Dog Behaviour Clinic

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Dog Behaviour Clinic

Dog Behaviour Clinic was first established in 2007, covering N Cambs, S Lincs W Norfolk

Accredited dog behaviourist and trainer
Relationship centred, kind, fair, positive reinforcement training
No force, no fear, no pain
Joint Principal of The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP) www.theiscp.com

08/01/2025

So much more than just "walking the dog".

During their lifetime, dogs gather information from their experience with objects, individuals, events, and social interactions and store this information in their memory (Ades 1993). This information is used when discriminating, categorising, and recognising different aspects of their physical and social environment.

There are also many studies that show dogs pay attention to third-party interactions and obtain information from humans through passive observations (Chijiwa et al.2015; Piotti et al. 2017).

When we go out with our dogs for a walk, they absorb a great deal of information from calm observations.

05/01/2025

Spending on our dogs has increased in the last decade and its not just because of inflation! We often seek to find the latest new toy, the "best" new bed, new activities to do with our dogs and so on and while these are great things for our dogs, some dogs just want to spend quiet time with us!

Do we spend enough time considering our dogs needs? Are we prioritising the right needs?

03/01/2025

How long will it take?

This is a question I am often asked regarding changing unwanted dog behaviour. The answer is quite simply - as long as the dog needs.

I've been working with little Luna for quite a long time now although it is usually only once a week. We did have a lot to work on, starting with helping her feel relaxed around humans, trusting them again, being comfortable with having her old collar removed, having a harness on, going to new places and of course, seeing other dogs.

On Luna's latest walk we encountered a lot of dogs at various points and they were quite close but she was able to take it all in her stride.

As we headed back to the car, two dogs were coming towards us, from different directions and we didn't really have anywhere to go to gain distance. I took Luna as far away as I could and we stood at the swimming pool entrance. I still felt it was too close but we were out of choices. However, Luna was relaxed so we stood where she could still see the dogs. Both dogs passed by, just in front of us (where the person taking the photo was standing) and she coped beautifully! Not a murmur and she even calmly stopped to watch them move away.

When we have set timescales, targets or have expectations in terms of change, we set dogs up to fail. We often go too fast, place dogs in positions they cannot cope with and expect far too much of them. We need to continually ask the dog how it is for them. Behaviour change takes time, patience and above all else, listening to the dog.

When we truly listen to the dog, and advocate for them, their confidence and their trust grows.

Forget timescales or targets, just listen to your dog.

Luna is with German Shepherd Dog Welfare fund waiting for her new home.

01/01/2025

Thank you to everyone who supports us and interacts with this page, who comment, share, like, follow us and leave reviews. As a small business this means the world - thank you.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

31/12/2024

I'm not one for New Year resolutions and to be honest, I suspect when we do make them, most of us break them very quickly.

Instead, let's make 2025 the year of truly listening to and connecting with our dogs! By spending quality time with them and learning to understand even their most subtle communication we will ensure a trusting relationship.
Let's prioritise this for the year ahead.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

29/12/2024

Saw this on Dr Jane Goodall's page and had to share it.

28/12/2024

Ill health places stress on our body systems as they adapt and try to help us recover. Not only can behaviour affect health, health can affect behaviour.

26/12/2024

Let's see some photos of your dogs enjoying their Christmas.

25/12/2024

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas time, from us all at Dog Behaviour Clinic

24/12/2024

If you are rushing around, getting stressed with so much to do and need a smile today, have a look at these photos and video. So lovely to see true joy in little Luna's face at a secure field. I cant think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve than with some of the rescue dogs with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund.

Anyone thinking about adopting another dog in the new year, have a look through these beauties.
https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/dogsforrehoming

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas.

22/12/2024

Pain can be a significant factor in causing unwanted behaviour or behaviour change in dogs. It may not always be apparent, but it can lead to reduced coping abilities and even anxiety or fear. Pain can significantly impact a dog's ability to exercise, sleep, and eat, making them more susceptible to stress.

When dogs are in pain, their ability to defend themselves decreases.This vulnerability can lead to increased fear and anxiety, as well as heightened insecurity, creating a challenging situation for the dog.

Dogs are adept at concealing pain, which means it is crucial for us to be vigilant for cues indicating discomfort. Even subtle pain can lead to anxiety, impacting a dog's behaviour and mood. It's important to consider pain as a potential cause for any new or unusual behaviours.

20/12/2024

Our dogs rely on us to make decisions in their best interest. It's important to respect their limitations and preferences, and not force them into situations they can't handle. Listen to their body language signs and signals - it is crucial for their wellbeing.

18/12/2024

There is sadly still an assumption that dogs should be grateful to live with humans. Dogs are often viewed as a possession or commodity (monetary or usage) rather than as a sentient being. This anthropocentric mindset is often culturally ingrained, but when we recognise the mutual impact of living together, the boundary between "us" and "them" blurs and it can lead to more respectful and compassionate interactions with dogs.

Forming an empathetic relationship with our dogs involves sharing their journey, taking the time to understand their individual personalities and needs, and empathising with their emotions. By placing ourselves in their position, we can better connect and communicate with them.

16/12/2024

Dogs are experts at telling us how they feel, and what we need to know but we are still so lacking in our observation and understanding of their body language.

Until we learn to notice and understand what they are telling us, we will fail to be truly trustworthy in our relationships with them.

14/12/2024

If you are having visitors over the festive period, try to think about all the things you need to do such as preparing food, greeting guests, various meals and snacks, children playing with new toys or sitting around chatting or watching tv.

What would you like your dog to be doing during this times? Rather than waiting until there is a problem, try to plan beforehand.

12/12/2024

My last post was about my own physiotherapy and personal training. Of course, recovery and fitness is just as important for our dogs.

