This is the course your Dog wants you to take!!
UPDATE BLACK FRIDAY SALE
29/11/19-2912/19
Taunton 25/01/20 10:00-2:30
COST £55 now £35 FOR ONE TICKET £30 FOR 2 OR MORE BOOKED
This is the course your Dog wants you to take!!
UPDATE BLACK FRIDAY SALE
29/11/19-2912/19
Taunton 25/01/20 10:00-2:30
COST £55 now £35 FOR ONE TICKET £30 FOR 2 OR MORE BOOKED
Actually my boy IS Grumpy Genghis! He is also a fearful Fido and Anxious Annie, all these apply to him at different times. He has been called REACTIVE or I label him with the term “Having reactive behaviours”. This is not really very useful, everyone has a different vision of what reactive means, looks like, why it occurs, what should be done to “stop it” .
His behaviour is actually an expression of an emotional state. An emotion in that moment, or linked to past emotional responses which build and have become anxiety and stress.
The why is less important than the how can we help him. It is however useful to know, as it can explain the nuances of his specific responses. His very strong fear of black dogs, of Labradors. This is likely to be the type of dog which he had a one off encounter with and which began his journey from happy friendly young dog, to a dog who is fearful of the world.
So how can we help dogs like Genghis who have struggled to come to terms with an event which made him fearful and anxious ? Who look from the outside aggressive, angry, dangerous.
Getting some professional help is key. As is finding like minded skilled and knowledgeable friends. Supporting a fearful dog is isolating and emotionally draining. It is embarrassing being at the other end of a lead to a snarling, shouting, lunging dog or one who is cowering , too scared to move, or barking and backing away, as people TUT and suggest you muzzle or don’t go to places nice dogs go, who suggest you take control and show him who is boss. None of this is supportive or helpful, but luckily many of those comments are borne of the ignorance of what is actually happening, I was once that person.
What does the term “Reactive Behaviour mean? It is simply a response to something that is out of proportion to the level of threat or excitement. This can include lunging barking growling snapping biting, it can include freezing or rolling over, it can include super excitement or frustration.
How can we help ? Help our own fearful anxious and grumpy, over responsive dogs , but also help those who encounter us to understand the everyday struggles we have?
The Yellow Dog Scheme can get the message out, dogs wearing yellow ribbons or leads indicate a give me space. Space is the most important every dogs space need is different, so when asked to STOP or you see someone gently but quickly moving their dog away, please keep your dog away so we can keep ours emotionally safe.
For those of us supporting a grumpy fearful, anxious dog or their people, there are a huge range of ways to help.
If you would like to know more and are local or can travel to Somerset I will be offering a whole day workshop to help you understand more about all I have summarised. This will be especially helpful for professionals in all dog services to learn more about Scaredy dogs so they can help them and their families to be safe.
Please contact me for more information.
If you would like specialist , experienced 1-1 support or just a chat with someone who understands, about your dog or one you work with, then I offer face to face meetings or a skype or electronic session then have a look at the Services. I am happy to have an initial chat and offer some general help too.
I read so many pleas for help in the Breed Groups and other local dog forums I belong to. They are responded to with well-meaning but often outdated, amateur advice, which often could be emotionally harmful for the puppy but particularly dangerous if there are children involved, which there often are. I will not discuss those methods as the positive ones below will ensure there is no need to scare or be unkind to your puppy.
Puppy nipping is a normal part of puppy development and all puppies go through this stage, some more so than others. It is a way of communicating, albeit in an unsophisticated way. We find it hard to read what they are telling us subtly and so they ramp up to a full on message giving.
I fostered (I failed, she stayed ) my Lola as a result of being a particularly bad Pirhana puppy, I know exactly how it feels to have your fun, much loved, adorable puppy become some manic horrible growly being.
It is horrible, isn’t it?
But the thing to remember is that 99% teething pain… puppy biting is pain relief … it is us that makes it a game for them by squealing and jumping around and the fun makes them feel better, takes their mind off the pain or provides a limb to bite down on for pain relief, so they play more. (Like us with toothache, we feel better when we have something to occupy us, to detract from the pain, especially when the alternative is something that makes us happy or excited, releasing emotionally, the “happy hormones”. However, for pups it is just them dealing with pain, releasing that feel good emotion. So address the pain first and the need to bite, to relieve it
How do we provide pain relief? Some great ideas are : supervised frozen carrots or other dog appropriate veg or fruit , frozen rope toys, frozen kongs or ice lollies. Try getting a sock wet it and freeze it, or use a tea towel or flannel… all these things can be swapped for what they find easily available …YOU!
