Companion:ABLE Behaviour Training

Companion:ABLE Behaviour Training Boxed off behaviour is a tailored subscription box and online canine coaching and behaviour service.

Coercive training is not rehabilitation. It's emotional abuse of your dog, and it gaslights you.You might believe the qu...
04/04/2025

Coercive training is not rehabilitation. It's emotional abuse of your dog, and it gaslights you.

You might believe the quick fixes and the hype, it looks good and seems effortless.

It is neither good, nor a fix, once you realise what is actually happening to both you and your dog.

In all things, seek kindness even if you have to place control measures, it doesn't mean you have to be scarier than your dogs scary thing.

Tell -a dog that they are safe.
Show- a dog what safe feels like.
Make- yourself your dogs safe space, not their boogie man.

There is no need to yank, s***k, or crank your dog into behaviour change.Fast fixes don't really solve the problem. They...
28/03/2025

There is no need to yank, s***k, or crank your dog into behaviour change.

Fast fixes don't really solve the problem. They make the dog's need for personal safety override whatever emotional response they were having.

(They now think you are scarier than the cause of their overreaction, or they think you are now scarier than whatever they wanted to interact with.)

This fear is then masked as "calm" behaviour, the dog accepting "new rules" or your "leadership."

What is most upsetting is that you don't have to scare or hurt your dog to support a change in behaviour.

But most "quick fixers" don't even have the skill or knowledge to do any different, and they transfer that to you, so your relationship with your dog then also becomes damaged.

Don't believe the hype.

Instead, science backs positive reinforcement as the humane and effective way to shape behaviour.

Studies like "Identifying and Enhancing the Effectiveness of Positive Reinforcement, An Evidence-Based Logic for the Use of Positive Reinforcement," and "The Positives of Positive Reinforcement" all emphasize the benefits of positive reinforcement over balanced methods in supporting lasting behaviour change without damaging the bond between you and your dog.

Separation Anxiety is not caused by letting your dog on the sofa or on the bed. If you are happy, and your dog is happy...
27/03/2025

Separation Anxiety is not caused by letting your dog on the sofa or on the bed.

If you are happy, and your dog is happy with that then it is not your trainers place to lay blame or shame on you for your dog's anxiety. This is has a combination of causes.

If your dog resources guards these spaces, see someone who understands this, and prevent access until you have worked through this. This also has a combination of causes.

Having a good relationship with your dog actually increases the likelihood of training being effective.

The best tools you can use are motivators, like PLAY, FOOD, fairness and a strong relationship based on trust and friendship. Not FEAR or PAIN.

A solid training plan tailored to your own dogs preferences makes a world of difference.

If they tell you different, get a new trainer/behaviourist.

Apple, kale, sprinkle of rosemary... The doggo dinner side salad for today, with their cooked meat.How do you feed your...
26/03/2025

Apple, kale, sprinkle of rosemary... The doggo dinner side salad for today, with their cooked meat.

How do you feed yours?

It's not a giant leap to realise that classifying dogs as wolves is outdated, and so is living with and training them a...
23/03/2025

It's not a giant leap to realise that classifying dogs as wolves is outdated, and so is living with and training them as if they are the same. Heck, most dog breeds are so dissimilar from each other, that they all need understanding separately, and that's BEFORE we even consider the individual dog we share our life with.

Please, if you need support from anyone for your dog's needs, and you meet someone who tells you to be their "alpha" tell them to BARK OFF, and look for someone who understands dogs better than that. :)

Loose Lead walking is hard for dogs:-They naturally walk faster than us. They may be aroused by the environment, they ma...
22/03/2025

Loose Lead walking is hard for dogs:-

They naturally walk faster than us. They may be aroused by the environment, they may have limited opportunities to explore.

We don't like to think of it because we consider dogs our family, but they are captive in our homes, only going out when we let them, and even then it's often still attached to bind that limits their movements., and how many times to you see the person holding that bind, staring a phone, not even engaging with their dogs, who they wish would stop pulling?

They may not have learned where you want them to walk properly through inconsistent training. Sometimes they can pull sometimes they can't.

They may need a little more connection to you whilst outside. (Sorry to be the voice that says you may bore your dog on walks, or worse.) Walking together as friends helps build a loose lead walk.

You may be advised to place an obedience collar or slip lead on your dog, so that you can correct them for walking too far ahead. Don't be fooled by "placement" or "Little tugs" if you tug on the C1 or C2 your hitting glands, nerves, trachea, and the oesophagus. It's a delicate area, and it hurts.

(A pulling dog in flat collar can also injure themselves, I agree.) But the deliberate "little tugs" on a lead/ thin rope deliberately applied here deliberately cause PAIN and BRUISING AT BEST!! That's why your dog stops pulling. Its not paying attention through respect or love, it's clean fear that they need to know where you are to prevent the injury.

- This makes them scared to walk too far in front of you, in case you hurt them. (I personally didn't bring a dog into my life so I could do that, not sure if anyone does.)

Well fitting harnesses distribute weight evenly through the body, so cause less damage. (Poorly fitting harnesses are a topic for another day.) You can google check this if you want, I'm happy to be checked on, I love the growth and the continued learning experience this can bring. I can give you science geek bites on these claims if you want them. :) Most people don't want to read them, they prefer to get the shortened version and how it applies to kind training, from people like me, and other ethical trainers/ behaviourists. xx

05/03/2025

Wildlife wednesday.

Foxes can make over 40 different sounds

If you’ve ever heard those scream like howls you will probably know the type of sounds we are talking about. Foxes can make a variation of screams, barks, and howls that can range from high pitched tones to lower tones to communicate different things. 🥰

Don't be fooled by bullying a dog into not showing a behaviour anymore.....
04/03/2025

Don't be fooled by bullying a dog into not showing a behaviour anymore.....

