Storm's Squad - Dog Training

20/01/2025

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞’

There is a new bill going through parliament this week with these amendments to be added into the animal welfare act:

“whether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using any device which applies an electric current to the dog's skin)”

“whether the acquirer is committed to training the dog in a safe and healthy manner which ensures the welfare of the dog”

“whether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using prong or choke collars) “

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲:

The legal wording could easily be construed in such a way to cover martingales and slip leads; the tighten function is exactly what some dogs need who are a flight risk or a risk to others. It means that we then can’t then rehabilitate these dogs because we can’t use tools to keep them safe - the direct implications for rehabilitating challenging dogs are significant.

Vague Wording

The phrases "preventing unnecessary suffering" and "training in a safe and healthy manner" are open to interpretation. This ambiguity is the core problem. What one person considers "unnecessary suffering" or "safe" might differ from another's view, especially regarding training tools.

Focus on Application , Not Tools

The amendments seem to focus on specific tools (e.g., e-collars, prong collars, choke collars) rather than the application of those tools. Any tool can be misused, including flat collars and harnesses. The issue isn't the tool itself but the knowledge and skill of the person using it.

Impact on Rehabilitation

Tools like slip leads and martingales and ecollars when used correctly by experienced professionals, are essential for managing and rehabilitating dogs with specific behavioral issues, particularly those who are flight risks or pose a danger to others.
Banning these tools could severely limit the ability to effectively address these issues, potentially leading to worse outcomes for the dogs, such as euthanasia.

Unintended Consequences

The wording could also inadvertently impact other training methods that involve any form of pressure or restriction, even if applied humanely. This could have a chilling effect on training practices in general.

Lack of Scientific Basis

There's a lack of robust scientific evidence demonstrating that all uses of these tools inherently cause unnecessary suffering when used by qualified professionals. Much of the debate is based on emotional arguments rather than empirical data. The dog training aides report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Council (paid for by the taxpayer) has not yet been published - this new bill preempts that release.

Potential Solutions & Recommendations

The legislation needs to be rewritten with much more precise and objective language. Instead of focusing on banning specific tools, it should focus on defining acceptable training practices based on scientific evidence and animal welfare principles.

Exemptions for Qualified Professionals

The legislation should include clear exemptions for qualified professionals (e.g., certified behaviorists, veterinary behaviorists) to use these tools when necessary for specific behavioral cases.

Consultation with Experts

It's crucial to consult with experienced and qualified animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and other experts in the field to ensure the legislation is based on sound scientific principles and doesn't have unintended negative consequences for animal welfare.
By focusing on competency, regulation, and evidence-based practices, rather than simply banning tools, the legislation can better protect animal welfare while still allowing professionals to use appropriate methods for challenging cases.

——

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗼

Write to your 8 local MSPs very soon (they are in parliament about this on Thursday) you’ll find who your local ones are here:

https://www.parliament.scot/msps

Remember this is not just about ecollars this is about training methods and what tools trainers, rescue workers and vets can and can’t use. This is a misguided and quick attempt by a young politician to gain points by looking like he cares about puppies. He’s unaware of the bigger consequences of his actions.

05/12/2024

Usually these interactions get caught on video rather than a bunch of photos, but was helping me with some "action" shots, and we got this little sequence. Swipe to see them in order.

In the first photo I'm playing tug with my dog with a bite pillow aka a VERY high value toy and reward for him and for Willow's young malinois Percival.

We were focusing on photos, and Percival then decided he wanted in on the game (picture 2).

Willow recalls him (photo 3), and he turns absolutely on a dime away from a dog playing the most fun game, with the most fun toy ever.

We continue our game, and Willow then rewarded Percival.

Yes, recall is an essential life skill, but it also makes dogs so much easier to live with. Percival didn't have to be popped on lead or handed to someone else while Willow took photos, because she had full verbal control of him when she needed to, even away from THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD, and isn't that what we want for pet dogs?

26/11/2024

Disney dogs vs Real dogs.

