The Exceptional Dog Shop

20/08/2024

19/08/2024

Hobby time! I spent the weekend at my 3rd soft pastel workshop learning even more challenging coloration...

02/08/2024

05/06/2024

A wonderful 2 part article on The Science of Stress.

I posted a photo of Rowan earlier today, taken last year during our professional photo shoot. He had been such a good boy in cooperating, but was letting me know that he was done, so we were taking a minute to sit together.

We had an amazing experience with the photographer! She was a great listener in our discussions prior to the photo shoot, and took my concerns about Rowan and our previous experience into account when it came time for the actual photo shoot.

We had tried having photos taken a few years ago, the animal shelter that I volunteer at had a professional photographer set up to do quick, fun photos. They supposedly had experience photographing shelter dogs, so I assumed that they would be good with dogs like Rowan, who needed a little bit of time & patience to get used to new experiences.

And boy, was I wrong!

They only allowed 10 minutes per dog, were running late and very rushed by the time I got there. They had no interaction with him like saying "Hi", offering him a treat or pets, or pretty much did anything to make him feel comfortable in the tiny space with all the strange equipment. I was instructed to hand over the leash to the assistant, stand out of the way and let them work.

I know better now, I know how to advocate for Rowan and not put him in situations where he's uncomfortable, he doesn't understand what he is being asked to do, and he just shuts down...

Please check out the article and learn about your dogs signs of stress!

THE SCIENCE OF STRESS, PART TWO: SPOTTING THE SIGNS

In part one of this blog, I looked into the science of stress in order to gain a better understanding of the physical and emotional impact on our dogs, and how it affects their well-being. It is really important to be aware of any early, subtle signs of stress so that we can help avoid a decline into deeper stress, and prevent any behavioural challenges from developing.

If you missed part one, you can read it here:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/the-science-of-stress-part-one

In part two, I explore how to observe our dogs, examining the range of body language signs and signals they use to communicate when they are feeling uncomfortable. I also look at how to provide the much-needed respite which is necessary in helping our dogs decompress and recover from stressful episodes.

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/the-science-of-stress-part-two-spotting-the-signs

If we fail to recognise when our dogs are struggling, or we don’t respond and take action, they may escalate their behaviour when their needs are not met. Through learning and understanding the signs and symptoms of fear, stress, and anxiety in our dogs, we can make life much more comfortable for them, and ease their distress. We can adapt their environment and routine to suit their needs, and ensure that we use only kind, force-free handling in all aspects of their care, including meeting the five freedoms of welfare.

©️ Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I'm very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

05/06/2024

One of my favorite photos of Rowan and me! This was at the end of our professional photo shoot, when he's letting me know that he's tired...he was such a good boy that day! Thanks to Amanda for such a great experience and wonderful photos of my handsome boy! https://www.facebook.com/amandaengelphotography

08/05/2024

Anxiety isn't always pacing, whining, and other destructive activities, anxiety can also be a clingy dog that doesn't want to be left alone...packing boxes and moving furniture to clear the space for a new flooring installation is one of the few things that makes Rowan anxious! It's too close to "Moving" - and we can't really explain to him that it's only temporary. His last person had him for less than 6 months, moved at least once during that time, and shortly after that he ended up in the shelter through no fault of his own.

27/04/2024

Solar and lunar eclipses take place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned. This type of event is also called a syzygy. I'm not sure what it's called when a 5 day webinar aligns with a 3 day online summit, so I'm stealing this...

26/04/2024

Maybe it's just me, but the math just doesn't add up? Not once, not twice, but 3 times this morning I saw people walking more than their body weight in dog. Two huskies on a dual-clip retractable leash, two other large dogs on a leash splitter with a loop handle leash held only with a finger grip, the larger of the two dogs growling at mine across the street. And my personal favorite - two dogs on separate leashes (one in each hand), with the guardian carrying a front-packed infant...

25/04/2024

When just going on a simple walk feels tough, remember to breathe!

Each moment of frustration can be a weight on your shoulders, adding up to a heavy burden that you carry all through your walk. Patience (and breathing...) can help lighten that burden...

24/04/2024

https://www.productpowerhousesummit.com/

17/04/2024

Rowan would like to remind you to change your smoke detector batteries! He's been a very sad puppy over the last couple of days because the neighbors are out of town and he is terrified of the low-battery "chirp"...

15/04/2024

It typically takes me 3 tries to get a product that I'm 100% happy with, but I might actually get this one in 2 tries! I'm trying a stiff rubber lining so this isn't going to slide around on the leash...

12/04/2024

1. Give your pup extra length to explore and sniff.
2. Play a running "leap-frog" by continuing your walking pace and letting your dog stop & sniff, then run ahead to stop and sniff again.
3. Less hazardous when ascending or descending an incline - let your pup get to a good stopping point and wait for you to catch up.
4. Follows most park rules for requiring dogs to be leashed (check if a 6' leash length is specified).
5. Safer than off-leash! Safer than a retractable leash!

09/04/2024

I love my leash belt, but it's not the solution for everyone!

08/04/2024

I figure roughly 2,200 walks, runs, hikes, and training sessions, and it's not ready to give up quite yet! What's your favorite piece of gear?

06/04/2024

Now that my sample is done I'll be adding reflective vests to my shop! Available in 3 colors with custom text or safety messages such as "No Dogs", "I Need Space" and more! Bonus is that these are designed to be worn over a harness with a back clip too!

05/04/2024

Get shop news and a discount on your first purchase:
https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/pages/newsletter-signup

03/04/2024

PSA: for those of us with older dogs, I highly recommend a yearly lump check with your veterinarian! This is especially important if your dog is one of the following breeds: Boxer, Boston Terrier, Pug, Bullmastiff, Cocker spaniel, Bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier (*Rowan is half American Staffordshire Terrier), Fox terrier, Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, Beagle, Schnauzer, or Weimaraner.

02/04/2024

What's your plan for being active this spring? Check out the article for some ideas...https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/blogs/featured-articles/april-is-active-dog-month

25/03/2024

Hey everyone, I just started a Facebook group called Positive Paws Community | A Design Collaborative for Ethical Dog Equipment

I'm creating this new group as a platform for discussion and collaboration between dog product manufacturers, dog trainers, and other pet care professionals like dog walkers, groomers, shelter staff, etc. I’m hoping that we can all work together to improve the designs of leashes, harnesses, collars and more.

If you're a dog trainer, pet care professional, or product maker - read more about the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377207638429093

08/03/2024

Having worked as a dog walker specializing in caring for reactive dogs, here are my recommendations for finding a pet care professional for yours!
https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/blogs/featured-articles/how-to-find-a-dog-walker-for-your-exceptional-dog

06/03/2024

Words of Wisdom from some of my favorite pups! https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/blogs/featured-articles/what-my-client-dogs-taught-me

02/03/2024

I find leash wraps to be annoying so I've designed webbing with 5 different messages, now available on multiple made-to-order items!
https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/collections/safety-products

01/03/2024

It took a little over a week for Rowan to get on schedule for his medication...although he's typically 30 minutes early! Can your pup tell time?

26/02/2024

No-pull leashes / double-ended leashes allow gentle re-direction for training loose leash walking. Check out the blog for more details. https://bit.ly/3I9CwUv

24/02/2024

New products: Customized bandanas and safety message bandanas in 3 reflective fabrics with fun backing fabrics!
https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/collections/dog-vests-bandanas

23/02/2024

This is a new item I'm happy to be offering: snap-on bandanas in neon orange or neon yellow reflective fabric, customized with your dog's name or a short message.
https://theexceptionaldogshop.com/products/reflective-bandanas-with-custom-text