Positively Dogs

24/10/2023

New Service Available - Budget Friendly Advice Call

The current cost of living crisis is affecting us all in different ways, this could make prioritising a full behavioural consultation a challenge.

Alongside this, I am receiving a huge increase in vet referrals looking for immediate help and advice. In an effort to tackle both and help alleviate owner stress, I have introduced a new low cost ‘triage’ call service.

Whilst this is not a full assessment or diagnosis, many behavioural issues can be improved with a change of management, approach or understanding and this is always the first step to resolving many of the issues I work with.

If you are in need of help or advice or find yourself just ‘living’ with a routine that simply isn’t working and would like to discuss where improvements can be made, schedule a call today.

https://positivelydogs.co.uk/triage-advice-call

27/09/2023

Why not visit our new shop, we're offering some amazing savings on products for your furry family members.

Click Below

Behavioural Consultations across North Wiltshire & South Gloucestershire

12/07/2023

I spend so much time working with people and their reactive or aggressive dogs, learning how to help them and work with them, but I also try to show people with NON reactive dogs learn how they can help them too. I truly believe if we work together as a collaborative society of dog lovers we can help every dog live their best life. Here are some things I try to teach every human and dog team, and I’ve actually found these are good preventative tools too.

1. Stop letting your dog have on leash greetings with other dogs. Even if they are friendly. Teach your dog when they are on leash you are the best thing they can focus on! This will minimize their conditioned excitement every time they see another dog and help them not pull, lunge or move towards a reactive dog who doesn’t want an interaction. Also, the more you do let your dog meet dogs on leash, the more frustrated and aroused your dog can get when they see them and then reactivity can develop. NO leash greetings all around is a much healthier way to teach your dog(s) that the world out there is great but you’re even better to focus on!

2. Silence your dogs tags. I started doing this a few years ago when we started camping. I realized that the jingling of my dogs tags walking was a huge trigger for many of the dogs in their campsite, and as a result, they would bark and scream profanity at my dogs walking. This made their walk stressful too. By minimizing the noise, I’ve greatly improved my dogs walks and I know I’ve also helped a lot of reactive dogs not get triggered for the umpteenth time that day.

3. Work on a bombproof recall. And then work on it some more. And then some more.

4. Only let your dog off leash in places that are allowed. Even if you think no one is there. Even if it’s just for a second. Just. Don’t. Do it. It’s not fair and it sets so many dogs and humans up to fail. Want a place to let your dog run? Look at Sniffspot.com

5. Respect muzzles, give me space vests, and people saying “no” It is super hard to take a reactive dog out in public and have confidence. The more we give space and respect the better these teams will do! Don’t make judgements or stare or insist on saying hello because you hope to be the exception. Just tell them they are doing a great job and keep going.

6. Don’t let your dog stare. This is a BIG one we work on in all our classes. We teach humans how to position their dogs so they don’t stare at other dogs. I work hard on teaching my dogs to not stare at other dogs on leash and you can too. This is more subtle than not leash greeting but it can be just as helpful. Teach your dog to acknowledge there’s a dog there, but then move on, or turn around and not face them. For many reactive dogs there is nothing more triggering than a goofy adolescent dog staring at them across the road. I swear they scream back “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!”

7. Confine and safely manage your dog in the car. Dogs hanging out of windows, barking and lunging in the backseat, or moving back and forth in the car are problematic because 1. It’s not safe and 2. It’s teaching THEM terrible behavior and 3. It’s very stressful for reactive dogs trying to walk down the road. My dogs are crated in the car; or tethered or use a calming cap to reduce their own stress and the stress of dogs that may walk past.

8. Offer to help. Ask the person what you can do to make it easier or help them? More space? Or moving back and forth? Or just continuing on your way. Some people struggle to find others with NON reactive dogs to practice with, so having help makes a big difference. Speak up if you see someone putting them down. Warn someone with an off leash dog that there’s a dog there that needs space. Help them the same at YOU would like it if it was you and your dog.

Reactive dogs are not broken: and they aren’t abnormal either. Reactivity honestly is now becoming more normal than NON reactive dogs, so we have to all work through this together. And it boils down to respect, understanding, courtesy and lots of reward based training.

We can do it gang.

