Mutts with Manners Dog Training & Behaviour

23/08/2024

Thanks Laura at Dog Communication for a great post.

DOGS IN PAIN STILL RUN AND PLAY

If you are struggling with your dog's behaviour, think your dog may be in pain and are struggling to find the answers, contact me about a Dynamic Dog Assessment.

https://www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com/dynamic-dog-assessment

DOGS IN PAIN STILL RUN AND PLAY

This is Twig my yorkie, as many of you know she was born with deformed back legs. She has patella issues, cruciate issues, malformed hocks and also elbow disease.

Despite all of this, Twig would play all day. She is a young dog and would run non-stop, play with toys, play with my other dogs 24/7 if she could. She always wants to go for a walk- she never wants to turn to go home, she would walk all day if you let her.

She’s never grumpy, never shows any aggression even when she’s in pain. She partially ruptured a cruciate a few months ago and despite not being able to use her leg she was still desperate to go for a walk and kept dropping balls in my coffee (obvs I didn’t let her walk or play!) 😳

She has phases where her legs are really bad and she is in pain. It would be really easy for me to think she’s ‘fine’ and not in pain as she would still play all day if I let her. My only behavioural signs of pain with her are that she wakes in the night and takes a while to settle again and she barks a bit more than normal at outside noises.

I’ve also seen night-waking with my Dalmatian, Lucky, when he was in pain and my first sign of his back issues was that he would wake up and wander around in the middle of the night. He also still wanted to walk and play.

People often think that a dog who is in pain won’t want to go for a walk but dogs in pain are often still keen to go for a walk and they will want to chase a ball etc and play if you let them. Don’t ever assume they aren’t in pain because they want to run and play!

Signs of pain can be subtle and these are some that I commonly see in dogs I work with -

🛌 They may wake in the night or find it hard to settle in the evening, pacing or moving from bed to bed

🐕 They may vocalise more (whine or bark) and be more attention-seeking (nudging your hand to stroke them all the time or following you from room to room)

🛋️ Hesitating or unable to climb on/off the sofa, go up the stairs or get in and out of the car or needing a bigger run up to get in. Being slower to get up from resting.

😔 Being unhappy about being handled (groomed/dried etc) or unhappy about people sitting next to them on the sofa or walking past their bed

🐩 Changes in interactions with other dogs on walks- less keen on interacting or less keen on certain types of play etc

🏀. Lying down on walks or walking at a slower place but also conversely running excessively (‘runners high’ endorphins make them feel good temporarily)

You may also notice physical changes (the way your dog moves or the way their body looks.

💊 Please chat to your vet if you see any changes, dogs don’t suddenly change and start or stop doing things for no reason.

Pain is one of the primary causes of many aggression in dogs. Dogs also often don’t stop running and playing when they are in pain- signs of pain can be subtle and easy to miss so please, please seek advice from your vet if you see changes

Laura McAuliffe, Dog Communication 2024

20/08/2024

Puppy training classes run by a qualified APDT UK and ABTC accredited instructor.
Next course starts soon in Copthorne.
Small friendly classes, limited spaces
Learn skills including relaxed lead walking, recall and calm greetings. Get help with those typical puppy problems such as toileting and puppy biting. Learn how to build your puppy's confidence and help them relax with Tellington TTouch Training.
Please contact me via my website www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

15/08/2024

Lovely new ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review received!

"We contacted Mutts with Manners to help us with our Golden Retriever. Already after the first session (!) we had a very different dog, and after few more sessions we now have much calmer and obedient dog. It is very pleasant now to walk with him and we can’t thank Lisa enough for her help."

08/08/2024

Puppy Training - 121 training sessions or classes available.
Small classes held in Copthorne.
APDT UK qualified instructor with 20 years experience
Contact me via my website for more information
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

02/08/2024

Accredited & Assessed Dog Trainer and Clinical Animal Behaviourist
ABTC registered, 20 years experience.
Full member of the APBC and APDT UK.
Tellington TTouch and Dynamic Dog Practitioner.
Services include puppy classes, 1-1 training, behaviour consultations, dynamic dog assessments, TTouch workshops.

Please contact me via my website to discuss your dogs needs.
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

30/07/2024

Really important to be aware that dogs can get water intoxication, especially in this hot weather.

Water intoxication in dogs happens when they swallow excessive amounts of water. Learn more about this rare, but sometimes deadly, condition and its symptoms.

25/07/2024

DON’T FORGET WHAT YOUR DOG WAS BRED TO DO (and don’t get annoyed with them for doing it!)

Good post by Laura McAuliffe

23/07/2024

Do you have a puppy?
Puppy Training - 121 training sessions or classes available.
Young and older puppy options
Small classes held in Copthorne.
APDT UK qualified instructor with 20 years experience
Contact me via my website for more information
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

17/07/2024

Did you know, something as simple as sniffing a pile of leaves can have a calming effect on your dog? 🍂

Engaging a primary scent or carrying out repetitive actions such as licking or chewing (providing there’s no threat in the environment) are considered meditative processes. Why? Because they support appropriate gating of sensory integration.

