Dogs love to sniff; hardly a revelation I know but just think about it for a moment. Dogs really really love to sniff. It's compulsive, it's innate, it's part of what they are, they're furry, sniffy, wagging machines. They sniff anything and everything. Sniffing is largely how they evaluate the world around them. They sniff … Continue reading Let Them Sniff.
Should we allow dogs to say NO?
If we are asking an animal to do something then we generally expect them to do it. There's a really strong feeling (and I'm not only talking of aversive trainers) that humans are in charge and animals have to do as we say. I argue that it doesn't have to be this way. I first … Continue reading Should we allow dogs to say NO?
WOULD YOU USE HOMEOPATHY ON YOUR PETS?
Pet owners may be attracted to the use of homeopathy as a natural alternative to conventional treatments. The lack of side effects compared to the possible side effects of modern medicines is indeed appealing. Practitioners of homeopathy believe that particular substances, when repeatedly diluted, may be used to treat the underlying cause of particular symptoms. … Continue reading WOULD YOU USE HOMEOPATHY ON YOUR PETS?
Resource Guarding
We're all resource guarders, aren't we? If somebody tries to take your stuff, or you just think they might, don't you get a bit uptight? shout, scream, or hold on tight to your belongings? Why should the dog be any different? they don't even have a bank card or insurance to replace lost items! Pepper … Continue reading Resource Guarding
Do dogs hump to show dominance?
Humping ----------------- I don't know much But I'll have a go At explaining humping Just so that you know ------------------ It could simply be Related to play Or so I've heard The experts say ------------------ Or is it hormones Raging high? Attracting Fido To your thigh ------------------ Maybe just his way To confess That he … Continue reading Do dogs hump to show dominance?
The most beneficial thing you can do for your dog
Why is there often conflict, confusion, or frustration in the dog-human relationship? Whether it's training, husbandry, enrichment activities or just going for a walk, we are often entirely focused on the human perspective, we generally go about these tasks with our entire focus on what we want. We want to keep walking so we pull the dog away … Continue reading The most beneficial thing you can do for your dog
Dying For a Walk
I'm sitting at home working on my dissertation literature review. I've hit a brick wall, I don't know how to develop the current argument. Time for a break and in my house, that normally means going for a walk. Harnesses on, leads on, and off we go. It's dark outside so I'm just doing a lead … Continue reading Dying For a Walk
WHY DOG TRAINERS HATE EACH OTHER
The Current Situation There is a standing joke in dog training which goes something like this; what's the only thing two dog trainers agree on? that the third dog trainer is wrong. Any dog trainer who uses social media couldn't miss the animosity between the various factions. Animosity between groups of people is nothing new. We've … Continue reading WHY DOG TRAINERS HATE EACH OTHER
Five quick & easy indoor enrichment activities with everyday objects
1: The Tea-Towel Roll Grab an old tea-towel, sprinkle some treats, roll it up and let the dog enjoy https://youtu.be/hfWxccLz5b0 Or make it slightly more challenging https://youtu.be/WxGaKRFarB8 2: Chucking Kibble Chuck one piece at a time https://youtu.be/cN9Hr3-28XU 3: Toilet Roll Tubes Place them on the floor, place a piece of kibble (or whatever you are using) … Continue reading Five quick & easy indoor enrichment activities with everyday objects
Don’t let frustration ruin the dog-human relationship
Animals prefer calm humans. With a calm human, they can feel safe. Volatile, unpredictable people may cause anxiety in dogs and anxiety isn't conducive to a good learning environment. When we're training (especially a new behaviour) it's really easy to become frustrated; we might not get the exact behaviour that we were hoping for, we might … Continue reading Don’t let frustration ruin the dog-human relationship
Shay Kelly 