Stonebriar Animal Behavior & Training

09/18/2024

To all of our wonderful followers and clients: I am excited to announce a new phase in my life--semi-retirement! After 30 years of helping pets and their owners, learning and loving each and every one, I will no longer be accepting new clients. I will be here to finish lessons for current clients and to offer support for former clients.

Thank you!

06/06/2024

This:

06/05/2024

Now on to presentation #2: research on developing an ear cleaning protocol for dogs. Really practical stuff!

06/05/2024

We often get questions on the outcomes and side effects of behavioral medications in young dogs. Dr. Sackman presents her study on this. Spoiler alert...pretty effective and minimal side effects, similar to those seen in adult dogs.

06/04/2024

Did you know that the senior research scientist David Mech, whose book into hierarchy in wolf packs created the 'alpha theory' idea, then went on to disprove his own work with a later more naturalistic study? 😮

Although wolves and domestic dogs are worlds apart nowadays, David Mech's original book on captive wolves is still used regularly as evidence for alpha-based and dominance training styles. Touting you need to act like a wolf and an alpha and put your dog in their place so they respect you. However, even if domestic dogs and wolves were closer in how they acted than they are, David Mech went on to do further research and instead found that rather than one domineering 'alpha' wolves actually work as a family group with the parents leading the pack. That doesn't sound that far off our human families really does it? In fact, despite what 'alpha theory' states in regards to an 'alpha' wolf always eating first, in reality wolf parents often feed their youngest, most vulnerable offspring first.

The issue with the first study the book used is it was based on captive wolves and not wild wolves and how they behaved in their natural habitat, once David Mech realised his mistakes he did more research, and with new understanding and data he has since gone on to try and repair the damage his original study has done in how we view wolves, and by extension dogs. This is what scientific study is about, updating with the times and the most up to date information. I give huge props to David Mech for instead of trying to save his ego and stick to what he said in his original work, he has followed the science and admitted the flaws of his original study, bringing new knowledge and research forward.

It is a shame that the original idea is still so prevalent in our cultural knowledge and understanding of wolves, whereas the later study is less well known to the masses. I can only hope that will also change over time by us bringing the more up to date information to the forefront. 🐺

You can check out the study mentioned in the graphic for yourself here: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1343&context=usgsnpwrc

05/21/2024

Always consider the breed NOT their looks.

04/18/2024

What’s the Best Puppy Class for my New Puppy?

We get asked this question quite a bit! People have heard that they must take their puppy to a big group class to ensure that their puppy becomes well-socialized. But they worry that their puppy might get lost in the shuffle in a class full of puppies, or maybe class won’t cover all the things they need for their puppy to learn…so maybe private training would be better?

We have the solution! Our nearly 30 years of training dogs and puppies professionally has led us to one conclusion: your puppy deserves the opportunity to learn at his pace the things which are most important to his future life with you. He also deserves to learn how to cope in our crazy, hectic, modern world. Our Ultimate Puppy Program delivers both!

So, how does it work? Our program teaches new skills and covers important puppy raising topics in 6 private lessons. You’ll meet with our certified instructor every 7-10 days to learn important skills:

• Potty Training
• Mouthing & Nipping
• Enrichment
• Prevention of Separation Anxiety
• Prevention of Resource Guarding
• Socialization—what it is and what it isn’t!
• Polite Greetings
• Walking Politely on Leash
• Coming When Called
• Sit/Down/Stay

Our indoor training studio is safe, fun, and designed for puppies to learn!

While you’re taking your private lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to drop-in to small-size group classes held several convenient times weekly. Each group class allows you to apply the skills you’ve learned in your one-on-one lessons in a small, group environment. We guide you in training and managing your puppy in the real world, with each class covering a new challenge:

• Puppy Manners--Kitchen
• Puppy Manners--Living Room
• Puppy Manners--Vet Office
• Puppy Manners--Out for a Stroll
• Puppy Manners--Grooming
• Puppy Manners--At the Cafe

You and your pup will receive the most complete puppy training curriculum available! Additionally, we offer Puppy Socialization Passports, AKC Star Puppy Testing, and extensive written notes to enhance your learning!

Contact us today to begin your puppy's education!
770-655-3566

Stonebriar Animal Behavior LLC...West Georgia's Training & Behavior Experts!

04/03/2024

Our own little superstar, Hettie, in Carrollton Living magazine this month!

03/01/2024

As a trainer, I can change a lot of things for our dogs. I can teach them things. I can improve their environment. I can make them feel better. But I can’t change their genetics.

