M & M Dog Training

05/12/2023

More useful advice from CAM

04/12/2023

Love this from Canine Principals

The outdated concept of pack leadership and dominance in domestic dogs has not only been proven incorrect, but also promotes a harmful relationship dynamic.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

03/12/2023

No photos today but well done to everyone who braved the rain 🌧
EDIT here’s a photo of Poppet watching the other dogs today 💕

01/12/2023

Never underestimate how sensitive our dogs can be; my neighbours have been arguing all morning, Mutley can hear them and pick up on the tension and has been pacing and asking for extra cuddles so it’s a short road walk and enrichment games in the house for us today to limit adding to his stress.
When some people see a dog with big emotions they often think the dogs being naughty, gobby, out of control, untrained when, in fact they are sensitive, worried and struggling in that moment.
Please remember to look at the bigger picture and give these dogs and their humans a break 🐶

30/11/2023

I love my clients!
Client. Cold isn’t it?
Me. Yes I’ve got lots of layers on
Client. I thought you looked even fatter than normal
Me. Thanks 🤣

30/11/2023

Why can’t you see Khan in the first selfie ? He was laying down and settled while we were in the car, on his seat belt with the engine running. 💕
Why can you see him in the next two photos, he heard the click of my phone and wanted to get in on the action 😅
We then worked on Khan being able to get in the car and chill when his mum asked him to; because, let’s face it, it’s lovely that we have come this far but his family can’t call me every time they need Khan to get in the car so all our learning has to be transferable ❤️

27/11/2023

Another great article from ABC Dog

Socialisation.
Play is NOT socialisation. Play is a separate and important skill.....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.

I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.

That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is be calm and accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.

Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.

Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.

How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.

True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.

Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.

One of the best lessons you can teach your puppy or dog is they do NOT need to interact with others.
They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.

They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....

That is true socialisation.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

27/11/2023

Another great article from ABC Dogs

Socialisation.
Play is NOT socialisation. Play is a separate and important skill.....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.

I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.

That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is be calm and accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.

Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.

Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.

How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.

True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.

Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.

One of the best lessons you can teach your puppy or dog is they do NOT need to interact with others.
They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.

They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....

That is true socialisation.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

26/11/2023

Poppet was incredibly brave today and did the seesaw ❤️

26/11/2023

Joey and Chloe 💕

25/11/2023

It’s been a busy day
First beautiful Novah came for a harness fitting (she was very shy so didn’t want to stress her out further by taking a photo).❤️

And then I met Stela and her amazing big brother Rollo.
Stela has only been in her new home a couple of weeks and her new mum and dad have been working hard letting her know that she is safe and loved.
Such a fab family unit 💕

23/11/2023

I think Khan’s smile says it all 😊 he now loves getting in the car, I can shut him in and start the engine; he was quite excited to get out the car and tell his mum how clever he is so we did some extra work on waiting to be released 💕

22/11/2023

So incredibly proud of this young lady who had her ‘girly’ op today.
Xena’s family have put in a lot of confidence training enabling her to walk past other animals in the surgery waiting area, get weighed (sitting on the scale practice in the photo) and due to the awesomeness of the staff at Riverside, interact with humans she didn’t know.
Speedy recovery Xena ❤️

20/11/2023

An update from yesterday’s webinar

19/11/2023

Young Todd popped by for a Perfect Fit harness fitting and showed me some of his amazing tricks while he was here ❤️

19/11/2023

We were blessed with sunshine this morning 🌞
Well done to Joey, Chloe and Poppet 💕

16/11/2023

🐾 FREE senior health checks for your pets for National Senior Pet Month! 🩺 From 20th-24th November 2023 we are offering a health check and consultation with a Vet for cats and dogs over the age of 10 years. 🐶🐱

Age related conditions are common such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, kidney, heart and dental disease and when these are caught early they can prolong your pets life and keep them comfortable and pain free.

If it's been a while since your older cat or dog has had a health check why not book them in for an appointment. Maybe they are drinking more than usual or you've noticed a more smelly breath or their behaviour has changed.

● Please note any tests or treatment will be chargeable.
● The appointments will depend on availability and are limited to our registered clients only.

☎️ Please call us on 01375 373202 if you wish to book an appointment.

As per our missed appointment policy, fail to arrive appointments without prior notice will incur a fee.

