Cumbria Dog Training

24/06/2024

Thank you to the owners who allowed photos to be shared
Please be aware……..

24/06/2024

24/06/2024

Our dogs are forgiving, trusting and love us no matter what. To them you are always doing your best and to them that’s always good enough.

24/06/2024

🛇 Use your Manners! 🛇
The Sniff test - Stop doing that!
The sniff test - a badly engrained habit that society has been taught, without a clear understanding of what they're actually doing.

🚩When you reach out towards a dog, you are using body pressure AT them, giving them no time to assess whether you are safe & whether they require further investigation to pick up your information. You are forcing an interaction of a relationship that hasn't had time to develop. To some dogs, this is quite rude & the reason a lot of dogs snap at or bite people. This can cause alot of behavioral issues because of layered stress due to forced interactions.

🚩If they are on lead, they have no where to go if they are sensitive to spacial pressure, so can end up shutting down, shying away or snapping at your hand so you back off. This is an example of how a dog is now using pressure to turn off pressure & make you back off so they aren't so stressed.

🚩People think by offering your hand it can give the dog time to sniff to know you're friendly... they can sniff without being forced to sniff your hand.Their noses are far more superior than ours & they don't need close contact forced upon them to smell you.

🚩Some dogs might not want to know you. You have no relationship with them and that's perfectly fine. They aren't your dog so you don't need to touch them or steal pats for your own satisfaction.

🤔 If you are meeting a dog, what should you do?
⚠Ask the owner if you can interact with their dog. Not all people want strangers touching their dogs. Especially strangers who you are unlikely to see again.
⚠Stand up straight & relaxed, with your hands at your side.
⚠Ignore the dog & talk to the owner.
⚠Don't stare at the dog & don't try to force an interaction by going in for a pat. If the dog wants to know you, it will come up to you & sniff around. Usually they will move away & then come back for a second sniffathon. Some dogs will bunt your hands & wag their tails, which are good signs that you're likely an accepted new friend. Give them a few slow pats down their back (NOT THEIR HEAD) & then stop. Is the dog happy? Has it accepted your interaction? This will determine whether you can give it more pats.

🐶This is a more stress free option for dogs & a reason why in consultations we can develop a good level of trust, especially with fearful dogs & aggressive dogs, without a bunch of negative side effects from forced interactions.

24/06/2024

‼️‼️

JUST A REMINDER, TO ALL DOG OWNERS.

⚠️🚙⚠️ Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the UK die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️

SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.

• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.

• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.

• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.

• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.

• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.

• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.

• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.

Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.
Please don’t risk their safety.

If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

22/06/2024

Yesterday as I was with a client...I witnessed a child get nipped/bit😠. Not my client, but a dog that was across the road from us being walked by a man.
A woman and her child were walking towards them, they stopped and he told the child to put her hand out for the dog to smell.
Such old advice ❗
Such dangerous advice ❗
It doesn't mean you are friends.
It doesn't mean the dog will like you.

It means a hand is right in front of a dogs mouth that you do not know ❗
This myth has GOT to stop.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

20/06/2024

Good info

20/06/2024

20* here in Cumbria and you’re mountain biking with your dog
😟🤬😟

18/06/2024

Today I was informed that one of our regular boarding guests was PTS yesterday.

Yes, she was not ours but when you have known a dog since a puppy when we met for training and then they become a regular guest we get attached.

Seldom was an amazing dog, knew her own mind but was a joy to be around and will be missed.

Sending love to her devoted human 🌺

RIP ❤️🙏❤️

13/06/2024

What another beautiful day yesterday bringing dog training and shamanic energy work together

Truly blessed to meet clients who want to look deeper, and understand more on a different level, yesterday was a full day working with a pack of 3 and their wonderful human ❤️🙏🌺😊

Thank you ☺️

12/06/2024

Eyes. They can tell us so much.👀
Some dogs naturally have a tighter face and more whites of the eyes will show....yet it is also a sign of extreme anxiousness for some.
So how do you tell ❓
A dogs eyes can clearly show us how they feel BUT everything needs to be taken in context.

