Affinity Dog Behavior & Training

09/04/2024

After a very stressful vet visit yesterday, where I had to help restrain her for the sedative for X-rays, I am working on simple Relationship Building things with my dog. She is weary of me today, doesn’t want to take her normal morning treat from my hand or want me reaching for her.
I want to be the person my dog can trust. I focus on connection, communication, creating confidence, regulating emotions and building trust. Here’s an example of some of what we do.

09/04/2024

08/30/2024

Reminder- we are closed Sunday, Sept. 1- Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day (U.S. holiday).
Have a great weekend!

08/28/2024

If you haven’t seen this yet… please do watch it. I’m so proud to be a licensed and certified Family Dog Mediator.

Applied Ethologist and Dog Behavior Specialist, Kim Brophey, analyzes the issues with the pet industry and outlines a new dog training program that values a ...

08/26/2024

Happy international dog day! These two dogs from South Korea changed my life forever. In short, I learned more about what I never knew about dogs, real canine behavior, Village Dogs, fear and trauma. I owe my entire career and education to them.
Jade and Lily Opal 💜

08/26/2024

Did you know: Enrichment is only needed for domesticated and captive animals?

It goes in the place of meeting natural needs.

Enriching our dog's lives doesn't have to cost the earth It doesn't have to cost anything much at all. It just has to be safe and interesting.

08/23/2024

She is helping me work.

08/21/2024

We can help even if you are in the stage of thinking of getting a new dog.

https://www.affinitydogbt.com

08/20/2024

I am proud to be in this community of people who seek to understand the why.

We posed the question, "What is Family Dog Mediation?" to our FDMs a while back. We loved the way everyone took their own approach to what being an FDM means to them, but within all the answers, we saw so many similar themes. Our very first FDM, D Davis put this together so beautifully that we had to share!

08/19/2024

What was your dog bred to do? How does your dog live life with you?
Here’s an example of Cattle dogs.

08/15/2024

“What kind of harness should I use?”
A Y shaped harness is recommended. It fits vertical down the dog’s chest. Some examples are Balance Harness, Ruff Wear, or Rabbitgoo (photos below taken from Amazon.com). Acclimating your dog to the new harness is important.

08/15/2024

Is your pet’s microchip up to date?
Also, are your dogs tags and licenses up to date with the correct information?

Statistics show that one in three pets will become lost at some point during their lives, but cats and dogs with registered microchips are much more likely to experience a happy reunion with their loving families.

08/13/2024

If you’ve contacted me through the website I have responded.
Please check your spam folder if you don’t see the reply. Thanks!

08/08/2024

Reminder: we are closed Friday, August 9- Sunday, August 11.

Have a great weekend!

08/05/2024

Many products and practices are labeled as "humane" to appeal to compassionate consumers.

However, this is often a case of welfare-washing.

Welfare-washing is a deceptive marketing strategy where companies and individuals claim their products or practices are humane, prioritizing animal welfare.

In reality, the claims are simply a marketing ploy - or an individual's lack of understanding of what defines welfare.

For example, terms like "cage-free" or "free-range" can be misleading, suggesting idyllic conditions that aren't always rooted in high welfare standards for chickens.

It sounds nice, but the criteria are only marginally better than caged hens.

Slip leashes, prong collars, and e-collars are often stated to be humane and associated incorrectly with welfare.

High welfare means animals have control over their own lives, allowing them to express natural behaviors, feel safe, and have positive experiences, thereby promoting a good quality of life.

It's crucial to critically evaluate claims made that will impact our dog's mental health.

But how?

Humane treatment should mean comfort, joy, and freedom from fear and pain for animals.

We must look beyond the marketing and question if the practices genuinely benefit the animals or merely serve our needs.

A key indicator is speed and time.

If something simplistically changed behavior quickly (ie: a bark collar that stops your dog barking instantly) that usually follows the saying it might be "too good to be true."

By adopting a critical mindset, we can challenge welfare-washing and advocate for true humane treatment that prioritizes the needs and well-being of all animals - us included.

A great place to start is with the question "Would I want what I am seeing/doing done to me?"

The focus needs to be taken away from the outcome and be put more on the intentions behind the methods being used.

08/05/2024

I’ve finished the Animal Emotions course by Karolina Westlund and now I’m on to watching The High Prey Drive Club by Tracey McLennan.
I’ll have even more to add in to my classes and lessons. Education never ends and I enjoy being a student.

08/05/2024

Most dogs don’t get to choose who they live with and who cares for them. Please be kind & respect natural dog behavior. Having a dog is a lifelong commitment and partnership.

08/03/2024

There are many benefits to teaching relaxation on the mat. She was not asked for a down here. This is her choice to do this.
Affinitydogbt.com

08/02/2024

Thank you for your support for the last 5 years!
We are excited to share even more knowledge and canine information with you in the years to come!

08/01/2024

From my client and friend
Megan’s Muse Art

Yes, I need a Chow Chow one day again! 💜

08/01/2024

I borrowed this from a friend’s page. I need to get some of these! I teach what works and seems easier for the dog’s learning (L). 😊

07/28/2024

"There may be a number of reasons why dogs display behaviours that have in the past been put down to an attempt to assert dominance over other dogs and humans. Fear, pain, illness or resource guarding (often from having items taken away from them in an attempt to prove that mythical ‘alpha’ status) can result in aggressive displays. It is perhaps most often due to a misunderstanding, of not understanding the causes of canine behaviour, of not understanding canine body language, and of not understanding that our dogs really are not trying to be the bosses of us."

Read the full article here: https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/why-your-dog-is-not-trying-to-dominate-you