Pro-Positive Pet Behaviour

14/05/2024

I'm pleased to announce that I have joined forces with Second Nature Behaviour for parrots, cats and dogs! 😸

This means that all my dog behaviour consultations will now be booked through Second Nature Behaviour.

📞 For more information and how to get in touch:

- 0121 299 0188
- [email protected]
- https://secondnature.bio/

04/03/2024

I am very pleased to announce that I am now accredited as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB)! 🐶 🎉

What does this mean?? This means I have been *thoroughly* assessed to achieve the very high standards of achieving this title. In other words, I have been assessed to have the required level of education, experience and knowledge to provide dog owners with professional and ethical advice concerning their dogs' behaviour concerns. 👍

CCAB accreditation Ltd. have ensured I provide evidence and reward-based advice, and adhere to their code of conduct in order to give me the title of CCAB.

How does this make me different to other dog trainers or behaviourists? The pet behaviour and training industry is currently unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a 'dog trainer' or 'behaviourist', no matter what their qualifications or experience. 🤔

This is concerning, because this means there are people providing unethical and unprofessional advice to pet owners in desperate need of support. Their advice often involves the use of harsh punishment methods, which only risks making behaviour or training issues worse. 😞

As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) and as a CCAB, this means I have been thoroughly assessed to ensure I am working professionally, ethically, and providing evidence-based advice that safeguards animal welfare. 😁

Megan Richardson has been awarded full CCAB certification - congratulations, Megan!

"I am so proud to have achieved accreditation as a CCAB! After experiencing behaviour issues with my own dog, I developed a keen interest in animal behaviour and training. Learning more about the subject sparked an interest in becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, so I could support others who also experience difficulties with their animals' behaviour. Since then, becoming a CCAB has always been a HUGE ambition of mine, as this has always seemed to be the gold standard of accreditation. I am so incredibly grateful for all those who have supported me along the way, including tutors, mentors, peers, friends and family. I am also very grateful to Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians for their amazing support towards gaining accreditation. The CCAB assessment process has been very positive, fair and enjoyable. I am very excited to continue my career supporting dogs and their caregivers as a CCAB!"

01/02/2024

Puppy Socialisation!

Socialisation is one of the many important aspects of raising a puppy.

The socialisation period runs from around 3 - 12/14 weeks of age. During this sensitive period, if puppies are not exposed to various things and environments in a safe and gradual manner, then they may become fearful of these things or environments later on in life.

This is why socialisation is an important step to prevent unwanted behaviour issues in dogs!

Socialisation is not simply a case of exposing your puppy to various people, dogs, situations, noises etc. because your puppy could be feeling scared of these things already. Forcing your puppy into situations they find scary could cause them to become even more fearful.

When socialising your puppy, make sure to keep a close eye out on their body language to ensure they are not feeling scared or anxious. For example, if your puppy has their tail underneath them, shakes, back away, licks their nose, yawns, or lies on their back with a tense posture, then this suggests they are feeling stressed, so remove them from the environment and give them the space they need.

So long as your puppy appears relaxed, make sure to pair up new things and environments with positive things happening, like treats and praise. This will teach your puppy to develop a positive associations to these things.

Here is more information about socialisation by the Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/socialising-your-puppy

30/01/2024

Get in touch to see how I can support you!

28/01/2024

Your dog is not trying to be dominant. If your dog is showing concerning behaviour, then it’s more likely that they’re feeling negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration or pain.

Aggressive behaviour is a concern, not only because it suggests your dog is feeling stressed, but also because it poses safety risks. If left unmanaged, or you attempt to treat your dog’s issues using aversive punishment methods, this will only risk making the behaviour issues worse.

Your dog does not need to believe that they are the ‘bottom of the pack’. Instead, they need to feel safe, and not exposed to situations or things that trigger their aggressive behaviour.

Get in touch to see how I can support you to use reward-based, non-aversive, force free and ethical methods to manage and treat your dog’s behaviour issues.

26/01/2024

If you get in touch requesting support with your dog’s behaviour, I will ask you to book the behaviour consultation package.

What’s included?

A consultation lasting up to 2.5 hours

A written report, including your dog’s tailored
behaviour modification plan

Handouts and training protocols

A 1-hour follow-up session

Remote support for up to 3 months

More information about my services can be found on my website here: https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/

24/01/2024

As humans, we often focus on the negatives, and want to rectify our dog’s behaviours that we don’t like, such as barking, stealing items or attention seeking.

