Clan Dog

25/08/2024

😮

So, why it's totally okay for a dog to greet you by shoving their bum in your face? 🐶🙈

This is, Otto reuniting with my friend, Jade after a year in Australia........ and naturally, he went straight for the "Butt's up!" hello. 😂

Now, imagine this: Your old friend spots you after a long time, skips the hug, and flips straight into a 'legs-a-kimbo' handstand, presenting their backside. How would you react? 😆🤔

Let's be honest, we'd probably be in stitches (or calling social services!😂). But for dogs, it's just their way of saying, "I've missed you SO much!"

So, tell me—how would you handle a human 'butt-greet'? 🤷‍♂️😂

24/08/2024

See you then?

21/08/2024

Oops! 🐕😂
If your dog could use a little help, drop me a message!
🐕😊
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

20/08/2024

Today I had the pleasure of working with Murphy, a 6-year-old Australian Labradoodle, and his owners, Leighanne and Brenda.

Murphy is a social butterfly—he loves people and other dogs, and he's the perfect gentleman when he's out and about. But at home, things change a bit.

Murphy has been feeling anxious and reactive when he hears noises or sees people and other dogs outside his home. It's not uncommon for dogs to be protective of their territory, and for Murphy, his home is his safe space. When unfamiliar sounds or sights invade that space, it can make him feel uneasy and on high alert.

I spent the afternoon helping Murphy’s owners understand what he’s going through. We discussed the triggers that cause his anxiety and how to manage them. By recognising the difference between Murphy's outside world—(where he’s calm and social)—and his home environment, where he feels the need to be more protective, we can work together to build his confidence and reduce his reactivity.

It's all about helping your dog feel safe and secure in their own home, just like they do when they are out exploring the world.

Murphy showed a high level of intelligence and a real willingness to learn new skills, so I'm delighted to continue working with Murphy and his family to create a peaceful and relaxed home environment for everyone.

As ever, I get my job satisfaction from making a positive difference to a dog’s life, and I can only do this if the humans are keen to learn, and make changes in how they live with, and handle their dog who needs a little help.

Today, Leighanne and Brenda were model students, and are willing to make the changes and do the work required to help Murphy be able to relax in their home.
So, I know that with a little continued support and advice from me, they will reach that goal.

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

16/08/2024

For over 30 years, I have been contacted on occasions to help find a new home for someone’s dog.

Sometimes for justifiable reasons…..,
but sadly not always.
🐕😊🙏

14/08/2024

Teaching a reactive dog to relax while on a lead is crucial for both their well-being and your peace of mind.

When a dog learns to walk calmly on a loose lead, it helps reduce stress and anxiety, making every walk more enjoyable.

By focusing on you, (the handler), instead of potential triggers, the dog not only feels safer but also strengthens the bond between you.

Consistent practice of these skills (Rinse & Repeat), transforms stressful walks into positive, trust-building experiences.

In this video of my ’1-2-1’ session, I worked with Ailz and two year old, rescue, Ollie.
Instead of straining on his lead in a highly aroused state of mind, he calmly walks and stays engaged, showing the power of focus and relaxation in action.

Before we can truly help a reactive dog, we must teach him them to be able to relax.
Hyper arousal is not a ‘learning’ state of mind.

I hope this helps a few readers?

Happy training, guys! 🐕😊👍
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

11/08/2024

🤷‍♂️😂🐕❤️

10/08/2024

09/08/2024

Why Mental Stimulation Matters
The best way to tire your dog is to engage their brain, not just their legs.
😊

(Read the full Blog on this subject on our website )…..

Dogs, much like humans, need mental challenges to stay sharp and satisfied. High-drive breeds—such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois—are particularly in need of mental engagement due to their inherent intelligence and working backgrounds.
Without proper mental stimulation, dogs can become bored and frustrated, leading to various behavioural problems such as chewing, digging, excessive barking, and even anxiety or depression.

A tired dog is a happy dog. 🐕😊

09/08/2024

Morning!
Have a great day! 😊

🐕☔️

08/08/2024

Please welcome, Leo 🐕 to Clan Dog.

