Smartypaws LLC

17/06/2024

15/06/2024

Ignoring a dog’s separation distress does not help them get over it.

13/06/2024

Yes!

🤯 YOU TOO CAN GET DOG TRAINER RESULTS!

‼️ Read full text here 👉🏼 🔗 https://t.ly/5HabitsDogTrainers

(Thank you to Lisa Mullinax of 4Paws University with Lisa Mullinax CDBC for this great read.)

10/06/2024

This is so important!

Wanting a behaviour from our dogs to stop is common. Sadly, there are so many 'trainers' who appear on television or have massive social media followings who will advocate using devices and methods that 'will stop it fast'. Let's be honest, as humans we are often results driven, so I can see why these would appeal to people who don't know why these things should not be recommended and used. The reality is that they can make the situation so much worse.

Suppressing a behaviour doesn't mean that the reasons that behaviour happened aren't still there, just that the dog can't do what they feel they need to in that situation. That can lead to increased frustration, stress, fear - depending on what the driver for that behaviour is. Think of it like a pressure cooker, adding more and more pressure, with no way to reduce that pressure. Eventually there comes a point where the pressure is just too much and boom.

If a behaviour is something we can't live with, there are things we can do without suppressing that behaviour. Manage the situation so that the dog is not in a position to practice that behaviour - for example baby gates to stop them jumping up at arriving guests or finding quiet areas to walk if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs close up. If there is something you would prefer them to do in that situation keep using the management and then, using kind and ethical methods, teach them what you would like them to do instead. If the behaviour is not something that we can simply train an alternative for - a dog who reacts to other dogs around for example - find a behaviour consultant who uses modern and kind methods to help the dog no longer feel the need to use that behaviour.

Behaviour suppression is never the answer.

There are links to a couple of blog posts exploring the topic further in the comments.

09/06/2024

I was having this conversation today with a client and I thought it was worth outlining here for anyone else who needs to hear this:

IT IS NORMAL (AND RESPONSIBLE) TO HAVE TO MANAGE YOUR DOG IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS.

What do we mean by 'manage'? We mean by changing their environment or limiting their interaction within an environment in order to keep them from "behaving inappropriately" (in our eyes).

Very typical examples:

🐾 Using a long line on walks
🐾 Shutting dogs away when deliveries come
🐾 Leaving your dog at home when you go somewhere
🐾 Keeping them on lead in some situations
🐾 Keeping them away from the table at meal times
🐾 Keeping them from approaching certain dogs
🐾 Not giving them their ball with other dogs around
🐾 Not putting their food bowl near anothers
🐾 Keeping them on lead around kids

The list could go on and on and on.

I don't know a single person who doesn't have to manage their dog in certain situations because dogs are DOGS. They aren't mini humans who can be reasoned with: "just share your toys with your friend, they're not going to take them away". Dogs are a straight thinking species: I want this, I don't want that, I need this, I am scared of losing that and so on.

It's a real error to assume that our dogs showing any degree of discomfort in a situation is a dog that needs to be "fixed". They're not broken! They're just being their real selves in a world that has REALLY HIGH expectations of them.

It's an even bigger error to assume that adding food to a situation will change anything. In some situations it can make it worse. Counter conditioning is NOT always the answer. Many of my clients have found that out the hard way from previous well meaning advice.

Don't feel ashamed if your dog can't do something that Joe Blogg's dog down the street can do. I bet you Joe Blogg's dog down the street can't do something your dog CAN!

Dogs are so painfully real and honest. They aren't perfect and they never ever pretend to be.

👇🏻 Name a situation where you need to manage your dogs! I'll start:

Lucy: has to be managed around young children with leads and gates
Raggy: has to be managed around stranger dogs as has low tolerance of bounciness
River: has to be managed in the outside world altogether using a long line
Alby: has to be managed around the house as will toilet inappropriately if given the chance.

MANAGEMENT IS AS NORMAL AS SOCKS AND HOT DINNERS.

Spread the word 🐾💜

07/06/2024

‼NOT A REAL DOG AND BABY. ‼We all need our space. As humans we can communicate that we’re feeling uncomfortable with words that others understand. A toddler doesn’t understand this necessarily right away and has to learn the human communications and what it means they certainly do not understand what dogs are communicating. Please do not allow your toddler to crowd your dog ‘s space. Dogs need to feel safe around young children, especially because they move so erratically and are constantly doing new things. They don’t have the consistent movements of an adult.

