Kate's Dogs

21/06/2025

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18/06/2025

Truth...

‼️ If an “aggression expert” isn’t advocating for thorough investigation into possible pain as part of their work with you… they are NOT ethical! ‼️

This is a sensitive story, and as such names have been changed to protect my clients’ privacy and identity. The dog pictured below is mine.

Over the last couple of months I’ve been working with a family and their dog (we’ll call him “Benny”). A year ago, Benny turned from a loving family pet to suddenly guarding the lounge; anytime that someone made an unexpected move in the room or entered it, Benny would begin posturing and barking at them, which eventually escalated into jumping and grabbing at their clothes, and then bites that punctured the skin.

A physical examination at the vet didn’t yield any results, and Benny was taking multiple types of anxiety medication that didn’t touch his behaviour.

We started working together, and I asked them to have some scans done to further investigate pain. Behaviour changes are one of the first indicators of pain, but otherwise dogs are REALLY good at hiding pain and it can be easily missed, even in a vet exam.

Because they had already been to see the vet, I was met with some resistance. We did implement safety measures and some training strategies to try to help Benny feel more at ease in the lounge, but his behaviour wasn’t improving.

Eventually, Benny did have an MRI, and it was revealed that he has a chiari malformation in his brain - that is, part of his brain was pushing down into the spinal canal. We could have done all the training in the world but it wouldn’t have mattered, because this wasn’t a behaviour issue.

How many trainers would have slapped a shock collar on this poor dog, who was already suffering? How many would have simply said that he needed to learn boundaries or hear the word “no” and not looked any further? How many would say that it’s all well and good to use positive reinforcement, until it “doesn’t work” and then you need punishment?

It’s estimated that up to 80% of aggression cases have some kind of underlying medical issue. You NEED a behaviour expert who can liaise with your vet and who will advocate for *thorough* examination, not just a quick check over to tick a box.

It’s an unregulated industry. Be careful who you trust with your dog, even if they call themselves an expert or have tons of followers. And if your dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, they’re probably in pain.

03/06/2025

I love seeing my babies when they were happy

https://youtu.be/9S-4-JzupHI?si=Dr1QkSVYTgO1BTaD

03/06/2025

We evolved with dogs ( and other species) since before we had a forebrain. Some things you just don't want to have to think about-- like if you are in danger. So if your spidey-sense tells you that you are in danger, watch out!

If your spidey-sense tells you the dog is friendly, be cautious. Our intuition isn't always right. Dogs are big bad predators and we aren't always thinking clearly. I've seen people make a beeline towards my reactive clients without thinking about the possible danger. Don't be lunch. Let the dog make the first move. Ask the handler if you can say "hello" and still allow the dog to make a choice. Handlers don't always know either!

02/06/2025

Enrichment with ice!!

Use what you got!

01/06/2025

Elkie and Eva! We had so much fun doing puppy kindergarten and learning just how to be happy ;)

Thank you Greg and Eva for welcoming me to your family

01/06/2025

Someone had a vet visit!

What do you think, do you think this counts as enrichment?

Good girl Phoebe (and Steph!)

31/05/2025

Somebunny likes me!!

Little R***r has a LOT of fear and anxiety, but with some regular visits and good practice, he has come a l9ng way!

31/05/2025

Bjorn doing the " aren't I pretty?" thing ❤️

Meeting a potential foster--isn't he a good boi?!

(Bjorn had some stranger danger when we first met-- look at how he's doing here!)

29/05/2025

Someone is tired out after an hpur of training!

Little Nala is a dream boat 😉

28/05/2025

If your therapist is kinda cranky, call me for a tune up!