Dog trainer life..
03/03/2025

Dog trainer life..

🐾 Struggling with your dog's behaviour? Discover the power of force-free residential training! 🐾We specialize in force-f...
01/03/2025

🐾 Struggling with your dog's behaviour? Discover the power of force-free residential training! 🐾

We specialize in force-free, science-backed training methods that help to change those struggles, while ensuring your dogs happiness and well-being. 🐶✨

Force-free training focuses on positive reinforcement, building trust and confidence in your furry friend. Unlike traditional methods that rely on punishment, our approach is proven to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, leading to long-lasting results. we also have continued support after your programme ends so you can also continue the training after your dog comes home.

📚 Research, such as studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, highlights that positive reinforcement is not only more effective but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Whether it's excessive barking, pulling on the lead, or recall issues, our residential training programs offer a safe and supportive environment for your dog to learn and thrive. 🏡🐕

Did I mention that you'll receive personalized guidance to maintain their progress at home?

Ready to see the difference? Contact us today to learn more about our force-free residential training and how we can help you and your dog live your best lives together! 💕🐾

Is Balanced Training Abusive to Dogs?Balanced training, a method that combines both positive reinforcement and aversive ...
01/03/2025

Is Balanced Training Abusive to Dogs?

Balanced training, a method that combines both positive reinforcement and aversive techniques, has been a topic of heated debate among dog trainers and pet owners.

While some argue that it offers a comprehensive approach to training, others believe it can be harmful to our furry friends. In this post we will explore the scientific evidence surrounding balanced training and its potential impact on dogs.

What is Balanced Training?
Balanced training involves using a mix of rewards (positive reinforcement) and corrections (aversive techniques) to change your dog's behaviour.

This approach might include the use of tools such as prong collars, choke chains, obedience collars and electronic collars to correct unwanted behaviours, alongside treats and praise to reinforce desired actions.

The Case Against Balanced Training:
Several studies have raised concerns about the use of aversive techniques in dog training. Research has shown that aversive methods can lead to increased stress, fear, and anxiety in dogs. For instance, a study by Ziv (2017) found that dogs trained using aversive methods exhibited higher levels of stress-related behaviours compared to those trained with positive reinforcement.

Moreover, the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists (ACVB) opposes training methods that cause pain, discomfort, or fear, stating that such methods can endanger both people and animals and hinder learning. The use of aversive techniques has also been linked to a weakened bond between dogs and their owners, as well as an increased risk of aggression. 1.

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement:
On the other hand, positive reinforcement training methods have been shown to be highly effective and beneficial for dogs. Studies have demonstrated that positive reinforcement not only promotes good behaviour but also enhances cognitive development and problem-solving abilities in dogs. Additionally, positive reinforcement helps build trust and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. 2.

Conclusion
While balanced training may seem like a comprehensive approach and a rapid solution when you feel like you need the help the most, the scientific evidence suggests that the use of aversive techniques can be harmful to dogs.

Positive reinforcement methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviours, offer a safer and more effective alternative. By choosing positive reinforcement, we can ensure the well-being of our furry companions and foster a stronger, more trusting relationship with them.

1. Psychology today. 2.dog.behaviourist.com

22/02/2025

Bedtime behind the scene's.

It's about progressing the skills. No one starts at perfect behaviour. Not a trainer, not a dog!

Don't let someone's perfected skills put you off progressing yours!

Don't confuse fast fix suppression with of a behaviour for choice based learning.

Enjoy the journey, enjoy your dog. 🙂

Thank you dogs disclosed for this..
05/02/2025

Thank you dogs disclosed for this..

03/02/2025

🐾 Dog Trainer Tip Tuesday 🐾

🎩Top Tip for a Happy doggo🎩
Ever wondered if your doggo's love for your slipper collection is a sign they fancy becoming the next Sherlock Bones? 🕵️‍♂️ It's not far off! Dogs explore the world through their noses, so let's channel that curiosity into a fun game that'll keep them engaged and entertained.

Sniff-tastic Hide and Seek!

How To Play:

Gather some high-value treats (think of them as your doggo's favourite bikkies).

While your pup is in another room, hide the treats in a few sneaky spots around the house.

Bring your doggo in and let the sniffing spree begin! Use a cue like "Find it!" to get them on the trail.

Why it works: This game taps into your dog's natural scent-tracking abilities, providing mental stimulation and physical activity. Plus, there's a shared feel good factor in watching them hunt for hidden treasures!

💡Trainer's Tip: Start simple with easy hiding places and gradually increase the difficulty as your pup gets the hang of it. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key!

Share your pup's best hide-and-seek moments with us using and let’s see those nose-to-the-ground detectives in action! 🐶🔍 see the reels for a video demo

Monday Musings- Have you set a small training goal for the week. Maybe it's mastering the "leave it" cue or getting you...
02/02/2025

Monday Musings- Have you set a small training goal for the week. Maybe it's mastering the "leave it" cue or getting your dog to walk calmly on a leash.

Breaking down training into manageable goals makes it more achievable and fun.

Remember, training your dog is all about consistency, patience, and love.

Here's to a marvellous Monday and a week filled with wagging tails and happy trails! 🐶💖

Weird wildlife - Sloths only p**p once a week: Sloths have a very slow metabolism, which means they don't need to p**p v...
15/01/2025

Weird wildlife - Sloths only p**p once a week: Sloths have a very slow metabolism, which means they don't need to p**p very often. In fact, they can go up to a month without p**ping!

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