K9 School of Arts

11/11/2023

"Tricks:" Those just-for-fun behaviours.

Are they just for fun, or are they also useful skill building opportunities?

Here are some of the benefits of teaching a decent leg weave or a spin:

1. Engagement and connection (building and strengthening a two-way communication system).

2. Focus on me when there are distractions in the environment that need to be avoided

3. Confidence doing new things and experiencing different stimuli

4. Conceptual skills that can be useful in life, like body position and self-control of impulses

5. Opportunities for positive reinforcement-- provides optimal choices

6. For Juno, it helps her refocus when she feels anxious. If there is something scary, to help her recover and move on (provided she feels safe) we do some fun behaviours

7. Builds motivation and optimism

Every day Juno has time to sniff and do whatever she feels like -- to just exist and be dog.

Other times there is a lot happening around her and I would like her attention away from the distractions and back on me. Rather than putting a lead on her and yanking her about, I ask her to engage with me. We do some behaviours that she enjoys and are just for fun: Up and down and through and around. We even do some practical skill building stuff, like a wait-for-the-word where she stays still until she hears the word "relax." She enjoys every second of it!

SHE GETS LOTS OF TIME TO JUST BE, but these moments are still an important part of our outings.

05/09/2023

Great short tutorial on training a fun little trick for smaller dogs 😃

15/08/2023

01/08/2023

Some useful tips on using off leash dog parks safely. Educate yourself on dog body language, and if your dog doesn't enjoy meeting other dogs then go for a quiet 'sniffing' walk instead 🙂

Dog parks and dogs differ, so sweeping generalizations have very limited value.

08/06/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=469784998634150&id=100068079605400&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

While out and about with the family recently, I was witness to a disturbing incident where a dog that had been walking happily (off-lead) alongside its owner broke away, crossed the road and went for another dog that was walking (on-lead) with its owner.

It was loud and distressing for many onlookers, extremely terrifying for the owner of the onlead dog and embarrassing and devastating for the off-lead dog owner. He was extremely apologetic and repeated over and over “This is so unlike him! It’s never happened before!” The frustrating thing is that it wouldn’t have happened if the dog was onlead.

No doubt every owner of an off-lead dog feels confident in their dogs ability to respond to cues and is socially competent in most situations. But every single dog out there is capable of breaking position and do something out of character one day. Even the most well-behaved, perfect pooches!

Here are 5 reasons why we encourage everyone reading this to put your dog on a lead:

1) IT’S THE LAW. Unless specifically signposted to the contrary, dogs must be on lead in public areas. There are some good reasons for this – four more follow! There are also stiff fines for those unlucky enough to get caught breaking the rules. With population density growing and dog ownership exploding, it’s only fair that we start to see rules change and tighten around pet ownership.

2) IT PROTECTS YOUR DOG. There are many risks for your dog in public spaces, an obvious one being traffic. No matter how good your dog is off lead, the simplest lapse, the slightest distraction, and it can go very bad when cars are involved.

3) IT PROTECTS OTHER DOGS. Your dog may be very social. It may be extremely well-mannered. But, many other dogs are not so comfortable. It is unfair to people trying to walk their nervous dog for yours to be off-lead in their presence.

4) IT PROTECTS WILDLIFE. We are fortunate to share our suburbs with an incredible array of birds, bugs, mammals and reptiles. Many are vulnerable to attack from pet dogs and, even if your dog is truly wildlife safe and shows no interest in them, can be displaced by their presence. Keeping your dog close and under control allows them to continue to co-exist happily alongside us.

5) IT PROTECTS PEOPLE. No doubt your response to this is “My dog would never hurt a person!” And, you are probably right! But, even assuming that you’re dog is no physical threat to others, the psychological impact on those around you is impossible to predict. Cynophobia, or dog phobia can be socially crippling for sufferers, who may be uncomfortable walking out their own front gate for the fear that they will encounter dogs. The presence of off-lead dogs where they should not be makes this all the more difficult. We are proud to work with Anthony Berrick and The Cynophobia Clinic to help people conquer their fear of dogs. You can do your part by keeping your dog on-lead in public areas.

Ultimately, a dog that “doesn’t need a lead” in public spaces, must be walking right beside you, never straying away, and not rushing up to others. If this is your dog: well done, impressive work! That being said, they surely won’t notice the non-tug of a loosely held lead. Do your fellow citizens a favour and click it on!

