Angela Beaton - Dog Training Professional Services

06/08/2024

📢 Don't say hello to a dog wearing yellow!

Have you heard of the yellow dog project? 💛
It's a community awareness initiative* that helps indicate a dog might need space from people or other dogs.

"We have a 'nervous' jacket because Monty is an older man who dislikes being jumped on by overly enthusiastic puppies and dogs" - Kate

There are lots of reasons a dog might need space: they might be shy, old, recovering from surgery or overcoming a past traumatic experience.

Of course, it's best to ensure your dog doesn't run up to any other dog or person without their express invitation, but noticing and respecting a yellow lead, bandana or jacket might help everyone in our shared public spaces feel (and be) safer.

Learn more 👉 https://brnw.ch/Yellow_Dog_Project
*this is not a legislative requirement, but something we encourage all to be aware of

02/08/2024

19/07/2024

Too much too soon WILL cause issues.
It is a really common occurrence with newly adopted dogs.

Congratulations on your new dog.
I know you want to take them to the beach, the pet store and your café....however can I ask for a few minutes so I can explain just what your dog has gone through.....and why you need to take the next few weeks SLOW.
Your new dog has had it's whole world turned upside down.
They don't know you.
They don't know if they can trust you.
They don't know if they are with you for an hour or forever.
They may have been in various scary places.
Other houses, rescues, the pound and likely ALL of these in the past few days or weeks.
Your dog has stress hormones surging through their brain, they are STRESSED....they need to decompress, they need STABILITY in their environment and from you.
They need time with you and their new environment.
They need to know that the tree outside may rustle against the house and that's OK.
They need to know that those normal creaky noises in your house are OK and that at 3.45 the neighbours bang their door shut.
They need to know when it rains that tapping sound is OK.
They need to know that when the door opens they won't be moved somewhere else again.
They need to trust that YOU are safe even when you have had a bad day, you will still give them food and that they can close their eyes around you.
You know what your good intentions are with your new dog, your dog however has NO idea what is happening.....only that everything has changed and it is scary.
They do NOT need other new environments yet. Take it SLOW.
Dogs that have just been adopted need TIME. There is no need to rush out the next day and take them to all the places you want to go with them.....They need the opposite.
Let them decompress, let them inspect a new area of your house or yard every day or two. Walk them up and down outside your house for a few days (and only there), let them sniff, and sniff some more. Let them p*e freely.....it may be boring for you, but not for your dog. They need to know what is happening around them and they learn that through their nose, eyes and ears.
They NEED this.
They need to learn to TRUST you.
The long walks can wait, the café will still be there in a few weeks and you can visit the pet shop alone until they are ready.
Your bond together is the MOST important thing to concentrate on right now.
You will never regret taking it slow and it can save your dog and yourself from making the very same mistakes that can lead to people rehoming in the first place.
All the very best with your new dog.

17/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/hDKjSpdEAMnkfRme/?mibextid=qi2Omg

08/07/2024

24/05/2024

Separation anxiety isn't something you cause by loving your dog. It's a combination of genetics, environment, and your dog's own experiences. And it's something that CAN be helped.

20/05/2024

Training isn't just about your dog learning things. It's also about learning to communicate what you want to your dog.

15/05/2024

What is your dog saying that you're missing? 🤔

🐶 We might not speak the same language, but we are trying to communicate!

Whether you're an experienced dog owner or just thinking about getting a pup, this seminar is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of their furry friends.

Don't pass up this op-paw-tunity to attend this FREE information session presented by a qualified trainer!

📅 Wed 10 July 2024
⌚ 6:30pm to 8pm
📍 Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville

To book 👉 https://brnw.ch/Dog_Body_Language_Seminar

16/04/2024

Good training is about making the right choice the easy one for your dog. This is just one example of an exercise you can practice to help your dog learn nice manners.

31/03/2024

Join the ethical training movement. Benefit from free webinars, support, and ABTC insights. Ask us about membership!

26/03/2024

Most people know not to give pup chocolate - there are numerous online calculators that can quickly determine if any accidental ingestion is dangerous or not based on the type and amount of chocolate and your dog's size.

But the tartaric acid (the toxic component in grapes and their products like jelly or raisins) varies with grape variety, ripeness, and location of growth, making danger levels virtually impossible to determine! Tamarinds and foods containing Cream of Tartar share this same risk, while onions and other members of the allium family are also off limits (due to the toxin N-propyl disulfide)

If you suspect your furry bestie has gotten into any of these forbidden foods, contact your vet immediately!

26/03/2024

Getting outside in the good weather with your dog sounds like a great idea - but dog parks are so crowded with everyone else who had the same idea. You don't have to go to the dog park to have fun with your dog, though!

23/03/2024

Is your child capable of walking your dog alone?
Considered these important factors!

✔️ Are they at least 16 years old? The Dog and Cat Management Act specifies individuals must be 16 or older to be in care and control of a dog
✔️ Can they identify potential risks and know how to avoid them?
✔️ Will they make sure the dog behaves and doesn't get up to mischief?
✔️ Are they mature enough to handle a serious incident, such as a dog attack or the dog getting loose?
✔️ Are they responsible enough to clean up after the dog and follow leash laws?

AND... Is your dog
✔️ Well-trained and able to walk calmly on a leash without pulling?
✔️ Well-behaved and able to ignore strangers or other dogs?
✔️ Able to ignore all manner of distractions like cars, cyclists, joggers, birds, cats, or someone throwing a ball?
✔️ Able to listen when your child calls them back or asks them to leave something alone?

Then they will make a great team on walks! Just make sure everyone, including yourself, is familiar with the route and supervise the first few practice walks.

If not, continue working with your child and dog until they are ready. So much can happen on walks that is beyond our control - it's simply not worth the risk!

18/03/2024

15/03/2024

Pain is part of life sometimes. A small injury or illness can cause days of discomfort. As our dogs get older though, they can suffer joint pain that's often ignored because we just assume they are getting old. If you think your dog might be struggling, it's worth a closer look. Ask yourself if you recognise any of these signs. If you need any help with understanding and caring for your older dog, drop us a line in the comments.

15/03/2024

Thank you to our very own AI Emma Cook from The Funky Foxhound for this lovely infographic. We talk about weather conditions in our CBS classes, this is a lovely illustration to add to it!

12/03/2024

It's okay to comfort your fearful dog in a bad moment. And it's even better to help figure out ways that he can be less afraid in the future. We can and want to help!

09/03/2024

Small dogs can lose agency very quickly. Despite asking for space they are often ignored or even laughed at. It's no wonder they get defensive and worried by people. Does your small dog struggle in the world? We can help with that, drop us a line in the comments.

05/03/2024

Dogs tied outside shops face multiple risks.

Firstly, they are vulnerable to theft, as they can be easily taken by someone with malicious intent.

Secondly, there's a risk of aggression, either from or towards other dogs and people, which can lead to stressful or dangerous encounters.

Thirdly, dogs might suffer from environmental stressors, including loud noises or extreme temperatures, without the ability to seek shelter.

Additionally, the dog could become entangled in their leash, leading to potential injury or strangulation.

Finally, the isolation and uncertainty of being left alone in a public place can cause anxiety and distress, affecting the dog's mental well-being.