It's true... dog training can be a real uphill battle. But unless we get the underlying skills in place first, we're never going to be successful in changing the behaviour of a lifetime.
As the owner of a reactive dog, it can be hard to see the value in the background work because it doesn't always seem particularly relevant to what your dog's behaviour struggle is, so you find it hard to invest in it.
The base skills matter...
* Being able to ignore anything that's none of their business
* Being able to see value in coming away from things that make them excited, anxious or afraid
* Being able to regulate their own stress levels
* Being able to be calm in the presence of people, other animals, and vehicles
Yes, it takes a bit of time for your dog to learn these new skills, just as it would for you and I to learn anything new, but honestly, it's absolutely worth it.
How many of these basic skills could your dog improve on right now? 🤔
Did I mention we're getting rescue hens? 🐔 They arrive in two weeks. 🎉Friends think I must be out of my mind with a Jack Russell terror at home 😂 But I have faith in my training abilities and in my dog!
They're right to be concerned though... when there are new additions to the family, whether animal or human, it's a really good idea to plan in advance and get some training in place for your dog, just to keep everyone safe and to make sure your dog is comfortable with the changes.
This week, Jack's been slowly getting used to random hen noises from the internet played through a speaker and hidden from view.
Join my Facebook group My Reactive Dog if you'd like to see how Jack gets on as the hens arrive. https://www.facebook.com/groups/myreactivedog
🐾 Why I Don't Do Before and After Videos 🐾
Have you ever wondered why you won't find before and after videos of barking lunging dogs in my feed?
Let me shed some light on that!
It's all about putting our dogs' well-being first. 🐶
When a dog reacts with barking and lunging towards another dog, it's a clear sign they're feeling overwhelmed and lacking the necessary skills to handle the situation.
Whether it's fear, anxiety, or uncertainty driving their behaviour, it's essential to recognize they need support, not pressure.
Repeated exposure to situations like this only reinforces their reactive behaviour.
Every encounter reaffirms to them that other dogs are something to be wary of, potentially escalating their response in the future. 🔄
So, instead of showcasing before and after moments that require the dog to endure a significant measure of stress, I focus on laying the groundwork for success. 🌟
Training starts in a safe, secure environment, far away from other dogs, where your dog can learn and grow at their own pace.
By building their confidence and teaching them alternative coping strategies, we pave the way for positive interactions and lasting relationships with other dogs.
That's the heart of my approach, and it's why I'm passionate about what I do.
🐾💕
#doginteractions
#barkingatotherdogs
#mydoghatesdogs
#dogswhobark
Here's a super cool game for you to play with your dog this weekend... play indoors or outside. Make it as easy or as challenging as you want for your dog, according to their capabilities. Most of all, have fun!
Wanting to bark at, chase, bite, and shake moving objects is a natural part of puppyhood, but there's an appropriate time and an inappropriate time!
When Mum's trying to sweep up, pup has to learn that now is not the time for play.
Here my client's 3-month old Bernese Mountain Dog doing a fabulous job at disengaging from that broom!
He's so tempted, but has discovered that choosing to stay on his bed is more rewarding than chasing the broom!
Bravo baby!
There's really no point downloading endless supplies of dog training freebies IF you're expecting them to do the job for you.
My tips are valuable, my training solutions work, BUT you have to try them (more than once!) and trust the process.
Your dog will never learn to change their behaviour with one attempt. It takes many repetitions of a new desired behaviour to undo a previously well-rehearsed unwanted behaviour.
You have to be consistent, you have to be committed, you have to want the change badly enough.
If it's not working for you, it's time to be honest and ask yourself how much effort you're actually making.
If you're read to make a change, ask me about my Calm Dog Calm Home program.
#NothingForFree
#changetakestime
#youcandoit
#doitforyourdog
#becommitted
#dogsdeservemore
When a dog reacts badly like this, they're trying to tell you something...
If they could speak, what do you imagine they'd be saying? 🤔
How else are they to tell you they're afraid?
Stop putting your dog into situations they can't cope with and expecting a different outcome.
Instead try this...
1. Avoid situations where they encounter their triggers
2. Seek professional advice
3. Put a training plan in place based on kindness and respect
4. DO the training you've been advised to do
Transforming behaviour takes time, commitment, and patience.
BE that person. Your dog deserves it, and I know you can do it! 💪
If you need support, send me a message.💌
#dogbehaviour
#helpmydog
#barkingdog
#reactivedog
#positivedogtraining
Did you know that I can support you and your dog, even if you're out of department or even in another country!
