Scaredy Dog Training

01/12/2024

I was walking Stormy the other day when a neighbor pulled over, rolled down the window, and attempted a conversation with me. Her dog was in the backseat barking at us which, accompanied by my neighbor's occasional yelling at her dog to be quiet, made conversing very difficult. I told her, "He's fine, just let him bark." She looked me dead in the eye, said "It's NOT fine", and carried on alternatively conversing/yelling until she gave up and said she'd text me later.

In behavioral science, the definition of positive punishment is adding an undesirable consequence (yelling) after an unwanted behavior (barking) to decrease the chance that the behavior (barking) will happen again. The very definition of training using punishment includes a change in the behavior. Did her dog stop barking at us when the owner yelled at him? No. If there is no behavior change, it's not training. I wouldn't go so far as to call it abuse, but it's certainly mean-spirited, ineffective, and completely unnecessary. So what's a girl to do? Seriously, just let the dog bark. He wasn't hurting anything - he was literally doing what humanity had spent millenia breeding him to do, alert his owner to a nearby stranger. If their house gets broken into at night and the dog doesn't bark, I bet she'll be really mad!

I get it, it's frustrating. I catch myself doing it too. Briar has recently been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, which makes him hungry constantly. And when he's hungry, he cries. Constantly. Is it obnoxious? Absolutely! Is yelling at him going to make him less hungry? Of course not. (Especially since he's deaf anyway.) All I'm doing is working myself up over it. When I catch myself getting mad over it, I breathe, let it go, and put on my noise-cancelling headphones. Seriously, those things are worth their weight in gold.

Now, I'm not saying excessive barking is okay. What I'm saying is that there is a reason dogs bark and it's up to the owner to determine if that reason is valid or not. Whether it's a valid reason (being hungry) or not (barking at friendly strangers), THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, NOT THE BARKING ITSELF. The best way to get Briar to stop whining? Feed him. Give him his meds as prescribed. Solve the problem he's complaining about. The best way to stop dogs from barking at strangers? Teach them that strangers are friends. Or train them "speak" and "hush". Or give them the physical and mental exercise they're lacking. The barking is just a symptom - figure out why they're barking and solve the problem. And in the meantime, just let the dog bark.

*I do not own the comic, but it certainly fits!

02/11/2024

Not every dog is the same, and not every walk is either! A walk shouldn't always be in formal heel position (although training walks are excellent mental exercise and important for teaching self-control). Maybe your dog prefers to run and get some energy out, or explore and observe the environment. There are several different "types" of walks. Here are a few:

An exercise walk, like a jog or run, helps dogs burn energy, stay fit, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s especially beneficial for high-energy breeds, reducing stress and destructive behaviors. Many types of dogs were bred to run all day, like huskies and herding dogs, and regular exercise walks provides the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.

A training walk focuses on building essential walking skills, like heeling and managing leash reactivity. This type of walk helps dogs learn self-control, focus, and responsiveness to their handler, even in distracting environments.

A sniff-fari, where a dog sets the pace and direction and is allowed to explore the environment freely, has several mental and emotional benefits. This kind of walk promotes natural behaviors, like sniffing, exploring, and decision-making. This can reduce stress, provide mental enrichment, and help meet a dogs sensory needs without the pressure to interact with people or the environment.

A social dog walk provides dogs with safe opportunities to meet other dogs and practice social skills in a controlled setting, but without social pressure to interact with the other dogs or people. This is often a good way to introduce dogs for the first time.

If all of the walks with your dog look the same, try mixing it up to give your dog a variety of fun experiences. If your dog pulls and drags you on leash, try a training walk with treats, or scatter feeding on a walk to encourage your dog to sniff around. If your dog prefers to explore and pays no attention to you at all, try a fast-paced exercise walk or practice training eye contact instead.

