CaninePaws Dog Training

09/21/2023

I STILL NEEDED MY MOM - THE CONSEQUENCES OF TAKING PUPS TOO YOUNG

The early life experiences of pups are vitally important and extend through to adulthood, influencing behaviour, temperament, physical, emotional, mental and social development.

There are still so many “breeders” that allow pups to be taken away at 6 weeks. Uninformed people just accept this as the norm, without question, and are unaware of the consequences.

Just because a pup may no longer depend on mom for food, doesn’t mean they are ready to leave the security of their family unit and are ready to cope in the world.

A puppy younger than 10 weeks is still reliant on mom and littermates to learn appropriate social behaviour, impulse control, a tolerance to frustration, bite inhibition, develop self-confidence and other skills that will help them become well-adjusted adults.

Scott and Fuller’s influential 1965 book about the social development of dogs recommended that 6 to 8 weeks was the best time to remove a pup. The “ideal time” in this context was the best time from the person’s perspective and not the dogs. Keeping a pup after this time resulted in added financial costs and was time consuming.

We have learnt so much about dog behaviour and development since then and our focus has changed to what is best for the dog, not the person.

Many reputable, ethical, educated breeders now keep pups with their mom and littermates until 10 to 12 weeks of age.

We don’t live in an ideal world and having to rescue and care for pups much younger than 8 weeks is often unavoidable. In these cases, we do the best we can for them.

This post is not about this kind of situation, it’s about spreading knowledge, creating understanding and encouraging people not to support breeders that allow their pups to leave too early.

08/22/2023

The world is a strange place and working in an unregulated industry I have learned to accept that there are going to be many different opinions on different things and scrolling past without comment is not only wise, but essential for maintaining sanity and retaining the energy to give to those who align with your ethics and want to improve the lives and welfare of animals.

I have been fairly quiet on this page in recent months, partly due to raising a young dog who deserves my focus, looking after my other animals, taking care of family and getting on with the job of teaching and working with people and their dogs in real life – and partly because I have just been finding Facebook training groups a bit of an information overload, with so many warnings, lectures, cautionary tales and nitpicking over EVERYTHING that I just haven’t had the energy to engage.

There have always been dreadful “balanced” or punishment-based trainers out there and my policy for the most part is to avoid them and hope that in time they will have enough rope to hang themselves. For my own sanity, I don’t look at or engage with posts by aversive trainers and I avoid sharing things which could draw people to them. I don’t believe that engaging in social media fights is a productive use of time. I am also generally not keen on jumping on the bandwagon and joining in with all the hand-wringing that occurs every time some “hero” in the dog world turns out to have feet of clay. I guess it is human nature that we love to build people up and then tear them down, but I don’t think it helps any of us at the end of the day or the message we are trying to put out there about welfare-based training and behaviour modification. This doesn’t mean that I am not discerning or that I won’t make a decision that a certain trainer is no longer someone who’s content I will share, but I prefer to make this decision quietly on my own and not as some form of cancel culture mob justice.

Having said all of this, there is one thing that I cannot keep quiet about and that is the flagrant abuse of animals for the sake of celebrity and media sensation. Having had video clips of “The Dog Daddy” shown to me this week, I feel strongly that this is something we all need to take a stand against. In a world where big tech is happy to wield censorship when it suits them, under the guise of “community standards” or “misinformation”, it is the height of hypocrisy that platforms like Facebook and YouTube allow videos to be published where a man, dressed like some sort or deranged cartoon character, physically assaults and strangles dogs.

In what other “industry” would this kind of abuse be happily viewed by the public and seen as entertainment? Imagine a TV show where teachers smacked students around in a classroom or one where parents brought their difficult children to a child psychologist who proceeded to place his hands around their necks and throw them around on the floor in front of an audience. Imagine a show about a zoo or animal park, where instead of learning about the behaviour and needs of the animals being cared for, viewers were entertained by animal keepers wrestling animals to the ground, forcing them to “submit” and throttling them. Any zoo, animal park or sanctuary that was even suspected of such practises would be shut down in five minutes, but do these things to dogs and it is just good viewing? This kind of thing is utter depravity. It is sick and twisted. It needs to be stopped. The Dog Daddy has no interest in helping dogs, he is just a social media clown, out to make money off the suffering of dogs by appealing to the worst aspects of human nature. There is no doubt that what the Dog Daddy does violates animal welfare laws around the world, yet on he goes with no authorities speaking out. Why has he not been charged and prosecuted?