6 year old, Leo has just found his forever home, having been rescued by Sam & Alan.
Leo has had a pretty rocky start in life, which has manifested in him being reactive around some other dogs.

Look beyond the areas where he needs a little help, and there’s a really nice guy here with a lovely temperament, a high level of intelligence and a willingness to learn.

Sam & Alan asked me for a home visit to assess him and form a training plan to begin the process of changing his emotional response to dogs in his space.

As Clan Dog members, we will be working together to teach him how to relax and put trust in his new human family.

Send him some love folks! 🐕❤️
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

07/08/2024

Good morning! 🐕
Have a smashing day!😊

06/08/2024

Start your 7 Day FREE Trial Today!

Your free trial includes: 30+ on demand training videos Live Q&A sessions with Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI) 50% discount on training courses and discounted 1-2-1 sessions. Access to exclusive members only Facebook group Access to our supportive community.

https://www.clandog.co.uk/

06/08/2024

Dogs can teach us many things.
Have a great day. 😊

04/08/2024

Easy like a Sunday morning 🎶🎵🐕😊

26/07/2024

Dog to dog ‘Reactivity’. 🐕

In this clip, I’m using Otto (who is trained to be dog neutral) to help me with my ‘reactive’ client.
Much ‘focus’ work had been carried out at home prior to and in preparation for this 1-2-1 session.

1. Identify your dog’s threshold and work within their comfort zone. Only reduce this threshold in small increments when improved behaviour has been displayed at the distance between your reactive dog and others.

2. Choose your training environment carefully. Do not overwhelm them, or ask for too much too soon.
Slow it down!

3. Try to find a calm, confident ‘stooge’ dog to train with, and keep the sessions short. Avoid ‘stress stacking’.

4. Train your dog to understand that focussing on YOU brings benefits.
Reward value and timing is important, so make sure you understand this before working on reactivity.

5. If you need a little help or advice, reach out to a good trainer in your area and make a start on helping your friend become a happier, less fearful and less stressed dog.

6. Be patient. Most reactive cases take time to unpack and rebuild the confidence you BOTH need to live a stress free life together.

I hope this helps?

Have a great weekend folks!

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT ( MPDTI)

24/07/2024

A 1-2-1 training session today with Jenny, Ryan & their now 7 month old Labrador, Ruby.

‘Prevention is better than cure’.
Being new to dog ownership, Jenny & Ryan signed up to Clan Dog membership when Ruby was just 11 weeks old, and have been working hard on Ruby’s development and training since then.

Ruby is growing into a lovely balanced young dog, but at this stage of her life, she finds many distractions very exciting, which was translating into her pulling on her lead to engage with dogs, scent or other people, so after a little loose lead ‘heel’ work with them we moved on the some steadying work, impulse control and retrieves, to provide the ‘outlet’ she needs and to give her some structure during her play.

I’m delighted with their progress, and will be supporting them all for as long as they need any advice or further training.

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

23/07/2024

Advice required.🙏🐕😂
Would you?

A. Risk disturbing him by sliding him off so you can reach the TV ‘remote’.😱

B. Attempt to extend your left arm by 6 inches more than physically possible, but be willing to admit the inevitable defeat.😂

C. Accept defeat, remain still and be subjected to some mind numbing TV show until he wakes up and you can reach for it.

Gimme your vote!😂🐕👍🤷‍♂️

Please note, the option of reading my book was also a challenge, as it was 6 inches out of reach on the other side!
😂😂

23/07/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🙏🐕😊

Edward Devlin, Susan Hardy, Greta Simmons, Barbara Syer, Edward Ryan, Christine Douglas

Many thanks
Allan
(Pic of Otto at 8 weeks old, with his ‘tutor’, Dougal.)

22/07/2024

I had a fun Sunday at Traquair House yesterday judging the Obedience classes.
The junior handlers of today, are the responsible dog owners of tomorrow, so it’s always nice to watch them learning…. and having fun with their dogs. 🐕😊
Thanks to Catherine from Traquair House, & ‘Big Chris’ from ARMAC Vets Ltd 🙏 for helping me put, and sharing the burden of choosing the winners.
🐕👍😊

20/07/2024

This is something I teach clients.
Our own energy introduces us to a dog, and it’s important we understand that, and mirror what we ask for in return.

