The Positive Canine - Behaviour & Training

29/07/2024

This is such a killer. Almost every dog I see now out on walks, I spot som**hing wrong. It's almost an "I wish I never knew this" kind of feeling.

Once you see it, you can't unsee it.

28/07/2024

If you ever wondered what a dog's day might look like

Friday! A study done on street dogs in India (Majumder et al., 2014) reveals what dogs do all day without the influence of humans.

A simplified takeaway:

🐕 Over 50% of the day was spent being inactive.

🐕 48% of active time was spent walking. Chasing a potential prey was only seen twice. Researchers did not actually witness any dogs killing another animal so the intent of the chase is unknown.

🐕 Just under 50% of the remaining active time was spent directly interacting with others. 85% of those interactions were with other dogs.

🐕 Being in the presence of others did not always mean they were directly interacting.

It's easy to see how the lives of our captive dogs are much, much different than what might come naturally!

You can read a more in-depth explanation on our blog below!

https://www.mindfulm**hodstraining.com/blog/fish-out-of-water

**hodstraining

12/07/2024

04/07/2024

I definitely have a soft spot for Cocker Spaniels after having our first family Cocker who has a whole host of behaviour problems. I never understood them and he's the reason I went on to study animal behaviour 💙

03/07/2024

One of my most recent assignments involved researching the effects of parenting styles on the canine-human bond, and it was fascinating and so, so obvious that I'm seeing it everywhere now.

What kind of parenting style do you fall into?

03/07/2024

I'm very guilty of believing amputees did fine on 3 legs! Most dogs struggle. A lot. Most dogs are just very resilient and great at hiding pain.

25/06/2024

Whether it's a problem behaviour or a puppy training 1:1, we are here for you and we will never compromise welfare for convenience.

23/06/2024

Does your dog get easily distracted by dogs, people or even wildlife? Try giving them som**hing else to focus their attention on.

22/06/2024

Positive trainer or balanced trainer? How about a qualified Behaviour Consultant or Clinical Behaviourist?

Problem behaviours require so much more than just "training".

13/06/2024

I think one of the biggest hurdles when working as a trainer or behaviour consultant is being an advocate for a dog that isn't mine.

A lot of people still have quite a reductionist approach to their dogs, in that they should be loyal, almost servants, and any situations or incidents which appear to blur this loyalty is an immediate disrespect on the person and their relationship.

Teaching dog guardians (owners) that their dogs do indeed have the right to say no isn't always easy, but it is important when approaching behaviour evaluations. Sometimes guardians will approach a session with the goal of "I want [you] to teach my dog to stop growling when I pet him in his bed". But is this a fair ask of a dog when we consider him for what he is, a sentient animal with his own feelings, emotions, wants and needs? Or does this simply reduce the dog to an emotionless toy living simply to serve their guardians every desire?

Finding a balance in that relationship and understanding that if your dog is saying "no", there is a reason for it. Even if that reason is they just don't want to right now.

Do you allow your dog the opportunity to say "no" when they experience unpleasant interactions with your kids?

If you see your dog averting their gaze, pinning their ears, yawning, flicking their tongue or cowering, step in and gently move your child away. Your dog is asking for help - and if we don't offer it, a bite can happen.

These bites don't "come out of nowhere."

I'm here if you want help learning to support your dog and child in building a healthy relationship.

23/05/2024

Love this. Behaviour rehabilitation is not linear. There are many steps to take and training is SO much more than putting your dog in a position where they will react and then attempting to correct it.

🐾Each dog is unique, and the specific problems and solutions may vary depending on the dog's coping abilities and emotional state.
💜Consult with a veterinarian or qualified dog behaviourist to develop a personalised plan for your dog's behavioural issues.

22/03/2024

Why we need to consider EVERYTHING and why I WILL ask about your dogs pooing habits during a behaviour consultation 😂

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 m**hods 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 m**hods 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.

12/03/2024

Dogs don't show pain in ways you might expect. Very often it goes completely unnoticed.

Luckily, there are many signs that can help identify our dog's discomfort. Coat pattern disturbances is one of them. Has your dog got a crazy or unusual coat?

Get in touch to find out how we can help.

02/03/2024

So often a client will mention that their dog has always walked that way or move this way, so it must be normal. But what is common or frequent isn't always normal and can indicate deeper issues.

19/02/2024

Cute as a button this boy!