Pups need CALM
LOTS of calm; a chance to chill out.
Being over tired and over stimulated is the other reason for what seems like total “manic” behaviour. Like young children without proper sleep and a calm environment for rest time puppy brains become overloaded and they get “cranky”.
Puppies need around 18-20 hours a day of sleep and calmness. This is imperative to empty out the build up of hormones from the excitement of having fun, and exploring their world, but also to digest their food, and process their learning. Without the rest time, learning can be inhibited and a puppy can seem to be “hard to train” or “wilful”, but mostly they are overtired and need some time to rest.
In a busy or noisy household this is difficult for them to achieve, they need us to guide them. There is a great blog on achieving calm here https://peacefulpawstherapy.com/blog . Following these guidelines will significantly impact on the intensity of the biting phase.
Learning and training support
This is a really good time to learn the best way to manage a dog who is pestering or has bad manners or seems aggressive (puppies are NOT being aggressive, wilful or dominant!) a good trainer with up to date puppy knowledge is really helpful as a specialist puppy classes.
Attention seeking
All attention is good for puppies, good or bad repercussions, they have achieved being noticed! They want to be noticed and entertained. Unfortunately their idea of entertainment is not in line with human expectations!
If you have children or people who find the jumping and nipping challenging or who don’t understand how to consistently prevent the attention giving, then the kids bite prevention programes are easy and fun to learn and they remove attention until the puppy offers the behaviour we find acceptable. The Doggone Safe “be a tree” programme is great . https://doggonesafe.com/Be-A-Tree
Any attention is good attention for a dog, touch, eye contact and especially verbal responses, they have no idea what we are saying so they tune in to work it out (more attention giving!) Being still, silent and no eye contact is boring for them, removing the attention removes the response. NOTE they will get worse before it improves , testing to get the attention before they get fed up and leave to do something else or are distracted for another wanted behaviour. So ANY noise “ouch” , “squeals” , “shouting” , “shaking limbs” is all attention and worse raises the excitement and sense of fun, and ultimately is a positive thing for them, turning their misery into great fun, remember that fun raises happy hormones and makes them feel great!
So be still and silent, wait for the pup to give up and begin a behaviour you DO want: a toy, some low energy play or a legal chew or just sitting wondering what next, THEN give attention. Another person could offer a distraction with a “legal” toy or quiet and still game or calm chew.
If you have a really, really persistent pup, like I did with Lola, and when she is in pain she returns to this behaviour, and if small children, who are difficult to get to be still and silent, or be consistent cant keep to the no attention (this is what happened with Lola) then the following is my “go to” last resort .
Get a “houseline” from a pet shop or amazon , it is a thin long line. Only ever use this supervised and it must be very careful managed (and obviously with children, the puppy and children are never together unsupervised).
– Attach the line to the collar.
– When the puppy begins the biting behaviour just pick up the line gently, with no words or attention and walk out of the room.
– Lead pup to the quiet safe place that is theirs and they are not disturbed by kids easily … not necessarily their bed.
– Give a pain reliever … and praise them calm and very quietly for engaging with it, they may only be there nanoseconds. It takes a while and commitment and patience to teach this self calming behaviour.
– When they choose to get out of the safe place and return to the family time that is fine , we lead them there but they choose when they are ready to be back with us.
THIS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT ! it should be a pleasurable alternative to choose, done with patience and kindness, B+NEVER use a safe place as a punishment.
Every time the behaviour begins again, lead back and offer a legal chew, supervised if possible but no engagement . It may take 5 or 10 repetitions at the worst times this is usually when everyone is home and running around or playing or chatting and again in the evening.
But being consistent can have a pup calmer faster.
CALM, CALM and more CALM!
Persistent “mad” pups are usually not getting enough sleep and general rest. Pups need at least 20 hours each day until around 8months – 1 year old as they are growing so fast . If your pup is not getting this, then you need to provide more nap, or rest times, we often need to proactively manage this . Teaching a dog calm behaviours in a place that is theirs is one of the most important things we can teach them. This blog explains in detail how to achieve calm and why it is vital. https://peacefulpawstherapy.com/blog .
Boredom
Sometimes pups become over excited and bitey because they are understimulated. Or over stimulated in a way that is too exciting. In recent years there has been a blossoming of ways to enrich, engage and also promote learning as well as tire out all dogs.
Enrichment activities
The FB group Canine Enrichment has endless ideas, I really recommend a visit! https://www.facebook.com/groups/canineenrichment
Snuffle mats are popular with our crew, easily made with a fluffy bath mat with a scattering or yummy crumbly food like tuna cake or crushed doggy treats or grated cheese.
