See Spot Learn by Emily Dustan

19/09/2024

Exposure therapy and systematic desensitisation are both effective methods for helping dogs overcome fear or anxiety towards specific stimuli, but they differ in their approaches.

Exposure Therapy involves gradually and repeatedly exposing a dog to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner, aiming to reduce their fear response over time. The focus is on getting the dog accustomed to the stimulus through direct experience, with the goal of reducing their overall anxiety and improving their comfort level in the presence of the fear inducing trigger.

Systematic Desensitisation combines gradual exposure with relaxation training. You would start with relaxation training at home first. Depending on the family’s ability to implement it, I often suggest Dr Karen Overall’s breathing protocol (you can find it in her veterinary textbook, “Manual of Clinical Behavioural Medicine for dogs and cats”). This is a valuable tool for helping dogs manage anxiety and stress. This technique is useful in managing stress and anxiety in dogs by teaching them how to regulate their breathing and calm themselves. It’s often integrated into broader behaviour modification plans, especially when working on reducing fear or anxiety. It does take time for the dog to understand and link the behaviour of breathing with relaxation, so you have to be patient. For more information on this fascinating technique see this link if you don’t have access to her book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdffTkxqlZQ

Once your dog learns the breathing technique you would then start by exposing the dog to the feared stimulus at a very low intensity while simultaneously teaching them to relax. The process involves creating a step-by-step plan of fear-inducing situations, you start by exposing the dog to the least intimidating version of their fear and gradually move up to more challenging situations. Each step is carefully planned to ensure that the dog can handle it without becoming overwhelmed.

This process works by introducing the dog to the feared object or scenario in a highly controlled manner. The idea is to build the dog’s confidence gradually, moving from one level of fear to the next only when they’re emotionally ready. This method helps the dog learn to adapt to the situation and learn that the situation isn’t as threatening as they originally believed. The aim is to replace the fear response with a neutral one.

For instance, if a dog is afraid of other dogs, you might start by having them observe another dog from a distance at which they are comfortable - which might be quite a large distance at the start. The goal is to keep the dog below their threshold — the point at which their fear becomes too strong, leading to a reaction such as barking, growling, or trying to flee. Over time, with consistent and calm exposure, the dog’s fear response decreases as they become desensitised to the stimulus.

The key to successful exposure therapy is gradual progression. Once the dog appears more relaxed in the initial situation, you can slowly increase the intensity of the exposure, such as decreasing the distance to the other dog or allowing for slightly longer durations of visual interaction. Importantly, the dog should always remain within a zone where they can stay calm, as pushing them too fast may trigger their fear, causing setbacks.

Another important aspect of exposure therapy is the pairing of positive reinforcement. This means adding something the dog enjoys/ likes to increase the likelihood of desired behaviour, which in this case the desired behaviour is the dog not reacting and being neutral.

Giving treats, praise, or other forms of reward when the dog remains calm in the presence of the feared stimulus, the dog begins to associate that previously feared situation with positive experiences. Over time, this can change the emotional response to the trigger from fear to one of confidence or neutrality.

Exposure therapy requires patience and consistency, as dogs can’t simply "get over" their fears overnight. Forcing a dog to face their fears too quickly, often referred to as "flooding," can actually worsen anxiety. Instead, working at the dog’s pace and celebrating the small victories can lead to long-term improvements in their behaviour.

Understanding the environment, recognising your dog's limits, and using effective management and reinforcement, exposure therapy can help fearful dogs build confidence and handle their triggers more effectively.

While both methods involve gradual exposure to feared stimuli, systematic desensitisation incorporates relaxation techniques and a structured step-by-step plan to help the dog learn to cope in situations they find distressing.

If you are struggling with a dog who becomes easily distressed, please find a qualified science-based behaviourist or trainer who can help support you and your dog.

