Follow My Lead K9 Academy

17/08/2024

Cat grooming, coming soon 🐈‍⬛ 🐈 🐱 Keep an eye on PAWS Animal Services page for updates

****EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT*****
As from 01 October we can offer Cat Grooming from the comfort of our little salon.

We cannot wait to welcome your furbabies then. ❤️❤️

17/08/2024

Interesting read. Click on the original post if you want to access the links.

DOG BITES AND THE PERILS OF BREED BIAS

In the world of medical literature and public policy, the conversation around dog bites is clouded by biases that unfairly target specific breeds. The insightful paper, "Defaming Rover: Error-Based Latent Rhetoric in the Medical Literature on Dog Bites," by Arluke et al, ( link in comments) uncovers how certain breeds, like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls, are often labelled as more aggressive. This generalisation, however, lacks solid evidence and contributes to widespread breed-based stigmatisation.
Studies frequently cite breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, Poodles, and especially Pit Bulls as being responsible for dog bites. Yet, the term "pit bull" is ambiguous, often encompassing a variety of breeds and mixed breeds, which further complicates the narrative. The undue focus on these breeds fosters misconceptions among the public and professionals alike, influencing attitudes toward dog behaviour and shaping policies that aim to curb dog bites.
This skewed perspective has significant real-world consequences. Take the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, for instance—originally introduced to reduce dog attacks by banning specific breeds. However, a report by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, "Dog Bites: What’s Breed Got to Do with It?" argues that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is fundamentally flawed ( link in comments) The report clearly shows that a dog’s breed is not a major factor in aggression; instead, the socialisation and upbringing by both the owner and breeder are key determinants of a dog's behaviour.

Supporting this claim, a survey of 215 professional canine behaviourists and trainers revealed that 74% believe breed is either not important or only slightly important in determining aggression levels. Moreover, there was no consensus on which breeds might be more aggressive—responses included a wide range of breeds, from Border Collies to Jack Russell Terriers and Chihuahuas. This suggests that any dog, regardless of breed, can exhibit aggressive behaviour if not properly socialised or trained.

Recent statistics in the UK further highlight the inadequacy of BSL. In 2023, police in England and Wales recorded 30,539 incidents involving a dog injuring a person or guide dog, a significant rise from the 25,291 cases in 2022. Despite the intention behind breed-specific laws, the number of dog-related fatalities has also alarmingly increased, with 14 recorded in 2023 compared to just two in 2019.
In light of these findings, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home calls for the repeal of breed-specific legislation in favour of more effective measures. These include public education on dog behaviour, compulsory training for dog owners, and tighter regulation of breeders. Such an approach would address the root causes of dog aggression, focusing on prevention rather than targeting specific breeds.

It seems that focusing on breed in discussions of dog aggression is misplaced. The data shows that a dog’s behaviour is more a reflection of its environment, upbringing than its breed and genes too. To protect both the public and our canine companions from the consequences of flawed legislation, it’s crucial to shift from breed-based assumptions to evidence-based practices in dog training and ownership. These legislations can create a false sense of security in the public sphere, which might ultimately cause more harm than good .

Conversely, proponents of BSL also have a voice here, seeing as bull-breeds are over represented in bite statistics and fatalities occurring as a result. Many have been directly affected by bites and their trauma should be given consideration within the larger conversation.

Dog bites is the theme of our now sold-out in-person conference in November of this year (UK). We have an outstanding line-up of speakers and topics. Daniel Shaw will be delivering an insightful talk on the impact of dog breeds on bite incidents. Although the in-person event is fully booked, you can still secure your virtual ticket! ( available worldwide)

⏰ Take advantage of our Early Bird pricing, available for just three more weeks until September 4th, 2024. Plus, use the code ABK24DS at checkout for an extra discount!

https://animalbehaviourkent.co.uk/abk-conference-2024

17/08/2024

“The language we share with our dogs is a dance, a nuanced give-and-take…” absolutely LOVE this!

A Deep Dive into the Silent Language Between Humans and Dogs: The Unspoken Bond

Dogs have always been more than just pets—they're companions, confidants, and for many, a crucial part of daily life. What makes this connection so unique isn't just their loyalty or affection but something much deeper: their remarkable ability to read our body language, often better than we understand it ourselves. This silent mode of communication forms the cornerstone of the relationship between humans and dogs, and understanding it can lead to more meaningful interactions and a stronger bond.

