Happy Training

14/07/2025

I am doing a deep dive into prong collars!! Why? To better educate myself on the history as well as proper use of this tool. How do they work? Is it painful? Is it as scary as it looks or is this possibly a safer tool then a regular collar? I will be unpacking all I have gathered shortly. We can only grow as people if we open our minds to learning. It is then, that we can decide what course of action we want to take.

13/07/2025

If only we could live like a dog, every day is a gift.

13/07/2025

They are confused.
Many may feel vulnerable and their body language can give mixed messages that we may misread.
Those first few days can help shape everything .
Whether it's a new puppy or an older dog joining your family....there's a lot of information to take in.
It can be overwhelming.

Accidents on the carpet?➡️Completely normal when you are both adjusting to signals each other gives.

Changing foods?➡️As much as you may dislike the food they came with...their system is already under a bit of stress.
Changing now can add to those accidents in your lounge, hall.....or those sneaky "presents" you'll discover behind the couch.
Wait a week or two then slowly transition.
This gives their body more time to adjust and settle.

Go slow.
Breathe.
Give some space when needed.
Take care of yourself....it's a big change for you and your family too.

Settling takes time and patience but the confidence it builds?
So worth it !

13/07/2025

Your legs.
Their friends.
Even your best cushion! 🫠
Where do you even start with this?
Well...it all depends why and when this behaviour is shown.
Some dogs do this when they just don't know what else to do!
Others may be looking for attention....either from us or a dog they want to interact with.

It might look "embarrassing" but it is natural and a way for dogs to release some energy, regulate their stress or they can even do this because they are so frustrated.
Some just don't know what on earth to do in a social situation and suddenly show this behaviour.

Look a bit deeper as to why this could be happening.
That is always key ...so an appropriate solution can be found.

It is natural.
It's normal.

It just may not always be appropriate.

11/07/2025

Someone got upgraded to a large harness today!! He is just over 6 months old.

11/07/2025

This is so cool!

This Predatory Motor Patterns infographic is in my book and I've received several requests to make this chart available as a download/poster.

NOTES here: https://doggiedrawings.net/blogs/whats-new/new-free-download-predatory-motor-patterns

DOWNLOAD for free here: https://doggiedrawings.net/products/predatory-motor-patterns

Edit to add: What was the [breed] traditionally bred to do? Buy my book :) http://doggiedrawings.net/pages/dogs-of-the-world-book

10/07/2025

Tricks 1 Class starts this Saturday the 12th at 1:00! Sign up at happytrainingwithashley.com

10/07/2025

happytrainingwithashley.com