Bright Paws

Bright Paws Private Dog Training, Paw-sonal Training and K9 Yoga, T-touch, Canine Behaviourist, Pet supplies.

18/06/2025

“Oh rubbish....our nails don’t hurt when they grow.”
I hear you, but let’s look at why trainers, groomers, vets (really anyone who works closely with dogs) will urge you to please trim your dog’s nails or “claws”.

It isn’t always nice to hear but it is an important message.

What happens when your dogs nails are too long?
The toes can start to splay, they can spread our unnaturally.
This affects how the foot can move and place itself.

Did your dog’s toes once sit neatly and tightly together?
Have you noticed they now sit wider apart?
Notice those bigger gaps?
The foot isn't as compact as it one was.

Over time.... the toes can twist and they may have a new way of moving or walking, one their body isn’t built for and it can be very subtle and tricky to spot.

That new movement affects joints and muscles all the way up the leg.
Eventually.... it can impact the hips.
The gait can be affected as well as their whole walking style.

Why does this happen?
Dog nails don’t retract.
They stay long (and for long nails concrete walking may not help at all...it just means more pain).
Long nails can’t sink into hard surfaces.
The toes bend... the joints strain and the foot compensates in unnatural ways.

Will they show pain?
Some dogs will..... many don’t or can’t.
That doesn't mean they’re not in a lot of discomfort.

Pain often shows in unexpected ways...unwanted behaviour, movement and posture.
Pain that is preventable becomes a welfare issue.

We owe it to our dogs to help them live (as much as possible) a pain free life.

Yes...nail care can be hard.
Yes, some dogs hate it and progress can be snail pace slow.

However....we owe it to our dogs to not give up on them or their nails.

18/06/2025

If your approach doesn't change...neither will the outcome.
The clients that make all those little changes suggested, the ones that follow through, they see success.
It is real and measurable.

Those that pick and choose the bits they want...they just won't see the same progress.
Or worse, they give up entirely because they can't see the changes they want fast enough.
No judgement, I really do understand why.
Change for some is hard.
Changing where you walk, when you walk, investigating those health concerns which can fuel these issues, lowering arousal, adding enrichment and ensuring enough sleep....that's hard to do and exhausting for some.

Financially it's hard.
Emotionally it can be difficult.
Time wise, a very big commitment indeed.

We can't just keep doing the same thing with reactivity and expect a different result.

This is just some of what we put in place for reactive dogs.

Distance.
Different for every dog.
It doesn't mean it will be this distance forever, often that distance is challenged when the time is right.
It should be challenged when your timing is better, when you're able to read those little changes in your dog more.

However, too many challenge too soon.

Direction
Don't walk those blind corners, angle them.
Paths or lanes....eek! they come later.
Try and predict what may be about to appear.

Distractions
The environment is chocka with them and they can be very powerful indeed.
Some are good and healthy distractions...a good area to sniff can help lower anxiousness or excitement.
Other distractions, very unhelpful...especially when there are a few different ones within a short period of time.
That can cause an issue.

Duration
Big tip here.
Don't train with your reactive dog for too long in a single session.
3-4 sessions a day of 5 - 10 minutes is FAR more productive than a longer session where we can lose concentration and your dog can lose motivation.

Shorter sessions spread out also means you are likely to see a few more triggers, and different triggers too.

Save this graphic and you are welcome to share it with someone that may need it.

Hang in there.
You really can make a very big difference.

13/06/2025

Too often we only notice the bark📢...because its a clear, loud and it gets our attention.
Remember the old cartoons where dogs wore helmets to "translate their thoughts" ?
Turns out we don't need them after all (funny that🙃)....because they truly do speak to us.
When we step back and observe, we can see what they are saying.
Way before the barking there are subtle signs.

Posturing.
Facial movements and maybe tension in the mouth and eyes too.
Jumping.
Destruction.
Quick glances and even heavy staring.....this is them talking to us, whispering or shouting and it is pure communication.

When we look at the bigger picture....when we open our eyes to see what they can are expressing....that is when we see their true personality, wants, needs and emotions.

It makes all the difference in the world to our relationship together.

03/06/2025

JUST SHAKE IT OFF

A “shake off” is one of many types of body language and is one of the easiest ones to notice.

The shake off can provide us with important insight as to how our dogs are feeling.

Besides being a very effective way to get rid of dirt, bugs or water - dogs can remove up to 70% of water in one single shake off - the shake off is often seen just after something that a dog needs a mental reset from.

It’s a way to flush out adrenaline and could be compared to us taking a deep breath to reset our nervous system and calm ourselves down.

Dogs instinctively know they feel better when they just shake it all off!

It’s their way of saying “Phew, I’m glad that’s over, now I can put it behind me and move on”.

Shaking off is a positive way to calm down, reset and cope with stress – be that negative or positive stress.

It’s a healthy way of transitioning from one emotional state to another.

It’s important to be aware that shake offs may sometimes be caused by an underlying medical issue like an ear infection, allergies, itching or pain.

If you notice a shake off, look at what has just happened beforehand. This will provide a good clue as to what it is that your dog feels they need to reset from.

03/06/2025

We don't all have the same challenges.👈
We also have unique dogs with their own quirks, likes and dislikes.

Crates and their use can be tricky.
I appreciate this may spark a discussion (and healthy debate is always encouraged).

IF you are considering using one....it shouldn't feel like restricted confinement.
It can absolutely take weeks or months.
If it is a choice you would like to make, they must be introduced kindly and positively.

If you can do that, you’ve just helped your dog discover a place they truly love to go.
A place of calm and quiet.
The best place to have a chew on a favourite toy.

If you don't like them and don't want to use them.....absolutely ok too.
A rug, bed or mat may be just the place for you dog.

Whichever way you go...a sense of security and peace is the aim.
💤

03/06/2025

🎉 Employee of the Month: Stitch! 🦔
While the rest of the team runs around causing chaos, Stitch has chosen a more... restful route. By entering hibernation, he’s avoided all drama, all deadlines, and all effort—earning him the coveted title of "Best Employee" for doing the absolute least with the utmost commitment. 🌟

03/06/2025

📸 Emma's Animals - Behaviour & Training

Address

Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday 09:00 - 16:00
Friday 09:00 - 14:00
Saturday 09:00 - 14:00

Telephone

+27823153030

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bright Paws posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Bright Paws:

Shortcuts

Share

Category