Planet Canine, Cpdt-Ka

12/31/2023

12/27/2023

Did you know that the average dog has an intelligence level comparable to a 2-year-old human? 🤔

According to the American Psychological Association, dogs can learn up to 250 words and gestures, equivalent to toddlers. What words does your pet know?

12/21/2023

There are "dog trainers" on social media insinuating that science has no place in dog training. 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🫣

Isn't it ironic that if the science demonstrated that aversives and punishment effectively taught dogs without harming them behaviourally, emotionally or physically, aversive dog trainers would be telling you to follow the science. However the science continues to prove their methods are ineffective and unethical, so they are rationalizing by trying to persuade the dog owning public that we don't need to use evidence based training methods.

I invite these trainers to try training a dog without the heavy reliance on operant conditioning or capitalising on the dogs vulnerabilities in their anatomy. Science plays a part in all dog training, regardless of whether you believe in it's significance.

Science repeatedly demonstrates the fallout of using abusive training methods, but aversive trainers continue to deny the empirical truth. No matter what they believe, the facts don't change.

Saying science doesn't belong in dog training is just further evidence that these self proclaimed trainers don't understand canine behaviour and clearly never intend to.

Are you going to choose a trainer who bases their training on scientific evidence and ethics, or are you going to choose a trainer that bases their training on debunked myths, personal opinion and ego? - Holly Leake

Please feel free to like and share but please don't screenshot, copy and paste or crop the post and graphic. Please share it from my page. 🐾

12/21/2023

12/11/2023

12/07/2023

12/04/2023

11/27/2023

❤️

I cannot emphasise enough the fallout of punishment.
I have had a number of good, kind clients come to me who have used prong collars, e-collars, slip leads etc. to punish their dog for unwanted behaviour because a trainer of good repute, with very expensive facilities, told them that'd what they needed to do.

I genuinely do not judge these clients. I used to be one of them!

When you go to a doctor, you trust what they advise you to do.
When you go to a mechanic, you trust what they advise you to do.
When you go to a therapist, you trust what they advise you to do.

Because they know better. Because they are qualified to know better. They have studied and learned to know better than most people.

When it comes to dog trainers, it doesn't work like that unfortunately. Sometimes, the most expensive trainers with the best facilities and reputation are the worst. They advise training methods to good, kind owners that are not only harmful to their dog but cost the owners a great deal of stress, anxiety and money. Many of these trainers charge thousands of £ for results.

Almost all (bar 2) of my clients (out of about 100) have punished their dog relentlessly and harshly without success, and then come to me when they haven't seen the progress they hoped for.

It is so incredibly difficult to find a modern, science-based, educated, ethical and effective dog trainer but we do exist!

What actually happens in practice is that a) the dog's behaviour doesn't improve, or b) the dog's behaviour gets worse. That's it.

Not only that, but punishment always makes it much harder to re-condition an unwanted behaviour. Because punishment being used for fear-based behaviours in particular, always makes them worse. Positive trainers such as me have to not only address the fear itself, but the conditioning that has happened. You cannot punish a dog and expect them to fear a trigger less. The dog can only fear the trigger more so. In which case, it takes longer for the dog to not only trust that the trigger won't harm them, but that we won't harm them either.

It's not your fault to trust someone who tells you they're an expert.

If punishment worked, I wouldn't have a job.

My Inka has never been punished by anyone - ever. The only dog of mine who hasn't. He hasn't gone off the rails yet!

This post is not to make a single dog owner feel bad or ashamed (remember, I was one of them). I've written this because it matters so, so much.

11/22/2023

Happy Turkey week everyone! Just a reminder to keep our pets happy, healthy AND safe this year during the holidays. Impaction and toxicity from food can be dangerous to our furry family members.
We also wanted to let y’all know our company has Thursday and Friday off this week to spend time with family! We will resume normal business hours next Monday. Don’t forget to check out our Black Friday sale that starts this Friday, November 24th to Monday, November 27th.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

11/22/2023

11/22/2023

A big congratulations for the graduates from this week! 🎉🥳

Winston & Eloise completed their Puppy 101 with flying colors and are ready to take on adolescence with their new foundational skills! P.S. How CUTE is Winston’s bowtie for grad pictures!? 🎓😍

Holly completed her private program and this timid and closed-off girl now has a new found confidence and energy and now it’s time for her and her mom to finally enjoy their walks together!