16/11/2023

Khan is now happy to get in the car (up a step), sit down, have his seat belt on and chill for five minutes while I get in the car and start the engine; he remains calm while I unclip his seat belt and release him from the car.
Even had a guy working on the house opposite come over and comment on how well Khan is doing ❤️

15/11/2023

15/11/2023

Not a great photo as it’s that time of year when it gets dark in 30 seconds but Xena was incredible today ❤️

14/11/2023

An update from Trevor

Use this service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.

13/11/2023

This Order makes provision in respect of dogs of the type known as the XL Bully. The type of dog known as the XL Bully (“the XL Bully breed type”) is designated for the purposes of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (c. 65) by article 2 of the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and...

12/11/2023

Poppet joined the Sunday morning agility class 🐶
Watching how the other dogs do it 💕

12/11/2023

Its been an eventful morning 😆
Joey and Chloe braving the drizzle 🌧

09/11/2023

In car selfie with Khan 💕

05/11/2023

Dolly came to finish her block of Puppy class; she had great fun 💕

05/11/2023

Marshal was very brave around the Halloween props ❤️

05/11/2023

Well done Joey and Chloe 🐶

03/11/2023

Unfortunately following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:

● Sell an XL Bully dog
● Abandon an XL Bully dog
● Give away an XL Bully dog
● Breed from an XL Bully dog
● Have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

There will be strict rules to follow if you wish to keep your dog and avoid it being euthanased.
For more information please see the Gov website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
If you are unsure if your dog is an XL Bully breed you will need to contact Essex Police for the dog legislation officer.

03/11/2023

Personally I hate fireworks but here are some helpful tips to help our pets cope

FIREWORKS ADVICE!

If you have a rescue pet, or a dog who has experienced a recent trauma, they may be particularly sensitive to fireworks (the same is true for small animals and birds).

In fact many animals face significant stress this time of year.

So here's a few tips to help you prepare for the fireworks and to help keep your pets safe and calm:

1. WALK YOUR DOG EARLY

Try to take your dog for a walk before 3pm, or as early as possible; be mindful that some people may even let fireworks off before it gets dark!

Remember: if your dog has already experienced fireworks in a particular area, going back to that same area may bring back the anxiety.

2. KEEP PETS INSIDE DURING FIREWORK DISPLAYS

Make sure your dog is taken out to toilet earlier. Where possible, bring cats and small animals inside. Rabbits, guinea pigs and birds in aviaries are particularly vulnerable.

3. OCCUPY THEM WITH ENRICHMENT OR PLAYTIME

Provide your pet with an alternative outlet, to keep anxiety at bay. A nice filled Kong, a puzzle game or a simple game of 'find it'.

4. HELP SOOTHE YOUR PET WITH MUSIC

Music can help to block out some of the noise and certain types have been proven to have a calming effect. You can also turn up the volume on the TV, to make the *bangs* seem less dramatic in comparison to the volume inside the house..

5. REASSURE THEM

Do not punish your dog for showing fearful behaviour. If they are frightened - it is okay to comfort them.

You can reassure your dog. Contrary to what you may hear, it is not possible to reinforce an emotion (e.g. fear). Please do not punish your dog if it is fearful or anxious.

We advise, where possible, staying inside - partcularly on nights of firework displays - to keep your pets safe and to give them company and support.

🐦🐾🐕🐈

We always advise pet owners to seek further advice from a behaviourist or trainer working closely with a vet.

They will work with you on a behavioural modification programme and, in certain cases, vets can recommend drugs/therapy/holistic remedies to help keep your dog calm and relaxed.

Preparation is the key - so please keep this advice handy, especially over the festive period and new year's eve.

Thanks for reading,
Pet Professional Network

02/11/2023

Pets scared by the fireworks? Come and join us for two nights of calming classical music, in the musical sanctuary we call Pet Classics. 🐾

📻 Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November, 5-9pm.

02/11/2023

Made amazing progress with Khan today; he’s happy to go up the steps and get in the car, I can close his door and I can get in the drivers seat and shut that door too.
And the best bit is….Khan chooses to do it, he can say no at any time and we’ll have a break, play a scent game or go for a mooch around the garden.
Having this much agency helps Khan feel safe and confident ❤️

01/11/2023

Thank you to Heal the Dog