Jill O'Sullivan - Busy Bee Dog Training & Behaviour

12/08/2024

Spaces in our next agility workshop on Sunday 25th Aug at Harperland.

New and old welcome. Drop me a message if you'd like more info.

Booking link below

06/08/2024

Online dog training classes for obedience, rally, agility, tracking, nosework, dog behavior, freestyle, and foundation skills.

04/08/2024

Occasionally, Mr. Sensible, Otto loses his mind and is a crazy menace! I'd apologise to Romi, but I'm pretty sure he liked it.

04/08/2024

Little dogs get a bad reputation for being yappy and barky. It's not untrue that small dogs can be more noisy and quick to react than their bigger counterparts, but so often it's because they've learn that being noisy helps them stay safe.

Barking helps little dogs feel more in control but it's often a dysfunctional behaviour that winds them up, rather then truly helps them feel good.

Willow is a really cool character. She does lots of big dog things, like hill walking and hiking. Her person and has done lots of really lovely training with her too.

My input is to help identify why she barks so much and teach her how to calm her nervous system without being so noisy. We had a lovely first session and I'm looking forward to seeing how we progress.

31/07/2024

Teaching your dog to sit as an alternative to them doing a problem behaviour is rarely effective.

A common piece of advice is if your dog jumps up, is barking and lunging, being unsettled in any way is to teach the dog to sit instead.

This can occasionally be effective but often is not.

Here's why...

◼️ Most problem behaviours are not one moment in time. They are dynamic. Trying to keep your dog stationary can lead to frustration and doesn't give your dog the skills they need when released from the sit.

So sit instead of jumping up, usually leads to the dog jumping up as soon as they are released from the sit. Instead, dogs usually need a way to release pent-up excitement or calm themselves down. Then they naturally don't jump!

◼️ If a dog is barking and lunging because they are feeling unsafe or frustrated, sitting will not change this.

◼️If you teach a sit instead of chasing cows, what happens when you release your dog from the sit?

Instead of sit as an alternative behaviour, sniffing is a great choice instead.

It's natural, it allows the dog to keep moving, it's calming, it's a great communication skill to other dogs (and people) to stay away.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with teaching sit or any other stationary behaviours behaviours but it's definitely worth considering if sit is always the best choice.

30/07/2024

Jumping Up - Understanding why it's happening is essential for choosing an effective training plan.

Beautiful labrador, Eadie was doing a lot of jumping up at her owner on walks.

The most important component for our plan was understanding under what conditions the jumping up happened and what Eadie was trying to achieve.

Eadie is a little anxious around unfamiliar dogs and will always avoid dogs. When that option is taken away from her, and dogs approach her anyway, she feels overwhelmed and jumps at her owner. This was probably a way of trying to feel safer.

The jumping up just caused lots of additional stress for everyone.

Instead of teaching Eadie an alternative behaviour like sitting, which is common online advice, or pùn̈¹shing her, which would cause more stress we've been helping her improve her social confidence and giving her a new calming outlet when she feels unsafe.

The difference in Eadie from our last session is huge.

We saw zero jumping up, even when two large, over excited dogs bounded over.

She showed a subtle difference in how she behaved around my dog, which had a huge impact on the success of their social interactions. These changes will start improving how dogs respond to Eadie and make interactions feel less scary for her. Her skills at coping with dogs in the park will continue to grow.

27/07/2024

What has dressage got to do with the dog training world?

You may have noticed in the news that Olympic dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Olympics after the release of a video showing her whipping a horse.

Rightly so, Dujardin is facing the consequences of this abù⁵e.

However, it really brings into question whether her abù⁵e is an isolated incident or, just the tip of an iceberg.

Having been brought up around horse, there is absolutely no way what she did in that video is an isolated incident. It's almost normal treatment for many, many horses.

Even the use of equipment in horse training is excessive in its foʻrce and use of pà¹n. The use of the whip looked horrendous but some of the bits and spurs used are just as bad, only more hidden.

People who speak out about the horse world are loudly shouted down. The general public often think that a horse is loving a sport mearly because it is successful.

The exact same is true in the dog world. We are seeing harsher and harsher tools used on dogs to foʻŕçe submission. Educated trainers can see signs that dogs are stressed but because it's not always apparent to the general public who see a wagging tail or successful training think the use of tools are necessary and worth the outcome.

It makes it impossible to point out the true effects of pùniativè training because you get overwhelmed by a sea of people who want to believe the use of foŕçé is not detrimental.

I recently posted a video on tiktok (i have very few followers) to point out the effects of a grot collar. I got 200 comments calling me an iðiot.

Plus videos on line are heavily edited to avoid anyone seeing some of the harsher uses of tools.

I hope the Dujardin situation is not used to scape goat her and make it seem like she is an isolated evil trainer. She is what is normal in the vast majority of animal training world.

Instead we really need to start considering what is success.

For me, it's animals and people treated with compassion. It's animals who engage because they truly want to rather than have to.

