Remraf K9 Solutions : Dog Walking & Training

27/01/2025

Pleased to have achieved the Approved Canine Reactive Behaviour Expert certification with ✨

23/01/2025

Terminology Tuesday ~ Learned Helplessness 🐶

As trainers who work closely with families, we are often asked the question of “will they just get used to the baby/ toddler over time?”

Something we always take into consideration is avoiding something called learned helplessness at all costs… But what does that mean?

Learned helplessness in dog training happens when people intentionally or unintentionally put their dogs in situations that the dogs are uncomfortable in repeatedly until they seemingly stop reacting.

This lack of a reaction doesn’t mean that they are comfortable, it means that they feel that no matter what they do, they will be forced into the situation so they begin to shut down emotionally. They feel as if they don’t have any other choice.

This is very dangerous as it can result in bites or reactions that people often describe as “out of nowhere” - which we know there is often no such thing as an “out of the blue” bite

To avoid learned helplessness in our dogs, we want to actively watch their body language for clues to how they might be feeling and respect their boundaries when they tell us that they are uncomfortable by adding in success stations and space!

We want to provide choice, not force 💚

18/01/2025

The reason they work so well without any physical training is because they apply pressure to your dogs neck and throat causing discomfort and pain.

Therefore suppressing those ‘bad behaviours’ and causing emotional shutdown. Your dog no longer has a choice and any attempt at communication is ‘corrected’ causing further shutdown.

Yes, reward based training takes more time, dedication and repetition to achieve results but it allows our dogs freedom of choice and the ability to communicate their feelings without fear, force or pain.

Don’t we make enough choices for our dogs already? Where they sleep, when they sleep, where they eat, what they eat, where they go and pretty much everything in their lives…

For me it comes down to morals and ethics… I don’t feel comfortable using any tools or techniques that are based on punishment and would rather my dog feel he can express his emotions and take the time to train at his pace

15/01/2025

🐾 Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour with Reward Based Training! 🐾

Have you had enough of your dog running off and not listening when you call them?
Are you fed up of your dog barking, lunging and acting aggressively towards other dogs and people when out on walks?
Are you struggling with your dog pulling on the lead and dragging you down the road?

Do you wish your dog would come when called, so that you don’t have to go running after them chasing a dog or squirrel, which means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your dog will turn and come running to you the moment you call!

Do you wish your dog would be able to focus and pay attention to you, even with distractions, so that your dog will look to you for guidance and you can feel confident and in control of your dog in all situations!

Do you wish your dog would walk nicely by your side, so that you’re not embarrassed by them pulling you down the streets or across the road to other dogs, which means you can enjoy stress free walks again!

From puppy problems, to terrible teens and spicy seniors - we’ve got you covered!

At Remraf Pet Services, we can help you teach your dog :

✨ to focus and pay attention to you
✨ to come when called
✨ to walk nicely by your side
✨ to settle down and relax
✨ basic ‘obedience’ skills
✨& more!

🌟 Our approach is 100% ethical and welfare-focused. As a member of the National Institute of Canine Ethics, we never use tools like slip leads, prong collars, choke collars or head haltis. Instead, we harness the power of choice through reward based methods to create an everlasting companionship between you and your dog.

Ready to see the difference?

Tap the link in my bio to book your FREE* discovery call and start your journey towards a happier, more confident dog!

📲 07415276623
🌐 www.remrafpetservices.co.uk

15/01/2025

🐾 Discover the Best in Dog Walking & Pet Sitting in Hertfordshire! 🐾

At Remraf Pet Services, we know just how much your furry family members mean to you and that every pet is unique and deserves personalised care. Offering one-on-one dog walks and in-home pet sitting, we’re dedicated to giving your pets the loving care they deserve when you can’t be there.

💜 One-on-One Walks - Your dog’s happiness is our priority. Each walk is tailored to their personality and energy level, giving them the exercise and attention they deserve, without any stress or distractions.

