Grey Matter Dog Training

11/18/2024

11/12/2024

11/11/2024

11/06/2024

Reactive dog ? Fearful dog ?
These signs can be subtle or are slap in the face obvious.💥.
Trickier still....not all stress is bad either.
We have just made a video about turning fear to confidence and I know many people struggle with an anxious or fearful dog....you will find it really helpful. (Link in comments).✅

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11/05/2024

A reminder that reward-based methods aren't just for sunny days and easy dogs and puppies. They are for all dogs. If you want to know more, I've got a post on my blog that answers common questions about training methods, from the archives. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2019/11/reward-based-dog-training-isnt-just-for.html

11/03/2024

The best way to teach a dog not to do something is to make it super easy and rewarding to do 'the right thing' that we would prefer instead.

11/01/2024

11/01/2024

When teaching dogs, it is important to consider their emotions and take them into account.

By considering canine emotions when teaching dogs, we can ensure a positive environment in which learning takes place efficiently and without either party becoming stressed or frustrated.

If a dog feels threatened or scared while being trained this could lead to behavioural issues as they strive to cope with its anxieties instead of focusing on what it is being taught.

Furthermore, unpleasant experiences during training can also have long-lasting psychological consequences that may manifest themselves at a later date through aggressive outbursts or even attacks.

11/01/2024

Resource guarding can be scary and dangerous but it’s important to remember, guarding in dogs is a completely normal behavior. It doesn’t make your dog a“bad dog” and dogs should never be punished or scolded for growling or otherwise communicating when they’re upset we’re trying to take something they find valuable.

As my mentor, Jean Donaldson says in her book about resource guarding, Mine!: A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs,

"Guarding food, objects, mates and spaces are highly adaptable traits in a natural environment. If dogs had to fend for themselves tomorrow, guarders would have the survival and reproductive edge over non-guarders."

Read more here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2024/10/28/helping-dog-food-guarding/

10/29/2024

10/29/2024

Training your dog should build the bond between you, improve their confidence and help you to enjoy tour lives together. We can help with that, drop us a line in the comments.