If you have a shepherd, or more importantly if you are considering getting a shepherd, you need to read this disney vs reality comparison!

if you aren't already in the education Tier of Honeat Hounds, you can use code HHJESSICA to see that tier for £1 for your first month

🐾😇😈

17/11/2024

Some lovely words from Jess Probst (head behaviourist at Honest Hounds , and who I am lucky enough to be mentored by.

Having a mentor means that when cases are complex, I have an expert who I can discuss your case with, or refer you to, if needed.

The most common question people ask me in their first call is "have you seen these behaviours before?", closely followed by "can you help me?"

Every owner thinks their dog is the worst dog, especially if they have shown aggression, and often people's worst fear when reaching out for help is being told "I can't help you". We can help you.

The start point is to just book the first 15 minute call, and from there we can work online, I can put you in contact with local walk leaders where that will help, and I can factor in your interest in locations for in- person Honest Hounds events throughout 2025.

My Background In the past I was the owner of a very reactive dog - my Storm. She was a privately rehomed German Shepherd, and she very helpfully gave me a crash course introduction to the world of dog training and behavioural modification by being aggressive to all strangers anywhere in sight (inclu...

16/11/2024

Social walk today included some dogs on logs in the gorgeous autumn light for starters (you can see who had brought the best dog snacks...), followed by a labrador going for an accidental swim (video in the comments).

We also worked ticking off more items from the confidence building bingo - we all swapped dogs today, and both lab owners were surprised at how difficult their dogs found this, given that they both love people.

13/11/2024

This feels very exciting and official (and long overdue!).

A neat guide to all of my online and in person services all in one place.

If you have any questions about how I work, either check there, or book your free 15 minute discovery call here if you just want to have a chat first https://StormsSquadDogTraining.as.me/free15



https://www.stormssquaddogtraining.co.uk/

09/11/2024

Holidays and spicey dogs.

This weekend is my and my husband's first weekend away together without dogs since January 2020 - when we rehomed Storm.

For years, Storm was not a dog who we could trust to be looked after by anyone else. By late 2022, we'd finally got Storm trusting my Dad enough that we could leave her with him for a few hours to attend a close friends' wedding that was 12 hours drive from us. This involved bringing my Dad with us (a good 4ish hours drive for him), getting an Airbnb near the wedding venue where he could stay too, and then us walking Storm in the morning, then leaving her with my Dad in the Airbnb for 8 or so hours, him with strict instructions on a thousand bits of micromanagement he should do to avoid any aggression from her.

Storm did stay with last year (that was the week that changed our life with Storm the most) but we were still working and full time, and we still had Minsc with us, so it was not a holiday!

This weekend, we dropped Storm and Minsc with , and the crazy thing is, I'm not worried. Gill has experience with boarding spicey dogs, has met Storm and Minsc many times, and is fully on board with Storm being muzzled at all times she's out of her crate during the stay.

The biggest problems they have caused is trying to eat a dead pigeon, and making themselves a mud spa - you know, DOG STUFF!!

It is a weight off, having someone you can trust to care for your spicey dog.

05/11/2024

I get a lot of questions about the residential training that I offer, so have put together a summary.

I offer a behaviour option (suitable for fear, reactivity, human or dog directed aggression, livestock chasing, resource guarding, etc), and I also offer a training option for dogs who do not have behavioural issues, but do have training needs that you want me to work on.

Whatever your dog needs, that is what I'll focus on.

If in any doubt if it'd be suitable for you, book a free 15 minute discovery call from the link here: https://StormsSquadDogTraining.as.me/free15 to have a chat.

02/11/2024

A shepherd acting perfectly in a cafe - a flukish dream, right?

I don't have to give him any cues, I just walk in, he heels, when I pause to queue he autosits or downs, and when we move up, he moves up with me, and resettles again.

There are two crucial factors in him being able to think, process, and be calm in this situation.

Factors that went into this in the longterm - We have practised this a lot - cafes are a place where he knows the expectation is calm behaviour, hanging out close to me, and settling. I'll pay him in snacks and fusses for doing that, because they don't work for free.

