Smart Dog Training

22/11/2023

While I had fun creating pictures with ai a couple of weeks ago, others are using it to steal content and profit from well know names. Take care of you are buying books, or even reading articles, if unsure, check on the authors website before buying.

Today's fun: Discovering I have published a new book *without even knowing it!* That's how talented I am.

The truth is much scarier.

AI has been used to generate an entire book published in my name. A kind fan let me know she had bought it, not realizing it was NOT from me, and was shocked at the cheap printing, awful writing and so many other ways that it was clear I had nothing to do with this.

The title is The Best Way to Meet Your Dog: Navigating Canine Behavior and Relationships. IT IS NOT MINE.

It has stolen a lot of material from a lot of trainers including me, Kim Brophey and others. I have filed complaints with Amazon.

This is going to be the future, I fear. Stay alert, and keep an eye out for what's posted on Amazon under your own name.

If you can *without purchasing the book,* post a warning at Amazon in the reviews for this crap.

18/11/2023

Foxy has been taking advantage of my training walks to help with car chasing. From barking and lunging for every car that passes, to this in a few days.

I am not the greatest videographer and Facebook cuts the car off But pop your sound on for proof!

13/11/2023

What does a coach trip and the sitcom Only Fools and Horses have to do with dogs?

Around 20 years ago, I took a coach trip to Italy. The journey there and back was not pleasant, we sat for hours and hours in a long metal tube surrounded by strangers while we travelled an unnecessarily long way across mainland Europe, wishing we had paid for the flight!

As soon as everyone was on the coach, the tour guide put on the first of many DVDs from her very large box set of Only Fools and Horses. This is a program that I previously had no real feelings for either way, it was entertaining enough, but I would not go out of my way to watch it. It is a crowd pleaser and I am sure some of my fellow passengers found it a helpful way to pass the time.

As I sat for hours feeling uncomfortable and bored, there was no escape from Only Fools and Horses, the volume was just a little too high so I could hear the dialogue through my headphones when I tried to listen to my own music and it was too loud for me to sleep. In short we were forced to at least listen to this program solidly for the majority of the very long drive with a brief respite for sleep.

During that holiday I developed a deep hatred of Only Fools and Horses. It was no longer a program that I had neutral feelings about, even now, all these years later I have a feeling of discomfort when it is on.

Why am I telling you this? You guessed it, there are analogies that we can draw with dog behaviour.

When we work to change how a dog views something, we will use something the dog finds enjoyable to pair up with the unpleasant thing so the bad thing becomes a predictor of a good thing and it works.

But what if we pick something that the dog feels neutral about? It can work the opposite way. We make the dog start to dislike the neutral thing that we think should be helping rather than feel better about the bad thing.

I usually turn up to see dogs with the crowd pleaser - pate, the absolute majority of dogs love it. But some don't and it can take some detective work to find something (food or otherwise) that is valuable enough to an individual dog.

Occasionally people will want to switch to using their dog's every day kibble and in some extremely food motivated dogs, this can work, but for the majority, it is simply not high value enough to change major emotions.

If your dog is not a real foodie, it is possible to make them hate that food to the point that they stop eating meals. When food appears every time the scary thing appears and the food becomes the predictor of bad things.

Going back to my coach trip, if they had given me some choice so I could pick some of my favourite films and TV programs, I am sure I would have felt differently, even if, mixed in amongst them, there were a few episodes of Only Fools and Horses and other shows that I was not so bothered about.

If they had paired that with random deliveries of chocolate, cake and biscuits throughout the journey, I may have even started to enjoy myself a bit!

06/11/2023

https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/why-we-should-look-beyond-stopping-behaviour?fbclid=IwAR3VoruuCoD9WzmX8LhaTpf5_VCDO0pUG6e1Uh1_pYw9dOxv6LAQj1An0no

When we live with dogs, sometimes we can find the things they do problematic. The term 'behaviour problem' is commonly used, but the truth is that most of the dog behaviours we see are normal and natural dog behaviours. They are not really a problem as far as the dog is concerned, but they are somet...

