Snouts&Kisses

26/04/2025

Just a reminder to join me and Tribe Vets tomorrow for a dog walk at Florence Park. Meet in the car park off Rhymers lane at 10am. All welcome.

23/04/2025

HU***NG HOUNDS
It’s not always about what it looks like.

Some dogs do and some dogs don’t, but if you have a dog that humps at the most inopportune times it can be particularly embarrassing or annoying.

Other dogs, other people, visitors, toys, cushions, furniture, anything that can be mounted and clung to may be fair game.

As people, it’s natural to assume that this behaviour is of a sexual nature, that our dogs must be oversexed, sexually frustrated or the all-too-common incorrect belief that our dogs are just trying to be “dominant” or “the alpha”.

Hu***ng, like many other dog behaviours does not always have a simple reason. It can be a complex behaviour which is usually emotionally or socially based.

When hu***ng is annoying another dog or person or causing frustration, discomfort or harm in any way, then obviously this behaviour needs to be addressed, but sometimes we need to consider if it’s really something we need to stop because as people, we see it as socially unacceptable?

Is it just a harmless way of relieving stress or anxiety or a way to release excess energy. Is a little hump now and then okay if it’s not causing any harm?

One of my boys (I’m referring to my dog - just to prevent any misunderstanding!) humps one of my other dogs every Saturday morning without fail.

This happens when we get back from a long walk in nature. I allow him to do this because I understand it’s his way of releasing excitement and calming himself down.

As long as the other dogs don’t mind, I don’t believe it’s causing any harm as it’s a healthy way of self-regulating.

If we prevent this, correct it, or at worst punish this behaviour are we removing a harmless natural outlet and risking another unwanted behaviour taking its place?

Hu***ng is one of the most misunderstood behaviours.

Very often, behaviour is not about the way it looks, but the way we perceive it from our human perspective.

22/04/2025

Discover Tribe’s upcoming events for pet lovers. Stay connected with Tribe to learn, engage, and celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives.

19/04/2025

14/04/2025

Dog parent reminder: The time we have with our dogs is short, and these small moments mean everything to them. 🐾💜

09/04/2025

We get our puppies vaccinated on time because we love them and we want to lessen the likelihood of infectious diseases that can cause illness, suffering and even death. Why then, don't people get their dog the vaccination against fear, anxiety, stress, panic and phobia?

Isn't emotional suffering and potential euthanasia enough of a reason to protect puppies as any other infectious disease?

Just like vaccinations, the timing of socialization is critical. You can't do it later. It has to be done before 14 weeks in most breeds.

Not only is the exposure important, but the nature of the exposure. Positive exposures put value in the emotional piggy bank and negative ones withdraw value.

There is no reason to avoid socialization if done well and safely, but there are lots of negative consequences to waiting to expose your pup to the world.

Give your puppy the best of both worlds—protection and preparation for a happy, confident future!

08/04/2025

Exactly what I keep saying - the more you reward good behaviours the more your dog (or cat!) will engage in those behaviours!

A simple definition of the Matching Law.

30/03/2025

If you're a dog trainer, you understand the pressure of having the perfect dog. After all, if we can't train our own dog, how can we possibly train other people's dogs right?

The problem is, no dog is perfect and each and every one is unique. Their environment, genetics, experiences and personality influence the dog they are going to be. No dog is a blank canvas. While training can accomplish amazing things, dogs may still have a predisposition to be anxious or reactive.

Just like people, dogs have both strengths and weaknesses. They may be excellent in the home but reactive on walks. They may be amazing at recall but terrible at lead work. When we observe someone dog training, we can't possibly ascertain if their dog is obedient in all areas of his/her life, and there's a good chance they aren't.

Likewise, when someone observes our dog displaying negative behaviour, onlookers can't possibly see all the good behaviour and training that's been achieved. Dogs that seem absolutely perfect in dog training videos are often victims of aversive training, which effectively suppresses unwanted behaviours, whilst gradually damaging the dogs emotional welfare.

Reward based dog trainers do train their dogs to the best of their ability, however most prioritise happiness over compliance. They believe the relationship comes first and they accept that their dog may have life long struggles. Our dogs adore us, regardless of our many imperfections and failings, therefore they deserve the same.

I'm a dog trainer and my dog is far from perfect, but then so am I. He struggles with some dogs and he hates the Amazon van, but his strengths far outweigh those issues. He won't behave perfectly in public but I'm proud that I allow him agency to be his true self. He's fantastic in so many other ways that most don't get to see, and this was accomplished without intimidating him or removing all choices.

I pick my battles and focus on training that improves his confidence and emotional welfare. The most important thing in our relationship with dogs, is that we value their happiness far above our expectations of them and that any training we do is to improve their life rather than control it.

So, most reward based trainers don't have perfect dogs, but that's because we prioritise their welfare over compliance and we want them to enjoy the freedom of being their wonderful imperfect selves.-Holly Leake, Paw Chores

Please feel free to like and share, but please do not copy and paste the writing. ©️

23/03/2025

Repeat after me...

Muzzled dogs have GOOD guardians!

👏 Guardians who are prioritising safety and setting their dog up for success.

👏 Guardian is more sensitive to the impact their dog has on others.

👏 Guardians that prioritise their dog's safety and well-being over public perception.

A muzzle is not cruel, restrictive, or indicative of a poor relationship or lack of training. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! 💕

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21/03/2025

Ethology,Neuroscience,Applied Animal Behaviour,Sentient,Sentient beings,Emotions,Animal Welfare,Dog,Cat,Training,Dog behaviour,Cat behaviour,Animal behaviour,Animal rights,Enrichment,Agility,Dog agility,Cat toys,Dog toys,Animals,Behaviour courses,Behaviour problems,Naughty dog,Naughty cat

20/03/2025

This is my dog in yellow My Anxious Dog UK
Thank you for making people aware that anxious dogs are allowed to be out and about, just like any other dog, and that giving them space and respecting their boundaries is the right thing to do.

20/03/2025

For all our anxious dogs.
For my anxious dog.
You are loved. Just as you are.

Today is for you, our wonderful .

A day where you can be celebrated from a distance - just the way you like it.
A day where we honour your gentle hearts and cautious paws.
A day where the world takes a step back, so you can breathe a little easier.
A day where the world softens its sounds for you, because we know loud noises can be scary.
A day where movement slows, because stillness makes you feel safe.
A day where our emotional dogs are seen, respected, and loved without judgement.
A day where they are given space from everything that feels overwhelming.
A day where you put on your yellow, and with it, a little more confidence. A sign to the world that you need space, and that you are understood.

Tonight, as the world quiets down, know that we see you.
We celebrate you.
And just like the stars in the sky—we shine for you.

18/03/2025

Help Create a Kinder World for Pets!
More info:https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/

16/03/2025

Ethology,Neuroscience,Applied Animal Behaviour,Sentient,Sentient beings,Emotions,Animal Welfare,Dog,Cat,Training,Dog behaviour,Cat behaviour,Animal behaviour,Animal rights,Enrichment,Agility,Dog agility,Cat toys,Dog toys,Animals,Behaviour courses,Behaviour problems,Naughty dog,Naughty cat

13/03/2025

Confession time 🙈 - I got lovely Des’ name wrong (yes he did get a new certificate with the correct name), but doesn’t this lovely pup just make you think of Dexter from Dexter’s Lab? Maybe it’s his personality- brilliant, sparkling, and oh so very cute 🥰. (Maybe I’ve also just given my age away 🤭)