Quando capiremo questa realtà?

Sono un cane del 21° secolo.

-Sono un Malinois.
Sovradotato tra i cani, brillo in tutte le discipline e sono sempre pronto a lavorare.
Oggi mi chiedono di rilassarmi sul divano tutto il giorno tutti i giorni.

-Sono un Akita Inu.
I miei antenati sono stati selezionati per la lotta tra cani.
Oggi mi chiedono di essere tollerante e mi si rimprovera la mia reattività quando uno di loro si avvicina a me.

-Sono un Beagle.
Quando inseguivo la mia preda, davo voce, così i cacciatori potevano seguirmi.
Oggi mi si mette un collare elettrico per stare zitto, e vorremmo che tornassi al richiamo con uno schiocco di dita.

-Sono uno Yorkshire Terrier.
Ero un terrificante cacciatore di ratti nelle miniere inglesi.
Oggi si pensa che non sia in grado di usare le mie zampe e mi tengono sempre tra le braccia.

-Sono un Labrador Retriever.
La mia visione della felicità è un tuffo in uno stagno per riportare al mio padrone l'anatra a cui ha sparato.
Oggi ci siamo dimenticati che sono un cane da movimento e grandi corse, sono grasso e devo fare la tata dei bambini.

-Sono un Jack Russel.
Sono in grado di affrontare una volpe un tasso e un ratto più grande di me nella sua tana.
Oggi mi rimproverano per il mio maledetto carattere e vorrebbero trasformarmi in un cane da salotto.

-Sono un Husky Siberiano.
Ho conosciuto i grandi spazi della Russia settentrionale, dove potevo trainare slitte a velocità impressionante.
Oggi ho come solo orizzonte solo le pareti del giardino, e per sola occupazione i buchi che scavo nel terreno.

-Sono un Border Collie.
Sono fatto per lavorare otto ore al giorno, e sono un artista inconfondibile del lavoro con il gregge.
Oggi sono arrabbiati con me perché, per mancanza di pecore, cerco di controllare biciclette, auto, bambini di casa e tutto ciò che è in movimento.

Io sono...
Sono un cane del 21° secolo.
Sono bello, sono allerta, sono ubbidiente, sto in una borsa...
ma sono anche un individuo che ha bisogno di esprimere i propri istinti, e non sono adatto alla vita sedentaria che vorresti farmi condurre.
Passare otto ore al giorno da solo in giardino, vederti un po' la sera quando torni a casa e avere diritto solo a una piccola passeggiata igienica mi renderà profondamente infelice.
Lo esprimerò abbaiando durante tutto il giorno, trasformando il tuo giardino in un campo minato, facendo i miei bisogni dentro casa, essendo ingestibile le rare volte che mi ritroverò fuori e, a volte, passando le mie giornate affondato sul mio cuscino.
Penserai allora che sono felice di poter godere di tutta questa comodità mentre vai a lavorare: in realtà sarò in esaurimento, perché questo male non è appannaggio dell'umano ma anche del cane del 21° secolo.
Se ti piaccio, se mi sogni da sempre, se i miei bellissimi occhi azzurri o il mio look da atleta mi fanno desiderare, ma non puoi regalarmi una vera vita da cani, una vita che vale davvero la pena di essere vissuta, e se non puoi offrirmi il lavoro che i miei geni chiedono, allora rinuncia a me.
Se ti piace il mio aspetto ma non sei disposto ad accettare i miei tratti di carattere derivati da una rigorosa selezione genetica e pensi di poterli cambiare con la tua unica buona volontà, allora rinuncia a me.
Sono un cane del 21° secolo, sì,ma in fondo a me, dorme ancora colui che combatteva, colui che cacciava, colui che tirava slitte, colui che guidava un gregge.
E prima o poi, nel bene o nel male, si sveglierà.
E allora cosa farai?
Mi cederai?
Mi abbandonerai?
O mi sopprimerai?

01/09/2024

Are you ready to stop the new puppy madness? Raise your paws in the air if this sounds like you...

🐾 Your puppy thinks the dining room is his personal, private toilet?
🐾 You need a new coffee table because your current one is suddenly missing a leg?
🐾 Your chiropractor is on speed dial for when your pup pulls your shoulder out of the socket on walks?
🐾 Your friends no longer visit because they get violently mugged when they come over?
🐾 Food disappears off of your plate and your counters without you ever touching it?

