Your dogs meal time is such an easy opportunity for you to meet their natural needs. Be that sniffing, licking, searching, digging etc!
When introducing enrichment that your dog hasn’t done before we don’t want to over phase them. Here are 3 common mistakes I see when starting off bringing enrichment activities:
1. “It’s not worked, they aren’t interested” Giving your dog an enrichment activity they’ve never done before means they might not jump at it straight away. But this doesn’t mean they won’t get into it and certainly shouldn’t mean you don’t offer it to them again! Keep offering it, their curiosity will come around!
2. Leaving them to do it alone. Sometimes giving your dog a new activity to do, and leaving them to figure it out themselves, can be quite intimidating. It’s also an opportunity for you to build your relationship with them, show them the activity is fun and encourage them to get involved!
3. Making activities too difficult too quickly. Remember if they aren’t used to enrichment activities, giving them the hardest form is likely to just put them off! Start off with the easiest activities! In the video you can see Ruby is having her breakfast in a towel rolled up. I’ve never done this with her, so it wouldn’t be fair to roll it and knot it up straight away. That would likely cause her to give up! So I did the easiest level to help her succeed!
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It’s been a hot couple of days! Heat can be very dangerous for our dogs so it’s important to keep off those concrete paths and find shaded woodland areas! If that’s not possible for you, you’ll be better off staying at home and spending some 1-1 time with your dog!
Carry water, find those ponds for your pup to dive into, and watch them for any signs of getting too hot! Many dogs become lethargic and tired in the heat and will tell you when they’ve had enough! There are plenty of alternatives you can do at home with them to keep them mentally stimulated and cool 👌🏼
#thecaninecoach #helpingyouhelpyourdog #dogtraining #dogtraineradvice #heat #hotdogs #doglovers #dogs #canineenrichment #mentalenrichment #mentalenrichmentfordogs #keepcool #positivereinforcement #dogtraineruk #doghealthcare #dogadvice #canine
How great is Rosie here?
I have been working with Rosie for a few months now. She has some nervous tendencies which she displays through barking. Generally the sight of other dogs, and unfamiliar people can worry her. But look how great she is doing here whilst a family play in the park?! Yes she’s looking but she is also disengaging and engaging with me. She could choose to bark but of her own decision making she doesn’t, which I reinforce by telling her she’s a good girl and a small food reward.
Notice also how I don’t panic about the lead getting caught under her. It’s not bothering her, so there is no need for me to add in physical manipulation to rectify its position. If I had it could increase her stress levels which may tip her over to bark.
More on lead handling skills to come!
Distance, calmness, and positivity 👌🏼
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Holly had such a great walk this week. Working on things that are considered important for her family - Crossing roads calmly. Holly is beginning to naturally offer a sit at curb side now! And is no longer jumping to get to the other side! She has improved so much through her sessions.
We had a bit of fun with some toys too. It is important that walks aren’t just about “obedience” as this can detract from their enjoyment. Dogs should be allowed to be dogs and enjoy themselves out on their adventures! If you add in short breaks in between training you may find their focus becomes better when you ask them to focus! Give it a try!
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How to achieve the commonly desired loose lead walking?
Start off without the lead! Crazy right?! But trust me here.
Many dogs who pull on a consistent basis know that the lead means a walk, which means pull to get to where they want to go. The technique of training in this video is known as free work - and as it sounds it allows the dog to be free.
By removing the lead and working on rewarding your dog for choosing to come close to you, can be a great starting point. It is important that your dog chooses to be by your side. Forcing them through pulling the lead can increase stress for them as well as give you a sore arm!
As you can see in this video, Maple was torn whether to come to me or go back to her stick she’d been playing with. I let her make her own choice, I didn’t say anything. After a couple of decisions to come to me she realised that it was more rewarding to stay near by than to go off!
If you are experiencing a sore arm after every walk, get in touch for a session!
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A treasure hunt out on walks! Use natures objects to help improve engagement, and give them a purpose! Working their brain and nose is a rewarding experience for our four legged friends!
It’s so much fun for them to be able to sniff out something and get rewarded for it. You can also make this harder and improve their impulse control by asking them to wait whilst you scatter their rewards! As perfectly demonstrated by the beautiful Maple! Give it a go next time your out on walkies - use a tree, a log, some long grass, whatever their is around!
#thecaninecoach #helpingyouhelpyourdog #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainingmemes #doglover #dogs #dogtrainingvideos #dogtrainer #enrichment #caninebehaviouruk #canineenrichment #canineenrichmentfortherealworld #dogtips #forcefreetraining #forcefreedogtrainer #forcefreedogtraining
Superstar Maple showing off her tricks!
#thecaninecoach #dogsofinstagram #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #walks #dogwalks #enrichment #canineenrichment #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #environmentalenrichment #helpingyouhelpyourdog