We need to start being open to the idea that we might not know everything that goes on and when someone suggests an animal is not happy, we should question why that is, rather than dismiss it because it makes us feel uncomfortable.

23/07/2024

Fun Gun Dog Style Workshop

1 hours, small group session focusing on having fun with your dog, building engagement and improving your dog's social confidence.

This Sunday. Few spaces available.

PM for booking link

18/07/2024

My phone broke earlier this week and I've lost all old WhatsApp and text messages. I'm using a spare phone until I can pick up a new one. It's pretty old so not everything is working properly.

If you've messaged me, on any platform, and I haven't replied please message again. 😬

15/07/2024

Fun gundog class - Resecheduled date
Sun 28th July

I had to reschedule the gundog day due to clashing with the Golf Open.

A few people can't make the new date so a few spaces have become available.

Click on the link below for booking details.

15/07/2024

Living with multiple dogs and dog fights.

Last night, for the first time, 2 of my dogs, Bertie and Velma, had a big scuffle. It was loud and ferocious sounding but no one was injured. Otto got in the middle of it and was barking at both dogs. We had a crazy few seconds while I separated everyone.

It felt really shocking because Bertie and Velma get along really well. They are 10 and 8.5 years old, so they know each other inside out.

As shocking as it was, there was a trigger and I've learned a lesson.

Living with multiple dogs peacefully is about recognising what is stressful for each dog and keeping that to a minimum. Sometimes through training, but often just by adapting the way we live. Routines, fairness, management, and shared enjoyable times all help the dogs live in harmony.

Last night, I gave the dogs a new chew. There were 4 in the pack, and I left the spare one sitting in the kitchen. The dogs ate their chew in the sitting room. Bertie isn't usually fussed by chews, but he loved this one. As the dogs finished their chews Bertie went into the kitchen, clearly following the scent of the spare chew. Velma rushed after him to stop him and the fight broke out.

I already know both dogs can get worked up when they are in a heightened competitive state. Velma, it's over chews, Bertie balls. It's so easily managed and i never think about it. It was new that they were feeling competitive over the same thing.

Now I know; I'll be more careful.

How you respond to your dog's getting in conflict matters. Bertie was shaking with adrenaline and wanted a cuddle. He got one. Velma wanted to sniff Bertie and make up, I prevented it until he was calmer. Otto just went back to his spot on the sofa. Within 30 mins Bertie and Velma were asleep on the same bed, and today they are getting along together exactly as they always have been.

I'll be being more careful over chews in the future, especially as I notice Bertie's appetite is changing as he gets older.

08/07/2024

Miso, the miniature poodle puppy, learned about recall, loose lead walking and all sorts of socialisation during her puppy session today.

Otto came along as a good role model and new friend.

02/07/2024

Adolescent dogs - Why this common piece of advice is misleading and may hamper your dog's training progress.

"Go back to basics and treat them like a puppy again."

It's completely normal for our adolescent dogs to stop responding to our cues like they did before. Their hormones are changing, and their brains are developing. This causes our young dogs to have increased need for independence, higher risk taking, less awareness of safety and a much reduced need to stay near the people they love. Add in decreased appetite and less interested in play, and you have a dog who is much more difficult to manage.

The common advice to increase training can sometimes lead to dogs who feel frustrated and start to find interactions with their person coercive.

🔹️Instead of trying to work hard on training at this time, work with your young dig instead. Find them opportunities for independent thinking. This is a great time to introduce scentwork or free work.

🔹️Find opportunities to let your dog have freedom. If recall has become an issue, secure fields and long lines are your friend.

🔹️Be generous any time your dog engages with you. Pay more for less.

🔹️Instead of obedience, find ways to explore together.

As your dog's hormones reduce and brain development slows, you'll have your wonderful dog back who still thinks of you as someone to enjoy spending time with and is ready to get stuck into training.

25/06/2024

"We learn how to calm down by being shown how to do it and being raised near calm people who are at peace with themselves.

No one learns how to calm down by being told to."

I came across this quote on Facebook and it really resonated. There are still trainers out there who will punish boisterous, barky, wound up dogs. Corrections, painfully fitting collars, lead pops, and sometimes worse are used to suppress a dog's behaviour.

Instead dogs need to be around calm reassuring people and dogs. They need opportunities to observe and learn. They need to be able to engage with their environment and sniff. Sometimes, they need a little support to learn missing skills... none of this needs to be done with anything other than kindness and patience.

16/06/2024

Fun agility workshop - 30th June

Come along and have fun with your dog.

This workshop is all about building connection and confidence with your dog. We prioritise social skills and focus, and both you and your dog having a good time together in a low-pressure, supportive class.

No previous skills are necessary. Suitable for all shapes and sizes. Exercises are adapted to suit individuals.

To book, follow the link in my bio/comments or send me a message.

11/06/2024

More awesome progress for Frankie. We started with no recall, pulled like a train, reactive to cars and dogs.