06/06/2024

Dogs perceive the world really differently than we do. Where as we're visual first; dogs' noses are their go-to for exploring the world. For obvious reasons, this can be really important in considering how differently we react to some things- like strong smells!

06/06/2024

🧨 🇺🇸 FOURTH OF JULY IS COMING! PREP NOW!

TIP #️⃣1️⃣

⏳ Don't wait for the day before to get your pup ready. This is a crazy holiday that accounts for more missing pets than any other holiday all throughout the year.
——

💥 First we'll start with why pets go missing .... the loud booms & bangs of fireworks absolutely terrify most dogs. Very few dogs are not affected by fireworks.
——

BE PROACTIVE!
👩🏼‍⚕️ Contact your veterinarian today about a plan to help your dog with noise phobia.

💊 It is best to ask for a medication to help with this and right now Sileo® is the first FDA approved drug for dogs for firework and storm phobias. It works beautifully but not all vets carry it or some are still not educated in its use. You and your vet can come up with a plan together if they are not familiar with Sileo®.
——

Stacy Greer, CPDT-KA

🐕🐩🐕‍🦺🦮

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2024 Stacy Greer

All rights reserved. Feel free to share via the “Share” link to the original post. Downloading for redistribution online or in print form is strictly prohibited.

04/06/2024

COMMON SOURCES OF FIGHT AND FALLOUTS

Living with multiple dogs in my experience is generally fabulous but it can take some management. It’s rare that households with several dogs don’t have any issues that need management and it’s often not a Disney film where everyone shares bones, sleeps in a big pile, happily lets other dogs walk over them and never ever falls out 😂 most people with several dogs work hard to make sure that there are no issues and know what triggers to avoid.

My 3 dogs absolutely adore each other but we still work hard to make sure they don’t ever fallout. I have to manage as my Inuit, Sylvi, isn’t a great sharer and would take everyone’s food and chews given half a chance.- we manage this by feeding them separately. The terrier gets very aroused at times of high excitement or in narrow spaces and thinks about chasing the big dogs 😳 so we don’t let her go out the back door at the same time as my inuit. My Dalmatian is incredibly easy going and my best boy, he is no trouble at all but this means they would walk all over him if I let them! I have simple management that makes sure that we avoid any fall outs and we keep the lovely relationship they all have.

I work with so many cases where dogs in a household fall out and the triggers are generally really predictable and are often avoidable. This is just guide to potential issues and if you have concerns about issues with your own dogs please seek qualified professional help. We can often sort things out in the early stages of issues in a household but if relationships between dogs really break down if can be hard, or impossible, to rectify.

COMMON TRIGGERS FOR FIGHTS AND FALLOUTS ARE:

🥩 RESOURCES - food/toys/access to favoured people

Feeding separately and giving chews separately is just common sense if you have potential issues. New toys may be worth guarding but old toys may not be. Long lasting chews may be an issue abs may be buried or hidden. Having multiple toys of the same type helps some dogs. Stairgates and having separate space can prevent so many issues!

📦 TIMES OF HIGH AROUSAL - e.g postman knocking on the dog

Being excited at the start of a walk can also be an issue for some dogs and they may fallout as everyone piles out of the car. We can try to keep arousal low by doing calm activities and scent work as we get out the car. Outdoor post and parcel boxes can often help postman related issues or using a doorbell that texts you rather than a door knocker etc.

High arousal in play can also be a factor- some dogs need careful management in play to make sure that arousal doesn’t get too high. If play is getting louder and louder and you aren’t seeing them take turns and pauses and breaks then they may need a break from play.

High arousal and frustration can also cause issues if dogs are fence running etc in the garden and the other dog gets in the way. Seek professional help if you are struggling with reactivity issues.

🚪 NARROW SPACES- gateways/hallways especially if combined with high arousal
Postman at the door combined with a narrow hallway is a recipe for disaster in some dogs. Doorways can also be an issue- running into the garden at speed whilst very excited etc.

🛑 STRESSED DOGS- other sources of stress can disrupt household harmony

Even if dogs get along brilliantly normally, if one is very stressed they may not cope with things they would normally cope with (trigger stacking). A house move, owners changing work pattern, a new dog walker etc are common themes. Other sources of anxiety like noise worries and separation issues all contribute to stress.

