Human Insanity
It's truly baffling that humans have selectively bred dogs for specific, often intense skills and instincts, and then punish them for displaying those very traits. We’ve bred herding dogs to have strong drive to gather and control, hunting breeds to chase and track, and terriers to dig and hunt underground. These instincts, honed over generations, are deeply ingrained in the dogs’ behaviour. Yet, when they express these natural drives, we often reprimand them for simply doing what they were bred to do. It’s not only unfair, but it also misses the opportunity to channel these instincts into healthy outlets that benefit both the dog and owner. Instead of suppressing these natural behaviours, we should embrace them, providing outlets that are both satisfying and constructive, fostering a stronger, more trusting bond with our dogs.
Dogs, like all animals, have natural instincts that drive their behaviour, and when we understand and respect these instincts, we can provide outlets that help them thrive. Rather than resorting to fear, pain, or punishment to correct behaviours, we can manage our dogs’ needs humanely by offering them opportunities to express their natural drives in healthy, safe ways. For example, many dogs have a strong prey drive and engage in behaviours like chasing, stalking, or pouncing. Instead of punishing these actions, we can redirect that energy by providing activities like structured play, flirt poles, or scent games that simulate hunting in a controlled, positive manner. Similarly, dogs that dig or chew can benefit from interactive toys or digging pits that allow them to express these instincts safely.
Managing the environment is also key. Using long leads for instance, allows dogs to explore while maintaining safety. Managing their environment and providing appropriate outlets, we not only improve their behaviour but also strengthen the bond with our dogs.
#PositiveReinforcement #DogTraining #NaturalInstincts #HumaneTraining #Respect
hello!
Hello from Harbour Tails – Est. 2019! 🐾
At Harbour Tails, we’re all about quality, safety, and your dog’s well-being. We don't walk large groups of dogs. We believe in smaller, safely-sized groups exploring a variety of walking spots.
Safety is our top priority: Every off-lead dog wears a GPS tracker, and only dogs with reliable recall are allowed off-lead. We reinforce recall skills with positive reinforcement, ensuring your dog’s safety and freedom to explore.
We’re committed to ongoing improvement, investing thousands in safety equipment and continually updating our qualifications. The latest pursuit? Dani is on track to become an accredited dog trainer with IMDT. Having completed a research course and ongoing practical IMDT training - due to complete accreditation 2025.
Your dog’s mental health and happiness come first. We’re dedicated to staying updated with the latest research in canine psychology, behavior, and training – because we believe in a modern, mindful approach to dog walking.
Harbour Tails: Redefining Professional Dog Walking.
I made this video after seeing a "dog trainer" training the same threshold skills but using a thin slip lead for adding punishment with jerk corrections to it's neck each time the dog failed 😢
Cali is living proof that you can train the behaviour without physical and verbal corrections using positive reinforcement and consistent repetitions, small steps gradually increasing difficulty over time at the pace the dog starts to understand.
Don't scold them for behaviour you "don't want". Reward them for the behaviour you like.
For tips feel free to send me a message.
Advocating for force free , fear free and relationship based dog ownership.
Advocating for their mental health.
Advocating for safe and responsible dog ownership.
September Rain
It's been raining non-stop for 12 hours. It's still raining. 😂
#doglife #HarbourTails #DogWalking #dalmatian
Mission: Avoid Chaos
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at how we keep our walks stress-free! When someone comes our way, we call the gang over for a treat party on the side. 🎉 And then back to our adventure before anyone even notices.
Pro tip: Even treat parties like this need to be practiced regularly, not just when you actually "need it". That way, the dogs know the drill!! 🐕✨ All these dogs have been walking with us regularly for at least 10 months and some up to 4 years. So they definitely know the drill. Those who are still learning remain on the lead while they have their treat parties!
P.s. Dogs are wearing GPS trackers. Nothing shocking to see here! We train without using fear and pain.
#DogWalking #dogbehaviour #doglife
Hey there, we're Harbour Tails! Est 2019.
We prioritise quality over quantity. Instead of walking 7+ dogs at once in the same field daily, we walk safely sized groups in diverse locations.
All off-lead dogs wear GPS trackers, and we ensure every off lead dog has reliable recall, which we positively reinforce during walks.
We invest thousands into safety equipment and regularly updating our qualifications, listed on our website.
Dani's latest endeavour to become an accredited dog trainer involves a credible 6 month research course followed by a phase of practical courses with IMDT.
At Harbour Tails, we put your dog's mental health and safety above profits. We know there is always more to learn about canine well being, psychology behaviour and training. We know new research is carried out all the time and the importance of investing to ensure our knowledge and practices are up to date and credible.
Harbour Tails: Redefining Professional Dog Walking.
🐾 **Keep Training Fresh!** 🐶
Did you know? Practicing and rewarding your dog's skills is key to maintaining them —like loose lead walking. Even if your furry friend already "knows" something well , regular practice with intermittent and random rewards will keep these skills sharp - and your bond tight! 🦴✨
**Tip:** Intermittent rewards work well for skills your dog performs reliably across different settings. However, if you're teaching a new skill or your dog is finding it challenging, or has perhaps lost a skill due to lack of practice, stick with continuous reinforcement in various environments. This approach ensures they fully grasp and master the behaviour before moving to less frequent rewards.
#DogTraining #PetCare #LifeWithDogs
@uptoncountrypark
@dorsetdogs
In the predatory motor pattern of dogs, the "dissect" phase involves mimicking the behavior of shredding or tearing apart prey. This phase often includes actions like biting, shaking, tearing and de-stuffing. For some dogs / breeds this phase is very important and rewarding for them and they need an outlet for it.
Also, please never take something away from your dog like the person does in this video. It will put you on the path to having severe guarding issues. Instead, try offering a trade.
Picnic season is fast approaching, although you wouldn't think it with current amount of rain 🤣 but, practicing some engagement games in readiness.
Dorset Dogs
Unbox our delivery of dog treats with us. Thank you to Marshalls Pet Food Store Ltd. for this kind gift which Cali has agreed to share around.
We are donating some of the bags to Waggy Tails Rescue Dorset
For dogs, Learning social skills doesn't just mean playing with other dogs. It's being able to see other dogs and remain under threshold and it's being able to be polite and read if the other dog would like to interact or not. Here we are helping Bruce to learn so she might be able to join group walks in the future.