11/09/2024

🐾🤩Join us in the next round of our amazing puppy classes starting Saturday the 5th of October @ 10:30 am 🐾🤩

Learn all the foundations you need to give your puppy the best start in life! We cover everything from environmental management and basic training skills to nutrition advice and healthcare essentials. Ask all your burning questions – we cover it all!

🐾Classes are designed specifically for developing puppies and run by an Accredited Canine Behaviourist & Certified Force-Free Dog Training Professional.

💻 Reserve your spot today here⬇️
https://www.seespotlearn.co.nz/webinar-registration/

or email
💌 [email protected]

Spaces are limited, so act fast!

07/09/2024

I was trying to film a helpful video on recall training, but things didn’t go quite as planned! Sometimes, training has its hilarious moments, and this one had me laughing so hard I had to share to show that even trainers land on their bum🤣!

Remember, training should be fun for both you and your dog and it’s ok to laugh at yourself!

02/09/2024

🐾Understanding a puppy’s developmental stages is important to providing the right training, support, exposure, and socialisation at each phase. These stages have a profound effect on shaping a pup's long-term behaviour, especially when it comes to handling stress, fear, and new experiences. The key to having a ‘well-rounded’ adult dog is to recognise and understand the fear periods puppies go through, and how these can impact their overall development and emotional well-being.

Neonatal Period (0–2 Weeks)

During the neonatal stage, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they spend most of their time sleeping and nursing. At this age, there’s very little environmental interaction or learning beyond the comfort and safety of their litter[1].

Transitional Period (+- 2–3 Weeks)

In this short but crucial phase, puppies start to develop their senses. Their eyes and ears open, and they begin to explore their immediate surroundings. This is when their motor skills develop, and they become more active. While fear isn’t yet a significant factor at this stage, early positive and gentle handling can set the groundwork for future interactions and socialisation[1].

Socialisation Period (+- 3 -16 Weeks)

The socialisation period is one of the most critical phases in a puppy’s life. During this time, they are highly receptive to forming social bonds and learning about their environment. Positive exposure to various people, animals, sounds, and experiences is extremely important to shaping a well-rounded adult dog. Socialisation during this period has a lasting impact on their behaviour, making it a key time for introducing puppies to the world in a controlled, and positive way[1].

Fear Periods in the Socialisation Stage:

Around the 8–12 week mark, puppies experience their first significant fear period. This is when they become particularly sensitive to new experiences and can easily form fear-based responses. During this window, it’s important to ensure that any exposure to new environments or stimuli is positive and non-threatening. Negative experiences at this stage can lead to long-term fear or aggression issues. This sensitivity is linked to the puppy’s rapidly developing nervous system, which makes them more reactive to stimuli[1].

Juvenile Period (+- 3–6 Months)

The juvenile period which is also known as the ‘terrible teens’ is influenced by increased independence. Puppies become more curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Their motor skills are more refined, and they start to solidify the behaviours and social cues they’ve been learning. However, they are still developing emotionally and mentally, so ongoing socialisation and positive reinforcement are incredibly important[2].

At this stage, some puppies may experience a second fear period, usually around the 4–6-month mark. This is typically a shorter phase but can still lead to heightened sensitivity and reactivity, particularly to unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. Like the earlier fear period, it’s important to carefully manage their experiences during this time to prevent the formation of long-term fear-based responses[2].

Adolescence (+- 6–18 Months)

Adolescence can be the most challenging stage for both puppies and their owners. As their bodies and minds continue to develop, many adolescent pup’s become more independent, test boundaries in the sense of figuring out what behaviours work or don’t and may even seem to “forget” cue’s you may have taught them. It’s so important to remember and understand that the environment plays a HUGE part in their behaviour.

During this period, various areas of the brain mature at different rates. This phase is associated with increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can influence a dog's emotional responses and sensitivity to stimuli. The amygdala, a region in the brain linked to processing emotions, becomes more reactive, contributing to heightened fear responses. Additionally, changes in neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, impact mood regulation and influence how the dog perceives and copes with stressors. These neurochemical fluctuations shape the dog's behaviour and emotional responses during this critical developmental period [4].

