Grey Matter Dog Training

03/08/2025

It’s inevitable that we are sometimes going to take withdrawals from our relationship. Out of frustration, necessity or welfare. But providing we put plenty of deposits in, those withdrawals will make much less of an impact.

03/08/2025

03/04/2025

Dogs pulling on the lead is a common issue faced by many guardians, rooted in a variety of emotional responses such as stress, fear, anxiety, and excitement. It's also often simply because they haven't been taught otherwise.

Addressing this behaviour effectively requires a deep understanding of your dog's underlying motivations and emotional state. Successful and ethical training methods prioritise this understanding, offering solutions that respect the dog's feelings and needs.

By focusing on why dogs act the way they do, we can develop strategies that are not only effective but also strengthen the bond between us and our dogs. Ready to learn more? Get your free loose lead walking webinar today - comment for the link.

03/04/2025

Just let them cry it out ⚠️
Crates are really divisive (is there anything in dog training that isn't❓) and I know in some countries they are illegal to use or are banned completely.
If you do decide to use one, a crate MUST be introduced well, positively and it just can't be rushed.
You can only proceed at your pup's or dog's pace. At the top right corner of this graphic are probably the most important words when it comes to this.
Having a timeline in our heads is unhelpful as we may get frustrated when it just doesn't happen in the "two weeks" we have allotted.
It takes time, it takes effort and above all it takes a commitment to NOT skip steps with this.
This dog training graphic is available through https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-crates-use-them-wisely?srsltid=AfmBOopoL915PMmeFkTkZ2KjNgSno_CQ4RqJJBSM3lhkbREKTzkLZZwZ

03/04/2025

03/04/2025

THE FOOLISHNESS OF FLOODING

Using flooding as a behaviour modification technique involves exposing a dog to an intense amount of something they fear with the goal of eliminating that fear / anxiety / emotional response.

This approach is often recommended as a quick fix that achieves fast results.

Some examples of how flooding is used –
A dog fearful of water might be forced into a pool and prevented from escaping.

A reactive dog may be forced into a “sit” near other dogs or people and be punished for any signs of reactivity.

A dog afraid of loud noises might be forced to stay in a room while loud sounds play, with no way of escape.

In flooding theory, once a dog stops reacting, the fear has been cured, but at what cost?

Flooding is traumatic and may cause extreme stress, anxiety and even more long-term fear related problems, increasing negative associations.

Flooding often causes learned helplessness - an emotional coping mechanism that may look like a dog is completely “cured”, but in reality, they have shut down, given up, disengaged, become emotionally numb and detached. There is no other choice because no matter how hard they try there is no longer any point in trying to escape or react.

Flooding can destroy the trust our dogs should have in us. Dogs depend on us to advocate for them, protect them and keep them feeling safe from whatever they’re afraid of.

Flooding prioritises achieving quick fixes over emotional wellbeing and a safe and supportive environment.

Using modern, scientific, effective, ethical and humane modification methods like positive reinforcement, counterconditioning or desensitisation is the answer to achieving positive learning experiences, to build trust, relationship, safety and in turn, long lasting behaviour change.

The harm and negative consequences that flooding causes is certainly not worth it.

“In the soil of the quick fix is the seed to a new problem” …. Wayne Muller

02/22/2025

If you have a senior dog who is experiencing sleep disturbance, The University of Adelaide would love to get your thoughts - Click on the link below for the survey to help researchers understand this further: https://surveys.adelaide.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=W8RRMXF3LCJJLFKK

02/22/2025

Living with a sugar nosed dog is the sweetest time. They need a softer touch and a gentler hand. Yet they have given us (and continue to give us) the very best of themselves. Is your dog getting on in years? Do you need some specialised help in understanding how their needs change and how to give them the best life for as long as you possibly can? We can help with that, drop us a line in the comments.

02/21/2025

02/21/2025

We're still looking for new locations to train and practice. Can you help? Please contact us!

02/21/2025

It really is that simple.