I think I've added a reel đ€, I'm new to this stuff đ
Cats love a snuffle too đ±đ
Homemade snuffle mats and snuffle balls, for sale, alongside lickimats too (also suitable for cats) at the free dog enrichment zone, at EAST HANNINGFIELD FETE - 6th JULY.
Coming soon ! - 25th May - Scentastic
Fun enrichment class suitable for all dogs.
I think someone was pleased with their 2nd gotcha day anniversary present from Abuela đ
I just wanted to share my admiration for the patience and dedication of these owners. đđ€©đ
Over the past year they have worked tirelessly on supporting their dog with reactivity concerns, focusing on recognising and respecting body language, environment changes, critical distances, and health concerns.
This has allowed their dog to have even more trust in his guardians and improve his confidence.
In this video he shows he is a little worried but can manage a level of calm around other dogs, he regularly checks in with his owners and when his stress level start to rise (when the black dog walks past), he chooses to return to his owners for reassurance. He does show some mild âseeing them offâ, as the other dogs walk away, due to the environment change, but recalls perfectly.
Environment influences Emotions, which influence Actions.
Dogs tell us how they are feeling/thinking, through body language.
Understanding this âlanguageâ can help relationships between dogs and people.
The dog in this video is reacting to an environmental influence and communicating how she feels.
She is anxious about the approach of the other dog and person - showing her tummy, low wagging tail, lip licking, ears back. This behaviour is a 'I mean no harm' message and can be sometimes classified as a âflirtâ reaction. The other dog looks and turns her body away to send the âno threatâ message. *
Dogs can also show other reactive behaviours such as flight, fight, freeze, fiddle, fool around.
How do we help â immediately remove the dog from the environment that is causing a reaction and in the long term, plan a desensitisation/reconditioning program and build their confidence.
They do not want their tummy rubbed**â they need space.
If you continue to approach a dog when they are sending this âmessageâ you could be adding to their stress which could escalate their behaviour up to a snap or bite.
If you want any help communicating with your dog on a walk, whether surrounding any of the behaviours listed, recall or loose lead walk, please get in contact for a no obligation chat for a 1 to 1 walk - [email protected], 07979 44 88 49.
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* The two dogs in the picture walk together on a regular basis and are comfortable with each other when they can choose the distance they need. She was not put under any unnecessary stress to make the video, unfortunately this is currently her standard initial reaction.
** Obviously, some dogs do enjoy a tummy rub, but the body language will be very different.
Sometimes doing nothing is a good thing.
If you have a dog that is a bit anxious in the world and can show reactive behaviour, giving them time and space to assess the environment can help.
The front door can be a big trigger, so having a controlled exit can be the first step towards a calmer walk.
A fantastic update!
In the past this dog showed severe fearful behaviour at the mere glimpse of a dog in the distance and even redirected some of that fear towards her owner with mouthing and biting that broke the skin. đ.
During the summer the owner has been joining a local dog walking group (seen on a previous post in June) and continued dedicated support for her dog.
This 'miracle' has not come over night, the owner has worked tirelessly over the last year, supporting her dog in many aspects of her life to promote confidence and calmness, always using force free and positive methods.
I would like to extended my admiration to their patience and commitment.
Well done everyone! đđ
The owners have worked hard over the past few weeks to positively support their dogs to comfortably accept being around other dogs at the Social club.
I know it seems a way off yet...but its never too soon to start to implement support for your dog and ideally should be practised all year.
Desensitisation practice at Puppy School
Helping pups to feel comfortable and calm with many different households tools and items.