Moray Dog Behavioural Adviser

03/01/2024

19/12/2023

I was going to put up my own card to say Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year but I think this says it all.
I hope you and your dogs have as much fun this festive season as this little dogs is clearly having 😄.
This is me signing off for the festive season. Take care and see you all in the new year. 🎄☃️🐾

19/12/2023

14/12/2023

The first ACVB Webinar of 2024, "STRESS and its impact on dog behavior – understand it, recognize it, and do something about it" with Dr. Leslie Sinn will kick off on Thursday, January 11 at 7:00PM ET. For more details and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/acvbwebinar0124

14/12/2023

This is beautiful Mable a 7-month-old Lakeland Terrier.

Her owners called me for help with her reaction towards household equipment like a hoover and the fire place tools. Plus, her recall no longer working.

Her reaction towards the house hold equipment is down to a few factors;
Breed traits
Adolescent brain growth and
Lack of specific training
Lack of hierarchy of dog needs (enrichment)

Her recall going astray is due to again the adolescent brain growth and a bit of not proofing the recall in all areas.

She is a very intelligent girl and she picked up the training very quickly with me. So, I hold high hope for her learning the training quickly with her owners.

Have a Happy 1st Christmas 🎄☃️ Mable and I’ll catch up with you in the new year. 🐾😊

06/12/2023

Predatory Recall Training

In this clip I am teaching this dog to stand and watch birds (crows) at a big enough distance that she can do it relatively calmly.
She is able to listen and engage with me but not get so aroused as to be frustrated with barking or lunging.
We take as long as she needs and then I ask if its time to move on.
What you can not see is the scent of other wildlife like pheasants and hares which will be all around her in this field.

There is a lot more to predatory recall training than just this.
For example;
Some basic training
Management and safety
Lead work
Games and much more

If you are interested in learning more then please do give me a call or an email.

Stay safe out there in the very wintery weather we are having.

05/12/2023

This may not be a nice thing to happen to the young girl. (not graphic I promise). But there were so many warning signals that the adults should have picked up on here. Please please adults become more savvy to dogs body language and stop making a dog do something they clearly are not comfortable with. Do not dominate or play the alpha roll stop controlling your dogs constantly and give them an option to opt in or out of doing something. That way it prevents any need for the dog to feel it has no choice but to bite to get out of the situation they feel really uncomfortable in!!

05/12/2023

The outdated concept of pack leadership and dominance in domestic dogs has not only been proven incorrect, but also promotes a harmful relationship dynamic. Born from flawed studies of captive wolves in the 1940s, this theory has been wholly discredited by modern research.

Believing a dog is trying to dominate can foster negative emotions towards confused dogs and lead to unfair interpretation of their behaviour. This, in turn, can provoke inappropriate responses from the humans involved, escalating fear and anxiety in dogs, and creating a cycle of adverse behaviour.

Current understanding of canine behaviour underscores the importance of empathy, respect, and positive reinforcement. Canine Principles champions these evidence-based practices, offering an enlightened approach to dog-human interactions.

Don't let misconceptions taint your relationship with your dog. Join Canine Principles, debunk the myths, and cultivate a more compassionate bond with your dog, based on understanding their true nature and empathy towards them.

https://www.canineprinciples.com/online-dog-courses

04/12/2023

01/12/2023

Happy 1st of December have a great weekend 😊🐾

01/12/2023

Here is the lovely gentle giant Ollie. He has completed his recall sessions now and has done so so well. On our last session he came back every time even with his biggest distractions of dogs running close by. He has only just turn 2 years old and just wants to play with all dog. But he has now learnt how to do it correctly. Well done Ollie I'll miss you.

29/11/2023

🦝😍🦨

22/11/2023

20/11/2023

EMOTIONS MATTER!
Dog’s emotions really do matter, far more than we may realise.

Emotions matter because emotional states drive behaviour.

Think about how our emotions have a direct affect on our behaviour – we may lash out at others because of the emotions of fear, anger or frustration. Be irritable if we are tired or in pain. Struggle to focus or learn something new if we are stressed or anxious, shut down or over react if we feel insecure or unsafe ….

When a dog’s emotional needs and well-being are not supported and not addressed, behaviour problems are often seen.

Unwanted behaviour shouldn’t be looked at independently or as a specific problem that needs to be fixed.

When needs are met, when emotions are recognised, when body language is understood and listened to, a dog’s emotional state will change, which will in turn bring about positive changes in behaviour.

These are the foundations on which behaviour change is built.

14/11/2023

We're filling up! 🐾

Let us know what square you would like to win our amazing christmas hamper for just £10!! 🎉🐾

2 swims, 2 toys, a christmas cracker, a December advent Calender and tasty treats; worth a whopping £120😮

Comment with what numbers would like or pop your name in when your in to visit us.

