Sherwood Canine Behaviour & Training

20/11/2023

It's a while since I've shared something about who I've been working with and what we've achieved, so here's a lovely story about the gorgeous Alfie🐕 to cheer up a Monday!

Alfie's family asked me to come and help him manage some situations more calmly🧘‍♀️.
Sometimes Alfie, like us all, would become overwhelmed which resulted in excessively jumping up and/or mouthing.

During our initial session, we discussed all the amazing things Alfie's family provide for him;
-security,
-love, 🥰
-companionship,
-routine,
-sufficient, balanced exercise 🐕‍🦺
- and time to just be a dog.

However, from our chat and my observations I discovered 🕵‍♀️ Alfie's stumbling blocks surrounded him not yet learning how to channel his energy and natural instincts. Alfie needed to be SHOWN, TAUGHT, and given OPPORTUNITIES to VOLUNTARILY self-regulate.

I left Alfie's family with some knowledge as to why he was sometimes getting overwhelmed (understanding is the most important element), and a couple of exercises to practice postively introducing him to managing strong emotions such as excitement.

Within two months (and two further sessions), Alfie's family sent me the fantastic results they are experiencing because of their hard work:

"We had our visitors yesterday/today and it went smoothly and beautifully. Alfie was so calm he didn’t jump or mouth but was very entertaining. We can’t believe how lucky we are. Thank you."

Needless to say, I'm super proud of Alfie and grateful to his family for putting their trust in me to work with them!

05/11/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=727079646125822&id=100064713789460

Pets scared by the fireworks? Come and join us for two nights of calming classical music, in the musical sanctuary we call Pet Classics. 🐾

📻 Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November, 5-9pm.

26/10/2023

I can't believe it's nearly that time of year...Although beautiful, for many people and animals, fireworks can prove very stressful. However, there are things we can do to help our dogs get through the season:

1) Keep your walks to daytime and then stay indoors from dusk to reduce the risk of being outside when fireworks may happen. Be prepared not to go for a walk during this period. It is much better to do indoor enrichment activities rather than dogs experience the possible very high fearful response being outside during fireworks.

2) Reduce noise before the fireworks begin, close curtains/blinds, windows. Turn up radio/tv and put background calming music for dogs such as classic FM, single instrument music such-as piano music is great.

3) You CAN COMFORT dogs if they are scared. Remain calm, softly spoken and offer attention and touch if they need/want it. As long you remain calm you will NOT reinforce their fear, you will just help them feel supported.

4) Speak to the vets now if you know they are going to struggle. There are a couple of options such as Zylkene and Yucalm for mild cases and administer from around now until around 1-2 weeks after Firework season.
Also try adding Bachs Night Time (Alcohol Free) rescue remedy to their water bowl, however, also offer water without it so they have a choice.
Look at Adaptil/Pet remedy spray for their sleeping area which can start now.

5) Ensure your house and garden are secure, so if they do get scared they can’t escape and get into more trouble.

6) Build a safe haven in the room where they feel safest and choose to spend allot of time. Place blankets and put some of your clothes with your scent on, if it is a crate, hang some blankets around the sides. However DO NOT shut the crate or room door unless you are in there with them.

7) Make fireworks = Good things. During the evenings to help dogs stay occupied, offer licking, chewing and sniffing opportunities as these are calming behaviours. Use items such as Kongs, snuffle mats, lickmats, puzzle games, toys and chews.

Overall, fireworks are beautiful but unfortunately, the bangs can prove too much for too many, but there are things we can do to at least ease the stress for our dogs.

20/10/2023

Who doesn't want to talk body language on a Friday afternoon?

Did you know that tongue flicking and air-licking 😋 are among the most frequently used signals in communication?

What does it look like:
Often combined with a turn of the head, this signal can be anything from;
- A very quick showing of the tip of the tongue,
- To a clear flick where the tongue touches the nose,
- Or even a deliberate, slow lick which includes the entire nose region.