However, if you tell your dog off for these unwanted behaviours, you’ll only risk making these issues worse, and you’ll continue focusing on the negatives!

Instead, try to notice when your dog is being good, calm and relaxed, and praise them for this. Keeping pots of treats or kibble around the house (out of your dog’s reach), will allow you to reward your dog whenever you notice good behaviour.

This will teach your dog that good behaviour results in rewards, and not the behaviours you don’t like!

22/01/2024

Dog walking etiquette!

Even if your dog is friendly or great with other dogs or people, it’s important to remember that not all other people or dogs are!

Unfortunately, many dogs develop reactive behaviour issues on walks as a result of other people or dogs approaching them, despite the dog finding this scary!

Many people say that others have said to them “don’t worry, he’s friendly”. Even if your dog is friendly and wants to say “hello” to another, that other dog may not be friendly!

Imagine this: You are taking a walk, minding your own business, and then another human comes charging up to you, crashes into you and puts their face in your face. You’d probably be quite scared or annoyed!

It’s the same for dogs!

Be mindful of how other people or dogs might feel on walks when approached by you and your dog. If ever in doubt, give people and dogs space!

20/01/2024

Can you recognise subtle dog body language signals? Find out more from my blog post here:

https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/post/dog-body-language-what-do-the-subtle-communication-signals-mean

18/01/2024

Does your dog have a training or behaviour problem? Find out more from my blog post here:

https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/post/does-my-dog-have-a-behaviour-problem-or-a-training-problem

16/01/2024

Get in touch to see how I can support you!

For more information: https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/

14/01/2024

Can you recognise the signs of a relaxed or happy dog?

Generally, if a dog is feeling relaxed or experiencing positive emotions, their body language will be very loose, wiggly and relaxed. The tail will be a mid-high position (not tucked under the body or positioned very high). The tail may be doing big and slow wags. The ears will be relaxed and may be positioned to the side or facing forwards. The eyes may be facing forwards and relaxed, and the dog may feel more inclined to look at you (rather than avoiding eye contact completely).

Have a look at the images for examples

13/01/2024

Dog Space Etiquette 101: 🐾

Dogs need personal space too! Show respect to our furry friends and their owners by following these tips:

➡️ Keep your off-leash dog from approaching on-leash dogs
➡️ Lock retractable leashes around other dogs
➡️ Ask before approaching or petting other dogs
➡️ Extend compassion to owners of shy/reactive dogs.

Let's create a pawsitively respectful environment!

12/01/2024

Can you recognise the signs of stress in dogs?

Stress can be caused by negative feelings such as fear, anxiety or frustration. Understanding dog body language, and knowing when to give a dog space is an important step to prevent aggressive or bite incidents.

Common signs of stress include:

Tense posture
Furrowed brow
Wide eyes, looking away
Leaning or walking away
Tail positioned low or underneath the body
Nose/lip licking
Panting (when it's not hot and the dog has not been exercising)
Tense mouth
Paw lift
Yawning
Rolling on the back with a tense posture

10/01/2024

What is a dog behaviour problem?

Behaviour problems in dogs are often normal behaviour patterns, but those that pose safety risks or suggest the dog is experiencing negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety or frustration.

Examples of behaviour concerns include:

Aggression (e.g. growling) or reactive barking / lunging

Fearful or anxious behaviour (e.g. fear of noises)

Separation related behaviour

Protecting certain resources

Other abnormal behaviours include repetitive behaviours, such as tail chasing, or chasing lights/shadows

Seeking professional advice from a qualified and experienced behaviourist is important to ensure that safety risks are managed, and you understand how to manage and treat your dog’s behaviour concerns.

Get in touch to find out how I can help you and your dog.

08/01/2024

For more information about me and my services, visit my website or get in touch.

https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/

05/01/2024

Exciting news! 🥳

I am now accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).

What does this mean? This means I have been thoroughly assessed to have the required level of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet the high standards of accreditation.

The animal behaviour and training industry is currently unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist. This is concerning, as it's difficult to know who to trust!

As a CAB and registered Animal Training Instructor (ATI) on the ABTC directory, you can rest assured that I have been assessed to be ethical, professional, experienced and qualified.

I advocate for evidence and reward-based methods, and use a supportive and non-judgemental approach. 👍