Dogs Actfully

05/12/2023

A little bit of Hoopers fun thos morning

04/12/2023

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER FOR YOU

Introduction to FRONT FOOT TARGETTING - a great game to play indoors on a rainy day!

Front foot targetting is also a useful tool in your Agility Toolkit, placing a mat at the bottom of the Dogwalk plank. Provided you have built enough value foe the mat this can help achieve a fast, positive stopped "contact".

It's also safe for pups as proprioception building and older dogs as an enrichment game. I'd love to see short videos of you front foot targetting with your own dogs so please post videos in the comments. 😁

01/12/2023

30/11/2023

Hoopers Introduction - always a pleasure to work with fabulous dogs and talented handlers who already have a great working partnership. Happy reward based training, gradually increasing the level of challenge to maintain the dogs confidence and joy in performing. 👏👏👏

11/11/2023

Setting up for our last Guest Trainer day of 2023. 🤩🤩🌞🌞🌞 All set now for an awesome day with the fabulous Lucie Hinchley. 😁😁😁🐾🐾🐾

27/10/2023

More than 30 veterinary surgeon have signed a letter in the current issue of 'Veterinary Record' drawing attention to the health risks involved with routine neutering of dogs, a procedure that until recently was considered fairly harmless. Now we know better. It turns out that neutering a healthy dog can increase the risk of him or her developing cancer, allergies, thyroid disease, arthritis, ligament disease and a long list of other serious health problems.

22/10/2023

Wow. The sun shone and we had another fabulous training day with awesome Chloe Brown. Finished the day with the young dogs 🐾💞🐾💞 thank you so much Chloe and Alex and Peter for supporting. Cant wait to have you back soon xx

15/10/2023

Gorgeous morning for Agility. Today we set up this course from Iconix and had a blast working on skill options and independence. Well done teams!! 👏👏🤩🤩

08/10/2023

Such a FABULOUS morning with lovely dogs and handlers at our little Starters Practice Hoopers Show. Great team work and LOADS of lovely clear rounds. Thank you Sarah Clarke for supplying the very special clear round rosettes.

06/10/2023

This Sunday. Relaxed, Starters/Beginners Hoopers Practice Show. Dorset/Wilts/Somerset Borders DT9 5LP. Forecast is fabulous. Come and join us!

There's still time to enter. For anyone who would like to proof their training, train in the ring, dip a paw in the world of Hoopers Shows and Competing.

3 courses, 2 goes at each course. Discount for entering all three. (Automatically calculated by Billetto booking system).

Gorgeous clear round rosettes made by Sarah Clark. Fenced rings.

9.30 to midday approx

Especially for Starters. A Fun, No Pressure 'Taster' mini Show to celebrate your Hoopers Journey. 3...

25/09/2023

Now that the Pet Remedy Summer of Love Campaign is over, here is a direct link to our Agility Video. Thanks again to our amazing class members for participating. 💞

Thinking of trying Agility? This video features many of our class members (Thank you!) and sets the scene for starting out on an Agility journey with your o...

25/09/2023

🔶️🔶️ Weekends - new Beginners Agility starting October. 🔶️🔶️

We have an opportunity for one or two handlers to join our upcoming beginners class. This will run on some Saturdays and some Sundays most weekends starting in October and arranged with the group in advance to suit.

We also have a fantastic virtual classroom (private Facebook group) to supplement your face to face training.

DT9 5LP NW DORSET/SOMERSET/WILTS BORDERS

WhatsApp, text or DM Lesley 07958010401

13/09/2023

Thank you to Lucie Hinchley and everyone who came today for making it another fabulous Agility Training Day. The dogs were amazing as always and some awesome skills pushing boundaries. 🤩🤩🤩

08/09/2023

Epiphany Moment

So, I'm lucky that I have a large garage equipped with astroturf tiles which can serve as a training room and also as my own dogs "Gym". (Plus it is insulated and has no south facing windows so in the current UK heatwave is fab). 🥵

I felt I had put my youngest dog under a bit of unplanned pressure in a recent training session so wanted to give her a simple game with me in the "gym". So we played "Catch the Ball"

Now I'm quite vocal and loud and effusive (think Soccer Mum). So cheered when she caught the ball. I gradually got her to back up (reverse) to repeat and of course she eventually missed the ball. Without thinking I let out a typical soccer groan "urrrhhhhh".