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror" by Kevin Behan explores the intricate dynamics of the human-canine relationship, offering profound insights into understanding our dogs' behaviour.

Here are 3 key lessons and insights from the book:

1. Canine Behaviour as a Reflection of Human Emotions: Behan argues that dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and mirror our psychological state through their behaviour. Understanding this mirroring effect is crucial for effective communication and training.

2. The Primacy of Energy and Intuition: According to Behan, dogs primarily communicate through energy and intuition rather than language or commands. Developing sensitivity to this energetic exchange is key to building a strong bond with your dog.

3. The Role of Pack Dynamics: Behan challenges the dominance theory of dog training, instead emphasising the importance of cooperative pack dynamics.
Dogs, he argues, naturally seek to work together with humans as part of a cohesive social unit.

19/07/2024

I’ll be judging the Dog Obedience class at the Traquair House Dog Show this Sunday 21st near Innerleithen.
Come along and enjoy a dog friendly family day out.
See you there?
Allan

17/07/2024

Please welcome ‘head turner’ young, ‘Goose’ to Clan Dog. 🐕😍

Brian (Love the T Shirt!😂👍) and Suzie from Edinburgh asked for a little help with, Goose 🐕 who has a tenancy to jump up on their backs and pull on his lead, when on walks.

Since around 1997, I’ve concentrated a heavier percentage of my lessons towards the handler, rather than the dog.
As I see it, you guys are the true dog trainers on a daily basis, so it’s your understanding, techniques and behaviours that matter.
If I can change your behaviour, your dog will change theirs, no?🤷‍♂️😊

Whilst I do on many occasions use food ‘rewards’, it’s not my ‘go to’, as you can see here, Goose was happy to learn and stay in ‘communication’ with Brian without it.

During his training session, Goose was wearing a simple Martindale collar (Any pet shop or online) and webbing lead.

We were also training his new skills in a low distraction environment and on dry tarmac.
Remember to train ‘for’ the environment not ‘in’ it, and build up the distractions in incremental stages.

And…Slow it all down a little folks! 😊🐕👍

Does this help anyone out there?

Best wishes
Allan

16/07/2024

Dogs 🐕 love ❤️ ‘problem solving’.
🧩 🧩

If you can't seem to tire your dog out….
read my Blog post here. 👍

Best wishes,
Allan 😊

https://www.clandog.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-mental-stimulation-in-dog-training

16/07/2024

Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI) offers effective and personalised ‘home visit’ 1-2-1 dog & human training sessions.

In-person consultations are available in Edinburgh, the Lothians & Borders regions.

For consultations further afield, please get in touch with him.

See website here for more information and fees.

N°1 Edinburgh Dog Trainer | Simple, effective and supported online and in person dog training and behaviour help. Based in Scotland and serving worldwide.

13/07/2024

Thank you for your update & kind words, Juanita.🙏😊
I’m sure Tigger is enjoying his new life, and day trips with you! 🐕👍
Keep up the great work!
Best wishes
Allan

08/07/2024

FEARS & INSECURITIES
Are real emotions for dogs, but they CAN be helped.

If your dog suffers from anxiety in certain situations or environments, then seek help for them.

Here’s a short clip of a couple of my 1-2-1 ‘students’ standard reaction to anyone outside their comfort zone.

‘Chapeau’ to everyone who addresses their dogs fears, rather than allowing their dog to live life in constant stress.

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

04/07/2024

FOCUS IS EVERYTHING

If your dog is not looking at you, they are unlikely to be listening to you.

Teaching your dog to focus on you is essential for several reasons. It enhances obedience and ensures that your dog listens to your cues, which is crucial for their safety and your control, especially in distracting or potentially dangerous situations.

This focus also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, fostering trust and effective communication. Moreover, a dog that pays attention to you is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviours like barking, pulling on the lead, or chasing after distractions.
Ultimately, teaching your dog to focus on you creates a more harmonious and enjoyable relationship.

Take a look at my website if you could use a little help.
Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

02/07/2024

All your training & behaviour Questions answered.