Suki's Spirit - Animal Care and Behavioural Services

21/01/2023

More hikes with my gorgeous girl ❤️

19/01/2023

SNOOP! ⭐️

Snoop enjoyed an hour walk in the sun. He loved running around and releasing some energy whilst his mama was working.

DM for dog walking services in and around Inskip ❤️

18/01/2023

Suki had a grand old time walking Nicky Nook & giving me her perfect eyes for some cream from my hot drink ❤️❄️

17/01/2023

The beautiful Ralph, working on his puppy skills and setting him up for success ❤️

He’s a gorgeous guy that learns really quickly.

17/01/2023

OAKLEY ⭐️

A frosty morning walk with this handsome fun guy ❤️

16/01/2023

MYTHBUSTING MONDAY: It's not dominance. Seriously, it's not. There is no dominant breed. You don't have a dominant dog. Your dog's behavior is not a "dominance thing."

Now, I realize those statements might be causing some hardcore cognitive dissonance right now. Because from the moment you even became aware of dogs, you have been told that dogs are pack animals and a bunch of dominance stuff based on that assumption.

From the Merck Veterinary Manual:

"The dog’s social structure has been referred to as a pack hierarchy, but this does not accurately or entirely describe the relationship of dogs with other dogs or with people."

"The term dominance...is a relative term established by the value of the resource to each individual and the cumulative effects of learning."

For example, Animal A might challenge Animal B for a mate. Animal B might defer. But does that make Animal A the dominant animal?

What if Animal B waits until Animal A is distracted and mates with that female at another time? Is dominance even relevant at this point? I would argue that learning is far more pertinent than hierarchy.

The problem is that people tend to think of hierarchies in dogs just like hierarchies in humans. Governments, militaries, churches, schools, corporations all have linear hierarchical structures.

However, when it comes to dogs, it's not that simple.

"Hierarchy in dogs is neither static nor linear, because the motivation to obtain and retain a specific resource, together with previous learning, defines the relationship between two individuals for each encounter."

In other words, if you push me out of the way to get the last chocolate truffle, and I walk away...but I don't actually like chocolate truffles (I don't), you're not actually establishing dominance. I didn't want the resource, anyway. Or maybe I learned that, by walking away, I will be given the key to the room full of caramels. Mmmmm. Caramels.

What about aggression?

"A 'dominant' animal is not the one engaged in the most fighting and combat. Most high-ranking animals seldom have to contest their right of access to a resource. Instead, high-ranking animals are usually better identified by the character and frequency of deferential behaviors exhibited by others in their social group and by their ability to respond appropriately to a variety of social and environmental circumstances."

So, it is not the "dominant" dog who growls over a bone or fights with other dogs at the dog park. When your dogs are fighting at home, identifying the alpha is about as productive as a snipe hunt.

Why does it matter? Because if you are told that your dog's behavior is the result of dominance, the solution is almost always some form of rank reduction. Everything from making the dog sit for every bit of affection to methods that are too disturbing to detail. And it's all called "leadership."

Trying to change a dog's rank in an imaginary hierarchy only serves to delay behavior modification. In many cases, it makes the situation much worse.

If we want to change behavior, we need to explore the dog's health, environment, and learning history, as well as identify triggers and consequences for the behavior. From there, we can develop a complete plan that addresses the needs of the individual dog, reducing their stress, increasing tolerance, and reinforcing desirable responses.

Next time someone tells you that if your dog jumps, pulls on the leash, leans on you, sits on your foot, sleeps on top of the couch, barks, mounts/humps, doesn't listen, or anything else that isn't obedience or cowering in the corner, it's dominance, what they're really saying is that they don't understand dog behavior and are probably not someone you want to take advice from....let alone pay for that advice!

Relax. It's not dominance. Now we've got that out of the way, let's focus on changing behavior!

See more:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/social-behavior-of-dogs
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©2017 Lisa Mullinax. All rights reserved. Feel free to share, but downloading for redistribution in any form, for any reason is a copyright violation. Thanks!

14/01/2023

Very good posts!

13/01/2023

What is positive reinforcement?

Maybe you hear the terminology all the time but don’t quite understand what it is.

It is easy to think of the positive as good - and although it is good, in this case it means the addition of rewards.

Positive reinforcement is science-based, rewards-based training.

Rewards may be variable depending on YOUR dog.

What gets your dog going?

For some it may be FOOD, FOOD, FOOD but for others it may be BALL, BALL, BALL.

It is an important tool and will build a happier relationship with your dog. They will know to trust and love you rather than fear you ❤️

13/01/2023

12/01/2023

The power of force-free methods incorporated at the vets. ⭐️

It makes for a less stressed pup and a safer vet visit for all involved. ❤️

12/01/2023

Are small breeds more reactive? Yes and no.

While smaller dogs are not, by definition more reactive than bigger dogs, there are a few reasons why they might turn out that way.

Vulnerability to bad experiences, loss of autonomy and lack of empathy are only a few of them.

So how can we aim for less reactivity in small dogs?

- Give them choice whenever possible
- Pick them up less
- Put the same effort in as you would a larger dog by training, socializing and meeting needs
- Advocate for them and prevent bad experiences

12/01/2023

This is Dave from Inskip, Lancashire 🇬🇧

Dave is a beautiful 2 y/o Rottweiler who has a big fear of traffic and has created a negative association with walking near vehicles.

Dave’s mum is going to work with Dave to build a better association with the scary traffic.

That involves using a high-value reward, such as hot-dogs, to reward his eye-contact and his moving towards the road.

Although this will take time and consistent training. The positive association will allow Dave to get closer to the road and be able to walk near the passing vehicles.

❤️

12/01/2023

The angel that started it all ❤️

Suki, is a 8 y/old, nearly 9 y/old, Springer Spaniel x Border Collie that I rescued from the in Collingwood, ON, Canada 🇨🇦

Suki has been reactive for a long time, but over time, with positive reinforcement training, she has blossomed. Although she is not the kind of dog that will blend in at a doggy daycare, or play groups. She is now able to meet a dog, and look at me for guidance, get her reward and move forward.

Throughout my studies, Suki has been there. And continues to be there.

The love and respect I have for this dog cannot be explained in words. ❤️

11/01/2023

11/01/2023

Hi!

I'm Dani.

A passionate animal lover and studier of animal science.

I am currently completing a Canine Instructor Course with PACT.

I believe in the power of connecting and understanding our animals better so that we can build a better relationship with them.

I am a positive reinforcement practicer, which means that I do not use aversive animal training techniques.

At the moment I am offering dog walking, basic training sessions, puppy training sessions, dog & cat drop-ins and visits, enrichment advice (Canine & Feline).

I also offer day-hikes, where I will take your dogs on long walks and days out (ex. Beacon Fell, Nicky Nook, The Lake District).

DM for more details.