Puppy Education with Valerie Vdawg Wilson

23/08/2024

Received this in the post! Now the journey continues….
My 2 boys🦮🐕‍🦺💛🖤 have enjoyed being and continue to be my training pals and stooges😊although it seems to be quite exhausting for them!😂

17/08/2024

17/08/2024

Written by Julia Baxter but sharing for education. The number of merle cockers I'm seeing is terrifying for the breed 😔

I thought I’d just clarify a few points regarding breeding, buying and registering of Merle dogs. The following are facts.

Breeds of dog that can be registered with the Kennel Club with the colour Merle:

Australian Shepherd
Beauceron
Bergamasco
Border Collie
Dachshund (colour known as Dapple)
Great Dane
Pyrenean sheepdog (long haired)
Collie (Rough)
Collie (smooth)
Shetland Sheepdog
Corgi (Cardigan Welsh)

The Kennel Club states :

“If your puppy is of a breed not mentioned and is merle, we regret that it will not be possible to register it. You must not register it as another colour.”

Cocker Spaniel is not on the list therefore it is not possible to register a cocker spaniel as Merle.

If you have been sold a Merle cocker with Kennel Club certificates than this has been fraudulent.

Some breeders have got around this by advertising “Merle” litters but registering them as “Roan”. This is again fraudulent.

Merle markings are present at birth whereas Roan markings tend to show through later.

Having a Non KC Merle cocker spaniel doesn’t make it legitimate. It isn’t possible to have a Merle cocker spaniel without it being a crossbreed. I believe that Collies and Dachshunds are generally the breeds being used to cross with cockers. If this is the case you have a cocker cross.

There is no such thing as a Merle cocker.

You can have a Merle cocker cross, just as you can have a Sprocker, Cockerpoo, labradoodle etc

If this is what you intended to buy and you are happy with your choice then that’s absolutely 100% fine. The reason for this post is to make people aware that there are unscrupulous breeders who hoodwink people into buying something that doesn’t exist.

How is Merle inherited?

“This type of coat is caused by a variation of a particular gene. Each dog has two copies of every gene; one that they inherit from their mother and one they inherit from their father.
The merle gene variant is dominant, which means that a dog only needs one copy, inherited from either of their parents, to have a Merle coat.”

Health concerns.

The Kennel Club will not register puppies out of two Merle parents.

“Dogs that have two copies of the merle gene variant, inherited from both of their parents, have an increased risk of problems with their eyes and ears, causing blindness and/or deafness.”

I hope this has clarified things a bit and that people will take time to read the information. There really is a bit more going on then “pretty colouring” and “rare markings”. Make sure you don’t get conned!!

For those that have regrettedly fallen into the trap, your dog will, I’m sure be a healthy and happy pet/worker!! Breeding from these dogs is not advised.

Photos show Merle on the left - Roan on the right.

13/08/2024

Just this….

When dogs do things we don't like it is never personal. Dogs don't do things deliberately to spite us. They are just doing what dogs do - being dogs. If something our dogs are doing is something we cannot live with it's up to us to manage the situation and show them what they can do instead.

• Make sure the shoes are out of reach and redirect the dog onto something they can chew.
• Reward them for having all four paws on the floor when you come in rather than jumping up.
• Consider the possibility that something is wrong with their health or in their environment if they suddenly lose their toilet training.

Most of all, don't punish them. There is always a reason why behaviour occurs, but it is never one that should result in a dog feeling fear or pain.

06/08/2024

We had a fab time at Hoopersonics show and Training Camp at Eglinton Country Park. Cooper did really well gaining 3rd and 2nd places ( never been placed before!) as well as clear rounds. The 2nd weekend being able to execute some of the techniques we learned from Astrid and Julie.
Cooper lasted well through each day and all runs, he usually starts to fade about the 3rd run of the day. He is, however, still tired after 3 show days and 3 days of camp!
Gunner at last was able to use his thinking brain and love of food to learn how to stay on course ( mostly) in the great outdoors with lots of great help and teachings from Julie🙏🏻
Thank you Ann and your team, Judges and lovely courses, Astrid and Julie for your super teaching and other campers/competitors for your fab and fun company.🤗
Pic below of the tired/relaxed boy and his haul and also Gunner who likes to get in on the “ action”!