We also love to recycle recycling !! Save those amazon boxes, packaging paper and bubble wrap milk bottles, little boxes, and put them all together, throw in a handful of kibble from their dinner or a little bit of roast chicken or sausage , get a cuppa and leave them to it !
Scent games such as hiding bits of food around are much loved. There are lots of focussed scent games around on the internet now.
A Kong with different textures and tastes each time is a great resource as well as the tasting plates many new training methods include, a chance to have bite sized pieces of new foods.
Training
A great training school is a fabulous resource, especially one which is modern games based with enrichment and confidence building focus, alongside the usual manners learning.
Some trainers now offer a pre vaccination visit to prepare for puppy classes meeting the specific needs of your family.
Some time spent learning fun games and tricks (remember the happy hormones?) and practicing manners such as recall and walk manners can be worth a good hour of physical time and is deeply relaxing and tiring.
Play
Offer a range of interactive play time at both high energy and low energy is important, and needs careful planning. Limit too many toys and use special ones for focus special toy time
FINALLY ! Routines
A routine for play, rest, food , toilet and sleep is really important , this will help all the little niggles with settling a puppy!
MOSTLY – HAVE FUN !
For further support please visit the Peaceful Paws FB page https://www.facebook.com/peacefulpawstherapy
My dog is scared of fireworks (and other noises) and help for other seasonal events
Why do some dogs feel firework fear?
What does canine fear and anxiety ( stress) look like?
Learn to read what is usual for your dog. What is their normal behaviour or response to the environment, what is their default like? Learn to read body language .
How can we help?
You cannot reinforce fear by offering appropriate support, If your dog seeks comfort give it, if they seek solitude enable it with your support .
What to include in your plan
Some music –
Consider a therapeutic option – remember there will be a range of what your dogs may respond to, what works for one will not for another, this is because their emotion is different in each case.
I RECOMMEND A CHECK WITH A VET: ESPECIALLY IF YOUR DOG HAS OTHER MEDICATIONS OR CONDITIONS
Other options
For any further help please contact me:
peacefulpawstherapy@gmail.com @peacefulpawstherapy (FB)
https://peacefulpawstherapy.com
NEW SERVICE
After a many requests and a good deal of successful voluntary electronic support across the UK and indeed globe I have decided to offer a virtual service.
The Electronic Consultation can cover Training, Therapy or Integrated Training and Bach/Distance Reiki and Healing).
Following an in depth written consultation from the Guardian, there will be a discussion around the issues raised. This can be done in a format chosen by the Client, including: email, Skype, Personal Message, WhatsApp or phone.
The initial Consultation will take around and hour for planning and up to an hour discussion at an agreed time. Following this we will put a plan together to initiate the Training and or Therapy.
There will be an open contact via email or PM throughout the following week where the client can share success and further challenge, including video and photos.
There will be 3 following formal weekly checki-ns; at each the progress will be assessed and the plan modified as needed.
There will be an option for booking further ongoing support.
In some cases (within 1 hour drive of Taunton) it may be useful for a meet up in person. Travel expenses will be charged .
PLEASE NOTE:
With th echanges occuring in how services are offered for Training and Therapy we are restructuring our offers with an option for virtual work and hybrid in person and online to suit the needs of each client, as always bespoke to needs – watch this space!
We continue to offer
Botanical Self Healing (ZOOM) £100
A full History and intake, 2 hours zoom based guidance and coaching on how to offer and observe the selection choices. A resource kit for the session and some extra for continuing sessions. Full Back Up via media of choice
To find out more this lovely practice please have a look at this Blog
https://www.findadogtrainer.co.uk/blog/botanical-self-healing-aka-zoopharmacognosy
Kids Around Dogs – (ZOOM) £75
Support for growing confidence in children with concerns around dogs – around 7 sessions mostly online with some practical support where appropriate. 30 min session. Interactive with fun tasks.
Puppy Power Programme (suitable for rescues too. ) £150 x 5 up to 90 minute sessions further sessions £30 x 1 hour.
Family Focussed where appropriate- – Taunton and District only.
A bespoke programme of 5 initial sessions with further ones as requested. Starting on or before arrival home . Before Vaccination is welcomed. Games and fun based. Looking at all areas of puppy (dog) wellbeing and learning needs .
Anxious dog support for reactive or anxious dogs, rescues or thoose with growing anxious behaviour .