Payments can be bank tranfer, cash or card.
MORAY CANINE HYDROTHERAPY
ACCOUNT NO. - 16 06 61 38
SORT CODE - 83 20 06
Reference your name and squares; example, "Santa Squares" "Elf Squares"

03/11/2023

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is essential for interpreting their behaviour.

31/10/2023

🍂🦝🍂

31/10/2023

Story abot dog 🥰🤣

30/10/2023

She is blind, but he is her eyes, her path, and her everything.

25/10/2023

It’s that time of the year again where our dogs provide us with enrichment.

08/10/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uxnr5NBYU8

When you see a behavioural consultant, trainer or owner feeding a dog that would be reactive it isn't just feeding that we are doing. This clip explains the science behind why we do it and what is actually happening internally for the dog. It's only 10 minutes long so wont take much of your time up to watch. 🐾😊

The four most well studied systems are an appetitive motivation SEEKING system, which helps elaborate energetic search and goal-directed behaviors; a RAGE sy...

06/10/2023

When we punish dogs for growling, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving warning signs and "bites out of the blue."

06/10/2023

I think it's strange that dogs get called naughty, bad or blamed for their natural behaviour.

It's even odder to me that dogs are usually the last one in the household to be considered.

They are just expected to fit in and have no opinions.

Then when they cry out for their needs to be met in one way or another, a trainer is fetched in.

Then the dog becomes the sentient victim of the vast uneducated dog trainer lottery.

Then if they are unlucky the poor dog is exposed to one of those 'broken people dog trainers' who focus only on results so work through threats and force.

In barely no time at all, a desperate animal who has been asking for help in the only way he knows how, is put into the hands of a disconnected brute of a human with a prong collar and a big scary voice.

The dog learns that when they ask for help they are threatened.

They learn that pain is the response to them trying to stay safe.

That dog learns when they are scared, they just have to push it all back inside because of the brute standing over them, or the metal spikes around their neck.

This is not good enough!

We have the capacity to be so much better than this!

We have enough access to education to know that bullying isn't teaching!

We have known for decades that dogs are emotional and sentient animals.

We have intuition and instinct to know that it's wrong to push a vulnerable animal around.

WE know that it's wrong.

YOU know in your heart that it's wrong.

So why the hell are you still doing it?

(Note from the writer - well I escalated quickly 😅)

06/10/2023

THE CHOICE TO CHOOSE
WHY DOGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED CHOICE

Imagine every little detail of your life is controlled - what and when you eat, where you sleep, when you’re allowed inside or outside, when you’re allowed to go for a walk and if you’re allowed to stop and explore, who you’re allowed or forced to interact with, what activities you’re allowed to participate in, when you’re shown affection or receive attention, where you’re allowed to be touched etc.

This would create stress and anxiety, a feeling of helplessness, apathy, a lack of confidence and many other negative emotions. The same is true for dogs.

Dogs live in a world where just about everything is controlled by us. Allowing choice, no matter how simple that choice may be, provides so many benefits.

The context and parameters in which we allow choice is obviously important. Safety, boundaries, environmental factors, other people or animals always need to be taken into account.

A very long time ago, when my daughter was going through the “terrible 2’s” or maybe it was 3’s or 4’s, she would flat-out refuse to put on the set of clothes I had picked out for her.

Tantrums and stubbornness would often make us late for wherever we were going. This problem was solved by laying out 3 different sets of clothes and allowing her to choose which set she was going to wear.

These were still within my parameters and were still my choice, but by doing this I had allowed her a choice and the problem was solved, without harsh discipline or emotional fall out.

Dogs that are allowed some control over their environment and how they respond to situations are more confident, more emotionally balanced, better able to cope with stressful situations, less anxious, less stressed and have fewer behaviour problems.

Look for simple, safe ways to provide more choices for your dog. Improve their wellbeing and quality of life in a world that seeks to control them.

05/10/2023

Hey, in case you need the reminder,
Your dog is not at war with you.

Your dog is not battling you at the vet's, on the walk, to take a bath, to take the pill, to trim the nails.
Your dog is scared, confused or frustrated.
Stop taking it personally and help your dog out.

30/09/2023

Chance and his basic recall training.

I am so please with the way this dog Chance and his owner have progressed with their recall training.
This is Chances 4th out of 5 sessions over a course of several weeks.
Before using a stooge person and dog today. Chance and his owner needed to learn some basic skills to help with progression.

1. Chances engagement in his owner when out for a walk instead of just at the end of the line sniffing scent after scent
2. Foundation on a Basic Recall
3. Adding in distractions stage at a time
4. Some loose lead walking
5. Long line training for the owner
6. Building the owners confidence up and making sure to watch tone of voice does not go to panic mode
7. Drop and leave training to be able to play a controlled game when out and about
8. Being able to let steam off in some controlled fenced areas to help progress in training.

