Team Tilly Canine Coaching

14/12/2024

Day 14 🎄

Let’s think about muzzles 🐾

I like to start with the cone game. The cone game is a great game for confidence and optimism, it is also a great introduction for muzzle training🐾

Muzzle training is a great life skill and is fun to train. It’s great to prepare your dog in case one is needed at the vets if they are injured, at the groomers, to prevent them eating anything harmful on walks. It can also be a great tool to keep your dog and others safe if you have a dog who can be reactive 🐕

All you need is a plastic cone or pot that is big enough for your dogs muzzle.I like to shape the first step by rewarding any interaction with the cone. If your dog has a nose touch you can use that to encourage your dog to pop his nose in the cone 🐶

Once your dog is happy popping their nose in and out of the cone you can start to build duration. You could smear a bit of meat paste in the cone as encouragement and to make it a great experience. There really should be no negativity around muzzles 🐕

13/12/2024

Day 13 🎄

Are you buying Christmas presents for your dog? 🐕 🎁

If you are buying edible presents do check ingredients carefully ‼️rawhide seems to still sneak into some treats and is readily available. You see lots of coloured Christmas themed edible items made with rawhide. Rawhide can be a choking hazard, cause internal blockages and contains lots of nasty chemicals making it dangerous for dogs to eat ⚠️

Look out for alternatives and natural (do check ingredients) chews. Tilly and Caleb love a fish skin chew. Whatever you choose check the size is suitable for your pet and that you supervise them whilst eating in case they get into difficulties 🐾

There are lots of enrichment toys available, choose one suitable for your dog and enjoy spending time with them learning how the toy works 🐾

12/12/2024

Day 12🎄

As the days draw shorter and some days are very dull, be be safe be seen 🔦

I love walking around the village delivering Christmas cards, people enjoy waving to the dogs from the safety of their windows or arm chairs. Not all the paths are well lit 💈

We have hi viz to make sure we are seen by others. There is a lot of bright neon, reflective, hi viz available for walking for both you and your dog 🐾🦺

There are light up collars and attachments to harnesses or collars that make it easier to keep an eye on your dog and for them to be seen on the darker days. Just be aware that your dog may not appreciate collars or attachments that flash, they cannot escape them. Consider if your dog has any health or behaviour issues such as light/shadow chasing, eye conditions or epilepsy if you are using flashing lights 🐕

Some dogs don’t like people wearing hi viz but for us it’s associated with something the dogs enjoy 🐕

Stay safe

11/12/2024

Is there anything you would like me to cover in my 24 days of Christmas? 🎄

I have planned each days post but happy to add extra 🤩

Just leave a comment below ⬇️ or drop me a message 💬

11/12/2024

Day 11 🎄

Middle or the alternative side 🐾

These are great positions for focus, flexibility and creating a safe close by position for your dog 🐾

Middle gives your dog a safe place, you can use it as a recall position which will mean the fun is still ongoing even if the lead needs to be clipped on. If your dog is worried about being in that position then side is a good alternative 😃

You may prefer side if you have a large dog, you don’t want to it the dog in middle, you are worried about your dog tripping you or you falling 🐾

Try to keep clear cues for your dog with this trick, you wouldn’t want your dog randomly middling you or strangers 🫣 For Tilly it’s about me moving a leg, if she is worried she politely nose bumps behind my knee 🐕

So here is Tilly demonstrating middle and side 🤩

10/12/2024

When we have a dog who doesn’t fit into society’s expectations it can be hard on everyone 🥺 However we need to remember that there are good times, fun times and consider that this is the dog we actually have 🤔 This is a fun session with Tilly, using cues she knows and sometimes predicts. These sessions are not about perfection, they are to laugh about while we play. Tilly actively and willingly participates which is confidence building for her and refreshes her muscle memory for if we need them out and about 🐾

