Aratah Dog Training

13/08/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY - Jumping!

Jumping can be a frustrating & problematic behaviour. Dogs can jump on us, our visitors or even strangers on the street. Responding with attention, even negative attention, can make the problem bigger. From the dog's point of view, jumping gets results!

This article takes you through some simple steps to alleviate problem jumping, including:
* decide on an alternate, and incompatible, behaviour that you can reward (e.g teaching your dog to have 4 feet on the floor)
* start with low level distractions then practice, practice, practice
* get your timing right - be prepared & ready!
* a lead or baby gate can be useful while learning

Delve into more detail here: Broken link! Here's the correct link to the article:
https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Jumping

01/08/2024

16/07/2024

When we punish dogs for growling, even if they're growling at our child, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving us warning signs and "bites out of the blue."
And, that's how we create dangerous dogs. I'd much rather have a dog growl and tell me they're upset (so we have a chance to intervene and help them) than a dog who just bites without any warning signs.

30/05/2024

Patting a dog, sounds simple doesn't it ❓🤔
There's a dog, a hand is moving in and patting a dog begins.
It just isn't that simple though. While I love seeing the closeness and the bond clients have with their dogs, sometimes I am the bearer of news that I wish I didn't have to tell them.
I hate saying it, but I have to.
"Your dog doesn't like being touched on the head"
"Can you see them moving away from your hand when you started patting ?"
"Can you see the ears change?"
I can't not say it, and I do say it more delicately than those sentences but it is often a shock. Yes dogs CAN consent to being touched and they can easily remove that consent too.
To make things trickier consent can be given and immediately removed, or consent was given yesterday and not today.
I know some people may have a hang up with the word "consent" when it comes to dogs but they absolutely have the right to say yes or no to touch.
In the graphic many people will see flat ears as a sign of anxiousness/stress but some dogs do flatten their ears when being patted on their heads when they enjoy the touch.
Some dogs will lick a patting hand from anxiety and some from affection.
Patting isn't as simple as it sounds.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

17/05/2024

Theory Thursday - Say YES more often!

Saying 'no' or 'ahah' to your dog's 'bad' behavior won't work. It is also unpleasant for both parties.
Instead, acknowledge good behaviour with a 'yes', folllowed by a treat, praise, or play (whatever your dog finds reinforcing) and your dog will repeat it, allowing you to say 'yes' more often and create good habits.

09/05/2024

Theory Thursday
We used to say 'tired dog—happy owner'. This is misleading. If you run your dog 'into the ground' every single day, you will only create a very fit dog.
Aim for a good balance of mental and physical stimulation.
Mental stimulation can be enrichment such as puzzle and food-dispensing toys, scatter feeding, walks where they sniff and explore, off-lead trial walks, going to the coffee shop, a run with doggie friends or training.
If possible, let them do what they were bred for! But it can be any activity you and your dog enjoy.

18/03/2024

CW: Article about toddler fatality/dog mauling (Dalmatian) Link to article in first comment and at the end of my comments below. Some quotes/commentary below.
"Normally, (the dog) would play," said Juan Sanchez, who identified himself as the great grandfather of 1-year-old Lennox. "They used to ride him, we don't know what happened. The dogs were friendly."

I think I know what happened. I think the answer is right there. They used to RIDE HIM. This is NOT OK.

We have so far to go with public education and outreach. As Family Paws Parent Education says "Sit on the ground, not on the hound."

Of course this is incredibly sad for this family, but this very likely could have been avoided. I only wonder how much this dog put up with before this incident happened.

What body language was this dog giving off that was being ignored time and time again? How many times did he ask the adults for help with his eyes or his body weight shifting or his ear position and just got ignored? Or worse, punished for growling or asking for relief?

Dogs put up with a lot, until they don't.

We need to do better to keep kids and dogs safe and to help them learn to be safe together.

We should NEVER expect a dog to tolerate a child riding them. EVER.

If you are expecting or have a toddler and need help navigating this challenging times, please reach out and schedule a session.

Schedule here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/new-clients/

Article here: https://www.ctpost.com/journalinquirer/article/east-hartford-dog-attack-child-killed-lennox-19065755.php

27/02/2024

I've written about why you shouldn't use a shock collar and have my free download, 3 Reasons Not To Use A Shock Collar, but today I'm addressing some common shock collar myths. But, at its core, if you take nothing else away, it's this:

Learning shouldn't hurt.

We know there are better, more effective and more humane ways to train dogs. Many countries in the world ban the use of shock (and in some cases, prong collars also). France, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales, some parts of Australia, and the province of Quebec in Canada yet in the US, it's still completely legal.

