2 Dog Trail Positive Dog Training

01/22/2025

Perfect snack pairing

12/10/2024

We all know how to pat a dog....right❓ Pat, pat, rub, rub...right on top of the head.
What if they are giving signs they don't like it?
Would that make us stop or would we continue because WE like to pat our dogs?
Yup, we all know how, but do we know the signals shown when dogs are not appreciating it, or when it has gone on too long for their comfort?
So many dogs do not like being patted on the head.
We may have difficulty seeing they are uncomfortable because we are way up there ⬆️sometimes 4-5 feet or more above them, it can be tricky to see the changes in their posture and face....but when we do take notice and appreciate that dogs can consent and even take away that consent, there can be amazing changes.
Some anxious dogs will become LESS anxious.
Some dogs will seek out comfort WHEN they want and need it.
It can give some dogs MORE confidence around people because when someone asks we can say "no thanks, please no pats" or "sure, but not on the head".
If you are in doubt...look at an old video or two, they can be very enlightening.
Yep, this graphic is available abcdogsnz.com

12/08/2024

THE PERILS OF PUNISHMENT

It’s easy to stop or suppress a behaviour by using punishment, force or pain and say that it really works, so why even bother to do it differently?

Punishment based methods may well “fix” the behaviour quickly, are far easier, require far less effort, less knowledge, less education, or even just be based on traditional belief, but these methods come at a great cost - destroying trust, creating insecurity, fear, anxiety, provoking aggression, causing dogs to shut down or feel helpless and prevent dogs from learning an alternative, more acceptable behaviour.

There is so much modern, scientific evidence to support force free, positive reinforcement methods as being the most effective and successful way to modify behaviour.

There is nothing admirable, ethical or intelligent in physically or emotionally forcing any sentient being to comply.

Take the time and make a commitment to understand and learn about positive, force free, science-based methods.

12/08/2024

Dogs, babies and toddlers all need the ability to learn, grow and explore in a safe environment! 🐾 💚 👣

Management is incredibly important to help create this success! ✅

If the child does not have the ability to follow guidelines or regulate their emotions in the moment due to their age or other reasons like being over tired, there needs to be management in place to support success for EVERYONE!

When in doubt about the closeness or proximity of your dog, baby and toddler, space it out!

✏️ Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

12/08/2024

11/27/2024

If you plan on gathering with friends and/or family this week for US Thanksgiving, there are a number of things you can do to keep your dog (and your visitors) safe.

Remember, there is nothing "wrong" with your dog if you need to manage amid all the chaos; that is 100% normal. Many dogs don't do well with large gatherings, changes to their routine and all the tempting food readily available.

Download your copy here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/safe-holiday-gatherings/

And, check out this blog post for more info on how you can implement each of these strategies: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2022/11/14/holiday-gathering-tips/

11/17/2024

In this video I talk about 2 cases in which body language can often be misinterpreted in dogs. Shivering can be caused by fear or excitement, but it could al...

11/15/2024

Looking at current position statements from organizations like AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior), who are the leaders on veterinary care and behavior, they are abundantly clear that the outdated belief of avoiding socialization until vaccines are completed has no place in current standards. This is relevant because in many cases this fear of strangers or a particular group of people, results from lack of socialization during this critical period and can have lifelong impacts into adulthood.