The Evolution of an Interspecies Language

Dogs have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, developing an uncanny ability to interpret our body language. This isn't just a coincidence. Over generations of domestication, dogs have fine-tuned their ability to pick up on subtle human cues. This evolution likely stems from their ancestors, wolves, who relied heavily on non-verbal communication within the pack to coordinate hunting, establish dominance, or maintain social bonds. While dogs are no longer wild animals, they have retained this ability to "read the room," so to speak, in a way that even many humans can struggle to do.

At its core, body language is a form of non-verbal communication. It's the way we position ourselves, the gestures we make, even the smallest shifts in posture, and dogs are experts at picking up on these signals. For example, without realising it, you might lean slightly forward when preparing to get out of your chair. Your dog notices this, perhaps even before you're fully conscious of it, and gets ready to move with you. A glance towards the door, a casual reach for your shoes—your dog has already pieced together what you're about to do, often reacting before you’ve made a deliberate decision.

This level of sensitivity isn’t just a matter of heightened senses. It’s a deeply ingrained ability that serves a vital function in the dog's social world. In the wild, subtle changes in body language could signify danger, a shift in the pack’s dynamics, or a signal to hunt. While our domesticated dogs might not need these skills for survival, they still employ them to understand us, anticipate our actions, and respond appropriately. This is why dogs can be such excellent service animals—they anticipate needs, sometimes even before the person they're assisting realises what they need.

The Science Behind a Dog’s Ability to Read Humans

But what is it about dogs that makes them so good at this? It’s not just instinct; science has delved into the cognitive abilities of dogs, and the findings are nothing short of impressive.

Research has shown that dogs have a special sensitivity to human social cues, even more so than our closest relatives, chimpanzees. A study by animal cognition expert Brian Hare revealed that dogs outperform wolves and even primates in interpreting human gestures, such as pointing. This means that dogs, more than any other animal, are hardwired to look to humans for guidance. Their ability to follow a simple point or a gaze in the right direction is an essential aspect of their adaptability to human environments.

Dogs also have highly developed mirror neurons—brain cells that fire both when the animal performs an action and when it observes another doing so. In humans, mirror neurons are thought to play a key role in empathy and understanding the intentions of others. Similarly, in dogs, these neurons allow them to "mirror" our emotions and anticipate our actions based on our movements and body language. It’s why your dog might come to comfort you when you're upset or start bouncing around when you’re excited—they’re reading your emotional state just as much as your physical actions.

The Subtle Cues Dogs Pick Up On

Dogs don’t need exaggerated gestures to understand what we're trying to convey. They are masters of subtleties. A slight widening of the eyes, a small turn of the head, or even the positioning of our feet can communicate volumes. They take these little pieces of information and build a complete picture of what we’re thinking and feeling.

Imagine this: You’re sitting at your desk, and you glance at the clock. It’s almost time for your daily walk with your dog. You haven’t said a word or made any significant movement, but your dog is already by your side, tail wagging. How did they know? Dogs are keen observers of patterns and routines. They might have noticed the subtle shift in your energy or the way you sit up just a little straighter when you're about to finish work. It's these tiny details that signal to the dog what's coming next.

Even our eyes convey messages to our dogs. Studies have shown that dogs tend to follow the direction of our gaze. If you look out the window, your dog might also look outside, assuming there’s something of interest. This shared focus is part of what strengthens the bond between dogs and their human companions.

How Our Body Language Affects Dogs’ Behaviour

Knowing how attuned dogs are to our body language opens up opportunities to improve our relationship with them. For instance, being conscious of how we hold ourselves during training sessions or everyday interactions can have a significant impact. Dogs are incredibly receptive to confidence, calmness, and consistency in our movements. If you're anxious or tense, your dog may pick up on this and become uneasy or nervous themselves. On the other hand, if you move in a relaxed and controlled manner, your dog is more likely to remain calm.

Training also becomes more effective when you’re aware of your body language. For example, using consistent hand gestures to reinforce verbal commands helps the dog associate certain movements with specific actions. Dogs, especially those in training for service work or obedience, thrive on clear and consistent signals. Unintentional cues—such as staring too long, bending over them, or fidgeting—can confuse your dog, making it harder for them to understand what you’re asking.

The Importance of Clear, Intentional Communication

Given dogs’ reliance on body language, it’s crucial to be mindful of the signals we're sending, often without even realising it. A wagging finger might be interpreted as playtime, while a lean forward could be seen as an invitation to move or follow. It’s essential to match your verbal cues with your physical ones. If you’re telling your dog to sit while simultaneously stepping backwards, you may be inadvertently encouraging them to stay standing or even follow you.