31/10/2023

The government has just published further details of the XL bully ban.

Read more here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs?fbclid=IwAR3eD1DBsurKmU3ROwwwOukI-_rmLZTBL9ZJ8OdV7A8EpFXkiISGZA29yuA -if-your-dog-is-an-xl-bully-dog

What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban.

30/10/2023

Have you had a go at making a Pixar picture of your dog yet? I have just had some fun trying to get a good likeness of Widget and Sofie, here are my results, I am still having issues describing Widget's face but we are getting there!

If you want to have a go with your dog, you will need a free Microsoft account, go to www.Bing/create and ask for a Pixar style picture, write a description of your dog and the background you would like.

Have fun!

24/10/2023

My mum's dog, Cookie has had a couple of instances of his recall failing and he has had a hard time settling, especially in the evening when he turns into a little whirlwind of destruction!

Like a lot of people, my mum was a little reluctant to keep him on lead thinking that he needed to burn off all that extra energy on walks and that he would hate being on lead.
But after the most recent recall failure, she has no option but to keep him on lead and you know what? He enjoys his slow walks just as much, he is happy to sniff and shows no frustration and is actually relaxing in the evening for the first time in a long time.

Some dogs have a really hard time regulating themselves, they take a long time to come down from exciting experiences and constant running and play with other dogs on walks can exacerbate these issues.

That is not to say that Cookie and dogs like him have to always be on lead, of course, physical exercise and free running is important to all dogs, but on lead walks are not the disastrous welfare issue that many people seem to think they are.

In many situations being on lead or long line is important for the management of behaviour while we work on training. If a dog discovers it is fun to ignore their recall and run up to other dogs, that is what they will do every time and one day they will run up to the wrong dog.

So we will be working on Cookie's ability to calm himself, working more on his recall and his off lead time will in safe places like hired dog fields.

20/10/2023

19/10/2023

Today I met the very handsome Briggs. His people have been doing some lovely work with him and have set him up for a great future!

17/10/2023

Muzzle training should be for all dogs and can be useful in so many unexpected circumstances.

When I asked how Rocky is at the vets, the reply came that he loves the vets and the vets love him. However, when he was dropped off for a procedure recently, he unexpectedly became quite anxious and the vet requested that he was muzzled.

As he has been muzzle trained, putting it on was quick and easy and did not add to his stress levels.

If that has been his first introduction to a muzzle when he was already panicking, it would have been another thing to add to his anxiety levels.

Very few dogs cope well with a muzzle without some level of training first. If you need help, get in touch, I will always give free muzzle advice, no matter what breed you have.

17/10/2023

New online course!

Introductory Deal, limited availability - £39.99, usual price £60

Good Dog Level 1 - Foundation Life Skills Course.
This 6 week course will cover:
Sitting and staying when asked
Settling and chilling when asked
Coming back even when there are squirrels
Walking with the person on the end of the lead.
Being the best and fastest dog at fetch in the dog park
Leaving stuff when their person says, even when it's the tastiest snack.
Listening to your every word
Doing simple tricks to prove to your neighbours and friends they really are the goodest boy or girl in town

Join the private facebook group for support and to share your progress!

The course is designed to run over 6 weeks, taking just 5 minutes a day, Monday - Friday. We all know that life sometimes happens and if you do fall behind, dont worry, you have lifetime access!

In GOOD DOG - LEVEL 1 we start to teach your dog how to be the goodest boy or girl your family could wish for including:Sitting and staying when askedSettling and chilling when askedComing back even when there are squirrelsWalking with the person on the end of the lead.Being the best and f...

16/10/2023

Rocky and Teasy have been making some lovely progress. They are typical excitable adolescent dogs who can be a little too enthusiastic at times! We are working through a number of behaviours and we are starting to see some positive change already.

15/10/2023

"In just three sessions, we have seen a massive improvement with our puppy. He is now more focused, better at recall, and learning lots of new commands. We really enjoy our training sessions with Helen, who has extensive knowledge of dog training. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " -Colin Jones

Book your training package today https://www.smartdog.wales

15/10/2023

Young Ollie, having fun learning!