This damping down of activity between neurons means there’s less traffic between the different brain areas, making communication much more ordered and rhythmical.

17/07/2024

Thank you Jane Arden for this well written post.

If you need help with deciding whether to introduce a puppy to your life or puppy training, please contact me via www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

Puppies are not clean slates !
You often hear people say 'get a puppy they are a clean slate'

As a behaviourist and breeder I can confidently tell you this is not true. Both nature and nurture has a huge impact.
A puppy will inherit genes from its parents and these genes will impact the puppies genetic potential to behave in a particular way.
Such as :
Using aggression as a strategy to deal with difficult situations
Sociability towards people and dogs
Fearful responses
Sound sensitivity
Strong instinctive behaviour to hunt, chase, grab, hold and guard.
Trainability which includes the ability to learn self control as humans desire it.

When people breed dogs they sometimes select for specific traits and sometimes not. If someone is breeding for a particular look, colour or just money then these traits can become altered becoming stronger or weaker or unbalanced. This can make a dog dangerous for example breeding a dog with gameness and reducing human sociability.

Then the puppy is born and the first 8 weeks learning with the breeder will have an huge impact on the development of all these genetic traits.

My five puppies have all come from the same parents and been reared in the same environment. They have very individual personalities. The training and socialisation they receive in their new homes will only influence the genes and first learning, it won't change their personalities.

So if you are looking for a puppy
Firstly learn about breed traits and instincts and make sure you pick a puppy that will suit your lifestyle. For example there no point getting a breed that is 'aloof with strangers' if you have 3 young children and lots of friends visiting.

Secondly meet the parents or (genes), see what they are like. Make sure you are meeting the actual parents, some people buy in puppy farmed litters and then 'hire' an adult of the same breed to pretend the puppies were bred there!!

Thirdly make sure the puppy has had plenty of early neurological stimulation and learning before it leaves the litter. Ask these questions.
1) What have the puppies seen?
2) Who and what have they met?
2) What have they learnt?
3) How have they learned to play?
4) What do they do if they get frustrated?
5) What do they do if they get bored?

A professional trainer can help support and guide you on the process of looking for a puppy. Don't wait till afterwards for help.

Prevention IS better than Cure. This goes for training and socialisation too, get a professional to help and guide you.

Puppies are building neural pathways with every experience, every day, make sure they're building ones you like.

First Learning is the strongest, make sure you get it right first time.

Written by Jane Ardern BSc (Hons) KCAI (WG)
WaggaWuffins Canine College
Bury Lancashire

*Permission to share this post from this source. No cutting and pasting please and pretending you wrote it yourself 🙄

16/07/2024

A good resource for families with young children and dogs.

If you need help integrating your puppy or dog into family life, please contact me www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com
Registered and accredited Animal Training Intructor and Clinical Animal Behaviourist with 20 years experience.

PRE ORDER - purchasing is by pre order only for shipment mid June 2024 - you will receive notification of when your book has been shipped This...

16/07/2024

Sniffing on walks is such an important activity for dogs. Benefits include mental stimulation and enhanced well-being.

Here's one thing you can do right now to make your dog’s life even better than it already is: let them sniff! Walking your dog provides physical exercise, but letting them sniff along the way will provide your dog with mental exercise and stimulation, too. Not only is sniffing important to your dog, but it is essential for your dog’s wellbeing. Studies have also shown that olfactory stimulation lowers a dog’s heart rate and reduces stress levels. Next time you take your dog out, we encourage you to slow down and let your dog "smell the roses" and other epic scents on their walk!

Maria Scrivan

06/06/2024

Next puppy training course starts on Monday in Copthorne. Couple of spaces left. Contact me via my website

Looking for Lisa Childs G.Dip.ABM., A.Dip.CBM., Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (871), ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructor in Horley? .....

03/06/2024

30/05/2024

Puppy classes in Copthorne. New and older puppy options.
Next course starts soon.
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

24/05/2024

Do you know the signs of bloat?

Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, and also as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) syndrome, is a life-threatening disorder that happens when a dog's stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. Knowing the signs could save your dogs life.

Find out more at thekennelclub.org.uk/bloat.

24/05/2024

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!!

02/05/2024

Do you have a puppy?
Puppy Training - 121 training sessions or classes available.
Young and older puppy options
Classes held in Copthorne.
APDT UK qualified instructor
Contact me via my website for more information
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

30/04/2024

Lovely new ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review received!

"Wow, Wow, Wow! I was nervous at first about having someone come in and help us but Lisa was so welcoming and friendly it made the whole experience pleasant. She is a wealth of knowledge and her expertise have helped us tremendously. I cannot recommend her enough!"

If you need help with your puppy or adult dog, please contact me via my website.

Looking for Lisa Childs G.Dip.ABM., A.Dip.CBM., Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (871), ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructor in Horley? .....