There will be other accompanying signs.
Posture hunching.
Ears flattening.
Changes in behaviour.
Skulking.
Seeking shelter under tables or beds.
Lowering heads and gazes.
Tension and wrinkling in the face...and much more

There are many signs of stress a dog can give and their eyes certainly do show some.
Another common one is avoiding eye contact...or not taking their eyes off someone.
Blinking, squinting and quick glances at something they may be unsure about.
As always, it is very important to take the WHOLE picture into account....because a blink can just be a blink.
A dogs eyes can tell you so much !

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

11/06/2024

The Zoomies ❗
They can be a shock😲 for some people with new puppies , rest assured they are completely normal for dogs and puppies....BUT they may need to be investigated a little more too.
FRAP's (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), all puppies and dogs can show them and some more than others.
What needs to be looked at is why they are occurring.
✅ Have all needs been met, physically and mentally.
❓ Is there enough physical exercise during the day.....or too much. Over arousal needs to be looked at as a cause and over tired pups and dogs can show this behaviour.
❌ Are you a target ? Some puppies and dogs will aim their bursts of energy at you....that can be an issue.

The good news is most times they are actually quite predictable...and you can help your puppy burn off some energy by engaging their brain or nose. Enrichment before the Zoomies (and VARY the enrichment...the same puzzle which is now boring won't help).
Zoomies can sometimes be a reminder we may not be meeting all their needs..... or they can just be the Zoomies....put your feet up and enjoy the show !

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

10/06/2024

Mr B is clear too!! 🥳

10/06/2024

Different part of the fell today, curlews have taken over the other side!!
And we heard a cuckoo
🌺❤️

10/06/2024

Is your intention to do training in a certain location and you get there with your dog and your dog is “all over “ the place struggling to engage with you?

Stop

Take time just to allow your dog to observe where it is, settle in and just be

Then do something that your dog knows, interact with it, and bit of hunting around you

Then…… if possible, go back to your plan

If the plan isn’t going to plan then go back to observing, engaging with you and that may be all you do, but you know what? That is more beneficial than “fighting” with what you wanted.

The next time go back to the same place so it becomes more familiar for your dog.

If your dog is really struggling try a less distracting location

10/06/2024

This is so true

I am forever advising reduce or stop walking your dog
Go out and do more fun, hunting, play in different locations, training there if needed, short bursts.

Too much walking creates :-
An athlete expecting more.
A depressed dog if it doesn’t get the stimulation (as in some humans)
An over aroused dog that settles for short periods.
A stressed dog/highly aroused (which I see a lot of)
A dog that struggles to settle at all.
A fearful dog.
Joint issues later in life (not all the time of course)

If you would like help to change your habits with your dog, to slow things down then contact me

Thank you National institute for canine ethics for the graphics.

08/06/2024

Veterinary teams are reporting that XL bullys appear to have “more friable tissue” that “bleeds more readily”, with several of the dogs needing to go back to surgery to find the source of bleeding.

08/06/2024

A bit of nose work before I start training with clients x

08/06/2024

CONFIDENCE

It is crucial that dog is feeling SAFE with you EVERYWHERE, relaxed and within your bubble and able to hear you in what ever state of arousal.

Are you going out with your dog to train but wondering why your dog isn't listening, is distracted,acting in a “stubborn”manner? Are you going out feeling worried, stressed etc?
All this breaks down confidence in you or your dog
Sometimes you feel you have to get "it" sorted no matter what, as that is what you feel you have to do....

It isn't........

Training takes little steps, repeating them in which ever new location you are in but if your dog is lacking confidence then training can't happen as your dog isn't in the right state of mind, it may be taking the treats but is not in the right state of mind to receive them for the right reason.

My Advice.........

