I get such joy out of watching the dogs sniff and follow scents. Allowing them to explore and follow their noses brings them such joy, it's palpable.
Sniffing and freedom of movement are not only enriching but welfare. Dogs need to sniff and need to be able to move their bodies, free from restrictions.
What do you think they were smelling?
Wednesday's Beach Adventure with Bella, Sadie, Griffey, Stella and Tucker 🐾
Dogs roll on some pretty gross things, it's no secret.
It's also no secret that they enjoy it and that it can serve different functions for our dogs.
It's really also no secret that I not only let the dogs in my crews roll on things, but even sometimes actively encourage it. #WhereDogsGetToBeDogs
Rolling is a natural behaviour. Dogs can roll to help release stress, to show joy, to leave scent marking, to explore a smell, because they're wet, communication with other dogs, to cool down.
My hikes are for the dogs, pure and simple. They are welcome to explore natural behaviours safely without fear of getting in trouble or being scolded. Does it sometimes smell? Yes. Is it sometimes messy? Yes. Is it always smelly or messy? No. Is it worth it? Yes.
That's not to say that I always let them roll of course, there are instances where it's not appropriate and even not safe for them to roll. Things that are particularly pungent and difficult to clean like dead fish; absolutely vile things like human feces; or fresh decomposing animal carcasses; These instances are always met with redirection and highly reinforced cues.
Staying observant of the dogs and observant of the surroundings during hikes is an effective management of when dogs roll.
Honestly dogs rolling is one of my favourite behaviours. It always makes me smile and get curious about their behaviour and the environment.
Does your dog like to roll?
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#UrbanTailzAdventures
#KamloopsBC
#KamloopsDogWalking
Pro Tip
Variety is the spice of life.
Try adding some of your dogs favourite fruits and veggies to your treat pouch in the summer time. Not only is the variety great for them but fruits and veggies can help keep them cool and hydrated in the summer sun.
Cucumbers, carrots, peppers, watermelon, berries and apples are some of the different kinds that my crews have enjoyed.
What kind of fruits and veggies does your dog like?
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#UrbanTailzAdventures
#WhereDogsGetTobDogs
#KamloopsBC
#PositiveReinforcement
What's one of the most crucial pieces of equipment your dog walker should carry during Spring through Fall?
Water!
After 16 years of hiking dogs off leash, I can tell you one of the most important things that I carry in my backpack is water. Regardless of where I am hiking and length of the hike, from April to October I carry between 2-4L of water specifically for the dogs on every hike. I also offer water at the truck both at the beginning of the hike and the end so the dogs are always hydrated.
Why is this important?
Because we can't control dogs body temperatures. Every dog has an individual heat tolerance and they can be vastly different from dog to dog in a group. Particularly in warm climates where many water sources change in availability from year to year and season to season. What once was a big water hole may now be a dried up pit. Dog walkers should not be relying on natural water sources as the sole way of hydrating their groups.
Humidity is also an often overlooked component. With moderate to high humidity the dogs abilities to adequately cool themselves through panting is hampered and their internal body temperatures can sky rocket.
Dogs on off leash hikes are often running, playing, climbing obstacles, Digging and navigating different terrain levels. Dogs on leash in more urban areas are subject to the added heat from asphalt.
It's important for dog walkers not to assume that dogs will not need water simply because you may be near a water source or the length is shorter. As professionals with other people's pets in our care, it's imperative that we are proactive and responsible in preventing things like heat stroke and heat exhaustion and that means being prepared at all times.
Water is important and we control that access for our dogs, it should be readily available.
#UrbanTailzAdventures
#WhereDogsGetToBeDogs
#KamloopsBC
Friday Fun joined by Amy with Archer and Midna🙌
Recall can be a difficult skill for our dogs.
Here are my top 5 tips to improve offleash recall with your dog.
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1) Reward check ins! Check ins are when your dog chooses to come to you without a cue. I also recommend marking visual check ins so when your dog looks at you from a distance or orients towards you, mark (yes) and verbally reinforce (good dog).
By rewarding check ins, you are teaching your dog that its valuable to stay with you and move with you. If they are already with you, then you dont need to recall.
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2) Reinforce every recall. Attempt to ALWAYS reinforce their recall. Yes even if they are slow or "late"
They are choosing you over the environment and that is a huge ask so make sure to reinforce it!
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3) Use high value reinforcement. I use food reinforcement predominantly but some dogs find toys and play highly reinforcing and that works too. Remember that your dog decides what is reinforcing for them. The food rewards I use are very high value;I use things like meats and cheeses for recall reinforcement. We want our reinforcement to be more valuable than the environment.
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4) Engage with your dog. Take out your headphones, put away your phone, and focus on engaging with your dog. Check out smells together, play, do some parkour like jumping on rocks and logs. Pay attention to your dog and they will pay attention to you. Your hikes should be time spent together.
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5) Don't overuse your recall. This sounds counterintuitive but recall your dog less. Try not to micromanage. If you are constantly recalling your dog, you inevitably make the environment and the activities associated with it like sniffing, scarce. This ends up making the environment more reinforcing and can actually reduce the value of our reinforcement. We want to be intentional when recalling our dogs.
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Like and share this post if you found these tips helpful!
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#UrbanTailzAdventures
#WhereDogsGetToBeDogs
#KamloopsBC
I only wave when I'm telliin em bye 👋
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Getting Bailey through recovery so I can watch her run laps around us on the trails again and climb some mountains💨
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Underwater treadmill therapy is an important part of her rehabilitation especially as we try to build and strengthen the muscles that have atrophied. Grateful to the amazing team whose taking such great care of my sensitive girl.🙏 Tara Edwards Vet
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#TPLORecovery
#UnderwaterTreadmillTherapy
Wednesday Snow Day 🙌🐾
Fresh Snow and First Tracks 👌
Let's make a Nature Snuffle Box!
Step 1: Collect nature items from different trails. Look for wildlife signs to find extra good smelly items.
Step 2: Find a box, any size will do, and start adding the items scattered. You can choose to make little piles of leaves to encourage deep sniffing.
Step 3 Optional: For added fun, add your dogs favourite treats for them find.
Step 4: Step back and watch them enjoy!
Bailey is currently in recovery after a TPLO surgery. Since her physical activity is heavily restricted, I'm trying to meet her needs in other ways. One of those ways is by offering her a nature Snuffle box to sniff and explore.
This activity is great for all dogs but will be especially helpful for dogs with limited mobility or those who cannot go for walks.
#NaturalEnrichment
#TPLORecovery
#LetThemSniff