When and Why is it used:
It's used in various scenarios such as;
- Asking for more space when approaching another dog or species,
- To request a break during play,
- As a sign of politeness,
- When conflicted between emotions in difficult situations, such as experiencing anxiety as well as excitement,
- To calm themselves and/or calm another.

One small gesture which can mean so much!
Happy Friday everyone!



Photo Copyright: Katja Krauss & Gabi Maue

13/10/2023

Did you know, although dogs don't speak like us, their face can tell us so much about their mood? Understanding expressions can inform us of their emotional state and help us predict their next move.

Here are two pictures of Rani, showing two states;
Picture 1) RELAXED
Picture 2) VERY TENSE

Here's how we can tell the difference.
1) RELAXED state:
- Mouth Closed but not tense,
- Hair is smooth around her nose,
- Skin around her face is loosely hanging
- Head is resting fully on the floor
- Eyes slightly open

2) VERY TENSE state:
- Ears slightly raised at the base
- Very still, frozen slightly
- Mouth closed and shortened, so tension around jaw
- Whiskers raised slightly
- Wrinkles developing around the nose
- Lower lip slightly visible
- Eyes more open, more of a stare expression
- Slightly raised eyebrows
- Raised head

If Rani's attempts at expressing tension are missed, she will likely be forced to increase her signals, for example, curling her top lip and showing lower teeth.

Do you know the difference between your dog's RELAXED face and TENSE face?



Photo Copyright: Katja Krauss & Gabi Maue

11/10/2023

What does the dog's body tell us? Can you guess what's going on in this picture?

Dog's use multiple forms of communication, with body language playing a significant part! Whether it is subtle signs such as a shifting of their weight or more obvious movements like rolling on their back, they are constantly telling us something.

Today, I'm focusing on SITTING; why and when some dog's may use it, and what Chemsi (Sloughi) is using the sit for in her interaction with Inca (Dobermann) in the picture shown.

Reasons for sitting:
Sitting is a strong signal which can be utilised in distressing situations because sitting (amongst other indicators) can communicate many things:

1) It can be used as part of a FREEZE response. When dogs' are unsure and want to demonstrate they are feeling threatened, they can freeze all movement.

2) Requesting SPACE. Choosing to sit down and divert gaze can make it clear a dog is not interested in interacting and wants space.

3) Requesting a BREAK. When dogs' are playing, interacting with us or other dogs, they may choose to sit to indicate they need a break. They may maintain eyecontact as they aren't feeling threatened, just tired.

4) Feeling INSECURE: Sitting down and shifting weight back, away from whatever is causing the insecurity.

5) To APPEASE. As demonstrated by Chemsi (Sloughi) in the picture!
Inca (Dobermann) is indicating; irritation, insecurity and excitement, can you see the drool in the corner of her mouth? Therefore, Chemsi chooses to SIT as well as;
-Turning body away,
-Turning head away,
-Blinking
To help CALM and APPEASE Inca.

Is that what you'd thought was going on?


Photo Copyright: Katja Krauss & Gabi Maue

26/09/2023

Have you ever watched your dog and wondered what are they trying to say? 🤷‍♀️

Dogs use body language all the time. However, we often miss or misinterpret this incredible use of communication🤦🏿...understandably, after all, we aren't canines!

Over the next two weeks I'll share 3 pictures of dogs and explain what they are expressing and what we can do in response🐕.

Throughout the two weeks, the floor will be open to you all to share your own pictures where you can describe what you think they are saying or ask for my interpretation.

So, if like me, you're interested in what your dog is trying to say, look out for the first installment later this week. I'm really excited to chat canine body language with you 🐶🐩🦮!


Photo Copyright: Katja Krauss & Gabi Maue

21/08/2023

I was so, so excited this weekend to find out that a client has dedicated their beautiful book to little old me!

