Counter Conditioning isn’t about rewarding bad behaviour —it's about changing how your dog feels! Behaviour is just the surface symptom; the real work is addressing the emotions underneath. By changing those emotions, we create lasting changes.
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#DogBehavior #PositiveTraining #EmotionalWellbeing #dogbehaviour #dogtraining
When working through heightened reactivity, which itself can be incredibly complex, it is essential that your dog is getting good quality sleep for a minimum of 14-15 hours.
If your dog struggles to sleep during the day because they are unable to settle, consider if your dog has:
➡️ A quiet resting space where they won't be disturbed
➡️ A healthy diet which may impact their energy levels
➡️ A comfortable, padded bed
➡️ Been provided with quality mental and physical stimulation
If your dog still isn't able to settle, you may need to try:
➡️ Limiting high arousal activities just before you want your dog to sleep
➡️ Offering calming activities such as a lickimat before bed to promote rest
➡️ Providing white noise or talk radio to drown out background noises which may interrupt sleep
➡️ Closing blinds and curtains if your dog is easily distracted by people/dogs/wildlife walking past
❗Consider that pain can impact a dog's ability to have uninterrupted sleep.
#dogtraining #dogbehaviour #dogtrainer #thepositivecanine #dogbehaviourist #rescuedog #puppytraining
#dogtraining #dogbehaviour #thepositivecanine #dogtrainer #dogenrichment #romanianrescue #romanianrescuedog #dogbehaviourist #puppytraining
If you have a rescue dog, you have likely heard of the "3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule". It is a time based guidance for new guardians. The advice goes a little something like:
➡️The first 3 days: give your dog plenty of time and space as they may be stressed and overwhelmed. Do not walk or having any training expectations.
➡️After 3 weeks: your dog should start settling in and have a routine. They should now be more comfortable and trust you more.
➡️After 3 months: your dog should now be fully settled in, bonded with you and be integrated into the family.
Can you guess where my issue lies? The advice starts off great..give your dog time and space and have no expectations. However...
Whilst some dogs may adjust quickly, the reality is that a lot of dogs do not. There is absolutely NO time limit for how long it may take a dog to adjust, not to mention this doesn't take into account the dogs individual history and health.
The idea that after just 3 months your dog should be completely adjusted is crazy! Most dogs don't even begin to display their true behaviours until after this time, so how can we expect them to be completely settled? Some dogs have underlying anxieties or traumatic histories which will not just magically disappear because the dog is now in a loving home.
Whilst this may have good intentions, I am concerned that it may place unrealistic expectations for dogs and their guardians once the 3 months have passed. If their dog isn't going out for a walk yet, that must mean they are doing something wrong, right? Nope. Every dog is different. What some can overcome in weeks, some take years. And some dogs never truly do. This is just the heartbreaking reality. But if giving them a safe and secure space to live and access to choice is what they need, then that is all you need to do and you are already making their life better.
#thepositivecanine #dogbehaviour #dogtraining #dogtrainer #romanianrescue #romanianrescuedog #dogbehaviourist
Training multiple dogs!!! The stuff of nightmares. Or the most fun you've ever had🤪. I absolutely love it. Stationing is one of the very first things we taught Kovu when he joined the family. Not only for trick training purposes, but for absolutely anytime you need a quick and easy management skill to stop the dogs from approaching eachother.
I hope this was easy to understand without going into excessive detail but I am still getting used to making video tutorials so I welcome any feedback!! ♥️ And if there is any content you would like to see/specific bits of advice please do let me know.
#dogtraining #dogbehaviour #thepositivecanine #dogtrainer
Disclaimer: not all harnesses are made equal! Y shaped chest plate harnesses (such as T Touch, Perfect Fit, Bully Billows) are the best option as they don't interfere with the natural shoulder movement. Avoid anything Julius K9 shaped.
Alternatively, a comfortable flat collar is also a good option. A harness is simply a safer piece of equipment to use for dogs who could injure themselves from pulling.
Don't fall into the trap of "no pull" equipment. The only thing that will teach your dog not to pull, is you teaching them the value of staying in close proximity to you*.
*Dogs can pull for many reasons, stress and even pain being one. If you don't know why your dog is pulling, you won't be able to change their behaviour effectively.