06/06/2023

Dogs primarily experience the world through their sense of smell. They have an incredibly acute olfactory system, far more powerful than ours. A dog's sense of smell is estimated to be between 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans, depending on the breed. This means that when they're out on a walk, they're receiving an overwhelming amount of sensory information through their noses.

Here are a few reasons why a dog needs to sniff on walks:

Information Gathering: Sniffing allows dogs to gather information about other animals and their environment. They can detect pheromones, hormones, and other chemical substances that tell them everything from the health, s*x, and reproductive status of another dog to the presence of food or potential dangers.

Communication: Dogs will often sniff areas that other dogs have urinated on and then urinate in the same spot. This is their way of marking their presence and communicating with other dogs.

Mental Stimulation: Sniffing is also a form of mental exercise for dogs. It requires them to process a huge amount of information, which can help keep their brains sharp and engaged.

Instinctual Behaviour: In the wild, sniffing is an essential survival tool that dogs use to find food, find mates, and avoid predators. Domesticated dogs have retained this behaviour, even though they no longer need it for survival.

So, how does this make them happier?

Just as we humans can feel pleasure from using our senses—like the enjoyment we get from tasting delicious food or smelling a fragrant flower—dogs can derive pleasure from using their sense of smell. Furthermore, allowing your dog to sniff on walks can provide them with a sense of freedom and autonomy, which can lead to a happier, more satisfied dog.

Additionally, sniffing provides a significant amount of mental stimulation, reducing boredom and potential behavioural issues at home. Sniffing can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, as it allows dogs to explore their environment in a safe and controlled manner.

Remember, walks aren't just about physical exercise—although that's important too—they're also an opportunity for dogs to explore and engage with the world. Allowing your dog to take the time to sniff can greatly enhance their walking experience and overall quality of life.

Get our Scentwork Enrichment certificate course and help your dog learn to sniff like a pro.

https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/scentwork-enrichment-certificate-course

06/06/2023

Our wild, loud, disobedient dog turned out to be a terrified dog.

02/06/2023

❤

Providing opportunities for dogs to use their sense of smell can have remarkable benefits.

22/05/2023

Not trying to interact with the dogs we see on the street or in homes can make a huge difference to both the dog and owner.

It can help puppies build confidence and impulse control, make worried or reactive dogs feel safer and set the owner up for success.

Not to take away the joy of meeting dogs, but both dog and owner will make it pretty clear if they are keen to interact. And that’s when the question can the be asked if it’s okay to say hello.

Some of the best relationships I’ve had with dogs has started from waiting for them to make contact first.

21/05/2023

A while since last posted.

Everyone has their own training methods with reactive dogs....however a very common issue I see is people insisting on a sit or a down when faced with a trigger.

If your dog wants to naturally sit when faced with a trigger (at a distance they feel comfortable at)...it is their choice.

However many people inadvertently add stress when faced with a trigger.
Insisting on a sit or a down can exacerbate ALL issues with many reactive dogs.....you may be at a standstill with your own journey with reactivity, and it may be because they feel even more limited in movement because of insisting on a position where they feel they cannot move or "escape" easily.

Choice is everything for reactive dogs.
Freedom of movement is also a huge consideration with many reactive dogs.

Insisting on a certain position in the face of a trigger can halt progress with reactive dogs.

Sitting and being in a relaxed down is an important part of reactivity work, but it comes much further down the road when working with reactive dogs.

Reactivity IS emotions.
Insisting on "obedience" in the face of triggers can exacerbate reactivity for many dogs.

If they are happy to sit...great.
If they are happier standing....great.

If you have been at a standstill, consider their positioning and change it in a way they feel more comfortable.

20/04/2023

https://fb.watch/k0Dw98tHDT/?mibextid=Nif5oz

12/04/2023

Tom's back with more top notch hunky dog training advice and this time he seems a little miffed!

Always remember that your dogs walk is likely the absolute highlight of their day. Route marching them around the streets, pulling them along every time they stop to catch up on their "Peemails" is like us having our phone slapped out our hand every time we go to check Facebook! The point is it will get very frustrating very quickly.

Slow down a bit, take a breath and enjoy this time. If your dog stops you can ask them "what have you found?" Perhaps even take a look yourself (you probably will not see anything but at least you're getting involved).

