Canine Wellness Coach

25/09/2024

It's been a while ♥

Come and join me on Patreon, where I share wisdom on dog training and behaviour.

There is a free option, as well as a paid option for membership.

I would love to see you there!

Get more from Learning About Dogs on Patreon

14/08/2024

Hi friends 🐕

It has been a while since I posted!

I have gone back into rescue, which I am enjoying, and have been working on a few projects behind the scenes.

BT is amazing (of course) ♥

I will be here from time to time, but my energy will be focused on my Patreon page which is here: https://patreon.com/LearningAboutDogs

I have just uploaded a new video about working with dog-to-dog reactivity to my YouTube channel and the link is here: https://youtu.be/RZ5c9JxxM_8 Let me know what you think!

I hope that you and your dogs are well! Tell them I said hi 🙂

Phineas is an adolescent Border Collie who struggles to be near unknown dogs while he is on lead.This session demonstrates how to best support a dog like Phi...

23/05/2024

Last week BT visited the prison I work in to give training demonstrations. She was an absolute angel, and I could not have been happier with her behaviour. She even played gently with the handlers and heeled off lead beautifully with one of them. It made me so proud of her, and reminded me how awesome she is ♥️

This week she goes to her Daddy's work, runs through the office like a mad woman, knocks his full cup of coffee over on his desk, barks at me and others for not feeding her enough sausage and didn't want to give anyone hugs.

Dogs remind us of real life that is chaotic, messy and beautiful just how it is ♥️

21/05/2024

My latest Patreon post is for people who live with dogs who experience behavioural challenges. If you are one of these people, I think that you'll enjoy it ♥️

https://www.patreon.com/LearningAboutDogs

Education for people who love dogs

17/05/2024

Recall training doesn't just involve recall training. Every interaction you have with your dog will either help or hinder recall progress.

For example; your dog tells you no when you try to put their harness on. You ignore that and put it on anyway. This will hinder your recall progress.

Another example; your dog comes over to you by choice and you ignore them because you are on your phone. This will hinder your recall progress.

Last example; your dog hears a noise and doesn't bark when they usually would. You celebrate and run together to the bikkie container and have a bikkie party. This will HELP your recall progress 🌟

Consider that every interaction with your dog counts towards their learning. Try to create many opportunities for them to get it right! This will build their confidence and help your recall progress 🐾

15/05/2024

Just a reminder that if you are currently in the thick of behaviour modification with your dog, look after yourself.

If you are not ok, your dog will not be ok.

Put your oxygen mask on before you help anyone with theirs.




❤️

10/05/2024

Trail and footpath etiquette 🐾

These are the guidelines I follow that make life easier for me and the dog/s that I am with:

If a person and dog is approaching you, curve to the left to give them room. Dogs don't like a frontal approach. Ideally, have your dog on your left hand side too.

If your dog is off lead and the approaching dog is on lead, put your dog on lead too. IF and it's a big IF, you can guarantee your dog will stay with you, leave them off lead.

Manage your dog as needed to prevent staring or other rude behaviour. You may need to cross the street or move off the path and scatter food for them to sniff instead of staring at the approaching dog.

Be aware of the different sociability levels of different breeds. Which breeds do you see off lead at the dog park? Gundogs (Labs and Goldies) and Poodles and the Oodles are most common. You may see a Border Collie, Cattle Dog or Shepherd but they are usually focused on a ball/toy. The dog park dogs are super social and will be more likely to approach you and your dog. So, if you see one approaching, get some distance if that's what your dog requires.

Just because your dog is social, does not mean that all other dogs are. My Beagle boys were social, but only said hello to dogs once I gave them permission. That may sound really unachievable or controlling, sure, but it kept them safe and improved their recall by 1000%. Keep your dog with you until you get consent from owner and dog. It's just good manners.

Training a solid heel position is such an excellent time investment. You can ask your dog to pop into heel position as you approach people, especially if you have a dog who may look scary. This gives people piece of mind that your dog listens to you! It's also safer if you walk where there are bikes, scooters, kids walking to school etc. It's just good manners 🌟

If you are worried about an approaching dog, just get some distance away from them. Your dog will not miss out on anything if they never greet other dogs while they are on lead, it's actually not easy for them to do so.

If I see a person struggling with their dog, I will move away to help them out. I will also smile, say hello and be polite. I will NOT offer training advice at this time (this has never happened to me, but many of my clients report that it's a thing, mind your own business!).