We carried on a couple of throws and of course I made it easier. And suddenly she showed me she wasnt enjoying it any more... what had started as a fun game had become a test for her. 😭 She shied away and gave me side glances and left a ball where it landed. I was mortified.

I had my human head on thinking it would be fun (like the kids game where if you miss it you have to then use one arm, one leg etc to catch the ball). I progressed incrementally and even when I groaned it was in total jest/good spirit. (Or so I thought).

It really got me thinking about Markers of No Reward and their value (or not).

When would you use a no reward marker if at all? 🙂

06/09/2023

Don't be a Dog Daddy!! Here's why...

There are some social media videos trending currently with an increased following which is baffling since these clearly unqualified individuals are gaining popularity over vastly better qualified, less attention grabbing professionals.

These videos appear to show quick results and look impressive until you understand the tools being used (pun intended).

Usually these are using a range of aversive techniques from check chains, prong/pinch collars (no they DON'T mimic the mother picking up a puppy they mimic a kill bite and stangulation), to remote E collars (Electric Shock devices).

Trouble with remote punishment of any kind is timing. (Aside from the pain). Dogs can associate it with whatever they are looking at. If they dont understand what they have done to trigger it because the owner is an dick or has bad timing then the situation is exactly what laboratory trials used to create neurosis and depression in subject animals to test drugs! Namely, an aversive, a lack of personal control and unpredictability. Also the core tenets of torture by the way.

Multiple Studies have shown that dogs can associate aversive training directly with the handler, even when off lead and distant, and not only does that lead to a reduced trust relationship but also to other unwanted or displacement behaviours such as anxiety triggered barking, chewing, self mutilation (eg obsessive self grooming) AND correlates strongly with AGGRESSION to people and other dogs.

That is why at Dogs Actfully we focus on your dogs emotional wellbeing and trust as a core belief in our training. I can promise you this... it WILL take a bit longer. It WONT be a quick fix (although sometimes we get lucky) but it WILL enhance your relationship and trust.
What's not to love?

So if you find yourself wavering about whether aversive methods are for you, please take a big step back and assess.

Find an instructor who uses Reward Based training as Force Free as possible and works to a code of conduct with a governing organisation.

25/08/2023

ABTC Statement on Augusto Deoliveira’s dog handling practices.

21/08/2023

This! If you never read anything else about dog training. 2 minutes of your life will be well spent.

Dogs Actfully practices a policy of positive, reward based methods and takes account of dog welfare and underlying emotions and comfort.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=763947979073488&id=100063748774989&sfnsn=scwspmo

🗣️ “When used correctly........"

This phrase comes up time and time again when those who advocate for the use of aversive dog training methods and tools try and come across as ethical.

"When used correctly" are empty words.

It's a non-descriptive phrase. It gives the reader/viewer NOTHING to measure- other than the trainer's own opinion of their skill.

This is highly problematic. An absence of adequate regulation of training and behaviour professionals parallel to the frequent display of self-appointed expertise is a BIG welfare problem for dogs in this industry.

⚡️The trainer I watched in a popular instagram video 'stimming' a dog with an e-collar everytime the dog went to sniff things in a pet store probably thought they were using it correctly.

🖐️ Ceser Milan probably thought he was applying 'calm and assertive' body language correctly on Holly the Labrador as a way of ‘working’ with her food aggression, even though she bit him multiple times for doing it. He required hospital treatment.

🐕‍🦺 The prong collar trainers whose dogs make an awful choking sound when corrected, probably think they are doing it correctly. Despite the prong seemingly being placed ‘correctly’ high on the neck!

💥 The well known UK balanced trainer who posted a video a good while back of them 'stimming' a french bulldog for exhibiting abnormal repetitive behaviours probably thought he was using it correctly. (The dog's owner later posted their own video explaining how this made the dog worse, and a more welfare focused approach has now started to help the dog).
🤷‍♀️ What does 'correctly' even look like?
Good timing and equipment placement?
Is that REALLY all that’s needed to make sure the dog is protected from poor professional conduct and fall-out?

