Your Paws and Me

08/07/2024

Facts! I'm 39! It can end anytime now… what's normal? 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

What next?

08/07/2024

Want to know a secret🤫
This isn't just for puppies either.✅
Puppies need careful and controlled exposure to EVERYTHING we encounter in our daily life.
I know it can be so tempting to reduce their world for fear of exposure to pathogens but I really do encourage everyone to get out there, but carefully.
There are lots of ways we can encourage safe and early socialisation and acclimation (another graphic in comments about this).
As tempting as it is to seclude and limit their life to just your house or yard, it can create some serious behavioural issues.
If you do have a new puppy, this graphic is a great way to help them make a positive association with the world and all it offers.
You can do this, but carefully 🙂

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
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 or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

08/06/2024

Working with dogs or in some sort of dog-related industry is a dream come true for many people. Unfortunately, an incredibly small percentage of those people take the time to learn about the dogs they love and work with. Instead, they rely on exposure to dogs as their expertise.

If you work or volunteer in a dog-related business, you should have a basic understanding of the following:

1. BODY LANGUAGE. If your description of body language is limited to dominant or submissive (or calm-assertive and the like), it's time to learn more about body language. Here’s a DVD I consider required viewing:

https://amzn.to/2vciSSS

Without it, you could be missing the signs that tell you a dog is frustrated instead of stubborn, afraid instead of dominant, or dangerously close to biting instead of “fine.”

2. HOW DOGS LEARN. I don’t care what methodology you subscribe to or what equipment you use, you damn well better understand the science behind what you're doing. This includes both classical (learning by association – affecting emotions) and operant conditioning (learning via consequences – affecting behaviors), which are in effect regardless of the method.

https://amzn.to/2OFMRKT

http://www.scienceofconsequences.com/

3. STRESS AND LEARNING. If you think a dog is dominant and not food-motivated because he “doesn’t listen,” and ignores a treat waved under his nose when encountering other dogs on walks, you need more information on how stress affects concentration and learning.

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-to-tell-when-your-dog-is-stressed

4. CHANGING BEHAVIOR. It doesn't take any knowledge or skill to drag a dog across a linoleum floor, but if you believe that a dog “gets used to” something by being exposed to or immersed in it, now is the time to learn what desensitization and counter-conditioning actually are.

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/introduction-to-desensitization-and-counterconditioning/131

5. How HEALTH affects behavior. Because sometimes a dog's refusal to sit or lie down is not defiance, but pain. And pain and discomfort increase stress. You don't have to be able to diagnose (nor should you, unless you are a veterinarian) a medical condition, but if you are giving training or behavior advice, you should be able to spot a potential health problem and/or recommend a veterinary exam.

6. MODERN METHODS. If you think that clicker training means carrying a clicker to get the dog to listen. If you think that dogs trained with food must see food before they will respond, it's time to learn how to use food rewards with skill. If you claim to use “whatever works,” then you should be open to adding capturing and shaping techniques to your training toolbox.

http://a.co/gfms5tx

STREAMING KNOWLEDGE

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to attend days-long seminars like I have (and still do). The following organizations offer free and low-cost webinars on all of these topics and more:

www.4pawsuniversity.com

www.apdt.com

http://caabchats.com/list-of-chats/

www.centerforshelterdogs.com

http://www.dog-ibox.com/

www.petprofessionalguild.com

There is a service that delivers DVDs of seminars by top experts right to your door. Just like Netflix. They recently added 500 streaming titles to their collection, as well.

www.tawzerdog.com

KEEP LEARNING, DO BETTER

I've been in the world of dog training for fifteen years. I have worked with over 4,000 dogs and over 150 breeds. I've used "balanced" training. I've used prong collars and e-collars/shock collars, alpha rolls/dominance downs, collar grabs, scruff shakes, hard stares, leash corrections, verbal corrections, and more.

I don't use those methods any more. I don't need to. And the reason I don't need to is because, in spite of my belief that those methods and equipment were absolutely necessary with some dogs and in some cases, I loved learning and kept attending seminars, webinars, online courses, and workshops, as well as reading new books on learning and behavior.

And just when I think I'm at the top of my game, I read or watch something by animal trainers like Ken Ramirez, neuroscientists like Dr. Jaak Panskepp, biologists like Dr. Robert Sapolsky, and experts in psychology and learning like Dr. Susan Friedman. And I realize just how much more I can learn.