I was very lucky to work with Catherine Jacob, writer and her lovely family when they adopted gorgeous Pluto! Catherine writes incredible children's books, 3 (soon to be 4) of which are, the 'Puppy Club Series', and I'm unbelievably lucky enough to have the 3rd book's dedication to me !

https://www.darleyandersonchildrens.com/authors/catherine-jacob

08/08/2023

Recently I've been incredibly lucky to travel around Europe🇳🇱🇩🇰🇸🇪! It's been an amazing trip with once in a lifetime experiences, but it's not been without obstacles.Those obstacles reminded me how stressful and complex life can be for our dogs!
On my trip;
I got a parking fine for parking in a reserved bay😤,
Drove down a oneway tramline road 🙈,
Thought I'd ordered a peppermint tea but got a cappuccino looking drink🤮, and
Got lost...several times😓😤!
All of the above occurred because I didn't understand the language, signs, rules, culture and I panicked...alot 😁!

Dogs 🐕 are put into this situation everyday of their life;
They don't speak our language,
They don't understand our rules or our expectations,
They can't always read us,
They don't understand our culture...what kind of species doesn't sniff bums!

Life can be one big, confusing, foreign country for our dogs; full of language and social norms which don't make sense to them. So rather than give them "parking fines" when they are trying their very best, let's instead give them tools, love and patience to better cope in our human world!

22/07/2023

Working with dogs is a privilege which I'll never take for granted! ❤️🐕 When they let you in you know you've earned the greatest bond, filled with trust and love! 🥰

03/06/2023

Great, friendly show with a really fun Sniffari for all dogs, big and small to explore and put their nose to the test!

29/05/2023

Sometimes, running free through a field of wild Dandelions is all we need 🐕🪻. Happy Bankholiday everyone.

23/05/2023

Really excited to be invited to be part of tomorrow's event; alongside some other amazing businesses all based in Northumberland!






Ivy and Rigg

The Curious Bride

Just one day to go until our FINAL event!
There is still time for that last minute registration!
Joined by guest speakers and as well as workshops from our expert trainers and !
Join us as we take a look back on the programme in the stunning grounds of Horton Grange!
See you 24th May!
Register now:
https://www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk/index.php/events/828-your-digital-future

19/05/2023

HAPPY FRIDAY! What better way to celebrate than looking at IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS: HOW to help manage them. Enjoy.

Over the previous two posts, we have covered how no one is born with the ability to SELF-REGULATE (self-control), we all have a limited supply and at some point WE ALL behave IMPULSIVELY.
So HOW can we help better manage IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS:

1: BE THE LEADING EXAMPLE
If your dog is behaving IMPULSIVELY, it will be rooted in something they are experiencing which they can’t yet control; fear, excitement, anxiety, instinctive drive, frustration, confusion, hunger, pain…If you want them to override these very powerful feelings you need to show you can override your own!

For example, when a dog pulls on a lead, it is common for people to become frustrated and pull/correct back. They may do this because they think this is the right thing to do to teach their dog not to pull (it NEVER is), but, they also do it because they are RESPONDING to their frustration, irritation, even pain and the IMPULSION to pull back against the dog overwhelms them.

Even though they may not realise it, they are doing the very thing they are asking their dog not to do, responding IMPULSIVELY to a feeling, NOT practicing self-regulation.

IF YOU WANT A CALMER REPSONSE, YOU HAVE TO SHOW A CALMER RESPONSE FIRST, NO MATTER HOW HARD IT IS. DON’T ASK, OR EXPECT YOUR DOG TO DO SOMETHING YOU CAN’T DO YOURSELF.

2: MANAGEMENT

Depending on which area your dog struggles to practice self-regulation, you can take steps to help them better manage it with some, often simple, environmental changes.

For instance, if your dog barks frantically when someone knocks or rings your door bell, you can ask pre-planned visitors to message/call before they arrive. If your dog becomes agitated/frantic when they see another dog, take them to quieter areas or walk at quieter times, when you do see another dog, walk in the opposite direction and reward them for coming with you. If your dog continuously barks at people passing your house, limit your dog’s access to the room where they can see the street or close the curtains and put on a low-level background noise such as a radio.