In-person support is available within an hour radius of caniAmis headquarters, which includes Vienne, Creuse, Charente, and Haute-Vienne !
EU and Uk support is available online.
Save this for later in case it comes in handy, either for yourself or a friend.
DM me if you'd like help with your dog.🐶🫶
#dogbehaviourconsultant
#dogtraining
#hauteviennedogs
#creusedogs
#charantedogs
#viennedogs
Did you know I can support you and your dog, even if you're out of department, or even in another country!
In-person support is available within an hour radius of caniAmis headquarters, which includes Vienne, Creuse, Charente, and Haute-Vienne !
EU and Uk support is available online.
Save this for later in case it comes in handy, either for yourself or a friend.
DM me if you'd like help with your dog.🐶🫶
#dogbehaviourconsultant
#dogtraining
#haute-viennedogs
#creusedogs
#charantedogs
#viennedogs
Have you ever imagined yourself taking a leisurely stroll with your dog, both of you calm and relaxed?
You’re feeling confident and prepared instead of dreading every encounter with another dog.
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not out of reach! 🐾
I'm here to guide you through the process of helping your dog overcome their reactivity issues.
We’ll explore practical strategies and effective techniques to transform those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
Ready to take the first step towards a calmer, more confident dog?
Drop me a message to find out how to get started🐾
#DogTraining #ReactivityRelief #StressFreeWalks
🐾 Wondering why and when your dog might need to wear a muzzle? 🤔
Let's break it down!
Muzzles can be an important tool for keeping everyone safe, especially if your dog has a tendency to bite or nip, or if they're registered under the Dangerous Dog Act.
In some countries, it's even a legal requirement in certain situations, so if you're planning on taking your dog on a trip abroad, it's worth checking out the muzzle requirements in advance! 🚨
🚂 Whether you're hopping on public transport or heading to the vet, muzzles can help prevent any unexpected incidents. But remember, it's crucial to train your dog positively to wear a muzzle and get them comfortable with it in advance of needing to use one. 🐶
Got questions or need tips on muzzle training? Drop a comment below! Let's keep our pups and our communities safe. 🐾
📌 Don't forget to save this video for future reference!
#MuzzleTraining #DogSafety #PositiveReinforcement
#dogmuzzles #dogtraining #dogsafetytips #keeppetsafe #dogbehaviour #muzzletrainingtips #dogcommunity
Client Interview: Mac the Border Collie
Hear all about Border Collie Mac's training journey from nippy to nice as owner Cheryl joins me for an informal chat.
FREE Recipe Alert... Did you know that making homemade treats for your dog can have some amazing benefits?
Not only do you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring they're healthy and nutritious, but you also get to tailor them to your dog's preferences.
Plus, it's a fantastic way to bond with your pooch while rewarding them for good behaviour during training sessions. 🥰
🍪 Why not ditch the shop-bought varieties and give homemade treats a try? Your dog will thank you for it!
And to help you get started, I'm offering a FREE liver cake recipe!
Simply DM the word RECIPE and I'll send it straight to your inbox.
Let's get baking! 🎉🐾
#HomemadeDogTreats #HealthyAndHappy #DogTrainingGoals
#dogtreats #homemade #healthydog #bondingwithpets #rewardtraining #livercakerecipe #dogslovehomemade
Meet my newest gorgeous tutee, Mickey 😍
He's so adorable and very energetic, but the senior dogs in the family are finding him a bit of a pawful 🐾
We've got a great plan in place for all the family, so peace will soon be restored 🧘♀️
#calmdogsarehappydogs
#calmdogcalmhome
#dogbehaviourconsultant
#donoharm
#positivedogtraining
#playtogetherstaytogether
Does your dog have a 'place'? Somewhere they go when you don't want them to get involved in things?
To stay on a boundary until released is such a valuable skill for your dog to learn. It gives them opportunity for rest and calmness, lowers their arousal levels, and prevents all kinds of unwanted behaviour.
A boundary is a defined space where we want our dog to hang out until we release them. It could be a cosy dog bed, a raised bed, a rug or mat, or even a flat cardboard box! Anything you like, so long as it has defined edges so your dog can understand when they're on it and when they aren't.
There a number of benefits to boundary training your dog...
1. While your dog is on their boundary, they're in a state of calmness and they're resting. This is especially good for reactive or overly excitable dogs.
2. Having your dog on boundary also prevents some of those behaviours you'd rather your dog didn't do, like jumping up at visitors, rushing through doorways, or dashing to the window to bark at passers-by.
