The Walkabout Way

Sometimes you just need time to help your dogs Sunday lifeskills was split into two parts. Firstly we concentrated on walking with our dogs by our sides and not pulling. Then we worked in groups to help each other and had fun seeing how we could do that. Lifeskills are so important and we need to check how we influence our own dog’s behaviour. #lifeskillsfordogs #thewalkaboutway #privatedogtraining

The boys had great fun today. Leo has been with us since July and now he’s doing well with others and a real character in class. Rescue dogs need time to settle down, so rushing. 🐾💕. Help understand your dog by studying at the Behaviour club. Check out the website for more details. #walkaboutgsd #newboyleo #rescuedog #dogbehaviour #privatedogtraining #lifeskillsfordogs #thewalkaboutway

Reactivity is a big problem to many dog owners and because of this it is Important to decompress your dog and understand trigger stacking. Here is an example of a way to decompress: Limit the reaction at the start - avoidance is no crime and we have all had to jump out of the way to avoid a situation or kept to wide open spaces for walks. Remember though that after a reaction, it can take days to recover and you need to help them. Share with me what you do to help your dog’s recovery and if you need support, get in touch soon. February starts tomorrow and we are opening up our schedule for 3 new dogs to help. Contact today to claim your discount of a new training package. #rescuedog #dogbehaviour #lifeskillsfordogs #thewalkaboutway #walkaboutgsd #dogtraingeducationmonth

We’ve been working together for a while now but look how far these dogs have come. Having fun together doing dog things 💕🐾🐕🎉 #newboyleo #dogbehaviour #privatedogtraining #buddysocialisation #thewalkaboutway #walkaboutgsd

We had a great time on Sunday with some fun and games with the dogs followed by a fundraiser raffle for Gsd rescue and buffet lunch. All the dogs were so good but pleased to be with their pals. Thank you to everyone for your support and generosity. #thewalkaboutway

Fast track dog training to be used in 3 weeks. This is our 121 reminder program to dogs that have lost their way or for those of you who always run out of time! You know when your dog has decided to forget everything you have ever taught them! Using a combination of walks, group training and private sessions depending on what you and your dog need, we will work with you over a three week period #rescuedog #dogbehaviour #privatedogtraining #walkaboutgsd #thewalkaboutway

If you want your dog to be a good dog you have to give them a reason. Be a better owner. Play with them and make your self their safe space to focus on. What do you do with them when you go for a walk? interact or switch off and let the do their own thing? Need help, then get in touch with me #lifeskillsfordogs #thewalkaboutway #walkaboutgsd

This week I have been once again disappointed to hear that some rescue organisations are encouraging new owners to get training as soon as their new dog arrives. By all means, ask for help and advice, but please don’t attend any classes and don’t put any pressure on you both as you begin to get to know each other. Sadly, the dog I heard about this week, over reacted and has been returned to rescue for the “~~~~~” time. Actually, all he probably only needed some decompression time and certainly not a walk on the beach? I know we all want to help our new dog settle, but this really means keeping them quiet and let them get to know the house rules, your family and garden. Of course you need to take them for a walk, but why not book a secure field and have some time in a safe space where you can both relax. Not sure where to find one? Check out the website here for some contacts: https://www.dogwalkingfields.com/ Take it slowly and and learn all about your new dog Reach out for help and advice but don’t rush things. Your dog will thank you for it. #thewalkaboutway #securedogwalkingfields

I have had the pleasure of working with my client for the past year since she adopted her latest rescue. Previously she had been attending classes with her first rescue dog and they had been doing really well. She was under no illusion about her new dog. It was going to be hard work as she was scared of everybody and everything. We made a plan and over the weeks and months new experiences were introduced. Big steps forward were made and just as many backwards but last week I had the chance to see her two dogs running around in a completely new secure field and be relaxed enough to meet and greet other dogs and people. Wonderful. It is so important to take time to help these dogs. They are so special but more importantly they need routine and you need a plan. Keep a diary and see them blossom. But importantly enjoy them as they grow and develop. I have lost count the number we have helped but they have been a pleasure to help and taught me something new 😀 #thewalkaboutway

So have you just added to your pack? Thought your current dog would like a friend? And now??? Dogs can go through life with one very simple goal; to better THEIR situation. In multi dog households, the ability one dog can have influence over others in a negative way as well as a positive way. It is highly likely if dogs spend too much time together without separation and periods of isolation you will see this. If you have multiple dogs that are together ALL the time and you can't separate them without a complete meltdown you most certainly have some serious issues with the pack dynamic in your home. Just like humans, dogs can get "cabin fever" which definitely contributes to fights when the dogs spend too much time together and learn to compete for resources. So what's the best solution to 99% of the common behaviour problems people experience with their dog/s? GOOD MANAGEMENT! Our Lifeskills classes help you by showing you what to practice at home. By that I mean every day and probably every walk. No good doing it once or twice and saying it doesn’t work. Please do yourself a favour and change what you do with your dog (s). They will thank you for it and everyone will be happier because if you change, they will too. So do come and join us, meet some new people and have some fun. Check out our new packages on the website today. #thewalkaboutway #dogbehaviour

I saw several dogs yesterday that quite plainly had no attachment to the person who was walking them. Sad isn’t it. Ok so maybe they had been told to walk the dog (thought this had died out) but to be honest I just think that their owners hadn’t worked on their relationships with their dogs and so they just existed together. The dog was living its life alongside their families but doing its own thing. What’s the problem in that? Nothing at all but I bet that’s not the reason they got a dog. So many dog’s live like this but I wonder how much better it would be for everyone involved if they were connected better. Hmmm. One to work on I think so why not get involved with our groups and see what happens when you improve your dog’s behaviour. #thewalkaboutway #dogbehaviour

Thanks to #stormdarragh we are@cancelling tomorrow’s meetings and will meet on Sunday morning. Please check your email for further information.