The two last fear stages are around 6–13 months, and around 14-18 months, where adolescent pups might suddenly become cautious or reactive towards things they were previously comfortable with. This stage can coincide with hormonal changes, and careful environmental management is needed to set the dog up for success, not put them in a position where they may ‘fail’, and to reinforce positive experiences as well as avoid letting fearful responses become habitual. It’s a good time to revisit training, focus on building confidence, and continue appropriate exposure and socialisation.

🧠The Role of Fear Periods in the Fight-or-Flight Response

This is the most important thing to understand when it comes to fear periods!!!! Instincts are involuntary and are a natural part of puppy development, designed to help them become more aware of potential threats to defend and protect themselves. These periods are characterised by the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by specific chemicals, mainly adrenaline and cortisol [3].

Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate fight-or-flight response, making animals more reactive and alert to perceived threats. Whether they choose to flee or defend themselves depends on their temperament, past experiences, and how they are managed during these fear periods.

Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a key role in managing longer-term stress. Repeated exposure to stressful situations without proper appropriate management can result in chronic anxiety and reactivity in the dog[4].

💪How to Support Your Puppy Through Fear Periods??

Fear periods can be daunting for both puppies and their owners, but with the right support with a force-free positive reinforcement trainer, puppies can navigate these stages and become more confident and resilient with emotional maturity and time.
To end off my very long post here are a few tips to help manage fear periods…

Reward behaviours you like when you see your puppy doing them. This includes calm behaviour and DO NOT punish fearful responses, which could make the situation worse. Puppies do not misbehave the way humans interpret it! Their behaviours are usually natural responses to their environment, and what we might label as “misbehaviour” is often just a result of unmet needs, confusion, or stress.

Introduce new experiences gradually, ensuring that your puppy doesn’t become overwhelmed. Make new interactions positive and manageable.

Remember that fear periods are temporary. Remain calm, and don’t force your puppy into situations they find intimidating.
I hope this helps you understand fear periods and your puppy or adult dog better. Please reach out to your nearest force-free, science-based trainer in your area if you need help.💜

[1] Scott, J.P. and Fuller, J.L. (1965) Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

[2] Serpell, J. (2017) ‘The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior, and Interactions with People’, in Serpell, J. (ed.) The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 21-47.

[3] Overall, K.L. (2013) Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences.

[4] Freedman, D.G., King, J.A. and Elliot, O. (1961) ‘Critical Period in the Social Development of Dogs’, Science, 133(3457), pp. 1016-1017.

26/08/2024

A dirty dog is a happy dog 😂🐾♥️🤩

23/08/2024

🐾🐕Training and behaviour modification is more than teaching your dog to sit and focus. Dog life skills involve a range of abilities that help a dog handle different events and situations, deal with challenges, and adapt well to their family home and environment.

Emotional resilience is important because it helps a dog manage stress and bounce back from challenging situations. For example, a dog that stays calm during vet or grooming visits, or one that adjusts well to sudden changes in routine, such as a new baby or a move shows emotional resilience. This ability allows dogs to handle new or difficult experiences, such as meeting strangers or walking through a busy street, with calmness rather than fear.

Adaptive behaviours enable a dog to adjust effectively to different environments and routines. For example, a dog that can easily adapt to different places, like a friend’s house or a new park, and follow changes in the daily routine, such as a shift in meal times or activities, demonstrates strong adaptive skills. These behaviours help a dog thrive in various settings and manage changes without becoming overwhelmed and stressed.

Confidence plays a virally important role in a dog's ability to approach new experiences in life with curiosity and positivity. A confident dog might eagerly explore new objects, like a strange toy or piece of furniture, and approach new people or dogs without hesitation. This confidence supports learning and engagement, making the dog more open to training and socialisation.