🤔 How can we help the viewer know what to look for?
It's very hard for me to imagine what the correct use of aversives looks like, but a start would be:

✔️ Getting a vet referral, reviewing the full medical history of the dog.
✔️ Reviewing the stressors in that dog's life and addressing them.
✔️ Applying positive reinforcement focused methods first and foremost. This applies to all dogs. No excuses!
Enough of us are doing this daily with the same demographic of clients (let’s not flatter ourselves with ‘I get the red zone dogs’ comments, please!).

I have subjected myself to watching plenty of balanced training videos to make sure I am educating others based on what I SEE and not just what I think or read in research.
I am not seeing ANY evidence of the above in the videos, posts or comments I have seen.

I can catagorically say I have NEVER seen added text or information to the many videos I have watched that even acknowledges stress or pain in dogs.

Balanced training method videos appear (to me) to continuously represent dogs simply "a good dog" or "a bad dog". There’s not enough mention of a “stressed dog”, a “hurting dog” or a dog who has yet to be taught different (kindly).

I don’t see explanations as to WHY the dog may be behaving that way and what is being done to help the dog- beyond applying aversive methods to punish or supress the bad behaviour.

Whilst I would NEVER endorse the use of aversive tools and aversive methods that intentionally startle or cause discomfort- I would have a little more respect for balanced trainers if they actually OWNED their methods publicly.

Be transparent.
Be clear about HOW these methods work.
So, let's help owners make a genuinely informed decision rather than leading viewers to believe there is no risk to the dog's physical and emotional health, and only benefits to be gained.

Some even think that these tools are enjoyable for dogs! This gross misunderstanding is the soul responsibility of those who showcase using these tools to the general public without being transparent.

Here are few examples of what transparency from balanced dog trainers would look like when discussing aversive tools in ALL contexts;

🗣️ “Because the e collar may startle the dog or cause an unpleasant sensation, we tried to remove as many stressors as possible in the dog's life before applying the training".
🗣️ “We considered using a slip lead on this dog to apply leash corrections, but the dog was found to have hip dysplasia in their pre-session vet check. It wouldn't be fair to correct a dog, which is unpleasant for them, if they are already in pain- so we need to address that first".
🗣️ “E collar aversion training may be able to stop your dog chasing sheep, but it won't stop them killing your next door neighbours cat or causing a road traffic accident. So, you really need to up your management and make sure your dog doesn't escape".
🗣️ “As a correction on a prong collar causes momentary compression to the neck - this can cause stress by temporarily reducing oxygen intake and also causing discomfort from all the metal pins briefly digging in. For that reason, the dog had a vet check to make sure the're not experiencing any pain in their neck, or elsewhere".
🗣️ “Because a prong collar correction has the potential to be deeply unpleasant for the dog, we have to be so careful about when we apply it. If you're not careful, the dog may associate the discomfort with what they are looking at when the correction is delivered and start to fear it. This could be a child, or it could be the rose bush they have to walk past on your driveway. Your correction has to be timed perfectly to the mili-second and that is really not easy!".
🗣️ “Because the slip lead tightens when a corrrection is applied or when the dog pulls- this is uncomfortable and stressful for the dog and the dog adjusts their behaviour to avoid that discomfort. We want to avoid causing our dogs stress as much as possible, so we are starting our training in a super easy environment so the dog can get maximum reinforcement for the desired behaviour. Ideally, we just don't want to correct the dog at all".
🗣️ “Here I am scaring the dog with my body language. I am being intentionally threatening and confrontational. The dog will change their behaviour to appease me, as they can’t escape. The risk here is they could bite you in defense, so you do have to be really careful”.

Doesn’t quite sell the method so well to potential clientele and followers, does it?

Using ambiguous language like 'pressure' is just not thorough enough. Interpretation of what pressure is relies on one's own experience.

Some people may have felt extreme pressure in their lives and view it as highly aversive. Others may have only experienced mild pressure and thus view it as a minor inconvenience that is easily overcome.

A living being's emotional and physical resources will influence how they cope with pressure (stress!). It's not black and white as each individual is different, and their individual coping ability can vary day to day.

Talking about 'pressure' and 'using it correctly' gives zero indication that a risk assessment should be done daily on our learners, regardless of the methods we use on them.

I have yet to see sufficient evidence of balanced trainers showing that they are looking at all of these nuances or helping viewers learn about them.

The many videos I see make it look very much like the aversive tool is stage 1 in the process. If it's not, then why aren't they saying so?