Every dog deserves the right to explore the environment without being harassed. If your dog is super social, take them to an area where this is accepted and celebrated. For those of us whose dogs have less sociability, we'll be loitering in the bush on our own and having a splendid time doing so.

09/05/2024

Have you stopped by to visit my Patreon page as yet?

You can follow along and see some posts for free.

You can sign up for a membership and get videos and explanations of all things relating to dog behaviour!

I will be covering puppy training, dog body language, toy skills for dogs, general good manners training, detection training and loads more.

Here is the link if you are curious: patreon.com/LearningAboutDogs

I would love to see you there 🐕♥

07/05/2024

Reginald completed his Canine Connections course with flying colours 🌟

He looks proud of his achievement, do you agree?

07/05/2024

♥️♥️

04/05/2024

Is it just me, or does anyone else only feel that their life is complete when you have enough poo bags? Poo bags in the car, enough in all treat pouches and backpacks, and some at home too ✔️

03/05/2024

Civilised dog behaviour #124: fix your foot.

Does your dog fix their foot?

01/05/2024

Rain happened! Yay!! Winter is finally here 🌟♥️

What changes do you make to ensure your dogs comfortable with the cooler weather?

I switch cool sheets on bedding to thicker polar fleece or faux fur (BT loves faux fur).

I feed more room temperature foods (not meat, because safety).

We can walk at any time of the day, what BLISS, not 5am. That means I get go-slow mornings back, rather than seemingly SWAT style mornings of go-go and more go as soon as my eyes open (dislike).

I make sure we still get enough sunlight. I will answer emails outdoors, and BT will lie in the sun.

Kongs and lickimats won't be frozen anymore.

I try to keep the temperature in the house to BT's liking. She runs HOT, so the heater is reserved for very cold times. If she's curled up for rest, she's cold, so I adjust the temperature. If she's flat on her side while resting, that's the ideal temperature for her. I don't want to see tension in her body during rest, and curling up for warmth is using muscle tension to maintain that shape.

I will make BT some nutritious broths and stews in the slow cooker. I love cooking, especially for my loved ones ♥️

I'd love to hear your winter warmer ideas too!

30/04/2024

I can remember back before I was a Dog Trainer. I can remember being annoyed at my dog's behaviour at times, and not knowing how to change it. I remember being stuck in a cycle of negativity and not knowing what to do about it. Can you relate?

As a professional, my mindset has changed through my education and experience. I now view every behaviour as information only. Information from the dog I am with about how they are feeling. This change of perspective has been really empowering for me (and thr dogs I work with).

Focusing on what behaviour you would like your dog to be doing INSTEAD is a powerful hack. What behaviour is acceptable to replace the one you are wanting to reduce? For example; pulling on lead or walking next to you. They cannot happen at the same time, and to reduce pulling you'll need to add reinforcement to walking next to you.

Another thing to consider, is the behaviour change fair on the dog? Are you unhappy with your Siberian Husky's pulling on lead or your Beagles baying at rats in the garden? Remember genetics. Shepherds are vocal, BT makes some sounds, and I've learned to accept it as it's part of who she is.

Anyhow, changing what want your dog to STOP, rather than what you want them to DO is a powerful process. Give it a go 🌈🐾🌟

29/04/2024

Allow your dog to make choices as much as possible 🐶🐾 It makes them feel empowered and in control of their life, at least to some degree.

27/04/2024

Phineas is an all round good boi, and he has been helping me make some training videos about reactivity reduction 🌟🌈🐾🐶💙

He's excited for you all to see them! He's been such a willing video superstar ✨️

Watch this space 😎





🐾

25/04/2024

Do you travel with your dog?

On my Patreon page, I discuss all the tips and tricks for travelling safely with a dog.

If your dog has social challenges, don't discount travelling with them, there will just need to be some considerations put into place and some skills to build for them to make it easier for everyone.

I think that all dogs should go on holidays with their people! There are many options available these days!

Since our trip to Bridgetown, BT has requested that we hit the road like Thelma and Louise. I have declined at this stage. But we're off camping end of May 🌈🐾♥️

Have you travelled with your dog? What is your #1 tip for fellow travellers?

Patreon if you'd like to follow me: https://www.patreon.com/LearningAboutDogs?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

22/04/2024

Happy 6th birthday to my girl, Bellatrix ♥️

What adventures we've experienced in 6 years!

We're celebrating in Bridgetown, her favourite place! We'll hike today, then watch the sunset with a pizza to share tonight.

6 years has gone by in a flash! I cherish every day that we have together ❤️