Say Less Train More

22/11/2024

A truly tragic and horrific case to read.
A seven month old baby girl killed by the family pet in a hideous incident in their home.
The little one leant on to the dog as she was toddling and was bitten on the neck and very sadly died. A stark reminder of how fast dogs can turn, How quickly something can escalate and how fatal one bite can be.

A dog will correct other dog’s behaviour with a snap or bite and in an agitated state of mind will lash out before investigating the situation. The Malinois was fixated on a bag when the baby touched him, both parents were in the vicinity and present when the dog bit.

Owners who have asked for advice with young babies around dogs know I am incredibly strict and have a 0 tolerance for babies/toddlers/young children being next to, touching, climbing on, leaning on, sitting with or “petting” a dog and this is the worst case example of exactly why I am so adamant about it!
Dogs shouldn’t have any access to young children who are crawling for exactly this reason! It’s so fast!! And in this case the dog had been seen by behaviourists for “dominating” behaviour in the months before the incident.
I would have absolutely tied the owner down to ensuring the dog and baby were never in the room together whether or not the parents were present for exactly this reason so maybe some owners out there who think I’ve been too harsh with rules around babies will understand why now!!
“Oh we never leave them alone together” is absolutely NOT good enough!!!! The parents were right next to the dog and baby!! Please remember this!!

Everyone thinks being a dog behaviourist is a dream job working with dogs but I have to deal with child bites and injuries every week and it’s always upsetting and highly emotional!! The only way to deal with this is to PREVENT!
And if you need to hear it here’s your reminder!
Dogs are NOT a furbaby
Dogs are NOT thrilled for the arrival of your baby
Dogs are NOT protecting your baby
Dogs are NOT “kissing” your child
Dogs are an ANIMAL
Dogs are an apex predator in your home!

Please no hate or comments about the parents in this case they have suffered enough and I hope this post may just save another child from injury!

02/11/2024

🙌👏👌

12/10/2024

So important to start on the right path. Reach out before your puppy arrives home and get the set up correct. 💪

Home visit for this little cutie today 😍 12 weeks old

It still amazes me how much wrong information is being given to first time puppy owners and puppy owners in general!
if anyone tells you to
1. Desex before 12 months ( exempt for certain health issues)
2. Lock your pup up till it’s final vaccination
3. Don’t ever tell your dog no or correct behaviours such as mouthing and jumping

RUN.

Please for the love of god seek a professional dog trainer to help you with your puppy! Puppy classes are way too basic and do not cover all the nitty gritties of owning a puppy!

Today we covered
Home structure, pen and crate setup, how to prevent problem behaviours occurring, diet and feeding structure
How to correct and manage behavioural issues
obedience and trick training
Manual handling
Exposure inside the home and outside the home and the importance of the critical period
Engagement and markers
Toy play

This is just the tip of the iceberg but now off to a flying start to get this pup on the right path!

Getting that first 16 weeks right up to 12 months is so critical! And there is no time to waste!

04/04/2024

Say Less Train More
Offering a number of services to meet the needs of your Canine Companion, fitting around the lifestyle that you lead.
Drop me a message to ask any questions and start your Training Journey today.

02/04/2024

Unconditional love is a dog’s best quality. However, unconditional love alone will not avoid the difficulties that often arise when owning a dog. With the best will in the world, undesirable behaviours can develop and create a stressful relationship with your canine companion.

Welcome to Say Less Train More.

I’m Scott and I’m on a mission to provide the most supportive and effective Dog Training in the Highlands.

At Say Less Train More we want you to feel in control, empowered and relaxed during all interactions with your dog. We want your relationship to be enjoyable at all times.

Drop me a message today.

Say Less, Train More