So proud of these students and their amazing families!

11/22/2023

11/18/2023

11/13/2023

To all you warm and loving pet parents out there:

We see you. We appreciate you. Thank you for helping an innocent little being feel safe in this big wide world. You're doing a great job, and your dog says thank you. 😘

11/12/2023

When did education and ethics become a joke and a game in the dog industry, where the players dress in costume and pretend to wield magic?

Since when did we choose charisma over qualifications? So many on social media announce themselves as dog trainers and promote this idea that they have a magical talent that very few possess. This leads many to believe they don't have, and can never have, the knowledge or skills to change their dogs behaviour. This isn't true. You do have the power to change your dog's behaviour. You do have the power to improve your communication. You do have the power to train your dog. It's not something you are born with, it's something you learn, if you are willing to put the time and effort in.

While there are definitely those that have talents in the dog industry, these should further their education, not replace it. The best dog trainers show humility and acknowledge that there is always more to learn. Ego has no place in the dog industry, rather the industry should be grounded on education and ethics.

Pema Chodron once said that "ego seeks to divide and separate." This is the very opposite to what we want to achieve when training your dog. Communication and the relationship are integral to any behaviour modification plan. So, choose a trainer that is willing and qualified to teach you how to train and communicate with your dog, rather than one that disempowers you with their egotistical belief system.

11/10/2023

FYI, if you are feeding Victor Dog Food! RECALL!!!!

11/07/2023

When it comes to Dog Training believe me, more often than not, slow is fast.

No matter what anyone promises you, there’s no quick fixes or magic wand to change the habits and reinforcement your dog has built up over weeks, months, years!

You can’t escape putting in the time, work and effort that will be needed to make the changes you want to make. Your dog is probably perfectly happy with their behaviour 🐾🐾

11/05/2023

When it comes to dog training 2 concepts that are important to understand are operant conditioning and classical conditioning. Understanding both of these concepts can help you make better informed decisions about how to best train your dog. 🤓

R+ training involves rewarding your dog for exhibiting good behavior, such as giving them a treat, a environmental reward such as sniffing or verbal praise in order to increase the likelihood of the behavior to reoccur. R+ trainers also use negative punishment which involves withholding a desired action as consequence for an undesirable behavior, for example withholding greeting a person until your pup is calm and the leash is loose in order to not reinforce jumping or leash pulling.

Classical conditioning focuses on associating a neutral stimulus with a particular response. This method relies on creating an automatic response through repeated pairings. For example, if you consistently pair the sound of a clicker with a treat, your dog will eventually associate the sound of the click with the reward. This can be a powerful tool for training new behaviors or overcoming fears and anxieties.

Both approaches have their uses and can be effective in a number of situations. Operant conditioning allows for immediate reinforcement or correction, which can be helpful in teaching commands or managing behavior. Classical conditioning, on the other hand, can help your dog develop positive associations or overcome fears.

It's important to remember that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The most successful training methods involve a combination of both operant and classical conditioning in addition to other things, all of which are tailored to your dog's individual needs and temperament.

By understanding these training methods and exploring what works best for your pup, you can build a strong bond and create a well-behaved and happy dog without utilizing fear or intimidation. Remember, consistency, patience, and knowledge are key ingredients for successful dog training. 🐾✨

11/02/2023

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is essential for interpreting their behaviour.

10/27/2023

Just because one of your dogs is capable of being off leash doesn’t mean all of your dogs are!

Kuromi my 4 month old doberman is much farther along in her recall journey so she’s able to be off leash where areas permit. Yuki on the other hand is still working on it so she’s on a long line and guess what? THAT’S OKAY!

Every dog is an individual, including all the ones in your own home. Take your time and don’t rush, your dog can have fun just the same💜🫶

10/25/2023

Super happy to be able to expand my credentials and my knowledge for the betterment of my past, current and future students🎓🐾

Onto the next!