Initial 2 hour session £75 follow ups £50 (Initial session can be online or in person when COVID secure)
Programme of Initial Session plus 4 bespoke follow ups £250
Understanding the whole dog, history, events, environment, health in order to work with their unique needs. All work is bespoke, no generic handouts etc. A suitable range of postive techniques, methods, games and activities. Not forgetting the human end of the lead, suppport and empathy for human needs and support for handling and providing the best options for the dog in front of us.
WAG WALK TALK Learning Walks £45 x 1 hour (In person – Taunton and District, in theenvironment
No Frills walk and chat. Understand more about YOUR dog, their communication, their needs, learn more about your human skills with coaching for handling and learning. Supplemented by some games specifically for the skills that arise
INSIDE – OUT 4x bespoke sessions with reports and a free Botanical Kit total around 8 hours £300
4 xsessions
Workshops
Wide range of topics available , please ask for details. Day Rate £250 or ticketed events
Popular topics
Botanical Self Healing , Kids and Dogs , Reactive Rascals (a DTC workshop) , Canine Body Language (A DTC workshop) , Anxious and Awesome (a look at the science of fear anxiety and reactivity and the toolbox to help) Enrichment (creating the best life for your dog) Be your Dogs Geek (understanding your dog Inside Out – Canine Body Language, common health and wellness topics including an introduction to nutrition choices, understanding canine emotions and behaviour and creating calm)
I have continued with my committment to continually updating my knowledge and skills and have undertaken new learning and updates of prior learning in the past 12 months with many xourses ongoing. Much of the learning the past 2 years has been irtual via online conferences and workshops from a wide array of global leaders in their field from every area of the canine world.
I am now one of the first Approved KAD (Kids Around Dogs) Practitioner which I am thrilled about. Initially we are working with children who struggle with fears and worries around dogs limiting their access t o family and making life out and about fearful. As a parent and a Child Educator (Headteacher and Teacher for 0-9 years old) this is important to understand and have empathy for. this programme is online for the majority and in short fun active chunks suitable for 4 yoear and upwards.Watch out for Blogs and case studies. I am hoping this will develop and add some learning for those kids who have an overconfidence or lack skills in understanding the needs and communication of dogs.When schools and human interaction is safer (ideally next September) I am hoping to offer fun programmes for schools. SO many families have welcomed a dog in the past year and so many contact me for help.
My considerable studies have added an accredited Diploma in Holistic Canine Behaviour with 100% pass. This was a challenging course with Canine Principles which I loved. The learning here was backed up by many short courses and webinars and longer courses from both Canine Principles and The Dog Training College as well as a wide range of internationally recognised providers across the globe.
I have widened my studies into other areas which consider a Holistic focus for Dogs wellbeing physical and emotional. This has included a look at Nutrition which we are beginning to understand has a huge impact upon behaviour and lifelong wellness. I undertook a really challenging scientifically Certificate in Nutrition course (USA Accredited) with Dogs Naturally University presented by world renowned Nutrition expert Dana Scott. this has been backed up by a current longer Certificated Nutrition course presented by Butternut Box Nutritional Vet Ciara Clarke. As a Butternut Box Ambassador It is vital I have a great knowldge of the impact of nutrition on wellness. to try out this great complete fresh food formulated by Ciara the Vet here is a special code for you, 75% off the first box and 25% off the second. Butternut take into account the needs of your dog and set up the boxes for your needs.
I have continued with and completed the studies and case studies for Botanical Self Healing (Zoopharmacognosy) with My Animal Matters and submitted several case studies which have been totally approved. I love this practice and, as it is best with guardian coaching and support it works so well electronically,. So added to my service menu is Zoom Botanical Self Healing. there is a blog explaining more both here and on my Find a Dog Trainer link with The Dog Training College
https://www.findadogtrainer.co.uk/blog/botanical-self-healing-aka-zoopharmacognosy
This link will also lead to reviews on some of the many sessions I have undertaken.
I am adding to my specialisms in Puppy training and development with School Of Canine Science Puppy Lab and Dog Training College Puppy Specialist. Also with Dog Training College I am completing specialist trainer status in Canine Body Language (for which I am already an instructor) and also Reactivity Specialist.
I am really enjoying modules from School of Canine Science Behaviour Bible focussing on the detailed science of the internal dog, including neurobiology, endocrinolgy and genetics.
We are currently fine tuning some changes in services in line with the range of learning undertaken. Some of this will be online and also a hybrid offer to suit the changing needs of our clients
We have added a Blogger website where Bogs will be accessible to all.
Please Visit
https://peacefulpawspuppies.blogspot.com
The Covid 19 crisis has suddenly hit everyone and the guidelines to stay home except for a short time daily have caused those with dogs some challenges. This Blog, whilst very “at this time” focussed actually draws upon guidance and teaching Peaceful Paws has always offered.
