DogMa Dog School

05/12/2024

What is Socializing your Dog?

Dog's that are social are respectful of one another's space and state of mind. Sadly, when we bring puppies and/ or dogs into a domestic environment where we do not teach them or others of their kind to be respectful of space full stop, human or canine, they get the illusion that being disrespectful of space is the way to be social. An example of this is when we allow a dog to pull us towards another canine or person for contact, or permit our dogs to jump up at visitors etc. Socialising your dog is important but in the correct manner, so the above examples must be corrected or prevented from happening. Today we see so many dogs that approach other dogs with high energy and a disrespectful state of mind and although sometimes it ends in a friendly encounter, more often than not it causes aggravation to other dog owners and fights between their dogs. My dogs are social and have been taught to pay attention to me for their entertainment and only socialise with other dogs when they approach respectfully but 99% of the time they ignore other dogs because they are engaged with me. The word social for dogs should mean relating to a society and living together in an organised and respectful way and because, for dogs, our environment is far from that, they become unbalanced and a problem for a lot of dog owners.
When at DDS our dogs are learning to be social in a controlled manner and work with us while close to others dogs but to ignore them as a source of engagement. This is something you should all be working at whilst out on your day to day exercising and training with your canine companion. So make use of other dogs that are around you and work your dog or play with your dog keeping their attention on you at all times, correcting them when and if they wander. If you are matching your dog's energy levels and having fun this shouldn't be too much of an issue for you. Never allow your dog to approach another when in a high level energy, discipline and control, it's not imperative that they meet and greet, they don't need to, that's called being social!
When I hear people tell me that they want their dogs to play with other dogs, I question their motive! Canines generally would not play with another unless they are part of their social group and very familiar to them. So when a completely strange dog approaches at a high level energy showing no respect for you or your dog, then your dog snaps at them or cringes in fear, you shouldn't be surprised at your dogs response. Block the other dog from entering your space and protect your friend and claim your space. Ask the other dog owner to call their dog! Most other dog owners will comply, only a few will be brash with their response, you are entitled to your space when walking your dog!

24/11/2024

Yelling louder for the people in the back

My dog is not my child.

My dog is not my furbaby.

I am not her mother, I am her trainer. The word trainer is not a bad word, it means leader, supporter,disciplinary.. and friend.

My dog is my friend. She is my partner and my companion. To treat her like a child, to infantilize her and make it seem as though she needs my constant coddling or protection, would be unfair to her.

She is an adult carnivore that I have brought into my human world. Because of that it is my responsibility as her owner:

1) To communicate with her in a way she can understand.

2) To provide leadership, discipline and mutual respect.

3) To understand her instincts and needs, and provide appropriate outlets for them.

4) To train her and provide her the skills to function effectively in our human world, including acceptable manners and behaviors including the veterinarian.

Our dogs deserve to be given responsibility and allowed to be adult creatures, not perpetual babies. Please, don't try to make them tiny humans, they aren't and they don't want to be. Dogs are wonderful because they are dogs. Let them be dogs.

Teach them to be good ones.

I couldn’t live a day without them..

28/10/2024

A client of mine Luke Fletch sent me this video of his Border Collie Frida interacting with his parents Gordon Setter puppy who is 4 months old. We can learn a lot from watching a balanced dog making things happen, using subtle changes in position, blocking and only removing the spacial pressure once the other dog surrenders to it completely. Frida is showing this young dog how it's done and setting up the canine conversation between them moving forward. Watch and learn people......blocking and spacial pressure is a vital communication tool when used with the right energy.

26/10/2024

Kennel Cough.

Treating and Preventing Kennel Cough.

If your dog is making retching, hacking or making a coughing sound it most likely has kennel cough. Gestation is approx one week before symptoms manifest and once symptoms disappear, it is thought your dog could still be contagious to other dogs for up to three weeks afterward. So be responsible and keep your dog away from other dogs for this time period.

Kennel cough is contagious. If you think your dog might have the condition, you should keep them away from other dogs and contact your veterinarian if your dog looks to be in distress.

Although most cases of kennel cough will resolve without treatment, medications may speed recovery or minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target Bordetella bacteria and cough medicines.

You may also find that keeping your dog in a well-humidified area and using a harness instead of a collar, especially for dogs that strain against a leash, will minimize the coughing. Avoid exciting your dog as much as possible as this exasperates the cough. I recommend keeping your dog as quite as possible and on lead, road walking for the duration of the infection.

Most dogs with kennel cough recover completely within three weeks, though it can take up to six weeks in older dogs or those with other medical conditions. Because serious, ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia, be sure to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog doesn't improve within the expected amount of time. Also, if your dog at any time has symptoms of rapid breathing, not eating, or listlessness, contact your vet right away, as these could be signs of more serious conditions.

22/10/2024

06/10/2024

People please understand how the DDA 1991 affects you as a dog owner. Your dog does NOT have to bite someone for you to be prosecuted under the law. The legislation also makes it an offence if a person is worried or afraid (the term is 'reasonable apprehension') that a dog may bite them. Whether its on lead or not. Your responsibility is to keep your dogs under control at all times.....even if they are friendly!

29/09/2024

27/09/2024

💯 this 👇

17/09/2024

I couldn't put it better myself

15/09/2024

Rexx enjoying doing what he loves......anything for his ball!

05/09/2024

People you can't rear a dog on love alone ! They NEED rules and boundaries, clear communication and guidance to give them stability and a solid relationship with you built around trust and respect.

02/09/2024

💯 👇

15/08/2024

Today's client Wendy Gardner said "Hi Karen. Thanks so much for the video and a million thanks for all your help today. Ralph is a changed dog and has really caught on the things about barking , following me through the door etc. I just can’t believe how you taught him so quickly and I am determined to make sure I keep him on the straight and narrow from now on.
You have worked your magic on him for which I shall be forever grateful.
Delighted to know that you do walks too. Will talk to you soon about that and look forward to seeing you again, the coffee is always at hand and always good!!!
Much love and thanks, Wendy xx"
It's a wonderful feeling when you help someone and it clearly means so much 😊

14/08/2024

A dog's lead is not just for use when you're walking your dog. It's a TOOL which can be used when ever you feel it appropriate in helping to give corrections direction and guidance.......