1. STOP trying so hard, postpone training.
2. Go to a neutral location.
3. Play with your dog. tug games..allow your dog to win, hunting treats/toys/balls, hide and seek, little "tricks" like touch, weave, middle etc
4. I love advising clients about what I call Natural Parkour where you use nature to help you connect wth your dog, also urban environments work brilliantly too. This helps connection but also helps you slow things down.
5. Slow things down even more by, sitting and watching the world go by at a distance that your dog can cope with.
6. Do anything that makes your dog feel good about itself
7. If your dog is reactive on whatever level stop going on a walk , these brain games are so important and can tire your dog out so much more.......remember it is still moving and physical interaction but the mental is a good balance. Don't get sucked into the advice of your dog needs to face the world, go on the long walks that will tire it out...NO it won't, to a stressed dog it causes more harm.

Once your dog is feeling better within then you can start to ask it to do something that it already knows such as sit, down, come but don't overdo it to start with. As the confiednce builds then you can start changing locations and adding ore distractons....GO AT THE PACE OF YOUR DOG. Yes we need to progress, we can't stay in the same locations forever (unless you really want to and that is all your dog can cope with, thats another post!) but we must come out of what we feel we should be doing (I hate that word) and come from a place of we feel we need to do.

Training will happen

Enjoy your journey, relax, breathe

07/06/2024

Pixie too ###

06/06/2024

I don’t use chemicals with my dogs so I send off poo samples to check if any treatment is necessary
Lovely to see Annie is clear 🌺🙏

03/06/2024

Great info….. again

A look into dog play and how it is often misread. A deeper look into videos of dogs playing where we look at intensity, body language, play bows and how the...

03/06/2024

I have a question…….

A 14week cocker spaniel was in the pub recently barking.
The owners wondered why, as it was very annoying and hard to deal with.
It transpired that the puppy had just been on a 3mile min,fell walk .

What was going on?

29/05/2024

🤣🤣🤣

😧

29/05/2024

Patting isn’t always simple……

Patting a dog, sounds simple doesn't it ❓🤔
There's a dog, a hand is moving in and patting a dog begins.
It just isn't that simple though. While I love seeing the closeness and the bond clients have with their dogs, sometimes I am the bearer of news that I wish I didn't have to tell them.
I hate saying it, but I have to.
"Your dog doesn't like being touched on the head"
"Can you see them moving away from your hand when you started patting ?"
"Can you see the ears change?"
I can't not say it, and I do say it more delicately than those sentences but it is often a shock. Yes dogs CAN consent to being touched and they can easily remove that consent too.
To make things trickier consent can be given and immediately removed, or consent was given yesterday and not today.
I know some people may have a hang up with the word "consent" when it comes to dogs but they absolutely have the right to say yes or no to touch.
In the graphic many people will see flat ears as a sign of anxiousness/stress but some dogs do flatten their ears when being patted on their heads when they enjoy the touch.
Some dogs will lick a patting hand from anxiety and some from affection.
Patting isn't as simple as it sounds.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

29/05/2024

Paul has 4 lovely dogs, this is his youngest one, such a great girl ❤️
She is very special, but fortunately Paul understands her needs x

28/05/2024

Brilliant info
So much needs to be considered if a dog is struggling

BARRIERS TO LEARNING – WHY SOME DOGS STRUGGLE TO LEARN

“My dog is stubborn, doesn’t listen to me, a slow learner, not the smartest, tries to be in control, will only do it at home, will only behave sometimes, is uncontrollable……” – these are comments that are often heard.

Just like us, dogs need the right kind of conditions to either be able to learn something new or to bring about a change in behaviour.

Dogs are not robots that can be programmed by a set of specific inputs that guarantee consistent results. They are individual, sentient beings that need to be understood.

If we’re feeling stressed, anxious, tired, over excited, too distracted, not feeling well, have no motivation etc. we will find it really difficult, if not impossible to learn something new, change our behaviour or change a habit. The same applies to dogs.

A dog’s emotional state, the surrounding environment, motivation, age (pups, adolescents, seniors) or any health issues all have a significant impact on their ability to learn.

If your dog is having a hard time learning something, look at these factors and see if there is a reason that may be preventing progress.

Maybe your dog is just having an “off” day, just like we do.

Try again tomorrow or next week and set your dog up for success by having realistic expectations.

Learning or changing behaviour takes time, patience, consistency, understanding and the right conditions.