Gimme 5 Dog Training with Serendipity Sighthounds

11/15/2024

TRIGGER STACKING – WHEN BEHAVIOUR HAPPENS “OUT OF THE BLUE”

We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to go right and one frustrating thing after another happens to us, leaving us feeling wound up, stressed and ready to explode at the next unsuspecting person who dares to ask us something.

This “unsuspecting” person may think we have a serious behaviour problem or need anger management therapy, when the truth is that we’ve just had a really bad day or even a few bad days and don’t usually behave like this at all.

Dogs are no different and a behaviour that seems completely out of character or happens “out of the blue” is often caused by “trigger stacking”.

A trigger may be anything that increases a dog’s stress levels and has a negative impact on their emotional, mental or physical state.

These may be small things that we may not even notice or seem insignificant to us, but they are all adding to an increasing “stack” of events that may culminate in out of character behaviour.

When stress levels reach a certain point, the next stressful event, however small, may cause an explosive reaction that is completely unexpected.

Instead of just focusing on a particular behaviour and seeing it as a problem that needs to be prevented, take a step backwards, look at the bigger picture, look at events, circumstances or environmental factors that may have played a role leading up to that behaviour.

Being aware of potential stressors and allowing your dog time to decompress, relax and unwind for a few days will often mean the difference between “normal behaviour” and a behaviour that seems completely out of character.

11/15/2024

Rest in peace 🐦‍🔥Serendipity’s Rising Phoenix. 🐦‍🔥

One of the hardest parts of breeding is losing one and she was our first loss. We hoped her strong name would pull her through again but it did not. 😓

11/10/2024

Happy puppy

11/06/2024

This is one major reason why breeding giant breeds is so labor intensive. Mama’s paws are as big or bigger than they are!! This means they cannot be alone with her ever until they are big enough to move out of her way. So every 2 hours one of us is there to put her puppies on her to nurse under supervision.

(Not my photo. Not sure who took this perfect picture.)

08/25/2024

Highly recommend this book if you’re trying to get more out of training your Sighthound.

Yes, it’s a book about Schutzhund, which is not typically associated with Sighthounds, however, finding and encouraging drive is universal across all breeds.

Like all advice, there may be parts that don’t fit with your training theory, so don’t use those. There is so much here that you will use, however, as this is a positive training based approach.

For example, short training sessions are best and always leave them wanting more. I know that I have at times kept going when training is going well and my dog is nailing it. This is not necessarily the same as ending on a positive note, although that is important as well. It means that if your hound is excitedly doing the behaviors you are asking for, stop before they lose that energy. Doing this consistently keeps them excited about training and increases their drive.

This is what it looks like with a 21 month old Irish Wolfhound doing an off leash Rally Advanced pattern.

https://youtu.be/tFawe2ldwFU?feature=shared

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05/25/2024

I was chosen to read an advanced copy of this book and read it cover to cover on the plane to Pennsylvania.

A definite must read! Very well written book about setting up puppies for a successful life starting from day one using science-based brain development coupled with experience. Many great ideas for breeders as well as puppy parents who are welcoming a puppy to their home. Should be on everyone's bookshelf!

Celadon Books

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03/20/2024

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03/16/2024

One of today’s projects- All 8 dogs!

03/12/2024

JUST SAY NO!!

Retractable leashes, can pose serious risks to both dogs and their owners. Let’s delve into the dangers associated with these leashes:

Limited Control:
When a dog pulls, the thin cord of a retractable leash unspools, allowing the dog to wander farther ahead. However, this extended range makes it challenging for pet parents to maintain control, especially during stressful situations. Imagine trying to pull your dog away from something while the leash spins out like a fishing reel.

Injury to Hands and Fingers:
The material and thin design of retractable leashes make them difficult to grab. If the leash accidentally wraps around your index finger as your dog pulls forward, it can cut off circulation or even sever your finger, depending on your dog’s strength.

Danger from Unfriendly Dogs:
When your pup is 15 to 20 feet away from you, it’s extremely difficult to pull them back to safety if an unfriendly dog approaches. In those crucial seconds, both dogs could face serious injury if a fight occurs.

Handle Hazards:
The large plastic handle of retractable leashes can make a lot of noise when it hits the ground. This sudden noise might startle your dog, causing them to bolt—especially if they’re noise-sensitive or anxious.

Malfunctioning Locks:
The locks on retractable leashes are not foolproof. If they get stuck at the wrong time (or you forget to lock the leash), you risk endangering your dog or someone else.

While there are rare circumstances where a retractable leash might be useful (such as in open fields without other animals or people around), experts generally regard them as more hazardous than beneficial. It’s essential to prioritize safety and consider alternative leash options that provide better control and minimize risks to your dog and you.

03/11/2024

Looking for some great reads? Check out our recommendations here! Follow us on Benable to see the additions to the list.

Our years of experience and great mentors have filled our shelves with some excellent books about a variety of dog topics. Check this out for your next great read, or two!

03/05/2024

ARE YOU WORTH COMING BACK TO?

I often cringe when I watch people trying to get their dogs to come back when they call.

They call and call and get increasingly angry and frustrated as their dog keeps ignoring them.

When their dog eventually does come back, or has been chased and "captured” by the now really angry person, they get screamed at, yanked about, smacked or punished in some way for taking so long and not listening.

Why on earth would a dog want to return to someone who does this to them!

Genetics may play a big part in this when an environment is far more stimulating and exciting.

Coming back to you is often the last thing a dog may want to do when genetic instinct is triggered.

An exciting scent or seeing something to chase can all override a response to recall.

Genetics aside, the most common reason that dogs don’t come back when called is because it’s not a positive experience.

Make coming back to you worth it by always making it a rewarding experience and keep practicing this throughout a dog’s life.

Have a little patience if it takes longer than you would like, let your dog finish what they’re doing before calling them, practice in different locations and environments and never reprimand or punish them for coming back.

There is never a guarantee of a perfect recall each and every time, but making it a rewarding experience will greatly improve the rate of success.

02/27/2024

MANAGING MULTIPLES
Having multiple dogs is challenging and time consuming.

This picture is of my 4 Schnauzers sleeping contentedly and peacefully together, albeit having their separate beds and space.

Pictures can be deceiving though, and this is certainly not always how it is.

Dogs don’t get to choose their housemates. We expect them to just get along with any other dog we choose to add to our home and are frustrated and stressed when this sometimes isn’t the case.

Just like people sharing a home, dogs certainly don’t always get along – at some time, there will be conflict and sometimes this can become a serious problem.

Different personalities, different needs, energy levels, ages, conflicts over resources, spaces, people, entrances, exits, health issues etc. are just some of the things that can lead to issues.

The importance of learning, recognizing and taking note of body language is so important, especially when caring for multiple dogs.

When we ignore the “whispers” of body language or simply don’t understand or notice, the whispers may soon become shouts or screams and we have missed an opportunity to manage and diffuse a situation.

Over time, sometimes just seeing the other dog becomes the trigger where initially it was only the specific circumstance or situation.

Prevention is always better than trying to “fix” a problem.

Being proactive instead of reactive is so important in managing multiple dogs.

02/21/2024

Have you paid your rent today? 🤔