Dog Whys

12/05/2024

Something to think about as we move into a season where many will give puppies as gifts...
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QmkK3ELauEkiJbFu/

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11/26/2024

Once a month I teach a “Calm / Focus” class at our local shelter. In it (AND in my loose leash class), I talk about the importance of allowing our dogs to sniff and not to fall into the idea that they have to exercise to be tired.

Relaxation and engaging our brain is so important!
Read on amd :

https://www.facebook.com/share/8S28E1xnWMsPMg9o/?mibextid=WC7FNe

When living with a dog who has lots of energy it can seem logical to think that they need more exercise to tire them out - longer, faster walks, more throwing of a ball (or using a ball chuckler), always more, more, more...

While this does on the surface seem to make perfect sense, when following that advice what we are actually doing is making the situation worse. Think about how an athlete works to increase their fitness - they do more and faster. Now think about throwing a ball for the dog repeatedly. This is much like the shuttle runs those athletes do to increase their speed and fitness levels.

The great news is that there is another option for these high energy dogs. Yes, they need physical exercise, but they also need mental exercise. Luckily, mental exercise is a fairly easy thing to provide for all dogs, and we can even fit a great amount in on our daily walks.

Sniffing is an activity suitable for all dogs. Scent is the primary way dogs analyse and interpret their world, with an olfactory capability way better than that of humans. Simply giving your dog time and space to sniff on a walk gets that brain working and that will tire your dog more than you might realise. My own Border Collies (one of whom is the young dog sniffing in the image) will relax and snooze as much after 20 minutes of sniffing as they will after a 2 hour mostly off lead walk.

There are lots of ways to provide mental exercise for dogs, but this most powerful form is something that we can access free at any time, just by giving them the time to investigate their surroundings in the way that works best for them.

11/21/2024

The holiday festivities are right around the corner, is your dog ready?

11/20/2024

Wondering why your dog might have behavior concerns?
This film gives incredible insight and describes some of what my role as a Family Dog Mediator helps me guide my clients through.

Worth the watch!

FULL PRO COURSE!https://kimbropheylegscourses.thinkific.com/courses/legs-applied-ethology-family-dog-mediation-professional-courseYOUR DOG is not broken, and...

11/16/2024

Love some fun with friends that helps one of my fav rescue groups!
Thank you SOARescue for helping so many dogs & cats!

11/16/2024

I worked with a shelter client today who thanked me for the work I do. If I’m being honest, dog & cat behavior and specializing in shelter animals is a community!
We all have things that keep us sane away from work and one of mine is being creative. Lately, I’ve been playing with paint and this week thought what better than capturing the moment my most recent foster became a “failure”.
This “smile” when I took her out of the shelter for a decompression session just melted my heart, so today I memorialized it and thought I’d share.

11/02/2024

I talk in my classes about music as enrichment…feeling validated watching this adorable video!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBW77taPjbw/?igsh=ZjNyY2NpM3lwd2Rt

10/28/2024

Resistance…have you ever stopped to wonder WHY your dog might be resisting?
It could help you both overcome!

Great read!

Resistance in our dogs or our clients can be important communication and should never be overlooked or dismissed.

10/20/2024

The final part of the body language series. Putting it all together with posture!

10/18/2024

"Watch your mouth" (as my mom used to say)...

10/17/2024

Body Language Series day 3:

Ears are for listening, but when it comes to dogs, they have a story to tell as well!

10/16/2024

Second in our series - "They Eyes Have It". What can a dog's eyes tell you?

10/15/2024

A series on understanding your dog's body language starts this week.
One of the most misunderstood myths is that a wagging tail means a happy dog. While dogs do communicate with their tails, they are saying so much more!

09/19/2024

I can across this video several years ago and will post every time it comes back to me.
I find it interesting that humans are so quick to use punishment as a teaching tool.
Working with dogs and cats, I try to remember that they don’t have the ability to express confusion, misunderstanding or even frustration when learning something new. If a human agrees to “try” this teaching method (even for humor) and shuts down this quickly, what do we expect will happen with our pets?

There are many arguments surrounding the use of the electronic shock collar in dog training. Arguments like they are only used when all else fails, they don'...