Renaissance Hound

08/17/2024

Truth!

Benefits of Force-Free Dog Training:
"Without the fear of punishment, dogs are less likely to develop aggressive or fear-based behaviors to defend themselves." - Kim Silver, owner and head trainer at Building Bonds
Read more:
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/pet-owners/pets-and-their-people/pets-and-their-people-blog/benefits-of-force-free-dog-training/

08/15/2024

https://www.mosselbayadvertiser.com/News/Article/LifeStyle/dog-dominance-theory-a-debunked-myth-202408140251

LIFETYLE NEWS - In 1947, Rudolph Schenkel,...

07/17/2024

So true…

When we punish dogs for growling, even if they're growling at our child, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving us warning signs and "bites out of the blue."
And, that's how we create dangerous dogs. I'd much rather have a dog growl and tell me they're upset (so we have a chance to intervene and help them) than a dog who just bites without any warning signs.

06/03/2024

Be a Dog Detective – Walk Away From a Dog Who Has Food
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resource/be-a-dog-detective-walk-away-from-a-dog-who-has-food/

06/03/2024

Did you know…?

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

10/20/2021

Children who grow up with a dog have reduced loneliness, decreased anxiety, higher self esteem and stronger immune systems*

For kids directly involved in their pet’s training - like Brody with collie Finn here - the benefits from these lessons are exponential;

📚Empathy
📚Responsibility
📚Patience
📚Respect

Not to mention improved physical/mental health and lower stress levels, for both human and canine.

Beyond this data, I see immeasurable compassion, connection and unconditional love between a boy and his dog.

Brody & Finn. Priceless. What a pair.

🐾🏆👣

*Paediatric Research Journal, 2020

10/20/2021

Hello Friends! So…. Smilla & Bucky have some pretty exciting news to share!! After a great first chapter of Renaissance Hound in the Pound Ridge area, we’d like to say a HUGE thanks to all our clients in on the east side of the Hudson and announce that Renaissance Hound has relocated to Cornwall on Hudson, on the west side of the river. We’re hugely grateful to have had the chance to meet and work with all the Westchester and Connecticut Hounds and are equally excited to get to meet lots of new friends and students on this side of the river.

To our existing clients, always know that we’re just a phone call away and would be delighted to hear from you! To our new family here in Cornwall, we look forward to working with you all!

Happy Howls from the Renaissance Hound! Picture features Smilla & Bucky in their new surroundings - in Donahue Park in Cornwall on Hudson.

06/08/2021

Oh, be still my heart!! Meet new Renaissance Student Scout. Scout is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and as cute as they come!! 😍😍 And she’s picking up life skills with rocket speed! Welcome to the Renaissance Family, Scout!

03/08/2021

Does it get any cuter??!! 😍😍 Young Tato is working on her recall skills and polite greetings... Trying very hard to sit still for the camera. Big brother Angus joins the fun of course!!

A rock solid recall is an incredibly valuable skill adding safety and opportunities for fun, off-leash exploration. Particularly valuable during the warm season when lots of fun-filled outdoor adventures pop up for dogs and their humans.

Does your dog come every time you call?

02/12/2021

In case you ever wondered what a Straight-A student looks like... (drumroll!!!) we give you 15-wo Bernedoodle puppy Moose!! 👍😊❤️

Moose has been a Renaissance Hound student since he was only about 9 weeks, and is making outstanding progress. As a Standard Bernedoodle puppy, he's likely to weigh in at a solid 80 lbs. Since he has a rather tiny human brother and and even tinier older doggie sister, we've been working hard on teaching impulse control, reinforcing calm appropriate behaviors and installing a well-rounded set of skills, manners and fun little tricks to entertain family and guests.

Below, you can see Moose (1) Staying politely for a treat handled to him by his human brother, (2) waiting for his turn next to sister Michi, (3) rocking his Sit, and (4) love-assaulting his force-free trainer. ❤️😊

Nice work, Moose, and human family!! 👏👏👏

01/24/2021

Meet two of our most distinguished Pound Ridge canine citizens and twins from a different mother - Silver Fox and Gray Panther, Odie and Michi, both coming in at 10 years young and equally dashing! Odie is a Whoodle weighing in at an estimated 60 lbs, and Michi a Schnoodle at a mere estimated 6lbs. While they have never met, both are very eager learners, getting more comfortable with strange dogs and a new puppy sibling, respectively. So much fun to get to know mature dogs and help them build new associations and skills! 🥰🥰

Many dog owners think that only puppies and young dogs benefit from training, but older dogs often are thrilled to get a shot at some further education. Renaissance Hound would love to hear from you and your mature canine!

01/21/2021

Serious cuteness alert!! 😀 Lately, I've had the huge pleasure to work with these absolutely scrumptious little guys - Java & Lava. 😍 Java & Lava are Bernedoodles, just shy of 4 months old, who are litter mates living with with two different families who are friends. Java & Lava have both been working hard on their manners and life skills. They are rapidly becoming true little Renaissance Hounds, who rock their puppy ABCs and can safely enjoy various off-leash romps together. Such a delight to work with! Happy trails for now, Java & Lava!! I hope to see you both soon!