-Helen St. Pierre

21/06/2023

06/05/2023

We are excited to let you know that our Junior training classes are back! We are offering a 3 week course, every other Friday morning at Didmarton Playing field with Becky.
The first block of 3 starts on May 12th - see here for further details https://positivelydogs.co.uk/junior-classes the class is aimed at adolescents and teaching general lifeskills with a regular emphasis on re-call and lead work.

Adolescent dogs typically lack self-control, reliability and an ability to contain their excitement. This class aims to help re-enforce basic skills by teaching reliable ‘acceptable’ behaviours instead of inappropriate ones in order to earn rewards. 

16/01/2023

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equine-and-canine-behaviour-an-insight-into-your-companions-minds-tickets-505329794017?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

28/12/2022

11/08/2022

I see so many owners get this backwards. Shooting for “happy” as the primary goal, rather than “good”. Nothing wrong with happy, of course, but it’s a terrible place to start when working with dogs.

If a happy dog is your overriding, all-consuming priority from the start, you’re going to have a lot of problems.

Fearful, bratty, entitled, possessive, disrespectful, dog or human aggressive, or just plain disobedient dogs need different initial priorities.

You don’t solve problem behaviors by making dogs happy or loving them better, you solve them by addressing them. And that addressing might create a period of discomfort, uncertainty, adjustment, overwhelm...even being bummed out. (Having to toe the line when you’ve danced all around the line can be a bummer at first.)

Dogs who are transitioning from one space to another might not look perfect, they might not be ecstatic. But the important word here is transitioning. They’re changing. Change isn’t always easy, and doesn’t always create happiness out of the gate. In fact, it rarely does.

Yet I continue to see countless owners and trainers viewing happy dogs as the all-consuming priority. As if somehow happy dogs magically equaled good dogs. (Just view a dog park full of happy dogs bullying and brawling, or happy dogs jumping on guests, or happy dogs happily running away from their owners to chase squirrels or other dogs at the park.)

Happiness will come, but it needs to be put in its proper place priority wise. Get the good dog - a well-behaved, polite, obedient, safe dog - first, then the joy and freedom and comfort will naturally come.

If you only focus on having a happy dog, you’ll likely never have a good one.

09/08/2022

05/07/2022

Make sure you pick the right car for you and your family 😉 feel free to share :)

25/06/2022

The pressure on dog professionals to have ‘perfect’ dogs is often huge. People in the wider community may automatically think ‘well they work with dogs so their dogs should behave.’

https://www.canineprinciples.com/blog/social-pressures-canine-professionals

08/06/2022

BE AWARE ⭐ READ & SHARE ⭐ RAISE AWARENESS

If you FIND a Dog you MUST REPORT it to your Local Authority / Dog Warden ‼️ IT'S THE LAW https://www.gov.uk/report-stray-dog

In Scotland you MUST ALSO inform your local Police Station

DogLost Website https://www.doglost.co.uk/

30/05/2022

Some dogs may be incredibly extroverted and love playing with new dogs. But for the most part, it can be a lot of work and potentially stressful to figure out the play style of each new dog, and many dogs are happier making specific friends and sticking with them. A great option to consider is forming a playgroup for your dog, or carefully evaluating a doggy daycare.

18/02/2022

All classes and training sessions today are cancelled due to the severe weather warnings. Stay safe x

16/02/2022

Our latest Junior Puppy Class dates have just been released - Book now to reserve your place.

https://positivelydogs.co.uk/bookings/ola/services/3-week-junior-class-starting-1st-march

09/01/2022

Join us in February for an introduction into the world of gun dog training.
Numbers are limited. Book your place now!

https://positivelydogs.co.uk/bookings/ola/services/fun-gundog-workshop-12th-february

08/01/2022

Join our next 6 week puppy class, starting 18th January.

https://positivelydogs.co.uk/bookings/ola/services/6-week-puppy-class-starting-18th-jan

29/12/2021

Proudly presenting our new look website positivelydogs.co.uk. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Positively Dogs is run by Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist Jenny Baxter, providing expert behavioural advice and problem prevention.

