Positive action, not evasive action helps our dogs
Positive action, not evasive action helps our dogs When out walking with my dog (Ziggy), I meet many people with their dogs. I am struck by how many of these dogs display some type of behavioural issue, or other. Many of these owners are not, really, helping their dogs overcome their problems. Most of these […]
Parallels between helping dogs and humans
Parallels between helping dogs and humans Following on from my last post about traumatised dogs; my, much better half, Sue ( www.firstintheq.co.uk ) and I, often discuss the parallels that exist between her work, dealing with people with complex mental health issues and, mine – dealing with dogs, often, exhibiting difficult behavioural issues. Sue has […]
Reactive dogs are traumatised dogs
Reactive dogs are traumatised dogs Throughout the dog community you will see references to ‘reactive dogs.’ Indeed, there are quite a few courses, that offer to help these ‘reactive dogs’ in group sessions. The other, common sight, is a dog wearing a coat that signals it is ‘reactive’ or, has some other problem. For me, […]
Canicross – fun for you and your dog – I think not…
I get regular dog information updates emailed to me. The most recent, prompted me to write, again, about attaching dogs to humans and then running with them. Canicross is a ‘sport’ where dogs, of any breed, are harnessed to idiot humans, who then run in competition with them. This ignores what is good for your […]
Dogs and horses
It was hot today, so Ziggy, Sue (my long suffering wife) and I went to a favourite river walk for some fun this morning. We had spent some time walking along and playing in the river, when we returned to a spot for one last session in the water. By now, there were quite a […]
Shouting at your dog is unhelpful…
Shouting at your dog is unhelpful I was out with Ziggy today at a local park. As usual there were quite a few dogs out and about with their owners, having fun. We were approaching a lady who was shouting, angrily and aggressively at her dog. The dog was paying no attention whatsoever. I observed […]
Reward or bribery?
Using rewards in dog training is an established and effective method for training dogs. However, if used incorrectly it can be counter-productive. I am seeing an increasing number of videos on Facebook and Youtube showing treats being used in the wrong way by ‘dog trainers.’ These videos show the trainer, or handler, constantly feeding treats […]
Temperature is rising – get those layers on!
Temperature is rising – get those layers on! OK then, it’s starting to get hot. Temperatures are rising – maybe as high as the +30C. It’s time to take your, much loved, furry friend out. You always take him out in the early afternoon (by now, it’s very hot out there), don’t you? No need […]
Dogs and water – don’t force the issue…
Dogs and water – don\’t force the issue… For those that read my missives, you will know, I am very keen to get dogs into the water. It\’s fantastic fun for them and vital, in hot weather. I witnessed, recently, another example of what not to do with a dog and water. A couple and […]
Expert advice? Confused owners…
Expert advice? Confused owners… Advice from, so-called professionals, can be confusing for dog owners. I was chatting with a chap who had re-homed a dog from a farm. The first time I met him with his new canine charge, the dog was off-lead and romping around with other dogs. The next time I met them, […]