Southern K9

01/23/2023

Consent is something we should all keep in mind at all times when interacting with our dogs.

All dogs are different, as we know. We might meet a dog on a walk who is desperate to greet everyone they see, and we can let them approach and give them a cuddle.

Or we might see a dog who isn't interested in greeting, so out of respect we should leave them alone. It's quite easy to tell whether a dog wants to be touched or not, from their body language and communication.

We just have to know what to look for. In behavioural terms, dogs use specific signals to show others what they need. They use their bodies, facial expressions and little changes in how they look, to increase or decrease the distance between themselves and whoever they are communicating with – be it a dog or a human.

11/28/2022

The Puppy/Dog Blues are VERY REAL.

One of the first things I talk about at puppy school is that the Puppy Blues are real, its difficult and it is completely normal to feel this way.

Often no-one actually knew that the puppy blues existed as it is never really talked about. Facebook and other social media is very good at showing everyone the most perfect picture possible. Some people post about their beautiful puppies and how they are so lucky, blessed and how wonderful life is at the moment. However that can often be far from the reality of sleepless nights, worry, regret, sadness and the overwhelming thought "What Have I Done ?".
Open up and tell other puppy parents that it IS hard. There WILL be sleepless nights, sadness, regret, feelings of hopelessness and failure.

AND that it is a NORMAL part of having a puppy.

I am in quite a few groups and I know the struggles that some people face with their puppies....yet those puppies are STILL portrayed on Social Media as PERFECT.

There is no shame in opening up and saying how hard it is (or was).

New puppy parents may have a perfect picture of what they want, they see photos and stories of all these "perfectly" behaved puppies and the "negative" side of owning a puppy is hardly ever talked about or acknowledged.

Raising a puppy is HARD work and for some it is extremely stressful and there is no sign of that "perfect" puppy everyone else seems to have in social media.

So if you are struggling...you are NOT alone.
Have family/friends come over and give you a break.
Use that time to recharge yourself both physically or mentally.
Tell your friends and family you are struggling, you may be surprised that they have gone through the same thing.
Realise that Social Media is full of people portraying a perfect picture and that the reality for most is far different.

If you need support...ask for it. If you need professional help....reach out. If this really is too much for you and you are thinking of rehoming...there is no shame.

So for all the new puppy parents out there that are determined to get through this, look after yourself, it will be fun, you will love your puppy and this will pass.
For all the dog owners that comment on social media, perhaps remember just how hard it was and think about portraying a more realistic picture....if you do have a "perfect" puppy.....you really are in the minority.

11/26/2022

(Sharing again as more than 2.5 k followers since first last posted)

Let a dog sniff your hand...it will show the dog your friendly!

How ?
How should a dog perceive a strangers hand right in their face ?
This myth has been around for so many years. I think we all had it engrained into us as children. Unfortunately, it still persists now.

There is even more to the myth ...."If the dog moves into you to smell more...it means you can pat ". No...no it doesn't. All it means is the dog is trying to smell more of you.

It does not mean you are friends.
It does not mean the dog will like you.
It does not mean the dog trusts you.

It means the dog has smelt what is thrust into their face.

Everyone of these dogs in these pictures are uncomfortable. Yes...even the one that is licking the hand (number 2). The dogs face is tight, it is straining forward to lick but the eyes are FIRMLY on you...in case it needs to react in a hurry. An appeasement lick in this situation can communicate " I don't trust you...I will show you I mean no harm".

Number one has a very tight face, mouth is tight, ears are flat and back, it is not taking its eyes off the hand as that hand is very close...and could do anything.

Number 3 has a very tight face, the sclera of its eye (the white) is showing as the face has tightened so much it has changed the normal shape of the whole eye area. This is called "whale eye". The ears are tight, back and flat.

Children are often told "put your hand out for the dog to smell". So lets get rid of this myth, and save some from a bite.
It is a threatening move to many dogs.... and lets get rid of the myth once and for all.

11/26/2022

🐶✨

How well do your dogs perform in loose leash walking!? How about in HIGH distraction environments? Can you go hands-free?

Loose leash walking is such an IMPORTANT skill to learn, walking with your dog should be fun and relaxing for both of you. If your canine companion is constantly pulling on leash, walks can be stressful for everyone!

Want to teach your canine companion to excel, shoot us a message!

11/25/2022

11/24/2022

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving today!

Remember if you plan on including your four legged friends in your holiday feast, not everything is safe for them to eat!

Keeping them happy AND healthy is our responsibility 🦃👍

11/22/2022

Owners: like anything else in life you desire which you don’t currently possess, it’s going to take constant effort, the development of new skills, and enough discipline to keep you on track even when you’re overwhelmed or simply would prefer the easy way out.

Trainers: like anything else in life, you can’t want something for someone more than they want it for themselves. Give your clients and their dogs 110%, and then allow them to be adults who are responsible for their own actions and choices.

Owners who won’t do the work, don’t get results. Trainers who can’t let go, don’t get any peace.

It’s really that simple.

11/16/2022

As the holiday seasons approach, remember puppies aren't just "gifts" they are a commitment you need to be making for the lifetime of that puppy. If you can't make that commitment then please don't get one. They don't deserve to end up homeless or abandoned.

If a new companion is what you’re family is considering to bring home this holiday season, please remember to ! Dogs need 10-15+ years of financial, emotional, and physical commitment ❤️

09/30/2022

Your dog’s mental health plays a HUGE role in their quality of life !!
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09/27/2022

PUPPIES 🥰‼️

Starting your pup out early is PROVEN to set them up for success in their future training! But what differs from adult dog training sessions and puppy training sessions??

🔑 Here are 5 KEY differences between training an adult dog vs training a puppy!

1. Attention Span 💭
- Puppies have incredibly short attention spans, think of their attention span like a fruit fly! At this age don’t expect (or require) a training session longer than 5-10 minutes! Baby steps = big steps for puppies!

2. Intensity ‼️
- These short training sessions will be full of valuable knowledge that your puppy will want to soak up like a sponge. Older dogs enjoy training but there is so much excitement from a puppy when they are learning!!

3. Energy ⚡️
- How you act as a trainer and the energy you use differs from dog to dog, but a general rule of thumb is to ALWAYS bring tons of energy when training puppies. With puppies it’s about starting (and building) your bond and helping them realize how fun and exciting it is to train!! Make your pup LOVE to train!

4. Comprehension 📚
- Puppies are usually very smart little creatures and can pick up commands rather quickly. However it takes a lot of repetition for your puppy to completely understand what you are teaching it. Puppies are undoubtedly smart but they are also BABIES! Their brains are still forming, so repetition helps!

5. Maturity 🍼
- Although this one is a given, many people overlook it and find themselves comparing what their adult dog can do vs what their puppy can (or can’t do)! Setting expectations for your training sessions that take the age of the puppy into consideration will ultimately result in a more successful session. You wouldn’t expect/require a 3 year old toddler to sit patiently and quietly in a chair for a long period of time, so don’t expect this from a young puppy either!

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