Why is it that the species we have elevated to one of the highest places in society and claim to love the most, we also have the lowest welfare standards for? How is it possible that in 2023 people still cannot process that what they are seeing is the blatant physical and emotional abuse of dogs? I suppose it is cognitive dissonance and the desire to avoid an inconvenient truth that would demand accountability.

This is the one thing in the dog world that I will not abide or sit quietly by and ignore. If the Dog Daddy or anyone like him comes to your town, take a stand: write to prospective venues and express your displeasure, write to your local authorities, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and cite the welfare acts that such “entertainment” would violate. Write to sponsors of such events and boycott them. Engage in peaceful protest.

If there is anything worth taking a stand on, it is this.

(Link to petition in the comments)

08/11/2023

08/10/2023

www.shakepaws.com

08/03/2023

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
Do we like everyone we meet? Do we all enjoy socialising and spending time with lots of different people? I certainly don’t and refer to myself as a “caninetrovert” – a person that much prefers to spend time with dogs rather than people. Maybe I’m a little different to the “norm”, but be that as it may, we are all individuals with different personality styles and social preferences.

Some of us are extroverts, gaining energy from interacting with people; some of us introverts, who find people draining and need alone time to recharge our social batteries and some of us are somewhere in between.

If we acknowledge that we are all different in this way, we also need to acknowledge and accept that our dogs are similar.

They could be overly affectionate or fiercely independent, approachable or nervous, energetic or laid back, confident or cautious, sociable, tolerant, selective or reactive.

We may be really disappointed when our dogs turn out not to be the socialite we expected them to be.

Some may even see this as a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”. Sometimes it can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance levels and sociability.

Accept your dog for who they are, allow them to choose whether they want to be sociable or not, respect their choices and never force an interaction that your dog is not comfortable with.

07/26/2023

Warning Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs ☀️🐕🥵

🐶❗Any dog can suffer from heatstroke, but some are at greater risk, including dogs with flat faces and short noses, seniors, puppies and those with chronic health conditions.

Taking precautions — and watching out for signs of heat stress — will ensure your dog stays safe and cool all summer long. 👍 Keep an eye out for these symptoms of overheating.

To learn how you can help prevent overheating in your dog and how to keep them cool this summer, read today’s free article on our new website: https://bit.ly/3K5MhVh

07/23/2023

and your dog does NOT need a "walk" when it's 80 degrees & up -- but if you must go -- only go in the morning or the evening but not during the day - common sense people -- common sense

07/23/2023

This so applies to dog trainers…

07/16/2023

As a trainer this is all too common. Puppies /dogs need to be taught. Training is not an overnight magical wand like you see on tv or in videos. It takes time. It’s a lifetime commitment.

This is the side of rescuing that people don’t see, and just don’t realise how hard it is for us behind the scenes.
Strap in guys, while I explain.

This is Marcus.

His owner contacted me to ask me to rehome him, because….
‘He barks at other dogs and people when out so needs rehoming ’

Marcus is a 2 year old patterdale x Labrador.

He had been owned by said owner for… 5 weeks.

He’s just settling in, learning his new environment and family, and at only 2 years old he will be rather overwhelmed as well as adjusting to everything new.

Barking is how dogs communicate, and express their fears, and also excitement.

When I asked his owner what training she had been doing with Marcus to help him overcome his possible nervous behaviour, the answer was ‘he’s had none’

I explained I am full at the moment but I will let her know when I had room to fit him in.

2.5 hours later I receive a call from a vet practice.

Marcus had been taken to the vets to be EUTHANISED.

Put to sleep.
To end his life, because his owner could not be bothered to put any time or training into him.

THANKFULLY, the vets refused and called us.
They spoke to their behaviourist while they were there, and offered the owner sessions to help Marcus- the owner declined.

Killing him was the easy way to end her problem.

So, of course, with fear the owner would then just go to another vet and put him to sleep- I made room.
I don’t have room, but I’m not having it.

Marcus has been with us less than half an hour.
He has sat, taken a treat very gently.
Has met 6 dogs- enjoyed a sniff and his tail hasn’t stopped wagging

He hasn’t barked yet.

Too many people are getting pets without any consideration to the time they need to adjust, and expecting them to be ‘perfect companions’ without actually putting anything into them.

Take some responsibility and invest the time into them, you chose them to be part of your family. Stop destroying them just because you cannot be bothered to help them.
It’s not their fault.

