Did you know, a dog’s nose print is as unique as a human fingerprint!
Researchers have found that, just like our fingerprints, the patterns of ridges and creases on a dog’s nose are entirely individual.
One study showed that a dog’s nose print is well-established by 2 months of age and remains unchanged throughout the first year of life.
These unique patterns of ridges and creases have even been considered for canine identification, much like fingerprints are used for humans.
So they really are creating unique art on your windows 😂
#funfactfriday #funnydogs #germanshepherd
Scent games are excellent for dogs because they tap into one of their most powerful natural abilities—their sense of smell. Engaging in scent work provides several key benefits:
1. Mental Stimulation: Scent games challenge a dog’s brain, requiring them to focus, problem-solve, and use their cognitive skills to locate hidden treats. This mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours.
2. Stress Relief: Sniffing is a naturally calming activity for dogs. When they engage in scent work, it can lower their stress levels and promote relaxation. This is particularly beneficial for dogs who are anxious or reactive, as it provides an outlet for their energy in a focused and positive way.
3. Confidence Building: Successfully finding hidden treats can boost a dog’s confidence. This is especially valuable for shy or nervous dogs, as it reinforces positive outcomes from their actions, helping them feel more secure in their environment.
4. Strengthening the Human-Dog Bond: Scent games are interactive and collaborative, making them an excellent way for you to bond with your dog. As they look to you for guidance and rewards, it strengthens your relationship and enhances trust.
5. Physical Exercise: While primarily a mental workout, scent games also involve physical movement. Dogs have to move around, explore their surroundings, and use different parts of their bodies, which contributes to their overall physical health.
These benefits make scent games a versatile and effective tool in any dog’s training and enrichment routine.
Do you use any scent games with your dog? Let me know.
#dogscentwork #dogenrichment #dogtraining
Congratulations to handsome Dexter for passing his level 1 tonight 🎉🎉
Dexter, Reggie, and Odin learning appropriate greeting behaviours. 🐾
In this exercise, the pups are being asked to focus on their handlers while in the presence of other dogs & handlers.
This is a really useful life skill to have, so it’s important to practice it as much as possible with other dogs and humans who can help you succeed.
The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be to keep your puppy calm when you inevitably encounter the over-enthusiastic “I don’t care if he jumps up!” dog lover down at the park.
😄🐾🐶🐾
#lifeskills #positivereinforcementdogtraining #puppytraining
Myth Busting Monday: Are Dogs Really Stubborn?
The Myth
Many dog owners believe their dogs are being stubborn when they don’t follow instructions. Owners often feel frustrated and assume their dog is refusing to listen or being difficult. But is this really the case?
The Truth
In truth, dogs are not inherently stubborn. Let’s put it in human terms: Imagine you’re at work, and your boss asks you to complete a task. If you don’t understand how to do the task or don’t see the value in doing it, how likely are you to perform well? Now, imagine your boss labels you as stubborn under those circumstances?
Considerations
Before labelling your dog as stubborn, consider these factors:
• Lack of Training: Just like you would need clear instructions to complete a task at work, dogs need consistent and clear training to understand what’s expected of them.
• Insufficient Motivation: Think about how you’d feel if your boss told you to complete a task but didn’t offer sufficient pay. Dogs need motivating rewards—whether it’s treats, toys, or praise—to see the value in performing a task.
• Health Issues: Ensure there are no underlying health problems affecting your dog’s ability to perform commands.
• Breed-Specific Traits: take your breed’s motivations and physical traits into consideration.
Have you experienced challenges with training your dog? Share your stories and let’s discuss how we can better understand and motivate our canine companions! #MythBustingMonday #DogTraining #mythbustingmonday #positivereinforcementdogtraining
🐾 Fun Fact Friday: The Basenji Dog 🐾
The Basenji is famously known as the “barkless” dog. They have a uniquely shaped larynx and instead of a bark, they produce an unusual sound known as a “baroo,” which is a kind of yodelling noise.
Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds, with depictions of them appearing in ancient Egypt.
Originally Basenjis were used for hunting due to their keen sight and scent abilities. Their speed, agility, and silence made them exceptional hunters, especially in dense forests.
