If you remember a few weeks ago we started desensitising Maggie and George to a mecanical diggers. Well it's all going well and both dogs have made great gains in their understanding.
But it's important to realise that all dogs learn differently and at different rates. I always remind myself to 'train the dog infront of me today'. That way I don't take anything for granted.
Although George, who is a little more extrovert than Maggie, is very comfortable around the machine, you can still see Maggie is still a little bit apprehensive. She's pacing and her breathing is quite shallow. A sign that she is beginning to become overwhelmed.
Although dogs do learn better under a little stress (just like people), too much exposure can set your training back weeks. Thankfully for Maggie I realized this quickly and a few minutes later she was tucked up in a blanket by the fire inside decompressing.
How often does your dog overwhelmed by the situations you put them in?
Sometimes it's just nice to sniff and play...
Do you need to use desensitisation with an adolescent dogs?
We always think about desensitisation with puppies, but it's so important to do with an adolescent dog as well.
During puberty their brain remodels, in the similar way it did in the first 16 weeks, so you really need to do all the things you did with your puppy again with your adolescent dog. Crazy eh?
We are having lots of excavation work done at the moment to build our 10 dogs their new kennels. Today I'm helping Maggie over come her fear of the Mechanical Diggers.
Bellawai Dogs NZ Golden Retriever, Retrodoodle, Golden Shepherds NZ
Just incase you missed the section on TVNZ Breakfast here's the video.
Adolescent dogs! What's the most important thing you need to know?
Bellawai Dogs NZ Golden Retriever, Retrodoodle, Golden Shepherds NZ
An obvious but often forgotten training tip when moving to a new area or trying to find somewhere new to walk your dog?
Checking out your walk WITHOUT your dog first!! Well that's what I'm doing right now in King Edwards Park in Stratford today.
What's your favorite place to walk your dog and the possible pitfalls people need to know about?
When you decide to play with your fur-baby... What type of play do you engage in? Drop us a comment below, of what is your favourite form of play with your furbaby!🐶
As we head into 2024, Why not switch things up and try playing a game of Tuggy with them?? Its a great opportunity for rewarding positive behaviour, relationship building, stress relief, physical and mental stimulation, and building drive! Play tuggy is all about getting your puppy to chase and tug on a soft braided tuggy toy. However... there are some basic rules to consider:
🐾 Keep all four paws on the floor
🐾 Keep play short but high energy - Be exciting and energetic
🐾 Let puppy win by chasing, catching and tugging on the toy
🐾 Once play is over, hide the toy away until your next session
As seen in the video below, we encourage all our Puppy Preschoolers to get down and excitable with their puppy play, and the results we see are amazing! If you are looking for a Puppy Preschool all about having fun, playing games, and better understanding and communicating with your puppy. Book your spot now for our next Gordonton Preschool starting 22nd Jan 2024!
https://train.mindfulness4dogs.com/dog-training-with-us/puppy-preschool-classes/
Happy New Year from the Mindfulness4dogs crew.
We hope 2024 is an awesome year for you and your dogs, filled with success, mindful reflection and more of the things you like to do.
With our dogs it will be more grass and cow pat eating!!! Ooh well if it works for you go for it....
Penteronda BorderCollies Bellawai Dogs NZ Golden Retriever, Retrodoodle, Golden Shepherds NZ
Look at that happy face? Exercising your dog has never been easier.
Mindful Interactions: Unleashing a Deeper Connection
Mindful Interactions: Unleashing a Deeper Connection
It's incredible what can happen when we approach our furry friends with mindfulness and a fresh perspective!
Just 15 minutes before this video, the owner of this Staffy was dragging them down the driveway, and walks were far from fun. But through a mindful approach to learning, de-triggering, and disrupting existing behavioral choices, while encouraging new ones, this amazing Staffy transformed their walk experience all by themselves!
🐾 Becoming "Bowlingual" - a language of understanding that goes beyond words - allows you to connect with your dog on a profound level. It's like opening a new line of communication, a secret dialogue with your four-legged companion.
This was an almost silent training session, a conversation between hearts, not commands. Success through Communication and Connection.
Let's keep fostering these incredible bonds with our pets and discovering the magic of mindful interactions! ❤️
#MindfulMoments #BecomingBowlingual #FurryFriendsForever #staffylove #staffylovers
Dealing with Doggy Excitement!
Calling all dog lovers, let's tackle the Doggy Disco Dilemma!
You know that moment when you reach for the lead or put on your shoes, and suddenly your dog turns into a barking, jumping, spinning tornado of excitement? Well, let's make it a 'calm-edy' instead of a comedy!
💡 Fun Fixes for Fido's Frenzy:
1️⃣ Mix It Up: Put your shoes on in the bathroom, attach the lead in the living room, it's like a hide-and-seek game for your dog's over-the-top enthusiasm!
2️⃣ Magic Mat: Designate a special 'chill mat' where you gear up for walks. Your pup will learn that this is the Zen Zone!
3️⃣ Pup-Prank: Confuse your furry friend by doing something completely unexpected when you pick up the lead. It's the ultimate "wait, what?" moment for your pup.
4️⃣ Dance-off: Teach your dog a new, calm move like the 'Sit and Stay' boogie. Reward with treats and praise for the paw-sitive behavior!
Remember, the key to success is fun, patience, and lots of belly rubs. Let's turn the "wild warm-up" into a "cool routine" before our furry adventures! 🚶♂️🐶
#DoggoDisco #ChillOutPup #FuntasticWalkies
Too all our lovely Vet nurses in the Waikato and the rest of New Zealand, thank you so much for all your hard work caring for our lovely dogs. We really appreciate you all at Mindfulness4dogs.