You are safe Marcus, and loved.
You will never be treated so badly again, and that I can promise.

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July from the team at Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets. Stay safe!

06/28/2023

So true. Not all dogs want to meet other dogs. You have the right to say no to meeting regardless of what the other person says.

Show respect do not let you dog run up to another dog. Respect for your dog and respect for the other dog and their.

It seems so obvious doesn't it, "Some Dogs Need Space". Why does your dog need space?

Fab drawing by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

06/20/2023

Very often I'm asked if certain breeds, or certain dogs, need a "firm hand". Sadly often the dogs people think this about are dogs that are struggling with sensitivity and that sort of approach just makes the whole thing worse for the dog, which is a welfare issue.

Dogs don't need a firm hand. They do need us to understand WHERE their behaviour is coming from in the first place, so that we can meet it their needs with empathy and look at the cause, not just the symptom.

"Needing a firm hand" is often an term that could be replaced with "bullying", "dismissing what the animal actually needs", or even "animal abuse". Some of the methods that are used in the name of a "firm hand" are really awful and are known to have negative impacts on the dog's overall welfare.

Dogs did not ask to be brought in to our homes, we usually bring them in ourselves. We owe it to them to understand their needs and meet them in the best way that we can.

05/29/2023

05/24/2023

Even though your pup has reached adulthood, the work of shaping their behavior will not end — and that's a good thing! Continual training keeps a dog's mind and body engaged and strengthens the bond you have together.

05/22/2023

So true

Bill writes:

I saw this quote and it made me think of Ryken.

"If when you look at me you only see a white face and cloudy eyes, a burden or a hassle…you’ve missed out on the best part of me. I am loving and loyal, protective but kind.

You are my one and only and my tail will wag for you up until my last breath.

As a senior, I’ve been with you long enough to know what you want without even saying a word. I know when you’re happy. I know when you’re sad. I know when you need me to place a law on you.

I know when you snuggle up to me and your heartbeat speeds up, it’s because you are fighting back tears as you see what the years have done to my body. But inside I am still just a puppy, content with your love and your shelter.

Love me until the very end for I am a gift. With each wag of my tail, I say thank you." - Bacardi Reynolds

05/06/2023

Good information

Tis the season, I’ve heard this works in case you need it someday.

05/06/2023

📩 Dr. Judy's Friday 5

1️⃣ DIY Allergy Wash⁠
2️⃣ Hospice for Dogs⁠
3️⃣ The Natural Dog Expo
4️⃣ Canine Cancer Surge
5️⃣ Spirit & Willow, Naturally Healthy Pets of the Week

➡️ Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/ttbktax8

05/06/2023

These could be causing or exacerbating their symptoms!

05/06/2023

Dogs are sentient beings, just like we are - they have an emotional cup too

04/05/2023

04/04/2023

🚫 The Deadliest Foods for Pets 🚫

Grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants and any product containing them should not be fed to dogs as they can cause harm to their health (even small amounts can be dangerous). Signs and symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia and kidney failure.

If you know or suspect your pet has ingested any of these foods, take them to an emergency veterinarian immediately. 🆘

Share these 17 fruits with your pet instead: http://bit.ly/3FKMxqA

04/01/2023

They should always come first. They rely on us to provide for them

Those who know me know I used to be an army dog trainer. I learned two things while I was in the army working with dogs, both are still a daily part of my life.

First: you always sort your dog out before you sort yourself out.

Are they thirsty or hungry? Do they need anything at this point? Every day without fail, I follow this rule that I learned so many years ago. Dogs’ can’t just fill up a water bowl, they can’t stop a griping hunger in their stomach on their own, but we can. So I choose to meet their needs before I work on my own, and I always will.

Second: you always move at the slowest man’s pace.

This lesson taught me everything about living with older, slower dogs. As dogs get older, they run less. Older dogs sniff more. They sniff everything. Senior dogs might be stiff and achy and need to cover less ground, but they cover that ground at a slower pace.

Please consider their needs and go at their pace.

It’s not fair to leave them behind or pull them along.

03/27/2023

Why trainers should care about nutrition:
➡️ Poor nutrition can impact brain function, hormone levels, and overall health.
➡️ Food is a commonly used training tool. Make it nutritious!
➡️ Popular training treats can contain ingredients to avoid like dyes, preservatives, and meals. Many of these have been related to chronic health issues in pets and may cause cancer when fed daily. See my recommended training treats here: https://drjudymorgan.com/collections/training-treats
➡️ Species-appropriate nutrition is a key part to addressing behavioral issues. When our pets eat well, they feel good and can think clearly. This sets your pet up for success.

