We currently have lots of LWDT Members taking part in Step-Tember. A month of daily tasks, challenges and activities. To celebrate International Sign Language Day the challenge was to see how many visual cues their dogs understood. Verity teamed up with her friend Nikki, and made this great video.
Thank you both ...and Hermione of course.
🌟 Fun at the Dog Event at Delapré in Northampton! 🐶
This Saturday, we had an amazing time at the dog event in Delapré, Northampton, along with Chris from Chasing Pawfection. LWDT (Laura & Shannon) brought along hoopers and agility equipment to set up a free "have a go" ring. A huge shoutout to our incredible club members—Alison, Sheila, and Claire—who joined us and were super busy helping owners and their dogs navigate the course! It was a fantastic day filled with wonderful dogs and passionate dog owners. 🐾💕
We met so many fantastic dogs and enjoyed seeing so many people having fun with their canine companions. We were also on hand to offer training advice and connect with fellow dog lovers.
However, we also noticed a sad trend. In my 26-ish years of training dogs and attending events, I have never seen so many aversive methods in use. During the day, we encountered several choke chains, many slip leads (being used to restrict), a couple of e-collars, and even three prong collars. 😞
After a few chats, I did manage to get a choke chain and a remote e-collar removed from two dogs. We took the time to explain how these tools work, the potential fallout from using aversive methods, and what positive alternatives can be used instead.
Let's talk about aversive methods: These are training tools or techniques that use discomfort or pain to modify behavior. While they may seem to offer quick results, they often come with negative consequences for the dog's well-being. Tools like choke chains, prong collars, and e-collars can cause physical pain, fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Long-term use can damage the relationship between dogs and their owners.
Are these methods being glamourized on social media? It's concerning that some of these tools are being popularized online, making them seem like a standard part of dog training. But there are kinder, more effective ways to train dogs using positive reinforcement techniques that build trust and conf
It is certainly proving to be a summer of extremes.... to hot... too wet....too hot ...too wet. Could someone please have a word with whoever is turning the weather dial.
🎉 Why Play Tuggy with Your Dog? 🐾
1. **Bond Builder**: It's like a gym session with your best mate, but furrier. 🐶❤️
2. **Exercise Galore**: Burn off that extra energy – no more midnight zoomies! 🏃♂️💨
3. **Brain Boost**: Keeps their brains busy – like a Sudoku, but with more slobber. 🧠💦
4. **Self-Control 101**: Perfect for teaching “drop it” – because nobody likes a toy hog. 🛑🧸
5. **Instinct Satisfaction**: Satisfies their inner wolf – minus the howling at the moon. 🌕🐺
6. **Confidence Booster**: Even shy dogs get to feel like tugging champions. 🏅🐾
7. **Anywhere Fun**: Tug anywhere – no gym membership required! 💪🏡
**Pros**:
Stronger bond, mental & physical workout, easy to play anywhere! ✨
**Cons**:
Tugging fanatic alert, needs supervision! 🚨
❓ Questions:
1. How often do you tug?
2. Favourite tug toy?
3. What is your cue for letting go?
4. Behaviour changes after tugging?
5. Safety rules?
6. Handling over-excitement?
7. Tug as a training reward?
8. Favourite part about tugging?
9. Tugging with multiple dogs – chaos control?
#DogTraining #DogFun #TugOfWar #Happypups #DogPlayTime#LWDT
1. **Cool Pools:**
Set up a paddling pool in the garden. Your dog will think it’s their personal spa day. Plus, watching them splash around is sure to give you a good laugh. Who needs a waterpark when you’ve got a dog and a hose?
2. **Fan Club:**
Create a doggy fan club by setting up a fan where they lounge. They’ll feel like a celebrity with a personal wind machine. Just imagine them with their fur blowing dramatically – they’re basically a model now.
3. **Frozen Treats:**
Make some frozen dog treats. Blend their favourite fruits with a bit of water, pour into moulds, and freeze. It’s like doggy sorbet! Just don’t mistake them for your own popsicles. That would be awkward.
4. **Shady Business:**
Ensure there’s plenty of shade for your dog to lounge in. Trees, umbrellas, or even a DIY tent can do the trick. They’ll look like they’re on a tropical holiday. All they’re missing is a tiny sunhat.
5. **Avoid the Heat of the Day:**
Take walks early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler. Midday walks are like dragging your dog across a griddle – not fun for anyone. Plus, you can avoid the melting-human routine too.
6. **Grooming Sessions:**
Keep your dog’s fur trimmed and brushed. It’s like giving them a summer haircut. Just don’t go too short – we’re cooling them down, not auditioning for a canine version of The Great British Bark Off.
7. **Stay Hydrated:**
Make sure there’s always fresh water available. Maybe even add some ice cubes to the bowl. It’s like a refreshing cocktail for them. Shake, stir, and serve – no tiny umbrellas needed.
8. **Cool Mats:**
Invest in a cooling mat for your dog. It’s like giving them a portable air conditioner. Watch their look of pure bliss as they flop down on it. Instant chill mode activated.
9. **Indoor Adventures:**
On particularly scorching days, stay indoors and play games or teach them new tricks. Think of it as your dog’s version of staying in with Netfl
Today is also Wizbit's first Gotcha Day 🥳
She's the spanner that I didn't realise was missing from my tool box 🐾❤️
I think Mabel will have to start her own AMSR YouTube channel 🤣
This lovely labrador never fails to make me chuckle with her nom nom nom noises. She was only eating a single piece of kibble.
If your dog makes eating noises that make you laugh , please post a video below for us all to enjoy
Last night was all about handling for our LWDT Members.
-muzzle training
- towel drying
- grooming
- claw cutting
- inflatable collars
- stethoscope
- settle ( vets waiting room)
We also used control greetings to give handlers the opportunity to discuss how dogs play with each other, how they communicate with us that they are not happy being handled and subtle ways they might show pain.
Training classes aren't just about ' obedience' training or tricks, they are a chance to learn life skills and to give owners the tools, and understanding, to help their dogs in all different situations
Well done everyone 👏
Happy Sunday everyone 🐾❤️
Thank you Tracey for sending me this.
Archie, showing off his amazing recall. This was with me attempting to be more enticing by saying "hi! " to him AND I had been feeding him tasty duck pate ..... and we all know that Labradors are often ruled by their stomachs.
Well done Archie 🌟