🏠 In-Home Pet Sitting - Going away? Enjoy peace of mind knowing your pet will be cared for in their own familiar environment. We treat every pet like family, so you can rest easy while you’re away.

Whether it’s a quick stroll or a staycation for your pet, we’re here to keep their tails wagging!

✨Why Choose Us?

🕒 Busy Schedule? Work, family, and daily commitments can make it tough to fit in those long, enriching walks your dog needs. Our single-household walks give your dog/s personal attention, exercise, and plenty of outdoor fun, customised just for them!

🚗 Travel Plans? Leaving town doesn’t have to mean stressing about pet care. Our in-home pet sitting services let your pets stay in their own safe, familiar space while we handle feeding, playtime, and cuddles.

🐱 Care for Cats Too! We understand that cats too need their own gentle, consistent care. From keeping up with feeding routines and emptying litter trays to a little company and affection, we make sure your feline friends feel secure and content.

✅ Local and Reliable: We’re Hertfordshire-based, with a commitment to providing a trustworthy, caring service for our community.
✅ Peace of Mind: Fully insured, with pet-loving pros who understand your pets’ unique needs.
✅ Flexible and Dependable: Whether it’s a daily walk or weekend care, we’re here when you need us.

📅 Book Now! Whether it’s daily walks or vacation pet care, we’ve got you covered.

🐕🐾 Spots are filling fast! Send us a message to schedule a meet-and-greet today!

👉 Follow us for updates and adorable pet photos!
📍 Serving Hertfordshire

Because your pets deserve the best care—always! ❤️

📞 07415276623
🌎 www.remrafpetservices.co.uk

15/01/2025

🐾 Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour with Reward Based Training! 🐾

Have you had enough of your dog running off and not listening when you call them?
Are you fed up of your dog barking, lunging and acting aggressively towards other dogs and people when out on walks?
Are you struggling with your dog pulling on the lead and dragging you down the road?

Do you wish your dog would come when called, so that you don’t have to go running after them chasing a dog or squirrel, which means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your dog will turn and come running to you the moment you call!

Do you wish your dog would be able to focus and pay attention to you, even with distractions, so that your dog will look to you for guidance and you can feel confident and in control of your dog in all situations!

Do you wish your dog would walk nicely by your side, so that you’re not embarrassed by them pulling you down the streets or across the road to other dogs, which means you can enjoy stress free walks again!

From puppy problems, to terrible teens and spicy seniors - we’ve got you covered!

At Remraf Pet Services, we can help you teach your dog :

✨ to focus and pay attention to you
✨ to come when called
✨ to walk nicely by your side
✨ to settle down and relax
✨ basic ‘obedience’ skills
✨& more!

🌟 Our approach is 100% ethical and welfare-focused. As a member of the National Institute of Canine Ethics, we never use tools like slip leads, prong collars, choke collars or head haltis. Instead, we harness the power of choice through reward based methods to create an everlasting companionship between you and your dog.

Ready to see the difference?

Tap the link in my bio to book your FREE* discovery call and start your journey towards a happier, more confident dog!

📲 07415276623
🌐 www.remrafpetservices.co.uk

08/01/2025

The BBC unfortunately seem to be all for, torturous inhumane devices that cause pain and worry to sentient beings.
The segment they had on about shock collars this morning was appalling, and a big let down for trainers with morals ethics and who care about dog welfare.
There shouldn't be a debate on pros and cons (not that you could call it a debate, it was that bad)
It's just a question of ethics

Why, WHY, WHY, would you use shock collars, or other devices that cause pain and fear, when ethical alternatives exist?

Shocking a dog doesn't teach them appropriate behaviors, it may look as though they are well trained, but to someone that understands body language and communication they will just see a shut down dog, a dog to afraid to make choices in fear of the negative consequences.
The response to punishment is influenced by the temperament of the dog, therefore if you are shocking a nervous worried dog it can only cause more anxiety and stress.
Shock collars or any aversives ARE NOT NECESSARY!!