Today as he was progressing towards our stooge female dog, he was whining and at the end of the lead (forgot to get this bit on footage). As you can see by the end his lead was dropped and he was able to listen and engage in his owner. We didn’t go up and meet the female dog as Chance needs to learn that we don’t always go and say hello to ever dog we come across.

His final session in a couple of weeks will be in an environment that I will not control to see how he and his owner put their training into practise in the real-world situations. I will be on hand to help them out and direct them when and if needed.

Alannah you should be very proud of both Chance and yourself for the work you have put in, I know I am proud of you both.
As us trainers are always saying there are no magic wands or fair dust, what you put in is what you get out!

26/09/2023

This clip shows a collie that is unfortunately not able to get off lead in a forest/wooded area at the moment. This is due to her predatory behaviour which is work in progress.
Therefore, in the mean time we have been working on an outlet that comes naturally to this breed. Teaching her herding but instead of using sheep using a ball.
By teaching her individual instructions at a time and in stages. It can then be combined together into a fun game of Sheepball herding which she finds highly rewarding.

What is Sheepball Herding?
It is a type of training/game to allow your dog to display their natural abilities with out the need for sheep.

Can other breeds of dogs apart from herding learn this game?
Yes.

What are the benefits of teaching Sheepball herding to your dog?
Recall control
Impulse control
Distance control
Combines both mental and physical exercise in one
Allowing your dog to be able to display their natural abilities not crush them
Can reduce stress levels in most dogs
Bonding between you and the dog

Note:
This is not recommended for all dogs as it is physically and mentally demanding and can increase stress for some dogs. But if taught gradually and in the correct manner can help reduce their stress. The individual dogs’ characteristics, learning ability, age and health must be looked at to know if this is the correct outlet for them.
Sheepball herding is also different from Treibball which some of you may have heard of.

If you are interested in teaching your dog this fun game of Sheepball Herding please do get in touch.

26/09/2023

🌹🦝🌹

19/09/2023

There is a lingering misconception that using force free and fear free methods consists of just ignoring any 'bad' behaviour and giving a dog food. The reality is that force free training is so much more than that.

It requires an understanding of the history of dogs, why they do the things that they do and how to change their behaviour. Of how to manage the dog's environment so they don't get to practice the behaviour we don't want to see while reinforcing the behaviours we do want - dogs do what works for them so reinforcing alternative behaviours makes the original behaviour much less likely to repeat.

Most of all it means having an understanding of the dog in front of us, their needs, likes and dislikes, so that we can help them with their fears or show them the behaviours their humans would like without danger of fear and pain, or of the dog becoming frustrated or scared.

15/09/2023

😍🥰

12/09/2023

12/09/2023

🌹🦨🌹

08/09/2023

Face collars, slip leads, prong collars, and punishment-based methods are often utilised in attempts to curb highly reactive behaviours in dogs. However, when it comes to addressing anxiety-based behaviours specifically, these tools and methods are generally not effective and may even exacerbate the problem. Here's why:

No Addressing of Root Causes:

Tools like face collars, slip leads, and prong collars can sometimes suppress the symptoms of anxiety (like barking, lunging, or other forms of reactivity) without addressing the underlying emotional state of the dog. The dog may appear to be "behaving better", but this is likely to be a result of suppression rather than an actual reduction in anxiety. The dog's emotional distress remains unaddressed, and the anxiety-related behaviours may manifest in other ways or reappear once the tools are no longer used. Anxiety also leads to stress which causes all-sorts of physical symptoms and illnesses in dogs and can literally make their life shorter.

Potential for Increased Anxiety:

These tools can create additional stress and anxiety. For instance, a prong collar can cause discomfort or pain, which the dog may start to associate with the situations or stimuli that trigger their anxiety, thereby increasing their fear and anxiety levels. Similarly, face collars can be uncomfortable for some dogs and cause distress.

Punishment Can Backfire:

Punishment-based methods, instead of teaching the dog what to do, often teach the dog what not to do. This can result in a dog who is fearful of making mistakes and one who suppresses behaviours out of fear of punishment, rather than one who confidently makes good choices. Punishment can also damage the bond between dog and guardian, making the dog less likely to trust and more likely to fear their guardian - the one person who should be their safe space.

Risk of Escalation:

If a dog's anxiety-based behaviour is rooted in fear, using aversive tools or punishment can escalate the fear and potentially lead to defensive aggression. A dog who is punished for showing fear might stop showing warning signs and instead resort to biting or other aggressive behaviours without warning.

Learn the ethical truth about living with dogs with Canine Principles https://www.canineprinciples.com/subscription/skill-hub-membership