28/10/2024

I recently had a new doggie client with a bad phobia of unknown objects, to the point where the dog wouldn’t approach the owner if she was holding something, even after the owner put the object down. I asked the owner if the dog was fed his meals out of a bowl. “Of course,” the owner replied. What a waste, I thought! This is the perfect opportunity to show the dog that objects can be opportunities!

Luckily this dog is very food motivated, so I told the owner to buy a hollow toy that can be stuffed with food. Fill the toy with high-value food the dog doesn’t usually get and put the toy near the bowl with his usual meal. The dog was wary of the new toy; he approached the bowl hesitantly, but ate his meal. After he finished eating, he smelled the food in the toy. He warily approached the toy… and discovered a pork chop! It was love at first sight. After that first great experience, we only fed him from that toy for a while. We got it up to the point where the dog got excited when the owner was holding the toy. And then we repeated the process.

This time, we chose a big mixing bowl. We filled his toy with his usual food and put shredded chicken in the bowl on the floor nearby. Same process – the dog ate his meal and then eyed the bowl suspiciously. Eventually he built up the courage to approach the bowl and eat the chicken, and the process went quicker this time. Then we began feeding his meals out of either his food toy or that particular bowl. When the dog got excited when the owner picked up the bowl, we moved on.
This time we chose a shoebox. Same process, only quicker.

Then we began feeding him out of a small garbage can tipped on its side. Then we stacked plastic containers with food hidden in between them and let him explore the tower, tear it apart, and get all the treats inside. We placed a closed umbrella on the floor and hid bits of pork chop in between the folds, and eventually opened the umbrella, placed it upside down on the floor, and put the food inside. By this time, the dog was no longer afraid of new objects on the floor and very quickly acclimated to the owner picking up objects. This dog still has a way to go (he has a number of issues we’re addressing), but he’s well on his way to mastering his fear of unknown objects!

28/10/2024

Daylight savings time is coming up! Are your dogs ready?

Dogs are creatures of habit, and changes in their daily routine can sometimes be stressful for them. Whether it’s a new work schedule, a move to a new home, or any other significant change, it’s important to help your dog adjust smoothly. Here are some tips and strategies to ease the transition for your furry friend.

Dogs rely on predictable routines for a sense of security and stability. When their routine is disrupted, they may experience anxiety or stress, leading to changes in behavior such as:

- Increased barking or whining
- Destructive behavior (chewing, digging)
- Changes in appetite
- Increased clinginess or withdrawal
- House training accidents

Recognizing these signs early can help you take steps to minimize your dog’s discomfort.

Tips for Helping Your Dog Adjust

1. Gradual Transition: If possible, make changes gradually. For example, if you’re changing your work schedule, start adjusting your dog’s feeding, walking, and playtime routine slowly over a few weeks. This helps them acclimate to the new schedule bit by bit.

2. Maintain Key Elements of Routine: Even if your schedule changes, try to keep some key elements of your dog’s routine the same. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions provide a sense of continuity and stability.

3. Create a Safe Space: Ensure your dog has a comfortable, safe space where they can retreat when feeling stressed. This could be a favorite bed, a crate, or a quiet room.

4. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: Engage your dog in activities that provide both mental and physical stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and prevent boredom.

5. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they handle changes well. Positive reinforcement can help them associate new routines with positive experiences.

6. Stick to a Feeding Schedule: Dogs are particularly sensitive to changes in their feeding schedule. Try to keep feeding times consistent to provide a sense of predictability.

7. Spend Quality Time Together: Make sure to spend quality time with your dog each day. This can help reassure them that despite changes, your bond remains strong.

8. Consider Calming Aids: If your dog is particularly anxious, consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or natural supplements. Consult with your veterinarian before using any new products.

9. Professional Help: If your dog is having a difficult time adjusting, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized strategies and support.

Changes in routine are inevitable, but with patience and care, you can help your dog adjust smoothly. By providing stability, positive reinforcement, and plenty of love, you can ease their anxiety and ensure they remain happy and healthy during transitions. Remember, every dog is different, so it may take some time to find the best approach for your furry friend.

