Heart Hounds

19/07/2024

THE IMPACT!

We use emotions to describe situations and experiences.

" What a great day Jonny seemed so happy"
" Why does Zeta seem so angry all the time"

Using descriptive emotions is very normal.for us but what about when it comes to dogs.

When it comes to dogs because communication does not occur through a tangible language we act as interpreters.

But, are we interpreting correctly and if not what are the consequences?

Have we acquired all the pieces of information or are we missing pieces?

We often describe the explosive behaviour and miss the build up or the quieter parts of the conversations.

There are some amazing Body Language courses available, but the LEARNING TO LISTEN SESSION is truely different.

No labels, no jargon, just a great way to learn how to gather as many pieces of the puzzle as possible, and it's an interactive session with audience participation ( if comfortable too).

Sessions are run regularly but as it's hot, hot ,hot, and many people won't be out with their dogs why not come join us tonight at 6.30pm

Tickets are £25
Session is an hour
Certificates available for attendees

To book your place visit our EVENTS PAGE www.speakdog.co.uk

27/06/2024

Such a shame such outdated advice is still so common. Stay critical and stay safe! Just because advice is coming from a news platform, TV show or someone popular, it does not guarantee it's ethical. If training advice sounds unkind or is done with force, it is probably neither safe, nor long-term effective!

Dog Parents,

Did you catch that talk on BBC Breakfast recently about dog behaviour? They had a guest who said dogs should always be "at the bottom of the pack" in the family.

People often use words like 'top dog' and 'alpha' to talk about their dog or puppy. But this idea can lead people to use training methods that aren't good for dogs at all.

Some people think punishing a dog makes it behave better. But actually, this will have a terrible effect on your dog's well-being.

Some people advocate for what's known as 'balanced training.' While it may sound neutral, it includes old and outdated techniques that will scare and hurt your dog.

Also, remember, anyone can say they're a 'trainer,' 'behaviour expert,' or a 'behaviourist' for dogs, even without proper qualifications.

Make sure to listen to someone who really knows their stuff, who is qualified and accredited, and who uses force-free, positive, reward-based methods that are safe and proven to work.

Every dog trainer or behaviourist you will find listed on Yappily is qualified, and uses kind and ethical methods. You can check them out here 👉 www.yappily.co.uk

24/05/2024

Dog Guardians,

A survey by the RCVS showed that 82% of dog owners have used aversive methods. What's more, 72% still think dominance training works, even though it's clear it doesn't, given the increasing number of dogs with behaviour problems!

This NEEDS to change.

Some people think punishing a dog makes it behave better. But actually, this will have a terrible effect on your dog's well-being.

Some people advocate for what's known as 'balanced training.' While it may sound neutral, it includes old and outdated techniques that will scare and hurt your dog.

Also, remember, anyone can say they're a 'trainer,' 'behaviour expert,' or a 'behaviourist' for dogs, even without proper qualifications.

Make sure to listen to someone who really knows their stuff, who is qualified and accredited, and who uses force-free, positive, reward-based methods that are safe and proven to work.

Every dog trainer or behaviourist you will find listed on Yappily is qualified and uses kind and ethical methods. You can check them out here 👇

www.yappily.co.uk

Source: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/facilities-and-resources/animal-welfare-science-and-ethics/news/the-pawfect-storm-study-finds-high-levels-of-problem-behaviours-and-use-of-aversive-training-methods-in-pandemic-puppies

03/04/2024

👏 do not 👏 accept 👏 no answers
There is loads of support for finding out "what's wrong" - it just takes a little while to find it sometimes. Being dismissed by one professional when you know something is "not right" doesn't have to be the end of the story.

Unsure on what to do next?

WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED IT WETHER ITS A FRIEND OR A CLIENT.

You have taken your dog to the vet as you can see something isn’t quite right, maybe its a skip of one or both hind limbs or a funny gait or maybe its lameness of a forelimb. The Vet then checks the dog over and says “its normal for ***insert breed here***” or “dogs slow down when they get old and its common for them to limp”, and thats where the conversation ends and you walk away feeling that there must be something more you can do for your dog!

Many people do not realise they can ask for a referral to a specialist vet, for further investigations or a referral to a therapist for ongoing support, many people aren’t aware they can ask for an analgesic trial (pain meds) to help their dog feel more comfortable.

Many people do not realise they can go somewhere else for a second or third opinion, be it at the same or a totally different practice.

It’s time to ask for more!

• More time

• More investigations

• More information

• MORE SUPPORT (however that looks)

There is always MORE that can be done. It’s not normal for a dog to limp, no matter the age. It’s not normal for small dogs to skip, no matter the breed.