Handling skills are important for a dog's health and well-being, especially during vet visits and grooming. A dog with good handling skills stays calm and cooperative when being examined or groomed. This means they accept touch and restraint, such as during vaccinations or nail trimming, without getting stressed. Dogs that are comfortable with handling are less likely to become anxious or reactive, making vet visits and grooming smoother and more pleasant. Helping a dog learn to handle these situations well helps them stay relaxed and makes the experience better for both the dog, veterinarian, groomer and their owner.

Social skills in dogs are important for their overall well-being and positive interactions with people and other animals. They help dogs engage appropriately, reducing the likelihood of aggression and stress. For example, a dog that greets new people calmly rather than jumping up or barking shows good social skills, making situations like vet visits more pleasant. Additionally, well-socialised dogs are often more focused and responsive during training, especially in group settings, because they’re accustomed to various stimuli. Good social skills also help dogs adapt to new environments and situations more easily, which reduces stress..

Independence involves encouraging a dog to be comfortable alone and engage in independent play. This can include leaving a dog alone for short periods without distress or providing toys and activities that keep them entertained while you’re away. Building independence helps reduce separation and isolation distress and creates self-confidence, making a dog more content and less reliant on constant human interaction.

💜To help your dog develop these skills, start early and use positive reinforcement, rewarding desired behaviours with treats, praise, and toys. Gradually introduce your dog to new experiences, environments, and interactions in a controlled manner, making sure not to overwhelm them. Create a consistent training routine and expose your dog to various situations, such as meeting new people and other dogs, to build their confidence. Regularly practice handling to make them comfortable with grooming and vet visits. Create training sessions focused on skills like recall and loose lead walking, and be patient, understanding that each dog learns at their own pace.

For additional guidance, please find a science-based positive reinforcement trainer in your area 🐾

12/08/2024

🎓 Life Skills Training for Adolescent Dogs! 🐾

Is your pup entering the "teenage phase" and ready for the next level of training? Our Life Skills course is specifically designed to guide you through your pup's development through adolescence, ensuring they grow into confident adults.

Starting Saturday, 24th August, at 10:30 am

🤩Our fun, positive reinforcement methods make learning enjoyable and effective for both you and your pup. The course is run by an accredited behaviourist and certified force-free dog trainer.

Don’t miss out—spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and continue your pup’s journey to becoming a well-rounded adult!

💌[email protected]

💻www.seespotlearn.co.nz

08/08/2024

🧠To understand your dog’s reactivity, you need to understand the basics of how your dog’s brain works.

A dog may not have the capability of processing higher complex emotions of what humans can, however, you can’t look at a dog and tell me they don’t feel. Of course, they do! Their feelings are just not as complex as humans, but interestingly enough they do process information from all parts of the body similar to our human brains.

So, the brain is made up of soft tissue and nerve cells, and is composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. These 3 areas of the brain interprets information, controls all functions of the body, and responds accordingly. The brain does not only control physical responses, but chemical ones as well.

Now, let’s go to the autonomic nervous system. The Sympathetic nervous system originates in the spinal cord which is connected to the brainstem at the bottom of the dog’s brain. One of its main functions is to activate the physiological changes that occur during the flight or fight response. This means that the dog's neurotransmitters in the brain send chemical messages to parts of the body to release hormones, and other chemicals to prepare the dog's body for intense action when the dog is experiencing a stressful, or overwhelming event.

The body can fluctuate between flight and fight, and rest and digest. This is because the brain is constantly sending messages and signals from one part to another.

When the dog is feeling heightened emotions such as arousal, stress, happiness, excitement, fear, anxiety, or pain, the brain sends the body messages to react in the following ways:

1. Increased heart rate and respiration,
2. Dilation of eye pupil (to see with more clarity).
3. Inhibition of the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production and salivation).
4. Dilated airways for increased oxygen,
5. Dilated blood vessels for blood to flow to the muscles.
6. Inhibition of stomach and upper intestinal action to the point where digestion slows or stops (The body can’t process food when in flight/ fight response, it needs to save its energy for survival).
7. The liver releases glucose,
8. The kidneys release adrenaline,
9. Relaxation of bladder.
10. Constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body.
11. Auditory exclusion (loss of hearing).
12. Tunnel vision (loss of peripheral vision).
13. Shaking.