28/10/2024

Halloween is coming! Is your Scaredy Dog ready? Here are some tips to help keep your pup calm

Guests, Halloween, Training July 1, 2020 Surviving Halloween with your Scaredy Dog Let’s face it, Halloween is scary: Strangers knock on your door, screaming “trick or treat!”, dressed up in strange, sometimes gruesome, outfits. Children and fearful dogs are a dangerous combination to begin wi...

28/10/2024

What's does your scaredy dog struggle with the most?

27/10/2024

Eye contact is one of the first things I teach a dog. It's also really easy to begin clicker training by teaching this (note that I'm using the marker word "Good" instead of a clicker, but all of the same principles apply). In doggie language, direct eye contact can be seen as a threat so teaching a dog eye contact using positive reinforcement can really boost the dog's self-confidence! It's also really good for keeping your dog's attention on you in distracting situations, and to call your dog's attention away from things that concern them.

This is how I teach eye contact, and it's usually how I begin clicker training too (I'm using the word "Good" instead of a clicker, but all the same principl...

20/10/2024

In doggie language, walking straight at another dog is rude, potentially a threat, and may possibly set off a dog who is already reactive to other dogs. Walking in a curve around another dog is much more polite. So when training with your dog-reactive dog, it's important to take which directions you walk into consideration.

When passing another dog walking towards you, it's least likely to cause an outburst if the dogs walk in a curve around each other, giving each other plenty of space. It's slightly harder to pass a dog walking towards you head on, so make sure your dog is ready for this level of training!

Also fairly difficult is side-by-side walking mostly because of the sustained proximity, though you can control the distance throughout the walk. Side-by-side walks is commonly used as a way to introduce dogs because it will be clear to see any outbursts, but the dogs are far enough away that they can't fight. Hardest still is walking your dog with another dog following you. This can be very nerve-wracking for a dog! If you're walking a reactive dog and find somebody else walking their dog and following you, it's best to cross the street or otherwise let the other couple pass.

15/10/2024

Is your dog terrified of Halloween?

🎃 Strangers, costumes & chaos can be overwhelming! 😱 Get my FREE guide to keep them safe & stress-free this spooky season:

15/10/2024

In honor of National Fetch Day (yes, that's a thing), I'm sharing this video again. I STILL have about 10 of these awesome toys that gifted me! PM me if you'd like a couple and we'll make it happen 😊