The good news is the sniffing will tire them out as much as running around in the park will. You should go for a walk WITH your dog, not TAKE your dog for a walk.

Tom's watching 😉

To train with us visit: goodalldogtraining.com

08/04/2023

Mental stimulation is not only essential for a puppies well-being but also for their development. It is also a wonderful tactic if you want to tire them out.

Mental stimulation is basically anything that get's them thinking, gets them using that puppy brain. Think of anything that might challenge them in a good way.

One of the ways we can do this is by tapping into their super power... Their nose!

Dogs' noses are absolutely incredible and have over 200 million more odour receptors than a human. they are experts at using their noses and they don't need to go on a course to do it.

We always recommend giving your dog AT LEAST one mental stimulation based activity a day.

Here is a simple little scent game to try at home with your dog:

The scatter game - This is super easy and SUPER enriching for your puppy. Simply scatter lots of tiny pieces of food around the home for the puppy to seek out with their nose. You can also use the grass in the garden to do this, snuffle mats, thick-piled rugs or piles of autumn leaves (pretty much anything that they can search through/in without too much trouble. One key point is NOT to help them too much. It is the actual act of searching that makes them happy not necessarily the finding ;)

For more tips, to book a 121 with one of our accredited puppy experts or to join a course please visit: https://www.goodalldogtraining.com/contact

28/03/2023

https://kikiyablondogtraining.com/kiki-blog/2023/3/27/pro-tips-strategic-treat-delivery

Pro Tips: Strategic Treat Delivery Kiki Yablon March 27, 2023 One thing that distinguishes basic from excellent positive reinforcement training is reinforcer delivery. You may be hearing a lot about this in the dog world lately, including Mary Hunter's brilliant demonstrations of building "reinforce...

24/02/2023

Puppy socialisation is NOT just about playing with other dogs.

In fact, too much uncontrolled exposure to other dogs can cause so many unintended consequences.

If you have a puppy, make sure you try to work on ALL aspects of socialisation, as listed in the bottom graphic.

24/02/2023

A great little video showing the benefits of cooperative care. Ember had previously been very uncomfortable with restraint, approaching vets or vet techs, and veterinary procedures like vaccinations.
Here we see Ember being comfortably restrained and not reacting negatively at all to the vaccination needle. In fact what I like most about this clip is Embers body language when Lynne releases her, we see ears forward, soft wagging tail, and an orientation back to Lynne for the reinforcement that the procedure now predicts.
🥰❤🐾

18/01/2023

  A cosmetic surgeon once told me that he dreads Sunday night phone calls. They are, almost always, about kids who need their faces put back together after being bitten by a dog. He said it breaks his heart. It breaks my heart too, thinking of the hundreds of cases I saw where the owner […]

17/01/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=615073513955397&id=100063582608856&mibextid=Nif5oz

This came up in class as a great and healthy discussion in our final week of separation struggles course.

Also huge thank you to Dr Katherine Beaton for giving your knowledge and thoughts within the class last night too - it’s been great having you in course.

Many of the dogs started the course without medication, however since discussions with their vets and implementation of some meds in various circumstances, the pups have been able to learn.

Medication alone won’t fix the struggle, but sometimes, nor will training. It helps the dogs be in a mindset to learn.

Many worry that medication will sedate their dog or change them. Honestly if that is happening, talk to your vet, because that is not the aim.

This is an article I wrote a little while ago, but all is still very valid.

https://www.allpetseducationandtraining.com.au/psychologist-vs-psychiatrist.html

Ooo and if any one wants in. The next 12 week separation struggles course has spaces available. We will be starting next Tuesday.

04/01/2023

SCATTER FEEDING - DID YOU KNOW?

What is scatter feeding? It's the scattering of food an any surface - grass, floors, decks, patios, stones, snuffle mats, in boxes, etc. - so that your dog or cat can search, forage or hunt for their food.

Did you know that MOST dogs love love love scatter feeding as it's internally rewarding to them? It switches on their 'hunting' genes and makes the whole process of foraging for food more exciting...

Did you know the food bowls are a popular thing because of GUARDIAN preferences and convenience? Also, lots of money to be made from different types and colours of food bowls...

Did you know that the best slow feeder you can find is the one outside your door? Also very inexpensive...

Did you know that scatter feeding can improve a lot of emotional and hence behaviour issues.