I made plenty of mistakes in my career. I look back on some of the things I wrote and recommended and cringe. We all do the best we can with the knowledge we have in the moment. The key is to keep expanding our knowledge so we can continually improve.

Choosing to maintain ignorance of these subjects only serves the ego. And egos don’t make for good dog trainers, vet techs, shelter directors, daycare employees, or rescue volunteers. More importantly, egos tend to become a priority over a dog’s quality of life. It’s hard and sometimes painful to admit that your knowledge may be outdated, that advice you’ve given could have been harmful, or that you’ve made life/death decisions about dogs that might have been wrong. I've done it. Any positive reinforcement trainer who has been in the business for over 10 years has done it.

You have a choice. To stay where you are and trust that your knowledge is sufficient, or to admit you might have more to learn. If you choose to move forward, try to forgive yourself as you learn. You can’t change the past, only the choices you make going forward.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” ― Maya Angelou

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This post is free to share on Facebook via the “Share” link. Downloading for redistribution online or in print form is strictly prohibited. ©2015 Lisa Mullinax. All rights reserved.

08/06/2024

To learn how to prevent or treat resource guarding, contact a force-free professional dog trainer/APC affiliate today! We’d love to share ways to prevent and treat resource guarding that sets everyone up for success.

08/06/2024

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08/06/2024

🥰🥰🥰

08/06/2024

🖤

08/06/2024

Knowing which professional you need to contact to help you with your pet is vital. Use this handy infographic to decide whether you need a trainer or behaviourist. Keep In mind, some behaviour challenges may require both training and behaviour modification so often these go hand in hand. What's great is that when you choose a COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourist, you can be sure that they have the skills to help you with both training and behaviour. ​
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For a list of COAPE-endorsed trainers and behaviourists you can go to our website here: https://coape.org/find-a-behaviourist/

08/06/2024

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

Pet owners should know what a trainer will do to their dog during training.

08/06/2024

Incorporating the Five Freedoms into Dog Training

Training your dog isn't just about teaching cues—it's about ensuring their overall well-being. By incorporating the Five Freedoms, you can create a nurturing and supportive environment for your dog Here's how:

Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Always provide fresh water and nutritious meals. Use positive reinforcement with healthy treats during training to motivate and reward.

Freedom from Discomfort: Ensure your dog has a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Avoid harsh collars or training tools that cause pain or discomfort.

Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: Regular vet check-ups and a safe training environment prevent injuries. Use gentle training methods to avoid causing stress or harm.

Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: Allow your dog to engage in natural behaviours like sniffing, exploring, and socialising. Incorporate play and mental stimulation in your training routine.

Freedom from Fear and Distress: Use positive, reward-based training techniques. Avoid punishment-based methods that can cause fear and anxiety. Create a calm, positive atmosphere for your dog's learning.

By embracing the Five Freedoms in dog training, we can help our dogs lead happier, healthier lives. Feel free to share your experiences or tips on how you incorporate the Five Freedoms into your dog's training! 🐕✨

08/06/2024

Every single client dog of mine 🥹☺️😎😇🥳

08/06/2024

08/06/2024

Predictability may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering training, but it is actually an important factor for cats. Cats thrive on routine and schedules, which help them feel secure and safe in their environment. A consistent schedule can reduce a cat's anxiety because she won’t worry about what comes next and will have something reliable to depend on.

So, what does predictability have to do with training? By incorporating training sessions into your cat’s schedule at a set time each day, you are providing her with security and giving her a chance to build confidence and spend quality time with you.

To create a training routine, choose a time of day that fits easily into your schedule and is sustainable. There’s no need to create stress for yourself, so make it as convenient as possible. Remember, you only need 5 minutes a day for training sessions!

08/06/2024

Another good food post! Here are some excellent criteria that helped me make my decisions as well!

I'll continue to share as I find things to help everyone. 🐾🐕‍🦺🐕🐾

🚨📌 BEWARE OF KIBBLE MARKETING TRICKS! 🚨📌

Animal protein should be the first ingredient in any quality pet food—ideally, the first two ingredients. But kibble marketers know this and use it to trick you into thinking their food is higher in protein than it really is.

Here’s the catch: The ingredient list shows items from most to least by weight, but this weight is measured before the food is processed. Fresh meats, like chicken or beef, contain a lot of water, while meals, like chicken meal or beef meal, don’t.

