Skills 4 Dogs

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Skills 4 Dogs

Solutions for all dog training needs and dog problem behaviours

Sandy Patterson DipCBST
R+ training

Behaviour Change Specialist, Trainer and Educator, at Skills 4 Dogs, I offer Dog Training services and Dog Behaviour Change Programs with a very simple philosophy. I believe that training the animals of Mackay should be effective, fun, innovative, and growl-free. Dogs and humans involved in the process experience the benefits of force free, modern, evidence based methods.

🐶 Whether you’re thinkin

g about getting an animal, have a new pet, already own a pet with behavioral problems, or have a well mannered pet that you would like to introduce to dogs sports,

✅I am here to help.

✅Peace of mind that I can help with your dogs problem behaviours

🐾Put your best paw forward and let’s get started today.🐾

Sandy Patterson ~Qualified | Experienced | Up to date with Professional Development
Diploma Canine Behaviour Science and Technology. AT YOUR SERVICE
🔹All my services put your animals’ needs front and center in a safe and caring
environment.
🔹I can work in a variety of ways depending on the needs of you and your pet.
🔹I work very hard to provide great outcomes for dogs and their owners.
🔹Approachable and empathic, contact me for more information and to get started
on your training journey today.

🐾🐾🦮🐕🐩🐕‍🦺🐾🐾

27/12/2024

A very unsettling experience today. I have advertised my dog training services on some Facebook sites. Someone posted a very negative comment saying they had a terrible experience with my business and me by name. However they did refer to "trainer" as he and him. I am a sole trader and have never worked with a anyone else. The person rang me and we established that it was not me or my business that they had dealings with. However adamant that booking was with Skills 4 Dogs and Sandy Patterson. This was 3 years ago. It is horrible to know that someone has impersonated me and ripped someone off. Has anyone else booked with Skills 4 Dogs and had a male "trainer" turn up?

27/12/2024

Training available now.

24/12/2024

Wishing all my fabulous clients past and present and awesome friends a ridiculously amazing Christmas day. Don't let those puppas sneak a snack they shouldn't. Mine are scoring a delicious meaty soup bone.

22/12/2024

15/12/2024

Gift vouchers available
Give the gift of education.
I will tailor training to the needs and goals of the trainees.
Affordable dog and puppy training packages. One on One training.
Fun for humans and dogs alike.
Puppy Package - $320 (4 sessions)
Park Package - $320 (4 sessions)
Single Park Session - $50 (super special limited offer)
Walk Talk and Social Package - $100 (5 sessions)
*terms and conditions apply

15/12/2024

This time of year can be quite stressful for our furry mates. Many dogs will benefit by having a safe space. Some ideas below

08/12/2024

Silvie enjoying scentwork. Silvie showing us how it's done. Look at that indication! Here it is !

08/12/2024

We had an absolute blast this morning at the last lesson of Good Dogs Manners Class! Kudos to little Bo and bigger Silvie for being total rockstars - and Teddy, we missed you, buddy! We also had a ripper of a time with scent work. Silvie and Bo were the dynamic duo of sniffing out treats. I'm absolutely obsessed with watching dogs do their thing with scents. Stay tuned for a scent class early next year - it's going to be a real treat!

03/12/2024

Magi is struggling to walk atm. But she felt a bit better today, so we went for a 10 minute stroll around Queens Park.
Then we came home and had a 5 minute training session with basic obedience and reinforcement with home made dog treats.
Happy dogs. Treasuring every day, every month, every year.

29/11/2024

Isn't this the truth?

😪

28/11/2024

I've got a paw-some offer for you - $20 off any regular dog package for newly adopted furry friends from organisations like RSPCA, MARS, or MACKAY PET RESCUE. You're all set with the essentials - food, water, vet care - now it's time to bring your new buddy home. Here's what's next: 1. SPACE - change can be ruff for dogs, so give them some space and time to get comfy. Let them explore at their own pace, no need to rush. Take a break from walks for a bit, and keep things calm. Fewer visitors, kids giving them space, and adults not being too much. 2. SLEEP - a good nap is just what the vet ordered for your new furry mate. Give them a quiet, private spot to snooze.
Call 0421509185. Once they're all settled, I'm here to help with any training or problem-solving needs.

22/11/2024

I am not! I will not deliberately cause pain or fear for dogs whether training or any other situation. Humane methods are proven to be effective for all behaviour change for all dogs.

20/11/2024

Yes. Same for dog skills and solving problem behaviors.

This visual says it all!

18/11/2024

The holidays can be stressful.
Get prepared now with this great offer.
Training for your dog to manage over the holidays.
(and some tips on disaster preparing)

14/11/2024

More about socialisation.
Teaching your dog to just hang out with you is gold.

Socialisation.
Play is NOT socialisation. Play is a separate and important skill.....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.

I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.

That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is be calm and accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.

Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.

Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.

How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.

True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.

Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.

One of the best lessons you can teach your puppy or dog is they do NOT need to interact with others.
They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.

They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....

That is true socialisation.

14/11/2024

There are strategies to SAFELY socialise your young pup , so your pup has the best start and can grow into an adult dog you can be proud of when out and about and is a pleasure to live with. All without your pup playing with other pups. Safe even when not fully vaccinated.
Feel free to contact me.

MYTH: "Don’t take your puppy anywhere until they're fully vaccinated."

FACT: "The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the *standard of care* for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age." (AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization)

FACT: If you wait until your puppy is full vaccinated, you've missed their critical socialization period.

Vets, rescues and breeders who are clinging to the outdated belief that dogs should be prevented from socialization until fully vaccinated are not keeping up with the current research, literature and recommendations from behavior professionals.

31/10/2024

Pic please
As I look back on the wonderful pups and doggos I've trained, I'm filled with joy. Join me on this heartwarming journey. Share 1 photo of your furry friend and your top training tip to motivate others.

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0421509185

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http://www.skills4dogs.com/

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Silvie enjoying scentwork. Silvie showing us how it's done. Look at that indication! Here it is !

I've got a paw-some offer for you - $20 off any regular dog package for newly adopted furry friends from organisations like RSPCA, MARS, or MACKAY PET RESCUE. You're all set with the essentials - food, water, vet care - now it's time to bring your new buddy home. Here's what's next: 1. SPACE - change can be ruff for dogs, so give them some space and time to get comfy. Let them explore at their own pace, no need to rush. Take a break from walks for a bit, and keep things calm. Fewer visitors, kids giving them space, and adults not being too much. 2. SLEEP - a good nap is just what the vet ordered for your new furry mate. Give them a quiet, private spot to snooze. Call 0421509185. Once they're all settled, I'm here to help with any training or problem-solving needs.

Skills 4 Dogs Group Class From Ruff to Polite! 6-week dog manners class, $250. Sundays 8:30am, Queens Park, from Oct 27. Free clicker and toy. Clicker training's a bonus, not required. Structured for beginners, challenging for pros. Obedience, fun tricks, and practical skills. 0421509185. Past Skills 4 Dogs students, ask about loyalty discounts!

The query that most frequently arises during initial consultations with new clients pertains to the timeline for phasing out the use of food in dog training. I will address this in my next post. The odd thing is , that the question "when can i stop using the choke collar" does not seem to be the question in aversive training.

For anyone with a reactive dog / a dog with big feelings / a dog that has not human friendly ways of coping.....Please keep in mind this quote. Your reactive dog is not trying to give you a hard time....your dog is having a hard time. It's not easy for us humans to cope, we get embrassed, frustrated and cranky at times. Please don't make a scary situations even worse for your dog. There are proven, humane, kind ways to help your dog (and you). I have experience and education. Get in touch asap.

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