Adaptive Behaviour

06/10/2025

I'm back and looking forward to catching up with all my clients!

My phone was broken while adventuring so I have slightly limited functionality for the next few weeks - responses to messages and social media posts might be a little delayed while it gets sorted. If you need to get in touch, e-mail is preferred for any non-urgent matters. Thank you for understanding 🤗

Didn't manage to snap any cute dog pics while away, but here are a few approximations...

18/09/2025

I'm disappearing for a few weeks to enjoy some non-work related reinforcement 😎🤗

Responses to messages and emails will likely be delayed over this time, but I'll be back, recharged and rarin' to go from Sunday Oct 5.

12/09/2025

The pursuit of perfection can sabotage training. When we're fixated on getting everything right, we might freeze and refuse to try for fear of failing, or get too stressed when outcomes differ from expectations.

Dogs can experience this too! If dogs have been punished or anticipate negative consequences for mistakes they often:
🙅 Are reluctant to engage in novel tasks
💢️ Hesitate when faced with ambiguous cues
😧 Exhibit stress-related behaviors (avoidance, freezing, silliness) that interfere with training

The truth is that successful training isn't about doing everything flawlessly —it's about gradual improvements through productive (positive) practice!

Mistakes provide valuable feedback that:
✅Identifies effective strategies/choices for both handler and dog
💡Highlights areas requiring change
🗓 Informs subsequent training decisions

Let’s embrace the sometimes messy process of learning: if we can objectively observe and evaluate our training choices and their impact on behaviour, and adapt our approach accordingly, we can achieve our training goals faster and with less frustration.

How do we shift from perfectionism to productive practice? Check out these tips to help you and your dog learn effectively, even when things don't go according to plan!

13/08/2025

Twins! Forte found a brother from another mother 💕

Pokey is a new-ish transplant who's a little shy and not very keen on other dogs after some bad experiences when he was young, but Forte won him over with his low-key charm.

It's been several years since Forte has hung out with another Silken (there aren't many in NZ), and he was really excited to see one of his extended family.

Spending time with others of the same breed/similar breed type can be great as they tend to communicate and play the same, so interactions are easier. These two are much too sophisticated for shenanigans at the paddock but were down for politely begging for treats in tandem.

11/08/2025

Pip says nothing like a bit of fun and games to finish off a training session! Her technique is 😇 with a bit of ear garnish to top it off 😁.

Did you know research has shown play after training can improve learning and memory(Affenzeller, 2020)? 🧠🤓

Try it with your pups! 🐶 What is your dog's favourite toy and how do they like to play?

05/08/2025

Spotty update!

I've had more than a few people asking about wee Spot, and I'm very happy to say he has found his forever home with the most amazing family down south 🥰.

He is settling in really well and they are keeping up on (and with) his tricks! 😁

Thanks for helping another special doggo find the best home. Took almost a year, but we got there in the end 😅!

29/07/2025

29/06/2025

Friends, one of my lovely clients at Dog-eared Photography is doing a bully photo challenge - if you share your life with one, you might want to enter here (and get some gorge photos taken of your boofhead 🥰)

12/06/2025

Spot is still looking for a special family to call his own...🥰👀

08/05/2025

I've spiffied up my website - there's some new content and all online learning, resources and scheduling for clients/members will be able to be accessed here.

Check it out at adaptivebehaviour.co.nz and let me know what you think!

🌟🌟If you're a past or current client, and/or were a part of my older online community, I have a special offer for my new and refurbished lifetime Adaptive Behaviour Community membership (that includes unlimited access to all my current and future online material and 10% discount of ALL services) - comment YES below and I'll send you a message with details 🌟🌟