Dog Only Knows - Behaviour & Training

26/08/2024

26/08/2024

I had the most amazing day yesterday in my second year of judging the Rottie Friends Rottweiler Friends Rescue & Soul Man Sanctuary dog show in Somerset. (and this time Andrew came along to help). I had my annual therapeutic dose of Rottie cuddles, kisses and belly rubs 💕 but I also met many 'Notweilers'. So many wonderful breeds entered the classes, not just Rotties, and all were amazing ambassadors for their breed!
To top it all off I got to meet all the loving owners, the dedicated volunteers led by Angela Curtis, and the scent work and TTouch demonstrators. What an amazing group of people, no wonder this annual fundraising open day is so very special!

16/08/2024

So proud to be a member of The Association of INTODogs and the UK Dog Behavior & Training Charter for another year.

As one of the founding member organisations of the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter all our Accredited & Knowledge assessed members can display this logo on their sites. When you see the charter logo you can rest easy as your dog will always come first. INTODogs stand proudly by our tagline- Ethics in Action since 2007. To find out more go to www.intodogs.net

13/08/2024

01/08/2024

So important to keep your dog safe. I’m not sure who created the image but if anyone knows please do tell me so I can give appropriate credit.

13/07/2024

Riffle is still missing

Since she went missing on the 4th April she’s been seen 15 times across the Plain, with sightings near Erlestoke, Market Lavington, Orcheston, Tilshead, Marden and most recently Enford & Chisenbury. Her home is near Figheldean.

We believe she has learnt well how to look after herself on the Plain and she is good at hiding from humans. We suspect she has been using the Impact Area to move unseen around the outskirts of the Plain. She will be moving around at dawn and dusk - times when few people are out in the summer.

We really want our girl home as soon as possible, we are expecting a baby next week and the last few months have been agony. She is a hugely loved part of our family.

Please keep your eyes out for her and keep her in your mind if you are out on the Plain at any time of day. Also if you live near the Plain please keep checking Ring door cams, CCTV or wildlife cameras. Let us know if food you leave out for wildlife is going unusually quickly or if chickens are mysteriously disappearing.

Please call George - 07742076097 - with any information you might have that will help us bring her home.

Thank you all so much for your vigilance and help over the past months, we have been overwhelmed by the response and are hugely grateful.

11/07/2024

**UPDATE

Tilly has been found!

We are delighted to share that Tilly has been found. She’s currently being monitored at the vets and is being very well looked after. Thank you to every single one of you who shared our post or sent us information to help find her. 💚

⚠️🚨 One of our dogs was stolen last night🚨⚠️

Tilly is a small, black, wire-haired Terrier. She’s 8 years old, and was last seen wearing a collar with a Jerry Green Dog Rescue ID tag attached. She’s microchipped, and registered with us. Tilly was in her foster carer’s car, which was stolen at around 5pm last night from Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough.

We’re worried sick about Tilly, and are keen for her safe return. If you think you’ve seen her, or have any information that could lead to her recovery, please contact us immediately. Please share 💚

11/07/2024

A friend has 2 tickets for the England v Spain game on Sunday.

He paid £360 each, including flights but he didn't realise when he bought them months ago that it was going to be the same day as his wedding 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

If you're interested, he is looking for someone to take his place.

It's at Taunton Registry Office, at 2 p.m. The bride's name is Sarah, she's 5'7" & quite attractive.

Pm for more details.

Come on England! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ⚽️

10/07/2024

This!

Given the statements that we see so often from those using aversive or 'balanced' training methods, those of us who use a force free approach need to clear up some of the issues with what is said.

As well as the red flags so often seen of 'positive only' or 'purely positive', these statements will usually trot out the old misunderstanding that all we do is toss cheese at a dog when they do something right and ignore everything else. This is absolutely untrue and does not reflect the force free approach at all.

Successful force free training involves SO much more than that.

• It needs a deep understanding of learning theory.
• What the dog's welfare needs are and how to make sure they are met.
• The potential impact of health on behaviour.
• The emotional states that underly behaviours.
• How to manage situations so that the dogs don't carry out the undesired behaviours and perhaps get an internal reward for doing them.
• How to train other behaviours the dog can do in that situation that will be rewarded so that the undesirable behaviour is no longer the best choice for them in that situation.
• When training isn’t the right answer at all.

The factors involved in getting the force free approach and training right are far too many for me to list in this post or on this image, but these are the things that a good force free trainer or behaviour professional is doing every time they are working with a dog and their humans.

It's so much more than just lobbing food at a dog.

09/07/2024

So true!

🗣️ One common frustration voiced by puppy parents is the repetitive cycle of saying "no" to their biting puppy, only to find the behavior persisting despite being told “NO!” a thousand times.