There's a lot of research on this topic, but a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, concluded “there is no credible scientific evidence to justify electronic collar use and the use of spray collars or electronic fences for dogs.” This study looked at the top 3 ways dogs are shocked in the name of training - remote controlled shock collars, anti-bark collars and electric fence/containment systems.

So, today's post helps to dispel some myths about shock collars. Read it here:

https://rescuedbytraining.com/2023/02/27/5-shock-collar-myths/

01/02/2024

Dogs that were scent trained were found to be better at impulse control when tasked with treat based challenges, a study has found.

22/01/2024

I hate to be a party pooper on National Hug Your Puppy Day but in the name of dog safety and dog bite prevention, here I am.

Most dogs do not like to be hugged. (In one study only 7.6%, seemed to be comfortable with hugging!) At best, they might tolerate it.

And even if your dog is tolerant of being hugged or happens to be one of the rare dogs who enjoys it, this is **not something we want to model** for children to learn.

We do not want children learning that it is OK to hug or kiss dogs or they will go to a neighbor's house and hug that dog and chances are, that dog will not be tolerant of hugging, and that's when bites happen.

There are much better ways to show your dog that you love them rather than hugging them. To find out what I suggest and for a deeper dive, read my post here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2023/06/26/no-hugging/

23/12/2023

03/12/2023

Claude needs a new home with people who have time to spend with him. He is a loving attentive dog , who loves attention and companionship. So much so, that he would be best as an only dog. Claude has not lived with a cat, so unsure how that would go. Previously trained as a service dog, but now not working. Claude is a 10 year old, desexed, creme Miniature Poodle and in good health. He loves cuddles and walks. If you can help, please contact Tracey, on 0405 689 825.

20/11/2023

According to some trainers, dogs don’t need us to be their masters – they need our understanding and friendship.

14/11/2023

TRAINING TUESDAY - Equipment: long leads (5m+).

Long leads are a fabulous tool to allow more room for our dogs to explore without the frustration of a short tether. However, they can be tricky to manage effectively.

* Keep both hands free to use the lead: don't attempt to use a long lead whilst holding a coffee or your phone. You'll get wrapped up, caught up, caught out.
* It's a 1 dog at a time bit of equipment (per handler). Two dogs on long leads = lots of muddles unless handled with a bit of distance.
* Greeting other dogs can be really tricky on long leads, for the above reason!
* Space helps: they're best used where there's plenty of space for your dog to roam and unlikely to come across lots of other dogs/people/bikes/cars/etc.
* Retractible leads can have their own challenges (bigger handles; potentially less control over how much lead to release depending on your handler skills; the dog learns to pull a little to enable more lead)

Once you get the hang of them they can be a wonderful way to explore. And can help with loose lead skills, but more on that next time :)

28/10/2023

Train your puppy or adult dog not to bark when they hear the sound of other dogs barking. This video tutorial shows how you can condition your dog to be calm...

10/10/2023

TRAINING TUESDAY
When is it appropriate to have your dog 'OFF LEAD' vs 'ON-LEAD'?

Unless it is designated as an off-lead area AND you have effective control of your dog, then don't let them off-lead.

A dog rushing up to another dog is not only rude, but can have serious implications for that dog (e.g. they may be in training, have an injury or are an assistance dog).

Some things to remember
- Be considerate to other dogs and their owners;
- Be aware of your dog and their actions at all times;
- It is not your decision to let your dog rush up to other dogs or people. Ask!
- Obtain consent first. Ask if your dog can greet another dog or person;
- Watch your dog. Are they interacting appropriately? Do they have nice manners?

Further advice can be found at the following link - https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/OnLeadOffLead

30/09/2023

Many clients tell me, almost proudly or to somehow justify their use, that their dog "only needed to be shocked twice and then they stopped barking" or "only needed two shocks from the fence and now they respect the boundary of the property."

And maybe that's true. But in the process, the dog has been traumatized. They're living in fear or pain. We know from research that aversive methods can (and often do) result in increased fear, aggression, or learned helplessness and damage your relationship with your dog.

Read more in my post here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2023/09/25/shock-fallout-effects/

(Reminder: promoting or supporting the use of aversives on my page will not be tolerated.)

20/09/2023

15/08/2023

TRAINING TUESDAY - Jumping!

Jumping can be a frustrating & problematic behaviour. Dogs can jump on us, our visitors or even strangers on the street. Responding with attention, even negative attention, can make the problem bigger. From the dog's point of view, jumping gets results!