13/10/2023

Did you know that when you employ a trainer, you will be doing the majority of the work?

It will mean practicing a little every day, it may mean changing the way you do things, it will almost certainly mean managing your dog so that they can't practice the unwanted behaviour while we work to build the desired behaviour.

I am with clients for perhaps 2 hours a week, that leaves 166 hours when I am having no direct influence on their dog. During those 1 or 2 hours, it is my responsibility to effectively communicate instructions to the owners so they can continue the work that I am starting.

Often TV and social media trainers can give the impression that all issues can be fixed in an afternoon, that is totally unrealistic for the majority of problem behaviours.

Yes, I occasionally show owners a method that answers the question and they are then able to take that forward. In fact, when I saw a trainer many years ago about Widget's reactivity, I took the information given in the first 2 hour session and it was totally life changing. But it did not "fix" his reactivity, it simply gave me the (metaphorical) tools to handle situations and start to make improvements.

Are there ineffective trainers out there? Absolutely, some are great at obedience, less good at helping nervous dogs. I would be totally useless at training the higher levels of obedience or agility, but am better with anxious dogs. And I would absolutely refer on any dog who is not in my knowledge area as I hope all trainers would.

So the next time you hear that someone used this trainer or that trainer and they did not help at all, ask yourself is it is totally the trainers fault?

12/10/2023

Fun with Foxy!
Foxy is a busy adolescent and his mum is working hard to keep his mind exercised as well as his body to help keep things as calm as they can be with a teenager!

12/10/2023

10/10/2023

What was supposed to be a bit of fun has turned into a bit of a nightmare. Scammers have targeted the photo competition, I am truly sorry to anyone caught up.

I feel beyond awful that I may have caused any problems to anyone and will certainly not be running any type of competition any more.

Thank you to those who have reported the fake profiles. I am so sorry if anyone has sent any details to these people, please report them, cancel any payments change passwords etc.

I don't know what to say other than I feel sick that something that I started has turned out this badly.

I am sorry

09/10/2023

And we have a winner!
Winner - Kelly Price
And
Runner up - Ennyl Snevets

I can't tag either of you but I will drop you a message in a minute.

There were so many great entries, it was such a hard choice but we have loved seeing all your amazing dogs.

Look out for another competition coming soon!

08/10/2023

Please do not send any information to the replies under each photo in the contest, someone has set up a spoof account to get your details!

I have now blocked the scammers.

The results will not be announced until tomorrow (Monday) evening

08/10/2023

The photo competition is now closed, thank you so much to everyone who entered, we have loved admiring all your pups!

The judges at Joyous Japes will be hard at work going through all the entries and we will announce the winner tomorrow - good luck 🍀

07/10/2023

Wow, what an improvement in just a week! Young Ollie and his people have been putting in the work and I could tell.

He has been learning to connect with his mum and dad when out and about and has made some fantastic progress, well done!

07/10/2023

I met the lovely Lulu and her mum yesterday. We are working through some anxiety around other dogs and excitement around prey animals!

She is a great little dog and I am looking forward to seeing her progress.

07/10/2023

TV dog training is (usually) not great training, just something made for the highest entrainment value with no thought given to the long term consequences or effectiveness.

TV TRAINERS
Why are TV executives still so wedded to aversive dog trainers? My theory... the public loves the circus act of dangerous and wild behaviour tamed as if by magic.
Dog Academy tried very hard to make positive, reward based training good TV, and they showcased some of the very best trainers and behaviourists working in the UK. But to the masses, sitting on the floor tossing chunks of chicken at a dog doesn't seem to hold the same appeal as dodging the growls and bites of a confused and terrified dog. A scared dog slowly realising a new person is no threat, and watching their body and face soften is not as dramatic as the 'fierce beast calmed' lying in a state of miserable learned helplessness.
How can we get the Ring Masters and Lion Tamers off TV? Stop watching.
Instead of watching a dog with mobility issues and pain labelled as a 'diva', find Canine Arthritis Management and read an article on home adaptations for elderly dogs. Instead of watching a dog with a fear of his feet being handled walked to exhaustion, then wrestled to the floor, let Chirag Patel show you the bucket game on YouTube.

