Positive solutions in dog training. Specializing in pitbulls and fearful dogs
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Foster dog applesauce meeting horses for the first time ❤️ slow and steady wins the race. Always. Applesauce is searching for a calm home with a fenced yard and people comfortable with fearful dogs. He’s incredibly snuggly and a fun loving dog. Dog and cat friendly. Apply through Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs
Applesauce- a new bombshell entering the adoption villa!
This shy guy needs a patient home with lots of space. Is that you? Apply Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs
Sound up for a message from our favorite !
It’s ok.
True commitment takes grit. And my wonderful clients have grit. Good work Madi and Pippi! How beautiful is Pippi in her muzzle?
“Commitment is passion and perseverance for very long term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. And working really hard to make the future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint” - Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth
Stationing is such an important skill in multi dog homes. As I integrate this dog fighting survivor into my home, with two other dogs, she needs some skills to succeed. Skill number one is stationing! This is our first training session together, so we’re starting small in 3 minute increments. Next up, learning to lay down!
Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs
Post adoption update from well mannered mutt and Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs alumni, Lyla!
Years ago I was contacted about a dog at Bridgeport animal control who had been returned for “being dumb and untrainable”. Turns out he was the most wonderful deaf pitty that just needed a bit of understanding. Here is the update I just got ❤️
“Hi!! I hope you are doing well. Just like to send you updates every so often. Boomer is officially a big brother and he has been SO good. Honestly, I wasn’t sure he has never been around kids but I was just going for co-existing in the house and him being neutral with the baby. He has been wonderful and we still get out for walks. Amelia even came to our first dock diving session the other day. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for finding me the greatest dog in the world ❤️”
Calling all local dog owners! Our Sniffpot is officially live!
Come visit our fully fenced in 3 acre dog training oasis!
https://snfs.pt/dqehj
What is Sniffpot?
Designed by reactive dog owner David Adams, Sniffspot is passionate about giving all dogs the opportunity to sniff, run, and play without fear. Adams says “As long as we share a place on Earth, Sniffspot believes that dogs have an inherent right to living a fulfilling, joyful, and rewarding life just like we do.” Sniffspot is designed for private play. It is well suited to all dogs, but particularly dogs who are nervous, in training, or working through reactivity. But truly, every pet can benefit from one-on-one time with just their owners in an environment all to themselves.
Dog Training Oasis, Fairfield, Connecticut - I am a dog trainer and dog rescuer and I knew I needed a spot to just let the dogs decompress. This is it!
We ABSOLUTELY love cooperative care. It all starts with a chin rest. Read more from Fear Free Pets here!
Chin Rest Challenge: How to Use This Cooperative Care Behavior
Sniffaris for the win!
Shake it…shake it off…
A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.
This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.
Read more about it below!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H
https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/
What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!
After tirelessly working with numerous misfit dogs in recent years, I am excited to announce that my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog, is now LIVE 🐾
This program is specifically crafted to provide additional support for individuals dealing with the training challenges posed by overly excited and hyperactive dogs. If you find yourself in need of assistance but are hesitant about committing to extensive training, this course offers a valuable solution.
All the details and registration information are provided below. We are genuinely excited about launching this course and look forward to assisting dog owners in cultivating a calm and joyful companion!
www.wellmanneredmuttct.com/reallyrelaxedclass
Once you know better, you do better.
4 reasons why punishment should be avoided - according to neuroscience 🧠
❤️🩹 Neuroplasticity: Recent studies in neuroscience have emphasized the importance of neuroplasticity in learning. Positive reinforcement can effectively shape behavior by reinforcing desirable neural pathways, rather than relying on punishment which does not directly promote the formation of these beneficial connections.
❤️🩹 Stress on the Brain: Research has shown that stress and anxiety can have a significant negative impact on brain function and learning. Punishment in dog training can induce stress, potentially impairing the dog's ability to learn and form positive associations with training. This is in line with the understanding that a stressed brain is less capable of effective learning and memory formation, as indicated by recent neuroscience findings.
❤️🩹 Dopamine in Learning: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a critical role in the reward and motivation systems of the brain. Positive reinforcement in dog training can increase dopamine release, which enhances the dog's motivation and pleasure in learning. Punishment does not engage the reward system in the same way, underscoring the efficacy of positive reinforcement.
❤️🩹 Cognitive and Emotional Effects: Emerging research also highlights the complex cognitive and emotional responses animals have to different stimuli. Punishment has been identified as more likely to lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression - all of which are not conducive to learning. In contrast, training methods that focus on positive reinforcement can foster a more positive emotional state, facilitating better learning and stronger bonds between the dog and guardian.
Modern neuroscience research supports the notion that punishment is not necessary in dog training. Instead, it advocates for methods that leverage the brain's capacity for neuroplasticity, engage the reward system, and create a positive learning environment. These approaches are more aligned with how the brain learns and adapts, leading to more effective and humane training practices.