🤔 It's not surprising, considering that "no" is not a behavior itself. When your puppy jumps, bites your hands, scratches you, and you suddenly utter "NO," your puppy doesn’t understand what you want. Do you want them to stop biting, scratching, jumping, or tugging at your clothes?

No doesn’t tell your puppy what you want them to do.

🐶 Puppies don't comprehend English by default. Words hold no meaning for them unless we associate specific actions with those words through training. To them, it's merely sound.

🚫 "No" doesn't provide your puppy with clear guidance on what you desire. They might be just as puzzled about your intentions as you are about why they "aren't listening."

⚠️ And, if you say "NO" while your puppy is jumping and biting, you might unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Your attention becomes a form of reward when you engage with them (remember, they don't understand the word "no"). Your instinctive movements to protect yourself by shifting your hands, feet, arms, and legs can inadvertently encourage the jumping and biting—creating a super fun game for puppies.

🔄 Instead of tirelessly repeating "no," redirect your puppy's attention to an appropriate toy or chew.

🗨️ "You can't chew on me, but you can chew on this."

07/07/2024

Socialisation. Yes, there really is such a thing as "over socialised".
Play is NOT socialisation.❌
Play is a separate and important skill.✅....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance of the world.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.
I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.

That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is not go to that place of extreme overarousal at the sight of a puppy. Puppies need to learn how to be accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.

Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.

Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.

How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.

True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.

Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.

They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.

They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....

That is true socialisation.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

30/05/2024

How many times do we see someone say not to comfort a scared dog because it will reinforce their fear? This is an incredibly damaging myth, and one that will not help your scared dog at all.

Fear is an emotion, not a behaviour, and it cannot be reinforced in the same way as a behaviour can. That's not to say that how we respond can't have an effect on the dog's fear - it's important to sound and remain calm and soothing - but emotions cannot be reinforced simply by offering comfort to the scared dog.

Behaviours that we reinforce to encourage them and make them more likely to happen are the result of a conscious choice by the dog. That is how positive reinforcement works - the choice to do a particular thing results in something good, something the dog likes or wants. That could be an extrinsic reward like treats, fuss, or a toy, or an intrinsic internal reward such as being able to carry out a natural behaviour that is self-rewarding for the dog.

Emotions like fear are not based on conscious decisions. Fear is not something the dog chooses to feel. Something has triggered the dog's survival instinct, their survival mechanism, and the dog's body and brain leap into action to protect the dog from this thing.

It doesn't matter if the thing the dog is scared of is a real threat or not - for the dog it is perceived as a threat and it's important for us to help them, whether that is getting them more distance from what has scared them, or providing comfort and attempting to help them to feel safer if more distance is not possible (for example fireworks, thunder, or gunshots) or we can't see what is triggering the response.

A scared dog is not being silly or trying to be awkward. They are scared and in survival mode. They need empathy and understanding, and it's up to us to provide those for them.

28/05/2024

I couldn't agree more with this post, it's true for us humans so why wouldn't it be true for dogs? We all need the right conditions to learn so if they aren't learning we have to take responsibility for not giving them all the help they need.
Reminds me of a saying 'If I don't learn the way you teach me; teach me the way I learn!'

BARRIERS TO LEARNING – WHY SOME DOGS STRUGGLE TO LEARN

“My dog is stubborn, doesn’t listen to me, a slow learner, not the smartest, tries to be in control, will only do it at home, will only behave sometimes, is uncontrollable……” – these are comments that are often heard.

Just like us, dogs need the right kind of conditions to either be able to learn something new or to bring about a change in behaviour.

Dogs are not robots that can be programmed by a set of specific inputs that guarantee consistent results. They are individual, sentient beings that need to be understood.

If we’re feeling stressed, anxious, tired, over excited, too distracted, not feeling well, have no motivation etc. we will find it really difficult, if not impossible to learn something new, change our behaviour or change a habit. The same applies to dogs.

A dog’s emotional state, the surrounding environment, motivation, age (pups, adolescents, seniors) or any health issues all have a significant impact on their ability to learn.

If your dog is having a hard time learning something, look at these factors and see if there is a reason that may be preventing progress.

Maybe your dog is just having an “off” day, just like we do.

Try again tomorrow or next week and set your dog up for success by having realistic expectations.

Learning or changing behaviour takes time, patience, consistency, understanding and the right conditions.

14/05/2024

Riffle has been missing 5 weeks and 5 days.
We have had a few potential sightings but sadly it seems that when Riffle is disturbed she runs and runs fast. This is extremely difficult then to get her onto a food station.

Please do not call, chase or attempt to catch Riffle. She is in survival mode and will run.

We are desperate for anyone with ring doorbells/ cctv / wildlife cams ets to please check them. Not just today but each day untill she is home. Just because she didn’t pass your home last night doesn’t mean she won’t tonight or later in the week and so on.