10/02/2024

A hill I will die on 🙌🏻
https://edinburghholisticdogs.co.uk/pain-and-behaviour-why-a-15-minute-vet-check-is-not-enough/?fbclid=IwAR28VI7U5uDxOgdT43FSeL3aVAUv-6NeRSC9i4qn_kZ-bWrUwc_6C7bF4Os

At the moment a Vet telling an owner their dog is physically fine after less than 15 minutes, it's a behaviour problem is nothing more than a false sense of security. It delays finding out about any potential pain or discomfort until the condition has severely progressed. ‘It is almost impossible ...

26/01/2024

Er komen steeds meer hondentrainers op de markt die het gebruik van een (slip)lijn hoog in de nek bij de hond adviseren en uitdragen. En dat is erg zorgwekkend! Het belangrijkste wat we als goede hondenprofessionals kunnen doen, is het effect ervan steeds weer te blijven delen:

HET GEBRUIK VAN EEN SLIPLIJN (HOOG IN DE NEK) EN DE EFFECTEN ERVAN

Er werd mij gevraagd om over het gebruik en biomechanica van een ‘sliplijn hoog-in-de-nek’ te schrijven. Ik hoop dat het mensen hierin bewust maakt.

Wat gebeurt er bij het gebruik van slip-lijn waarmee hoog in de hals door een opwaartse beweging wordt gecorrigeerd?
In deze hoge nek-positie zit de lijn naast de schedelbasis en waarbij de onderkant van de lijn met het tongbeenapparaat in aanraking komt (dit is het ophangmechanisme voor de tong en het strottenhoofd).

Daaronder zit de atlas (eerste halswervel) die aan het bovenkant een verbinding met de schedelbasis heeft. De onderkant met de tweede wervel heeft een pen die samen met het ruggenmerg in de boog van de atlas zit.

Het mechanisme
Deze twee bovenste gewrichten van de hondenhals zijn hoog bewegende gewrichten. De eerste maakt de op-en neer knikkende beweging (ja-knikken) mogelijk en de tweede de rotatie (nee-schudden). Deze gewrichten zijn in hun anatomie, articulatie* en vorm uniek in de wervelkolom.
(* Articulatie is de wijze waarop de boven- en ondertanden en kiezen over elkaar heen schuiven).

Wanneer er op de onderkant van de nek druk wordt uitgeoefend (door bijv de lijn), wordt het tongbeen samengedrukt en worden de wervels van de hond in buiging gebracht en wordt de schedel naar beneden getrokken (het hoofd van de hond maakt dan automatisch een knikkende beweging naar beneden).

Als er met een sliplijn- of ketting met kracht en/of hoge snelheid wordt gecorrigeerd kan de
2e wervel (de ophanging) breken.

Dus:
Correctie ➡️ tongbeen wordt samengedrukt ➡️ nek van de hond wordt hierdoor gebogen ➡️ schedel wordt hierdoor naar beneden getrokken ➡️ kans op breuk van de nekwervel is groot

Hoe voorzichtig het ook wordt uitgevoerd, deze m**hode mag vanuit veiligheid en pijn NOOIT gebruikt worden.

Tekst: Celia Cohen, MCSP, MSc dierenarts Fysica, Diergeneeskundig Fysiotherapeut ACPAT(A)

16/01/2024

When consuming dog training content, on social media, YouTube, etc, I ask you to consider this:

Forget what the trainer is saying. What is the DOG saying.

I just saw a sponsored post from a local trainer showing their "off-leash" (euphemism for "dog wearing a shock collar so the human doesn't have to deal with a leash") dog training in a home improvement store. The caption read som**hing like "Wow, look at Fido! After his two week board and train he's already off leash heeling around all of these distractions!" Etc. Etc.

But you know what I saw? I didn't see a "focused" dog training in public. I didn't say "wow!". Instead, I saw a doodle, walking with a crouched posture, ears held close against his head, and tail held close to his body. He was in "heel" position wearing his electronic shock collar, and the owner was marching onward, shock collar remote in hand, while her dog did everything he could to stay within the permitted range and avoid getting shocked (or "stimmed" as they like to call it). His movements were jerky and uncomfortable, and he looked around anxiously the whole time.

This was not the body language of a happy, relaxed dog. This was the body language of a dog who was genuinely experiencing terror. And there he was, being proudly paraded around by a trainer claiming a well trained dog after a $3,000 board and train program.

I cannot express this enough: a lot of dog trainers make a lot of money by selling quick fixes and magic collars. And they'll tell you "the dog is fine", "the dog is being over dramatic", "he'll get used to it", even if that's the furthest thing from the truth.