This article takes you through some simple steps to alleviate problem jumping, including:
* decide on an alternate, and incompatible, behaviour that you can reward (e.g teaching your dog to have 4 feet on the floor)
* start with low level distractions then practice, practice, practice
* get your timing right - be prepared & ready!
* a lead or baby gate can be useful while learning

Delve into more detail here: https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Jumping

10/08/2023

"What is the dog's motivation?" is an important question when considering serial escapees. If we can understand the function of their behaviour then we can be more effective addressing the underlying cause.

Once a dog knows a weak-point in the system, they are likely to take advantage of it. So it's really important that gaps are blocked, or fences raised.

In addition, if we don't address the underlying cause, then they can search for another weak point, or it could manifest in another behaviour (for example, destruction).

Potential underlying causes could include lack of mental, physical or social stimulation, separation distress, a scary trigger (such as thunderstorms or building work), and many more. If we can leave a dog who is content & comfortable at home, they are less likely to look for greener pastures.

We delve into the issue in more detail here: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Escaping-Dogs

08/08/2023

TRAINING TUESDAY

MANAGEMENT - What does it mean in dog training terms?

Management generally limits your dog's ability to access a particular environment. This could include:
🐶removing items to prevent chewing them
🐶baby gates across doorways to more easily stop access to certain areas
🐶blocking vision out of certain windows or gates
🐶using a lead

Limiting your dog's ability to access a particular environment can really, really help:
🐶set up for success
🐶teach & practice under lower distractions
🐶avoid practicing undesired behaviours

It is not to be underestimated!

If you can't actively train, then manage!

PPGA member Zara from Witty Woofs delves into more detail here: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Behaviour-Management

05/08/2023

Fear is the easiest things to condition in dogs and the hardest to resolve. Fear can come from many places, many of which we don't control. This infographic is my most downloaded and shared resource. Download your copy here: http://rescuedbytraining.com/fear-in-dogs-infographic/
and for a deep dive into each of these, read the accompanying Fear In Dogs blog series here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/tag/fear-in-dogs-series/

22/07/2023

Slippery or shiny floors can be a worry for some dogs. Physical check ups, management by providing non-slippery options, & games to improve confidence in the area can all help.
More info: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Slippery-Floors

21/07/2023

Hu***ng can be funny, annoying or embarrassing for us humans. So why do dogs hump, and what can you do about it?

Sometimes hu***ng can be completely fine to be left alone, and sometimes it can work to positively interrupt the dog (call their name, or another interrupting cue) & redirect to an alternate, & incompatible, behaviour. Interrupt-redirect if the hu***ng behaviour is causing frustration to another being, & help calm the hu***ng dog.

More on this topic from PPGA member Cooper and Kids : https://cooperandkids.com/why-does-my-dog-hump/

20/07/2023

Having a dog who growls, barks or lunges on lead can be incredibly stressful. There are so many potential underlying causes, and resultingly, training plans.
At the core of all of them is helping our dogs become calmer in this environment. Your local PPGA trainer can help sift through which methods may be most appropriate for your dog.
Some general advice to get you started: https://positively.com/dog-behavior/aggression/leash-aggression/

13/07/2023

Theory Thursday
'using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. In addition, while positive punishment can be effective, there is no evidence that it is more effective than positive reinforcement-based training. In fact, there is some evidence that the opposite is true. [...] In conclusion, those working with or handling dogs should rely on positive reinforcement methods, and avoid using positive punishment and negative reinforcement as much as possible.' (Ziv G 2017 'The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs - A review' Journal f Veterinary Behavior 19:50-60)

10/07/2023

We recently launched an education campaign about positive reinforcement training because we are concerned dog-loving viewers will be misinformed by Channel 10's upcoming new show Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia, which is based on outdated, quick-fix and aversive dog training methods.
We are calling pet owners to with rewards-based and force-free training and help prevent pet surrenders to already overcrowded animal shelters!
You can follow our FB page for commentary by our force-free trainers on humane and lasting solutions to dog behaviour problems featured in the upcoming episodes, which begin on July 13.
Managing dog behaviour can be a challenge but achievable with positive solutions!
If you have any questions, feel free to email us on [email protected]
And if you want to support us, share the post and use

04/07/2023

Training Tuesday
Stress is not conducive to learning, so it helps to pay attention and make changes in the set-up if our dogs get stressed. This applies to formal training sessions and daily life.
Early stress signs are also called 'displacement behaviours'. These are normal behaviours but displayed out of context.
Dogs yawn when tired, lick their lips when they smell a nice treat, shake off when wet, and turn their head when they hear something. These are some of the more common displacement behaviours.
If you ask your dog to do something and he yawns, licks his lips, shakes off or turns his head away from you, then there is a good chance he is getting stressed.
Take a break, assess the situation, change your location, have a play, or go for a short decompression walk.
We all learn best when we are relaxed and feel safe.