Did you know that scatter feeding and the subsequent foraging for food fills your dog's brain with positive neurochemicals which help with any stress, frustration, anxiety, boredom, food guarding, fear or low confidence.?

Did you know that most pet dogs never get to engage in a natural activity like scatter feeding while living in captivity because the guardians do not like it, as THEY think that scatter feeding is a weird idea irrespective of what the dog likes?

Did you know that the pros outweigh the cons? A dog's life in captivity is filled with risk everyday irrespective of how they eat. This method does not 'teach' them to sniff for or look for risky things like bird or fox p**p. Eating from a bowl does not teach them to be any less of a dog. Newsflash - irrespective of any eating method, they will sniff, lick and chew things that displease their guardians. After all they are dogs doing what comes naturally. You certainly cannot manage or stalk their every move 24/7...

When a behaviourist suggests scatter feeding, it's because it's based on years of studying the brain and understanding how to create positive emotions by the manipulation of key neurochemical and neurophysiological processes, so that there is a gradual change to more positive behaviours...

Emotions inform behaviour.
Change or improve the emotions and you will notice a change in behaviours.

Scatter feeding is not about throwing food on the floor. It did not take me and others like me years to learn to throw food on the floor. So trust that maybe sometimes, just sometimes, we may know what we are talking about😉

Don't like the idea? Use a Snuffle Mat. Use boxes to hide their food around the house. Use food dispensers. Try something. Shake up the status quo. Enrich their mundane lives somehow!

Try it. What do you have to lose? Some outdated views and beliefs maybe with respect to what makes your dog happy...?

20/12/2022

K9 School of Arts would like to wish all our followers and their wonderful fur friends a Merry and safe Christmas 🎄🎅

14/12/2022

Saw this on a friend's Facebook feed - and if there is one thing I wish people understood it's this ⬇️

Socialisation....one of the most misunderstood words and concepts. I don't think there are many trainers out there that would disagree.
If I could change one thing in this world that would make a huge difference in everyone's life....it would be to stop using this word.
Let's start using a far better word to encourage a new way of looking at socialisation....and that word is NEUTRAL.

Neutrality IS socialisation.
Having a neutral dog is a well socialised dog.
Accepting that other dogs exist and your dog can be calm and neutral around them....that is TRUE socialisation.
True socialisation is acclimation to other dogs, environments, surfaces, people etc...and if your dog goes from 0 to 10 when they see another dog, that isn't socialisation, it is the opposite.
If people are constantly allowed to pat and excite your dog....your dog will start to show those same behaviours when they meets others.

Society has twisted the meaning of socialisation into something it should never be...which is play equals socialisation.

Socialisation is NOT play, and that is the main association with this word.
Play is play.
Play will not make your dog more socialised with others...in fact play can have the opposite effect.
I hear often "we socialise heavily at the dog park" or "we encourage our dog to play to socialise" ....the next statement that comes out is "he just goes crazy around others" or "she now sees a dog and barks and barks....I think she is reactive ".

If you heavily "socialise" using only play....you will likely have the opposite of what you may want which is a calm dog around others. You will have a dog that only associates dogs with high energy, over arousal and creatures of high emotions....that is what they will likely show you again and again.
Why would they behave calmly if the main interactions they have involve high excitement and over arousal ?

Socialisation should be neutrality.
Socialisation (the true meaning) is being CALM and accepting that other dogs, animals, environments and people exist. That happens with acclimatising and instilling calmness when around other dogs or new environments.
Neutrality means not viewing these things as reasons for over arousal, over excitement and hyper behaviour.

Neutral is a great aim.
Remaining neutral around others can encourage healthy play with others....maybe they will interact, maybe not.
They learn to trust their own judgement and YOURS when neutrality is the goal.

So maybe it is time to stop using socialisation as the end goal when raising a puppy or a dog....lets make a new end goal of encouraging calmness....neutrality.

True socialisation IS neutrality.

25/11/2022

This ❤ ⬇️

Happy cats and happy dogs, thanks to science. Companion Animal Psychology by Zazie Todd PhD is the trusted resource on your pet's behaviour

15/11/2022

Some good tips on building loose leash walking 👌

21/10/2022

When you have an intense dog that just can't get enough exercise no matter what you do, the solution may seem counter-intuitive. My dog, Simon, has been an incredibly challenging dog. Extremely high energy, easily frustrated, and incredibly loud when things didn't go his way. There were days that he...