10/12/2024

Day 10🎄

Paws up is a great confidence game. It’s something my dogs love 🐾

Lured or shaped encouraging your dog to pop their paws up on various objects can also really help their focus 🤩

Initially reward any interaction with the object you would like their paws on. This can be paws on a flat object like a mat to help get the started, building up to a cushion or a step 🐾

Have fun, for a greater challenge you can try back feet on 🐾 This one can be tricky but is great for hind end body awareness 🐾

Bonus of this one is helping your dog pose for a nice Christmas photo without getting into mischief with the tree or presents if they are that way inclined 🎄

09/12/2024

Sharing as this is a great offer

LAUNCHING OUR BIG CHRISTMAS £10 GIVEAWAY! 😁

Many of our Romanian and overseas rescue dogs can really struggle with strangers/visitors in the home, so lets kick off with access to my Reactivity to Visitors Workshop for just £10! 👏🥳

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Now with some NEW material & resources added! 🙌
Including an emergency plan of what to focus on right now for the festive period with it only being 2 weeks away + the option to ask questions.

Grab it now while it's just a tenner - offer ends midnight tomorrow (Tues 10th December) Direct link below & in comments 👇

https://www.thedogspointofview.com/courses/mini-workshop-for-romanian-dogs-that-over-react-to-visitors

NB: If you have already purchased this workshop - look out for an email from me letting you know about the additional resources I've added for you - You do NOT need to purchase it again to access these.

09/12/2024

Day 9 🎄

Let’s talk about Christmas trees 🎄

If you have a real tree it’s important to clear away any dropped needles as soon as possible. If eaten they can cause internal damage through blockage or puncture injuries and they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea ☹️

If you have a fake tree beware that the ‘snow’ is toxic to pets ☠️

Christmas decorations can be very attractive to playful inquisitive dogs. Some dogs may be worried, others have no interest. Beware those shiny dangling baubles, especially if they could break if they fall and cause injury to paws or if bitten 🐕

Chocolate decorations may become irresistible and we know chocolate is toxic to dogs, so be careful if they are in reach ‼️

Extra electric cables and lights can be trip hazards if not carefully placed, tempting for pets to tug on, also if chewed may cause an electric shock⚡️

Look out for those irresistible presents under the tree 🌲 Are there likely to be edible items that dogs cannot resist? Could there be those little silica gel sachets that be harmful to dogs if ingested? Dogs have a very strong sense of smell and searching through a pile of presents is going to be fun for them 🤩

Consider where your tree is going to be placed. Can it topple easily, will that excitable waggy dog tail wipe out the decorations? If your puppy is new to the whole experience and still learning it may be worth popping up a barrier around the tree to manage the situation, a room divider or tree behind a baby gate can help 🎄

Keep working on swapping items (to avoid your dog swallowing or guarding something they have picked up), drop and redirecting your dog away from the tree to help them keep safe 🎄🐾

08/12/2024

Day 8 🎄

What is your dog having for Christmas dinner?

I often cook a little extra dog safe veg and boil a little chicken for mine. This year due to their individual health needs I have a Christmas version of their own food in the freezer 🤩

However dogs can have meat, potatoes, sprouts, carrots, parsnip, broccoli, sweet potato and peas 🫛 🥕🥔🥦🍠

Unsafe foods include:

Cooked bones
Anything containing xylitol
Raisins
Grapes
Macadamia nuts
Christmas cake, pudding, mince pies 🥧
Alcohol
Onions 🧅
Nutmeg
Gravy is a high in salt so best avoided

07/12/2024

Day 7 🎄

Visiting….

What are your Christmas Day plans?
I’ve talked about door safety and visitors already.