From time to time for a variety of reasons we need time out from a daily walk…
and a variety of other reasons.
IT IS FINE to do something else rather than a traditional walk. Luckily in the past few years alternatives have been springing up and research and behaviourist advice has created a whole new way of helping dogs ” be dogs”, without having to have a lead, a field, and and hour free. At the end of this blog are a list of wonderful online resources to inspire.
Behaviourist and TTouch therapist Janet Finlay (links below) suggests that we consider Deconstructing the way we offer a walk in circumstances above. She explains here: https://www.canineconfidenceacademy.com/blog/the-deconstructed-dog-walk
https://www.canineconfidenceacademy.com
https://www.facebook.com/CanineConfidence/
So how can we offer the alternative?
What is the Purpose of a Walk?
How can we replicate that at home?
Toileting
Most dogs will toilet in the garden and this is ideal right now, they are likely to have 12-24 hours between access to the outside world which may be too long, particularly for young and older dogs or those with health needs.
Teaching a “go pee” is so helpful. If you dont have it then this is a time to teach. Go in the garden and when they pee/poo have a great reward of fuss and fun and fabulous food if approriate. As they squat say happily “go pee” when they finish have a party ! It wont take long to have them pee on cue. This is a really helpful cue anyway, its certanly been invaluable on freezing nights or vet trips!
If they only go pee out of the garden begin teaching it out on your walk and then try in the garden , it may take a while but persevere.
All the following ideas should be for a maximum of 5 mins at a time and you can mix and match from each category over a day or week.
Exercise
Here is some more information This website is from Sarah Fishers website
https://www.fourpawslearning.co.uk/animal-centred-education.html
Food search/forage/scavenge – this is an important part of all dogs daily engagement in the environment. One that is much overlooked. This is a long activity and might take 20 mins. It is deeply tiring and rewarding. Set it up and stand back and just let them be a dog.
Interacting and learning
https://nbn.absolute-dogs.com/optimismrocksbook
https://www.clickertraining.com/101-things-to-do-with-a-box
Sarah Ellis is a brilliant trick trainer and has so many on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Tricksfortreats/
We mustn’t underestimate the value and importance of calm at this time. For many of our dogs life has changed considerably. Their quiet routine has changed, there is more noise, more movement, more people. This can be a bit overloading! So time out is essential for them to reset. Anyone homeschooling can really relate to how they are feeling right now! so here is some support for the end of your Deconstructed Walk, the “cool down” .
Relaxing and calming food activities
FINALLY
There are myriad of amazing places to go for more fun. This list below is not inclusive at all! but will offer lots of ideas.
If you would like some more information about anything DOG please contact me via this website or go to the Facebook page or join the facebook group. I am hoping to add some virtual minicourses soon as amazing offers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/265698280659182/
https://www.facebook.com/peacefulpawstherapy/
https://www.facebook.com/pg/peacefulpawstherapy/posts/
HAVE FUN!
Some internet links
https://www.facebook.com/hiltondogs
Louise Burton Online Trainer, highly recommended.
https://www.facebook.com/RubyAndBetsyNMiloToo/?hc_location=ufi
Tricks and fun with Ruby
fun activities with Tilly
Canine Enrichment: https://www.facebook.com/groups/canineenrichment/
Beyond the bowl: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1747279312231501/
ACE connections: https://www.facebook.com/groups/332134427492077/
Kikopup You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup
School of canine science on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/InTheDoghouseDTC
Canine Confidence Academy, free taster courses:
https://www.canineconfidenceacademy.com/
Brilliant Family Dog, free short courses:
https://www.brilliantfamilydog.com/
Nail maintenance for dogs:
https://www.facebook.com/…/nail.maintenan…/learning_content/
Positive dog husbandry:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PositiveDogHusbandry/
Dog Training College, check out their free stuff and facebook page:
https://www.dogtrainingcollege.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/dogtrainingcollege/?ref=br_rs
absoluteDOGS:
https://www.facebook.com/absolutedogs/
Animal Education 100 days of enrichment
https://www.facebook.com/groups/226077658280504/
Spiritdog, online challenges
https://www.facebook.com/SpiritDogTrain/
Local to Taunton – virtual classroom with Nic Evans
The GDPR requires all business and voluntary services to create a policy to explain how personal data is used and stored. You can find Peaceful Paws Policy here.GDPR Sept 18
For any questions regarding this policy please contact me :
peacefulpawstherapy@gmail.com