Andrew Saltsgaver - Dog Training & Pet Care

10/12/2024

10/03/2024

(Sorry for the typo, I can't edit the image once posted!)

09/29/2024

I tend not to get caught up in the world of dog training any more. I was a dog trainer for many years and now I'm way more interested in dog wellness and welfare. That said, I do know that dog guardians need results sometimes. I also know that when a dog's needs are met, training isn't a difficult task - especially when we work on our own skills with the intention of learning to really communicate with dogs, to the point that we understand each other better.

Here's how you do it: https://amzn.to/4gDF2mb

09/27/2024

This is so important.

I just saw an interesting post by another trainer about the 3 x 3 x 3 "rule".🤔
In the post it was mentioned to not delay training because of an arbitrary rule.
Which I absolutely agree with....sort of.
When I made this graphic I specifically didn't put in those numbers, because I have met too many people/clients that take everything exactly as written and EVERY dog has a different timeline and some dogs are incredibly resilient.

There are always exceptions to a general "rule".
Always.

So limiting a dogs world when they are ready and are able to handle it can cause exactly the issues you may have been trying to avoid by keeping their world small.
These general rules really do still apply but some people do take things written very, VERY seriously (social media ring a bell? 🛎️).

So do or don't delay training....it depends on your new dog.
Keep their world small if they aren't coping in a brand new environment and then slowly expand it when they TELL you they are able to handle it.
Should you challenge a dog to build resilience ? 100% yes.
However there are those very fine lines and we can push them too far.

General "rules" are great.....but yes, there are always exceptions.✅

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
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Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
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09/26/2024

Processing time IS important ⚠️✅
As a society we expect instant results from everything, including our dogs.
Give them time ‼️
It can take a few seconds for them to process what we actually want...but before we have given them time, we have repeated what we want again....and again, and again.
Which requires MORE processing time or it can just cause a puddle of confusion for our dogs.
We think they're not snappy enough.
We think they aren't listening.
We think they are just "disobedient".....but what are they thinking ?

Have we given them time to process before repeating over and over again.
Slow down and give them time.
No one likes being nagged.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

09/26/2024

Same and it’s exhausting.
And unfortunately we think it can be solved in two or three lessons but that’s not how it works.

HUMAN DIRECTED AGGRESSION AND THE USE OF AVERSIVES

I’ve had several dogs come to me in the last year who have aggression issues around people that either started or became much worse after they’d had aversive training. By aversives we mean the use of slip lead corrections, body jabs, rattle cans, prong and Ecollars etc. Some dogs went for general loose lead/recall/obedience training but became so scared after the use of aversives that they are now lunging at or even biting people who approach them or try to handle them. Some were already worried about people (growling or barking etc) and are now lunging or attempting to bite people. Some have bitten their owners since this training.

These dogs didn’t have these issues beforehand and they’ve become so scared of what people may do to them now that they are showing aggression. Some of them are now misinterpreting normal human interactions with them and see people as a threat to their safety and are using aggression to try and keep people away. By normal human interactions I mean people taking collars and leads off, reaching out to touch them, walking past then when they are resting etc. These dogs are traumatised by what’s happened to them, there is no other way of describing it.

I used to see dogs like this (who’ve shown aggression after aversive training) once or twice a year and now it’s something I see several times a month and it’s really concerning. There are some really unskilled trainers out there using aversives which is extremely worrying; if an unskilled trainer gets it wrong using reward the worse that happens is the dog gets fat, if you are an unskilled trainer using a shock collar there’s a huge risk of fallout.

Aversives are sold as a ‘quick fix’ they make dogs stop behaviours that people don’t like (running off/barking/stealing things) but there is always a huge risk of a fall out. It’s no surprise really that doing or using something that causes fear or pain may make an anxious dog worse.

None of this is the owners fault either, all have incredibly kind and loving families who weren’t aware these methods would be used or who didn’t realise the implications. They’ve done nothing wrong and are now left to try and repair the damage that’s been done. I feel so sad for the lovely families and their dogs as they’ve been really let down.

There’s no quick fixes to changing emotions, it takes time and patience and who often we are trying to rebuild confidence that’s been lost and help dogs recover from previous trauma (of all sorts). There’s a huge risk with quick fixes and it’s like playing roulette- you may have an incredibly robust dog and get ‘lucky’ and have no negative consequences from using aversives but it may break another dog and leave you with a terrible fall out. Just not worth the risk when we have alternatives

Laura McAuliffe, 2024, Dog Communication

09/20/2024

Jumping❓
Barking💥
and just can't stop ‼️
I think every dog trainer out there knows this works.✅
We have just uploaded a video on how to start this process, as even though it sounds easy, there are real mistakes people make.

The link is in the comments 🙂

09/18/2024

‼️ Insisting a dog must stay in a sit when a trigger is too close WILL NOT help your reactive dog...‼️ If your dog wants to naturally sit when faced with a trigger (at a distance they feel comfortable at) it is their choice.✅
Many people INSIST on a sit when doing desensitisation work, and for a fear reactive dog, not only can they not leave because of the leash...but now there is insistence a dog should sit and "face their fear".
Choice is everything for reactive dogs.
Freedom of movement is also a huge consideration with many reactive dogs.
Insisting on a certain position in the face of a trigger can halt progress with reactive dogs.

If they are happy to sit...great.
If they are happier standing....great.

If you have been at a standstill, consider their positioning and change it in a way they feel more comfortable.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

09/13/2024

I’ve also got this goofy little fella with me for the month of September! Hims a sweetie too!

(Henry)!

He is wonderful; Henry is the son of the organizer and founder of the Bluegrass Pug Rescue! They do amazing work, check them out! 🐾🐾

09/13/2024

I get to hang out with these two beauties for a bit!!
Thank goodness they don’t chase and get sprayed by skunks. (Like my beautiful child lol) 🙄🥰

(George)!
(Piper)!

Piper & George are big lovable cuddle bugs and amazing guard doggos! 🐾🐾

09/13/2024

Fear is really misread by us.🤔 It is SO easy to dismiss because it sometimes doesn't look like fear.
Everyone may know fear can be shown by a dog shaking or barking...but what about when they jump up at a visitor ❓ When they start to leap about "excitedly" ❓.
It is never as simple as we think.
There is a video linked in the comments which covers these 4 fear responses and looks at them in more detail and with real examples too.

Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics

09/09/2024

This!

News flash!

If your dog is barking and / lunging at other dogs when you’re out for a walk they’re NOT being protective……..
If they won’t let other people or animals near you in your home they’re NOT being protective.

I know we want to believe they are protecting us but they’re not.

Those dogs are living in a blend of fear and frustration and need help from a qualified and experienced behaviour professional sooner rather than later.

09/08/2024

Life with a dog is all about the relationship you build. If your training methods harm that connection, you're missing the point. Using rewards and positive reinforcement strengthens trust and deepens your bond. Training should be about understanding and communication rather than control.