Being really tired can also be a factor and reduce tolerance- we see this lots with puppies and adult dogs. By 8 or 9pm many adult dogs just want to rest and sleep without being disturbed and many issues with adults getting cross with puppies happen in the evenings. Let your adults rest in peace away from annoying puppies.

🏥 PAIN AND ILL HEALTH- tolerance may be lower and stress higher

The first sign that a dog is unwell can be loss of tolerance around their housemates. Pain may make them suddenly unable to cope with another dog lying on them in the night for example or bumping into them as they run into the garden. Any changes- see your vet!

🐕 GROWING UP! moving into adolescence can be a trigger for fall outs

Dogs may get along swimmingly but maybe fall out as they mature. Dogs change a great deal emotionally and mentally as they go into and through adolescence and it can be a tricky time to manage. They may be finding life generally difficult to navigate at this age and may have lower tolerance around their housemate or they may change in confidence and the dynamic with older dogs may alter. Hormones may also make things more complex- females approaching a season or who are having a phantom may be much more bothered about resources and you may need more household management. Boy dogs may change when hormones peak in adolescence and this may impact on dynamics in the household too.

Most multi dog households do get along well with some simple management and for me, the benefits of having several dogs and the rich and complex relationships they have far out weighs any negatives.

It helps to think carefully about the ideal housemate for your dog if you are thinking of adding another- don’t make things difficult for yourself if you can help it and also think realistically about whether your dog actually wants to share their life and home with more dogs. Some dogs don’t want to live with other dogs or have more dogs added to the existing mix and that’s fine too!

Laura McAuliffe 2024, Dog Communication

02/06/2024

31/05/2024

Small dogs can lose agency very quickly. Despite asking for space they are often ignored or even laughed at. It's no wonder they get defensive and worried by people. Does your small dog struggle in the world? We can help with that, drop us a line in the comments.

25/05/2024

Sometimes, NOT walking your dog is the best thing you can do for them.

20/05/2024

Do you live with a Shy Pup? Then I think you'll relate to this ⬇️

How often do you hear...
"Oh but dogs love me" or "Oh, he'll grow out of it" or... "just let him smell me and then he'll be fine"...?
Or you ask them not to stare at your dog but they just can't seem to peel their eyes away. Or they're offering them some food without even asking you?

The fact is, there are always going to be people who are well-meaning but not educated on YOUR dog and YOUR dog's needs.

While I could tell you to just advocate for your dog, it's not always that easy. Sometimes advocating feels vulnerable and icky. So, it's easier to avoid. I feel you, I get it. I urge you to keep trying, in whatever way feels safe to you. 💕

Feel free to download, print, and hand out this graphic or share it with whoever you think needs to see it!

👉 And if you live with a shy, sensitive pup, would you do me a quick favor?

I'm going to post a Google form link in the comments - Will you take a few minutes to share your experience with the sensitive soul you live with at home? I'd super appreciate it!

💕 Much love to you and your pup(s)
Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

16/05/2024

If you clamp your dog's mouth shut when they mouth or "tap" them on the muzzle when they bark, or use your hands in any way to stop behavior, how is your dog supposed to know the next time you reach to pet them that you are just reaching to pet them and not to "tap" their muzzle?

Using these physical methods in training is one of the quickest way to teach your dog that people reaching towards them is something to avoid and they should cower or run away or that they should defend themselves against people by growling, snapping or biting, to prevent the person from touching them.

Read more in this week's post.

https://rescuedbytraining.com/2024/05/13/fallout-effects-of-rough-handling/

16/05/2024

14/05/2024

Social gatherings can be a lot. I mean, can't you relate? I know I sure can😂😂.

Our routine is thrown off, there's so much energy in the house, and there's way more going on than usual.

Many dogs get overwhelmed by social gatherings too.

The best thing we can do for them, especially before seeking professional help, is to keep them OUT of the stressful situation.

Often this can work by creating a safe space zone for your dog to enjoy a favorite activity away from all the action!

For many dogs, this takes practice! It is not always something they will become comfortable with automatically.

Here are a few tips to help your dog get comfy in a safe space zone:

- provide favorite items/beds
- put on background sound or music
- practice ahead of time!!!

And remember-- it is better to keep our dogs OUT of unpredictable situations if that is going to lower their stress and keep everyone safe!

Follow for more tips for anxious dogs!

13/05/2024

I find it hard to understand why some people still use and firmly believe in old fashioned punishment-based training methods when science clearly shows there is a better, kinder, humane, ethical and far more effective way.