21/07/2024

Safe “ Hunting together” as Cooper calmly “stalks” the beautiful Red Deer.

04/07/2024

Excellent advice, should you ever need it👌🏻

03/07/2024

Understanding canine body language is a very important skill. Dogs try so hard to understand us, it is the least that we can do to reciprocate🤗🐾🦮🐕‍🦺

LISTEN TO YOUR DOG'S WHISPER, SO HE DOESN'T HAVE TO SHOUT

The topic of consent and not imposing touch has cropped up in a chat with some friends this evening, so I am re-sharing a few relevant posts as it's really important that we respect requests for space. The scenario of reaching into the back of a crate, where the dog is tucked up into the corner and leaning away in order to avoid the approaching hand, holding treats to lure them, constitutes flooding. Please don't do it! A no-touching, hands-off approach will be far more successful in building trust than invading a dog's space and ignoring their needs.

* * * * *

Today, a lazy afternoon trip to the pub turned into an opportunity to people and dog watch. I’m fascinated by the way in which others interact with their dogs, and how well they understand what their dog is communicating to them. I’m particularly drawn to shy and nervous dogs as I have a huge soft spot for them, and today was no exception. I spotted quite an anxious, very pretty little dog, who was attracting the attention of the bar staff. One popped by to feed the dog a treat, which she hesitantly took, and then retreated to eat it. The barmaid looked pleased with herself as she went off with an armful of glasses. Before long, she popped back, empty handed, hopeful of getting a bit closer this time. As she reached out for the dog, the barmaid was warned that the dog was nervous, to which she replied, “I’m really good with dogs,” and carried on regardless. Oh boy. Anyway, her affections were tolerated, although the dog looked uncomfortable.

A bit later, another member of staff stopped by, and as the dog tentatively approached to sniff her, the lady went straight in for a stroke. This person was tall and formidable, the dog noticeably worried by the looming figure overhead. She tried to avoid the lady, turning her head away repeatedly. As the woman continued to lean over the dog to stroke her, next came a lick to the face. “Awwww, kisses! We’re friends now!”, I heard her exclaim, as she continued to fuss and pet the dog, not giving her the opportunity to move away. Having done her very best to make herself understood, but to no avail, the little dog finally lunged towards the lady and barked, unable to tolerate any more. The staff member seemed both put out and confused by the dog’s outburst, whilst the guardian was embarrassed, and chastised the dog as she pulled her away.

This incident led me to wonder how often this scenario occurs. How many people mistake a dog approaching them to have a sniff and gather information as the go-ahead for touching and petting? Dogs learn so much via their sense of smell; it is their primary sense, after all. They need to be able to investigate and assess in their own time, having the opportunity to choose whether they interact with someone. They also need to have the option to walk away and keep themselves feeling safe, without having to negotiate grabbing hands and looming faces.

Licking is also often misunderstood. Although it *can* be a sign of affection, it is also often an anxious behaviour, a request for space. The “kiss to dismiss,” as it was coined, is employed as a distance increasing behaviour; a sudden lick to the face usually causes someone to move away in surprise, and to prevent a further face washing!

These are just two behaviours which are so often misinterpreted. Being able to recognise and understand canine body language is such an important skill- we can never know enough! Our dogs provide us with so many signals that they are feeling uncomfortable, yet these are often missed, or simply not acknowledged. If we can spot the earliest signs that our dogs are beginning to feel stressed and take prompt action, they will not feel the need to escalate their behaviour to make themselves understood.

“Listen to your dog’s whisper so he doesn’t have to shout”- Chirag Patel

You can read more about how to spot the signs of stress here:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/the-science-of-stress-part-two-spotting-the-signs

©️ Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

30/06/2024

There are no rules or guidelines for who can call themselves a dog trainer.
The amount of issues I see because someone went to a dog trainer that caused a bigger issue is truly alarming.

