Scaredy Dog Training

22/08/2024

I haven't used this harness so I have no review, but I thought it was a really cool design! It is punishment-based as it tightens when the dog pulls to teach the dog not to pull, but I like it because it's escape-proof. Some dogs may panic and try to back out of their harness, but the tightening of this harness prevents that. So while I wouldn't normally recommend this harness to clients, it can be very useful in certain safety scenarios!

Achieve superior control over heavy pullers and reactive dogs with the Direct Harness. Crafted from durable materials, this harness redirects pulling energy, prevents slipping, and offers a perfect fit. Bridge the gap between collars and traditional harnesses. Order now for ultimate control and comf...

19/08/2024

Kim at was kind enough to give us some dental chews! I'm all about the calming products and repetitive chewing is a stress reliever for dogs, so I'm excited to try out these Get Naked calming dental chews. As for the Flosstas, the unique shape gets in between the teeth while the dogs chew. Stormy practically pulled this chew out of the bag while I was still holding it!

These can be purchased here: www.npicpet.com

19/08/2024

I like to think of "kiss to dismiss" as the doggie way of seeing someone that annoys you and saying "Oh hi! Sorry, I was just leaving....." It's kind of the social obligation to be nice while trying to make your escape. Don't mistake this for affection because it's really your dog showing you that he's uncomfortable!

18/08/2024

And that's another SuperZoo in the books!! Just like every year, I'll be featuring and reviewing products. Stay tuned!

16/08/2024

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.

08/08/2024

Most dogs are dog- and people-selective to a degree. It's uncommon to meet a dog who actually loves everyone. Just because your dog doesn't like your (insert relation here) doesn't mean there's anything "wrong" with your dog that needs to be fixed.

05/08/2024

The Impact of Adversive Techniques in Dog Training on Canine Anxiety

Dog training methods have evolved significantly over the years, with an increasing focus on understanding canine psychology and behavior. While some traditional training methods rely on adversives—such as physical corrections, loud noises, or other forms of punishment—to deter unwanted behaviors, recent research and expert opinions suggest that these techniques can have detrimental effects on a dog's mental well-being. Specifically, the use of adversives in dog training is linked to increased anxiety and fear in dogs, which can lead to a host of behavioral and health issues.

Adversive techniques are based on the principle of applying an unpleasant stimulus to reduce the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring. Common examples include:

-Physical corrections: Leash jerks, prong collars, or alpha rolls (forcing a dog onto its back).
-Verbal reprimands: Yelling or using harsh tones.
-Environmental adversives: Shock collars or other devices that deliver an unpleasant sensation.

Research in animal behavior has consistently shown that adversive training methods can induce stress and anxiety in dogs. Here's how:

1. Fear Association: When dogs associate certain behaviors or stimuli with negative consequences, they can develop a generalized fear response. For example, a dog that is frequently yelled at for barking may become anxious whenever it hears a loud noise, fearing punishment.

2. Stress Hormones: Adversive training can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic elevation of these hormones can lead to long-term health problems and behavioral changes, including increased anxiety.

3. Learned Helplessness: When dogs are repeatedly subjected to adversive stimuli, they may develop a condition known as learned helplessness. This occurs when the dog feels unable to escape or avoid the unpleasant experience, leading to a state of chronic anxiety and depression.

4. Behavioral Rebound: Instead of eliminating unwanted behaviors, adversive techniques may suppress them temporarily. The underlying anxiety and stress can cause these behaviors to resurface later, often in more severe forms.

A study published in the *Journal of Veterinary Behavior* found that dogs trained with adversive methods exhibited more stress-related behaviors, such as lip licking, yawning, and avoiding eye contact, compared to dogs trained with positive reinforcement techniques. Another study highlighted that dogs subjected to shock collar training displayed signs of fear and anxiety, even in neutral settings, indicating a long-lasting impact on their emotional state.

Renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall emphasizes that adversive training methods can damage the human-animal bond. She argues that trust is a crucial component of effective training, and adversive techniques undermine this trust, making it harder for dogs to learn and respond positively.

Positive reinforcement training, which rewards desirable behaviors with treats, praise, or play, is widely regarded as a more humane and effective approach. This method not only strengthens the bond between the dog and owner but also promotes a calm and confident demeanor in dogs. Here are some key elements of positive reinforcement training:

-Consistency: Rewarding desired behaviors consistently helps dogs understand what is expected of them.
-Patience: Training should be gradual, allowing dogs to learn at their own pace without fear of punishment.
-Understanding Triggers: Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of unwanted behaviors, such as anxiety or boredom, can lead to more lasting solutions.

The use of adversives in dog training is increasingly viewed as an outdated and harmful practice. The anxiety and stress it induces in dogs not only negatively impact their mental health but also hinder the effectiveness of training. By adopting positive reinforcement techniques, dog owners and trainers can foster a more trusting and harmonious relationship with their canine companions, leading to better behavior and a happier, healthier life for their dogs.

03/08/2024

31/07/2024

Dogs are often considered beloved members of the family, providing companionship, joy, and even protection. However, it's essential to recognize that dogs, regardless of breed or temperament, have the potential to bite, especially when they feel threatened, scared, or provoked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and over half of them are children. To ensure the safety of both children and dogs, parents play a crucial role in educating themselves and their children about dog behavior and implementing preventive measures. In this article, we'll discuss various strategies parents can employ to reduce the risk of dog bites to children.

1. Teach Children How to Interact with Dogs:
- Educate children about basic dog behavior and body language, such as tail wagging, growling, and ear position, to help them understand a dog's mood and intentions.
- Instruct children to always ask for permission from a dog's owner before approaching or petting a dog.
- Teach children to approach dogs calmly and gently, avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the dog.
- Encourage children to let a dog sniff their closed hand before attempting to pet them, as this allows the dog to become familiar with their scent.

2. Supervise Interactions:
- Always supervise interactions between children and dogs, especially younger children who may not understand appropriate behavior around animals.
- Teach children to avoid disturbing dogs while they are eating, sleeping, or caring for their puppies.
- Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog, no matter how familiar or well-behaved the dog may seem.

3. Set Boundaries and Rules:
- Establish clear boundaries for both children and dogs within the household, such as designated areas where the dog can retreat if they need space.
- Enforce rules about not teasing, chasing, or roughhousing with the dog, as this can provoke aggression or fear.

4. Train and Socialize the Dog:
- Invest time in training the dog using positive reinforcement techniques to reinforce good behavior and obedience.
- Socialize the dog from a young age by exposing them to various people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and comfortable in different situations.

5. Recognize Warning Signs:
- Educate both children and adults about the warning signs that a dog may be feeling threatened or uncomfortable, such as growling, baring teeth, or stiffening of the body.
- Teach children to back away slowly and avoid making eye contact with a dog exhibiting these warning signs.

6. Lead by Example:
- Serve as a role model for your children by demonstrating respectful and responsible behavior towards dogs.
- Avoid displaying fear or anxiety around dogs, as children may mimic these emotions and inadvertently escalate a situation.

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed:
- If a dog displays aggressive behavior or shows signs of fear or anxiety, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address the issue promptly and effectively.

Preventing dog bites to children requires a combination of education, supervision, and responsible ownership. By teaching children how to interact safely with dogs, supervising their interactions, setting boundaries and rules, training and socializing the dog, recognizing warning signs, leading by example, and seeking professional help when needed, parents can significantly reduce the risk of dog bites and foster a safe and harmonious relationship between children and dogs within the household. Remember, proactive measures can go a long way in ensuring the well-being of both children and their furry companions.

23/07/2024

Sometimes I'll just put her kibble in the toy box so that she has to sniff out each individual piece 😂 It's a good mental workout and keeps her busy for a while!

20/07/2024

The newest addition to our playground!!

(This isn't the permanent spot, I was just excited to see if Stormy would like it 😁)

08/06/2024

Heads up! The time to start training your dog for noise aversion is now, NOT July 3rd!! See my guide on how to get started

4th of July is one of the scariest nights of the year, even for confident of dogs. Fireworks are loud even to human ears, and dog ears are more sensitive

03/06/2024

As much as Stormy loves the hose, this kind of play needs to be carefully regulated or your dog may be at risk for water intoxication! Water intoxication is when a dog ingests too much water and sodium levels plummet. This can cause swelling in the brain and neurological symptoms, and can be fatal.