Factors that went into this in the short term - he'd had a good 2.5 hours of walking and training before we did this. We joined in the Educational walk in Dundee with and for a group walk, and after that I gave hima little more 1:1 training and working time (because a mooch with other dogs is not enough to meet his working needs).

Once I've done what he NEEDS, it is then fair for me to ask him to be calm, quiet, polite during an activity that is my WANT rather than his.

08/10/2024

Details:
We are hosting another Dog Over-reactivity Workshop to help you understand the why's behind your dog's behaviour should it be barking, lunging, growling, hiding, shying away, etc. and equip you with what to do to overcome this in a controlled environment.
*Note: this is workshop is not focused on human reactivity*

Who:
Jess W and Gill will be running this workshop

What can you expect?
- observe and analyse the body language of your dog, as well as others
- improve your handling skills to allow us to communicate more effectively with your dog
- receive advice and support from trainers on how to progress with your dog
- learn how dogs communicate with each other
- focus on reconnection, respect, and relationship between you and your dog

Cost:
Honest Hounds Members standard price - £60
Non-member standard price- £65

Location:
Glasgow - Drumpellier Park

Want to join?
email [email protected]

15/09/2024

and I have had some absolutely amazing feedback from the most recent Behavioural Assessments.

Two affiliate trainers, a pre zoom, an in-person session purely focused on exactly what you want to achieve with your dog, and then a follow up email summarising your next steps.

Next opportunity is in Yorkshire - dm or for more info!

23/08/2024

15/08/2024

I do work with small dogs too (not that any daxie believes that they are small).

The lovely are progressing brilliantly, and I will also get the chance to see lovely Mabel again in our upcoming Bristol events!

Mabel is a case where there is a significant pain component to her behaviour, but there are also behavioural issues that are not entirely due to pain.

Pain needs to be addressed, absolutely, but it does not give dogs a free pass to do anything they want including biting.

Hospitals don't just tolerate patients stabbing health care workers because "they are in pain", do they...

03/08/2024

I managed to take the best picture I've ever got of Storm today 🤩 She's in it, in focus, and actually visible (for a black dog and a terrible photographer that is not easy).

No filter!

Minsc was not in a posing mood.... scroll to see what he thought of pretty heather photos.

06/06/2024

Another birthday for Storm - she's 5.

This is the first birthday where I've not had a knot in my stomach about how yet another another year of behaviour modification had gone by still without managing to help my gorgeous girl out of her stressed and aggressive state.

When she turned 4, I'd been working with her based on on very extreme R+/forcefree principles for 3.5 years. 3.5 years later, her reaction distances had absolutely decreased, but from the horizon to the other side of a road. She was still stressed, still aggressive, and still living a life on lead and muzzled.

I didn't want that for the rest of her lifespan.

Her 4th birthday last year was what caused me to actually reach out to after a long period of online stalking of everything I could find about Jess' methods, while I worked through my own feelings on dog behaviour modification and every area of ethics related to that.

Jess Probst seemed to be the only person who had the missing puzzle piece for me, and at that time, the only person who I thought was truly open minded and was doing what was best for dogs, even though that meant she was doing her own thing and consequently getting grief from both the balanced world because she was critical of the way most trainers use ecollars, and the forcefree world too for not being militantly forcefree. She's now helping even more people find their missing puzzle pieces through HonestHounds, and by sharing her immense knowledge with other trainers.

Our lives are different now.

She's 5, and she's finally LIVING her life to the absolutely fullest thanks to me leaving that really extreme forcefree style of dog behaviour modification.

This gorgeous, complex, sensitive, intense, goofy, hardworking, funny, loyal (tending towards overly loyal...), dog is no longer in her stressed state 24/7, and her true personality shows now, to everyone she meets.

This photo was taken at a recent trainer retreat, and it means the world to me because this was taken by a stranger, while she was offlead, no ecollar, no muzzle, no management. People and dogs were milling around in the garden, and she was relaxed.

My girl.