Zen Dog Training

24/07/2024

Can dogs lick from affection ? Absolutely ✅
Can they lick from feeling anxious ? Yes ✅
Not all licking is appeasement licking. Appeasement licking is usually paired with other stress signals or calming signals and I know that may be tricky for some to notice.
This is one of those behaviours that dogs show us that can be very misread.
Affection ❓Greeting ❓Stress ❓

Licking is completely normal for dogs. It can be a healthy and socially acceptable behaviour between other dogs. It is relaxing, soothing and can be displayed for so many reasons.
However appeasement licking can also be shown to other dogs too, even ones they know and live with.

If you are in any doubt over why your dog licks either you or another dog, video the interaction.
Watch that video and look for tell tale signs of stress (some are mentioned in the graphic).

One of the worst feelings in the world is when I have to inform someone that those certain types of "kisses" do not come from a place of affection but can be from a place of fear, mistrust and stress.

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04/05/2024

🐾 Hey there! So close to having your dream dog! 🌟 Just one step away! 🐾

With over a decade of experience and a long list of happy clients, we've got the magic touch when it comes to dog training. 🎩✨

Ever wondered about my approach and who I am? 🤔🐶 Well, wonder no more! Check out this video to get to know me better and see how we can team up to make your pup shine
https://zendog.training/private-class/ 📹

21/03/2024

Hello, everyone! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our first podcast episode, packed with fascinating insights and valuable information. Join us as we dive deep into the world of dog ownership and training. This video holds secrets that could revolutionize the way dog owners and trainers understand their furry companions.

Join us as we embark on a journey into the heart of dog training with our special guest, Chase from Chase-N-Dogs in Southern California. In this episode, we ...

17/01/2024

Would there be any interest in group trainings for Budapest residents?

16/01/2024

I don't think there would be many trainers out there that would disagree that dogs "playing" can be very misread.
Sometimes what may look like play is often highly stressful for one or all dogs involved.

Puppies need little and often exposure to play, however if the play styles they have been continually exposed to has been problematic, there may be issues with play going forward.
If they have limited exposure to dogs/puppies, they have limited experience and may struggle with appropriate play.

With grown dogs.... play is often encouraged with others they have just met...often without taking the time to assess and watch the play style and energy levels.

Playstyles matter
Energy levels matter

Supervising and stopping play is so important. If you have a dog that changes their own play style the longer it goes on (perhaps it starts to get more frantic and far more physical)....stop play before it gets to that stage.
I am all for dogs learning appropriate play with each other and allowing communication between them to signal "hey...thats enough"....the difficulty is you need to trust implicitly that the other dog involved can GIVE those more subtle signals that play is getting too rough....and you need to trust your own dog will read those subtle signals BEFORE a much larger and possibly damaging incident .

If these dogs have no history together.....neither will have any knowledge of those individual signals given.

Being excited to play....does NOT mean the play about to follow is going to be a healthy interaction for all involved. In fact dogs which are "bursting" to play often will not wait for signals from others that they are reciprocating...they will just charge in there....and that can cause an immediate fight.

This is just a guide.
There will be many people that have dogs that have stiff bodies when playing....it is very individual...however it is a good "rule" to be wary of stiff posture, especially from a dog thats energy is vastly different from yours.
Many larger dogs do a beautiful job "handicapping" when playing with smaller dogs.....they will continually drop/tuck a front leg to continue to play with another much smaller buddy, this is a great signal to watch....but generally speaking there are real and obvious dangers of a much smaller dog and a larger dog play.

Healthy play is a fantastic uplifting and joyful experience for all involved, participants and onlookers.....always advocate if needed.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD 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 our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.