207 Dog Training, LLC

06/05/2025

Reminder your dog isn’t dramatic or stubborn, they might be…

- In pain
- Stressed out
- Anxious
- Confused
- Conflicted
- Fearful, and so on

Dogs are not dramatic. They don’t dramatize their feelings or emotions. If they’re reacting, they could be stressed, anxious, and/or fearful. If they’re limping, they could be in pain. If they’re not responding to a cue, maybe we didn’t teach it to fluency. Maybe they’re not understanding. Our dog’s behavior is information, and we’re doing them a disservice when we label them as “dramatic” or “stubborn”. Your dog is doing their best with the information they have. 💛

06/05/2025

Food isn't bribery, if you use it correctly and are a skilled trainer.

Read more here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/04/28/food-in-training-isnt-bribery/

11/12/2024

DON’T PANIC IF PROGRESS ISN’T PERFECT

Although not from a training page, this image also very much applies to our dogs. Rate of progress will vary hugely as every dog is different, each with individual and unique circumstances which will impact levels of confidence and resilience.

Progress isn’t usually linear, either. We all have good days and bad days, and it is the same for our dogs. It may sometimes feel that we take one step forward and two steps back (or more!), but whatever happens, be kind to yourself, as life can be challenging and stressful when caring for our fearful, anxious and reactive dogs.

Try not to compare your progress to that of others, and celebrate every little success, no matter how small; remember, baby steps are so important. Good things take time, and it will be well worth the patience, understanding, and empathy it requires to get there ❤️

You’ve got this! 💪🫶

© Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I’m very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source) or screenshot any part of it. Thank you 🙏

09/12/2024

Behaviour is only labelled good or bad because it’s what we have perceived it to be. To our dogs, behaviour is is explored or repeated simply because it is reinforcing in some way.
When we start to think of behaviour just as meeting a need. We can start to change our response to it and work on our own reactions.
And of course tell Santa all dogs are on the good list.

15/11/2024

“You’re a dog trainer, your dogs must be so well behaved!”

One of the dogs in question, who just barked at me until I helped him up onto the couch: 🤣

14/11/2024

Shutting down behaviours through aversive methods such as loud noises (shakers, rattles, clapping, shouting), air sprays or water sprays, shock collars or physical punishment may certainly suppress behaviour in the short term, which can be very reinforcing for caregivers.🐾🐈🐕

However, what we MUST consider is what effects this may have in the long term.🌟🐾

Animals will learn that they can no longer use certain behaviours to communicate, relieve stress or show their emotional state.🐶😿

This in turn may lead to learned helplessness, reduced welfare and quality of life, or in some instances to physical disease such as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis.💔

So, before choosing the easier option of shutting down behaviour, please consider what this may do to your pet in the long run…🌟🐕🐈

, , , , , , , , , , ,

05/11/2024

There’s enough to stress about, don’t let your dog needing to walk perfectly on your heel be one of them!

It’s ok if your dog is walking in front, on the side, or even behind you! My criteria with my dogs is it’s essentially all good as long and you’re not pulling hard. I let my dogs sniff and basically walk wherever they feel comfortable as long as it’s a pleasant feel on the leash.

What’s your criteria?

03/11/2024

My dogs are quite friendly with people.

It might surprise you to know that when I had an appliance delivery this morning, all of my dogs were behind two layers of safety away from the delivery people.

First, I don't want to risk a dog slipping out through an open door.

Second, delivery drivers are trying to do a job. They may not find attention from my dogs is as delightful as I do.

Third, when people call me because their dog has bitten someone, they always say something along the lines of "I never imagined he would do that" Never assume that your dog won't bite a stranger entering your home.

Gates, crates and doors will keep your dog safe.

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween! 👻🎃

I don’t know many dogs who enjoy strangers knocking on their door, so if you haven’t thought of one already, make a plan of what your dogs are going to do this evening if you get trick-or-treaters!

- You could put a candy bowl out on a table/chair in your driveway (not on your steps or front door, where your dog may hear footsteps) so trick-or-treaters are a safe distance away.
- Create a safe space for your dog with music, TV, or a radio playing in a relaxing room (or crate if they’re comfortable) away from the front door.
- Put a sign out to instruct trick-or-treaters NOT to knock.
- If you have any anti-anxiety medications your dog gets for stressful events (like Trazodone and/or Gabapentin), use them!! Two hours prior to when you expect trick-or-treaters to start showing up.
- And please don’t take your dog out trick-or-treating. There are too many “scary” costumes & decorations most dogs will not enjoy, not to mention the crowd and traffic could be stressful!

My dogs & I are staying home and watching a movie. We are lucky enough not to get any trick-or-treaters (they would not appreciate knocking 🤣) 🎃🐾

21/10/2024

Just popping in to remind my reactive dog guardians it’s OKAY your dog has some reactive behaviors, it’s nothing you specifically did to cause it, you DON’T need pain or coercion to address the behavior, positive reinforcement works, and you’re doing a great job! 🐶💛

16/10/2024