https://www.facebook.com/100063658086066/posts/1052409926890934/?sfnsn=mo

14/10/2024

The concept of consent is essential for ensuring that interactions with your dog are positive and enjoyable for both of you. While humans may think of petting as a loving gesture, not all dogs perceive it the same way. For some, especially those who are fearful or anxious, uninvited petting can feel uncomfortable, threatening, or overwhelming.
Here are a few key reasons why consent in petting matters:
1. Building Trust: When you respect your dog’s boundaries, they are more likely to trust you. For dogs, trust is fundamental to feeling safe and secure in your presence. If a dog knows that their signals will be respected, they will feel more comfortable and open to affection when they are ready.
2. Preventing Stress and Fear: Dogs who are uncomfortable with touch can experience stress, anxiety, or even fear when forced into interactions they don’t want. This can escalate into defensive behaviors like growling or biting if their discomfort is ignored.
3. Strengthening Your Bond: Petting should be a mutually enjoyable experience that strengthens your relationship. When dogs feel they have a choice in the interaction, they’re more likely to engage in positive, stress-free bonding.
How to Tell If Your Dog Doesn’t Like Being Petted
Dogs have subtle and not-so-subtle ways of communicating their feelings about being touched. Unfortunately, many signs of discomfort are often overlooked or misinterpreted as quirky behavior. By paying attention to your dog’s body language, you can determine whether they are enjoying the interaction or if it’s time to stop.
Here are some common signs that your dog may not enjoy being petted:
1. Body Stiffness
If your dog’s body becomes tense or stiff while you’re petting them, it’s a clear sign they’re uncomfortable. A relaxed dog will have loose muscles and an easy posture, while a dog who is uneasy will become rigid and still.
2. Avoidance Behavior
If your dog turns their head away from you, moves away, or tries to walk away when you pet them, they are signaling they would prefer to be left alone. Ignoring this behavior can increase their anxiety and make future interactions more challenging.
3. Yawning, Lip Licking, or Nose Licking
These are often signs of stress or discomfort in dogs. If your dog starts yawning repeatedly or licking their lips while being petted, it could indicate that they are feeling uneasy or stressed by the interaction.
4. Ears Pinned Back
When a dog’s ears are pinned back flat against their head, it can signal fear, stress, or discomfort. Combined with other signs, this is a clear indication that your dog does not appreciate the petting.
5. Whale Eye
If you see the whites of your dog’s eyes (often referred to as “whale eye”), it’s a sign that they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable. This often happens when a dog is looking away while keeping an eye on you, unsure about what’s happening.
6. Growling or Snapping
Growling is a more overt sign of discomfort or fear. While some people might punish or scold a dog for growling, it’s important to recognize that growling is your dog’s way of communicating discomfort before escalating to more severe behaviors like biting. Respect their warning and give them space.
7. Tail Tucked Between the Legs
A dog who tucks their tail between their legs is usually frightened or anxious. If your dog does this while being petted, they are likely telling you that the interaction is too much for them.
8. Sudden Scratching or Shaking Off
Sometimes, dogs will start scratching themselves or suddenly shake off after you stop petting them. This is often a sign that they were uncomfortable and are trying to shake off the stress.
How to Ask for Your Dog's Consent
To ensure your dog feels comfortable, you can ask for their consent to pet them. This process helps your dog feel in control and makes interactions more enjoyable. Here's how:
1. Let Your Dog Approach You: Instead of reaching out to pet them right away, let your dog come to you. If they’re interested in being petted, they will come closer and initiate contact.
2. Pet in Short Bursts: Start by petting your dog for just a few seconds and then stop. If they want more, they’ll likely nudge you, lean into you, or move closer to ask for more petting. If they walk away or show any signs of discomfort, give them space.
3. Focus on Preferred Areas: Many dogs prefer being petted on the chest, shoulders, or base of the neck, rather than on the top of the head or the face. Pay attention to which areas your dog enjoys most.
Consent in petting is an essential part of respectful dog ownership. By paying attention to your dog’s body language and respecting their boundaries, you can ensure that your interactions are positive, stress-free, and enjoyable for both of you. Just like with any relationship, clear communication and mutual respect go a long way in building trust and strengthening your bond with your furry friend.

10/10/2024

Dogs, like humans, experience stress, which can manifest in various physical and behavioral signs. Being able to recognize these signs is crucial for pet owners to ensure their dogs' well-being. The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) scale is a useful tool for assessing the emotional state of dogs and taking appropriate steps to alleviate their discomfort.

Dogs exhibit stress through a range of behaviors and physical cues. Understanding these signs can help owners intervene early and reduce their pets' stress levels. Here are some common signs of stress in dogs:

Body Language:
-Tense posture: A dog may appear stiff or frozen.
-Cowering: Lowered body posture or trying to make themselves smaller.
-Tail position: A tucked tail or one held rigidly can indicate stress.
-Ears: Pinned back or excessively forward ears can signal discomfort.

Facial Expressions:
-Yawning: While yawning can be a sign of tiredness, frequent yawning can indicate stress.
-Lip licking: Repeated licking of the lips when not eating or after a meal can be a stress signal.
-Pacing: Restless movement back and forth can indicate nervousness.

Vocalizations:
-Whining or whimpering: These can be signs of distress or anxiety.
-Excessive barking: More than usual barking can indicate a response to stressors.

Behavioral Changes:
-Avoidance: Hiding, avoiding eye contact, or moving away from a situation or person.
-Destructive behavior: Chewing, digging, or scratching can be ways to cope with stress.
-Increased shedding: Stress can cause dogs to shed more than usual.