Understanding your dog’s response to your body language can also help improve behavioural issues. For instance, a dog that pulls on the lead might be reacting to the tension in your body as you anticipate the pull. By relaxing and focusing on walking calmly, you can sometimes reduce or even eliminate this behaviour.

Moreover, being conscious of your own body language can help you communicate more effectively with dogs that may be anxious or fearful. A nervous dog is often hyper-aware of its surroundings, and any sudden, jerky movements can exacerbate its stress. In these situations, maintaining a calm, steady posture and moving slowly can help the dog feel more secure.

A Two-Way Conversation

What makes the bond between humans and dogs so special is that communication goes both ways. Just as dogs are experts at reading our body language, they also communicate with us through their own. A wagging tail, a tilted head, or a soft nudge—all of these are part of a dog’s body language, their way of speaking to us. Learning to read these signals is just as important for us as it is for them to read ours.

By paying close attention to their posture, facial expressions, and movements, we can better understand what our dogs are feeling and how to respond appropriately. For example, a dog that turns away or licks its lips might be showing signs of discomfort or anxiety. Recognising these signals allows us to adjust our behaviour to help them feel more at ease.

Conclusion: Strengthening the Bond

The silent communication between humans and dogs is a testament to the depth of the relationship we share with these remarkable animals. It goes far beyond simple commands and obedience—it's a rich, complex exchange of signals and emotions that happens every time we interact. By becoming more aware of our body language and learning to interpret our dog’s cues, we can enhance our ability to connect with them on a deeper level. This not only improves communication but also strengthens the bond, making the human-dog relationship one of the most unique and rewarding partnerships in the animal kingdom.

Ultimately, the language we share with our dogs is a dance, a nuanced give-and-take that has been evolving for thousands of years. It’s a reminder of the unspoken bond that can exist between two species—a bond based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

16/08/2024

Understanding Your Dog's Behaviour: The Importance of Balancing Exercise, Mental Stimulation, and Rest

Is your dog still exhibiting behavioural issues despite taking them on long walks, sending them to daycare, or giving them plenty of free runs? If so, you may be witnessing a sign of overtiredness. Like humans, dogs require a balance of rest and activity, and while exercise is essential, too much of it without adequate rest can cause more harm than good. Just like a professional athlete who needs structured training and recovery, your dog needs the same careful balance to stay healthy and content.

The Hidden Dangers of Over-Exercising Your Dog

Many dog owners believe that the solution to hyperactivity or misbehaviour is to increase physical exercise. While this might work in the short term, it's not always a sustainable solution. Imagine your dog as a highly trained athlete: the more they exercise, the more their stamina builds, and consequently, the more they need to stay satisfied. This creates a cycle where their physical demands continue to rise, and it becomes increasingly challenging to meet those needs.

For many owners, this can lead to a frustrating situation. You may find yourself giving your dog long walks, playtime, or sending them to daycare in an effort to tire them out, yet they still appear restless or misbehave. The truth is, more physical activity isn’t always the answer. If exercise becomes excessive without the right balance of mental stimulation and rest, it can lead to an overtired and overstimulated dog.

Understanding Overtiredness in Dogs

Overtiredness in dogs is not something that is commonly discussed, but it can significantly impact their behaviour. Think of a toddler who throws tantrums when they’re overtired – the same principle can apply to dogs. When a dog becomes overtired, they may struggle to relax, exhibit signs of stress or frustration, and even engage in destructive behaviours.

Signs of overtiredness in dogs can include:

- Excessive panting or drooling after moderate exercise
- Restlessness or inability to settle down
- Increased irritability or sensitivity to sounds and touch
- Destructive behaviours like chewing or digging
- Difficulty focusing during training sessions

It’s important to remember that dogs, just like us, need downtime to rest and recover from both physical and mental exertion. The constant hustle of daily activity, combined with overstimulation from their environment, can easily lead to exhaustion, making it difficult for them to behave appropriately.

The Importance of Mental Stimulation and Training

If physical exercise alone isn’t the solution, what is? The key lies in finding a balance between physical activity, mental stimulation, and rest. Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they need their minds to be engaged just as much as their bodies. Boredom is often at the root of many behavioural issues, so it’s important to challenge your dog mentally as well as physically.

Training sessions that focus on impulse control, such as ‘down stays,’ ‘sit stays,’ and other controlled behaviours, can help teach your dog the importance of remaining calm and composed. These types of exercises encourage your dog to use their brain and learn to relax, even when they’re excited. Rather than always focusing on burning off energy, you’re teaching your dog how to manage that energy.

