it isn't a long term sustainable state to be in for good mental health and general well being.

It can leave is feeling exhausted, in a state of flux and giving us that feeling of being constantly in a state of fight or flight.

Work, business commitments and demands, families and friends, bills, time restraints and pressures and so it goes on.

Add in a dog or two or more and it can start to pull everyone in different directions and stretch us all including our dogs beyond what is comfortable and what we and our dogs can cope with.

Taking a few minutes out to stop, breathe, rest, relax and recuperate can be a real tonic for us and our dogs.

Our emotions and states of mind can have an impact on others including our dogs who are often watching us and our body language, facial expressions, movements and sounds.

A calm home and calm being can really help our dogs to enjoy calmness.

This can help them to rest, relax, recuperate and sleep. Sleep is of paramount importance to humans and dogs alike. I know how poorly I cope if I don't get enough good quality sleep for more than a couple of nights. Our dogs need good quality sleep too and to engage in good quality activities that support good mental health and well being.

Consider a slower, calmer, sniffier walk where dogs can engage their natural senses.

Perhaps choose a calm, quiet and enriching place where your dog can have a roll and get a sense of touch that is different and natural.

Have a think about different types of games and interaction that includes problem solving and sharing the activity for appropriate stimulation that doesn't send your dog into a state of over excitement.

The benefits of stopping and taking time to paws can be amazing and give us and our dogs the chance to enjoy our moments together in a really connected and trusting way.

All dogs are individual so one dogs calm stimulation may be too much for another dog.

Understanding our dogs and getting to know what works well for them can be really satisfying for us too.I know how I feel when someone 'gets' me, understands me, listens to me and respects my needs. It is a great feeling.

Can you take time to Paws today?

29/10/2024

IMAGINATION, EXPECTATIONS AND REALITY.

Welcoming a new dog into our homes and lives can be an amazing, joyful experience

It can also be a bit overwhelming for both the dog and the family as we can only imagine what the dog is going to be like.

Dogs are all so individual and it is so critical to really think through what a dog needs and what will happen if things don't quite work out as we think it will.

The reality of moulting, muddy paws, a bit of chewing of something that is precious or of value to us, shaking off after a walk and sending water all over the place, rolling in things that are unbelievably stinky, eating things we think are gross, toileting in unthinkable places or fretting when home alone even for very short periods of time can be a far cry from our expectations and what we imagined our life with our dog was going to be.

It can feel daunting when our vision and our expectations of lovely long walks, a dog we can play games with or a family dog that simply 'fits in' with and around our own lives isn't shaping up to meet our idea of what having a dog is all about.

This can be said for any dog or puppy of any age or breed from any type of background.

In my experience it is a myth that to get the 'right' dog to fit into the home and behave well with the right training and become the 'perfect' companion can only be achieved by going to a breeder for a pup.

Perfect is a perception and is so subjective and is as individual to humans as our dogs are.

I have met and worked with many perfect dogs and pups in their own right but the challenges are the void between expectation and reality.

Going to a breeder is not a guarantee that the pup is going to be all he or she is being 'sold' and 'marketed' as.

We often see that pups come with an insurance pack, already toilet trained and able to follow some basic 'commands'.

Dogs are not 'manufactured' and the individual personality, breeding, breed traits, environment will all have an impact regardless of how the pup is when arriving home.

I am not anti high welfare breeding but I am pro rescue and anti low and no welfare breeding

I have had the joy of offering a home to a rescue pup, an adolescent or two, adult dogs and oldies too.

They have all been perfectly 'normal' dogs that have needed similiar support to any non rescue dog but without the expectations and pre conceived ideas.

Dogs can give us so much including unconditional love, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, get us out into fresh air and out and about with other doggie people depending on our dogs ability.

They can give us great pleasure and rewards as well as the quirks they have that we might find a little difficult to understand at times.

If you are thinking about getting a puppy please consider how you will cope with their needs and demands, how you will support them to develop good skills and how long they will be with you and how much money they will need for their health and well being.

Consider a rescue pup or perhaps a more mature pup or more mature dog.

Buying from a breeder does not equal no challenges or the 'perfect' pup or dog.

It is of course an individual decision based on experience or beliefs.

I personally believe in rescue and have adopted, fostered and worked with many very wonderful and amazing rescue dogs in all shapes and sizes and all ages too.

I have also worked with dogs that have come from breeders and there has been little difference between issues, challenges and their learning and development journeys.