I want you to keep in mind that all animals (even us humans) are deeply wired to protect ourselves against a perceived threat and each individual has their own interpretations of what is scary and what is not.

For example; I am afraid of spiders and anything that may resemble a creepy crawly, where you may not be bothered at all by the sight of a spider. Fear begins in the brain, and then travels through the body adjusting along the way for the best defence, to run away, or defend oneself as quickly as possible. All these changes happen so fast that the individual wouldn’t even be aware of them or have a chance to really process what is happening.

The fear response starts in a region in the brain called the amygdala. The job of the amygdala is to detect the importance of the stimulus and how much effect it would have on the dog's well-being. This creates a cascade of events which involve the hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal glands. This is the main driver of the endocrine stress response. The hypothalamus receives information and sends chemical signals to the pituitary gland which signals the adrenal glands to increase the production of cortisol aka “stress hormone”. This stress hormone helps to increase energy in order to deal with a stressful event.

The instant an event is happening it triggers the sympathetic nervous system which signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline (aka epinephrine) which leaps into action and goes into the bloodstream to increase the blood flow throughout the body which causes quick responses.

The reaction depends on the threat level of the stimulus. The more threatening the stimulus the more intense the response is.
The sight, or sound of something the dog finds scary, intimidating, or threatening creates a stressful event and triggers neurotransmitters in the brain which transmits signals through the synapse from one neuron to another in a chain reaction which changes the way the dog responds to the trigger. These neurotransmitters release a chemical substance at the end of a nerve fibre and these chemicals travel throughout the body and react accordingly.

So now the brain is super alert, pupils dilate, breathing and heart rate accelerates, blood pressure increases, and glucose increases which seeps into the skeletal muscles to provide energy to move quickly.

The takeaway from this is that fear keeps us alive, and it is involuntary. Not one individual has conscious control over it. Even though it is unpleasant and interferes with our everyday lives and functioning, it should be respected not punished.

Maintaining a balance of chemicals in the body is crucial for emotional regulation and stable behaviour. A reactive dog is one who is struggling and may require assistance, possibly including medication alongside a behaviour modification program. This combination aims to establish positive associations and boost the dog's confidence. Veterinary behaviourists specialise in managing a dog's mental state in such cases.

References:

Riva J, Bondiolotti G, Micelazzi M, et al. Anxiety-related behavioural disorders and neurotransmitters in dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2008;114,168–181.

Beerda B, Schilder M, van Hoof J, et al. Manifestations of chronic and acute stress in dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 1997;52:307–319.

Berteselli GV, Servidaq F, DallAra P, et al. Evaluation of the immunological, stress and behavioural parameters in dogs (Canis familiaris) with anxiety-related disorders. In: Mills D et al., eds. Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press; 2005:18–22.

04/08/2024

🐾Are you struggling with your dog's recall or dealing with pulling on the lead? Want to strengthen your bond and achieve successful recall in public?

🐕Join me, Emily Dustan from See Spot Learn, for an insightful session hosted by Kiwi Vet Behaviour! I'll share the tips and tricks you need for a better relationship with your dog on a lead, including techniques for loose leash walking and ensuring reliable recall every time.

📅 Date: Sunday, 11th August
🕛 Time: 12pm - 3pm

🤩Don't miss this opportunity to learn new skills for you and your dog. See you there!

30/07/2024

🐾🤩Join us in the next round of our amazing puppy classes starting Saturday 24th August @ 9:00 am 🐾🤩

Learn all the foundations you need to give your puppy the best start in life! We cover everything from environmental management and basic training skills to nutrition advice and healthcare essentials. Ask all your burning questions – we cover it all!