Puzzle toys, scent games, and trick training are excellent ways to give your dog the mental stimulation they crave. These activities work their brain in ways that physical exercise alone cannot. In fact, just 15 minutes of mental engagement can often tire a dog out more than a long walk, leaving them more satisfied and less likely to exhibit undesirable behaviours.

The Power of Rest and Relaxation

One of the most overlooked aspects of a dog's well-being is ensuring they get enough rest. Sleep is crucial for recovery, both physically and mentally. Adult dogs typically need between 12-14 hours of sleep a day, while puppies and older dogs may need even more. Ensuring your dog has a quiet and comfortable space to rest is just as important as taking them out for walks or playtime.

Resting allows their muscles to recover from physical activity, their minds to process new information from training sessions, and their stress levels to drop. Dogs who don’t get enough rest may become anxious, irritable, and may exhibit behavioural problems like barking, nipping, or becoming overly excited.

Encouraging rest after periods of activity is a vital part of helping your dog stay balanced. Teach your dog to relax and unwind by incorporating calm, quiet time into their daily routine. You might consider using a crate or designated ‘chill zone’ where they can retreat to when they need some downtime. Positive reinforcement for calm behaviour, like rewarding them when they lie quietly, can help reinforce the idea that relaxation is a good thing.

Creating a Balanced Routine for Your Dog

The solution to a happy, well-behaved dog isn’t just about tiring them out physically. Instead, think of their routine as a holistic balance of exercise, mental stimulation, and rest. Here are some tips to help create a more balanced daily routine for your dog:

- Incorporate variety: Mix physical exercise with mental challenges. Alternate between walks, training sessions, and puzzle toys to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.

- Manage exercise levels: Ensure your dog’s exercise is appropriate for their breed, age, and fitness level. Too much exercise can lead to overtiredness, so aim for a moderate level that suits their needs without overwhelming them.

- Prioritise rest: Make sure your dog has plenty of time to relax and sleep. Create a peaceful environment for them to rest in, away from noise and distractions. Consider scheduling rest periods after walks or play sessions.

- Focus on impulse control: Use training sessions to teach your dog patience and self-control. Exercises like ‘stay,’ ‘wait,’ and ‘settle’ can help them learn to relax and manage their energy effectively.

- Watch for signs of overtiredness: Pay attention to your dog’s behaviour and body language. If they seem restless, cranky, or overly excitable, they may be overtired and in need of rest.

Conclusion: A Happy, Balanced Dog

In the pursuit of ensuring our dogs are well-behaved, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more exercise is the only solution. However, the real key to a happy, healthy dog is balance. By providing your dog with the right mix of physical activity, mental stimulation, and rest, you can prevent overtiredness and promote calm, well-rounded behaviour.

Training is not just about expending energy, but about teaching your dog how to relax and control their impulses. Remember, dogs are like toddlers in many ways – they need structure, boundaries, and plenty of downtime to thrive. When you find that balance, you’ll notice a happier, more relaxed dog who is much easier to live with and enjoys a higher quality of life.

14/08/2024

If anyone is looking for dog walking, dog/cat/small furries pop ins, pet sitting, dog grooming (cat grooming coming soon!) have a look at PAWS Animal Services. Not only a lovely person and very reliable, but extremely compassionate about animals.
🐶🐱🐰🐹🐭🦜

We are fully insured local pet sitters, with experience of animal care of varying needs.

12/08/2024

Honestly, it’s beautiful and cool in the house and he chooses this…😅

10/08/2024

We will be attending Winslow Show on 26th August, Bank Holiday Monday, performing a scent detection demonstration and running our popular ‘have-a-go’ stall.

Look forward to seeing you there 🐕 👃🏻

08/08/2024

This made me giggle this morning, could definitely see mine doing this 🤪🤣

06/08/2024

As dogs age they can become sensitive to things which they would previously not have been bothered about.

Jaxon has begun to struggle, at times, with people walking past the van. Rather than wait for it to turn into a real problem for him, what better way to help him overcome this insecurity than to work on it.
So, with treats at hand, we spent 10 minutes in Aldi car park *safely watching the world go by. He was able to watch people walk past with bags or trolley and look away with no reaction. Even when a gentlemen came close to speak to us he did not react. The more we do of this type of positive association, the more comfortable he’ll begin to feel and realise there is nothing to worry about.

Such a good boy 🥰

*this was practised at a far enough distance away from the trigger that he felt comfortable with and not be overwhelmed.