We don't need to force dogs to comply, we should be helping them to make better choices by listening to their needs, and learning how to motivate them more.

We want to be working with our dogs, not against them, we want them to feel safe, and understood

Positive training takes understanding of canine behaviour and body language and thresholds

With positive training we set our dogs up for success.
We don't need to use harsh corrections because we don't put our dogs in situations beyond their abilities where they cannot reasonably do what is asked.

We move forward at each dogs individual pace

Positive training takes skill, patience, and correct reward timings.

The one thing I have learnt over these last few days is that, people dont understand how positive training works. (even those that say they are reward based)

A lot more education is needed

Please stand up for your dogs, be their voice
You can never have a strong relationship without trust

Positive training requires SKILL not FORCE

06/01/2025

WHY WE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH DOMINANCE THEORY

Over the Christmas period, I made a mental note to myself to return to regular posting with the topic of dominance theory first, as there seems to be an increase in dominance talk amongst guardians just recently. Dominance/Alpha theory is one of the biggest myths, and probably the most damaging, in the dog training industry. It continues to be perpetuated, despite being thoroughly debunked several decades ago.

Unfortunately, the meaning of “dominance” in dog training has been blurred and misunderstood. Dominance theory is commonly thought to be based on the belief that a dog behaves in the same way that a wolf would; this belief stems from early, flawed studies carried out on captive grey wolves, to demonstrate how they live and behave within their family unit.

Dominance is not a personality trait, it is a fluid state dependent upon the value of a particular resource at a given moment. Beware of anyone calling themselves a professional, yet refers to "dominant dogs". Run like the clappers!

For further reading on this topic, take a look at my blog:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/why-we-should-do-away-with-dominance-theory

©️ Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

01/01/2025

24/12/2024

Shock collars apply painful/uncomfortable electric shocks to a dog's neck..

Prong collars apply pain/discomfort.

Slip leads choke until the dog does what us required, and then they are released.

Rattle cans startle.

These are how they work.

Your opinion about them doesn't change the above.

Your ethics determine whether you'll do this to a dog or not. Your knowledge and abilities will determine whether you have pain free alternatives available to you.

It's nearly 2025, and we're still having to talk about this.

16/12/2024

LET'S STOP JUSTIFYING THE USE OF NECK TOOLS FOR DOG TRAINING AND DOG WALKING

Despite the evidence of throat and neck damage caused by ANY neck collar (prong, choke, flat, slip, shock and martingale) there is still an insistence by some guardians and trainers to use collars when walking or training dogs...😭

I understand a slip lead type collar in the rescue and shelter environment but that's where my tolerance and understanding stops.

We HAVE to stop putting our dogs in environments and situations where they can't cope, go over threshold and hence react by barking, pulling or lunging, and then we try and choke them to respond in an 'appropriate' way. We have to stop using a collar or slip lead to control reactivity, fear or hesitancy and stop trying to defend these tools and our behaviours because of guardian convenience. Rather try and understand their triggers and work with a professional to help your dog improve their emotional responses or one who will show you how to keep your dog below threshold. Choose a professional who understands choice based behaviour modification. You owe this to your dog.

If you are elderly or infirm and your dog pulls, your use of an aversive tool is still not justified as it still hurts your dog while causing negative associations with certain triggers or stimuli, thereby worsening the behaviour due to amplified emotions. Rather take your dog to a private dog park where he or she can run around without a collar and lead or employ a professional dog walker who understands how to work with your dog.

We should only train or walk our dogs with the least aversive harness and not any type of collar or slip lead. If your trainer recommends the use of these tools, then rather find another trainer because the former likes results and convenience a little too much as opposed to caring for the emotional and physical welfare of your pet. Yes, I said that as I'm tired of aversive training tools supporters.

📸 Go Dog Pro