Lydia’s Leash Games Based Training

03/26/2023

01/15/2023

Use coupon code JESSICARAUTH for an 10% off

BRAND NEW PRODUCT - SUBSCRIBE and get 30% off FOR LIFE! Introducing Bug-K9. Ditch the itch, ditch the chemicals! Introducing Bug-K9, our all-in-one immune boosting anti-parasitic that combats fleas and worms in one simple and easy to give formula. 🤩🤩 Something that really doesn’t sit well wi...

01/14/2023

01/01/2023

A wonderful quote from the fantastic Annie Phenix

01/01/2023

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12/22/2022

A simple four ingredient recipe for all of our furry friends out there that is also makes a great paw-stocking stuffer. A yummy blend of pumpkin and peanut butter makes for an enjoyable snack for pups of all ages. Take the day to cook with your pooch! 🐶

Check out the recipe here: https://bit.ly/3BDZalo

08/19/2022

Especially for Veterinary Professionals, Behavet are currently offering a free eBook written by Tom Mitchell which explores male neutering and behaviour. Plus, inside the eBook, you get templates to help you navigate Behaviour consultations and help owners struggling with common behaviour concerns.

07/31/2022

REACTIVITY MISUNDERSTOOD
Reactive dogs are often misunderstood. A dog that is reacting to a situation is not trying to be difficult, they are having a difficult time coping with that particular situation and are trying their best to make the scary thing go away.
Reactivity is generally triggered by the emotion of fear. The fear of whatever is scaring them, a fear of a valuable possession being taken away or a fear of a strange person or animal coming into their territory. Anxiety, stress, over excitement, over stimulation, feeling overwhelmed, trigger stacking, or a dog that is tired, in pain or even has chronic itching will often feel irritable and may be reactive in certain situations. If their reactivity is successful in making the scary thing go away, it becomes a rewarding behaviour because it’s something that works for them and it makes them feel better.
It’s not easy to be the owner of a reactive dog. One of my dogs is reactive and I know first-hand how dogs like this can leave you feeling embarrassed, ashamed, angry or frustrated. Why do they have to be so difficult, why can’t they just behave normally? Everyone is looking at me, judging me, thinking that I’m a bad owner, have no training skills, can’t control my dog or have a vicious dog that shouldn’t be taken out in public.
As hard as it may be, we need to take the focus off how we as owners feel about their reactivity and focus on how our dogs are feeling and what is causing their reaction. Whatever it is, it’s not something our dogs can overcome on their own and we need to take steps to help them cope. Reactive dogs need compassion, understanding, management, force free, positive reinforcement interventions and decompression – (a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity). These techniques take time and patience but are so important in helping our dogs to feel safe and learn more acceptable ways of coping.
I have learnt through many mistakes, to recognise what triggers my reactive dog and take steps to either avoid those situations, provide enough distance, or provide her with an alternative choice where she feels safe and in control of her environment. There will always be unexpected triggers around the next corner that are not within our control, but doing all we can to manage these triggers has immeasurable benefits.