🐾Classes are designed specifically for developing puppies and run by an Accredited Canine Behaviourist & Certified Torce-Free Dog Training Professional.

💌Reserve your spot today by emailing [email protected] Spaces are limited, so act fast!

Puppy training classes with expert-guided training exercises and advice, setting you both up for a life time of success. Run by a certified dog behaviourist

25/07/2024

Join us this August - I can’t wait 🐾♥️🐕🤩

Struggling with your pet’s behaviour issues but lost in a sea of misinformation? Time to find a qu

23/07/2024

Yesterday, I took my 10-month-old Golden Retriever, Cooper, for a walk on a nearby beach. Since he's at an age where he gets easily distracted, I keep him on a long line instead of letting him run loose. Once we leave the house, he becomes so absorbed in his surroundings I pretty much don’t exist - LOL !

Cooper is a typical adolescent Golden Retriever, eager to explore every scent and convinced that everyone he meets is his new best friend. Despite his distractions, I'm proud of the progress we've made. He's a confident pup, walks beautifully on a loose leash, and responds to most cues I give him during walks, depending on the environment and stimuli. I manage these factors carefully to set him up for success.
The only area we haven't mastered yet is his recall. However, I don't see this as a pressing issue at the moment. I manage his environment well enough to prevent any unwanted behaviours or failures, and I'll focus on recall training when he matures a bit more emotionally.

When we went to the beach yesterday, it was busier than usual. Initially, it was quiet, but as more people arrived, I decided it was time to leave. As we were walking away, a beautiful 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy approached Cooper. They had a wonderful greeting and played together briefly before the German Shepherd pup ran off to greet an older white Shepherd and two Greyhounds, all off-leash.

The white Shepherd growled and snapped at the German Shepherd puppy, prompting his owner to grab his dog's muzzle and reprimand him quite aggressively, and if Cooper and my children weren’t with me I would have intervened. The young pup ran away, scared, while her owner barely reacted and just continued walking.

Both dogs were put in a situation where failure was almost inevitable.

The young German Shepherd puppy was allowed to approach an unknown dog without proper supervision or guidance. This lack of management and oversight made it easy for her to encounter a negative reaction, leading to fear and potential future anxiety around other dogs.

The older white Shepherd was put in a position where he had to manage an unexpected interaction on his own. Without his owner's proactive guidance, he resorted to growling and snapping to communicate his discomfort. Instead of being supported and redirected positively, he was harshly reprimanded, which could create negative associations for his aggressive response and damage his trust in his owner.

This situation can have a significant impact on both dogs involved. For the young German Shepherd puppy, being growled at and snapped at can lead to fear and anxiety around other dogs. This negative experience might make her more hesitant and nervous in future interactions, potentially leading to long-term behavioural issues.

For the older white Shepherd, being reprimanded harshly by his owner could increase his stress and confusion. This kind of response might reinforce his aggressive behaviour, making him more likely to react negatively in similar situations. Additionally, it could damage the trust and bond between him and his owner, leading to further behavioural problems.

The point of this post is to raise awareness about the importance of vigilance when walking your dog off-leash, even if you believe they are social and friendly. Whether your dog is young or old, always stay attentive and mindful of their interactions with other dogs and people.

Please keep your dog on a leash, or use a long line to give them more freedom to explore, unless they have a reliable recall to keep them safe. Always supervise your dog's interactions and be mindful of their comfort levels to ensure positive and safe encounters. 🐾🐶❤️

21/07/2024

😍What sets us apart is our positive, reward-based methods, ample rest breaks for your dog, yummy treats, and our commitment to personalised care. We know that every dog has unique needs and preferences, and we tailor our grooming process to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being.

📞0272201867

💻Book online today

https://www.seespotlearn.co.nz/dogtrainingservices/dog-grooming/