Dog360

19/08/2024

If families have the bandwidth to implement only ONE strategy to keep their dogs and kids safer, my recommendation would be to add baby gates and/or pens to their home.

Safe zones promote harmony between all housemates.

Dogs who are sensitive or nervous love pens and gates because it can mean that unpredictable kids can't approach them without consent.

Kids who are nervous around dogs or who are just learning to become mobile are safer when the dog can't enter their space.

Parents find relief knowing they can do normal household tasks without eyes on the back of their head.

Retractable gates, like this one, can be useful in tight spaces or in awkward sized doorways. They also prevent fingers from being poked through. You should note that some babies or small dogs can sneak underneath if they are motivated enough.

Need more help? I've got you. Just reach out.

19/08/2024

16/08/2024

Avoidance in dog training can be a valuable tool when used correctly. Learn how to balance it with skill-building and positive reinforcement in this episode of "Drinking From The Toilet" with Hannah Branigan.

https://hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/185/

15/08/2024

How to tell if dogs are playing nicely or if you need to intervene

15/08/2024

Why we need to keep repeating that reward-based methods are the best way to train your dog.

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

How to teach your dog to come to you. This video is FULL of tips on recall and how to get your dog to listen to you when you call them. There are lots of way...

14/08/2024

Fights amongst dogs living in the same home can be a very scary experience. In most cases successful re-introduction of the dogs is possible.

14/08/2024

Zazie Todd did not grow up with pets, while on her way to becoming an accomplished social psychologist. When she & her husband adopted 2 dogs within 6 weeks from their local humane society, Zazie used her psychology and research background to make sure she was doing the “right” things for her do...

14/08/2024

13/08/2024

Over excited dogs need help to be calm. Here we explore 3 ways to help these dogs relax plus many more dog training tips to help over aroused dogs. As dog tr...

09/08/2024

One in four Labrador retrievers carries a gene that tricks their brain into thinking they’re starving

09/08/2024

WHAT THE F?

Recognising 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 be so obvious.

Freeze, Fawn, Fidget or 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 experience - what has worked for them before or what hasn’t. Some dogs have different reactions depending on the specific context.

Recognising and taking note of situations or circumstances where these responses are seen is important in understanding how our dogs are feeling.

When we recognise a fear or a stress response, we are able to intervene and advocate for our dogs.

05/08/2024

What a way to start a Monday! A 10% on all Simply Pets 500g packs. Order online now, while stocks last.

05/08/2024

31/07/2024

Puppies sleep schedules are irregular. Exercise, dimming lights, and companionship are great ways to get a puppy to sleep through the night.

31/07/2024

Ooof. Time and life have gotten away from me, but I'm excited to share a new podcast episode.

This one is about a potential client that I heard from whose dog bit their child. She stated that they have a "one bite policy" and that the dog has to go...

In this episode, I discuss this challenging situation from two perspectives - from the human side and also from the dog side of the equation.

I hope you enjoy it: www.poochparenting.net/episode83

30/07/2024

Do dogs need to tolerate frustration to live successfully in the human world? Do they need to tolerate frustration in order to be successful in sports? What even IS frustration tolerance? https://sa

30/07/2024

I NEED TO FEEL SAFE!

Like all living creatures, including us, dogs just want to feel safe – it’s a basic survival need.

When we think about feeling safe it’s natural to just think about not being harmed or being in danger, but it’s not just about physical safety - feeling emotionally or psychologically safe is just as important.

While physical safety may be obvious and simpler to address, emotional safety is far more complex and not always easy to recognise or identify.

The same applies to our dogs – they are sentient beings whose behaviour is triggered and driven by emotions.

So many behaviour problems that we see in dogs stem from the brain saying– “this is not safe!”

A dog that lunges and barks or behaves aggressively with another dog or person is probably doing so because they feel unsafe. They are trying to make the scary thing go away.

A dog that is guarding resources is doing so because they are afraid that the resource will be taken away – they don’t feel safe when another animal or person approaches that resource.

A dog that is reacting to fireworks or thunderstorms or other noises is doing so because they don’t feel safe. The same can be said for separation distress – the feelings of panic when left alone – “I am not safe!”.

Some dogs may never get over a specific fear, but doing all we can to help dogs feel safe in our world is one of the most important gifts we can give them.

Our first responsibility should not be about training, obedience or trying to change behaviour, but to focus first and foremost on building trust, self-confidence, resilience, creating a safe and secure base and being the person that our dogs can rely on and trust.

In the words of Dr. Gabor Maté - "Feeling safe is the treatment and creating safety is the work".

In my words (as it pertains to dogs) – It is our responsibility to put in the work to enable our dogs to feel safe and when they feel safe, this will be part of the treatment or the solution to the problem.

29/07/2024

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25/07/2024

Displacement behavior in dogs is best recognized as out of place or odd behavior that doesn't seem to fit the context surrounding it.

24/07/2024

24/07/2024

If you own a reactive dog I imagine at some point you have tried to seek Information on how you can help your dog. This may have led you to click links from Facebook ads/posts, an afternoon on YouTube, or try to implement the techniques you have seen on a certain dog TV program.

I don't know about you, but when I was in that situation I found it MORE confusing and overwhelming than helpful. No one trainer can seem to agree on the "right" method, you are not sure if you agree with said method, but are so desperate to help your dog you give it a try anyway. Quickly you find that you have tried a handful of things leaving you confused, your dog confused and no progress made.

So what's the best thing to do?
What are you waiting for? Join today.to advice from too many resources leaves your head spinning. Stop listening to EVERYTHING.
2) Focus on finding a safe space like the Canine Reactive Support Hub where you can get safe, ethical, advice you can trust from a qualified professional (me).
3) Support - you are not the only dog owner experiencing this, and you should not try and face this journey on your own. The Canine Reactive Support Hub is based around support. Non-judgemental support from owners going through the same thing.
4) Profesional help - there is no way around it. If you are serious about helping your dog you need professional help. Your dog is unique and the driving forces behind his behaviour will be unique to him. Only by working with a professional with you be able to implement what is right for your individual dog and you.

I would like to invite you to the Canien REactive Support Hub. Besides the lovely supportive community we have there, there are lots of useful tips and info to help get you started on your journey.

What you waiting for? Join today.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/275353517943614

24/07/2024

Teaching theses 5 easy tips to your dog can be a great way to bond with and learn to communicate with your dog, as well as impress your fiend.

21/07/2024

Mental stimulation for dogs is important to keep them happy and engaged at all ages, and it's simpler than you might think.

19/07/2024

Instead of asking, “How do I get my dog to obey me?” we should ask, “Is my dog happy?” and “How can I make them happier?”