Golden Star Certified Dog Training, LLC

01/11/2024

A friendly reminder for you to always keep in mind while training with your dogs.

29/08/2024

THIS

In a time when many dog trainers shy away from taking a clear stand against aversive methods, ’s message is bold and unambiguous:

Either you are okay using pain, fear, and discomfort in dog training, or you are not.

For Victoria, the answer is a firm “No.” And that is based on modern ethics and evidence.

Her stance is straightforward: no dog, not even “extreme” cases, should be coerced into compliance through fear or pain when positive, force-free methods are proven to be more humane and effective.

Victoria’s words are a call to action. It’s time for the dog training community to reject outdated practices and speak out against those professionals in the industry who still defend and promote them to a vulnerable public.

Read the full post from Victoria at the link in my bio 🔥

23/08/2024

Not every day is a good day, and that's okay. Train for those days too.

30/07/2024

Punishing an animal can have significant negative consequences for their behavior and overall well-being. Here are just a few examples of the fallout of punishment. ​

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To learn more about training, consider completing our DogWise course https://coape.org/coape-courses/dogwise/

25/07/2024

Starting out with animal training using positive reinforcement can be a rewarding experience for both you and the animal. Here are some useful tips to guide you through the initial stages of training.​

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To learn more about training, consider completing our DogWise course https://coape.org/coape-courses/dogwise/

25/07/2024

When starting out with animal training, there are several common pitfalls to avoid to ensure effective and humane learning. Here’s a guide on what to avoid during animal training.​

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To learn more about training, consider completing our DogWise course https://coape.org/coape-courses/dogwise/

24/07/2024

10/07/2024

Pay attention to what your dog is telling you!

Such a great infographic from The Sophisticated Dog.

Our canine companions are constantly showing us how they feel in so many ways, and it’s our job to listen.

If their whispers don’t work, then of course they have to ‘speak’ louder. Wouldn’t you if you weren’t comfortable in a situation?

Learn to listen to your dog

08/07/2024

Stress signs, they can be very subtle or are slap in the face obvious.💥. Not all stress is bad either.
I know some people do struggle to see signs of stress in their own dogs, so I made this to help show some of the more common ones.
There are plenty of others.✅
Sniffing.
Attempting to disengage from a situation by being suddenly very "interested" in a scent.
Tail position.
Wags can mean the opposite to happy and stiff tails, high stiff "flagging" tails.
Coat.
It can bristle completely or only in parts, tail, rear rump or along the whole spine.
Hesitancy. Suddenly stopping, changing pace, lowering the head and maybe stretching it out.
Stressed or uncomfortable dogs tend to have closed mouths and tighter faces, but those closed mouths open when drooling, panting or lifting the lips to give a front mouth grin. They can even open up just enough for a tongue to flick out.
Ear positions should also be looked at, they are often a sign of being uncomfortable in many dogs...but not all.
Not all are listed and you may know your own dogs stress signals.
It is important to note that some of these signs are also shown when a dog is in a state of excitement, context and situations all need to be taken into account.
It is ok if your dog shows some signs of stress. It is communication and is very valuable information for you to quickly address what is happening, or about to happen.

I often get asked why I called our business ABC Dogs.
All
Behaviour is
Communication (ABC 😊)
and stress behaviours are certainly communication. 🙂

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

30/06/2024

22/06/2024

Our dogs are not born knowing how to live in a human world and perform so many of the behaviours we (often unrealistically) expect of them.

If we have never danced before, we would not suddenly one day be able to perform a full routine in front of a large audience 💃🏼 🕺🏽👯‍♀️

It would take weeks (often months to years) of learning each individual step and all of the additional elements that come with learning this new skill we are often not born knowing how to do naturally 🕰

Our success would be dependent on having a teacher who knows how to break each element of this new skill down so that we can consistently achieve 👩🏼‍🏫

A teacher who understands how difficult learning can be and chooses to meet us where we are, break things down into small, easy steps and celebrate each small win 🥇

To some of us, dancing in front of an audience might be the most terrifying thing we could ever do, so it would take even longer and possibly mean our teacher needs to readjust expectations as to what the end goal may look like 👍🏼

If you’re struggling with teaching your dog something or your dog’s behaviour think about how you can break it down so it’s so easy, it’s almost impossible for your dog to fail. What’s the first step? 🐶

Take some of the expectation off your dog to just ‘know how’ to do it and take some responsibility for their learning and understanding how to help them 😉

15/06/2024

Why do some guardians think their dog is being an alpha?

Seeing behaviour with more clarity and the benefits of modern science, you’ll have a key to success, as you work on their sensitivity and/or loose lead walking.

15/06/2024

An important read!