Loving dogs or having dogs their whole life, being in the military, took a dog class or watched a dog training TV show are actually not training credentials.

29/06/2024

A great analogy! Many aspects to consider😊

27/06/2024

I love and feel sad at the same time reading this!
At best life is short for us and especially our precious dogs💛🖤
If you can’t be anything else be kind!

This is the picture I want you to look at the next time you’re frustrated or mad with your young dog.

On the left is a 6 month old labrador, Andaras (Andy) - she is a lunatic sometimes and will eat ANYTHING and then barf it up in your shoe. She wakes up every morning ready to GO. She wants to swim she wants to dig she wants to bark at the doll my daughter left face down on the sofa that could be the devil. She chews and jumps and does all the things a young dog should do, even with a crooked jaw.

On the right is 11 year old Labrador, Sam. He is here because he lost his family and he is covered in lumps and bumps and it hurts to walk very far and stairs are really hard. He wants to play but gets tired easily and he sits at the door waiting for us to come in because he’s too old and weak to push it open and tear after us like Andy does. He does not have long left on this earth and he knows it, but he still enjoys his long naps and food snuck to him from a willing 6 year old.

The only difference between them is 10.5 years. That’s it. That’s nothing. While we luckily get upwards of 8 times that time, they get the short end of the stick. 10 years seems like a long time; but it isn’t. 10 summers, 10 birthdays, 10 Christmases. It goes by like that. This goes for ANY dog and ANY breed.

I look at Sam and I remind myself that all the energy and crazy that Andy has today won’t last forever. She isn’t my first puppy, she won’t be my last, but I am her ONLY person in her life and I need to give her the best possible one. Not get frustrated when she acts just as she should do at her age. One day, she won’t be able to, and God how I will miss it.

My love and advocating for senior dogs isn’t just because they are the most wise and loving animals out there, it’s also because they keep me humble and reminded of what’s to come. The fate that none of us can escape but comes much faster to our beloved best friends. We owe them so much for what they give us in their short time here. So I forgive easily, I laugh often, I stretch my patience and always train with kindness and respect to the animal. I stay grateful for every day with them, because the time I get with them is a privilege, not a right, no matter what phase it is. Cherish them.

- Helen St. Pierre

25/06/2024

14/06/2024

This⬇️ 😊

🐾Although dogs descend from a common ancestor with wolves, they have undergone millennia of domestication and genetic engineering, resulting in distinct differences from their wild counterparts. Despite this misconceptions about canine behaviour persist, perpetuating unrealistic expectations and outdated training methods.

Such myths revolve around the idea of dogs as inherently naughty, stubborn, and trying to be the leader of the pack, requiring punishment for correction [1]. The original study of wolves and behaviour was conducted in 1947 by Rudolph Schenkel, who claimed that wolves hold a social position, the pack is controlled by a dominant male and female; and wolves fought within each other to establish top rank. This was disproved by Dr. Mech in 2000 [2].

The world evolves constantly yet the human race is still stuck on this notion. Qualified dog trainers and behaviourists are not trying to convince you that the world is flat, we are simply trying to improve your relationship with your dog without the use of outdated training mythology.

In reality; natural wolf groups function as family units, with parents as caregivers. Communication within the wolf group relies heavily on subtle cues, such as body language and facial expressions, rather than overt displays of aggression and dominance.

Despite scientific advancements debunking the alpha dog theory, some trainers continue to perpetuate these myths, advocating for dominance-based techniques. However, the lack of regulation in the industry allows such outdated practices to persist.

Understanding dogs requires acknowledging their individuality and respecting their preferences. Effective training involves environmental management, systematic desensitisation, and counter-conditioning, with the use of positive reinforcement; which helps dogs understand desired behaviours without resorting to punitive measures [3]. Embracing modern, evidence-based methods can build healthier, more respectful relationships with our canine companions.

Television also plays a significant role.