Physiological Signs:
-Panting: While normal after exercise, panting without a clear cause can be a stress indicator.
-Dilated pupils: Enlarged pupils can signal fear or anxiety.
-Loss of appetite: Refusal to eat or a sudden decrease in appetite can be related to stress.

The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) scale is a tool used by veterinarians and pet professionals to assess the emotional state of dogs. This scale helps in identifying the level of stress a dog is experiencing and in determining appropriate interventions. The FAS scale ranges from 0 to 5, with each level indicating a different intensity of fear, anxiety, or stress.

**FAS 0: Relaxed and Happy**
- The dog is calm, with a relaxed body posture, normal breathing, and a wagging tail. The dog may engage in play, accept treats, and interact willingly with people.

**FAS 1: Mildly Anxious**
- The dog shows slight signs of stress, such as mildly tense muscles, occasional lip licking, or brief moments of avoidance. The dog is still manageable and can be easily redirected.

**FAS 2: Moderately Anxious**
- Signs of stress become more noticeable, including frequent yawning, increased panting, and more persistent avoidance behaviors. The dog may refuse treats and appear less interested in its surroundings.

**FAS 3: Highly Anxious**
- The dog exhibits clear signs of distress, such as constant pacing, trembling, or excessive vocalization. The dog may show defensive behaviors like growling or snapping if approached.

**FAS 4: Severe Anxiety**
- The dog is in a state of high stress, with intense body language changes such as a completely tucked tail, flattened ears, and wide eyes. The dog may attempt to escape or hide and could show aggression out of fear.

**FAS 5: Panic**
- The dog is experiencing extreme fear or panic, with uncontrollable trembling, frantic attempts to escape, and potential self-injury. The dog may refuse all interaction and be unresponsive to typical calming techniques.

Recognizing the signs of stress and understanding the FAS scale can help pet owners and professionals take appropriate actions to alleviate a dog's discomfort. Here are some strategies to manage and reduce stress in dogs:

-Create a Safe Environment: Provide a quiet, comfortable space where the dog can retreat and feel secure.
-Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and gentle petting to reward calm behavior and build positive associations.
-Gradual Desensitization: Slowly expose the dog to stressors in a controlled manner, gradually increasing the exposure while ensuring the dog remains calm.
-Enrichment Activities: Provide mental and physical stimulation through toys, puzzles, and regular exercise to keep the dog engaged and reduce anxiety.
-Consult a Professional: If stress signs persist or escalate, seek advice from a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist for tailored intervention plans.

Understanding and recognizing the signs of stress in dogs, coupled with the use of the FAS scale, empowers pet owners to create a more supportive and stress-free environment for their canine companions. By addressing stress early and using positive, humane methods to manage it, we can enhance our dogs' quality of life and strengthen the bond we share with them.

08/10/2024

🎃 Surviving Halloween with Your Scaredy Dog! 🐾

Is your dog terrified of Halloween? Strangers at the door, kids in costumes, and all the chaos can be overwhelming for even the calmest dogs. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Download my FREE guide to "Surviving Halloween with Your Scaredy Dog" for tips on keeping your dog safe and stress-free during this spooky season. From creating a calm environment to using natural anti-anxieties, I’ll help you make Halloween a little less scary for your furry friend.

🎃 Don't miss out! Get your guide here:

Halloween can be a stressful time for your dog with all the knocks, costumes, and commotion. Keep your dog safe and calm with our free "Surviving Halloween with Your Scaredy Dog" guide! Get tips on managing your dog’s fear, avoiding bites, and creating a peaceful environment during the chaos. Whet...

05/10/2024

🚨 Exciting News: FREE Webinar Miniseries – "Walk in Harmony - Understanding Your Dog's Leash Reactivity" 🚨

Do you dream of stress-free walks with your dog? 🐾 Does leash reactivity make every walk a challenge? You’re not alone, and I’m here to help!