We strongly believe she is using the remoteness of the area to go undetected. Riffle initially went missing in the impact area nr Enford and has since been seen in and around Market lavington - West lavington - Imber, Earlstoke and Great Cheverell.
We have absolutely no idea where she might pop up next. Which is painstaking for her family. With that in mind and considering the area is as vast as it is we cannot give you a pin pointed area to keep a eye out in . Riffle has covered miles and miles of ground so really could pop up anywhere in and around Salisbury plain. From Enford to Warminster and all villages between. It really is a mammoth task. We will not give up.

Anything at all please call or message in. Old sightings needed as well as new as it might give us a idea of her safe areas.

Thankyou xx

11/05/2024

Wonderful post from Lizzie at Canine Coaching Company.

When a new puppy becomes part of the family, relaxation might not be the initial thought, yet in our busy modern lives, finding time to relax is often overlooked. However, relaxation is crucial for overall well-being – ...

09/05/2024

I've posted a new blog on my website today; I hope you find it interesting.

New page

30/04/2024

Good news!

I’m thrilled to be able to announce that I have linked as an affiliate with Pet Remedy! I have used their calming products for many years and I highly recommend them. Use the code JUNE25 when you purchase products from their website to receive a 25% discount.

Your natural pet stress & pet calming product for dog anxiety, cat anxiety, bird, rabbit & small rodent or mammals. Stress relief for travel or fireworks and general pet calming for situations where your pet becomes anxious. Natural remedy with positive results

11/04/2024

URGENT APPEAL

RIFFLE is still missing from the Enford area, for nearly a week.

She was last seen running into the impact area of the Plain (which has restricted access to the army only). If you have army contacts, or friends in the area please tell them about Riffle.

If you have any info, however small, please contact the owner or Solstice Missing Dogs.

Riffle is a small scruffy lurcher and is wearing a collar.

20/03/2024

Great advice!

A WORD ABOUT WAGS
“I don’t understand why that dog reacted so badly to me; his tail was wagging!”

Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy.

Dogs communicate through so many different types of body language, but the wag and the tail position are probably one of the easier to notice.

As with most things it depends on the individual dog. Some breeds naturally carry their tails in a different position and some breeds wag their tails differently to others.

Wags and tail positions should always be looked at in context and together with the rest of the body language. Body language should always be looked at as a “video” and not as an isolated “picture”.

Noticing how your dog’s tail usually looks or how the tail behaves when they’re happy to see you or relaxed and contented, provides a good base line to interpret other types of tail language.

I often watch my dogs’ tails with fascination as they stalk or hunt for something, bark at something outside or see another dog approaching while out walking.

The type of wag and position of their tails gives me so much information about their emotional state.

Although some people won’t agree, I definitely see wags to the right when my dogs are happy and wags to the left when there is arousal, uncertainty, predatory behaviour or other emotions going on.

Not only is the tail an important method of communication but it also plays a role in balance, stability, movement and counterbalancing should a dog quickly change direction.

I believe that tail docking destroys an essential part of a dog's ability to communicate with other dogs by creating a distinct social disadvantage or misunderstanding as tail signals can’t be read.

People with working dogs believe that tail docking is necessary to prevent tail injuries or improve performance, but many countries have banned this practice either completely or only under specific medical circumstances.

Start taking notice of what your dog is doing with their tail - you may find it interesting and it may open up a new way of understanding how your dog is feeling.

Here is a link to a graphic I created with some different tail positions and what they might mean -

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_7l_2LvA/UGXVDl-TOPc_FCqHXsCWRQ/view?utm_content=DAF_7l_2LvA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=GOVbqw1dfw

27/02/2024

Always loved this graphic from Mighty Dog Graphics, and always relevant!

27/02/2024

Still time to take advantage of this very special offer!

It's February so let's celebrate! Looking for something new? well check out our amazing special membership offer for this month. For applications email [email protected]
So what is this?
Intro Member Membership:
​This membership is of value to dog guardians, dog walkers, groomers, vet techs, students and those just out of college and looking to be part of an organisation whilst gaining their hours, knowledge and support from peers. This level of membership is also ideal for those getting back into the industry and those that just don't feel ready to make the leap into full accreditation but would like to be involved. What do you gain? - As an INTRO member you will have access to private facebook groups, invites to free webinars and case studies, group chats and special guest interviews along with a chance to gain CPD's. You will be able to network with many of our full members and gain support, knowledge, and experience. This membership is renewable on an annual basis and for those that would like to advance to full member status you will receive a discount off your application. Don't forget to get this offer you will need to email our secretary directly - [email protected]

21/02/2024

I'm very proud to be a member of the Pet Professional Guild and today I signed the No Shock Pledge.

21/02/2024

Many thanks to Orion Dog Services, Mike Barnett

https://www.facebook.com/oriondogservices/posts/854363076491787

20/02/2024

My behavioural modification mantra, there's always a reason!🙂

20/02/2024

So true!