ℹ️ Follow .plus.dogs for more modern, evidence based advice on dogs
Exciting news! 💫 After having worked hard with numerous misfit dogs these past few years, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog 🐾 Ever dreamt of having a picture-perfect dog calmly sitting next to you at a café or peacefully lounging at home? This course is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process for achieving total calmness in your dog. Transform your dog from salty to sweet this February! Shoot us a DM with your email to secure your spot on the waitlist! 📩
Shouting this s**t from the rooftops. Your dog doesn’t need to meet the people they don’t need to be friends with long term
Your dog doesn’t *need* to meet the plumber…and P.S. my dogs don’t either.
So many people over the years have told me stories about how their dogs reacted poorly to the electrician, plumber, house keeper, lawn service people, etc. I’ve even had to work with people that had a dog bite incident in these types of situations.
These weren’t all “aggressive” dogs. Some of the dogs that have bitten or snapped in these situations were “family dogs” that seemed to “get along with everyone”. Well, that’s not always the case. A dog doesn’t need to be labeled “aggressive” to have a bad or fearful moment with a stranger in their house.
Any dog can bite, get scared, be unsure, be caught off guard, be skeptical, and be fearful.
That aside, there are plenty of people who don’t like that their overly-friendly, excitable dog jumps, barks, whines, pees, etc. when faced with these types of situations too.
My three dogs aren’t “aggressive”, and I still put them safely away while we have the plumber or electrician come in to do a job. I can focus on getting them in and out, without worrying about what my dogs are up to or how they are reading the situation. It helps me not have to be in training and dog mom mode, while also shielding my dogs from needing to deal with it - and save our training moments for more useful and practical times.
So this post is to remind you that you can opt out. It’s your house, your dogs, and your rules.
*There’s never anything wrong with playing it safe!* 🫶🏽
Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onWhile Halloween may be an exciting time for you and your family — costumes, candy, carving — it can be frightening for your dog or cat. From ringing doorbells to monstrous masks, these new sights and sounds can create high anxiety for pets. However, when you follo...
This!
It isn't hard to learn and it can change an unfocused dog to a focused one in a split second.....
One of the very first things we teach puppies and dogs is the skill of making eye contact......but for many and over time it can be forgotten. Suddenly we wonder why our dogs are no longer responding or listening anymore.
This is one of those bad habits of ours that can creep in.
The lack of eye contact and not waiting for it before attempting to ask for what we would like.
Yes..... you can teach eye contact.
It is a skill and you can teach this (see attached graphic in comments).
(Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics
❤️
A pediatrician is attempting to examine an infant. He holds the stethescope to the tiny chest but the baby won’t stop squirming. It’s difficult to get an accurate listen. The doctor informs the mother that the baby can’t be allowed to run the show; he needs to show her who’s boss. He slams t...
This little girl would love a home of her own. Apply for Lyla Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs
Hot take: using food to trick your dog isn’t positive reinforcement. Food is a reward for desired behavior you’d like to become more frequent.
PESKY PULLERS
Why dogs pull on leash
This is a really common problem and one that often causes us huge frustration.
It can make walks really unpleasant or we may even stop all together because our dogs pull so much.
Understanding why dogs pull is important. They don’t pull because they are trying to be the Alpha, be the top dog, trying to dominate us or take over the world.
Getting out for a walk is a really exciting, stimulating time for our dogs, especially if they’ve been cooped up in the same place for hours or days at a time without anything to do.
Pulling is normal, natural behaviour. Having to walk slowly, calmly, stuck to our side when the only thing our dogs can think about is pulling forward and exploring the environment requires a huge amount of impulse control that may be just too much for many dogs to master.
Yanking the leash, using choke collars, prong collars, slip leads or similar types of tools in an attempt to control this natural impulse is not the answer.
They may provide us with a feeling of being in control but leave our dogs feeling even more frustrated or they pull even harder in an attempt to make us move forward.
Do we really need to have our dogs walk calmly stuck to our side? Is this being fair to them?
Learning and practicing loose lead walking, using a long line when it’s safe to do so, taking your dog for a decompression walk where they can choose which direction to go and when to stop and sniff, booking a sniff spot or a walking area, driving to a safe, open area where they can explore, rewarding them for checking in with you are all ways to meet their natural needs and might even result in a dog that stops pulling.
Lyla! Officially ready for adoption through Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs - this little Australian shep, Pitbull, shar pei mix has come so so far from her feral tendencies. She’s incredibly vibrant, young, and easy in the house and has even gotten an A+ from our client who took her home for the afternoon!
Loves to play, loves dogs when introduced slowly, and would be just fine living with kids. Currently located in Fairfield, CT
We love spring ❤️
We are working real hard behind the scenes with some amazing people to create the Really Relaxed course! Stay tuned!
Welcome to camp, Fiesta!