The key principle of force free or positive reinforcement based methods is “first, do no harm”, not just physical harm, but emotional harm too.

Punishment amongst many other negatives, creates stress. Stress inhibits learning. A dog that is feeling stressed from being punished will struggle to learn.

Positive reinforcement methods release the hormone, Dopamine. This “feel-good” hormone drives the reward and pleasure-seeking system.

Dopamine also increases the brain’s ability to learn, improves memory function and motivates a dog to repeat a behaviour.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour states that punishment-based methods may cause several adverse effects, including “inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviours, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals”.

One of my favourite quotes with regard to dog behaviour is by Dr Carolina Galvez Vidal - "Any idiot can suppress behaviour. It’s so easy: That’s why most humans on the planet think they are expert dog trainers. But to truly modify a behaviour without suppression…Ahh, that requires true talent, knowledge and skills".

We are all individuals and don’t all have “true talent” or “skills”, but the key word for me in this statement is “knowledge”.

Knowledge is not that hard to find these days. Be willing to put in the effort to find out how to build a trusting, secure and positive relationship with your dog, remembering to "first do no harm".

09/05/2024

LANGUAGE OF THE LICK

Dogs usually lick their lips when food is about to be served, when a tasty treat is imminent, when those soulful eyes are begging you to share whatever you’re putting in your mouth, or when that last morsel of food stuck on their nose needs to be captured.

Maybe it’s just an itchy nose or a pesky bug that’s irritating them, but sometimes lip licking can be an important sign that there’s something else going on.

The amazing vocabulary that is dog body language is often spoken through subtle signs that are so easy to miss, but when noticed can provide us with important information as to how our dogs are feeling.

Lip licking is part of a group of calming signals that dogs use in an attempt to avoid conflict, calm themselves and others down and generally indicate that they’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable about something.

We also often use this type of body language without even being aware of it. Fiddling with our hair, nails or ears, biting the end of a pencil, tapping feet - may all happen when we’re feeling uncomfortable in a situation.

Sometimes lip licking can provide a warning that there’s an underlying medical condition like gastrointestinal issues, dental or mouth problems or pain somewhere in the body.

Take note of lip licking in different situations. It may be as simple as seeing a lip lick when you just can’t resist kissing that adorable face, but your dog is telling you that they really don’t feel comfortable with your way of expressing affection.

Take note, listen to their language and do what you can to improve their emotional state.

05/05/2024

What do you mean – obedience isn’t everything?

I want to make it clear that this post is not an excuse to let a dog run riot with no recall if they don't return when called yet, so if you don’t want to read until the end, please don’t take that message from this graphic.

I mostly work with adult and adolescent dogs whose families have reached out to me because of aspects of their behaviour. Much of this behaviour occurs around things, situations, or contexts that they encounter within their day to day life.
It isn’t uncommon for people to explain to me that they went to formal obedience classes with their dog when they were a puppy, which has led to some of the disappointment they feel in not knowing how to approach the behaviour they’re now seeing. Even if these classes are taught using ethical methods, basic formal obedience is something I really would not make your number one priority when teaching a young dog how to handle life around them. If you're in to the dog behaviour lingo, then you can think of this as "operant stuff". This is something I have learnt myself, through time and experience. I do not want to offend any trainers with this post - training can be fun, good for bonding, and mental stimulation! But the truth is, knowing a ‘sit’ doesn’t help when a dog can’t cope with proximity to another dog. Knowing a ‘stay’ does nothing to help a dog who really struggles in busy situations. It is all very human-centred and doesn’t do a great deal for how your dog feels about life around them, or behaves in response to things. Many of my clients, when meeting me for a behaviour appointment, will say to me “I’m really sorry but he doesn’t walk to heel”. I couldn’t give a scooby if your dog isn’t walking to heel, as long as you can manage them and as long as they aren’t distressed (which is a common cause of pulling). I'd rather see a dog feeling confident in exploring the environment towards the end of their lead, and checking in with their guardian.

If you want to do basic obedience then go for it. It shouldn’t be at the expense of…
• Supporting your dog or puppy to feel safe and happy in an environment.
• Supporting your dog or puppy to feel safe and happy in proximity to dogs or people. I see a lot of adolescents that absolutely lose it with frustration at the sight of other dogs, and starting off right in puppyhood can really help.
• Learning about dog body language – this should be absolutely number one for anyone caring for dogs.
• Learning about appropriate sleep, exercise, and mental stimulation (especially for those with puppies).
• Mainly focusing on life skills and not so much arbitrary stuff that really doesn’t make much of a difference when your dog is finding things tough on walks or in general life.