However perhaps you and your dog have been invited to visit over Christmas or you take your dog to visit friends and family. Is this something your dog would enjoy? Does everybody like dogs? 🐕

Perhaps consider if your dog would be happier left at home for a few hours (mine would!). I used to take a previous dog to deliver all our local cards and presents, it was a fun walk around the village. We could just drop off at the door and say hi without going in, other people were delighted to have a doggy visit, more frail or worried friends would invite us in but dog stayed on lead whilst they said hello as they were cautious of being knocked into or falling 🐾

If you are taking your dog (We know some dogs are unhappy being home alone, or you have travelled 🧳) ensure your dog has a safe space available. Maybe as in the post about visitors there can be a room, penned off area where your dog can take a break if things get too much 🐾

Don’t forget to take an activity for your dog so that they can have something familiar with them which could be their bed or a mat and perhaps a calming activity. If you take a chew or toy ensure the dog is left alone with them so they can enjoy it in peace (we don’t want the dog to have to tell everyone to go away) 🐾

Ensure everyone is aware of your dog’s needs and how to handle any excitable or anxious behaviours that may appear due to the changes in their environment. Consider keeping their harness on them, keep rewards nearby and as not everyone may be used to dogs look out for doors being left open and check fences. Check your dogs tag is up to date and your mobile phone number is correct just in case 📱 If you are going out of the area check out local vets in case of an emergency 🤔

If your dog is new to you this is going to be a novel experience for them, just because they know your home remember a new environment will need introducing to them such as where can they toilet, are there rules like no dogs on the furniture 🪑 that differ the way they live at home 🏡

06/12/2024

Day 6 of December 🎄

Christmas Crackers 🤩

A nice twist on an enrichment activity is to make Christmas crackers (be careful if your dog is likely to eat the cardboard or paper) 🧻📜

Place a treat in a cardboard tube and wrap with paper or just fold down the end to make a parcel 📦

Your dog can then attempt to get the treat.

Have fun 🎅🎄

05/12/2024

Day 5 🌲

Let’s think about visitors 🤔 How does your dog feel about visiting humans? Children? dogs? Has your dog met these people/pets previously? Not all people like dogs 😳 not all dogs like every human they meet 🐾 and in a busy environment with Christmas prep and over arousal in all directions your dog may not act like they usually would🐕 Are there areas your dog would not like to share (especially if other pets are visiting) 🐾

Does your dog have a place they can go and get some rest and relaxation away from the excitement? Dogs still need time to rest/decompress 🐕

Can you set up areas that are ‘out of bounds’ to non household members? Does your dog know about boundary games where they can go to a specific safe place? This doesn’t have to be a small bed as some dogs need to move (Caleb was younger in these photos but his joints need more attention these days). Can they take themselves away to a quieter place if they choose to? Can you set up a room divider, x-pen, baby gate to keep resident dogs safe? 🐾

How will you introduce your dog to strangers? Have you considered keeping your dogs harness on if they are comfortable with it for safety? Have you considered going for a short walk so dog and new human meet outside and come in together so you can gauge their reactions? 🤔

Just some thought, please share any comments below or message me if you would like a chat 💬

04/12/2024

Day 4 🎄

Safety around doors 🚪

Whether you live with a dog who dashes out any available exit or who might accidentally slip out because they took an opportunity, doors are definitely something to be aware of 🐾

Often we need to be aware of delivery drivers and the post arriving, we need to be responsible care givers and keep both our dogs and humans safe. This time of year we may receive multiple parcels. Be careful where your dogs are, perhaps pop them in another room or behind a gate to ensure they can’t escape 🐕

Visitors, especially if they don’t have dogs may not be aware to keep doors shut or if you have a dog who can open doors (yep, they learn what works!) any special ways you lock those doors. So keep an eye that exits are secure, encourage everyone to be dog safety aware. No one wants a lost dog over Christmas, especially when people seem to be more careless due to seasonal distractions 🎄

Stay safe, remember to be responsible. Excited children may also forget to secure doors 🚪

Doorways are often also a place of contention, they can be very exciting to some dogs or bring out the more guarding side of others. Be responsible and ensure that your dog is not at risk of escape or making someone feel threatened 🐾