Knowledge about dog behaviour is important. It's a no brainer. But why? 🤔

Well, understanding dog behaviour is crucial in effective dog training for several reasons. A deep knowledge of canine behaviour allows trainers & behaviourists to create effective, humane, and tailored training programmes. Here are the primary reasons why this knowledge is essential:

⚠️ Understanding Canine Communication.

Dogs communicate primarily through body language and vocalisations. A deep understanding of these communication methods helps to interpret what a dog is feeling or intending, which is crucial for effective training.

Body Language. Knowing the nuances of a dog’s body language, such as tail position, ear orientation, and posture, can indicate whether the dog is relaxed, anxious, or aggressive. For instance, a wagging tail doesn't always mean a dog is happy; the context and type of wag are important indicators of the dog's emotional state.

Vocalisations. Different barks, growls, and whines have distinct meanings. Recognising these sounds allows trainers to respond appropriately to a dog’s needs and emotions, facilitating better communication and training outcomes.

⚠️ Addressing Behavioural Issues.

Behavioural issues such as aggression, anxiety, and excessive barking can stem from various causes, including fear, territoriality, or past trauma. Understanding the root causes of these behaviours is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.

Anxiety. Recognising signs of anxiety and understanding its triggers (e.g., separation anxiety, noise phobia) helps in designing desensitisation and counterconditioning programmes to alleviate the dog’s stress.

⚠️ Understanding the importance and relevance of health and wellbeing vs behaviour.

Physical & mental health do impact dog behaviour more than people realise. Considering possible pain, discomfort, nutrition, appetite amount of physical activity and mental health is absolutely critical before any training can start.

⚠️ Implementing Positive Reinforcement Techniques.

A comprehensive knowledge of dog behaviour supports the use of positive reinforcement techniques, which are based on rewarding desired behaviours to encourage their repetition.

Timing and Consistency. Understanding the importance of immediate and consistent reinforcement helps trainers effectively shape and reinforce desired behaviours. This is critical as dogs learn best when there is a clear and immediate connection between their behaviour and the reward.

Motivation. Knowing what motivates a particular dog, whether it’s food, toys, or affection, allows trainers to tailor their approach to each dog’s preferences, making training more effective and engaging.

⚠️ Building Trust and Relationship.

Effective, kind and modern dog training is built on a foundation of trust between the dog and the trainer. Deep knowledge of dog behaviour helps in establishing this trust by ensuring that training methods are humane and respectful.

Avoiding Negative Methods. Understanding the detrimental effects of punishment and negative reinforcement encourages trainers to avoid these methods, which can damage the dog-trainer relationship and lead to fear or aggression.

Empathy and Respect. Recognising and respecting a dog’s individual temperament and limits fosters a positive training environment, enhancing the bond between the dog and the trainer.

⚠️ Customising Training Programs.

Dogs, like humans, have individual personalities and learning styles. Knowledge of dog behaviour enables trainers to customise training programmes to suit the specific needs and characteristics of each dog.

Breed-Specific Traits. Different breeds have distinct behavioural traits and predispositions. For example, herding breeds may require more mental stimulation, while scent hounds may need activities that engage their sense of smell.

Individual Differences. Beyond breed traits, individual dogs have unique personalities. Some may be more timid or excitable than others. Tailoring training to these individual differences ensures more effective and humane outcomes.

⚠️ Preventing and Managing Problem Behaviours

Understanding the natural behaviours of dogs helps in preventing and managing problem behaviours before they become ingrained.

Early Intervention. Recognising early signs of behavioural issues allows for timely intervention, preventing the escalation of undesirable behaviours.

Environmental Management: Knowledge of dog behaviour informs environmental management strategies, such as providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and safe spaces, which are critical for preventing behavioural problems.

12/05/2024

Have you thought about the difference between a hug and a restraint ?
How do dogs perceive a hug ? We know the intent is to show affection but dogs do not pick up on intent as easily as we do.
Though it is difficult to hear, many dogs don't like to be hugged.
They may accept it, tolerate it but some certainly don't like them.
Children especially are often "huggers" of dogs and if they are small enough they will pick them up to cuddle and hug.

The two lists in the graphic are identical and that is to show just how dogs can perceive a hug or cuddle.
Some will wriggle away so we can often squeeze harder.
We accept the licks as affection, but could they be from appeasement ?

If you look at the other signals given they can help you interpret exactly how your dog feels.
You won't harm your bond by stopping cuddles/hugs if your dog doesn't like them...you will make that bond STRONGER.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

16/09/2023

To all my happy clients: Don’t forget to vote!

02/09/2023

For future reference:
The best way to reach me is text or email!

25/08/2023

Thank you to all of my clients this Spring/Summer!

As of now, I have a “Wait List” for next Spring/Summer as I will be back to work full time Sept-June!