04/08/2024

Something to think about 🤔

Where does your dog sleep? Crate? Your bed? A dog bed in your bedroom? Free range? Wherever it may be, let’s think about if they are able to move about and change positions as and when their body heat dictates.
Imagine being tucked up in bed and not being able to throw the covers off or stretch out. I’d hate that! 🥵

🥵 DOG CRATES & HOT WEATHER! 🥵

Last night this guy had me up twice. He’s not very good at communicating he needs to go out and does displacement behaviours like rolling upside down making a quacking noise, a weird burping noise or pacing up and down the hallway.

Despite having the fan on in the hall and access to a cold, hard floor in different areas, he was too hot!

Dogs often change their position and location multiple times across a sleep/rest period. This is especially the case for thick or double coated breeds or individuals who ‘run hot’.

Amigo and Kanita will stay in their beds in the bedroom all night but sometimes Kanita gets out of her bed to lie on the floor.
(Yes, they sleep in our bedroom! They have the choice to sleep elsewhere, but they want to sleep close as a group).

However, across the evening when we are all hanging in the lounge all three dogs are changing where they rest frequently. With the current heat, despite having a fan on, they are changing positions about 2-3 times each per hour!

One reason dogs change the location or position of where they sleep is to regulate their body temperature.

Another reason is that different sleeping positions may better support different phases of sleep.
Being able to stretch out fully promotes REM sleep- the phase of sleep where memory consolidation and recovery from stressors is at optimum!

Think how about your quality of sleep lying down vs when sat upright! Do you do the nodding dog? 😴 🛌

Taking this species-specific sleeping behaviour and the current hot weather into consideration, it’s important to consider whether your set up for where your dog sleeps is allowing them to regulate their temperature.

Whilst positioning a fan towards a dog who is crated is considerate to them over heating, dogs who aren’t crated can demonstrate a preference to move away after a duration of sitting in front of a fan. 🪭

It’s not uncommon for dogs to suddenly develop an aversion to their crates during hot weather. This may be due to heat, or even due to an increase in audible sounds at night due to open windows 🪟

My preference is that dogs have the freedom to regulate their temperature and stretch out fully by being given more than one option of where they can sleep rather than contained in an area with limited space.

A compromise to providing total free range- where your dog can access multiple sleeping spots in various locations and of various surfaces- may be a dog bed in a room behind a stargate, or a crate with an open door paired up with a large puppy pen. However, be mindful the only padded surface isn’t in a small, contained space or that a hard floor is the only alternative to a thick, cushioned bed! A nice rug or padded mat may provide an in between.

If your dog genuinely loves their crate and considers it to be their consistently comfy bed and safe place - they’ll go inside on their own accord and stay inside even when the door is left open.

02/08/2024

01/08/2024

So remember…
Next time your dog licks wee they’re doing so to enhance the smell and get valuable information from it (it’s still disgusting though 🤢 even if it is necessary 😝)

01/08/2024

10 minutes of scent detection in the cool of the house, followed by a food enrichment puzzle and we’re out for the count 🥰 🐕 👃🏻

31/07/2024

😔

Today I am grateful NOT to be working in clinic. No not to enjoy the sunshine, but to be away from the devastation that heatstroke still causes despite multiple warnings. I am grateful not to be battling to save lives, and witnessing unnecessary deaths of wonderful dogs who would have quite happily missed a walk today.

To all my veterinary colleagues, I just hope you do not have to see too many tragedies today. Sending lots of love and healing as it’s part of our job which should no longer be part of our job and has a huge negative mental impact.

KEEP THOSE DOGS IN THE COOL, AT HOME!

30/07/2024

Still some spaces available on our up coming scent detection workshops.
Suitable for every dog 🐕 👃🏻

6 week beginners course: introducing dogs and their handlers to the world of UK SNIFFER DOGS bronze level scent detection. No previous experience needed.

30/07/2024

Dog training is never a ‘one shoe fits all’ approach

Understanding the Importance of "Depends" in Dog Training

As dog trainers, one of the most frequent words you'll hear us use when discussing your dog's behaviour is "depends." This isn't a cop-out, nor is it an attempt to evade giving you a direct answer. Instead, it's an honest reflection of the complexities inherent in dog behaviour and training. The word "depends" encapsulates the multitude of variables that can influence a dog's actions, reactions, and overall disposition at any given moment. Let's delve deeper into why this term is so prevalent and necessary in our field.

