ABC Dogs NZ

08/08/2024

Struggling with walking your dog ❓
Constantly tugging and pulling your dog back ❓
This video looks at two ways you can help lower that extreme excitement associated with a walk. These two tips really do work.

Dogs that pull on a lead can be hard on everyone. Walking a dog with a loose leash is a process but these are some easy ways to help. These loose lead tips c...

07/08/2024

Want to know a secret🤫
This isn't just for puppies either.✅
Puppies need careful and controlled exposure to EVERYTHING we encounter in our daily life.
I know it can be so tempting to reduce their world for fear of exposure to pathogens but I really do encourage everyone to get out there, but carefully.
There are lots of ways we can encourage safe and early socialisation and acclimation (another graphic in comments about this).
As tempting as it is to seclude and limit their life to just your house or yard, it can create some serious behavioural issues.
If you do have a new puppy, this graphic is a great way to help them make a positive association with the world and all it offers.
You can do this, but carefully 🙂

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

04/08/2024

Just over 8 weeks ago a new channel was started on YouTube.
First to admit it is a new platform.
Thank you ALL for your support.
It has had over 10,000 views !!!
For the people that are interested in the analytics. I am attaching them because I think it is amazing !
Thank you so much, each and every one of you.

04/08/2024

Such a common issue ❗
I know many people really struggle with this and the most important step to stop or limit this is sometimes not taken.
For aesthetic reasons or for financial reasons or both (which I absolutely understand) the crucial step of stopping this behaviour being repeated and rehearsed over and over is not taken.
For aesthetic reasons...
I get it, you have worked hard and have a beautiful home and fence but now your dog is launching themselves at that beautiful fence and at every dog, person or car that passes.
It may now be a "game" that they wait for hours and hours to play.

That "game" is causing huge stress in your dog.

Asking someone to block that view through that fence or to create a temporary fence further back is often met with resistance.
Some people may struggle financially with a cheap option to block that view.
Try w**d mat or thick opaque shade cloth to temporary staple to the fence, its a very reasonable price and comes in long lengths. Or look around the home for an old tarpaulin, there are very cheap or free options.

If you have a dog that sits on the deck and then launches into this "game" from there, change the area.
That "launch pad" WILL be used over and over if left.

This won't just stop.

Another reason people are hesitant to stop this is they see their dog enjoys this "game". They see the pacing while waiting, the anticipation and that is part of the issue. Reactivity can be highly stressful for dogs.
They are stuck in a loop and need help to stop.

Limiting opportunity is always a first step and from there you can put in other ways to help....but for some dogs, limiting the vision (and/or access to the fence line) will stop the behaviour immediately.

(Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics

02/08/2024

Changing a dogs emotions takes time. ⏰✅
It isn't as "simple" as teaching a sit or stay, as this is ALL about emotions. Just as we humans need time and understanding to process our own emotions, dogs are absolutely no different.
However.... there are lots of steps (easy steps) you can do to help things go smoother and faster.
If you have a reactive dog, I know just how much effort you are putting in.
I am one of those trainers that LOVES reactive dogs (I think you all know that by now🙂). One of the reasons I love working with them is there can be such a transformation in everyone's lives !

Don't underestimate the power of stopping and taking a few deep breaths....all of our clients are encouraged to relax and breath when working with their dogs.
Often they take a few quick "shoulder breaths"....but when encouraged to stop and take some deeper belly breaths, their dog senses that too.
They know your stress has dropped.
They sense your heart rate has lowered.
They are aware your BP has lowered too.
Many dogs will respond amazingly well to just adding this in alone.
It certainly isn't a cure...but it helps lower everyone's stress.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

01/08/2024

Where do you even start with a reactive dog💥 ❓
Here ❗
This is the very first thing we discuss with our reactive dog clients and the same steps they implement to make great improvements.
If you are new to a reactive dog or even if you have been struggling for a while and making no progress, this is a great video .

Reactive dogs. Dog reactivity is so complex, but as dog trainers, we love the challenge and help reactive dogs everyday. These are the very first steps we ta...