When your dog behaves impulsively their stress levels will be heightened, using environmental management as the first step reduces their stress levels, leaving them more energy and headspace to learn new responses and lessens the chances of them reaching their self-regulation capacity as quickly.

Also, by managing the environment and lessening the frequency of the IMPULSIVE RESPONSE, you will lessen the chances of the behaviour embedding as a habit, an instinctive response can also become habitual the more it is repeated.

3: TEACH AN ALTERNATIVE

If a dog is taught a POSITIVE, FUN, REWARDING, CALM ALTERNATE RESPONSE, they will learn to AUTOMATICALLY do this instead of the original IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR. The alternative can be something as simple as sit; with consistent practice in environments free from distraction before building to busier settings, and with plenty of praise and rewards, this can become the dog’s new default response.

4: IDENTIFY WHAT YOUR DOG GETS FROM THEIR IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR

An IMPULSIVE RESPONSE happens when either we or dogs want/need something and don’t know any other way to get it. So, ask yourself, what does my dog get out of this behaviour and how else can I give it to them?

For example, if your dog runs around and becomes bouncy before going for a walk, it is because they are excited about going out. Going for a walk is the reward, therefore, ask for a sit and attach the lead only when they are still, if they race around, wait until they are calm before trying again. Going for a walk then becomes the reward for being still.

When a dog reacts to other dogs by barking and/or lunge, they are asking for space, so by calmly moving them away and treating them for doing so, you give them the space they need without them having to bark and lunge.

5: MARK AND REWARD DESIRABLE BEHAVIOURS

It is easy to pay attention to behaviours we find difficult and not offer any feedback for behaviours which we love. If you mark your dog regularly and reward them when they do things you want to see again and again, your dog will quickly learn to repeat them. Whereas, if you regularly miss them, your dog has no reason to make them a habit.
WE ALL CHOOSE THE MOST REWARDING ROUTE; MAKE THE BEHAVIOURS YOU WANT TO SEE AGAIN THE MOST REWARDING AND THEY WILL BECOME THE MORE LIKELY RESPONSE.

18/05/2023

Very excited for one of Business Northumberland's final events; especially as I've been invited to take part in a Q&A session with Justin Lockwood!

17/05/2023

Here we go, 2nd instalment…WHEN are IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS more likely to happen!

As covered in the 1st instalment, IMPULSIVENESS is something that is preprogramed in us and our dogs, so expecting them to never occur is unrealistic.

There is ALWAYS A REASON for an IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR and it is NEVER to ANNOY you. INTERNAL DRIVES and/or EMOTIONS which have been triggered, prompt an AUTOMATIC, REFLEXSIVE RESPONSE; understanding these can help us identify WHEN impulsive responses are more likely, eventually helping us to better manage them.
In the picture, I have done a table, depicting an example of an IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR and the possible INTERNAL and ENVIRONMENTAL factors behind why the behaviour is likely to be occurring.

See you on Fri morning for instalment 3, where we cover HOW to better manage IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS.

12/05/2023

Ready for your 1st Instalment on IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS: WHAT are they and WHY do they happen?

WHAT are they?

An impulsive behaviour is an action carried out WITHOUT any forethought or acknowledgement of the potential consequences. It is not rational.
Have you ever bought something that was not on your shopping list, you just saw it, wanted it then bought it, even though you don't really need it or maybe can't even afford it?
This is an impulsive action.

For a dog, impulsive behaviours can be anything from jumping up, chasing a rabbit, lunging to biting and many things in-between. There may be negative consequences to some of these behaviours, but, like us when we buy that item we can't really afford, they act in the moment, IMPULSIVELY.

WHY do they happen?

Both dogs and humans are born with the ability to behave impulsively; in fact, it is vital that we do as it can be a life-saving ability. In a life-or-death situation, your impulsive brain would kick in, instantly putting you to action rather than wasting time rationally thinking through all of the options.