3. Once your dog understands the value of a boundary, they will seek one out wherever they go. So whether you're on the beach or at a friend's house having dinner, your dog is not going to be running off to steal other peoples' picnics or beg for food from the table.
4. Want to train your dog to go to cafes and restaurants? Boundary training is ideal because your dog will be happy staying still in one place for the duration of your visit.
5. Boundaries can be used to encourage calmness and stillness in vet surgeries. After all, the scales and the table are both just another type of boundary!
Does this sound like it might be useful for your dog too? 🤔
DM me if you'd like pdf instructions for how to get started.
#dogbehaviourconsultant
#reactivedogs
#dogbehaviourproblems
#positivedogtraining
#positivedogtrainer
Training my reactive rescue dog Jack is an ongoing project. He turns 9 this summer!
Here are 10 things I’ve learned since he arrived 7.5 years ago.
1. Refuges are frugal with the truth. Make sure you see and interact with your dog at least once before deciding to give them a home.
2. Some rescue dogs need a LONG time to settle into their new home. The recommended ‘3 months’ could actually take 3 years!
3. Trying to introduce a newly rescued dog to everything at once can be disastrous. Introducing them to lots of new people, new dogs, and taking them to new places is just too overwhelming. Do less, not more.
4. Routine creates predictors that exacerbate reactive behaviour. Mixing up your routine prevents your dog from predicting things. This reduces stress and enables them to make better behaviour choices.
5. Never leaving a dog alone can lead to separation related behaviours in the future. Leave your dog alone following a structured plan of acclimatisation.
6. Prevention is key. Nipping unwanted behaviour in the bud from the outset prevents your dog becoming an expert at them. We want our dogs practicing only the good stuff.
7. Some rescue dogs come not knowing how to play. Spending time each day showing your dog how to play builds confidence which reduces arousal levels and the likelihood of reactive behaviour developing.
8. Dogs need more sleep than we think. Sleep gives your dog chance to decompress. If they’ve previously slept in noisy kennels, try leaving a radio or the television on in the background. Aim for at least 15 hours of quality sleep in every 24 hours.
9. Keeping a behaviour diary is useful to remind yourself what your dog was like in the beginning and what they’re like as time passes. If you need a trainer or behaviourist in the future, you’ll have a good idea of when problem behaviour started and how they’ve developed over time.
10. Be your dog’s best advocate! Jack had the worst vet experiences when we first got him, an
Happy New Year everyone! 🎉
Is 2024 going to be the year for you and your dog? 🐶
As the new year begins, Jack and I invite you to leave the past behind, because you know, you're not going back there.
Constantly looking backwards doesn't get you to where you want to go!
What's important for you and your dog from this moment on, is how you're going to move forwards to a calmer, happier way of life, so you can live the dream you always dreamt when you first decided to get a dog ❤️
If you'd like support with that, enrolment is now open for Calm Dog, Calm Home kicking off on 22nd January. Will you be joining us? DM me for details <3
#happynewyear2024
#calmdogsarehappydogs
#dogbehaviourconsultant
#myreactivedog
#dogbehaviourproblems
#dogtrainingtips
#positivedogtraining
#donoharm
#calmdogcalmhome
Having a reactive dog doesn't need to be a prison sentence, but it does need...
1. Fewer interactions with other dogs - one bad experience can undo a multitude of good experiences!
2. Patience and commitment - you have to be prepared to put your dog's needs first and to set your needs aside
3. A really great training plan to make sure your dog develops the necessary skills before ever going anywhere near another dog
When your dog lunges and barks at other dogs, it's stressful and unpleasant for everyone - you, your dog, the other dog, and the other owner, and ultimately it never gives you the results you're looking for.
The very first step is to stop allowing your dog to interact with other dogs. Otherwise, at best, your dog will continue to react badly to other dogs. At worst, the problem could escalate.
If having a dog who'll tolerate other dogs is on your wish list for 2024, let's have a chat.
#calmdogsarehappydogs
#myreactivedog
#dogtraining
#dogbehaviour
#dogbehaviourconsultant
Merry Christmas everyone.
All the best for 2024.
From me and Jack and his pal Baxter 💗🎄
⚠️ Research shows that 33% of owners who think their dogs are fine being left alone actually have dogs with separation anxiety!
Is yours one of them? 🤔
DM "SRB" to me for a copy of my free assessment tool to find out 🎁
#separationanxietyindogs
#myreactivedog
#difficultdogs
#dogbehaviour
#dogbehaviourproblems