When kibble is made, fresh chicken might be listed as the first ingredient. But remember, chicken is about 70% water. Once processed, it loses most of its weight, which means the actual protein content from chicken ends up being much lower in the final product.

For example, if a food lists chicken as 40% of the ingredients, after drying, it might only be 12% chicken. The rest? Likely corn meal or other fillers. 🌽

Want to decode more kibble marketing tricks and ensure your pet gets the best nutrition? Learn more here:https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/3-bullhit-moves-revealed-pet-foods-hide-crappy-proteins/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEaCiZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSMaqJ3Cxx9vps8e4KaIMtkXRZJ4UimWXdhYUUXwN5owOPuSTddf7g-ABw_aem_KmH0XN8O8Xi1XJVnV7Os4A

08/06/2024

I agree with the lower statement. Not everything needs an account. Give back a guest option please 🙏🏼🤣

When technology demands too much!

08/06/2024

ANYONE? SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY

Guys, Max came in with his brother the other day. The chemistry is all off with these boys. The family has struggled with Max. Their work schedules make it difficult to manage two dogs who cannot get along.

Max had no issues with Memphis. He does not do well around anxious dogs. If anyone is interested, please text me and i can get you in touch with the owner.

Now understand, Max has redirected on his family when they harshly try to l separate the dogs. He is a Cattle Dog. Honestly, you NEED to be familiar with this breed. They are great dogs but do not have the temperament for novice owners. This breed needs physical and mental stimulation daily! He is 2.5 years old and smart as can be. This boy knows his cues like a champ....he just does not fair off well with unpredictable dogs.

Feel free to share....located in the Indiana, PA area.

Text 724-717-3007
🐾❤️🐾

08/06/2024

The Creek by our house that we Kayak on 🥹🥰😎

The Jersey Mills bridge in the Pine Creek Valley…this is a landmark for me because it reminds me I just have a few more minutes left in the car before I arrive to my family’s cabin in Cammal…beautiful landscapes, beautiful views from way up high!

08/06/2024

Walking to heel is something that can be really useful, but it's so much better for our dogs if, when it's safe and practical to do so, they have a little more room.

The common picture of loose lead walking is of a dog trotting right by our side, perhaps looking up at us. Again, that's useful at times - maybe passing other users of the pavement while making sure everyone has room, but it is not allowing the dog to make the most of their walk.

Let them have more room when possible - as long as it is safe and the lead is loose, does it really matter if they're a little off to the side? A couple of paces behind? Even (😳) a little in front?

The picture here is an extreme example, as we were off road but heading back towards the car park, and I wanted to keep my dog from rushing off towards where there may be cars moving. But there is no doubt at all that he is still on a loose lead. 😊

08/06/2024

THE BLAME GAME
Is a dog’s “bad” behaviour a reflection of, or the fault of their guardian?

In some cases, yes – abuse, neglect, unmet needs etc., but this isn’t what this post is about.

This is about having a dog that behaves “badly” no matter how knowledgeable and experienced a dog guardian may be or no matter how much socialization or training that dog has had.

Some dogs are just different and more difficult than others and it’s not your fault.

Puppies are certainly not a blank slate. We cannot always mold a dog into what we want them to be. We can try our best to do everything right, but genetics, individuality, early life experiences, learning experiences, trauma - all play a role in how a dog behaves.

Behaviour is driven by emotion and emotions are not something that we have control over. Just like we cannot control how another person feels or reacts to something.

One of my dogs is difficult. She is highly sensitive, reactive, unsociable, introverted and suspicious of other people and other dogs.

I know first hand how it feels to be judged, blamed, feel embarrassed, isolated, frustrated, angry and resentful.

Surely it must be my fault – I must be doing something wrong, especially as a behaviour consultant, if I can’t even control the behaviour of my own dog? What will people think?

It took me a long time to accept her for who she is, to ignore the judgement, the blame and all the negative feelings that go with it.

It has taken a long time of consistent work, managing the environment, understanding and supporting her to see glimmers of positive change in her behaviour and accepting that she will never be perfect.

My own experiences with my “difficult” dog have gifted me empathy, understanding, compassion and relatability for those who have similar difficulties.

Our dog’s behaviour is not a reflection on us.

Keep working on what you can change and accept what you can’t.

08/05/2024

OMG 🤣🤣🤣

08/05/2024

Doggie Day Photo Dump!

08/05/2024

08/04/2024

08/04/2024