This does dogs a HUGE disservice. If you want to get remotely close to using aversive tools correctly (if there is such a thing!) then let's see balanced trainers be more transparent as to the risk of using these tools. Correct use is increasing awareness of what can go wrong.

If you want positive reinforcement trainers to do the same, sure! I’ve not been shy about discussing fall out across my work and I work very hard to prevent it.

Positive reinforcement users could go into detail about how to reduce fall-out, such as frustration and redirection, from negative punishment, extinction or clumsy mechanics.
Let’s help viewers recognise how withholding or withdrawing reinforcement, ignoring a behaviour without providing an alternative, or poor application of reinforcement can cause problem behaviour.

BUT, if you're a balanced dog trainer who ALSO uses reinforcement based methods too......then I fear your list of disclaimers will start to get a little long. All of those risks using reinforcement are piling up and onto the risks of using aversion based methods.
If this is truly about dog welfare, let's see ALL the details on every.single.post so you can be sure that every person you are potentially influencing is as informed as they can be.

Why does this matter more with aversion based training methods? Because they are designed to operate on avoidance of fear, anxiety (stress / pressure), discomfort and pain. End of.

NOTE: I have not looked at every bit of content from every balanced trainer in the world. I know there are some who are very knowledgable and who do take stress and pain into consideration. Some are also less quick to use aversive tools or methods.

My predominant direct experience is that this is less common OR they are just not talking about it openly! I have a problem with both!

When ever a trainer posts about using an aversive tool they should still be completely transparent.

People who don’t know better are watching.
Final Note: If you think the ever increasing popularity of balanced methods online is because they are better than gentle methods, I would encourage you to look into (online) how social media platforms prioritise VIOLENT content. This is quite well established information now.
It has nothing to do with effectiveness, and everything to do with what unfortuantly now seems to make humans tick. It's pretty gross, if you ask me.

07/07/2023

Agility - Thursday lessons available to share.

4pm 20/7,
8.30am 3/8 and 10/8 (but can push back to 9 or 9.30am if easier)

I have a Grade 1 handler who is open to sharing lessons and currently booked for the above times if anyone wants to share. (2 handlers £15 each, 3 handlers £10 each).

Precomp to Grade 4, happy to flex it. 🙂

05/07/2023

Shared from another post 😁💖

14/06/2023

I love a little early morning practice with my own dogs before the heat builds up.

We've moved our classes earlier and later to avoid the main heat of the day and the paddling pools are back out. 😉

Tips for keeping your dogs cool, remember hest builds up in muscles with activity.

Wet with Cool (not cold) water especially underbelly and ear flaps.
Consider damp towels and cool coats
Ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water
Avoid walks in the heat of the day and pick wooded shady areas, avoid tarmac!
Skip a walk if necessary
Older dogs and pups and those with respiratory issues are most vulnerable

Enjoy!

11/06/2023

TODAY!! Not far from Dogs Actfully venue, we are popping along, maybe see you there 😁 x

19/05/2023

Good Luck Ali and Rusty, attending their first ever Hoopers Show tomorrow. (Photo by Tazmine Brown Photography)

11/05/2023

A few more photos from our photshoot with Tazmine. We are so lucky to have the loveliest dogs. 💗

05/05/2023

27/04/2023

Had the absolute pleasure of meeting this young lady for the first time yesterday with her Mum. They are an experienced Agility team and I think they'll take to Hoopers like a duck to water. 👏👏👏

20/04/2023

I'm so grateful to have Jo at Phoenix Canine Therapies to help keeping Ruby safe for Agility.

Just back from her Clinical massage - tight hamstrings and a few sore points. 2 days rest and recuperation now.

Dogs arent machines but they will try and work through minor strains and tweaks potentially resulting in acute problems.

I thoroughly recommend getting your dog checked and treated regularly whether aging, sporting or just active.

Let's keep them pain free and happy for as long as we possibly can.

15/04/2023

I had the pleasure today of judging Starters Barrellers x 2 at Superhoopers Show at Half Moon Stud. So impressed with the handling and lots of nice comments about my courses, posted below. So many teams made the bonuses for distance handling and so many people mocked in and helped throughout. In CHUK Judges can also run (under a different Judge obviously). Pleased to say Jet managed a Qualifying clear round and 1st place in one class and Ruby a 2nd in another. Thanks as always to Peter for taking care of us all day. xx