TV networks air shows for ratings, promoting trainers whose methods align with the dominance theory. Unfortunately, these methods often rely on coercion and correction, leading dogs to comply out of fear, NOT out of genuine willingness and understanding.

Dominance, often mistaken for a personality trait, is instead a survival response rooted in anxiety and fear. Moreover, punishing a dog for undesirable behaviour doesn't effectively communicate what you want them to do instead. Behaviours stem from emotions, and punishment fails to address these emotional struggles.

Supporting your dog through their emotional struggles can effectively improve their behaviour over time[ 4]. It’s understandable that people use inappropriate methods and techniques as they are desperate and don’t know how else to manage the problems they are facing with their dog.

Today, qualified professionals understand that the relationship between dogs and humans isn't about asserting social rank. Instead, it's about creating an environment where the dog feels safe and supported. This involves managing their surroundings to prevent situations where they might struggle or fail, and consistently rewarding behaviours we want to encourage.

[1] 2008, Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals, AVSAB, https://avsab.org/.../Dominance_Position_Statement...

[2]Mech, L. David. 1999. Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:1196-1203.
Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/2000/alstat/alstat.htm
(Version 16MAY2000).

[3] Herron M, Shofer S, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, Pages 47-54

[4] Herron M, Shofer F, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 117, Issue-12, https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0168159108003717...

12/06/2024

I love this so much❤️ It’s so good for our dogs and for ourselves to accept that context changes response.
Our dogs responses are information about how they are feeling within themselves and about a situation.

You go to a restaurant and you use your phone: it works the same way it does at home. It works the same way it does in the restaurant as it does when you go to the grocery store. You pass the phone to a friend, it will work the same way it does with you. Alone, at a party, even in another country, same response. If the signal is spotty you may not get as fast of a response, but you don’t wonder if your phone just doesn’t respect you or needs to be shown who is boss.

We’ve become so conditioned to machines and devices that just DO and respond the SAME way in every context they are put in that we often lose sight of the fact that animals, sentient beings, and ourselves, behave differently in different contexts and that’s completely normal and expected and part of life. I know I behave completely differently in a crowded party with strangers than I do alone with my best friend. I know that when I’m in pain or stressed or feel pressured my behaviors will be different than when I’m relaxed and comfortable. How I handle a conflict with a stranger versus my husband, in public versus at home etc etc, This isn’t new information, yet I find myself reminding clients this all the time. Your dog can be wonderful and love playing with other dogs off leash, but on leash in another context behave completely differently. This isn’t weird or bad. This is normal. Context will often change behavior, unless you’re a machine.

Your dog is not programmable, and even when we think they are predictable they can still surprise us. Your dog may love handling and enjoy you rubbing his belly on the couch, but absolutely panic and get defensive when handled and restrained at the vet. Different context, different relationships, different responses. This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your dog, it means you need to work on coping skills in those particular contexts that elicit that response, even if that means management to prevent further escalation. The problem comes when we just assume because our dog is FINE in one scenario and context, they should be fine in all. They aren’t cell phones or laptops or cars.

I know this is hard sometimes to grapple with because predictable feels safer when it comes to animals. So unfortunately we often resort to training that gives us that predictably simply by suppressing any reaction at all. DONT move, don’t react, don’t do anything unless I say, immediately when I say. But that’s not healthy. That’s not a relationship, that’s a dictatorship.

Real relationships happen and develop and strengthen when you accept someone (this goes for people and dogs and all species) for what they are, who they are in all contexts and allow them the space to be that way and support them. Just as you would want yourself understood. What’s amazing is when you do that, you actually get MORE predictability in different contexts than less, because there’s trust between you now. It’s taken me a long time to learn that, and love the fact that they are animals, and I’ll never fully understand or know them and they will still surprise me. But, I’m here for the lessons and the journey.

