Is your dog too nervous to eat treats sometimes? Or to move around and explore?
Skye here used to be afraid to move around just about any time. But her mom has been working on two behaviors- eating, and moving- a LOT. And look at her recently with a visitor sitting right on the sofa!
Nice work Skye and mom!
I have a free training tomorrow evening where we'll talk about how Skye's mom got this result- and how you can get there too. I hope you'll join me! https://www.dogkindtraining.com/webinar
Have you ever rejoiced when your extremely cautious or shut-down dog makes a little mischief?
While guardians of "normal" dogs might find rooting through the recylcling a problem behavior, I love to see Pancake try things out in search of happy results.
Just think of all of this skills involved in extracting the yogurt container from the bin! My little problem solver ❤️.
Want to add more joy to your fearful dog's life? Join me next week for a free training, "4 Key Steps to Building Your Fearful Dog's Confidence." https://www.dogkindtraining.com/webinar
Do you have a fearful or shut-down dog who waits until you've left the room to eat?
Eating in your presence is a very helpful skill for your dog to learn, because it makes training behaviors that happen close to you (like standing to be leashed or other handling) so much easier.
Here are a few clips showing part of the progression of student dog Skye learning to eat from "treat targets" when her mom is nearby (AND moving!).
Want to learn more about building trust and confidence with your extremely fearful dog? Join me for a free training next week: https://www.dogkindtraining.com/webinar
Are you missing signs that your dog is afraid or uncomfortable? You might be eroding trust and hurting your bond with your dog.
In this week's live video session in our Facebook group, we did some body language practice with stock video. What do you think? Do you see the same things I do? Maybe something else?
🎁 If you've got a fearful, feral, anxious, or shut-down dog who is still afraid of everything, be sure to grab your free guide to caring for them here: https://dogkindtraining.com/care
🐶How can you provide enrichment and exercise to dogs who can't go outside?
Whether your dog is too afraid to go on walks, or, like my dogs, they're sore from slipping on the ice, scent work is a great indoor exercise and enrichment option.
Pancake is recovering from an injury, and old lady Juno (whose 16th birthday is in 10 days!🎉) was especially stiff this morning after hiking on icy trails yesterday. So they're taking the day off walks and instead playing scent work games for their breakfasts. Both dogs tend to feel better when they're a little achy if I can give them some gentle movement to do throughout the day.
My self-paced online Beginning Scent Work class is 50% off right now, and will no longer be available after Dec. 31st. It's a great confidence-builder for your fearful or anxious dog! https://www.dogkindtraining.com/scent-work
Until the end of the year, two of my courses (Reactive Dog Survival Guide & Beginining Scent Work) are 50% off.
🚨These courses will no longer be available for purchase after this year, so if you've been thinking of taking one of both of them, this is your last chance!
🦮Reactive Dog Survival Guide (for dogs who react negatively to dogs, people, cars, or other things on walks): https://www.dogkindtraining.com/RDSG
👃Beginning Scent Work (sniffing games for anxious dogs): https://www.dogkindtraining.com/scent-work
Treat yourself and your dog with an early holiday gift!
How can you build your dog's confidence?
Like little Pancake, who was not on any extra medication here at the vet last week, and let her listen to his heart and examine him a little (first time ever!).
Join me for a free chat about confidence building in fearful dogs, this coming Thursday (Dec. 19th): https://www.marilynmele.com/love-in-action-registration-dec19-2024-kelly
How can you teach your dog to go to places you need them to be while you have holiday guests?
In this week's blog and video, I talked about an easy training game you can play to develop your dog's preferences for certain locations in the house.
🍪In short- put treats there. Repeatedly.
Here's a little video of Pancake practicing moving among some of his many "happy places" where treats happen around the house.
Worried about how your dog will handle visitors? Get our free guide to setting up a safe space for your dog here: https://www.dogkindtraining.com/zenzone
Worried that behavior medications will turn your dog into a zombie?
In this week's Halloween-themed video and blog, I showed video of some dogs benefitting from anti-anxiety medications and behaving in a decidedly un-zombie-like manner. Enjoy!
Here's the full blog and video: https://www.dogkindtraining.com/blog/zombies