27/07/2024

Mantra time..."What is rewarded is repeated"✅
This is a simple and powerful message. 🏋️‍♀️
A few things to remember with this though and your timing needs to be clear too.
If you can be more precise when you reward behaviour you want to be repeated, you are making things SO much easier for your dog to understand.
Sometimes people see something they really like from their dog and they stand up, go to the cupboard to get their favourite reward, open the cupboard, get the packet out and the time to reward has long gone.
Have a few rewards on you at all times.✅
It isn't hard to do.
Pop them in a pocket (yes you will curse me on laundry day🙂), but you can make a real difference in your dogs behaviour just by rewarding exactly what you like when they show you.
I am not talking about a sit or a down but all the other times you notice your dog has done well.
They didn't bark at the cat as it ran over the grass YES! Rewardable✅
They chose just to relax on their bed or mat YES! Rewardable✅
They kept all four paws on the ground when your guest arrived YES! Rewardable✅

If you haven't tried rewarding exactly what you want....take up the challenge and try it for 2 weeks.
I promise you, you will see results...but you will probably still curse me on laundry day🙂

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

26/07/2024

Hyper, over aroused and over excited dogs.
They just need to burn off some more energy 🚫
Physically exhausting a dog does NOT help over arousal.
It can fuel it.❗
With the very best of intentions, people continue to add more of the very thing they should be limiting .
For many dogs all this does is add to the issue and can create a highly energetic dog with incredible stamina.
You are not alone with this, it is a common issue.
People will throw that ball again and again for a hyper/over excited dog, all in an effort to tire them out.
They will walk them further and run them faster.
It doesn't help💥.
All it does is build extreme stamina so they NEED more and more to physically exhaust them.

They need to rest and sleep.
They need limits with the opportunities to repeat behaviours .
They need to reengage their nose to calm and relax them.

If they don't...the loop goes on and on.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

25/07/2024

Hyper behaviour💥
Over excited dogs💥
Over aroused and they just don't stop 💥
These dogs can be incredibly exhausting to live with. Lets look at how to make a REAL difference in these dogs lives and get out of the habit of adding more and more exercise ....because that can fuel the very behaviour you desperately want to lessen.
These are some of the same behaviour modification steps we put in for our clients.

Over excited dogs need help to be calm. Here we explore 3 ways to help these dogs relax plus many more dog training tips to help over aroused dogs. As dog tr...

23/07/2024

Can dogs lick from affection ? Absolutely ✅
Can they lick from feeling anxious ? Yes ✅
Not all licking is appeasement licking. Appeasement licking is usually paired with other stress signals or calming signals and I know that may be tricky for some to notice.
This is one of those behaviours that dogs show us that can be very misread.
Affection ❓Greeting ❓Stress ❓

Licking is completely normal for dogs. It can be a healthy and socially acceptable behaviour between other dogs. It is relaxing, soothing and can be displayed for so many reasons.
However appeasement licking can also be shown to other dogs too, even ones they know and live with.

If you are in any doubt over why your dog licks either you or another dog, video the interaction.
Watch that video and look for tell tale signs of stress (some are mentioned in the graphic).

One of the worst feelings in the world is when I have to inform someone that those certain types of "kisses" do not come from a place of affection but can be from a place of fear, mistrust and stress.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

22/07/2024

😀Congratulations to all of the puppies that attended puppy school !
Great work from everyone over the past few weeks.
Well done to you all !🙂

21/07/2024

So important✅ So easily dismissed or not added in.
It would be pretty rare that more sleep wouldn't be added in to a dogs plan when working with them, especially reactive dogs.👍
However, there is a BIG difference with creating a comfortable, safe space to sleep/rest and being continually directed to their bed or place out of frustration.
Frustration won't make a dog rest.
It won't help them with their unwanted behaviours and can even add a whole new layer of complexity to any unwanted behaviours shown.
Bedding should also be adjusted for the seasons.
I see thick furry beds still being encouraged in extremely warm temperatures. Even worse is using those in crates when a dog cannot find a cooler spot.
If you see your dog searching for and relaxing on a cool tile surface...there is a reason for that. Even in winter when we crank the heat up or have heat pumps/air con running it can be very warm for our dogs.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

19/07/2024

We can help our dogs enormously by making the connections and putting the pieces together. 🤔✅
We are really good at recognising stress when there is a specific trigger involved (fireworks for example), but we don't tend to notice the insidious way anxiety can change our dogs behaviour.
Stress in dogs can creep in and many signs can be quite subtle.
Often the physical changes or behaviour shown is easily dismissed as something else...because stress and anxiety can sneak in and over time, get worse.
It can also be easily dismissed as something else entirely.

