Have an issue with your dog? Do you struggle on walks? Are you dealing with a fearful, anxious or aggressive dog? I can help. Contact me!
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If your goal is to have the perfect family member, don't wait.
In part one we talked about when affection might not be the best way to handle a behaviour! (Psst! Go check out that post if you missed it!)
So when should you be giving your love and affection (we of course all want to!)? When your bestie is in a relaxed and calm state, this is a great time to give them some love, cuddles, and praise!
Want to know more about how to use positive reinforcement for training? My DMs are always open!
Giving love and affection at the right times makes all the difference, for both behaviours and your dog’s mental health!
Your dog’s brain works differently from yours, so responding to their behaviours will look (and feel!) a little different than what you would expect!
Rewarding negative or dangerous behaviours with affection and positive reactions teaches our furry friends that that behaviour is a-ok or even necessary! Instead, we recommend a short, and firm boundary that shows your dog where the line is, and keeps your dog in a healthy mental state.
Want to learn more about how you can support your dog in these difficult situations?
Book a training appointment today and I can help you learn how to make this change!
And look out for part 2!
Three ways to train your puppy or dog;
1. Toys
2. Food
3. Love and affection
All three ways work the same!
When your dog does something correctly, you reinforce the behaviour using one of these three options, a toy, some kibble, love and affection. In many cases a dog will prefer one option over the others, so playing around with all three to see which will work best is a good idea!
DM me to set up a training appointment today!
Research confirms that dogs have a calming affect on humans!
Simply petting a dog can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. And socially interacting with your dog actually increases levels of oxytocin, our feel-good hormone.
How amazing is it that we can increase our oxytocin while decreasing our cortisol, as a result of having and loving our furry friends and family members!
Of course there is the other side of things, where behaviours, anxieties, and other common issues can arise. When this happens our stress can be increased instead of decreased. That’s where I come in!
DM to set up a training appointment today, and get back to enjoying the many benefits of having a dog as part of your family!
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Did you know that dogs can feel several of the emotions that humans feel? There are also other emotions that dogs are not capable of feeling.
Dogs can feel the five core emotions that humans experience; fear, anger, disgust, joy and sadness.
They can also feel more complex emotions, like; excitement, distress, contentment, anxiety, shyness, anticipation, and love.
A dogs developmental level is around that of a two years olds. Which means that dogs do not have emotions that develop after this time, like shame, guilt, pride or contempt.
A lot of emotions are responses to hormones like dopamine, adrenaline and oxytocin. Just like in humans, when you look into your dog’s eyes for a moment or give them a good long pet, levels of oxytocin are released which makes your dog feel content and helps to form attachment. The bond that is formed, is what we often see as loyalty and love.
What about those times when we walk in the room and know our dog has been up to something, just by that guilty look on their face? In these moments what the dog is actually feeling, is usually fear. Not necessarily fear of you, but fear of the correction or consequence to come (being told no, being sent back to their bed, etc.)
Understanding your dogs emotions, or lack of ability to have certain emotions, can help you to understand your dog better! Which of course helps lead to more harmony in the home and family.
DM to set up a training appointment today and learn more!
There is a lot of confusion around what healthy play is for a dog. Many people ask, “is this okay?” While their dog is growling or letting out barks. Dogs make many sounds like these while playing, usually with their bums in the air or nipping at each other’s necks. If a dog is being aggressive, it is often clear, however it is also good to know the warning signs and when to stop the play.
Play is a healthy form of exercise and socialisation for dogs! Knowing what is okay or what is not, can help you feel confident in allowing you dog to engage in play.
If you have concerns about your dogs play style, or want to make sure that what you are seeing is healthy play and not aggression, DM me to set up an appointment.
Having a new baby and worried about your dogs little behaviours?
A lot of times we don’t think about the little things, like how the dog just jumps up on the couch without looking or thinking, or how when they want something they scratch at your leg.
These “small” behaviours can all of a sudden become dangerous with a newborn child, or even a toddler around.
DM for an appointment and we can work on ending any unwanted behaviours!
How you use a training leash or a collar is very important.
You want to be sure the collar is high enough on the neck for control, and a proper fit for your dog. A high collar on the neck mean more control on your walks.
It’s important to be sure you are not over-correcting your dog! If you are chocking your dog, you are doing it wrong. The level and timing of correction needs to be just right. Not enough and it will be ineffective, but too much and you can scare or even hurt your dog.
Giving a correction after or unnecessarily will confuse your dog. The timing of your correction should be right when an unwanted behaviour begins. Dogs often show signs ahead that an unwanted behaviour is about to occur.
Calmly and assertively give the correction, ensure the dog listens, and move on. Your dog is not trying to get to you, they are simply pack animals that will always naturally try take on pack leader if no one else is assuming the role. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a breath.
DM me to work together on how to use a training leash or give corrections properly, and keep a positive relationship with your dog!
Photo credit to- .creativeco
Everyday behaviours can be warning signs of aggression.
Sometimes behaviours that seem harmless and typical, can also be warning signs of an aggressive incident to come.
Does your dog bark or jump up excitedly when people come to visit? Does your dog pull you until it takes maximum effort to control when walking, or passing by other dogs?
These little behaviours and over excitements can lead to aggression in certain situations. Not because the dog is aggressive by nature, but because the over excitement mixed with the wrong dog or in the wrong situation can cause aggressive reactions.
DM me to set up an appointment, and we can work on these small behaviours before they turn into incidents!
Photo credit to .creativeco
If you are looking for an amazing local photographer, check out her page!
Having a play date at the dog park!
Snuggling the baby since before she was born.
Duke learning how to dog.
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