Read more on the importance of training your pet here: https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/the-importance-of-training-your-pet

03/15/2023

Excellent. Well written.

Dogs who wear muzzles are good dogs. Dogs who aren’t dog friendly are good dogs. Dogs who are leash reactive are good dogs. Dogs who need space are good dogs. Dogs who are scared of strangers are good dogs.

If you see someone clearly making steps to avoid you or your dog while you are out walking, please respect them.

If someone lets you know that their dog needs space or isn’t dog friendly, please respect them.

If you see someone clip their dog on lead when you approach, clip yours on too and give them space.

Some dogs don't want to interact with other dogs or people and that's fine. I'm sure you don't want to interact with everyone you see either! They still deserve to have a great quality of life and go everywhere yours gets to go as long as they are taking the right precautions.

Having a dog that needs space is a challenge all of its own, but we are doing our best to advocate for them to insure they live the best lives we can give them. Training can't happen at all unless we take these dogs into public places. To everyone with friendly dogs, please don’t be offended and please don't judge. A nervous dog can happen to anyone at anytime. Instead of playing the blame game, let's all try make that dog's life more comfortable and its owners life much easier by being understanding 🖤
Picture credit : whole dog journal.
- hope, the rescued street dog ❤️🐾

🌟For help with barking/ lunging or aggression towards other people or dogs on walks our online reactivity course is available via this link:

Want to take part in a dog sport with your reactive dog?

Look up mantrailing Global.

🖥️https://unleashingpossibilities.thinkific.com/

03/12/2023

This breaks my heart. This makes me physically sick No dog no animal deserves 🥲this treatment.

The City of Rahway and the Rahway Police Department are aware of a very disturbing video that was posted online involving possible animal cruelty. Mayor Raymond Giacobbe and Police Director Nicholas Breiner have been briefed on the incident.

Rest assured, the Mayor, the Police Director, and the entire Rahway Police Department take matters like this very seriously and are taking immediate steps to address the situation.

A police investigation is currently underway and while we cannot release any further details at this time, the Rahway Police Department will share an update on our website and social media at the conclusion of the investigation.

03/06/2023

Had to share this is very true. Getting anxious yourself does not help your dog. Instead they become more anxious feeling that the person they rely on , is not their for them. You need to be their rock their security.

Be patient and be gentle, they depend on you for everything in their whole entire world 🥺❤️🐾

02/10/2023

In the first study of its kind, a new 2023 paper published by Nature Scientific Reports shows dogs given rawhide chews🦴 a few times a month had a significant chance of developing gastrointestinal issues later in life. However, the veterinary scientists also found when offered daily, there was a 117.2% increased risk of developing gut disease!!

On a side note, aside from all the dogs that have lost their lives to intestinal blockages, the last recall by the FDA found a not approved "chemical cleaning agent" called quaternary ammonia (QACs) in these harmful chews. And more recently, the Environmental Working Group reported a chemical used to whiten rawhides, titanium dioxide' was a genotoxin and may damage your dog's DNA.🧬

New Study found here- https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs/news-and-happenings/puppyhood-and-adolescence-diet-may-have-impact-on-dogs-gut-health-later-in-life

02/05/2023

When a Service Dog approaches you without their handler. Please pay attention they are trying to get help. They are trained to bring help back to their person.

Some are trained for diabetic lows or highs to alert and get help if the owner is not able to help themselves. Others are trained to get help if a breathing machines should fail. These are just a few examples of them leaving their person and searching for help.

These dogs are amazing and trained for so
Many tasks to help their person

So if you see a service dog without their person. Please remember they are looking for help . DON’T. Ignore them

01/31/2023

Love this

Ain't that the truth ..... especially with adolescent dogs.

01/24/2023

When we focus on making dogs happy, it’s better for them and us.

01/19/2023

I can't take him to the beach for a walk because it annoys you and disturbs the vacation... I have no right to rent a house if I have a dog, nor can I take him on public transportation.

However, I can take it to the rubble to find you after an earthquake, in the woods after you got lost in the mountains and had no map or gps; under the snow because you took a detour forbidden off the track; in the water because despite the red flag you have entered the sea, and your life is in danger!

And finally ...

He is just a dog, but he or she will find you. And it will save you!!!

Dedicated to all who DO NOT love dogs!

©️Nicolas Alarcon

01/14/2023