Great Outdoors Dog Academy

01/01/2025

28/12/2024

Despite my strong stance against aversive dog training methods, I understand their appeal. They can often get quick results, and punishment for the dog’s behaviour, may be reinforcing for the human. However, my concerns are twofold: Firstly, for me dog training/behaviour isn’t just about getting the behaviour I want; It’s about seeking the dog’s willing participation. This means they actively want to engage, rather than being compelled to go along with it. Secondly, no behaviour occurs in a vacuum; there is always a plethora of other effects. Everything that happens to them changes how their mind works and their emotional responses to the world around them.

An example: I saw a trainer recently shocking a dog to teach them to leave food on cue. It’s an instant result and people find that impressive. For me, I’d like to teach it in a way the dog finds pleasant. If that’s possible, why not do it? Leaving ethical arguments aside, the shock training is probably faster, but how might it affect how their dog sees the world? Might they be more anxious while eating? Might they be more likely to act aggressively if somebody (possibly a child) brushes past them while eating?

Because of the vast number of different scenarios, there are no certainties here, but do we want dogs acting through fear and discomfort, or do we want to increase optimism and reduce fear?

22/12/2024

“they can’t even experience sunlight on their bodies unless we deem it so” 😭😭

We all know there are all different types of dogsport owners ranging from excellent to horrific.

I’m reminded of an owner who nearly every time I was around them was cleaning p**p fulled crates. The dogs themselves were rarely seen, out for a few minutes, then back into a dark crate. This type of behavior should be shunned in the sport world yet it’s not. People are afraid to speak up, afraid to offend anyone, afraid to be a Karen. The dog suffers in silence living their life tucked away in a box 20 + hours a day.

Don’t assume what you see on social media is representative of how people treat their animals. I have learned firsthand, to my utter shock, how normalized ghastly animal husbandry skills are.

People bragging their dog doesn’t need to go p*e for 17 hours, dogs who stink so bad you can’t touch them without reeking, wear marks on their hips and sides from crate spinning… I’ve seen and heard enough to make me completely fed up with the silence that’s so often greets this behavior.

It starts with a club culture, that culture tends to spread. If the leader of the club treats their animals like this, the club members are more likely to follow. That’s why with our own club we’ve made guidelines and rules if you’re gonna come out. The dogs must get out of the crate at least every four hours and they must be walked before and after working, not just worked and thrown back in the car like a drill on a construction job.

These animals give everything to us and it’s pure selfishness and laziness that individuals are not cognitive of bathroom,hydration and fresh air needs. When animal rights extremists come calling, I want to be proud to defend my sport. We’re not there yet.

Meme credit 👉

18/11/2024

A lot of breeders are getting ready for their biggest month of the year. As they take in thousands of dollars (per dog, in some cases), shelters and rescues are still at max capacity and desperately need people like you to choose adoption.

If nothing else, please consider the difference in cost! While we do not encourage getting dogs as Christmas gifts, we know that many people have waited for this season to finally make the commitment to a new family member. You do not need to spend $4,000 on a puppy, and we beg you not to support the breeders and pet stores who see these lives as nothing more than revenue. We have 20+ puppies that will be available next month, and they deserve great homes too.

Save a life this holiday season; we promise you’ll get back more than you give.

18/09/2024

Obedience is not a thing in my home. Relationship is a thing. A big thing.

31/07/2024

I’m super busy today.