They are active, intelligent and independent dogs. Training them can be a challenge so a mix of positive reinforcement, plenty of patience and ensuring both their minds and bodies are suitably exercised will be key.
Have you met a Basenji?
Maybe you own one?
👇👇Let me know 👇👇 Follow for more fun dog facts next week 🐾 🐕🐾 #basenji #funfacts #dogsofinstagram #germanshepherd #funnydogs
🐶🥰A few snaps of last night’s classes.
Thank you to Eleanor for being class assistant and photographer as well as ‘acting’ the role of ‘over-enthusiastic dog lover at the park.’ (Never was an actress more perfectly suited to their role 🤣🤣)
🌟 Puppy Development Fun Fact! 🌟
Did you know that puppies are born deaf, blind, and toothless? 🐶✨ In just a few short weeks, they begin to open their eyes and ears, and those ‘adorable’ little teeth start coming in! ❤️🦈
Follow for more fun facts 🐶
#PuppyDevelopment #FunFactFriday #DogBehaviour #PuppyGrowth #DogTrainerLife #DogTrainingTips #DogsOfInstagram #DogFacts
A Puppy Starter Session is ideal for puppies between 8 and 14 weeks and is a great pre-cursor to joining a puppy training class.
Topics covered may include:
Toilet Training
Crate Training
Food & Feeding
Toys
Being Left
Socialisation/habituation
Early Collar & Lead Work
Handling
Focus Games
Recall
Teaching Puppy To Settle
To help you keep on the right track, you will get a ‘puppy pack’ full of easy to follow printed guides, and a helpful socialisation checklist from @thedogtrainerschool plus a nice handy folder to keep everything in.
Full details at https://activeanimaldogtraining.weebly.com
If you would like to teach your dog stand along with a whole host of other key skills, then why not join my training classes held Saturday evenings at the big barn in Hailsham. Get in touch for more information or to book a place.
“Does Your Dog Know Their Sit?” Dexter
Hannah & Mabel rocking the “Does Your Dog Know Their Sit?” challenge 😀
Fantastic work team Mabel 🥰🥰🥰
Kerry & Duke
Delighted to receive this video today. Duke has found it hard to stay still while Kerry moved around him, but they’ve continued to work on it and just look how far they’ve come!
Congratulations guys, it’s a joy to watch your progress 👏❤️
Middle
In last night’s classes we worked on teaching the ‘middle’ position.
This is not only a fun little trick to teach your dog but also has many practical uses, including encouraging focus, confidence building and giving your dog a safe place to be.
It was lovely today to receive this video from Megan and Bramley practicing it out ‘in the wild.’
Great work team Bramley ❤️💪
Flora & Kelly
1-2-1 with Fabulous Flo & her mum this evening. Flo has an established history of pulling on the lead and constantly swapping sides. In this first session we worked on building value in being close to and focussing on mum, as well as adding in some simple ‘find it’ food searches to give her an opportunity to use her keen sense of smell.
It turned dark & rainy on us but they both did brilliantly!
Lovely Millie on her training walk this evening.
Millie’s owners have enrolled her in my 21 Day Puppy Programme, this means each week for the next 3 weeks they will receive :
1 x 1-2-1 home visit
1 x group class and
1 x training walk where we they practice the things she’s learning at home & in class outside in the ‘real world’.
Today we looked at lead walking, recall, some mini searches to engage her spaniel nose, and greeting people & dogs.
She’s a super smart puppy & quickly picking up everything mum & dad are teaching her.
Great job Team Millie 💪❤️🐾
Hudson practising some lead work & recall in the woods this morning.
His brain is currently transitioning from puppy to adolescent and he’s starting to struggle with focus and impulse control.
We’re making sure we don’t ask too much of him while he’s finding it hard to concentrate, giving him lots of ‘easy wins’ to keep his confidence up, keeping training sessions short and not getting frustrated if he suddenly seems to forget something he knew the day before.
I hope everyone has enjoyed their two long weekends. Happy to say we’ll be back training on Monday evening as usual.
I’m looking forward to seeing how all your proofing has been going.
Here’s Hudson working on proofing his down stay at the country park.
