✨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 This information is outdated and dangerous.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
💫Collar and ID 💫Did you know even with microchips being mandatory in the UK that under the Control of Dogs Order 1992 all dogs must wear a collar with ID while on a highway or in a public place ?The ID must clearly state: ✨ The guardians name. ✨ The guardians address with a minimum of house number and postcode. A contact number isn’t required by law but it’s important information to have on their ID so always advisable Fines of up to £5000 can be imposed if they are not wearing a collar and an ID tag while in public.This doesn’t mean your dog has to be walked on a collar but needs to be wearing one with ID while in public. Harnesses can be warn with a collar holding ID. Did you know about this?#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #doglaw #doglawuk #ukdogsofinsta
✨What Force Free means to me✨Force free training is a choice and for me it’s a simple one. It’s about following your moral compass and refusing to use methods which are proven to cause harm. Taking pride in having strong ethical standards and empathy, not letting organisations or individuals lower those standards. Having the confidence to remove yourself from any organisations who’s values may not line up with your own. Force Free trainers listen to research and evidence based information. We decide, in this unregulated industry, to keep learning so we can provide the most up to date, science based, welfare focused method. To be supportive of dog’s physical and emotional well-being, working with them not against them to maintain strong bonds and relationship. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk
💫The future is force free💫What does force free mean ? Being force free isn’t as simple as not using tools in training or only using treats, it’s about having a strong ethical standing, understanding a dog’s autonomy and supporting their emotional and physical welfare. Force free trainers aim to constantly learn in this ever changing industry following the most up to date scientific evidence in their training to provide the most welfare focused approach. Just because a trainer isn’t openly using an E collar, choke chain or a prong doesn’t mean they are force free. Pressure can come in all different forms in animal training. Putting a dog in a situation you know they’ll struggle, having reactive dogs walk alongside another dog until they “bark it out”, slip leads, head collars, although not as noticeable or obvious with their ability to cause discomfort, anxiety, stress or fear they are still very much aversive techniques. If a trainer is marketing themselves as force free make sure you do your research and question their techniques. Their actions speak louder than their words. ✨Being Force Free is more than just a hashtag✨ #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk
❌Holes in the fence ❌This week while out with a reactivity client I was greeted by a large dog’s head poking through the fence onto the public footpath. This resulted in both dogs reacting, thankfully the dog I was with has made significant progress with their training and was able to be moved away and able to recover quickly. This hole had clearly been made on purpose to allow the dog to look through into the footpath. For some dogs having the opportunity to view their surroundings and collect information can be great enrichment but this is very much down to the individual and can be extremely frustrating or stressful for others. If vantage points are provided this needs to be done safely in an area that doesn’t compromise public safety or the safety of their own dog. They should be set away from the pathway and at a distance where a dog can collect information effectively without becoming overly frustrated or distressed. Cutting a hole in your fence is dangerous. It compromises the integrity of the fence meaning this is a huge escape risk. Every dog has the potential to bite, giving your dog access to stick their head through a fence and greet whoever or whatever is passing could easily result in a bite. Not every member of public passing will appreciate having a dog’s head appearing next to them in a tight alleyway. Every person and dog has a right to feel safe ! Is it a good idea to cut a hole in your fence for your dog ? Short answer- ✨no✨ #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #str
💫Celebrate those wins 💫Life as reactive dog guardian can be emotionally draining and exhausting. It’s can be really easy to solely focus on the negatives and these become all consuming. This can make it really difficult to notice any progress in training and devalue the unique characteristics that make our dogs special. It’s important to celebrate your dog’s wins no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. This will help to move into a more positive calmer headspace and boost your motivation.What might feel like the smallest of achievements is a stepping stone towards the end goal. Progress cannot be measured, it isn’t linear. It’s an individual journey and one which needs to be celebrated. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #reactivedogsofinstagram #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogsuk #reactivedogsuccess
💫5 ways to boost dogs confidence with harnessing 💫Many dogs can find close handling quite intimidating, conflicting and uncomfortable. This can lead to dogs becoming avoidant when the harness is presented and potentially escalate to dogs growling, snapping or biting.Below are few ways that we can work with our dogs to boost their confidence with being harnessed: ⭐️Allow them choice Harnessed should never be forced onto the dog. Instead we should adjust their environment to provide areas of choice and listen to any subtle signs of discomfort. This gives them the power to opt in or out of sessions. Allowing them control and autonomy of their own bodies can greatly reduce stress, fear, distress and improve confidence. ⭐️Choose an appropriate harness Some harnesses are designed to cause pressure across the dog’s body as they move causing pinching resulting in dogs being worried and uncomfortable. Y shaped harnesses allow for pressure to be distributed equally over the body giving the dog fluid body movement. Some dogs may be best suited to a harness with 3 or 4 clips to remove the element of placing their head in the harness such as a Truelove, Perfect Fit or Twiggytags ⭐️Introduce slowly Gradually introduce the harness over time using counter conditioning to build a stronger positive association.