Sophie's School: A dog school for Rescue Dogs & their Humans

12/02/2025

ARE YOU WORTH COMING BACK TO?

I’m often horrified when I watch people trying to get their dogs to come back to them when they call.

They call and call and get increasingly angry and frustrated as their dog keeps ignoring them.

When their dog eventually comes back, or has been chased and "captured” by the now really angry person, they get screamed at, yanked about, or punished in some way for taking so long and not listening.

Why on earth would a dog want to return to someone who does this to them!

The most common reason dogs don’t come back when we call is because it’s not a positive experience.

A new environment is generally far more rewarding, stimulating and exciting than coming back to us.
An exciting scent or seeing something to chase can all override a response to recall.

Make coming back to you well worth it by always making it a rewarding experience and keep practicing this throughout a dog’s life.

Have a little patience if it takes longer than you would like, let your dog finish what they’re doing before calling them, practice in different locations and environments and never reprimand or punish them for coming back.

There is never a guarantee of a perfect recall each and every time, but making it a rewarding experience will greatly improve the rate of success.

06/02/2025

Oh those Zoomies !!!!!⏪⏫⏩⏬
What if you are a "target"?😲
Should you just let them be ?
Can you lessen them ?
Before those questions are answered, it is vital that we ensure all our puppies and dogs needs have been met.
Over tired ?
Under stimulated?....over stimulated ?
Should you do anything about them...yes and no. ✅❌
On the whole the zoomies are natural and normal, BUT when YOU become a target, it can be an issue.
If they are predictable....after baths, after dinner, before bed etc, you can try and lessen them by doing some training games, getting that nose working on finding something and pull out some enrichment puzzles or make them yourself....but it isn't the time for food in a box that they can destroy as that can ramp up that energy again.
Think more along the lines of, a rolled up towel with rewards scattered through, lickimats, snuffle mats and plastic cups so you can play "find".
There is a video in the comments about how to start find...SO helpful to calm a dog and on days when you need to tire them out but it's perhaps pouring with rain.
This dog training graphic is available from https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-the-zoomies?srsltid=AfmBOopH5SVfasdLy3Pfo5J9CF7Ir0VCJuNDjwpCOo7JAJQ3Zd4GnwNb

22/01/2025

This really is our "fault" as a society.❗
We seem to promote play instead of acclimation.
Socialisation is a very warped term.
"Socialisation" really isn't play, play is a separate and important skill BUT if your dog or puppy is actively encouraged to play with every other dog or puppy they encounter...that in itself can be the beginning of a lifetime of reactivity.
I have been criticised for promoting "too much" calmness around other dogs and puppies...."Why can't they show emotions", "Why can't they play"?
Never said they couldn't....however, because of the societal pressure to play with all other dogs and puppies (wherever we take them) we can VERY easily set our dogs up to view all dogs and puppies as a source of constant amusement at the mere glimpse of one, a reason to go to the very extremes of emotions.
They may "dig in" and drag you closer.
The barking, shrieking and spinning can start....for two reasons, the emotional extremes dogs now have attached to other dogs and the frustration because they can't reach that other dog quick enough.

So maybe the term "socialisation" is the issue, because for us it means "socialising".
Acclimation is a far better term.
Yes this dog trainer handout is available https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-socialisation-a-misunderstood-concept?srsltid=AfmBOoqgDG7Dz4PA1Dux7WQJJTop1g9IMIB8KhAnvFL0fKik2CShlc65

17/01/2025

(Download the pdf version of this here: Beware_Corp_Bullies) In recent times, there has been a development in policies of residential complexes and retirement homes that has had a significant effect on many people’s relationships with their companion animals. In many cases the tactics employed by ...

17/01/2025

Why is this the FIRST thing we teach dogs and puppies❓
More focus✅
Listening improves✅
Your bond together improves!
If you have never added in eye work you may be quite shocked at how useful it can be and just where and when it works....BUT... it does need practiced first.
We have put a brand new video up about this and the details will be in the comments.
Well worth it if you want to see exactly how to do this.
This dog training handout is available through abcdogsnz.com

16/01/2025

14/01/2025

Listen to the whispers

Whispers are soft, subtle and so easy to miss in our often busy, hectic lives, but making an effort to listen to them can prevent situations from escalating, resulting in reactive behaviour.

A dog’s attempt to communicate is so often misunderstood or completely ignored.