Mr. Bones & Co. and Rescue the Runway
Ball pit dinner for the win!
Dog bite prevention!
Sometimes it’s just about letting your dog be a dog ❤️ Marshall has long struggled with reactivity and redirection but confidence building, remedial socialization, handler skills, and decompression has been life changing!
Food works as positive reinforcement by activating the brain's reward system, specifically the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
When a dog receives a treat for displaying desired behaviour, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and learning. This process reinforces the neural connections related to the behaviour, making it more likely to be repeated in the future.
Food's inherent value as a primary reinforcer stems from its biological importance, satisfying hunger and providing energy. Consequently, using food rewards in training capitalises on this innate value, effectively shaping and strengthening desired behaviours through neurochemical reinforcement.
Learn the science behind reward based dog training with the ISCP https://www.theiscp.com/challenge-page/online-dog-trainingcourse
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Applesauce- a new bombshell entering the adoption villa! This shy guy needs a patient home with lots of space. Is that you? Apply Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs #dogfightingsurvivor #lifeafterdogfighting #gamedogs
Sound up for a message from our favorite #dogfightingsurvivor!
Multi dog home skills!
Stationing is such an important skill in multi dog homes. As I integrate this dog fighting survivor into my home, with two other dogs, she needs some skills to succeed. Skill number one is stationing! This is our first training session together, so we’re starting small in 3 minute increments. Next up, learning to lay down! #dogfightingsurvivor #gamedog #lifeafterdogfighting Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs
After tirelessly working with numerous misfit dogs in recent years, I am excited to announce that my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog, is now LIVE 🐾 This program is specifically crafted to provide additional support for individuals dealing with the training challenges posed by overly excited and hyperactive dogs. If you find yourself in need of assistance but are hesitant about committing to extensive training, this course offers a valuable solution. All the details and registration information are provided below. We are genuinely excited about launching this course and look forward to assisting dog owners in cultivating a calm and joyful companion! www.wellmanneredmuttct.com/reallyrelaxedclass
Exciting news! 💫 After having worked hard with numerous misfit dogs these past few years, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog 🐾 Ever dreamt of having a picture-perfect dog calmly sitting next to you at a café or peacefully lounging at home? This course is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process for achieving total calmness in your dog. Transform your dog from salty to sweet this February! Shoot us a DM with your email to secure your spot on the waitlist! 📩
We love spring ❤️
Ball pit dinner for the win! #ditchthebowl
Sometimes it’s just about letting your dog be a dog ❤️ Marshall has long struggled with reactivity and redirection but confidence building, remedial socialization, handler skills, and decompression has been life changing!
Connect with your dog before you expect anything else ❤️
Some morning views from everyone’s favorite #dogfightingsurvivor
Poor little Clyde is terrified of water. He also needs twice weekly medicated baths. Cheese makes it better and we never start the bath until he’s able to eat cheese and opt in 😂 Did you know you can use food as a start button signal for your dog?
We’re officially open for boarding in Fairfield, CT! Perfect for dogs that need an extra eye on them and may not fit into the typical boarding lay out. Smaller scale and knowledgeable eyes on your dog. We are now booking for winter and spring vacations!
Chewing isn’t just for puppies. Bonnie (left) is 12, and Clyde (right) is about 2. I like to make my old bones and chew toys fun again by swiping a little peanut butter or wet food on them and throwing them in the freezer for a bit. Everything old is new again! #enrichment
Did you know it’s common for housemate dogs to show aggression when one dog comes back from the vet? This can happen for a number of reasons but the most common is simply that the returning dog smells and acts different. Changes in routine lead changes in decisions. Be aware when you’re bringing your dog home from the vet and be proactive in your management. Yesterday, our sweet bonnie had to go get mast cell tumors removed. As bonnie recovers, she doesn’t need a young adolescent male dog bothering her and she certainly doesn’t need him to starting a potential conflict when she comes in the door. Clyde (her housemate) lacks normal dog to dog skills so they were kept pretty much separate last night. This was easily done by exercising Clyde more while bonnie was gone and then crating him with plenty of enrichment while bonnie was loose. Today, Clyde was kept on a leash around her and was rewarded when he simply left her alone and did something else. A happy, conflict free home shared with canines, particularly with aggression cases, is about being proactive. Advocate for your dog ❤️ Here’s the worlds saddest video of bonnie just in case you need a cry today
What are zoomies exactly? Are they good? Bad? In my experience, zoomies aren’t always or even mostly fun for your dog. As you can see in this video, it often happens when a dog gets stressed from not knowing what to do. Here you see a very overaroused dog who wants to play but realizes grabbing the toy isn’t getting that accomplished. The experience stresses him out and he has a burst of frenetic energy while he tries to find another alternative behavior. Thoughts?
Just a little fight bust dog learning to file his own nails ❤️ #outoftheboxthinking #dogfightingsurvivor #lifeafterdogfighting #clickertraining
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