Things that can be looked that can help are;

• Diet - reducing processed foods helps to reduce inflammation

• Lifestyle & home environment evaluation

• Exercise overhaul

• Supplements - joints

• Pain meds

• Diagnostic imaging - Xrays, CT, MRI

• Blood, urine, faecal testing

• Surgery - when needed

• Supportive therapies - Physio, Hydro, Massage, Acupuncture (and so many more)

If you or your client aren’t being listened to then go somewhere thats going to hear you and don’t feel bad about doing so!

Believe me, your dog will thank you for it.

25/03/2024

16/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/D8DcSakkZVQDziHK/

Welfare & wellbeing over obedience. Always.

🐾

08/03/2024

Understanding a dog’s subtle body language and communication, and giving them space when needed, is essential for building trust and building their confidence in the grooming process long term. Even if a dog is unlikely to snap or bite, they still deserve to feel comfortable with what’s happening to them.

Gorgeous Beau can be nervous about grooming and handling, and he shows this by avoiding contact, sitting behind his mum or behind the chair in the corner, just watching. Working on the floor, Beau will take himself off to the corner for a minute sometimes, then come back when he’s ready to start again. I’m pretty sure we could just go into Beau’s hiding place and lift him onto the table without being bitten, but that doesn’t mean we should!

While we might be able to physically handle a dog without being bitten, the stress from forced grooming can escalate over time, leading to increased anxiety. This can negatively impact the dog's overall behaviour, extending to areas such as vet visits, car travel and general handling, over time creating a ripple effect of discomfort and unease.

Luckily for Beau, his family put his experience first every time, and through working this way to gain his trust we are now able to keep his coat manageable and comfortable 💙

10/02/2024

Many clients will have heard me talk about Dynamic Dog Practioners/Assessments for assessing medical/pain-related causes of behaviour. This is an excellent read, with case studies, demonstrating the need to really dive deep into the possibility of pain. We also see that often times a concern about pain is dismissed by initial vet opinions, likely due to dogs masking chronic pain, pain scales being developed with more-obvious acute pain in mind and the short duration of consultations. Having to push for tests/imaging, or getting second/third/fourth opinions can help with finding answers. Once an issue has been indentified, your pet's medical team (vet/physio/hydro/massage therapist) can treat and manage the pain. A behaviour plan will be limited in success if underlying pain is preventing progress. Chronic pain is more likely to present as behavioural change, than acute pain e.g. a broken leg.

https://edinburghholisticdogs.co.uk/pain-and-behaviour-why-a-15-minute-vet-check-is-not-enough/?fbclid=IwAR09bNO1zPSh0ZLzGd2Vc6VEzTD74_8RP8N913N1g_MrqwkJabHe6Aw9XYs

At the moment a Vet telling an owner their dog is physically fine after less than 15 minutes, it's a behaviour problem is nothing more than a false sense of security. It delays finding out about any potential pain or discomfort until the condition has severely progressed. ‘It is almost impossible ...

08/10/2023

An excellent post by Speak Dog. Your dog is an *individual* of their breed/breed mix. They may share some, none or all of the stereotypical behavioural traits of the breed. Hence, it is misled to rely on a certain temperament, because you brought home a particular breed. Being aware of breed is very important, but keep sight of the fact that your dog is a wonderful, unique individual - who guarntees/owes none of their typical breed traits.

The Individual

We often have this very simplistic view when we welcome a puppy into our home that we can mould them into being the dog we want them to be.

We believe that love and good intentions will conquer all and whilst this is a very good place to begin part of the journey, it is NOT the start.

Your puppy is beginning their journey the moment they are conceived, the parents temperament, health, environment, experiences and care all play a HUGE roles in your unborn puppies genetic makeup.

I bred a litter ( mum and son in the picture below). I kept the whole litter and they are now 4 years old.

I have mum, dad, aunty and 4 siblings, all get on and act like any other family unit, and what a pleasure amd honour it is to share my life with them, and them never having to leave their family unit and home.

However.....despite all being raised the same and never leaving, they are all VERY DIFFERENT

They all have very different coping skills, likes and dislikes, how much contact they like, how they process the world and various situations.

Breed types can give us a standard phenotype and possible enhanced traits but never loose sight of the fact that your dog is an individual.

My love for my dogs is not demonstrated by them fitting into my expectations that they can't cope with. My love for my dogs is about adjusting my expectations when needed to ensure THEY CAN COPE.

What one dog enjoys another might not, what works with one dog might not work for another.

A good professional learns and works with the dog infront if them to get the best version of that individual dog ❤️

15/05/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100064394362967/posts/619527953537011/?sfnsn=scwspmo

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO's) concerning dog related offences within Salford are now under consultation. If you would like to have you say, please ensure you complete the questionnaire at the bottom of the link below
https://www.salford.gov.uk/crime-reduction-and-emergencies/anti-social-behaviour/public-spaces-protection-orders/consultation-for-dog-control-pspo/

28/04/2023

Let's hope the government delivers on this 🤞

🎉 We’re delighted that the Government has announced a ban on Electric Shock Collars in England, which will come into force in February 2024! 🙌👏

A survey carried out for our report found that 88% of dog owners agreed that training shouldn’t frighten, worry or hurt dogs!