We've now got,
🔹️off-lead in the park, even with moving cars in view
🔹️happy to have his lead put back on
🔹️plays great, frustration-free, cooperative games that tap into his collie needs
🔹️mostly disinterested in dogs
🔹️ went on his first park run and behaved beautifully. Yay!!! 🥹

My job has been to focus on some small but crucial details. However, more importantly, it has been about risk assessing and getting Frankie that freedom he craved. With each new layer of trust, his bond with his folks has sky rocketed.

So pleased for Frankie and his folks

09/06/2024

Working with a client today with their very dog fearful dog (video to follow tomorrow). The session needed all sorts of problem solving to work around the dogs very specific needs. When we swapped out giving the dog treats to sniff on the pavement, to giving the dog treats to sniff in a crumbled up blanket, magically things started happening and we got way more progress than I predicted in a single session.

If that wasn't enough to make my heart single, my client came out with the quote below. ❤️

Yes, exactly this. Understanding what is most important to our dogs is always key. Sniffing is the key to solving so many behaviour issues.

09/06/2024

Great free webinar from extremely knowledgeable Tracey McLennan . We'll worth listening if you struggle with your dog around prey animals or scent.

Once you know the framework, it works for all dogs and all situations.

08/06/2024

Is puppy biting normal? Sometimes it is, but sometimes, it's not.

Lots of puppies are little sharks. They bite ankles and clothes. Your skin too if you let them. These puppies need lots of appropriate chews, toys, and a barrier to stop them from getting at us all the time. Bity puppies sometimes find being touch over stimulating. When your puppy is around 5 months old, it will naturally stop.

However, some puppy biting isn't normal.
🔸️If your puppy struggles to settle and relax.
🔸️If they frequently bite you for no reason and can't be distracted with a toy.
🔸️If your puppy seems to get angry at you and then bite you.
🔸️If your puppies biting is seriously impacting on your life.
Those are all signs that a little but of extra help is needed.

If you'd like help with your puppy, click on the puppy link in my bio or drop me a message

07/06/2024

Once you know the framework, it works for all dogs and all situations.

07/06/2024

The next agility workshop is on 30th June at Harperland, Dundonald.

Small groups focusing on fun, engagement, and confidence. No previous skills are necessary. You don't need perfect recall.

Your dog doesn't need to get up close to other dogs but shouldn't be overly stressed by dogs being close by.

If you want to join in, the booking link is in my bio. Or message me.

04/06/2024

Charlie and Joey's owner wants to fine tune some minor issues, some of which have come about because of a terrifying, unprovoked dog attack.

Charlie, the cavalier, can feel a bit overwhelmed in some situations, so we discussed how to support him to assess that he is safe. My Otto came along for a bit of company, and to remind him not all big dogs are terrifying.

Joey is learning how to respond to his recall cue more quickly.

01/06/2024

Are you finding online puppy training information is full of conflict or confusing advice?

Not surprising, really, given all puppies and their families are all different... not to mention lots of online content is written by inexperienced trainers with time on their hands.

How do you stop a puppy doing a "naughty" thing while simultaneously teaching them they are safe with you?

This is why I'm passionate about providing 1-1 puppy training. You get the advice you need in your home/park that is specific to you and your puppy.

Get in touch or have a look in my bio for more info.

01/06/2024

Odie is a sensitive rescue dog who gets himself stressed out over everyday noises. This includes the sound specific family members moving around the house.

We discussed a plan for some relationship building to boost his optimism and a plan to help him feel better about other noises.

30/05/2024

Lovely Henrik just loves his family so much that he wants all of the attention all of the time. When he can't have it, he lets everyone know by barking.

We made a plan of how to respond to Henrik's barking so it stops being reinforced.

20/05/2024

One space remaining

Horse and sheep Desensitisation Workshop. 2nd June. Harperland, Dundonald

16/05/2024

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.

Most of us know, and experience, the benefits of dogs on our happiness.

But what about when our dogs actually causes us stress and anxiety. Our dogs having a negative impact on our mental health almost feels like a taboo subject.

I've tackled it in my latest blog.

We know that owning a dog can boost our mental health, but what if your dog isn't having a positive impact on your mental well-being?

09/05/2024

Last couple of spaces for Sunday's agility workshop at Harperland.

Message for booking info

04/05/2024

Many spaniels find lead walking tough. They usually want to walk faster than us, move in circles instead of straight lines, and they want to cope with anything that worries them by going even faster.

Lovely Oscar is no exception.

Some tips for lead training speedy spaniels.

🔹️Makes sure you are clear about what it is you specifically want them to do

🔹️Use exercises that build skills

🔹️Make sure your spaniel knows how to calm down when anxious

🔹️Don't expect too much too soon

03/05/2024

Sometimes, all my clients need is a few pointers to get them on the right path

"Hi Jill
We're using your suggestions to help Sybil cope better with some other dogs. It's working well. Thanks!!" 🥰