I'm thrilled to announce my FREE Webinar Miniseries:
"Walk in Harmony – Understanding Your Dog's Leash Reactivity"

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🌟 Why leash reactivity happens and how to manage it
🌟 Practical, easy-to-apply techniques to reduce outbursts
🌟 How to build calm, enjoyable walks for you and your dog
🌟 Success stories from others who’ve conquered leash reactivity

🗓 When: Videos and posts will be available from October 7th–14th, and you can watch or download them at any time! But don't wait—the content will only be available until October 20th!

PLUS, you’ll receive these BONUS handouts: ✔️ How to spot signs of stress in your dog
✔️ How to know if your dog is above threshold
✔️ The essentials of desensitization and counter-conditioning

🎯 Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! And after the webinar, you’ll get an exclusive offer to join my "Walk in Harmony" Training Program for even deeper transformation!

Ready to begin the journey to peaceful walks?
Register now at https://scaredydoglv.ck.page/ae56971f3c

This is a limited-time event, and you don’t want to miss it! Let’s walk in harmony with our dogs, one step at a time. 🐕💙

05/10/2024

Cooperative care is important in dogs! Briar doesn't like shots, but it's reassuring for him to know that I'll stop if he feels uncomfortable and will only proceed when he "tells" me he's ready. Here is the process of teaching him a start/stop behavior to "tell" me that he's ready.

In this video, I'm starting to teach Briar how to say "I'm ready!". We're using a chin rest as his start/stop button behavior and building up to him being ge...

30/09/2024

Did you know...?

Just like human fingerprints, every dog has a unique nose print and it can be used to identify individual dogs.

27/09/2024

I have some incredible news to share with you! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially completed my Master of Professional Science in Animal Science and Behavior (with an emphasis on canine and feline health and care) and am now a behaviorist—not just a trainer. 🎉 This achievement is something I’ve been working towards for three years, and it means I’ll be able to provide an even deeper level of expertise and care for you and your dog.

With this exciting milestone comes a new direction for my business, including some changes that reflect the higher level of service I’ll be offering. Starting October 1st, I’ll be transitioning to a membership program that focuses on creating lasting change for dogs and owners who are truly committed to the training process.

Here’s what you’ll receive as part of the new membership:
• Weekly 30-60 minute in-person or Zoom training sessions
• Weekly 30-minute Zoom video homework reviews for personalized feedback
• Shared task lists with constant feedback to keep you on track
• Recordings of live and Zoom sessions, so you can review any time
• Access to my exclusive video and homework library for extra resources
• Full access to all self-paced courses (coming soon - stay tuned!!)
• Weekly drop-in Zoom office hours: Dedicated Q&A time every Wednesday and Saturday from 4 PM to 6 PM, starting October 9th

These new benefits will provide you with ongoing, flexible support to ensure your dog’s progress and help you feel empowered throughout the process.

Now, let’s talk pricing. As of October 1st, the new membership prices will be:
• $600 for 4 weeks ($150/week)
• $1100 for 8 weeks ($137/week)
• $1500 for 12 weeks ($125/week)

Special Offer for Current and Past Clients: If you purchase a package before October 1st, you can lock in the current rates and still gain access to all the new membership benefits at no additional cost until your package expires.

I’m incredibly excited to offer this new, more robust program because I know it’s going to give you everything you need to see incredible progress with your dog. However, these new prices reflect the expertise and dedicated level of support I provide, so if you’re ready to get in before the switch, now is the time.

Email me or give me a call if you want to secure your spot at the current rate before October 1st. I can’t wait to continue working with you on this exciting new journey!

27/09/2024

This is a great game and I teach it to many of my clients: it's called On Switch/Off Switch! It's exactly what it sounds like - it alternates periods of activity with periods of calm. This teaches your dog to calm down quickly when you need her to, even when she's excited!

On Switch/Off Switch is a game that teaches your dog to calm down quickly. Your dog is practicing getting excited, and then calming back down, over and over ...