10/24/2023

I could not agree MORE! Even as a trainer I let my dogs sleep in bed with me, come up on the couch with me, pull towards sniffs when appropriate, etc. because they’re capable of the opposite. Do they regularly get kenneled? No. But can they? Absolutely!

Something really important to think about!

1901 likes, 103 comments. “General rule of thumb - can your dog do the opposite of what they want and be chill”

10/18/2023

Can’t wait!

Demo Tent Sponsor, Planet Canine!

Alexa Ciriano is a passionate and dedicated certified dog trainer and certified American Kennel Club Evaluator with a heart full of love for our four-legged companions. Possessing a lifetime of canine companionship and years of professional experience under her belt, she’s made it her mission to bridge the communication gap between humans and their furry friends. Through patience, positive reinforcement, and a deep understanding of canine behavior, she helps dogs and their owners build strong, harmonious relationships. Whether it's teaching obedience commands, resolving behavioral issues, or simply strengthening the bond between you and your pup, she’s here to guide you on an incredible journey. Together, you’ll unlock the potential in your canine companion and make every tail wag a little brighter. Check out her classes hosted at our Milford Yarn & Bone!

Don't miss Planet Canine's Demo at 11am in the DemoTent.

10/16/2023

Happy Monday☀️

When it comes to sadie & her reactivity, understanding this has had a profound effect on her recovery. There are still moments where we get surprised and Sadie has a small reaction & its sooo easy to get discouraged over that... but I CANNOT and SHOULD NOT let that be an indication of how well she’s done on her journey. ⠀
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I remember talking to about Sadie once, casually bragging about how her recovery time is like milliseconds now. And Bianca was like “Kelsey listen to how proud you are right now, and Sadie HAD a reaction today! This is amazing!” And it was amazing. Because normally I think I would have been so down about the hiccup that I wouldn’t have been able to look at the bigger picture. Bianca is awesome btw. ⠀
Now let’s talk about us. For me, I’m having some major ups and downs right now omg. I’m sure we all are as the ‘rona is really changing our daily “normal”. But let’s talk about in general. For me, I think the meaning of life is like... to continually be growing and learning and bettering myself and my relationships. And I think so many of us think that’s a linear progression but it isn’t.

Omg right now so many of us are probably facing such serious dips, and if we looked at it under a microscope RIGHT NOW we might be like wow this is terrible. But there’s always a bigger picture. Right now we are actually all dealing with a huge obstacle & it feels impossible at times... but we’re also learning coping skills, deepening relationships, eating a lot of Doritos, learning new things about ourselves/other things (like how Instagram live works) and I truly believe we will all come out of this stronger. It might not be immediate, but we will persevere and that will serve us so well in the future. If we were all to just stay in the VERY RIGHT NOW it might be overwhelming and awful and easy to feel defeated. But the bigger picture is so important too. Same with our dogs.

Don’t let a bad day make you feel like a failure. Learn from it if there was something to learn, but sometimes s**t happens and that’s okay too. ⠀
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Be kind to yourself, others, and your dog(s). Life isn’t linear. Embrace it.

10/16/2023

🙃😂🤭

10/15/2023

Come see us this Saturday!!

The wait is almost over! There's only one week left until Wags & Whiskers Fall Festival at Hudson Field in Milton! Over 60 vendors, adoptable dogs, cats & Rabbits from 8 rescues / shelters, food trucks and more! 🐱🐶🐾 What are you most excited for?

𝖒𝖆𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖌𝖊
The Jim Cochran Band & Puppy Songs at 1pm - 2pm

d⃣ e⃣ m⃣ o⃣ t⃣ e⃣ n⃣ t⃣
10:30am Doggie Apple Bobbing
11am Planet Canine Demo
12pm Cat & Dog Food Demo
2pm WiggleButts Delaware Dog Training Demo
3pm Doggie Pie Eating Contest

Shutter Up Photography Tent
Book a Pet Mini Picture Session; https://book.usesession.com/s/-ocRmAi5j?fbclid=IwAR0JrYfdVyLfF5WEK8Mr7CujvznLYx4lf-TzGe1u8S61llFKW9Uwj4I3KK8

Free Entry, Pet Friendly, $10 Wag Tote Available (all proceeds benefiting rescues & shelters onsite) and event is Rain or Shine.