✨2025 is here✨
Happy New Year ! My Christmas break has officially come to the end and after a well needed break I’m ready to get back to what I love, helping people and their dogs.
One thing that I won’t be changing this New Year is advocating for ethical training standards.
Aversive techniques have no place in any training or behavioural scenario with any animal of any shape or size.
These techniques do not address the true emotions driving behaviour and instead only suppresses and distresses often leading to alternative undesirable behaviours being rehearsed in their place or as a coping mechanism. They have been proven to cause both short and long term physical and emotional damage with physical punishment being linked to an increased likelihood of aggressive behaviours, anxiety, fear and stress.
I’ll never promote the use of aversive techniques, quick fixes, tools or advise you to inflict physical or emotional pain, fear or discomfort on your dog.
It’s a new year, let’s support our dogs well-being by making 2025 the year we leave these already outdated techniques in the past.
#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #dancingthroughlife #caninewelfare #caninebehaviour
💫Don’t expect Christmas miracles 💫
This time of year can be very overwhelming for our dogs especially if they already struggle around unfamiliar visitors to the home.
It’s unrealistic to expect our dogs to cope and not express their true emotions just because it’s Christmas.
Even dogs that have never shown any worries around visitors can find the sudden change to routine and amount of people coming into the home very stressful resulting in them using their behaviour to communicate these emotions.
Here are a few ways to help keep everyone safe, set them up for success and reduce the impact of Christmas:
✨Start building their relationship with guests gradually outside the home working at their pace.
✨Set up a quiet room within the home that they can retreat to.
✨Have your dogs secured in an entirely different room that guests aren’t able to access.
✨Don’t force your dogs to interact, using food to lure interactions can lead to them feeling conflicted and uncomfortable.
✨Don’t be afraid to set your ground rules and advocate for their specific needs; this includes potential allergies or intolerances.
✨Make use of management, leads, muzzles, baby gates or pens.
✨Supervision, have a someone assigned to dog security for the day who is actively supervising them and making sure they don’t become overwhelmed and are feeling safe.
If you’d like to chat through how to set your dog up for success this Christmas drop me an email to book in.
📧 [email protected]
#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagra
💫Seasonal Anxiety In Dogs 💫. You may notice your dogs behaviour change this time of year. Some dogs can really struggle with the seasonal change as the evenings start to get darker they are an indicator of a difficult time of year approaching. The winter brings with it occasions which require routine change as well as unfamiliar stressor that may increase anxiety: 🍂 Firework night 🍂 Halloween 🍂Christmas 🍂New Years Eve 🍂Change to Exercise. 🍂Walking in lower light. Decreased exposure to sun light can have a hormonal impact on the production of Serotonin and Dopamine. Just like us humans our dogs may be affected by the change in seasons, experiencing seasonal affective disorder with similar symptoms to humans. A study by the PDSA found that one-third of dog owners notice the signs of depression in their dogs during the winter months. Sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour should alway be investigated. Behavioural changes in the winter can also be an indicator of increased level of pain or discomfort. Have you noticed your dog’s behaviour change in the winter? #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #seasonalanxiety #seasinalaffectivedisorder
🌈Grief is the love they left behind 🌈
This time last week was his last full healthy day...
I’ve experienced a lot of different losses professionally. I’ve felt the pain and anger of unnecessary euthanasia, the emotional toll of behavioural euthanasia. I’ve felt the relief of medical euthanasia and the devastation of sudden deteriorations of health.
From the smallest animals to the largest animals.
I’ve lost family animals, my own animals and family members but losing him is different.
This grief is all consuming.
Dogs don’t get enough time on this earth but their impact is unmatched.
Remember to love them unapologetically, embrace their quirks and soak up their individuality.
You never know when that last day will come, so make each moment count
If you are going through the loss of a pet remember your feelings are valid. If you need a little extra support, that’s okay.
@the_blue_cross offer a Pet Loss Support Line open 8:30am - 8:30pm:
☎️ 0800 096 6606
#dogtrainer #dogtraineruk #dogtrainersofinstagram #petbereavement #petloss #petlosssupport #rainbowbridge #forcefreetraining #forcefreedogtraining #euthanasia #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #rescuedogsofinstagram #romanianrescuedog #rescuedogsofig #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs
✨Keep them warm ✨As we move into the colder seasons it’s really important that we keep our dogs warm and dry while on their walks.The cold has a negative impact on your dog’s level of pain and discomfort so keeping them warm by using coats, even if they have double coated fur, will help to reduce joint pain.This is especially important for any dogs that suffer with already diagnosed muscular skeletal diseases or disorders such as osteoarthritis ( It’s important to remember that arthritis can develop at any age with our dogs so isn’t specifically an older age degenerative joint disease) Using coats to keep them warm reduces inflammation to better support their joints by keeping their core temperature higher and insulate their body.Consent is the key to a healthy relationship. Coats shouldn’t ever be forced on. Instead take the time to built up to wearing the coat using cooperative care training. This allows them choice into placing their body into the item which increase confidence, comfort and eliminates stress. For support with introducing your dog to a coat or any other cooperative care Training contact me today ⬇️ 📧 [email protected]. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #dogbehaviour #dogtraineruk #caninearthritis #oesteoarthritis #arthritisindogs #painmanagement #coldweather #caninearthritismanagement
