Stars and Stripes Agility Training Center

02/07/2024

Really good ideas for decompression and your reactive dog.

Reactive Dogs.
I know just how much hard work you put in, everyday👍. Many of you will know reactive dogs are an area I am passionate about.
Maybe you are new to having a reactive dog or have just noticed reactivity in your own dog creeping in. It's OK and it CAN get better🙂.
What can be confusing for some are terms which are used....and importantly what they actually mean and why we stress the importance of these when working with reactive dogs.
This is a very non technical explanation of what some of the terminology means.....a very general and hopefully easy to understand explanation of terms.

This isn't just for fear reactive dogs, even over excited/hyper dogs can have high levels of stress in fact some dogs that are just on the "go" ALL the time often have very high levels of stress hormones. Nervous or newly adopted dogs can also benefit.

🔵Stress levels/Stress hormones
Reactive dogs have releases of stress hormones when they react, the difficult thing with this is they can stay at a high level and can take hours or DAYS to reduce, so....if your dog reacts many times a day those levels may be very high, and stay high. These levels need to come down to help reactivity.
They have to reduce.
As mentioned even overly excited/hyper dogs can have high levels of stress hormones.

🔵Lowering stress hormones/stress levels/decompression.
Simply put these are ways to help your dog lower those stress levels. Lowering the pressure your dog is feeling.
Ways to help lower those levels include not adding to those stress levels (avoiding situations where dogs react again and again). If your dog reacts again and again, those levels may not drop and they can stay high. Every reaction can "top up" stress levels.
We also add in ways to help your dogs life by helping with confidence, enrichment and creating relaxation which can be a natural way to lower those stress hormones.
Sleep is VERY important for reactive dogs.
Helping a dog use their nose is extremely helpful for reactive dogs.

🔵Trigger stacking.
Small issues that can occur in a short period of time (or over a few days) that add to stress in a dog.
These can be seemingly small when looked at individually. These smaller "triggers" stack on top of each other and can cause reactions. They may react to something they have always been ok with if they have had multiple smaller scares/stressful situations, even if there are very small outward signs or reactions, they can "add up".
They may also have a much bigger reaction if they have had multiple smaller issues during the day. These can be as innocent as a very small startle when a door is closed too quickly, or a car toot as it goes past......these can have an accumulative effect on your dog so they will be MORE likely to react to something else, react more strongly and at a far greater distance than they may normally have an issue with.
Understanding trigger stacking is important with reactive dogs.

I hope that may clarify a few terms commonly used with reactive dogs.🙂

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27/03/2024

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is extremely important for interpreting their behaviour.

19/02/2024

It's raining again!
No classes Mon-Wed
cross your fingers for Thurs.

07/02/2024

We will be closed for classes on Thurs. Fri is pending.

05/02/2024

Stars and Stripes Agility will be closed Mon-Wed because of rain. Will update later for Thurs/Fri.
Stay Safe !

27/06/2023

Great info if you are adding a new puppy to your household.

How can a dog that struggles with appropriate play and interactions suddenly gain those skills to pass on ?
They cannot.... without serious action from you.
Dogs left to teach a puppy will do just that.....and you may not like the outcome and these harmful habits can last a lifetime.

Many dogs lack the skills needed to teach puppies healthy interactions....yet some insist that the puppy just needs to "learn" from the older dog.

I often hear people state that their dog will "show" their new puppy....or that letting dogs play with puppies will make them learn how to play well.......
If you do want that to happen, your dog MUST have the skills to teach....it DOESN'T just magically happen.

I am ALL for having a dog teach a puppy appropriate interactions and play....BUT many dogs should never teach a puppy anything.

Yet many people insist that dogs will teach puppies how to interact.....
Of that there is absolutely no doubt....

23/02/2023

All Thursday and Friday classes/privates are canceled due to rain. 🌧🌬

08/11/2022

All classes and private lessons on Nov 7th and Nov 8th are cancelled for rain. Stay dry.

01/09/2022

Another repost, but with temps forecast to be over 100 degrees for the next week, now is the time for a reminder. Dogs cannot handle the heat like humans can. Avoid hiking with them in situations of extreme heat. Every year, dogs die unnecessarily on the trail when temps rise. Protect your four legged friend.

1. Temperatures above 75 degrees can be dangerous to a dog, especially when exerting themselves on a hike. It's best to hike early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low and the trails are in shadow.

2. Dogs do not sweat like humans, and rely mainly on panting to lower their body temperature. However, excessive panting, can be a sign your dog is overheating.

3. Carry A LOT OF WATER, any by A LOT we mean A LOT. Dogs, as well as humans, need water to stay hydrated and keep body temps lower. Stop often and allow your dog to drink. And bring a collapsible bowl, dogs cannot effectively drink from a water bottle.

4. If your dog sits down and refuses to continue, they are trying to tell you they have had enough. Do not force them to continue. Locate shade, and make attempts to cool them down. Use the extra water you have to cool them down. Make sure the water is not too cold, as ice cold water can also cause issues with an overheated dog.

5. Dogs having difficulty with hot temperatures exhibit a combination of symptoms such as hyperventilation, excessive panting, dry gums that become pale, increased salivation, erratic or rapid pulse, confusion, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly re**al bleeding.

Do not hesitate to call for help. Instead of trying to extract your dog yourself, find a shady location and begin efforts to cool the animal and reduce it's stress. AMRT is equipped with the items necessary to provide aid to a dog suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The sooner you call for help, the better.

02/08/2022

Here is a very good explanation on how to put a behavior on a variable reinforcement schedule, and why you should. Don't forget when you are training a behavior it needs to be a constant reinforcement, don't switch too soon.

Problem Behavior Specialist: Aggression - Barking - Chewing-Housetraining - Jumping - Separation A