⭐️Use a consent platformRemove the element of having a human tower over them by introducing a consent platform this might be a raised platform such as the sofa or a mat with you sat on the ground.⭐️Build up head targetingPractice building up targeting into much larger objects then working backwards decreasing the size until reintroducing the harness later. ✨Bonus: Investigate pain ✨If your dog has started suddenly showing discomfort around harnessing this may be an indication that there is a medical factor in play. Speak to your vet about further investigation, a pain trial, or referral for gait analysis #dogtraineruk
✨Ahh Ahh you didn’t say the magic word✨Ahh Ahh isn’t a behaviour ! Some people use Ahh Ahh as their natural response to being presented with an undesirable behaviour but what does this actually mean ? To adult humans Ahh Ahh is normally communicated to eliminate the situation. This could mean stop what you’re doing, you can’t do that, you cant have that, move away, put that back, don’t touch that. For dogs this is very unclear and confusing. We all know dogs cannot speak English but they do have the ability to learn many cues with strong reinforcement history and watching our body language. Ahh Ahh will normally be expressed with strong, sudden, erratic body language and a firm forceful tone of voice. The aim is to stun and eliminate after all. This can be absolutely terrifying for your dog! Ahh Ahh doesn’t allow for functional learning or clear communication of what we as humans would like them to do in that moment. When dogs respond to this it’s because they are scared and worried by their humans behaviour leading to stress response of freezing, displacing or avoiding interactions. Some dogs may even bite, lunge or snap in response. They don’t react because they fully understand what is wanted in this situation they respond out of fear and basic survival of responding to an immediate negative, scary, threatening interaction. 💌 Don’t forget to like and share. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk
💫Reactivity Reminder 💫✨Reactivity isn’t an obedience problem✨. Every emotion, every response, has a physiological effect. The behaviours displayed are simply a symptom of an underlying condition. Dogs aren’t barking, lunging or using aggressive behaviour due to lack of obedience training this is in response to a certain stimulus in the environment causing chemical changes within the brain and nervous system. They could be experiencing:✨Pain✨ Discomfort✨Frustration ✨Anxiety ✨Fear ✨Overwhelm ✨Trauma Just like us humans the canine brain is complex. Dogs experience a wide range of emotions similar to those of humans, this means that sometimes they may struggle with certain situations or experiences. That doesn’t mean they are doing this deliberately to upset their guardians. They are just going through a hard time and need support and guidance to allow them the opportunity to work through their underlying condition, change their emotions, develop alternative behaviours, gain confidence and progress. 💌 Don’t forget to share this post. If you need support with your dogs reactivity get in touch ⬇️. 📧 [email protected] #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #reactivitytraining #reactivedog #reactivedogsunite #reactivedogsuk #reactivedogs #reactivedogsofinstagram
💫Are they comfortable ?💫. Dogs use their bodies as a way to communicate their emotions to those around them. As a guardian or professional having the ability to read their body language and understand subtle stress signals reduces the chances of placing dogs into situations which they may find challenging or simply not enjoy. This creates a safer more respectful environment. Respecting and responding to their behaviour and subtle body language can prevent situations from escalating and reduce the likelihood of a bite incident occurring. This also means lower level communications are more likely to be performed in future. Questioning dog’s emotions in situations isn’t ever a bad thing. It’s important to be aware of their feelings and consider that they may not be comfortable with certain interactions or experiences so we can be proactive in reducing escalation. Of course context is key and looking at the environmental contributors and considering why they may be displaying behaviours allows for better information translation. If you’d like to learn more about your dogs body language get in touch ⬇️📧 [email protected] #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dogtraineruk #caninebodylanguage #bodylanguagematters
💫Enrichment 💫What is enrichment? Enrichment is something that enhances quality of life and encourages natural behaviours by providing species specific opportunities that promote physical and mental stimulation. Does this always mean food ? A lot of focus is placed onto providing food enrichment for our dogs. Providing their meals in new and exciting ways is just one way to enrich their lives. Enrichment should include the choice to access new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures, tactile and social interactions.When it comes to providing enrichment think about what natural behaviours will benefit your dog and what could increase their long term or immediate welfare. These might include:✨Adding different textures, levels and surfaces to your garden or encouraging them to explore these while out on walks.✨ Let them choose the route they walk ✨Planting dog safe herbs and plants✨Collecting animal fur or bedding to sniff ✨Providing different ways to access water✨Interacting with parcels, deliveries, outdoor clothing or shoes to collect new scents ✨Access to view points within the home or outside ✨Rotating toys to prevent them losing their value ✨ Provide self grooming/ rubbing opportunities What’s your favourite none food based enrichment? 🦴Remember animals should always be supervised with enrichment 🦴#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #dogtraineruk #dogenrichment #enrichmentfordogs #canineenrichment