So many of my customers come to me with these issues. And I know just how tough it can be. I've had these same problems with my own dogs (a certain German Shepherd named Duncan comes to mind) in the past. I'll save that story for another day!

I don't want the dog lovers and furry friends of the world to have to go through what we did. So if you really are ready to enjoy your pet again, my Ultimate Puppy or Ultimate Family Dog program could be the perfect solution to help you. And here's why...

🐾 We teach house manners--potty training, polite greetings, solutions to begging and food stealing, and how to achieve calm, quiet behavior in the house
🐾 We teach obedience cues--Sit, Down, Stay, Heel, Leave-it, Come, and Drop-it
🐾 We teach management--how to prevent the problem behavior
🐾 We teach enrichment--activities that provide appropriate outlets for problem behaviors.
🐾 We teach YOU the skills to prevent and address unwanted behavior in the future!

You can have a wonderful family pet instead of a nuisance you sometimes dread waking up to with our professional support.

Click here to book your Discovery Call and let's do this together. 💖

https://conta.cc/3ODw7D9

01/08/2024

I've had a few new followers recently so thought I'd re-introduce myself. 👋

I'm Monique Williams, a certified trainer and behavior consultant. I help families overcome rowdy, obnoxious dog and puppy behavior to achieve the ultimate family dog.

I work with dog and puppy owners to support them in:

Puppy & Adult Dog Training
Behavior Consulting for Fear, Aggression, & Separation Anxiety
Training for Competitive Dog Sports

Over the years, my personal dogs have come along for the ride too--showing in Conformation, Obedience, Rally-o, Lure Coursing, and Herding. Our current dogs, Arya the Malinois and Duncan the German Shepherd, are my business sidekicks and are the ones that come up with all the good ideas! 🐶

Helping my customers create well-trained, happy, confident dogs has been immensely rewarding to me. Pets have been a big part of my life. Nothing brings me greater joy than to see others live happily alongside their family pets. 💕

And as we hit our 28th year in business, we've supported our clients to achieve that vision of life they want with their pets. I'm always excited to meet new dog parents in my circle. So don't be shy! Share a pic and a little something about you and your dog in the comments below... 👇

12/14/2023

It’s sadly very true…

12/14/2023

12/08/2023

07/10/2023

Whatcha doing with your Monday morning?

07/01/2023

Maybe you’ve heard people say you have to correct your dog’s “state of mind” or “intention” before they display reactive behaviours like lunging, barking, growling, snapping, etc.

First, we have to question what “state of mind” or “intention” even means. So often, what the people who recommend correcting, punishing, being “firm” with the dog’s “state of mind” or “intention” mean is punishing away the lower level stress behaviours before lunging, barking, growling, snapping, etc. starts.

Their argument is that you’re correcting them before their “explosive reactivity”, that you’re “controlling their arousal”, “interrupting their excited mindset”, or (insert any vague label and representation of behaviour here).

However, this is incredibly DANGEROUS advice.

The behaviours people are saying labelling as the “intention” or “state of mind” before “explosive reactivity” are often lower level stress and frustration signals.

They can include:
- Stiff body language
- Ears forward
- High tail position (sometimes with fast wagging)
- Hard eyes
- Lip licking
- and more.

It’s great if you already notice these behaviours. However, instead of punishing our dogs for these important, informative behaviours, we need to listen to them, help them create more distance away from the trigger, and reinforce them.

Punishing away lower level stress signals means our dog would be more likely to escalate to more reactive behaviours like lunging, barking, growling, snapping, etc. more quickly because that ends up being the only way they can be heard since lower level stress signals leads to further pain, discomfort, or intimidation.

On top of that, punishing our dog when they are displaying lower level stress signals around a trigger can create further negative associations around that trigger, leading them to become more stressed around that trigger. They could therefore escalate to more aggressive and reactive behaviours more quickly to increase distance away from the trigger.

It’s so important to refrain from punishment with dogs that display reactive/aggressive behaviours as the fallout can be detrimental.

Our dogs do not need corrections, they need to feel safe and be heard.

ID: The background picture is of a fluffy tan dog with pointy ears appearing to be running and barking towards the camera. The text says “You’re not correcting your dog’s ‘state of mind’, you’re punishing away their important lower level stress signals.”

06/28/2023

Many of us dread the upcoming 4th of July Celebrations. We know that the fireworks can be torture for the veterans we love and the animals we care for.