Body language is one of the only ways that dogs can let us know how they are feeling. When we know how they’re feeling, we can intervene, help them feel safe and prevent those emotions from boiling over.

Body language can be subtle and fleeting, but with careful observation and knowing what to look for most of us can learn to recognize and understand what our dogs are saying.

It’s always important to look at the context, the situation and especially what the rest of the body is doing when deciphering their language.

Being able to understand a dog’s emotional state through their body language helps us to predict behaviour, prevent potential problems or simply allows us to just enjoy observing what they are feeling.

Although dogs each have their own unique personalities and distinct way of communicating, there are many common signs that can give us insight. We just need to take the time to learn and then notice them. I believe dogs would be so grateful if we make the effort to learn their language.

Here are some resources and links to learn more about body language -

On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://www.dogwise.com/on-talking-terms-with-dogs-calming-signals-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqj8ruQJx5bCP7qWb03TqCyAGfmAvCj988UuWk_L1_UHbYcZsES&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0AaDd_wwhSC4JEUqkvQmOG9lU5bNdbAOEeHQb0st7P_DXrdAOR-utY_-k_aem_cqU0VLHHyjrKbce9ddT84g

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://www.heska.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TVBC-Canine-Dog-Body-Language-handout.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3mKGykzNJr7_yFf1_e6mc2sRHjNvjEok2GLvKTw-OMtTxEfjtlxM6vk4I_aem_B-YAlekmE0eV03c_1x8cyw

14/01/2025

This needs to be recognised for what it is....a very BIG issue, but it isn't addressed as much as other forms of reactivity (or even viewed by some as a reactive behaviour)‼️
Of course it is ok for a dog to be excited at meeting another ✅ but it pays to be aware of the habit that is being created here.
This can 💯% be the start of a very big issue called reactivity and continually allowing a dog to drag you towards another dog or having a dog bark, yelp, spin, screech and dig in... dragging you to meet another dog, can be a VERY damaging behavioural issue, even if many people view this as a dog just being happy.
This habit will continue.
It can get a whole lot worse.
If you are new to a reactive dog or have this issue, you may find the videos in the comments helpful, there will be one there about lowering excitement before a walk even begins which is crucial for dogs that have over excited reactivity.
This dog training handout is available abcdogsnz.com

06/01/2025

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Changing a rescued dogs name can be a good thing.

If a dog has come from an unpleasant or abusive background, or even an unknown background, they may associate their name with negative experiences.

A previous owner may have shouted their name when doing something unpleasant to them.

Changing a dog’s name can be a fresh, new beginning and can provide an opportunity to rebuild broken trust and build new bonds.

There may be concern that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or may cause some form of emotional distress, but dogs really don’t see their names in the same way that we do.

Dogs really don’t care what we call them, as long as that name is associated with positive experiences it will be a good name.

A dog’s name is more important to us than it is to a dog. A name is really just a cue to get your dog’s attention so they respond.

The way a new name is introduced and taught is important. Care should be taken not to attach any negative associations with the new name.

The new name should always be paired with something positive whenever your dog hears the sound.
Call the new name and every time your dog reacts, responds or looks at you, reward this with a treat, lots of praise, a game or a toy.

Keep repeating this and dogs will quickly begin to associate their new name with something good about to happen and will start responding to the new sound in a positive way.

“It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.” - W.C. Fields. This quote sums up the importance of pairing a name with something positive so that it will always be what a dog wants to answer to.

A previous name may always be linked to a traumatic past, but a new name can be the beginning of a happy ever after and forever home.

30/12/2024

Such a damaging and difficult never ending loop‼️
More exercise❓More ball throwing ❓more, More, MORE ‼️
The stamina these dogs have is incredible and the exercise they require is unsustainable.
Many people get stuck in this loop where they have to constantly keep their dog moving, entertained or focused on play.....because if they don't their dogs can start to show unwanted behaviour.
You CAN stop the over arousal loop.
More exercise is usually never the answer to these issues and can FUEL this behaviour.
Get some calm into their lives.
Teach them HOW to switch off.
One of our most popular videos about this subject has over 16,000 views and can help you start the process, link in comments.
Make 2025 the year for real change.