🤚🏼 Hand Feeding 🤚🏼 Hand feeding doesn’t mean providing reinforcement by hand or handing a treat/ chew to your dog instead this is in reference to feeding all meals every day by hand only. You may of heard dog trainers promoting hand feeding as great for increasing bonds, self-control or showing your dominance within the pack… this quite simply isn’t true or accurate !! So why don’t I recommend hand feeding ? Imagine not being able to freely access and consume your meal! Feeding is a natural behaviour which is necessary for sustaining life. All dogs deserve the opportunity to freely consume their meals without the unnecessary pressure of human interaction. Being hand fed every meal, everyday has been linked to feelings of extreme conflict, stress, anxiety and discomfort due to their desire to consume their meal. For some dogs simply being in the same space as a human will make them extremely uncomfortable let alone being given the choice of their meal or space. Alongside the emotional damage hand feeding can cause, it also removes the opportunity to provide dogs with food based enrichment. ✨Dogs aren’t pack animals. Your dog isn’t trying to dominate you or be “the alpha”. Dominance Theory has been disproven for years✨. 💌 Don’t forget to like and share #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #dominancetheoryisdead #handfeeding #dogtraineruk #cambridgeshiredogs
🌞Sudden weather change🌞 Although this sudden taste of warmer weather is lovely it’s important to remember that extreme sudden temperature changes can be extremely dangerous for our dogs, especially elderly, puppies, thick coated breeds, dogs with underline health issues and brachycephalic breeds. Our dogs just like us humans require time to become accustomed to new temperatures and when these temperatures don’t come with a gradual build up chances of heat stroke are increased. The internet is full of conflicting information surrounding how to keep our dogs safe during warmer weather here are a few common internet myths ⬇️⬇️. Myths:🔸 Thicket coated breeds use their coats to keep themselves cool 🔸If a dog is displaying symptoms of heat stoke they should be cooled gradually by applying tepid water with towel to their extremities🔸Dogs shouldn’t have ice cubes or anything frozen. Truth:🔹 I’m sure you’ve all seen posts with thermal imaging cameras claiming that thick fur helps to keep dogs cool. This is because they show the temperature on the outer surface of the coat that is cool but there is heat trapped beneath that cannot escape. Heavier coated breeds find it much more difficult to regulate their body temperature.🔹If a dog is displaying signs of heat stroke the most important thing is to cool the dog reducing their temperature as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of lasting damage or fatality. This can be done through using fans to blow the heat away from the body and dousing their entire body with continuous cool water. 🔹Dogs just like us humans can enjoy a frozen treat in this weather in fact it’s a great way to help keep them cool and provides great food enrichment opportunities in warmer weather. ⚠️ Remember⚠️ NEVER leave your dog unattended in a warm car. If it’s 21 degrees Celsius outside, inside of the
💫Things I’ll NEVER recommend for reactive dogs💫🛑 Hand feeding: All dogs should have the opportunity to freely consume their meals without the pressure of human interaction. Being hand fed every meal can cause feelings of extreme conflict, stress, anxiety and discomfort due to their desire to consume their meal. Feeding is a natural behaviour one which they need to perform to be able to sustain life.🛑 Lead correction: Don’t address the true emotions driving the behaviour. Can cause significant long term physiological and emotional damage.🛑 Flooding: Forcing dogs into situations where their triggers are unavoidable will result in an increase of aggressive behaviour, fear, anxiety and stress. Situational shutdown known as learnt helplessness can appear like progress due to their lack of physical reactivity however this is in fact a survival instinct. 🛑 Aversive tool: Tools work through causing pain and discomfort to the dog in an attempt to eliminate the behaviour leading to significant long term physical and emotional damage. This results in dogs feeling trapped, scared, anxious and unsafe. Pain and discomfort will not address the true emotions driving the behaviour and has been linked to of increased aggressive behaviours.🛑 Eye contact: Eye isn’t the same as disengagement. Disengagement may look like interaction with their environment, freely looking/ moving away or checking in. I do not need eye contact. 🛑 Walk on a lead shorter than 5ft: Short fixed leashes can result in feeling trapped and panicked. Longer leads allow dogs to feel more confident due to having more of an element of freedom over their movements. 🛑Sit or down: These can be extremely difficult to maintain when feeling anxious, scared, in pain or frustrated around a passing trigger. 🛑 Dismiss their physical or emotional needs: I will always support your dogs physical and emotional needs first and foremost If you need support with your reactive dog contact me today:
☀️Take that break☀️ Rest is crucial for both ours and our dog’s emotional, mental and physical well-being.It also plays a vital component in the process of learning by boosting the ability to maintaining focus, reducing cortisol levels in the body and retaining information. Always allow yourselves and your dogs the chance for rest days. It’s okay to take a breaks 🫶🏼. 💌 Don’t forget to share. #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram #wellbeing #caninewellness
🤔Make it make sense🤔#positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementtrainer #forcefree #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #thefutureisforcefree #animaltrainer #givethemchoice #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dogsmentalhealthmatters #anxiousdogs #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #mentalhealthmattersfordogstoo #snackfeedernotpackleader #rescuedogs #rescuedogsofig #reactivedogsaregooddogstoo #stressbehaviour #dogbehaviour #caninecommunication #anxiousdogsofinstagram