I'm pleased to offer a fantastic resource for my clients with noise-phobic pets--Fear-Free Pets is offering a free 90 minute webinar this Saturday to help you understand the science behind noise-phobic behavior and to help you prepare your pet for fireworks, as well as tips to help your pet recover.

Here's the link to register!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/expert-tips-music-to-help-your-pet-stay-calm-during-fireworks-tickets-664603816907?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_content=Join+Us+Live%3A+Expert+Tips+and+Music+to+Help+Pets+Stay+Calm+During+Fireworks&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_campaign=20230628_Concert_Trainers

Radar (in his patriotic best) hopes you will attend!

02/16/2023

🐶 Looking for the best puppy class in town?🐶

We are thrilled to introduce our new Open Enrollment Puppy Prodigy Class!

🐶 What Does Open Enrollment Mean for my dog and I? 🐶

It means no more waiting for a training class to start! Waiting for classes to start may mean missing critical socialization stages. Your puppy can start anytime from 9 weeks to 14 weeks.

Our open enrollment classes feature a professionally designed curriculum which allows you to join class when you and your pup are ready! Each class is a stand alone session focusing on REAL LIFE SKILLS that will make living with your pup a joy!

Learn the skills your pet needs to succeed!

Your Puppy Prodigy Package Includes:

🐶 Orientation: How Dogs Learn; Bite Inhibition; Socialization; House & Confinement Training; Crate Training: Chew Training; Exercise & Mental Stimulation; Say Please Policy; Preparing for Class.
🐶 The Living Room
🐶 The Kitchen
🐶 The Vet
🐶 Outside Strolls
🐶 The Groomer
🐶 The Cafe

And more! Operation Socialization Puppy Passports, AKC Star Puppy testing, door signs for your puppy-in-training, first day of class photos, and graduation photos.

Please call or message us for more information on orientation dates and getting started, 770-655-3566.

02/16/2023

🐶 Open Enrollment Clever Canine Class! 🐶

We are thrilled to introduce our new Open Enrollment Clever Canine Class!

🐶 What Does Open Enrollment Mean for my dog and I? 🐶

It means no more waiting for a training class to start! Our open enrollment classes feature a professionally designed curriculum which allows you to join class when you and your pooch are ready! Each class is a stand alone session focusing on REAL LIFE SKILLS that will make living with your pooch a joy!

Learn the skills your pet needs to succeed!

Your Clever Canine Package Includes:

🐶 Orientation: How Dogs Learn; Clicker Training; House & Confinement Training; Exercise & Mental Stimulation; Say Please Policy; Preparing for Class
🐶 Meet & Greets
🐶 The Home Office
🐶 The Neighborhood Walk
🐶 Company for Coffee
🐶 The Trip to the Park
🐶 Dinner Time

Please call or message us for more information on orientation dates and getting started, 770-655-3566.

01/13/2023

Fact or fiction ?

The idea of the Alpha mare/stallion and asserting dominance is the pillar of some training ideologies. But does this hold any water ?

"Feral horses have no dominance hierarchies within bands, nor any need for them.The alpha leader mare is a myth. No single character initiates or leads marches or changes of activity. What provokes others to follow is determined, purposeful leaving. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that horses have a concept of authority. It is an entirely human concept" - Lucy Rees

Most of the social interactions within a herd is friendly and based on unity, it is a network of bonds based on family relationships and friendship. Expressing aggression is very rare and limited to specific instances including in**st avoidance and the rejection of inappropriate courtship.

Because of the widespread misconception of what "dominance" means, we should refrain from using it when working with out horses.
"The confusion between dominance, aggression and authority has occasioned more illtreatment of horses, to the point of sending them to slaughter, and more injury to people, than any other single point in equestrianism" - Lucy Rees

Resource:
Horses in company by Lucy Rees

01/12/2023

🐶 Barking uncontrollably in the back yard.

🐶 Lunging at people and dogs while walking through the neighborhood.

🐶 Escaping the yard, digging up prized gardens, leaving unwelcome gifts on the neighbor's lawn.

🐶 Chasing the neighborhood children, cats, and the Amazon Prime driver...

Our certified trainer and behavior consultant has solutions to these annoying and embarrassing behaviors! To learn more, we invite you to give us a ring at 770-655-3566!

01/11/2023

Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month? This month, we would like to highlight results from the Wakefield Research Dog Ownership in America survey. Are you in that 1/3 of Americans who lives near a dog who never stops barking? Or are you the frustrated and embarrassed owner of that dog? We can help you! Book a free Discovery Call today to learn more!

https://conta.cc/3ODw7D9