This handout is available abcdogsnz.com

27/12/2024

Their excitement is often the ONLY reason we want them to meet another dog.
They can drag us (often at speed), towards another dog they want to meet.
Even with the happiest/friendliest dog that pulls towards another dog....things can change in an instant once they actually meet.💥
Sometimes the over excitement of seeing another dog means they haven't assessed the situation and often we haven't assessed the situation either, we just want to make them happy!
Face to face, tight leads and over excitement when meeting another dog can and does lead to very big issues.
Take the time to assess.
Take the time to teach your dog how to meet dogs in a way many dogs appreciate!

20/12/2024

🎄"Out of the blue" incidents occur at this time of year and there is a lot more stress for our dogs (yes... stress can also be from positive experiences).
This holiday season dogs will be communicating with us.
We need to start to hear what they are saying.
Is that sudden "goofy" behaviour around the visitors from being happy, over excited or fear?
YOU know you are about to have many visitors, noise, children and maybe another dog visit the house....dogs do not and suddenly their quiet home is now loud, exciting and even scary for some.
Be prepared and have an action plan if you start to recognise your dog is starting to show signs they may be uncomfortable around what is happening in their own home.
They need supervision at this time of year, they need check ins from you and we need to help them when we see there is a possible emotional escalation happening.
These are certainly not all communication signals dogs give us....but this is a great start to help us recognise some new ones they may show at this time of year that we may have never seen before.
This dog training handout is available through abcdogsnz.com

17/12/2024

🎤⬇️ BUT....the really tricky thing with this is we can also reward what we do NOT want and that can start a whole new issue.
Timing is key.
Is there another behaviour being shown when you reward ❓If a dog jumps to get a reward, have you inadvertently rewarded using paws on you?
If there is barking, have you accidently begun to reward that ? Even with touch?
Every dogs reward system is different, many dogs will enjoy food while others really do have their own currency, such as a toy or praise.
This educational handout is available abcdogsnz.com

11/12/2024

We all know how to pat a dog....right❓ Pat, pat, rub, rub...right on top of the head.
What if they are giving signs they don't like it?
Would that make us stop or would we continue because WE like to pat our dogs?
Yup, we all know how, but do we know the signals shown when dogs are not appreciating it, or when it has gone on too long for their comfort?
So many dogs do not like being patted on the head.
We may have difficulty seeing they are uncomfortable because we are way up there ⬆️sometimes 4-5 feet or more above them, it can be tricky to see the changes in their posture and face....but when we do take notice and appreciate that dogs can consent and even take away that consent, there can be amazing changes.
Some anxious dogs will become LESS anxious.
Some dogs will seek out comfort WHEN they want and need it.
It can give some dogs MORE confidence around people because when someone asks we can say "no thanks, please no pats" or "sure, but not on the head".
If you are in doubt...look at an old video or two, they can be very enlightening.
Yep, this graphic is available abcdogsnz.com

06/12/2024

You are competing with an environment that is FULL of distractions and temptations.👀
Reward those check ins ! You are making yourself VALUABLE to be near and around.
Reward those "smaller" choices when your dog actively leaves something semi interesting to come back to you, even in your own yard.
I know many people want this but it is a process and if you have a dog that is over aroused, over excited or just doesn't know how to check in with you....it is a process.
If your dog barely listens to you in your home, yard or on a walk in your street.....there is a bit of work to do before you get them to listen or stay close in a new or highly distracting environment.
Take it slow.
These things do take time. If you have a dog that has over arousal and over excitement , that MUST be worked on first.
Dog training posters available abcdogsnz.com

06/12/2024

Dogs, babies and toddlers all need the ability to learn, grow and explore in a safe environment! 🐾 💚 👣

Management is incredibly important to help create this success! ✅

If the child does not have the ability to follow guidelines or regulate their emotions in the moment due to their age or other reasons like being over tired, there needs to be management in place to support success for EVERYONE!

When in doubt about the closeness or proximity of your dog, baby and toddler, space it out!

✏️ Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

20/11/2024

It is a simple process, but not an easy one.

It requires you to stop leaving your dog alone for longer than they can handle.

It requires you to break absences down into increments that your dog can be totally cool with.

It requires you to be open to asking for help: help to sit with your dog, help to be your cheerleader when you're disappointed with progress, help to know what "totally cool" looks like on your dog.

And it requires you to treat the root cause of the anxiety, not the symptoms.
Need help? My Separation Anxiety Training Foundations course is a great way to get the right information at an affordable cost. Check it out here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/separation-anxiety-course/