This is something we’ve been campaigning on for many years, and this comes as fantastic news for animal welfare 💙

20/11/2022

Updates to the importance of and changes to the industy's evolving self-regulation

28/09/2022

Image description: A husky smells a small orange object.

Text reads: Olfactory neurons are present in the gut as well as the nose. Olfactory receptors were originally thought only to be in the sensory nerve cells (neurons) of nasal cavity tissues. However, research has shown that they are found throughout the body, especially in the gut. It now appears that olfactory neurons are substantially more functionally important than previously thought.

Findings like these help us to understand the connection between olfaction and other bodily functions.

25/09/2022

Observation before interpretation!!

There are so many amazing human canine relationships/partnerships all over the world.

The most favoured companion animal is a dog and yet although they feature in human lives so heavily they are so very often misunderstood or not even heard.

Very often this is totally uninetional as most caregivers want to provide the best life possible to their canine companions.

It is however imperative that in order to open up those lines of communication we learn how to listen with our eyes.

What we need to learn is HOW TO OBSERVE!

Being able to take down the information our dogs are giving without muddying the message is a skill anyone can learn, we just need to see the value in learning it.

How would you feel if you lived a life never being heard or listened too?

The upset, the frustration, the anger, the sadness that would likely cause a human is undeniable....yet this is something our wonderful dogs face daily.

Yet, because our dogs are so forgiving of us, we just don't see the struggles and frustrations our dogs face as easily.

The puppy that sits down outside on walks that is labelled stubborn is very often a puppy overwhelmed and trying to process information.

The dog that barks and lunges and is labelled aggressive or naughty is a dog that is actually in pain.

The dog that shreds its bed and toys that seems funny and somewhat annoying is a dog that is frustrated.

The dog that junps up that just need to be "taught some manners" is actually a dog that is very anxious and seeking reassurance.

Labelling behaviours incorrectly can be so detrimental yet we just don't see the value in taking just a little time to educate ourselves.

You don't need to be an expert, you don't need all the heavy duty jargon, you already have the skill, you just dont know it yet and, its just needs an opportunity to shine.

Watch this space for more info coming soon.

17/09/2022

The Resilience Rainbow 🌈

Resilience is the ability to adapt successfully to, or recover quickly from, stressful events, situations and conditions. Resilience relies on effective responses to environmental change, and resistance to the negative effects of stress, therefore a thorough understanding of the factors which influence these mechanisms is fundamental to raising and living with our dogs and other companion animals.

Whether a professional in the behavior field or a competitor of dog sports, we must consider resilience when creating training programs or addressing behavior issues. Most dogs around the world no longer live quietly by the fireside, roaming open spaces, without restrictions; and as society continues to change, our cities get busier and our lives more hectic, it's not only humans that benefit greatly from an ability to adjust and adapt.

Stress and trauma can have a substantial impact on brain function and structure, and can result in the development of behavioral abnormalities. But not all animals exposed to stressful events develop behavioral abnormalities, and those animals that don’t are said to be resilient. So what is different about the way the brains of those animals function, and how can we as carers influence brain function to improve resilience in animals. An understanding of resilience mechanisms is therefore at the heart of being able to effectively influence behavior.

Resilience Conditioning is not separate from behavior modification, but rather, should be part of every training program and behavior modification plan. Based on the human literature, we have come up with a program to support dogs. We are calling it The Resilience Rainbow.

Why did we choose a rainbow to illustrate this concept? Because it’s colorful and tends to elicit a smile when seen in the sky. We hope that training could feel like that for every person and their dog. 🌈

Also, there are 7 domains that we have identified based on the research done on resilience for humans, like 7 primary colors in a rainbow.

The Resilience Rainbow has 7 domains for resilience conditioning. Within each domain are exercises, games, and concepts to support the program. There isn’t a particular order, but rather, each domain is occurring simultaneously, just like each color of a rainbow.

Mental & Physical Well-being
Agency
Social Support
Safety & Security
Completing the Stress Cycle
Decompression
Predictability

We will be sharing more about this program over the next several weeks. Stay tuned!

02/08/2022

TFGMs survey collecting public opinion about the dogs on trams trial 🐕🚡

https://surveys.tfgm.com/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=165825030394

22/07/2022

If you want to meet me in-person to discover more about my services, I will be attending the funday at Green Grosvenor Park (Salford) next Saturday :) https://www.facebook.com/groups/greengrosvenorpark/?ref=share

21/07/2022

The Metrolink Tram dog trial is next month! Let's hope owners use this privilage responsibly, so that we get to keep pet dogs on trams for the foreseeable 🚋🐕‍🦺🐕🐩

https://propermanchester.com/news/metrolink-will-let-dogs-on-trams-for-the-first-time-ever-next-month/

Good idea?