Animal Antics

09/04/2025

Please share and see if we can help Charlies Change

09/04/2025

Charlies Change needs our help...

02/12/2024

12/11/2024

Hi all, had my account blocked - suspected hacking...
So, please PM me with anything you think is out of the ordinary - Thanks!

31/10/2024

A must-read for parents and anyone new to dogs, the classic Dr. Sophia Yin booklet, How to Greet and What to Avoid, can be purchased singly or in packets of 10.

31/10/2024

I was surprised and grateful that one of my books is on the list of the "14 Best Dog Training Books of 2024"!

The Other End Of The Leash was named "Best for Understanding Humans.” Thanks Spruce Pets! I’d wag my tail if I had one.
https://bit.ly/3YqGSP5

28/08/2024

Dogs need space when enjoying their meals or yummy treats.

🧒Unsteady and unpredictable toddlers and children should not have access to their dog while they’re eating. Using a gate or having a dining station in a separated room will allow safety and stress free dining for your pup.

👍🏼Setting up this space for your dog if you’re having a gathering at your house with adults! It doesn't only apply to babies and toddlers.

👉Even if your dog tolerates their familiar adults taking food, toys, high value treats or bones away DO NOT expect them to behave the same with other dogs, children or unfamiliar adults. How would you feel if a stranger came up to your dining table and took a bite of your food? Uncomfortable, Angry, Scared?

🚨Give dogs space! Stay out of their face! Dogs with a Bone....Leave them alone!

If the item is dangerous or needs to be removed, use your head and make an exchange instead! We encourage everyone to teach and practice "leave it" before you need it!

28/08/2024

Encouraging dogs to sniff on walks is not only natural and instinctual for them but also has many benefits for their physical and mental well-being.

Sniffing provides mental stimulation for dogs, which is important for their overall mental health.

A good sniff also helps them to learn about their environment, identify scents, and understand the world around them. Through sniffing they can also release pent-up energy, which can help to reduce behavioural problems.

Additionally, sniffing can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable on walks.

28/08/2024

Soo many new and old trainers telling untruth, that these are acceptable even good - PLEASE DO NOT believe them!!

Click on the pop-out icon ( ) in the top-right corner of the resource to open it in Google Drive. Click the download icon ( ) in the upper right-hand corner of the Google Drive page to save the resource to your computer.

28/08/2024

Being frantically chased is not play❌
You may have noticed this yourself. 👀....if play is allowed to get to that hyper, frantic play, signals are not given well, and not received well and that can lead to big issues.💥
Maybe you expect your dog to play with all other dogs.❓
Guess what ?
Dogs do not need to play with all other dogs, in fact it is healthy to be choosy with who they interact with.
Dogs have the right to consent to play or not.
Just because we wish them to play does not mean they consent.

Toys.
So many issues arise with dogs playing with their own toys around others they do not know.
They can be highly prized items. The simplest way to avoid issues is don't play with your dogs toy around other dogs you do not know and even if you DO know them caution is needed.
Many dogs do not like to share.

Pairing dogs with different play styles and energy can cause big problems.. A dog that constantly chases may not read the "cut off" signals given by the less energetic dog.

Always listen to the little voice inside....and if you are at all unsure, advocate and stop play, or don't allow it to even start.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

28/08/2024

Today we remember our furry friends who have passed over the bridge. Let's share the memories and see their missed faces in the comments.

28/08/2024

Oh boy this can be tricky❗
Very subtle and easily misread. 💥
Yes, dogs can absolutely consent (or not) to play.
Many people think a sign that their dog doesn't want to meet or play with another dog is a growl (which of course there absolutely can be), however even before that growl there can be lots of other signals given that they do NOT want to meet.
These signs are often more subtle.
Scratching.
Sniffing.
Nibbling away at themselves or a stick on the ground, these can all be signs that they may not be comfortable with what is about to happen.
We need to pay close attention to this as these signals can be our dog saying.
"No thanks".
Unfortunately some of these signals can be subtle and easily misread by us, so we persist in letting dogs meet.
That is when our dogs need to use a much stronger signal such as growling, air snapping or worse.
It is important to note these signals as we need to respect just how our dogs are feeling.
They have every right to consent to meeting or playing, or not.
If these signals are shown, they may just need more time or careful exposure to this potential new friend.
They can certainly warm up to them.
Imagine how many incidents could be stopped if we just took the time to see exactly what they are trying to say to us and the other dog.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use. Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

28/08/2024

Be a Dog Detective - Learn to Speak Dog!
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resource/be-a-dog-detective-walk-away-from-a-dog-who-has-food/