When you are consuming media put out by dog trainers, always ask yourself this before believing what is said: what is the dog saying?

02/01/2024

Your behaviourist should work in conjunction with your vet to solve your dogs concerning behaviours 💜

Dog and cat owners were far more likely to identify behavior concerns through use of a screening questionnaire than they were to volunteer this information on their own.

Learn more: jav.ma/screen

Article contributed by Veterinary Behavior Specialties of Minnesota, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, & Lewis Small Animal Hospital, Veterinary Medical Center

23/12/2023

Thank you for another great year! We are now tucking away until 2nd of January and will respond to all new enquiries in the new year. I will be spending my Christmas break on the floor as the sofa has been taken!?

I am still available for emergency support should any of my behaviour clients need advice during the festive period.

Have a good one! 🍾🍾🍾

18/12/2023

My dogs certainly don't have a long walk everyday, both having diagnosed joint issues. If you have a pup who has diagnosed or even suspected joint issues, do give them a break.

Many dogs will push through and walk/run/play even when they are in pain.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

We're getting closer! For the next 7 days, we are going to share an each day to help and support you on this wintery run up to Christmas.

If it's too cold for you to want to go for a walk, then it might be too cold for your dog too! Consider some indoor playtime instead - teach them a new trick, try out some scent work, or give them a puzzle feeder to get their brain and body active.

16/12/2023

We highly recommend The Muzzle Movement muzzles as a long term option for dogs who benefit from wearing a muzzle, for their safety or the safety of others.

12/11/2023

Pain in animals is so, so much more than limping or yelping.

Our dogs might not be able to tell us with words if they aren't feeling well, but they can often display physical signs. Are you listening? Click on this photo or check out our linked blog post to learn more.

29/10/2023

A successful BAT session with Hershey this morning - exposure therapy allowing choice, functional rewards and confidence building.

26/10/2023

Just a few recent pups I have had the pleasure of working with!

Behaviour change takes TIME. Don't rush it. Largely ignore what you see on tik tok - psychologists don't make quick fix videos of their human clients because it can take months and months of therapy to overcome fears. Same applies to dogs. 💜

19/10/2023

Apologies for lack of updates! Raising an adolescent dog is a secondary job in itself. Between Eevee & Kovu, lots of new behaviour clients and trying to have somewhat of a life, social media has not been taken care of.

PSA: For anyone raising a teenage dog, it gets harder before it gets easier. Coming from a dog trainer - they need a lot of guidance! Kovu will have moments where hu***ng and biting are his preferred ways of communicating, and it's my job to understand what he is saying and show him a better way to express his emotions.

With that...
Hoping to post more, but no promises yet 💜

06/10/2023

This applies PERFECTLY to reactive dogs. The majority of reactive dogs are lacking in confidence. Whilst there are many causes for this, sometimes medical, building confidence before even working around their trigger is super important.

Dogs aren't stubborn, naughty or malicious. Some of them are just having a hard time.

21/09/2023

📣🐕 Muzzle training with our experts

If you own an American Bully XL type dog, you can start preparing them for the restrictions by making sure they are trained to happily wear a muzzle.

We’re offering free online sessions to help you do this and will cover:
👉 information about the most suitable types of muzzle
👉 how to ensure a good fit
👉 how to teach your dog to enjoy wearing their muzzle.

Book now 👉 https://bit.ly/3RsuUCw

Our expert trainers have muzzle trained thousands of dogs in our care and can answer any other questions you might have about how to prepare for any upcoming changes affecting you and your dog.

These sessions are designed to support owners of American Bully XLs in light of the recent news, but all dog owners are welcome to attend. It’s useful for all dogs to be able to wear a muzzle comfortably – for those who are anxious at vet visits, for dogs who like to eat undesirable things on a walk or to keep other dogs and people safe if dogs are worried.

20/09/2023

Life in urban towns can be really difficult for ex street dogs, but even stray dogs who were once pets. The restricted space, the noise, it can all be a bit too much. Sometimes lowering expectations is the best thing you can do for your dog.

One of my favourite visuals. How life might be to a dog who had been living on the streets or in a very different environment. https://www.facebook.com/caringforstreetdogs/photos/a.1741442559483964/1893492527612299/

31/07/2023

A training walk for one of my favourite boys. He is starting to mature (it comes and goes!) And is making great progress. Super proud ✨