03/12/2024

Day 3 🎄🐕

Let’s think about the spaces our dogs enjoy 🐾

Shopping centres are getting busier, lots more novelty with decorations and stressed humans who may or may not have excitable children with them. Consider if this is the best environment to put your dog in if you have a choice 🐾

We have a busy shopping centre nearby where I often see dogs begging for their human to help them, please don’t ignore your dog when they seek connection and support. Learn to understand their body language and subtle cues 🐕 Perhaps they are frustrated they can’t say hello to everyone, not everyone likes dogs 😧 Perhaps they are overwhelmed 🥺

We also know over Christmas that people change their walks as they have time off. Christmas Day and Boxing Day walks are popular, this may mean if you and your dog prefer quieter places that these places may become busier 🐾

Those quiet spaces may suddenly become busier with holiday visitors also seeking a break from the festivities 🐾 Routine changes whilst people try and beat the rush in shops or going to parties 🎉

Check out local secure dog fields and book ahead if you need to for your dog, safe knowing that your dog is able to decompress and have fun as well 🐾

Although we have local dog exercise areas many are not suitable for dogs who jump low fence, they are public spaces so not sole use and you would need to know your dog is ok with who or what could be passing (horses, dogs, humans, cats, squirrels, crows). 🐦‍⬛ 🐿️🐴🐕🐈🐄🐑

02/12/2024

Day 2 of December 🎄

Dressing up dogs, at Christmas we often see dress up outfits for dogs 🐕 But does your dog enjoy it!

In many cases dogs are forced to wear clothes that they may find distressing, uncomfortable and have no escape from. We are very aware that some dogs are upset by their collar tags, yet are expected to wear jingly bells at Christmas 🔔

If your dog is uncomfortable wearing a jumper or harness it’s unlikely that they will be happy wearing dress up outfits. Caleb has quite a lot of chronic pain, he cannot physically move in certain ways meaning jumpers are not something he can have one put on without upsetting him.

Be aware of your dogs body language and behaviour, often dogs are accused of being stubborn, awkward or running away from the person holding the outfit, this is all communication that your dog is not happy. If we don’t listen, then our dogs have to escalate to something you will hear like a growl, snarl or even snap. Listen to your dog 🐕 if you want to know more about canine body language, drop me a message and we can have a chat 💬

But you want to take part in a competition or your group are dressing up and you want be Christmassy with your dog as well. There are other options, Tilly has a collection of Christmas themed bandana’s. You can get colllars, leads, harnesses and if your dog is ok with a coat these can all be found with Christmas themed. So you can join in but being mindful of what your dog is comfortable with 🎄

01/12/2024

It’s the 1st December 🎄

My first tip would be to help your dog build confidence around novelty. Decorations indoors and out will be going up everywhere 🌲

These can be scary when they suddenly appear in places they have never been seen before. We once got chased by an inflatable snowman that had escaped in the wind ⛄️

Dogs from overseas or young dogs/puppies may never have seen these things before. The more resilient dogs may have not been interested but for some dogs change can be scary! 😧 They may need our support to feel safe 🐾

If you would like some support with this, please reach out and drop me a message. Is your dog excited or overwhelmed by the Christmas decorations? Share below ⬇️

28/11/2024

Senior dogs should still get to have fun, even if it’s adapted to their needs 🐾

Tilly is 9 and classed as a senior dog, she still does all the same activities she used to but we spend time on her fitness on no walk days as she does have potential joint issues 🐶

Caleb at 14 with a whole host of health issues including balance issues and has little reflex response in his front paws. He gets to pick and choose what activities he does and we ensure he doesn’t overdo it 🐕

My favourite thing to do is scent work as we can easily adapt it. However, paw targets are great and can be done from any position from the dog. Caleb loves to join Tilly in paws up, the foam mat but he started off just one paw touch at a time until he was comfortable 🐾

Sometimes, life with our dog doesn’t look like we imagined it would but what if we can be creative and still have a lot of fun 🤩