However, as we know, not all impulsive behaviours are helpful. Therefore, as we grow, both dogs and people develop parts of the brain which can help to control impulses, otherwise known as SELF-REGULATION.

Both children and young puppies DO NOT have SELF-REGULATION from birth, this is why children are more likely to hit or sn**ch and puppies are more likely to bite; the part of the brain (prefrontal cortex) responsible for self-regulating impulses has not yet finished developing.

Self-regulation is a skill, it can be shown, taught and learned. If a dog is shown self-regulation, then taught how to do it themselves positively, they can eventually learn how to apply it themselves.

Even once you have developed self-regulation, both physically and by learning how; it is NOT LIMITLESS. Both humans and dogs, do not have an unlimited supply of self-regulation. Applying self-regulation uses energy, this energy will deplete the more it is used, and like a muscle, it will become tired and less effective after a period of exertion.
The amount of energy a dog (and humans) can apply to self-regulation is dependent on LOTS of factors; genetics, health, sleep and recovery from previous emotional exhaustion, how busy the environment is, how positive self-regulation was previously (if regulating feels good, it is less taxing to do and therefore you can do more), how stressful the situation is or how stressed you feel and the list goes on...
Therefore, impulsive behaviours happen because they are pre-programmed within us and our dogs, and they are impossible to regulate 100% of the time. DON'T WORRY, this does not mean impulsive behaviours are a lost cause, there are lots of things we can do to help reduce how often they happen and increase self-regulation.

OVERALL
- Both humans and dogs can and DO act impulsively, it is normal and sometimes vital.
- Both humans and dogs need time to develop the capability to self-regulate, it is NOT a given from birth for any of us.
-If neither humans or dogs are shown or taught positively how to self-regulate, it's very unlikely that either will apply it.
- Both humans and dogs have a LIMITED supply of self-regulation, it is not something neither dogs nor us can apply all day every day.

Next instalment, WHEN are IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS more likely to happen…see you on Monday!

11/05/2023

Why does my dog jump up? Bark at people passing? Chase things I don't want them to? Some days come back on a walk and sometimes they don't? Take food off the bench?

These are just some examples of what are known as IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS and they occur for many different reasons.

Over the next 7days I will create 3 posts to briefly explain:
WHAT they are & WHY they happen,
WHEN they are more likely to happen, and
HOW to help manage them.

Follow me for more insights into your dog's IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR and maybe why we aren't so different to our four legged friends...

10/03/2023

How comfortable do you feel about letting your dog off the lead?

Before being rescued and adopted, Greg here, had a traumatic start in life, where he regularly had to fend for himself. This lead to Greg building very strong instincts to chase and hunt, as well as developing lack of trust in people.
Understanding Greg, his past and how it can influence his ability to manage tasks such as recall was key.
Therefore, prioritising trust building activities as well as fun, exciting and simple games has meant, that one year on, Greg and his guardian are able to enjoy lots of walks where Greg can run off lead.

Building better recall is never a lost cause. It is about first, understanding why you and your dog are struggling and then creating training to help.

21/02/2023

I'm so lucky that I regularly receive heartfelt feedback about how much difference my sessions make for a client and their dog/s; each one always means more than I can say.

This one from Moose's mum is just as special ❤️!

13/10/2022

This is what having a dog is all about! Building a trusting, loving and understanding relationship.

09/09/2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
There will never be another like you. Thank you for your incredible service to humans and animals.

09/08/2022

Say "hi" to beautiful Moose.

Moose, for a variety of reasons, really struggles with strangers, people coming to the house, new and busy environments. Together with her lovely caregiver, we are gradually building Moose's self-confidence and trust which eventually will enable her to feel, and therefore respond, more positively and calmer in these situations.

This process is completely led by Moose; it will take as long as she needs, only asking of her what she can manage without getting overwhelmed or stressed, simplifying tasks wherever she needs or simply stopping. There are no expectations or deadlines, just introductions of calm reassurance, positive alternatives and staying well within her comfort zone at all times and most of all, better understanding of her needs!

