Ann King Canine Behavior Consultant

04/11/2024

Important and often misunderstood. Kind of like when a dog licks your face…is it a kiss, or a “kiss to dismiss”.

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/

22/10/2024

“Learned Helplessness”—if you train dogs, foster dogs, or do activities with your dogs, please familiarize yourself with this concept. Once you know, it changes how you train (hopefully). And makes those TV or (some) YouTube dog trainers really difficult to watch. 😬

Have you ever watched a dog trainer working with a dog on a TV program or on social media, and the dog is barking and lunging? The dog appears really reactive or aggressive. It looks completely out of control. The trainer forces the dog to face their fears by fully exposing them with no option to flee and suddenly the dog is magically calm. They are no longer barking or lunging. They may even allow the trainer to touch them.

What is this sorcery?

While its often celebrated as magic behavioural change, this is actually behaviour suppression and learned helplessness. The dog did everything they could to get away from the feared stimulus, so they growled, barked and lunged. When the dog realises that all his efforts to escape are in vain, they give up and emotionally shut down. To the untrained eye, this dog appears calm because they are no longer 'shouting'. If the trainer uses an aversive, like a slip lead, prong collar or a shock collar, a dog will likely stop fighting and communicating much faster, especially if their breathing is compromised. (something that happens all too often)

How could removing all agency and choice, and completely ignoring the needs of a dog make them feel better about something they fear? It doesn't. Your dog has just learned to stop communicating and it is one of the most distressing things to witness if you fully recognise what is truly happening in that training session.

19/10/2024

I admit I do not regularly use flea or tick medication on my dogs. I have lived in El Dorado Hills for 23 years and have never seen a flea on any of my dogs. When we do decide to go on an outdoorsy adventure, I spray them with a flea/tick essential oil spray (made specifically for dogs) and it has served us well. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Protect your dogs with safe, effective repellents.

Here are five natural sprays that can help keep mosquitoes away from your dogs.

1. Lemon Eucalyptus Spray
2. Lavender and Cedarwood Spray
3. Peppermint and Rosemary Spray
4. Neem Oil Spray
5. Citronella and Lemon Spray

Check my blog on how to do these DIY recipes, use essential oils and natural ingredients that are safe for dogs when used properly. Link is in the comments.

For more trusted info and an amazing place to gain support, My Dog Mom's Society will be re-opening in the next few weeks, you can join the waitlist in the second link below!

31/08/2024

The nice thing about socialization outings…sit and do nothing.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=834396162115387&id=100066350337104&mibextid=cr9u03

11/08/2024

Mark your calendars and spread the word! I'm offering a FREE Dog Park 101 class, encouraging attendees to donate to the El Dorado County Animal Services - West Slope Shelter Puppy Socialization Program. Registration info to come soon, email me at [email protected] to make sure you get the info.

27/07/2024

Excellent graphic! The most misunderstood body language is the “kiss to dismiss”.

Some of the more subtle ways a dog may ask for space.

For organised, unseen and regularly updated comics, check out the new comic subscription. (Link in bio)

18/07/2024

11/07/2024

Short video alert! Fostering a fearful dog? Here are some easy enrichment activities you can (and should) do at home.

Looking for ideas to bring more joy into your fearful pup's life? Here are some of our Confidence Builders Club members' favorite enrichment games. 🎁Get mor...

17/05/2024

I work in-person with clients for “visitor danger” but I know LOTS of folks who could benefit from this class.

Virtual group classes and support groups for reactive, fearful and aggressive dogs and their people. Dog trainer and behaviour consultant, behaviourist for reactive dog training, aggressive dog rehabilitation, online dog training classes. Get help for stranger danger, leash reactivity, aggression, f...

02/05/2024

As always, Dogkind LLC delivers an informative and important video about fearful dogs. This info is especially useful for those who are fostering or who have adopted a fearful dog. Is "Just give it time" good advice? Unfortunately, not usually.

If your fearful dog is struggling, more time by itself is unlikely to help. Learn what to do instead. 🎁Get your free guide to caring for your fearful dog he...

29/02/2024

If you are working with a trainer who uses language like “alpha” and “pack leader” please know that person has not done any continuing education in more than a decade. Their toolbox will not contain the tools you’ll need to train your dog in the most effective and humane way. It’s an unregulated industry.

There's not a town or a park without a pack leader in it is there? Even now, in these times of easy information and free science, it still falls out of peoples mouths "Dominance, leader, alpha' and so on. Let's take a closer look at the urban legend that says dogs must be below people in the pack. T...

27/01/2024

I was contacted by a client because her dog started reacting negatively to being touched by their child. I met with them and observed some behaviors that indicated the dog might be in pain (panting, didn't want to do a "down", avoiding the child). And the dog had a funky walk. Before we did any work, I had her visit her vet (with front, side, rear videos of the dog walking), and turns out the dog was dealing with quite a bit of shoulder pain. Once the dog was treated (multi-modal w/meds and some physical therapy), the dog no longer responded negatively to the child's touch. Found this short video that breaks down what a normal gait looks like.

Walk, Amble, Pace and Trot in the Dog.The walk pattern is left rear, left front. right rear, right front. Only one leg moves at a time. Most dogs dislike jus...

22/01/2024

I'm honored to have been a guest on Erin Scott's "Believe in Dog" podcast where we talked about my RescueSMART protocol, and the all-important 3/3/3 period when bringing home a new dog. Erin has all kinds of guests from the dog world on her podcast, and they cover every topic imaginable...worth checking out for sure!

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode87

22/01/2024

I’m honored to have been a guest on Erin Scott’s “Believe in Dog” podcast where we talked about my RescueSMART protocol, and the all-important 3/3/3 period when bringing home a new dog.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/believe-in-dog/id1485177521?i=1000642486014

www.BelieveInDogPodcast.com

28/12/2023

I laugh every time I look at this calendar. There’s no attribution to who created it or why (I was thinking a fundraiser) but I love it. Thanks for this thoughtful gift. 🤣🐾