If your dog enjoys water games (and it's hot here in Vegas!!), here are some tips for you:

- Give frequent breaks and plenty of opportunities for your dogs to relieve themselves.

- Play fetch with flat toys like frisbees that your dogs can better close their mouths around as opposed to balls and squishy toys that will absorb water.

- Dogs that swim with their head low in the water and their mouths open can be particularly susceptible to water intoxication. Avoid underwater diving.

Have a fun, safe summer with your dogs!! 😊

31/03/2024

Putting hands in front of uninterested dogs' faces is how people get bit 😬 They have an excellent sense of smell - they can smell you just fine!

Did you know…

31/03/2024

I saw this picture and LOVED IT!

(Credit goes to the creator)

28/03/2024

Today is Respect Your Cat Day! Although that should really be every day, and not just limited to cats. Have you heard of the consent test? If you pet your cat or dog for a few seconds and then stop, how does your pet respond? If your pet walks away, they may not be in the mood for pets right now. But if your pet looks at you like "Why did you stop, human?" then that's permission given to continue. Consent isn't just important in people!

23/03/2024

Today is National Puppy Day AND Cuddly Kitten Day - two holidays in one!! Are you a dog person, a cat person, or an animal-in-general person?

19/03/2024

Happy first day of spring!!

13/03/2024

Cooperative care ftw!! A year ago, there's no way Briar would've stood here willingly soaking his paw in Epson salts, but cooperative care training makes wound care and other veterinary practices a lot easier!

(We think he may have gotten a foxtail, poor kid 😭)

09/03/2024

Don't forget about Daylight Savings Time tomorrow!

07/03/2024

Do you always scoot over on your couch for your dog? Or is that just me? 😅

05/03/2024

This week is Professional Pet Sitters Week! Make sure you fully vet your pet sitter before leaving them alone with your pets. Credentials is a great way to tell if your pet sitter is committed to the profession! Is your sitter a member of Pet Sitters International? Is your sitter insured and have a business license? Is your sitter dog and cat CPR-trained? These are all great signs that you've found someone reputable.

(Hint hint: We are all the above 😊)

02/03/2024

A dog chasing his own tail is fairly common, but did you know that it can actually turn into a doggie version of OCD? If the tail-chasing is excessive, only in one direction, or if your dog chews his tail to the point of pain or rawness, message me or get in touch with a behaviorist ASAP!

There are also other versions of doggie OCD, including:
-Chasing lights and shadows
-Obsessive licking or chewing on the dog's own paws or legs
-Air snapping, like he's trying to catch nonexistent flies

02/03/2024

Today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day! Does your dog love peanut butter? Peanut butter is great for filling Kongs and other hollow treat toys, but make sure the peanut butter doesn't have Xylitol (an artificial sweetener) and feed peanut butter in moderation to avoid stomach upset.

29/02/2024

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."
-Orhan Pamuk

29/02/2024

Who's coming to join me in Mesquite? 😊

25/02/2024

"Among the many studies supporting positive reinforcement, arguably the starkest example was a study with veterinary behaviorist Theresa DePorter, DVM, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who worked with a local dog trainer who used aversive training methods in his puppy classes. After one year, an astounding 38 percent of the puppy class grads were rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized. After two years, over half (60 percent) of dogs were rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized.

Dr. DePorter then persuaded that same trainer to offer positive-reinforcement classes and instructed him on how to do so. The five weekly in-hospital puppy socialization classes were for pups ages 7 to 12 weeks. This wasn’t a typical tiny study of a pawful of dogs; she followed 519 puppies for a year. And one year later, 94 percent of dogs remained in homes, compared to aversive training in which over a third of puppies were rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized a year later."

https://fearfreepets.com/dog-training-methods-matter/?fbclid=IwAR01lmT1jygMNWek6NJuMomBPnxqqQ4yVzeOILFg0ks5QeULcjCBoMOGjEM

The science supporting positive-reinforcement dog training is abundant. It's more effective and more humane than force-training. Here's why.