25/04/2024

This video demonstrates the importance of harness fit perfectly.

23/04/2024

THE EFFECT OF PAIN ON BEHAVIOUR

On Saturday night I was round at one of my friend's for dinner, and another of our friends came with her lovely black lab Poppy (because she is besties with our other friend's retriever!!).

Now Poppy is 9 years old, and has (I believe I am remembering correctly!) spondylosis, which is where there is "wear and tear" in the spine....basically there are arthritic changes in the spine. This causes pain, and my friend is an amazing dog mum and advocates for Poppy so well. Poppy is on pain meds and is a very happy girly because of it!

However, for those of you who suffer from arthritis and other joint conditions, that doesnt mean that there is never any pain. I have arthritis in my knees due to lack of cartilage, and they flare up every now and then, but even when theyre not in a flare up, certain movements, or if I slip or do too much really hurt. Slippery floors are one area that can be SO hazardous and damaging for ALL dogs but especially dogs with arthritis.

Poppy has been to our friend's house a LOT over the years, and in the hallway there is a small area of wooden floor before you get to the living room. Fairly recently Poppy slipped in that hallway, something that has never happened before, and the impact on her behaviour has been significant.

On Saturday night she would stand in the kitchen at the entrance to the hallway and look down the hall, start to take a step then change her mind. Our lovely friend then put a runner down in the hallway and Poppy immediately and happily went into the hall and living room, and then had no concerns at all.

Despite having most likely hundreds of times in our friend's house where she has NOT slipped, and has very positive associations with the house, that ONE time where she slightly slipped and most likely caused pain was enough for her to learn to avoid that flooring because it hurts. Single event learning in action!

Think of laminate and tiled slippery floors as being like us trying to walk on ice. Not easy! And imagine how it feels when you HAVE walked on icy ground - when you are constantly slipping and unable to gain traction, it can cause pain very easily even in people without arthritic joints. That slipping with dogs can cause pain, microfractures and further damage to the joints.

And this does not only apply to older dogs. According to a study by Anderson et al (2018) it was estimated that 20% of dogs older than one year had osteoarthritis, and as much as 80% of dogs over the age of 8 suffered with osteoarthritis.

And then you watch certain appalling TV programmes who brand an elderly dog who is unwilling to jump off the sofa onto wooden floor, or walk on slippery floors as a "diva" instead of recognising the dog is in pain 😡

My friends are both excellent dog mums, and their dogs are very lucky that they understand them and listen to what they are telling them, meaning Poppy was able to communicate that she was worried that walking on that floor again would cause pain, and she only had to tell them once before the situation was rectified. Other dogs arent so lucky.....so please do listen to your dog. There is ALWAYS a reason for dogs being reluctant to do anything, and it is NEVER stubbornness or "being a diva"!

Photo of lovely Poppy for you to see the lovely girl herself!

19/04/2024

Limping is a significant gait change that means something is wrong. The cause of the limp might be up for debate, but it will be linked to pain or discomfort.

It's safer and more beneficial for your dog to assume the presence of pain rather than the absence of pain.

08/04/2024

Puppy Classes in Copthorne
Next course starts 15th April
Young and older puppy options
Small groups, APDT UK qualified instructor
Contact me via my website for more information
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

05/04/2024

ADOLESCENCE:
As dogs go through adolescence, it’s safe to say things turn a little topsy-turvy! 🙃

If you’re currently at this stage and feeling like you’ve taken one step forward and two steps back, don’t panic! During this stage of life, there’s a lot going on in their busy little brains.

Here are three facts about the adolescent brain 🧠👇

1. The inhibitory neurons of the amygdala that help to dampen down emotional responses don’t fully mature until the END of adolescence.

2. Communication between the frontal cortex and amygdala, which is essential for skills training, decreases during adolescence.

3. Extinction memory is impaired during adolescence, so if your dog has a bad experience it’s much more likely to lead to a ‘hard wired’ fear memory.

Have patience and compassion as you support and guide your dog through this vulnerable period of brain development.

04/04/2024

If you need help with your dog's behaviour, contact me via my website. www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

28/03/2024

Would you like to improve your puppy/dog's loose lead walking, recall and focus on you around distractions?
Small groups starting soon in Copthorne.
Contact me via the website to book.
www.muttswithmannersdogtraining.com

20/03/2024

If you spot a dog on the lead or wearing yellow, there is one small thing that you can do that will truly transform their day.
Give them some space - A little distance goes a long way.
Dog wearing yellow need space and it can be for a whole host of different reasons.
They might be injured or in pain, they might be scared of dogs or people, they might find children frightening.
I know you might be curious to learn more, but please don't approach.
When things that scare our come too close it makes them feel like a threat.
That's why you might see us bark, lunge or show our teeth.
We're just trying to make the scary thing go away.
When we can see these scary things at a distance our humans help us learn that they're not so scary after all.
But it takes time. And patience.
And my humans are trying really hard to show me how safe the world is.
Will you help and keep your distance?
Thank you 💛