Journey Together Dog Training & Behaviour

24/01/2025

Did You Know Storms Can Affect Your Dog’s Health?

When a storm rolls in, the drop in air pressure doesn’t just signal bad weather—it can also impact your dog’s body in surprising ways. Here are some medical effects to watch for:

🐾 Joint Pain and Stiffness

Dogs with arthritis or joint issues often feel more discomfort during storms. The drop in pressure can cause tissues around their joints to expand, leading to increased pain and stiffness.

🐾 Ear Pain and Sensitivity

The change in air pressure can also affect your dog’s ears, which are incredibly sensitive. This can cause discomfort, pain, or even mild inflammation, especially in dogs prone to ear infections or with conditions like allergies.

🐾 Respiratory Issues

If your dog has a respiratory condition (like asthma) or is a brachycephalic breed (e.g., pugs or bulldogs), storms can make it harder for them to breathe. The combination of lower pressure and increased humidity can exacerbate these issues.

🐾 Inflammation in the Body

Changes in pressure can sometimes trigger inflammation in other parts of your dog’s body, making them feel achy or unwell, even if there’s no obvious illness.

How You Can Help:

✔️ Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest during storms, especially if they have joint pain or respiratory issues.
✔️ Keep an eye on their breathing and mobility, and contact your vet if they seem unusually uncomfortable.
✔️ For ear sensitivity, monitor for signs like head shaking or scratching at their ears—this could mean pressure changes are causing them pain.

Storms can take a toll on our dogs, but being aware of these potential issues can help us give them the care they need!

17/01/2025

Training a dog is much like watching a sunset—both require patience and presence.

As the sun dips below the horizon, its beauty unfolds slowly, just as the bond between you and your dog deepens with time and trust. Each behaviour learned and moment shared is like a brilliant hue in the sky, proof that dedication brings rewards beyond words.

Just as no two sunsets are alike, every dog has its own journey, its own rhythm. Embrace the process, and you’ll find that both sunsets and training are not just about the destination but the magic in the moment.

Teach. Train. Thrive

16/12/2024

. LAST CHANCE TO GRAB THE
🐾 BLACK FRIDAY SALE 🐾.
Book Now for January 2025!

Transform your dog's behaviour with professional guidance and training! For Black Friday ONLY, enjoy a massive 30% OFF all dog training packages and courses.

✅ Ready to tackle that obedience training?
✅ Struggling with behaviour challenges, reactivity or aggression?
✅ Want to build a deeper bond with your dog?
✅️ Starting out with a new pup or rescue dog?

With over a decade of experience working with pet and rescue dogs, and their owners, plus 5+ years running my own sanctuary rehabilitating the most challenging cases, and caring for the life long needs of these special cases, I’m here to help every dog and owner succeed.

📅 Now taking bookings for January 2025!
Start the new year off right with a happier, more confident, and more enriched dog.

🎉 Limited Time and Limited Spaces! This Black Friday deal won’t last long – secure your spot today!

ℹ️ Visit www.journeytogetherdogtraining.com or email [email protected] to book now!

Black Friday Savings – New Year Solutions.

Teach. Train. Thrive

11/12/2024

When my dogs repeatedly bring me the same toy to play with, it makes me wonder...

Is it their favourite toy? Or do they think that it is my favourite toy?

25/11/2024

. 🐾 Black Friday Sale 🐾.
Book Now for January 2025!

Transform your dog's behaviour with professional guidance and care! For Black Friday ONLY, enjoy a massive 30% OFF all dog training packages and courses.

✅ Ready to tackle that obedience training?
✅ Struggling with behaviour challenges, reactivity or aggression?
✅ Want to build a deeper bond with your dog?
✅️ Starting out with a new pup or rescue dog?

With over a decade of experience working with pet and rescue dogs, and their owners, plus 5+ years running my own sanctuary rehabilitating the most challenging cases, and caring for the life long needs of these special cases, I’m here to help every dog and owner succeed.

📅 Now taking bookings for January 2025!
Start the new year off right with a happier, more confident, and more enriched dog.

🎉 Limited Time and Limited Spaces! This Black Friday deal won’t last long – secure your spot today!

ℹ️ Visit www.journeytogetherdogtraining.com or email [email protected] to book now!

Black Friday Savings – New Year Solutions.

Teach. Train. Thrive

22/11/2024

Who got woken up by brutal 1am thunder and lightening storm last night?

Did you know, Thunderstorms bring dramatic drops in air pressure, which can directly affect a dog's body?

Aside from the common fears the audio and visual brings, Low air pressure can trigger internal changes, such as mild inflammation or discomfort in joints and tissues. For dogs already prone to conditions like arthritis, this pressure shift can amplify their pain or stiffness.

Additionally, these physiological changes can influence behaviour. Dogs may appear more anxious, clingy, or restless as they experience discomfort.
The intense sound of thunder and flashing lightning further heightens their stress. This combination of physical and sensory distress often results in observable signs such as trembling, excessive barking, or hiding.

Understanding these changes helps pet owners provide comfort, such as creating a safe, quiet space or using calming techniques.

How was your dog effected by the thunder and lightening last night?

07/11/2024

Understanding and Managing Reactivity in Dogs!

Reactivity in dogs is a behavioural response characterized by heightened agitation and sometimes aggressive behaviours towards specific stimuli. These triggers can vary widely, ranging from other dogs and strangers to loud noises and unfamiliar environments. While reactivity can be daunting for dog owners, it's essential to approach it with patience, empathy, and positive training techniques.

● Causes and Contributors to Reactivity:

1. Lack of, or inproper, Socialization: Puppies that do not receive adequate exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and environments during their critical developmental stages might develop heightened sensitivities and reactive behaviours later in life.
2. Negative Experiences: Traumatic incidents, such as attacks by other dogs, accidents, or other negative interactions, can imprint fear and anxiety in dogs' minds, leading to defensive or aggressive reactions.
3. Genetics: Certain breeds and individuals have been selectively bred, or are pre-disposed to guarding or protective traits, which can contribute to heightened alertness and reactivity in specific situations.
4. Fear and Anxiety: Dogs that experience fear or anxiety, whether due to past experiences or general disposition, are more likely to react strongly as a coping mechanism.
5. Lack of Training: Dogs that haven't been adequately trained to manage their emotions and responses might resort to reactive behaviours when confronted with triggers.

● Short-Term Management of Reactivity:

While working on long-term behaviour modification, implementing short-term management techniques can help control reactive outbursts:

1. Distance Management: When encountering triggers, maintain a comfortable distance to prevent your dog from becoming overwhelmed and reactive.
2. Redirected Focus: Teach your dog commands like "look at me" or "touch," encouraging them to engage with you when confronted with triggers.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behaviours with treats, praise, or toys. Associating triggers with positive experiences helps shift their emotional responses.
4. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to triggers at a distance where they remain calm. Pair these exposures with rewards to change their emotional associations.

● Long-Term Behaviour Modification through Positive Training:

Utilizing positive training methods can effectively modify the emotions driving reactive behaviours:

1. Counter-Conditioning: By associating triggers with highly valued rewards, you can create positive emotional responses. For example, if your dog reacts to other dogs, reward them for calm behaviour in their presence.
2. Threshold Training: Identify your dog's comfort zone in proximity to triggers. Gradually decrease this distance as they become more at ease, building their tolerance over time.
3. Clicker Training: Clicker training involves using a clicker sound to mark desired behaviours, followed by a reward. This method can help reinforce positive responses to triggers.
4. Impulse Control Exercises: Teach your dog impulse control commands like "sit" or "stay." These exercises encourage self-control and help manage reactive impulses.
5. Gradual Exposure: Systematically expose your dog to triggers in controlled settings. Start with a low-intensity exposure and progressively increase the challenge as their confidence grows.
6. Consistency and Patience: Behaviour modification is a gradual process. Be consistent in your training efforts and patient with your dog's progress. Celebrate even small victories.

Reactivity in dogs can be attributed to a combination of factors, but with the right approach, it is manageable and modifiable through positive training techniques. Understanding the underlying causes, implementing short-term management strategies, and focusing on long-term behaviour modification using positive methods will lay the foundation for success. Through counter-conditioning, threshold training, and consistent positive reinforcement, you can help your dog develop healthier emotional responses and greater confidence in various situations. With dedication, patience, and the power of positive training, you and your dog can conquer reactivity and build a stronger bond based on trust and mutual understanding.

ℹ️ Want to learn more or receive one to one help with your reactive dog? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
or visit my website
www.journeytogetherdogtraining.com

Teach. Train. Thrive

01/11/2024

Are you ready for the early, dark nights?

As the days gradually grow shorter and the evenings usher in darkness, the shift to a new season prompts us to consider the well-being of our dogs. Our canine friends are sensitive and perceptive creatures, and may require some thoughtful adjustments to ensure their comfort and safety during the imp...

29/10/2024

Here's just two of many new puppy starts this week 🥰

Which is your fav? The good ole tradition black Lab, or the booming in popularity Fox Red Lab?

Teach. Train. Thrive

28/10/2024

Very limited Spaces left for 2024.

Book now for one to one dog training and behaviour services. Sessions available at Haddo Country Park and Delgaty, Turriff.

web: www.journeytogetherdogtraining.com
Email: [email protected]

27/08/2024

As we bid farewell to a summer that didn't quite live up to expectations, now’s the perfect time to focus on what really matters—your dog’s happiness and well-being!

Take advantage of my 25% off sale on personalized dog training and behaviour services.

Whether your summer walks were rained out or just not what you planned, let’s make the most of the season’s end by helping your dog be the best they can be. Sale includes all training & behaviour services.

Hurry, this offer ends soon! Start your training journey today!

Email: [email protected]

Teach. Train. Thrive

26/08/2024

Apparently it's INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY!

This bunch think every day is international dog day, but apparently it's today.

Show me your dogs!! ⤵️

24/08/2024

Are you a proud puppy owner? Let's get ready for the future...

For more info or to book your place please get in touch by sending a pm or email. [email protected]
Or visit my website at www.journeytogetherdogtraining.com

Teach. Train. Thrive