Affinity Dog Behavior & Training

01/26/2025

When we welcome dogs into our lives, we often treat them as part of the family, showering them with affection and cuddles. However, what many of us don't realise is that our well-intentioned hugs might not be as comforting to our canine friends as we think. This blog explores the importance of understanding and respecting a dog's body language and space, and why consent should be a crucial part of our interactions with them.

https://www.nicemembership.com/post/dogs-and-consent-understanding-boundaries-for-canine-interactions

01/23/2025

In the complex world of dog behaviour, education stands as a critical need for dog trainers. It is not merely a certification or a piece of paper that vouches for skills. Rather, education in dog behaviour is rooted in tried and tested methods, comprehensive studies, and tangible facts. So, when you're looking for someone to work with your dog, it's imperative to choose those with the right foundation. Here's why.

https://www.nicemembership.com/post/professional-dog-training-why-education-isn-t-optional

01/17/2025

Even Family Dog Mediators and trainers need help at times. I’ve been taking my dogs to a groomer (who is also my friend) and doing happy visits for a few months now. She’s helped me with a plan for how to go about the process. One of my dogs had several visits before any nails could be cut. We’ve recently graduated to doing one foot each visit.

Does it cost money?
Yes!
Is it taking some time to get my dogs used to the facility and the groomer?
Yes!
Would I rather do it this way and go slow so my dogs can opt out if they need to?
YES!

I admit the reports for my dogs have surprised me, though I had zero expectations. I’ve been thrilled about the process and the progress, no matter how small.

We can do it right for everyone’s welfare and emotional state. I am so thankful for my friend and her patience with my dogs. And today I am so proud of my two girls, Vox and Jade. They are worth the time and the money!

I can help with a plan for all sorts of things, from prepping for vet visits, grooming visits, boarding and more!

Affinitydogbt.com

01/17/2025

Studies show that yelling at dogs is emotionally damaging.

https://www.sciencealert.com/your-dog-is-a-precious-angel-and-you-should-never-yell-at-her

01/13/2025

2025 is an exciting year!

We will be closed from Monday, February 17
to Wednesday, March 12 as we travel to
India for a field study of the free-living dogs, World Dogs (or "Streeties").

After living with Village Dogs for nearly a decade,
studying various animal behavior courses in applied ethology and free living dogs in areas of the world like Bali, Mexico and India, this is an essential part of our education to help us better understand dogs. More understanding the World Dogs can help us better understand our pet dogs. This will be such an invaluable trip!

Stay tuned for more news in the coming months!

Pictured below: stock photo of India's Streeties.

01/12/2025

01/11/2025

We had a great session today with my friend, Louie.
Louie was in my Fearful Dog group class and now we are doing in-home sessions. He has been making progress in situations where he feels frustrated or conflicted, buding communication and confidence around things that make him feel nervous and unsafe. Today he did a version of Free Work, and some fun things near the vacuum cleaner, including asking for pets! This was really special for me as I normally don’t or can’t touch the dogs I work with. It is a good day.

01/08/2025

How do you know when your dogs are hungry? Do they show certain behaviors?

Mine normally chew bones or tear stuff up and you can tell they are happy. These two are patiently awaiting dinner while chewing side by side.

01/06/2025

As a licensed Family Dog Mediator and IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer, I can help with your planning before you bring your new dog home, what breed may be right for you, how to set up for your new dog, and a lot more! It’s never to early to have a consultation and set yourself and dog up for success!

Affinitydogbt.com

01/05/2025

Lily Opal knows what the lump is but I checked anyhow.

01/05/2025

Thank you for your lifetime of kindness and good work.

Karen Pryor’s passing marks the end of an era for those of us whose lives were deeply touched by her wisdom, innovation, and compassion. Personally, I cannot express enough gratitude for the countless ways she has inspired and influenced my journey.

Karen’s work went far beyond animal training; it was about forging understanding, trust, and a genuine connection with all living beings. Through her groundbreaking methods and writings, she opened doors to a world of possibility, where kindness and positive reinforcement became the foundation for communication—not just with animals, but with people as well.

Her book Don’t Shoot the Dog wasn’t just a manual; it was a revelation. It taught me—and so many others—that patience and understanding are the keys to meaningful relationships. Her passion for making the world a better, more compassionate place resonates in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of learning from her.

Karen’s legacy is one of empathy, innovation, and unwavering dedication. She has left us a roadmap for treating all creatures, great and small, with dignity and respect. For that, and so much more, I will always hold her memory close to my heart.

Thank you, Karen, for everything. You will be dearly missed, but your light will continue to guide us forward.

With love,

Jo and the ISCP Team x

01/05/2025

The journey and the results are better without using painful tools to train! Choose humane.

Electric collars rely on pain or fear to suppress unwanted behaviours. They deliver an electric stimulus that is intentionally unpleasant to deter the dog from repeating the behaviour. For the dog to associate the discomfort with their actions, the sensation must be sufficiently aversive to create a negative emotional response, such as fear, anxiety, or pain. Without this emotional impact, the dog is unlikely to alter their behaviour, as there would be no motivation to avoid the stimulus.

12/31/2024

Cheers to a new year! Have a wonderful land safe holiday.
2025 will be bringing big changes. Stay tuned for posts coming soon!

12/30/2024

We often hear the phrases ‘small dog syndrome’ or ‘he thinks he’s bigger than he is’.
The truth is smaller dogs can get louder because they need to shout to be heard. Because they get it rough.

They get manhandled, laughed at and lifted from their feet without warning. The smallest often have the littlest control over their lives. These dogs are very aware of their size and that’s why they need to make sure they are heard.

12/29/2024

12/27/2024

Keep it as loose as you can and don’t pull. Step Up or do the leash maneuver to remove your dog from the situation. Space and time is best.

Their excitement is often the ONLY reason we want them to meet another dog.
They can drag us (often at speed), towards another dog they want to meet.
Even with the happiest/friendliest dog that pulls towards another dog....things can change in an instant once they actually meet.💥
Sometimes the over excitement of seeing another dog means they haven't assessed the situation and often we haven't assessed the situation either, we just want to make them happy!
Face to face, tight leads and over excitement when meeting another dog can and does lead to very big issues.
Take the time to assess.
Take the time to teach your dog how to meet dogs in a way many dogs appreciate!