Vetora Waikato Hamilton Small Animal Veterinary Centre CareVets Rototuna Global Veterinary Services
🎾🐶 Boosting Impulse Control through Ball Games! 🐾
Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐕❤️
Today, let's talk about a fun and effective way to help our furry friends improve their impulse control: Ball Games! 🎾
🧠 Why Impulse Control Matters: Dogs, like humans, can struggle with impulsive behaviors. Teaching them to wait, focus, and control their impulses is crucial for their well-being and safety.
🎯 Ball Games for Training: Playing ball games can be a fantastic training tool. When you ask your pup to sit and wait for that ball, you're reinforcing their impulse control.
💡 Tips for Success:
Start with basic commands like "Sit" and "Stay."
Gradually increase the difficulty – make them wait longer before fetching.
Use treats as rewards for good behavior.
Be patient and consistent with your training.
🐕 Share Your Stories: Have you seen progress in your dog's impulse control through ball games? Share your stories, photos, or training tips in the comments!
🏆 Improvement Milestones: Celebrate every little win on this journey. Let's encourage each other and our four-legged friends to become well-behaved, patient pups!
[Image: Share a photo of your dog waiting for the ball] 📸
Let's work together to make our pets the best versions of themselves! 🐶💪 #ImpulseControl #DogTraining #BallGamesForDogs
🐶 Impulse Control Training with Toys
Hey everyone! Today, let's talk about the importance of impulse control training for our furry friends. Meet Billy, a lovable canine, and her owner who have been working on this together!
Why is impulse control training crucial? Dogs, like humans, can benefit from learning to resist their immediate desires. This skill helps them stay safe, follow commands, and improve their overall behavior.
Billy's favorite ball is the key to her impulse training journey. Her owner has been using it to teach her patience and self-discipline. They've set up fun games that challenge Billy to wait, even when that beloved ball is just inches away!
🐾 The results? Billy is becoming a more well-behaved and happy pup. Impulse control not only makes daily life easier but also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners.
How do you work on impulse control with your pets? Share your tips and experiences! 🐕
#DogTraining #ImpulseControl
The 1-2-3 Game can be used to get your out of harms way really quickly and safely.
🐾Proactive Tips for React Dogs: The 1-2-3 Game🐾
If you have a furry friend who sometimes gets a bit reactive around other dogs, we've got a fantastic game to share with you today. It's called the "1-2-3 Game," and it can be a game-changer in keeping your pup calm and collected.
What is the 1-2-3 Game?
The 1-2-3 Game is a proactive approach to manage reactivity in dogs. It's designed to teach your dog to focus on you and calmly disengage from potentially stressful situations.
How to Play:
1️⃣ Spot the Trigger: When you notice your dog getting a bit reactive around other dogs, gently redirect their attention to the trigger (the other dog).
2️⃣ Count to Three: Count out loud "One, two, three," as your dog observes the trigger. Keep your tone relaxed and soothing.
3️⃣ Disengage: After reaching "Three," gently guide your dog's attention away from the trigger and towards you. Reward them with treats and praise for their focus on you.
Why the 1-2-3 Game Works:
👁️🗨 Teaches Focus: By counting to three, you give your dog a chance to observe the trigger without reacting immediately. This encourages them to stay calm and focused.
🐕 Positive Reinforcement: When your pup disengages and looks at you, they're rewarded for their self-control with treats and praise, reinforcing good behavior.
🔗 Strengthens Bond: This game strengthens your bond and communication with your dog, making them more likely to look to you for guidance in potentially reactive situations.
The 1-2-3 Game is just one tool in your training toolkit. If your dog's reactivity continues to be a challenge, don't hesitate to contact us for advice and training. 🐾
So, give the 1-2-3 Game a try and let us know how it goes with your furry friend!
Share your experiences and other proactive tips in the comments below.
Together, we can help our dogs be happier and more confident. 🐶💖 #DogTraining #ProactiveDogParenting #darranrowe
🐶🍗 Enrichment Feeding: Happy Tummies, Happy Hearts! 🍗🐶
🔍 Discover the magic of enrichment feeding for your furry pals! 🎉 It's more than just a meal—it's an adventure that keeps their minds sharp and tails wagging! 🧠💖 Watch and learn as we share the pawsitive perks of this awesome feeding style! 🐾
🌟 Mental Stimulation 🧩
🐾 No more boredom! Puzzles and toys challenge their brains, keeping them entertained and away from trouble! 😄
🌟 Slow & Steady Wins the Race 🐢
🐾 Say goodbye to gobbling! Slow feeder bowls and food puzzles prevent tummy troubles and promote healthier eating habits! 🍽️
🌟 Bonding Time 🤗
🐾 Strengthen your bond during mealtime! Playful interactions create unforgettable memories with your fur-baby! 💕
🌟 Fit & Fabulous 🐕💪
🐾 Keep those waistlines in check! Enrichment feeding helps manage their weight for a happier, healthier life! 🏋️♀️
🌟 Stress Buster 🌈
🐾 Boredom blues, begone! Enrichment reduces anxiety and prevents behavioral issues! Say hello to a calmer and happier pup! 😇
Ready to create a culinary journey your pup won't forget? 🍴🚀 Let's get started with these paw-some enrichment ideas: Kong treats, food-dispensing balls, yard scavenger hunts, and more! 🎁
Remember, every pup is unique, so customize the experience to suit their taste and preferences! 🐶💓 Share your fur-bulous moments and ideas in the comments below! 📝 Let's enrich the lives of our furry friends together! 🐕❤️
#EnrichmentFeeding #HappyTummiesHappyHearts #PawsitiveVibes #DogLove #FurryAdventures #PetCare #HealthyHabits
GO BANANAS!! How do you celebrate your dogs training successes? Let me know in the comments.