For the last couple of years I have had the pleasure of working collaboratively with Laura Delve, vet physiotherapist, Move More Veterinary Physiotherapy. Laura is a fully qualified and insured mobile equine and canine BSc (Hons) veterinary physiotherapist and she has treated my own dogs, along with some of the rescue dogs I have worked with and some of my clients dogs. Laura also believes in fear free handling.

So what is veterinary physiotherapy? Is it only for injuries, or to help manage pain, or provide support following orthopaedic, neurological or general surgery?

Veterinary physiotherapy can also be utilised to improve movement and restore normal muscle control for better motor performance and function. It can also be used to improve biomechanics and athletic ability.

It can even help maintain joint range of motion, and promote joint health to give senior dogs the best outcome. Cold weather can exacerbate joint conditions, such as arthritis, increasing their pain, or cause more stiffness and a reluctance to exercise. Physiotherapy helps maintain joint health, fluidity, and reduces discomfort while also improving their strength, balance and coordination to help further support their joints and overall physical health.

You can contact Move More Physiotherapy here -
📞 07877383892
📧[email protected]

or you can message their Facebook or Instagram pages

10/12/2024

Earlier this year I managed to break my ankle in two places, needing surgery and then a long period of time off my feet. Thanks to New Summit Personal Training I have been working away, via Zoom to regain my fitness. Thank goodness for distance learning! In truth, I am actually probably fitter now than prior to the ankle break! 🤣

We often think online training can't work but we learned during covid that it can be really effective and it has made a huge difference for me working with .

I work with many overseas clients and clients in various parts of the country using Zoom consultations. In fact, for dogs who are really worried about strangers, it can actually be a very effective way to start working on the issues without needlessly stressing the dog further.

Photo ref: walking with little Luna during my recovery

09/12/2024

**Fully Booked - will run again later in 2025 x

Saturday 18th January 2025 @ Kings Lynn Vets 1

11am to 1pm

Pet Health, Wellbeing and First Aid Training Course for pet owners. Open to registered & non registered clients.

The course is being delivered by Carly Priestman RVN. Carly has been an RVN for 24 years and worked previously for the Veterinary Poisons Information Service before joining the Vets 1 team.

The course will provide advice for dealing with emergencies as well as covering basic first aid wellbeing.

The course is free of charge. Space is limited, so please reach out to us early to reserve your place.

Address

Saracens Head

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 05:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 05:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 05:00
Thursday	09:00 - 05:00
Friday	09:00 - 05:00
Saturday	10:00 - 12:00

Website

http://www.dogbehaviourclinic.co.uk/

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Videos

Body language subtle changes

A fun video for observation purposes only. We often miss so much and we need to train ourselves to look for changes. This is a couple of clips taken of my senior boy, waiting to pounce on his toy. Can you spot any changes in the video clips?

Don't fall for gimmicks, quick fixes or false promises like the video below. We have all seen the adverts offering a quck fix or a shortcut. First of all, we are not in the business of "fixing" dogs. Also, unwanted dog behaviour does not happen in a vacuum. It isn't just about the dog's behaviour, it is often about recognising the dog's emotional experience, how our actions and behaviours impact them, the dog's motivations, their environment and much more. Quick fixes often involve harmful or aversive techniques. Each dog is an individual and there is no universal method that works for every dog. Changing a dogs unwanted behaviour ethically often involves an holistic approach. Don't get drawn into believing empty promises and false headlines - do your research before employing a dog trainer or behaviourist!

Red flag or green flag play?

Red flag play? Green flag play? How do you know - what do you see? Some great comments and observations of body language and some excellent comments about context, which is so important rather than making a snap judgement. I'll now add some context. Does this change your initial thoughts? CONTEXT These dogs live together. The brindle dog at the back is 11 and male, the smaller black one at the front is 3 and female. The smaller dog had been lying on the little blue bed. When the larger dog came in, the smaller black dog grabbed the rope toy.

Another clip of the GSD and Staffordshire Bull Terrier playing. I have slowed the video down to make it easier to see so no sound in this one. Would YOU interrupt or let it play out? How do we know when to interrupt dog play? What should we look for? In general (this is not a definitive list and will depend on the individual dogs) 🚩body slamming 🚩focussed bites (some breeds will mouth but if biting is taking place, the play should be ended) 🚩play is one sided all of the time – unbalanced chasing 🚩muzzle punching 🚩increased pilo erection (raised hackles 🚩flattened ears or avoidance in one of the dogs 🚩biting or grabbing body parts 🚩barking at the other dog, especially in their faces 🚩becoming tense, stiff, or showing signs of fear (or aggression) 🚩closed mouth, curled lip, low warning growl (some dogs growl when playing but if accompanied by a closed mouth or retracted lips, interrupt now) 🚩wrestling or chasing each other for a prolonged time - without changing to another activity 🚩increased over arousal and escalation - play becomes faster or more intense Did anyone notice the pilo erection at the base of the staffies tail? Much more physical contact is made in this clip and the interaction is much more intense. I called them away and ended play. If you are unsure, call your dog away – it is better to call them away and interrupt play unnecessarily than leave it until there is a problem!

What should we be looking for when dogs play together? How do we know if they are enjoying it? Here is a short video clip of Luna, our newly adopted girl and Bonnie. There is a big difference in size between them. Look for ↘️Pauses between play - activity shift ↘️Taking it in turns to chase and be chased - role reversal ↘️Self handicapping - Luna makes herself small ↘️Open mouth "play face" ↘️Bouncy ineffective movements ↘️Mirroring

Update on little Willow

Oh my goodness, Willow is thriving at A17 boarding kennels and has already found a new best friend! Thank you Dave and Toby for taking such great care of her. If you're interested in adopting Willow, contact GSDWF today! https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/dogsforrehoming #AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #bestfriendsforever

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