💫 Comfort your scared dog 💫 The evenings are creeping in and with that brings the dreaded firework season. Fireworks have a massive negative impact on many people and animals every year. It’s extremely likely that your dog will experience elevated levels of stress and anxiety when exposed to the sudden loud noise. When they are in distress it’s completely normal for us to want to offer comfort and reassurance.Unfortunately we are still seeing false information being spread online about the effects of offering comfort to your scared dogs. MYTH: “comforting your scared dog will reinforce their fear”. FACTS: Fear, stress, anxiety are involuntary emotions , these CANNOT be reinforced. Dogs just like us humans do not make a cognitive choice to be in a state of distress.Providing your dog reassurance and comfort allows them security in an extremely stressful scary situation. You aren’t reinforcing the fear but instead create a more secure safe space. ✨Please don’t ignore your scared dog✨. 💊 Remember you still have time to speak with your vet about implementing situational behavioural medication to help reduce the impact. Don’t leave it too late. 💊#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #soundsensitive #soundsensitivedogs #fireworks #dogsandfireworks #soundsensitivity #fireworkseason #anxiousdog
💫They Don’t Need Walking Everyday💫You might have been told that if you’re a dog guardian they need to be walked every single day or maybe even multiple times a day. This is your reminder that that it’s entirely okay to give your dogs a rest day and instead focus on mindfulness activities at home instead. All animals require rest for their emotional and physical well-being. It plays a vital role in the process of learning by boosting the ability to maintain focus and retain information. It also gives the body the opportunity to heal. Walks aren’t enjoyable for all dogs and they can find the experience scary, frustrating, distressing or anxiety inducing. If they’re reactive or struggle, giving them a rest day will allow them a well needed break from this cycle giving them the opportunity to regulate their stress hormones and bring them back down to normal levels. Stress hormones can stay within the body from 24 hours to 72 hours depending on the intensity, consistency and longevity of the exposure. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #restdays #reactivedogproblems #reactivedogs #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogsofinstagram
💫Reasons I use a Long Line with my dog💫Sometimes people question why as a Dog Trainer you would use a long line as this must decrease your credibility and effectivity as a trainer. One of my dogs is more often than not walked on a long line now. He is in his silver fox era developing a few degenerative diseases and age related health conditions which impact the safety of him being off lead. He has decreased vision, decreased hearing and Osteoarthritis in his hips and other joints. We keep him mobile with low-impact walks and provide medication to manage his pain, the long line means he can still enjoy his walks without the risk of over doing it. Dogs may be kept on lead for many reasons: ✨Struggle around other dogs or people ✨Recovering from surgery ✨Be unwell ✨Elderly. ✨Puppies ✨Be on restricted exercise ✨Undergoing training ✨Be in season ✨The Law Remember if you see a dog on lead be respectful and responsible. Simply clipping your dog back on a lead can make such a difference to the other dog and their guardian. Not every dog is in a position to interact with every dog they see, nor should they have to be. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #osteoarthritis #arthritis #geriatricdog #olddogsofinstagram
💫 Happy International Dog Day 💫Today is dedicated to celebrating our dogs for everything that makes them special, unique and beautiful. They’re on this earth for a very tiny fraction of time, remember to love them unapologetically. ✨No matter their breed✨No matter their size ✨No matter their life stage ✨No matter their specific needsWe respect and appreciate them all for who they are 🫶🏼#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #internationaldogday #internationaldogday2024
✨Comfort is key✨When working with dogs that display reactive behaviours it’s important to remember that the end goal shouldn’t be for them to have multiple people or dog friends. It’s completely unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a dog with a history of experiencing big feelings towards other dogs or unfamiliar people to enjoying playing or interacting with every single previous trigger they may encounter.Instead we want them to see their triggers as neutral and for them to work towards feeling comfortable, content and safe in their presence. If you need support with your dogs reactivity get in touch today 🫶🏼 📧[email protected] #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtrainer #reactivedog #reactivedogs #reactivedogsofinstagram #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogsuk
✋🏻Myth Busting-“Let them sniff you” ✋🏻Historically people, especially children, have been taught to approach dogs hand first to allow them to collect their scent…often leading to a bite. This information is outdated and dangerous. Forcing your hand into their space is quite simply rude and disrespectful. Even if a dog has made the choice to move into your space that does not give us the right to attempt to touch them. Having a hand shoved into their face is extremely conflicting, high pressure, confusing, confrontational and a complete invasion of their personal space. Dogs have 300 million scent receptors. They have the ability to smell Cancer, Covid, Diabetes, Money, chemical & hormonal changes in the body, If they wanted to collect your scent they’d already of smelt you from miles away.✨Keep your hands to yourself✨#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk
💫Apple AirTag 💫Recently online and in person I’ve seen a rise in people wanting to utilise their Apple AirTags to train their dogs recall. So what’s the issue? The big thing to remember here is just because something is paired with delivery of positive reinforcement that doesn’t remove the other factors in play. Using an Apple AirTag for recall works under the same principles as an ultrasonic noise/ anti bark collar or E-collars. Negative reinforcement - The dog is continuously exposed an unpleasant stimulus (noise) until they perform the wanted behaviour of returning to their guardian. Simple: Stopping something bad to increase a behaviour. When recall is trained with a traditional auditory cue, for example a whistle, there is always one very important factor - The dog always has the choice to return to that cue. They are making the choice to actively move towards that sound due to a history of positive reinforcement and an understanding that the sound = good things are happening. This is positive reinforcement, no unpleasant emotions are present. By attaching a high pitched, irregular sound onto their body any form of choice or control in their actions is removed. When the signal is sounded the dog will have to actively seek out their guardian with no idea of which direction to move towards. As the signal is being transmitted on their collar they are trapped with that sound until they locate their guardian. They will experience feelings of confusion, distress, anxiety, frustration and panic. The dog is returning to their guardian in an attempt to stop the high pitch signal.✨There is a reason repetitive unwanted noises are used as a form of torture✨. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthma
