Aratah Dog Training

29/01/2025

TRAINING TUESDAY
What equipment should I avoid using on my dog?
There’s a wide range of dog equipment available, often marketed as quick fixes for behaviour problems. However, no tool can replace the time invested in building a strong bond with your dog and teaching desired behaviours. Incorrectly fitted or inappropriately used equipment can harm your relationship with your dog and may even cause injury.
The Pet Professional Guild Australia does not support the use of equipment designed to inflict pain, fear, or stress, such as choke chains, prong collars, or electric shock collars. These tools, often associated with force-based training techniques, tighten, pinch, or restrict your dog, sometimes even administering electric shocks.
Dogs of all sizes, including large or strong breeds, can be trained effectively without these harmful tools, even when addressing issues like aggression or anxiety. Instead, focus on humane alternatives and positive reinforcement. Using aversive equipment risks negative associations—e.g., if a dog pulls toward another dog or child and experiences pain, they might associate that discomfort with the other dog or child.
Electric shock collars are illegal under Animal Welfare Acts in many states, including ACT, NSW, and SA (with exceptions for invisible fences). Prong collars are also illegal to import into Australia due to welfare concerns. These tools are widely condemned by organisations like the RSPCA, Australian Veterinary Association, and international animal welfare bodies.
Choose humane, well-fitted equipment to ensure every experience your dog has is positive, fostering a safe and happy bond.
More information on appropriate equipment and how dogs learn can be found on the RSPCA SA’s Lead By Example campaign: http://www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/lead-by-example/
Information adapted from the PPGA info sheet https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Equipment-to-Avoid



*Created with the assistance of AI

07/01/2025

TRAINING TUESDAY

A favorite pastime in summer is taking our dogs to the beach. But not every dog likes the water.

So what can we do to help them?

Here are some steps to help your dog become comfortable with the sea:

🐶Start with a calm environment: Choose a beach or shoreline with gentle waves and calm water. Avoid busy beaches with strong currents at first.
🐶Play near the water: Play fetch or other games on the beach near the water's edge to help develop a positive association with the water. Encourage them to approach the water by making it fun and rewarding.
🐶Gentle water exposure: Let your dog explore the water at their own pace. You can gently wade in with them, but avoid forcing them into the water. If the dog feels too nervous, allow them to stay on dry land.
🐶Use a life vest (if needed): Some dogs may not be natural swimmers, so using a life vest can make the experience safer and more enjoyable. Consider also a long line for extra safety.
🐶Find a friend: Some dogs gain confidence by seeing other dogs enjoy playing in the sea.

Training your dog to enjoy the sea is a gradual process. With patience and positive experiences, most dogs can come to love the beach and the water!

05/01/2025

Karen Pryor was an amazing woman, who did great things. She will be missed by many people whose lives she influenced, mine included.

03/01/2025

Theory Thursday

Training isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about building skills step by step. These steps, called “approximations,” help animals (including humans) learn in a way that’s manageable and stress-free. Each small success adds up, leading to the bigger picture.

By breaking any skill into small, achievable steps, learning can occur without anyone becoming confused or frustrated.

But here’s the key: be flexible. If your learner is struggling, don’t push them to the next step. Maybe the task is too hard, or they’re distracted by something. Adjust your approach—make the task easier, change the environment to one less distracting, or use a higher-value reinforcer.

Every learner is unique, and training plans should reflect that. Progress might not always be linear but those small wins will add up to big achievements.

Remember: training is a journey, not a race. Celebrate the small victories along the way! 🥳



* Created with the assistance of AI

31/12/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY

🐾 Mastering Loose Lead Walking with Force-Free Techniques 🐶

Teaching your pet to walk on a loose lead enhances your walks and improves the relationship that you have with your pet. Force-free training methods have proven effective in achieving this skill. Loose lead walking isn’t only for dogs. You can train other pets like cats and ferrets too!

You can find out more about walking on a loose lead at our website https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Walking-on-a-Loose-Lead



* Created with the assistance of AI

20/12/2024

Merry Christmas to you and your families, fur babies included. May 2025 be a good year filled with love laughter and all that you wish for. Pauline, Warren, Bronte and Remi.

18/12/2024

It's almost that time of year again. If you find yourself dreading New Year's Eve because you know it means a night of your dog pacing and trembling in fear with each loud boom, you're not alone. Noise sensitivities affect many dogs, and they tend to worsen (not fade away) with each negative experience.

But it doesn't have to be this way! You can bring in the new year with confidence that you have a set of strategies in place to improve your dog's experience (and yours, too!).

11/12/2024

Remi is 5 months old, but not fully toilet trained yet. So he has learnt to wear a belly band for when we visit other people's houses and to have more freedom at home.

09/12/2024

Remi and Bronte demonstrating their good exit manners at the open gate, before heading off on a walk.

14/11/2024

THEORY THURSDAY - dog body language

Understanding how dogs are feeling by interpreting their body language is essential for us when living and training with them. PPGA member Mel Ritterman of Cooper and Kids penned this article with some great tips on "reading dog".
https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Understanding-Dog-Body-Language

While you're there check out the left-hand nav for other great resources for pet owners :)

10/11/2024

30/10/2024

Molly is the last puppy from our puppy Remi's litter and is looking for a home. Remi would be one of the best puppies I have ever owned. Beautiful calm temperament. Confident and affectionate. Rarely barks and loves his food. So he is very easy to train. Please contact myself or Puna Creek Labrdoodles if you are interested.

29/10/2024

PSA: Just because your dog doesn't growl or bite when your child handles them roughly, it doesn't mean they should have to tolerate it.

The onus is on the parent to teach children age-appropriate ways to interact with dogs.

The responsibility of safety is NOT 100% on the dog.

Teach the kids, not just the dogs.

27/10/2024

23/10/2024

Does he really want a belly rub or is he asking for space? Learn more in this post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2024/10/21/appeasement-behaviors/

30/09/2024

Remi is 12 weeks old now and doing well with his lead walking.

29/09/2024

I will be running another Adolescent and Adult dog Training course in November. If you are interested, please contact me to make a booking. 😀🐶Pauline