Dogs Behaving Better

19/08/2025

Even if you're not a behavior geek like me, any pet parent can learn a lot from this free video series by amazing ethologist Karolina Westlund.
We can change mood, or emotions, or function to change undesirable behaviors.

This information is so valuable, so important, and available for just a short time, so get access and watch now!

13/08/2025

TTouch is a different kind of training. We build trust and connection instead of forcing obedience.

Interested? Get in touch.

For many of us, patience does not come easily. We live in a time where we do not have to wait for much and slowing down does not necessarily come naturally. When we interact with out animals we tend to expect immediate compliance. We ask for a Sit, a Come, Back, Halt (depending on the species) and expect an instant response. Often, without realizing it, we repeat the cue again and again — three, four, even five times — before our animal has even had a moment to process what we’ve asked.

But here’s the reality: the journey from request to response isn’t instantaneous. The signal travels a surprisingly long path:
Our brain → our body → their body → their brain → their body… and only then do we see the result.

Now imagine adding in the challenges of real life — a distracting environment, a new skill being taught, or the stress of an unfamiliar situation. Every extra factor makes it even more important to allow a pause. That moment of stillness is not wasted time; it’s the essential bridge between your intention and their understanding.

When we give our animals time to think, we:
• Build trust through patience, allowing them time to process so they’re not being pressured or rushed into compliance.
• Create space for understanding, allowing them to truly learn rather than simply react.
• Lay the foundation for long-lasting responsiveness, cooperation, and confidence.
In our experience slowing down at the beginning often makes things go faster in the long run. Instead of drilling or demanding and adding pressure, we allow time for the nervous system and body to process and respond to the request.

For us, training isn’t about forcing immediate obedience. It’s about communication, trust, and connection.

As your animal feels safer and clearly understands the request, the response becomes quicker and more immediate without the escalation of pressure, coercion or repetition.

So next time you give a cue, try this: ask once, then pause. Breathe. Watch their body language. Give them the gift of time. You might be surprised at the depth of the response you receive and the long lasting results.

12/08/2025

Using treats *effectively* means that behavior will improve in that context.

12/08/2025

The more we meet Their needs, the more they meet ours.

Dogs have natural needs that are essential for their well-being, including foraging, sniffing, playing, problem-solving, and enjoying undisturbed rest. These activities enrich their lives, support their mental and physical health, and allow them to express innate behaviours. Much like us, they thrive when their needs for exploration, fun, and relaxation are met.

06/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15BumULJBr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

31/07/2025

Be aware of those early warning signals. That’s the time to stop and give time and space to the dog who’s communicating their stress/fear/anger/anxiety.

I’m here to help if you need it.

30/07/2025

My newest puppy graduate is Winston, a 4-month-old Poodle. Smart, charming, sociable, cuddly, and super cute, he’s off to an excellent start in life!

28/07/2025

Effectiveness is not enough reason to use punishment: it works by being unpleasant, painful, and/or scary.

And it has a long list of unintended side effects, including aggression, anxiety, and loss of trust.

Positive reinforcement has so many benefits and can be way more effective!
If you’re struggling with unwanted behaviors, let me show you how well positive training works!

Myth Busters 4: Punishment Doesn't Work – True or False?

Punishment can work, but only if it's immediate (within 1 second), happens every time, and is strong enough to stop the behavior. That's nearly impossible to pull off consistently.

Worse, dogs often make the wrong associations. A leash correction for barking may teach your dog to fear other dogs, not stop barking.

Punishment is also linked to increased anxiety, fear, frustration, and aggression. So while it can work, the emotional fallout just isn't worth it. Better option? Reward the behaviors you want. It's effective, humane, and builds trust.

23/07/2025

This looks like Fun!

https://www.facebook.com/share/16pVRv6kPB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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