Timid to frolicsome! When we see fear in puppies we need to help them right away. Early intervention is essential. If left the fear could get worse and may even develop into aggression.
I’m so proud of Koda and his mom!
We have a good chance of turning timid puppies into confident ones if we do the right things right away. We can’t overwhelm them and must make loads of positive associations.
Our puppy classes are small on purpose. The last thing I want to do is frighten dogs, I know how hard it is to undo.
I want my puppies to develop into confident and secure dogs. I want their people to get the help they need.
We have 3 spots left for our February Puppy Essentials Clinic. We will also offer some puppy play dates in January.
Pups under 5 months old. DM me!
Instead of buying your dog toys, outfits, crappy Christmas cookies, or a Christmas themed collar and lead, just give them your time. That’s free!
My dogs are happiest when I arrive home after an absence, not when they see gifts under the tree.
They are well behaved when I meet their needs including exercise, enrichment and quality meals.
Give your time this Christmas. Your dog will be so happy!
If you want to buy something, up grade your harness to a Y shaped one (if you don’t already have one) (I love the Perfect Fit from the UK), or head over to @rowespurlingpaint for a biothane long line. You’ll love the grip and your dog will love the freedom.
#bermudadogs #dogsofbermuda
Once you go long, you won’t go back to short! Long lines check many positive boxes for our dogs.
They provide choice and we know how important that is. Choice helps dogs engage and improves confidence. It makes life more interesting! It promotes overall well-being.
Long lines are great for dogs who don’t have reliable recall. They reduce pulling because dogs can sniff and move more. They can check out what they want without tension in the lead.
They give dogs more opportunity to decompress.
Go long, you won’t regret it!
What benefits have you found from a long line? Comment below.
The ticket to pleasant walks and a happy dog isn’t about teaching a focused heel. You can teach heel, but dogs need to explore, to sniff, to trot ahead, and they need choice on walks. This ensures their needs are met and promotes well being.
A focus heel is boring and ignores a dog’s needs.
My dogs are rarely in a focused heel, but they rarely pull and we have pleasant walks. Building a connection with your dog is key and rewarding what you like!
Bring treats on every walk!
Many dogs experience conflict in different situations. I see it often in dog to dog interactions.
The pointer had been struggling throughout the session and was unable to handle more than 1 dog at a time. Sometimes we can turn this around in a group setting, but sometimes a group is not beneficial for an individual dog. Some do better with 1:1 social interactions.
This dog was easily overwhelmed on this day and not feeling very confident. She would often go low to the ground exposing her stomach. This can be a sign of anxiety or conflict and is often mistaken for solicitation of play.
What are your thoughts? Comment below.
The timid puppy (pit bull) is avoiding the other pups and looking to the humans for reassurance. His ears are back, mouth tightly closed, body low and slow, and furrowed brow.
It’s important to protect these puppies, not flood them with what they fear. We give them space from the others and hiding spots between our legs.
Good news is by the end of class his body language changed. He was looser, standing taller and more wiggly. And he was starting to play with the others! We will continue to protect him so his confidence continues to grow.
Bring me all the timid puppies! I love helping them come out of their shell. If you have a timid puppy, don’t wait to address this. Get a pro on board. Please reach out.
Sometimes privates are necessary to structure lessons to the individual pups needs.
Many dogs struggling with reactivity need help from a behavior specialist. However, some element of reactivity is normal.
Dogs were bred to react to many different stimuli and to alert us to things in the environment.
The brain tells the body to react or move.
I’m not a fan of trainers with a heavy emphasis on obedience and calm. Calm is subjective and isn’t realistic it certain situations. You could be creating intense frustration in a dog which isn’t good for them.
I like learning from and working with dog behavior experts who focus on the dog’s emotional state and on meeting their needs and setting realistic expectations. Who take a holistic approach.
Dogs that feel good will behave better.
If you don’t have engagement with your dog when out in public, it can make for challenging and sometimes unpleasant dog walks.
Engagement comes from building attention and focus on you, nurturing a strong connection, providing things your dog values like food rewards for redirecting to you, and meeting their needs to engage with the environment on a regular basis. Let them explore. Let them sniff. Give them agency.
Join our Lead Skills Clinic this Sunday to learn more! DM me.
A positive interrupter is a non scary noise that gets your dog’s attention. It’s a nice way to redirect them away from something and to you.
Need help with Lead Skills? Our 3 week clinic starts on Dec 1.
You’ll learn how to build engagement with your dog when out in public, how to teach loose lead walking, how to use a long line safely, and what dogs need on walks to be successful and happy.
We have two spots left. This class is not for dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs. Please DM me to register.
#bermudadogs
Two spots left for our 3 week Lead Skills Clinic that starts on Dec 1. Dogs over 5 months old.
Does your dog pull a lot and not pay any attention to you? This clinic is for you!
You will learn how to teach your dog to walk on a loose lead and pay attention to you when you ask. In addition, you will learn how to use a long line safely, and what dogs NEED on walks to be successful.
Please note: This class is NOT for reactive dogs (those who bark and lunge at other dogs).
FEE: $165 (10% off for playgroup members and those who have already done a class with us)
DATES: Sundays - Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15 9:50AM
LOCATION: Stanley Park, Smiths
Dogs must be friendly and up to date with vaccines and dewormed within the last 6 months.
Email Amy to register: [email protected]
Focus on confidence building with your puppy. Build loads of positive associations to things they encounter and things they fear.
This Boston did not play in the first few classes and now she is feeling confident enough to come out of her shell! This is a huge win!
We have one spot left in our December puppy essentials clinic! Dm me!
Got a new puppy and you aren’t sure if they are getting along with your older dog? Book a session. I’ll walk you through healthy play and dog body language. I’ll also teach you how to do a consent test.
Be very choosy about what adult dogs you mix your vulnerable puppy with. They should be gentle, tolerant, exhibit self handicapping and be fully vaccinated! Breaks should be given. We want puppies to have positive experiences!
