The Fairy Dogmother

08/20/2023

08/02/2023

07/25/2023

This is a fantastic opportunity! Grab your spot!

🤩Today, I have a special surprise for you! After weeks of planning, I am thrilled to invite you to my Predation Substitute Training webinar:

✨MYTHBUSTER: PREY DRIVE IN DOGS - What works and what doesn’t✨ on August 12th, 2023.

🆓And the best part? It's absolutely free!

I'm sure you have heard tips like:

❌"Getting your dog neutered will reduce their prey drive"
❌"Squeaky toys and tug toys make predatory behaviour worse"
❌"Positive dog training does not work with predation!"

▶️During the webinar, I will speak about common myths and misconceptions around our dog's prey drive.

▶️Additionally, I will delve into the four aspects of successful force-free anti-predation training with you to provide you with useful solutions!

❓When: August 12th, 2023. - 8pm CEST, 7pm UCT (UK), 2pm EDT (US)
❗️And yes, there will be a recording if you can't make it!

Reserve your spot now as there are limited seats available:
👉 www.predation-substitute-training.com/mythbuster

07/15/2023

Focus on the individual dog

07/13/2023

Warm walk with Rhyla today. We call her Pudding sometimes. Today was a warm Pudding kind of day.

07/01/2023

Beautiful day for a walk with Roscoe, the Fantastic Mr. Fox

06/30/2023

Get ready!

Join pet professionals and a professional pianist for a calming dog-focused concert and tips for reducing stress during noise events.

06/27/2023

Dispelling the “offer your hand” myth…

Let's talk about the "magical hand" 🤝

Sometimes well meaning people reach out with their hand to "make friends" with a dog. The idea is that if the dog can sniff their hand, the dog will eventually like that person.

This is actually a great way to get bitten by some dogs. A reaching hand can be perceived as a threat and some dogs have learned that biting makes that hand go away very quickly!

A better option is to allow the dog to *come to you* if they are interested in sniffing, and simply ignore them until they give you indications that they are seeking an affiliative interaction.

Of course, it is always best to walk away, if...
🚫 You're unsure about the dog's body language
😡 There is a history of biting
🩺 OR if it isn't necessary to handle the dog at all

06/25/2023

Great friendships are the ones where you can go a long time without seeing each other and pick up right where you left off. And so it goes with my dear friend Chandler, The Dandelion King.

06/24/2023

Precious is learning hand targeting which, for her, will give her an alternative behavior to jumping and also get her back next to her people if she’s pulling on the leash instead of them using the leash to pull her back. It’s an excellent skill to know!

06/20/2023

IS YOUR DOG “STUBBORN”, OR STRUGGLING?

It is all too easy to describe our dogs as stubborn when we are feeling frustrated that they don't seem to be listening to us, or aren't being very cooperative. “Nose down, tail up, ears off!” is often repeated when it comes to scent hounds. However, if we aren’t achieving the response that we are looking for from our dogs, we need to consider why and how we can help them out. Are we being clear in what we are asking of them, and do they understand? Are we asking too much of them too soon and not building solid foundations first? What is happening in the environment which may be impacting them? Are they trigger stacked and not in the right frame of mind to be able to focus and learn new things? Are they suffering from undiagnosed pain?

When our dogs aren't able to do as we ask, we need to consider why, and understand that they are not purposely being difficult, but need some help from us. We may not always be aware of potential problems: a worrying scent, a noise in the distance that we are unable to hear; to dismiss this behaviour as stubbornness is a disservice to our dogs. Being unable or unwilling to do something is vital information that we need to acknowledge, take on board, and respond to appropriately.

With any behavioural concerns, it is really important to get a thorough vet check to rule out any pain and discomfort; we know that up to 80% of behavioural cases have an underlying pain component. If in doubt, always get checked out!

© Trailie Paws For Thought
https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/

06/20/2023

Britta's progress continues! It's a long and slow process to change a dog's response to triggers because it's not behavioral, it's emotional. Measured in yards and feet, not days or weeks, but usually months and sometimes years. It's challenging and requires time and patience. So the successes feel sweeter and satisfying. We're all feeling good!

06/20/2023

On Sniffari with Abbey and Brinkley in the actual sun! 🌞

06/17/2023

At first glance a dog’s neck may seem muscular and strong; easily capable of having a leash and collar attached for walking. After all, it’s what we’ve used for the past umpteen years and it’s able…

06/16/2023

Do the research first, it goes better for everyone.

06/15/2023

Benjamin playing the 10 Treats Game and enjoying every moment of learning!

06/12/2023

Rex the Golden and Precious the Aussie/Husky mix are enjoying playing the 10 Treats Game. It’s a fun way to teach impulse control, reinforce eye contact, and a fantastic interrupter when the dogs are needing a break from rough play.

06/11/2023

It’s a catching up with friends and taking selfies kind of day 💜

06/10/2023

It’s always a delight to catch up with my little buddy TJ!

06/08/2023

Charli and her papa are playing a fun game that rewards her for making eye contact. They’re both having a great time!

06/06/2023

This is such a proud trainer moment for Britta! It’s the closest she’s been to another dog out on walks without a big reaction since we began helping Britta manage her sensitivity around other dogs. She was able to calmly observe and then check in with her mama for more information. More work to be done, but happy to make it to this point!

06/04/2023

Sunday and Millie are learning the 10 Treats Game which teaches eye contact and impulse control are rewarding!

06/04/2023

Yep, it’s a thing. Read on!

There's too much misinformation out there on how much exercise your dog needs. Get advice from a certified canine behaviour consultant!

05/25/2023

I wish nobody needed this, but good news for those who do.

Incredibly good news from the Canine Cancer Alliance: 8 additional trial sites have been approved by the USDA for the EGFR vaccine for dogs with osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and more. Dr. Mark Mamula's important research will be available in WA, UT, AZ, CA, OH, PA, VA, and IL. LINK below in comments.

My old friend Flicker shown here for attention. At age 13, she does not have cancer, but hemangio has taken several of her offspring. Too young, too soon. It is an awful disease, and Dr. Mamula and team's work is making a difference.

05/19/2023

Ark Naturals Company is voluntarily recalling three products due to the omission of a mold-inhibiting ingredient during the formulation

05/15/2023

For stuffing dog toys, I love Toppl by West Paw. Kongs are great, but dogs seem to prefer Toppl. Here’s a great guide to get started or just inspiration. All of this works with Likimats, ice cube trays, or anything else you can think of. Give it a try!

5 ways to use food-stuffed toys to make your dog's meals last longer, relieve boredom, keep him busy, and provide challenge and enrichment.