Dropping their coat is one of those behaviours that people can easily confuse as coming from something else..... sometimes it is coming from stress.

More than a few reactive dogs have diarrheoa or loose stools or changes in their bowel movements and that may be contributed to stress.....and I have used that word "may" because anything like diarrheoa needs a veterinary check.
Instead of blaming diet, allergies, food issues.....maybe consider stress as a reason and mention that to your vet too.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

18/07/2024

Did you know a dogs tail position can show us how they feel ?
How to read a dogs tail is so important but often misread.
Here we explore what different wags mean and even the direction ⬅️➡️of a tail can help us to know how they feel .

Learning how dogs communicate with their tails is an important part of reading a dogs body language. A dogs emotions and how a dog feels can be conveyed thro...

18/07/2024

Too much too soon WILL cause issues.
It is a really common occurrence with newly adopted dogs.

Congratulations on your new dog.
I know you want to take them to the beach, the pet store and your café....however can I ask for a few minutes so I can explain just what your dog has gone through.....and why you need to take the next few weeks SLOW.
Your new dog has had it's whole world turned upside down.
They don't know you.
They don't know if they can trust you.
They don't know if they are with you for an hour or forever.
They may have been in various scary places.
Other houses, rescues, the pound and likely ALL of these in the past few days or weeks.
Your dog has stress hormones surging through their brain, they are STRESSED....they need to decompress, they need STABILITY in their environment and from you.
They need time with you and their new environment.
They need to know that the tree outside may rustle against the house and that's OK.
They need to know that those normal creaky noises in your house are OK and that at 3.45 the neighbours bang their door shut.
They need to know when it rains that tapping sound is OK.
They need to know that when the door opens they won't be moved somewhere else again.
They need to trust that YOU are safe even when you have had a bad day, you will still give them food and that they can close their eyes around you.
You know what your good intentions are with your new dog, your dog however has NO idea what is happening.....only that everything has changed and it is scary.
They do NOT need other new environments yet. Take it SLOW.
Dogs that have just been adopted need TIME. There is no need to rush out the next day and take them to all the places you want to go with them.....They need the opposite.
Let them decompress, let them inspect a new area of your house or yard every day or two. Walk them up and down outside your house for a few days (and only there), let them sniff, and sniff some more. Let them p*e freely.....it may be boring for you, but not for your dog. They need to know what is happening around them and they learn that through their nose, eyes and ears.
They NEED this.
They need to learn to TRUST you.
The long walks can wait, the café will still be there in a few weeks and you can visit the pet shop alone until they are ready.
Your bond together is the MOST important thing to concentrate on right now.
You will never regret taking it slow and it can save your dog and yourself from making the very same mistakes that can lead to people rehoming in the first place.
All the very best with your new dog.

16/07/2024

Window reactivity. Highly problematic and stressful for everyone❗This "game" is responsible for high levels of anxiety and stress to many dogs.
Barking is NOT the only sign your dog is being stressed by this repeated action, it is just that barking is far more noticeable to some people, the anxiety/stress started a long time before.
Many dogs will wait and wait and wait......finally they are "rewarded" for that fixation with a fleeting glimpse of whatever they react to.
People
Cars
Dogs
Birds
Neighbours
Cycles
Wind moving a tree....there are many individual triggers.

They may race around the house in a pattern to another window to view and react again, then when out of view, back to the original spot to wait...and wait some more.
This IS a highly damaging "game" for dogs.
Many people with anxious dogs may not actually realise their dogs do this when they are out of the house as it may not happen when you or the family are home.
You may have a highly anxious dog but are completely unsure why. Set up a camera and watch while you are gone for a few hours.
There are many ways to help this.
Baby gates.
These limit movement and are one solution (but easily jumped by larger dogs).
The "easiest" solution is window film, not a popular solution for some people. Blinds and curtains are often ineffective as dogs will position themselves to watch through/under or around them. Watch the height of chairs your dog may use to p*er over the film....think about ways to prevent that, you may need to move furniture around.
Aesthetically it may not be appealing for some, or the film has to be incredibly high if the triggers are birds. Some people are reluctant to use film as a solution especially if they have a fantastic view, but make no mistake.....this very rarely gets better by itself.