Moose is responding so well and by her second session she already managed interaction she was unable to cope with during her first, I feel so privileged to be working with her and her amazing caregiver who is working so hard to help Moose feel better about the outside world.

25/07/2022

This is Rosie absolutely smashing lead training, building up to heel work. This required absolutely NO pressure on her lead, physical or verbal punishment. Instead, I used lots of positive encouragement, ensured every second Rosie was by my side it was safe and fun and gave her all the time she needed!

Look at the focus she gave, voluntarily!

Lead work, heel work, gun dog training or any training SHOULD NOT involve force, punishment or lead corrections.
It needs PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, TIME and lots of POSITIVITY!

21/07/2022

Meet handsome Stanley!

I first started working with Stanley and his lovely family last year as he was struggling with regulating his excitement in new areas and situations.

Growing up during multiple lockdowns meant Stanley, like many, had limited experience with some everyday life scenarios, this coupled with NORMAL puppy/adolescent responses meant we started with the basics. Sessions were focused on introducing everyday life-skills that would help him understand what to do at certain times; people coming to the house, leaving the house for a walk, walking on a lead, recall etc. However, more importantly, we covered how to GRADUALLY and POSITIVELY introduce Stanley to the outside world so he can build up CALMER emotional responses to busier and/or new places.
Our last session finished this week at Tyne Green where Stanley was relaxed, confident and adapted to everything we encountered 🥰🐕, so proud of him!

18/07/2022

What do we all need in this heat (other than a good pub garden)? 🥵🍹
We need to stay HYDRATED and dogs are no exception!
Most importantly ensure your dog has constant access to shade and fresh, cool water 💧. However you can also ADD simple, in season fresh fruit and veg to their meals or for treats for nutritional refreshment. Not only do they naturally contain water but have added health benefits;
For eg.
Cucumbers: Mostly water, calorie free and provide vitamins C and K. 🥒

Strawberries and Blackberries: Again, contain water but also help protect against oxidative damage. 🍓

Celery: Lots of water and reduces carcinogenic effects of mycotoxins.

04/07/2022

So....there are some days I can walk into the bathroom and see this and just shrug my shoulders and think "oh silly hubby forgot to put the seat back down, never mind"...However, other days I can see this and just want to 😤😤SCREAM "HOW HARD IS IT TO PUT THE SEAT BACK DOWN?!!!!!!!" Anyone else?

So why is it that the same situation can see me respond completely different on any given day? Well, both INTERNAL and EXTERNAL factors play a huge role:
Internal:
How much sleep I've had
Hormones
What I've eaten/drank and when
If im in any pain-back, neck, head etc
How much energy I've got at that moment
And the list goes on!

External:
What else my hubby has done that day
How stressful work/day has been up to that point
How much patience/tolerance I've already had to deploy throughout the day
How much noise, people etc I've encountered that day
Stresses that have happened that week/month/year
And the lists go on!

Like us, dogs are impacted by internal and external influences, one day being able to manage and excel whereas other days struggling with the basics. This does NOT mean they are bad, naughty, choosing to ignore you, purposefully choosing to behave differently than they did yesterday...It's because they are highly emotionally intelligent beings who are just as likely to be effected by internal and external influences. These PLAY a SIGNIFICANT role in how both us and our dogs RESPOND to everyday life.
So if something isn't going as well as you'd like, remember there are 100s of things influencing the situation, take a deep breath, simplify everything and praise absolutely any small win! Accept there will be good days, better days and hard days all of which are justified!

27/06/2022

A significant part of my job is to LISTEN, OBSERVE and UNDERSTAND both DOG and their HUMAN. I always start and remain open minded throughout the process, ready to adapt and alter how I work, the pace we take and how I communicate.
This really keeps me on my toes!
Every dog, session and person I work with teaches me something new and I absolutely LOVE it.