Individuality of Dogs

Just like humans, every dog is an individual with its own personality, history, and experiences. This individuality means that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in dog training. While general principles can guide us, the specific application of techniques must be tailored to each dog's unique needs. This is where the word "depends" comes into play—it signals that we are considering the unique combination of factors that make your dog who they are.

Key Factors Influencing Dog Behaviour

1. Hunger and Physical Needs
- Hunger: A hungry dog may be more irritable or less focused. Ensuring a dog is well-fed can significantly impact their behaviour.
- Thirst: Dehydration can lead to lethargy or irritability.
- Pain or Discomfort: A dog in pain will likely have a very different behavioural response compared to a healthy dog. It's crucial to rule out any physical issues that might be affecting the dog's behaviour.

2. History and Past Experiences
- Trauma: Dogs with a history of trauma or abuse might react differently to certain stimuli. A loud noise, a specific type of person, or even another dog could trigger a stress response based on past experiences.
- Previous Training: The methods and effectiveness of previous training efforts can influence how a dog responds to new training.

3. Arousal State
- Excitement or Anxiety: A dog's arousal state—how excited or anxious they are—can dramatically affect their behaviour. A highly aroused dog may be less responsive to commands and more prone to impulsive actions.
- Stress Levels: Chronic stress can lead to behavioural issues and health problems, making it vital to assess and manage a dog's stress levels.

4. Environmental Triggers
- Surroundings: A dog's environment plays a crucial role in their behaviour. Factors such as noise levels, presence of other animals, and the overall activity in the area can influence how a dog reacts.
- Resources: Availability of resources like food, toys, and space can affect a dog's behaviour. Competition for resources can lead to aggression or anxiety.

5. Recent Incidents
- Crisis Incidents: A recent traumatic or stressful event can significantly impact a dog's behaviour. For instance, a dog who had a frightening encounter with another dog the day before might be more skittish or aggressive.

Emotional and Social Factors

1. Emotions of the Dog
- Dogs experience a range of emotions, and their emotional state can affect their behaviour. Joy, fear, anger, and contentment all play roles in how a dog interacts with their environment and with people.

2. Emotions of People in the Area
- Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. The stress or calmness of the people around them can influence their behaviour. A tense owner can inadvertently pass on their anxiety to the dog.

3. Other Dogs and Animals
- The presence and behaviour of other dogs can impact a dog's actions. A normally calm dog might become agitated in the presence of a more dominant dog, or vice versa.

Training the Dog in Front of Us

This complexity is why we advocate for training the dog in front of us. Each session should be tailored to the dog's current mental and physical state. What worked yesterday might not work today if the dog's circumstances have changed.

The Importance of the Present Moment

1. Current Mental State
- A dog's mental state can fluctuate daily. Factors such as stress, excitement, or fatigue can influence how receptive they are to training. By focusing on the dog's current state, we can adapt our methods to ensure the most effective learning experience.

2. Immediate Environment
- The environment in which the training takes place can have a significant impact. A dog might behave differently in a quiet park compared to a bustling city street. Training in the present moment allows us to account for these environmental variables.

3. Recent Experiences
- If a dog has recently experienced something traumatic or exciting, their behaviour and receptiveness to training may be affected. By assessing the dog in the moment, we can adjust our approach to better suit their current needs.

The Fluidity of Behaviour

Dogs are dynamic beings, and their behaviour can change based on a multitude of factors. By training the dog in front of us at that precise moment, we acknowledge and respect this fluidity. This approach allows us to provide the most relevant and effective training possible, tailored to the dog's immediate needs and circumstances.

Practical Implications for Dog Owners

As a dog owner, understanding the complexity behind the word "depends" can enhance your patience and empathy towards your dog's training process. It highlights the importance of a holistic approach to dog training—one that considers physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental factors. Here are a few practical tips:

- Observe and Report: Keep detailed observations of your dog's behaviour, noting any patterns or changes. This information can be invaluable to your trainer.
- Maintain Consistency: While each dog is unique, consistency in training methods and routines can help mitigate some of the variability in behaviour.
- Ensure Well-being: Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise are fundamental to your dog's overall health and behaviour.

Conclusion

In the world of dog training, "depends" is not a sign of uncertainty but a reflection of the nuanced understanding required to address each dog's unique circumstances. By appreciating the depth and breadth of factors that influence canine behaviour, both trainers and dog owners can work together more effectively to ensure the best outcomes for our four-legged friends. Remember, the journey of training a dog is as much about understanding and adapting as it is about teaching and commanding.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk