Train My Puppy

23/02/2025

HUMP?

So your dog suddenly starts hu***ng a pillow, a toy, your leg, or worse, your mother-in-law.
It's a behaviour that can be confusing and potentially amusing to some at the same time, but this behaviour can also make you utterly mortified when your dog starts to hump your visiting friend or family member.

The common reason for hu***ng is linked to heightened emotions which can be anxiety and stress, excitement, s*xual arousal, and/or frustration. It is NOT dominance!

Puppies don’t hit puberty until around six to eight months of age. Just like in human teenagers, these hormonal shifts can influence their behaviour. So, when puppies begin to hump, it’s not about s*x – it’s all about playful behaviour. It’s one of the ways they first learn about social interactions with other dogs. They use this hu***ng behaviour to encourage a ‘play and chase’ game, however, it can also be used in the context of being in a situation where they are feeling a little unsure of what to do.

🐾As pups get older and enter their adolescent phase, they may start to hump due to pheromones, and s*xual arousal driven by the surge in hormones like testosterone in males, leading to increased s*xual urges; however, this is not always the case. Dogs are quite expressive, and they can have various ways of showing their emotions.

While some dogs might bark excessively or exhibit hyperactivity (‘zoomies’), others might resort to hu***ng. It's not uncommon for dogs to react to heightened emotions by engaging in this behaviour. It can be a form of displacement behaviour and they use it when they're uncertain about how to handle a situation, just like people might bite their nails when they're nervous, dogs might hump when they're stressed. It could be their way of dealing with anxiety.

So, if your dog suddenly starts hu***ng in a new place, they may be feeling a bit uneasy or it could be their method of dealing with a situation by releasing extra stored energy and tension.

❗️ It is important to remember that circumstances play a significant role – meaning CONTEXT MATTERS!

Understanding why a dog is hu***ng entails observing your immediate environment and the dog's body language. The overall environment can provide insights into the motivation behind the behaviour.

For instance, if a dog starts hu***ng during a play session, it might be a sign of playfulness rather than s*xual motivation. On the other hand, when a dog begins hu***ng objects like pillows or even your mother-in-law's leg, it could indicate stress or limited social skills.
This behaviour might suggest that the dog is unsure about how to manage situations that are exciting or overwhelming, leading to heightened emotional reactions.

If the hu***ng behaviour becomes problematic, especially in social settings or with people who the dog may not be comfortable with, it's essential to address it through positive reinforcement training and environmental management. The goal would be to redirect the behaviour towards a more appropriate outlet.

Providing appropriate mental and physical stimulation can also help reduce excessive mounting, as it might be a response to excess energy or boredom.

Hu***ng behaviour in dogs is influenced by a combination of factors, including hormones, individual personality, stress, frustration, excitement, and play. As dogs mature, their reasons for hu***ng can change, making it important for dog owners to interpret the behaviour in context and respond appropriately.

So, the next time you catch your dog hu***ng something unexpectedly, remember that it's not just a random act and the dog isn't doing something wrong. It could be a mix of things – from hormones and stress to social cues and playfulness. Understanding why dogs hump adds a bit of insight into their world and can help you respond in an appropriate manner which can help your dog through a situation.

20/01/2025

💡Understanding your dog's threshold is incredibly important when managing their reactivity and anxiety levels. It helps you determine the optimal distance or intensity at which to expose your dog to triggers that cause their reactivity during behaviour modification exercises. Helping your dog by keeping them emotionally below ‘threshold’ can create a more manageable and comfortable environment for your dog, which allows them to remain calm and responsive.

When the concept of “going over threshold” is brought up, people often envision a dog barking, snarling, or displaying aggressive behaviour. However, it is important to recognise that “going over threshold” means crossing over into an emotionally distressed state, which may manifest as shutting down, freezing, exhibiting overly excitable behaviour, or becoming so distracted that there is a loss of connection.

⚖️Pushing a dog beyond their comfort zone (threshold) can lead to heightened anxiety, fear, and potentially aggressive behaviour. It is essential to respect and work within their threshold levels to ensure their emotional well-being which in turn will help facilitate effective training and behaviour modification.

When a dog is over threshold, they are primarily reacting rather than thinking – they are in a fight-flight, freeze, fidget, or fawn state. Their emotional and physiological responses are heightened, making it difficult for them to ‘listen’ or respond to cue’s. They may be too overwhelmed or focused on the perceived threat to process information effectively.

Through systematic desensitization (gradual exposure therapy), and counter-conditioning (changing an emotional response) techniques, you can help raise your dog's tolerance levels towards a stimulus that causes emotional distress over time. By carefully managing their exposure to triggers and pairing it with positive experiences and rewards, you can help them develop more resilience and confidence, allowing them to handle challenging situations with greater ease.

Mardi Richmond MA, CPDT-KA describes it as: -
“Consider the threshold of a front door. When you cross a threshold, you move from one space to another. A behaviour threshold is a similar concept; it is when your dog crosses from one emotional state to another. If you spend time with a dog that is concerned about other dogs, you have probably witnessed the moment when he or she moves from seemingly okay into out-of-control behaviour. That is going over threshold.”

When a dog is over threshold, teaching them new behaviours or trying to modify their behaviour becomes challenging and would be inappropriate to do at that moment in time as they are not in the right frame of mind for learning to take place. Their heightened state makes it difficult for them to learn and retain new information. It is important to bring the dog back to a ‘sub-threshold’ state before attempting any training or behaviour modification.

✏️Furthermore, thresholds are not fixed and can fluctuate. Unlike physical thresholds like a front door, emotional and behavioural thresholds can fluctuate depending on various factors. These factors include the dog's current state of arousal, the environment, previous experiences, and the specific trigger or stimulus.
Having awareness of the dog's threshold levels and being vigilant in their behaviour and responses is crucial for effective management and training.

Adjusting the distance, intensity, or duration of exposure to triggers based on the dog's threshold can help create a more conducive learning environment and prevent the dog from becoming over threshold.

03/01/2025

We have played with the predatory sequence in our dogs to make certain parts more or less prominent, so they could perform certain jobs for us.
When we look at breed traits and which part of this sequence our dogs like to perform best, we can then look at ways to better fulfil them.

Full video of this just released in the comic membership. Find the link and special offer in my stories and bio.

16/12/2024

IS YOUR DOG “STUBBORN”, OR STRUGGLING?

It is all too easy to describe our dogs as stubborn when we are feeling frustrated that they don't seem to be listening to us, or aren't being very cooperative. “Nose down, tail up, ears off!” is often repeated when it comes to scent hounds. However, if we aren’t achieving the response that we are looking for from our dogs, we need to consider why and how we can help them out.

*Are we being clear in what we are asking of them, and do they understand?
*Is our teaching and reinforcement history adequate?
*Are we asking too much of them too soon and not building solid foundations first?
*What is happening in the environment which may be impacting them?
*Are they trigger stacked and not in the right frame of mind to be able to focus and learn new things? *Are they suffering from undiagnosed pain?
*Are they physically capable of what we are asking them to do?

When our dogs aren't able to do as we ask, we need to consider why, and understand that they are not purposely being difficult, but need some help from us. We may not always be aware of potential problems: a worrying scent, a noise in the distance that we are unable to hear, or they might be experiencing pain or discomfort. To automatically label their behaviour as stubbornness, naughtiness or disobedience is a great disservice to our dogs. Being unable or unwilling to do something is vital information that we need to acknowledge, take on board, and respond to appropriately. We should always be questioning WHY.

With any behavioural concerns, it is really important to get a thorough veterinary check to rule out any undiagnosed medical conditions; we know that up to 80% of behavioural cases have an underlying pain component.

If in doubt, always get checked out!

© Trailie Paws For Thought
https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

18/06/2024

XL BULLY – NEUTERING DEADLINE APPROACHING

Here’s an important reminder for XL Bully owners in Wales and England, with exempted dogs that were 12 months or older on 31st January this year.

The deadline for neutering your dog is 30th June, and confirmation must be sent to DEFRA by 26th July.

Information about confirmation of neutering can be found here
👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/confirm-an-xl-bully-dog-has-been-neutered

We also keep our dedicated page for XL Bully owners updated on our website
👉www.hoperescue.org.uk/advice-for-xl-bully-owners

Please don’t delay and risk losing exemption status for your dog.

18/06/2024

As a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and a certified behavior consultant whose speciality is fear and aggression, I work with a lot of families with dogs and kids. Often I'll get called when the baby is approaching toddlerhood and the dog is struggling. Many families are surprised at this because often the dog was comfortable during infanthood but then struggles during toddlerhood as the child gain mobility and independence. Let's be proactive not reactive. Plan ahead to keep everyone safe and prepared.

If you are expecting, I recommend scheduling my one-on one pre-baby or toddler prep session: https://rescuedbytraining.com/project/pre-baby-toddler-prep/ to help set you and your dog up for success.

30/05/2024

QUIET AND WELL-BEHAVED? OR SUFFERING IN SILENCE?

When we discuss reactive dogs, we often refer to them as having big feelings, the way in which they behave serving as a reflection of their inner struggles. Typical behaviours include barking, lunging and growling, which are employed as a distance-increasing tactic to frighten away whatever is scaring them. These reactive displays are often frantic and noisy, and it is pretty clear to anyone witnessing them that the dog is having a hard time. But what about those dogs who are unable to express themselves in this way, and internalise their feelings?

It is often believed that a dog who isn’t displaying any obvious behaviours must be okay and coping. A common scenario is the vet visit where the dog is treated without the owner present because the dog appears calmer without their trusted person and “much better behaved”. Another example is the dog who struggles on walks, so he pulls on the lead as a means to try and escape, but when a new piece of equipment which promises to prevent pulling is introduced, the pulling stops. It “works like magic”. The dog becomes a dream to walk and the humans congratulate themselves on a problem solved. But is that dog actually feeling any better about the situation? Or has his behaviour simply been suppressed by the discomfort of the equipment? Nothing has changed, except it now hurts when he pulls, so he simply gives up trying.

We need to remember that there won’t always be an outward display when a dog is struggling; an absence of obvious behaviours doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog is coping. The quiet, seemingly “well-behaved” dog could be struggling just as much as the barking, growling and lunging dog; they may simply express it differently. In both cases, the key to helping them is getting to grips with recognising and understanding canine body language so that early action can be taken to protect their physical and mental health, which will, in turn, keep them feeling safe.

You can find further reading on the topics of stress, understanding canine body language, recognising signs of fear, emotional shutdown, and more, on my blog site: www.trailiepawsforthought.com

© Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

12/05/2024

⚡ THUNDER AND LIGHTNING ⚡ 🥁 MUFFLING SOUND WITH DRUMS 🥁

Ever heard of Taiko drums?

Many believe that the booming sound of these drums could potentially mask thunder and lightning during storms and fireworks.

Consider playing a Taiko drumming video on YouTube (or you can put trainers in the tumble dryer for moderate volume only!) to create a consistent source of noise. This can offer a point of origin for the sound as there is an identifiable source for the banging the dog can hear which helps them cope better with the unsettling sounds.

However, if your dog is exceptionally anxious during storms, it's crucial to approach this method with caution, as it might overwhelm them further. Assess your dog's reaction carefully, and only proceed if it seems to offer them comfort.

Remember, this technique is just one tool in the toolkit for calming anxious pets during storms. Ensure you have a safe space prepared for them and provide comforting support when they seek it- don’t ignore them.

Check out this Taiko drumming video: https://youtu.be/C7HL5wYqAbU

08/02/2024

07/02/2024

🚫 Puppy Pads: A Training Treadmill?
Let's talk about the infamous puppy pads - while they might seem like a convenient solution, we generally advise against them. 🐕

🤷‍♂️ The Confusion Conundrum
Puppy pads can send mixed messages to your pup. Imagine one moment you're telling them it's okay to relieve themselves indoors, and the next, you're expecting them to embrace outdoor habits. This inconsistency can slow down the training process. 🕰️ Plus, the pad's texture could be reminiscent of other indoor surfaces, contributing to a potential misunderstanding of where it's appropriate to toilet.

🌧️ Lingering Odours
Puppy pads often retain residual scents even after use, leaving an indoor scent that may attract your pup back to the same spot even if we cannot smell it; dogs' noses are far superior to humans. This can hinder the transition to outdoor toileting, making it harder for them to differentiate between acceptable and off-limits areas.

🌳 Adaptability Through Exploration
Over-reliance on puppy pads may hinder your pup's ability to adjust to different toileting environments. Gradual exposure to various outdoor surfaces is crucial for a well-rounded training experience. By incorporating diverse outdoor scenarios, you prevent over-dependency on pads and encourage adaptability, so your puppy isn't refusing to toilet on walks or in new places! Strive for a training approach that promotes both familiarity and flexibility.

🧠 Mental Stimulation Through Exploration
Training goes beyond just physical habits. Actively engaging your pup in outdoor toileting scenarios provides mental stimulation. Exposure to new scents, textures, and surroundings reduces reliance on pads and keeps their minds active. A mentally stimulated dog is more likely to embrace training challenges and confidently navigate various environments. 🌐

🐾 Bladder Strength Matters
Consistently using puppy pads without encouraging your dog to gradually increase the time between toilet breaks could impact their bladder strength. While building muscle control is beneficial, it's crucial to strike a balance—avoiding holding on for excessively long periods is equally essential. Prolonged holding can pose risks and potential health issues. Strive for a balanced approach.

🏡 Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, we understand that circumstances vary. For those residing in high-rise apartments, dealing with mobility challenges, or simply out of choice, consider a similar concept to pads. However, it's crucial to recognise that merely leaving pads down isn't a substitute for active guidance. 🚫

🎯 Strategic Pad Training
In cases where pads are necessary, setting up a designated area – say, the bathroom – can be effective. Introduce targets like cones or easy-to-clean objects to signal the desired toileting spot. Additionally, explore alternatives like grass pads; these may help with the distinction between appropriate places to toilet and less favourable places 🌿

🌐 Expanding the Options
Consider a cat tray-style toileting area for quick relief with a young puppy or a furry friend with a weak bladder. Opt for materials resembling their long-term outdoor toileting surface, such as stones. This clear distinction helps them understand where it's acceptable to go. Incorporate lead-guided walks to the area and ensure regular cleaning. You can adapt these setups for dog-safe balconies. 🏞️

Remember, the goal is to instil good habits through guidance and consistency. While there are exceptions, a proactive approach to outdoor training tends to yield quicker and more effective results. 🐶

10/01/2024

UK followers, if you have an XL or suspected, don’t wait too long to exempt. What do you plan on doing if you miss the deadline? The deadline is now MIDDAY 31st JAN but I cannot understand why anyone would leave it this late. Any errors could result in it being refused. Don’t risk your dog being taken and possibly never coming home.

‼️ IMPORTANT ‼️

The government have updated the website to say that all applications for exemption must be submitted by 12pm midday on January 31st.

As there is likely to be a last minute rush which could cause a backlog, system crash or other unforeseen problems. Plus some applications are being rejected due to a glitch, payments not going through correctly or errors on the application, we would recommend leaving it no later than January 20th to apply.

This will give you time to reapply if there are any issues with your application. We don't believe there will be a facility to do this after the cut off date if your application is rejected.

Whilst we understand a lot of you are waiting for news of the legal challenge we don't want any dogs to be put at risk by leaving things too late.

Applications can be made via this link
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog

⚠️ Please note, the above deadline is for online registration, paper submissions must be in no later than January 15th ⚠️