I think there is an exception for things like recall, leaving things when asked, and 'drop', as leaving things or dropping things when asked could mean your dog doesn’t eat something dangerous, and recall is an obvious one.

Training can be great mental stimulation for dogs and can be a fun way to bond, but don’t make it your number one priority if it then means that you ignore the stuff that really effects day to day life and wellbeing.

I have put together an online course for those who want to learn some of the stuff that I consider 'essential' for young dogs. You will have access to this for a year once enrolled, and it is perfect to do alongside anything else you might be attending with your puppy or adolescent.
https://knowyourdog.thinkific.com/courses/puppy-essentials
You can use code DOGDAYS50 for 50% off at the moment.

02/05/2024

No dog wakes up one day and thinks “You know what? I will start being reactive to other dogs today. Just because.” 🤔

Reactivity is not a choice 🟥 it’s a communication tool 🟩 it’s a continued attempt to create space & safety 🟧

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗬 is a desperate attempt to create safety for the dogs, who have previously tried to communicate and create safety for themselves, but these attempts have not worked ➡️ mainly because no one listened.

Reactivity is stressful, exhausting, uses a lot of energy and doesn’t feel good. It impacts physical and mental health. It affects wellbeing and quality of life.

If there were any other ways for the dogs to say “𝘩𝘦𝘺, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 - 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 / 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦" dogs wouldn’t have to react ...

But almost 𝗮𝗹𝗹 early attempts to communicate by dogs are either ignored, or dogs are told off for them, so overtime they learn that to get the message across they 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 use bigger, more bad a$$ behaviours, all to be able to feel safe.

That is all they want ➡️ to feel safe. Doesn’t everyone deserve to feel safe?

27/04/2024

Less likely of a threat maybe, but definitely not comfortable for anyone involved. I always say, if your dog was a Rottweiler and exhibited this chihuahua’s behavior what would you do? Size seems to make it a nonissue, but nothing is further from the truth. Teach and reinforce what you want dog to do instead no matter the size.

24/04/2024

Frustrated by always trying to get your dog's attention? Read this!

Dogs are individuals.

With individual personalities, interests, wants, and needs.

And guess what?! We actually ARE NOT always the center of their universe.

I hate the trend of focusing solely on rewarding dogs for paying attention to us. I think this is unrealistic and is neglecting the needs of our dogs.

Let your dog sniff.
Let your dog play with other dogs.
Let your dog say hi to people if they want to.
Let your dog dig.
Let your dog explore.

Let your dog have their needs and interests met by things other than JUST YOU!

I absolutely support teaching a strong recall and reinforcing our dogs for checking in with us, especially when out and about and in training contexts, but I'm here to say that society is taking this concept too far!

So the next time you're out with your dog, let them sniff, wander, have the play session with their friend etc BEFORE trying to get their attention.

And in fact, when you take this approach, your dog will be more likely to actually pay attention to you because you won't be constantly nagging them. They will get to indulge in the environmental distractions that they want to, so you and your training will actually become MORE enticing!!

Follow for more tips!

23/04/2024

Separation related problems are so distressing for both the dog and their people and helping a dog who struggles with separation is a long, slow process.

When we bring a dog home it is important to help them feel safe and secure in the and with us and only then gradually start teaching them that alone time is nothing they need to stress about.

This can be time consuming and awkward to start as it means organising life so that the dog does not need to be left for extended periods before they are ready.

The time put in during these early stages is absolutely worth it, however - helping a dog who has developed separation related problems can mean a long time of the dog not being able to be left, and working on helping them to feel comfortable in very small increments (seconds at a time to start) takes a lot of work and effort.

21/04/2024

As a dog behaviourist, ruling out medical causes for behavioural changes and challenges is really important. By working in partnership with the dog's vet and other professionals involved in the dog's life as well as the owners can not only give a holistic picture of the behaviours that are being dis...

19/04/2024

18/04/2024

No, your dog doesn’t need to be held accountable.

No, they don’t know what they did was wrong.

Dogs don’t know right from wrong at all! This is a human concept we project onto them. Teach your dog how to do the thing you want, and prevent the rest.