It can also get a WHOLE lot worse.

Reactivity can morphs outwards and what once was a reaction to dogs passing has now involved birds also....or cars....or cars and now cyclists and people.

The film may work well for some but there is a big caution sign at the bottom of the graphic. For a small amount of dogs blocking view can be incredibly stressful and a SMALL amount of dogs can find themselves in an even MORE stressful environment.
Try the film, it can be a miracle solution but PLEASE get a trainer in if this causes other issues.
Highly stressed dogs need help quickly.
Enjoy the difference and peace...because your dog absolutely will.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

14/07/2024

This was the first ever video made on the new YouTube channel and I am really happy with how it turned out.🙂
I think the videos compliment the graphics and show real examples of exactly what we discuss and show in those graphics.
I know some people can struggle to read a dogs body language and that is what this channel will concentrate on.
Body language, reading a dogs behaviour and video examples of what we discuss here.
The channel has only been going a few weeks and I am so pleased to say it is growing steadily.
You are welcome to have a look.
This weeks video will be on ........🤫.
Will be revealed later this week.
Thanks so much for the support, really appreciated.

Looking at anxious dog behaviour and how reading a dogs body can show you how dogs feel. Dogs body language is discussed including how a dogs ears, tongue, ...

13/07/2024

Are there bullies in the dog world❓ Absolutely ✅
Is all play good play❓Absolutely not ✅
Running full sp*ed into play and not assessing or waiting for social cues is a big issue with dogs.
It can cause an immediate change in energy. Sometimes the high energy may be matched, sometimes it causes an immediate stillness and stiffening in the other dog.
THAT can become a very big issue.
While the focus is on the dog that has the highest energy, people can often forget about the other dog involved....BOTH dogs need read and not just the dog that has that extreme energy.
Don't forget who that energy is targeted at.
That quietness/stiffness and stillness from the other dog needs noticed...and intervene if necessary.

Play can turn in an instant...so it is important to advocate even when they are playing.
I am all for dogs communicating together and letting each other know what is appropriate and what is not, but unfortunately many dogs do have inappropriate play styles and are unable to read social cues. They have gone from 0 to 10 even before the lead is taken off to let play commence.
Dogs may react badly to pushy play styles or behaviour they may see as inappropriate.
Over excited/hyper dogs often have very little emotional self regulation.
They don't wait for those important social cues and some don't know how to read them when they are given.
They charge in with an immediate intensity that dogs can react very badly to.

Watch for sudden changes.
Read BOTH dogs and not just yours.
Advocate.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

12/07/2024

This can happen in a second.⏱️👀❗
Fixation/hyper fixation is an escalation in awareness and if you have a reactive dog usually there is barking, lunges, whining and "digging" in immediately after fixation and unfortunately that reaction can happen just seconds after a "locked on" gaze.
The good news is there are ALWAYS "tells" that your dog has gone from looking to hyper fixation.

If you have a reactive dog, learning all those subtle and not so subtle tells are SO very important. You need to start to read these changes in posture and behaviour so you can act.

Ears change, softness in the body changes, mouths often "slam" closed and there may be a leaning in with a long lowered neck.
Not all dogs show all these changes and the graphic is a generalisation...but it lists many common signs that your dog has become aware of a trigger.

Your dogs coat may never be raised when they see a trigger, they may have a shorter, curlier coat.
There may not even be any changes in the tail for some breeds as they may have little to none or a tightly curled tail.
BUT....there WILL be signs that your dog has just changed from looking to fixating.
A good way to get a better idea of the changes is to have someone film you and your dog when you are nearing a trigger for your dog.....whether that be a cyclist, person, dog or cat. Have someone film it for you.
Watch the video and look at what happens in a split second or seconds leading up to fixation...
Leash tension.
Lowering neck.
Straining forward.
Mouth shutting.
Tail tucking or in a high flagging position.

This is ALL information you can use to lessen reactions and prepare an action plan for when you see those tell tale signs.
Reactivity is a beast.
It is complex and very individual....but if you learn all the signs your dog does give you.....you are on your way to making a real and positive change for you and your dog.

All the best on your reactive journey.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.