03/10/2023

For anyone looking for a new muzzle, take a look at the Muzzle Movement.

These muzzles were designed by a behaviourst with your dog's comfort and safety in mind.

For 10% off, use the link below, or my code SMARTDOGTRAINING

The muzzle movement have bright, colourful muzzles

01/10/2023

📣 Calling all dogs and their paw-some owners! 🐾✨

🎉 Introducing our first ever photo contest at Smart Dog Wales! 📸🏆

📌 The subject for this contest is "Your Dog Sitting or Standing on an Object." 🐶🪑

📸 Are you ready to show off your furry friend's impressive sitting or standing skills? 🤩 Whether it's your pup perched on a chair, posing on a park bench, or balancing on a skateboard, we want to see it all! 🐕💫. But do remember, safety first, we don't want you pup to do anything too risky!

This week's competition will be judged by Sarah and Mark from Joyous Japes Dog Walking.

🏆 HOW TO ENTER: 📝
1️⃣ Like and Follow our page Smart Dog Training if you haven't already.
2️⃣ Post a photo of your dog sitting or standing on an object to this thread.

🎁 PRIZES: 🎁
What you can win - a doggy goodie bag including toys and treats

📆 Contest Dates: The contest starts now and ends at 7pm on Sunday 8th October. Winners will be announced on Monday 9th October.

🌟 But that's not all! 🌟 We'll also be featuring some of the most creative entries on our page throughout the contest period. So, make sure to stay tuned and showcase your dog's undeniable charm to our amazing community of dog lovers. 🐶❤️

📢 Don't wait, start snapping those pawsitively adorable photos today and join the for a chance to win amazing prizes! 📸🏅 We can't wait to see your dogs striking a pose! 🐾😊

-someness

01/10/2023

I had a lovely afternoon session with Ollie, he is a super pup who is learning about focusing and interacting with his people when out and about.

30/09/2023

Young Cassius is potentially going to be caught up in the regulations for XL bullies so we are making a start on muzzle training as well as having a chat about the other implications of the new rules.

He is a little superstar and giving him a fun and positive introduction to the muzzle will help him feel more comfortable once the new rules come in.

I am offering free, in person, muzzle training in Rhyl, Prestatyn or Kimmel Bay. Or over Zoom further afield. While bullies will be prioritized, this is now open to dogs of any breed.

23/09/2023

Another heartbroken family is grieving after losing their beloved Corgi last Sunday when he suffocated in a chip bag. Jack Cabaness writes, "We lost our dog Seamus on September 17th when he suffocated in a Cheetos bag he got out of the trash. We are devastated. Seamus was a Welsh Pembroke Corgi. He was a tri-color, although he had only a little bit of red. We picked him out of the litter because of his adorable face, half white, and half black/red. He would have turned 9 years old on October 3rd.

On Sunday, September 17, we went to lunch at Chili’s to celebrate our daughter’s 9th birthday. When we got home, our daughter found Seamus on the floor of the den with a bag of Cheetos on his head. She pulled the bag off, and came to me and my wife and said, “I think Seamus is in a coma from eating too many Cheetos.” I walked back with her, and I discovered that Seamus was non-responsive. Since our daughter had pulled the bag off, I couldn’t figure out what had happened at first. I rushed Seamus to the vet hospital, though it should have been obvious that he was gone. On my way to the vet, I remembered our daughter saying that Seamus had had his head in the bag of Cheetos, and then I realized that he must have suffocated.

We think the bag of Cheetos had been in an open trash container. We almost always bought very small bags of chips for the kids’ lunch boxes, but this one time we had purchased a larger bag of Cheetos. Since Seamus’ death, I’ve been reading up on pet suffocation, learning how the Mylar adheres to their faces. I’m incredulous that Frito-Lay and others aren’t putting warning labels on their bags. Why is that? Thank you for the work you are doing."

