Aratah Dog Training

28/12/2025

Is it ok or just plain uncomfortable?
Do they curve and turn into each other? Are their bodies directed towards each other repeatedly?
These can be great signs, as can those wide leg stances that show they're comfortable.
Sometimes, you may see those fast runs past and followed by a pause, that can be a clear invitation.

I know it can be tough to tell, especially when those interactions are fast paced but it's important to look at the bigger picture.
It's individual.
What works for one dog may not for another.

For some breeds there may not be much curving. For others those wide leg stances can be physically impossible.
So how does your dog consent when interacting with others?

Do you notice patterns when they are with a trusted dog friend? It's always interesting to watch just how individual those responses can be!

How do they consent with you ?
Do you see any similarities when observing your dog with another? If you're dog does have a trusted friend, watch how they consent.
There will be clear individual ways they want to engage or not.

Take a look at the chart and take some notes about your own dogs "tells".
But equally important is how the other dog shows consent, or not.

22/12/2025

22/12/2025

21/12/2025

07/12/2025

30/10/2025

Let's talk about trained protection dogs, because sometimes I get clients saying they think they want on.

Context matters.

Humans understand that the delivery driver at 6pm with dinner is not the same as a masked intruder at midnight.

But to a dog, especially one trained to react aggressively toward unfamiliar people, the difference isn’t always so clear.

If a dog has been trained to view strangers as potential threats, that “protective” instinct can easily spill over into dangerous situations.

To that dog, a stranger is a stranger.

Imagine your child having friends over to play. Or extended family coming for the holidays. Or a neighbor stopping by unexpectedly.

If a dog has been conditioned to respond to strangers with suspicion or aggression, those everyday scenarios could end in fear, or worse, injury.

Protection dogs are not family pets. They’re specialized working animals whose training doesn’t translate well into the unpredictable, social world of family life. Read more in my blog post this week!

Is that what you really want? Let's talk BEFORE you go down this path. I have a pre-adoption/purchase consult just for you!

09/10/2025

There are still a few places available for the Adolescent Dog Training Course starting on Saturday the 1st of November. Contact details are below.

29/09/2025

When you first pictured life with your dog, what did you imagine?

A robotically obedient little puppet?

Or a companion who makes you laugh, comforts you, and feels safe with you?

We’ve been conditioned to think:

…that a “good dog” is an obedient dog.
…that compliance equals love.
…that control equals security.

But a dog who hides their needs to avoid consequences isn’t thriving. They’re walking on eggshells. Suppressing who they are.

What most people actually want isn’t robotic compliance.

It’s a relationship. Trust. Safety. Joy.

You picked your dog. You brought them into your life.

But the real measure isn’t that you chose them…

It’s whether they feel safe enough to choose you back.

Obedience isn’t the goal. A real relationship is 🫶

26/09/2025

Rushing➡️Risky!
It's a big deal for dogs to accept. Many just don't if it's rushed.
There are proven ways to help with these introductions.
Whether you want a permanent new dog as an additional family member or maybe just want your friend's dog to visit your home and have yours comfortable (and who knows, maybe even a friendship)!

Neutral areas.
What does that even mean?
It means somewhere your dog has a low attachment to.
No history, no scent left there and no emotions attached. It isn't their territory.
Yards are certainly not usually neutral and streets may not be either (if one dog or the other has visited).

Parallel walks.
You may need a few but watching body language is key here.

Inside the home.
Avoid those sparks and remove items that can cause issues (or restrict access).
Food.
Rewards.
Beds.
Couches.

Even affection being shown by you towards can cause an issue.

Yes, this is very much a cautious approach.
Why?
Because I don't think there isn't a trainer out there that hasn't seen the damage caused when this is rushed by people.
We are called in when it has gone very, very wrong.

Do it right.
Take your time and give this your absolute best, slowly.

24/09/2025

New home needed for a delightful, adolescent family dog. He loves children and is good with other dogs. The family are reluctant to give up their beautiful companion, but are unable to devote enough time to exercise and train a young dog. If you are interested, PM Pauline on FB or phone me on 0421 028 219

Send a message to learn more