10/06/2024

Notice your dog trying to read you, your facial expressions, your words and tone and your body language….. they do it so much better than we do! Keep up!🤗

03/06/2024

The more you pay attention to their “whispers”, the less likely they are to “shout”
When you watch and respond to your dog’s subtle communications, they realise that you are “open to communication” and they “ talk” to you more. When they talk more and you listen more, there is a deeper level of understanding between you🥰

01/06/2024

As some of you may know, I am also a Yoga teacher and this really resonates…..

We can easily get lost in our thoughts or our focus on other people. Comparison will always set us up to feel like we are failing.
When we feel negative emotions it’s often our reminder to bring our thoughts back to the present, our journey, the lessons meant only for us. And often when we do, we will find our dogs waiting for us there.

31/05/2024

Believe in yourself and believe in your dog🙏🏻

28/05/2024

Muzzle training does mean your dog has to wear one, but it does mean that if he is required to, for any reason, that it won’t be so stressful for him.

27/05/2024

In the heat of a reactive moment remember…“ Distance is your friend”

REACTIVE DOGS NEED SPACE!

As the guardian of a reactive dog, "distance is your friend" is something you will hear a LOT, and it is so true. Giving our dogs the space they need to feel safe will help them to cope better with the things that worry them, and it will reduce their day to day stress levels, positively impacting both ends of the lead.

If your dog is barking and lunging at other dogs, this is vital information that he needs more space to help him cope in that situation. We need to listen, respect their feelings, and take action. This means that we might have to risk appearing rude to other people sometimes, but it is okay to say, “no, we are in training and need space, please”, or, “no, my dog is nervous, he’d rather not say hello, thank you.” Find quieter areas to walk, choose low-traffic times, or hire a secure field for some stress-free quality time with your best boy or girl.

Don't feel pressured into walking your dog everyday - it is absolutely okay to have a break. For some dogs, the outside world is just too much, so entertaining them at home with some play, fun training, scentwork etc to keep them stimulated is a great alternative. Management is a major component of helping our dogs feel safe; don't allow others to make you feel guilty if walks are too much for you both!

Behaviour modification is founded on changing emotional responses to the things which worry our dogs. In order to create positive associations, we need to work at a neutral level of exposure, so providing our dogs with the space they need to stay within their coping threshold is vital. Yes, reactive outbursts can be embarrassing, but using punishment, scolding and intimidation to stop them only serves to suppress the behaviour, and will add further negativity to the dog’s struggles. Suppression is not the same as behaviour modification!

There are many reasons besides reactivity why a dog might need more space - here are just a few:

*In training
*Struggling with anxiety
*Recovering from a bad experience
*Recuperating from an illness or surgery
*Nervous of other dogs
*Nervous of people
*Age-related aches and pains
*Deaf and/or blind
*Their human prefers to avoid other people or dogs
*Their human has mobility issues

Whatever the reason for needing some space, having a well-practised exit strategy is something that we can all benefit from, so that we can create distance quickly and keep our dogs feeling safe; teaching a "let's go!" cue is a huge help.

Remember: if in doubt, don’t hang about!

Life with a sensitive dog is stressful for both ends of the lead. Make time for some TLC: a (very large) glass of wine and a massive sharing (what’s that??!) sized box of chocolates for you, while your dog has something enjoyable to help him also wind down.

Reactive dogs need our understanding, our empathy, and our help with changing the underlying emotions which drive these behaviours. They aren't behaving badly, they are just struggling with some big feelings.

Remember: they are not deliberately being difficult and giving us a hard time; they are having a hard time!

© Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

24/05/2024

Co-operation and consent training gives a dog the chance to say “ yeah, I’m ok with this” or “ no, not just now” and when we listen to what they tell us, we give them a choice, giving them agency and some control over their life, which to be honest is largely dictated by the human.
In the grooming situation, I have found that actually the more often you give them the opportunity to say “no” the more often they say “ yes”
So whenever we can give them a choice e.g. where they can sniff and explore, the speed of their walk, when they are groomed, for how long etc., the more confident they will be and the more fulfilling their lives will be.
….. my two boys are saying “yes” (too) enthusiastically, to being groomed!… 🦮🐕‍🦺