Why won't Frito Lay and other manufacturers put warning labels on their chip bags and other food bags? That is a good question. It seems like a simple step to help warn their consumers about a potential suffocation danger to pets. That is why we at Prevent Pet Suffocation have our online petition to Frito Lay to add warning labels to their chip bags. If you haven't signed it, please do so in honor of Seamus and all the other animals who have lost their lives in a chip bag or snack bag. We have over 48,000 signatures. Click on the link to sign:
https://www.change.org/p/frito-lay-add-pet-suffocation-warning-labels-to-your-chip-bags

21/09/2023

I have a cancellation this Saturday at 2pm and have Little Pydew field (just outside Prestatyn) booked for the hour. Does anyone want a last minute 1:1 for the reduced price of £25?

Could be used for lead walking, recall etc. Drop me a message if interested.

20/09/2023

17/09/2023

Recently I have been watching some Korean TV and decided to have a go at learning some of the language. So I downloaded a well known language teaching app and away I went.

Learning languages does not come naturally to me, I just don't have that kind of brain, but the first couple of weeks went ok, the levels were set up so I could not really fail and I did start to recognise a few sounds with their associated symbol.

However, suddenly it has become harder, now there are more opportunities for failure and many of the sounds are extremely difficult to differentiate. Inevitably I have become frustrated, my enthusiasm has disappeared and I suspect that I will give up soon.

This is something that happens a lot in dog training too. Our dogs do well with the easy stuff so we push on quickly to to more complex exercises. While there are some dogs who have a natural aptitude for learning and enough optimism and confidence to continue to work through the mistakes, many will become frustrated and lose interest in training very quickly. I know, I made this exact mistake with Widget many years ago.

This can be a common problem when following training tutorials online, it is not always clear how advanced the dog demonstrating is and what foundation steps they have mastered before attempting the more complex behaviours, they just make everything look easy because they are so good at it.

So if you want to make progress with your dog, slow down! Let them have lots of wins, if you notice enthusiasm or engagement decreasing go back and do something they know well and enjoy doing.

And remember the phrase from the US marines (I think) "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"

16/09/2023

I am sure everyone is now aware that the XL bully is being added to the list of banned breeds by the end of this year.

I can't imagine how worried owners are at the moment, everything is still a bit unknown but it is likely that defining an XL bully will be the same as defining a Pitbull, not on DNA or pedigree, but by measurements. So even if you don't have an XL, if your dog fits the randomly defined measurements, you will have to apply for exempt status.

This comes with rules including neutering, having insurance (look at joining the dogs trust for third party insurance for £25 annually) keeping your dog secure and being on lead and muzzled when off your property.

I would like of offer free muzzle training advice to anyone who feels their dog may fall under the new regulations. Dogs rarely feel comfortable in a muzzle unless they are desensitised and introduced in a positive way. We don't want to add to the level of stress that you and your dog will be feeling right now, so starting the muzzle training now can help you and your dog be ready if and when the need arises.

The dogs will be outlawed after a spate of attacks, but some say irresponsible owners, not animals, are to blame.

15/09/2023

I had a walk with lovely Luna and her people today. I have loved seeing confidence grow on both ends of the lead over the past 3 weeks.

Andrea Valentine Thorpe

15/09/2023

Yesterday I had fun with young Ralphie and his mum. He is a young boy who like all pups, explores the world around him with his mouth. So we worked on dropping and leaving items that could be dangerous while providing him with plenty of safe opportunities for exploring too!

11/09/2023

Are there any clients past or present who would be happy for me to use their dogs story for some marketing material? Reply here or drop me a message!

03/09/2023

I had a lovely morning with Oggie and his people.
He has been learning to observe dogs from a distance and is making some great progress 🐾🐾

02/09/2023

This morning young Kaya did some excellent real world, enthusiastic recalls away from distractions, Well done Kaya and her dad!