Bloemfontein DOG Training CLUB

26/08/2025

Please keep your dog's nail short. So much more comfortable for them.

"They're not in pain, they don't whine"
Do you?
When you are in pain or discomfort, do you always show it?

"She's just being stubborn".
No she's not.
Her pain is in her toes, leg joints and now she's compensating for those long nails by changing her gait...her walking style so she can get some relief.....but that's causing issues too.
Moving hurts.

"I'll just run him more on concrete"
They're too long now.
All that will do is cause more pain.

"My dog's nails aren't the issue with his reactiveness"
They are a contributing factor....no doubt about it.

Just because they aren't verbally expressing it, it doesn't mean they aren't affected by the pain those nails are causing.
It comes out in behaviour.
Changes in energy and routines.
Not wanting to do what they always did before.
Reacting in ways we "don't understand".

"I would know if my dog was in pain"
With kindness and respect, many don’t realise it… but your dog is in pain.

24/08/2025

Do try it. Your dogs will love it!

We have exciting news. Due to popular demand, we will start another Nosework class for Pet dogs on 9 September at 17h00. For more information, please contact us as per advert attached.

24/08/2025

I think this is one of the biggest realisations that can help people living with sensitive and complex dogs who struggle with things they encounter in the world around them, that the daily walk isn't absolutely mandatory.

Yes, we need to find other ways to physically and mentally stimulate them, but going out into a world they struggle with day after day so that they (and we) are never able to truly recover and return to a real sense of calm is not helping either of us.

Find a secure field somewhere they can run around and explore in safety and both of us can relax.

Do some training at home.

Try some food puzzles (pitched to a level where your dog can succeed with a little work).

Maybe a little bit of fun agility in the garden, or some doggy parkour.

Scentwork exercises around the house and garden (one of my personal favourites with all my dogs).

Anything that exercises body and mind will help to keep them contented and happy while taking a break from going out into that world they find so difficult.

Once we have both had a chance to recharge and de-stress then we can start planning a return to walking in a way that will help our dogs to feel safer in the world.

24/08/2025

WHAT THE F? –
Stress responses in dogs

Fight or flight are well known reactions to fear or stress, but these other “F” words are also important to understand and be aware of as they may not always look obvious.

Freeze, Fawn, Fidget and Fool around are also responses to stress or fear and are also commonly seen in people.

Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to one type of response while some react based on previous or a learnt experience - what has worked before or what hasn’t.

Some dogs will have different reactions depending on the specific context.

Recognising and taking note of situations or circumstances where these responses are seen is important to understand how our dogs are feeling.
Take note and be aware of what an individual dog’s signs of stress look like and try to avoid exposing them to situations where they feel stuck or trapped.

Try to give dogs as much appropriate choice as possible. Look at using positive reinforcement to help dogs form new, neutral or positive associations.

When we take the time to recognise a fear or a stress response, we are able to intervene and advocate for our dogs before the situation escalates or becomes a learnt pattern.

24/08/2025

24/08/2025

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance- "Results indicated that puppies ≤3 months old should not be allowed access to stairs, but should be allowed outdoor exercise on soft ground in moderately rough terrain to decrease the risk for developing radiographically detectable hip dysplasia."

24/08/2025

📖 Behavior Term Tuesday ➡ ➡ Dominance

Dominance refers to a relationship between two animals, where one has or controls priority access to resources in a specific context (ex: food, water, resting areas).

"Dominance" is one of the most commonly misused words in the dog world, as many use it to describe a dog's personality or to inaccurately describe a behavior their dog is performing.

Dr. Sophia Yin's "Dominance in dogs is not a personality trait": https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/dominance-in-dogs-is-not-a-personality-trait/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2YpoCp8_wb9KEgOn5JdRBBNhloah9hjKz5bd51CWv27S5UoL3

AVSAB's Position Statement on Dominancehttps://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dominance_Position_Statement-download.pdf

24/08/2025

Dogs show very subtle signs of pain. It is usually only when the pain is quite bad that they truly show it.

Todays post is from Sarah, The Caring Canine Coach.
Many dogs mask pain well, which means the signs that something is wrong can be incredibly subtle, and easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.
I experienced this first-hand with my own girl. She’d hurt her back, but on the surface, she was still acting like her usual self, eating, walking, even playing. But I noticed her tail wasn’t quite right. She was holding it slightly crooked, and every now and then her back would twitch in a way that wasn’t normal for her. It was only because I know her so well, and because I’m trained to spot these little things, that I picked up on it.
And it’s a powerful reminder of just how important it is to know what’s normal for your dog. Have a look at their normal posture, movement and expressions, so you can quickly spot when something’s off.
The earlier you notice these subtle changes; the sooner you can get your dog checked by a vet. Prompt treatment can make all the difference to their comfort, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

30/07/2025

🐾Why doesn't your dog suddenly want to go for a walk? 🐕

▪️Pain or discomfort - Arthritis, sore paws, illness can make movement painful.
▪️Fear or anxiety - Loud noises, construction, new scenery can make walks scary.
▪️Concerning weather - Hot pavement, ice, cold rain, wind can be overwhelming.
▪️Sensory overload - Too many sights, sounds, smells can just be too much at times.
▪️Physical or mental fatigue - Some days your dog may just need a break!
▪️Uncomfortable walking gear - Harness or collar may be too tight or rubbing on a sore spot.

If your dog doesn't want to walk, listen to them!

30/07/2025