22/12/2021

To accompany the Fear In Dogs series I'm doing on my blog, today I'm releasing this helpful infographic: 5 Ways Fear Is Acquired In Dogs. Download your copy here: http://rescuedbytraining.com/fear-in-dogs-infographic/

and read the blog series here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/tag/fear-in-dogs-series/

13/12/2021

People reactive dogs are not the easiest of pets to own, and require lots of dedication, understanding and patience when it comes to their management as well as rehabilitation. With many hours of gradual desensitization and counterconditioning. These dogs can be rehabilitated and can start trusting and accepting people. They might never turn into social butterflies but with enough work these dogs can live a nearly normal life, hopefully free from stress and fear.
What a people reactive dog needs most is understanding from other people that they do not want to be touched, approached, spoken to, leaned over or even stared at for too long. They are not vicious when they bark and or growl – they are scared and simply trying to communicate to strangers to KEEP AWAY. Even those people who are normally loved by dogs or are good with dogs and have tons of experience with them can end up being barked at by a people reactive dog – for those dogs absolutely everyone is a threat until they can be convinced that isn’t the case.
So if you come across a people reactive dog – whether you’re on your own or walking your dog – don’t stop to have a chat with the owner, don’t assume the dog will like you, don’t try to make friends, PLEASE give the dog and owner that all important space. Please if you really love dogs, especially if you see a dog wearing yellow - ignore them.

Your understanding will make their day.

Written by Sarah Jones My Anxious Dog UK owner of a people reactive dog

25/11/2021

This a topic I have been discussing a lot with clients recently. There are definite consequences to early neutering both physical, behavioural and physiological. If not well prepared in advance with good de-sensitisation and body handling techniques, the day of the procedure itself can leave lasting trauma on some dogs. Leaving owners struggling with grooming and equipment problems.

“These two boys are from the same parents, boy on the left was paediatric neutered and the other has stayed intact. As you can see, the development the right pup has compared to the left is undeniable, from his skull width, to his chest and shoulders.
This is the development pups will lose out on when desexing before full maturity.”
Credit - Bunny French.
You can view the full article here https://www.facebook.com/100000652508503/posts/4829274297104273/?d=n

31/10/2021

23/10/2021

Pet Gundog workshops - for fun!

A great introduction for complete beginners looking to learn more about gundog training. Two dates; 13th November and 11th December will take place in our fantastic training grounds in Malmesbury.

The course will introduce the core exercises including; heel work, sit-stay, recall, retrieving and handler training. All breeds welcome although an interest in retrieving is desirable.

Venue:
Malmesbury (Address to be sent on booking)

Course costs:
£45 per handler/dog

Minimum numbers apply.

Sessions will be run by Professional Behaviourists and Trainers; Jenny Baxter and Ali Scott.

The course is designed for beginners with the ability to progress onto 1-1 training with professional gundog trainer, Jill Gardner of Foxcote Gundogs. Jill can help those wishing to further their training for fun, or for those who would like to work their dogs or compete in working tests. If you already have suitable experience and are looking for 1-1 training, please email Jill directly [email protected]

We are all VERY passionate about bringing more positive and ethical methods into gundog training, and you will therefore be taught using science based methods, to reinforce the desirable behaviours that your dog offers. The training will therefore be reward - based and fun with all exercises taught using food, games and toys.

To book a place please email: [email protected]

23/10/2021

Puppy Classes - new course dates;
2nd November 5.30pm
30th November 6.30pm

We use positive reward based methods and focus on teaching basic foundation skills, these include simple lead work, coming back when called, manners and social skills and of course being handled. Everything that you learn will be geared towards helping your dog become a more confident member of society and help prevent problems in the future.
APDT www.apdt.co.uk accredited
6 weeks course
Small class numbers, £95 per puppy
Tuesday evenings or Friday mornings
For more information or to book, please email [email protected]

Association of Pet Dog Trainers is an organisation that helps improve UK dog owners and the welfare of their pets by promoting training skills and education.

11/10/2021

Of course I see how long his nails are. I absolutely recognize that his ears need to be cleaned. But that isn’t the priority. Safety is everything right now. Feeling secure, feeling protected and building a relationship with these strangers is what he needs more than a nail trim.

So often with dogs we try to immediately do things or rush things that truly mean nothing in the long run, just for our own satisfaction, OR because we think that’s what caring for the animal means. The reality is that Arrows nails have been this long for a long time, clearly, but he’s only known me really for 3 days. What is more important to me right now? The satisfaction of seeing him with shorter nails, or the trust I’m trying to build with him? See what I’m saying?

Sloooooow down with your dogs. Take your time and give them room to process, breathe and be a part of the steps with you. There is no need to rush if it’s not an emergency. I will get to his nails, after I’ve gotten to his heart.