LUCKY DOG U Bath or
Book your professional grooming online through our website or on facebook.
Lucky Dog Your Voice…
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ogs may not understand full sentences, but they do understand our intention. Our words matter because those words create in intention in us and those intentions are communicated to our dogs. Every dog responds to her favourite words. Cookie? Walkies? Car ride? are the usual ones. But complete sentences have an intention she also understands. Think of when you’re in a noisy room and someone is talking to you, you may not catch every word, but you get the intention of what’s being said. ‘ A common mistake I see my customers at the U-Bath make is to repeat “good girl” when their dog is fussing, barking, biting, or generally being non-cooperative. These words are actually telling your dog that you approve of her behaviour. If you’re trying to calm your dog, use words like “You’re okay. Please let me do this. This is important. Trust me.” It is vital that you stay calm
and use a calm tone as well; Your dog looks to you as to how to behave. When I’m trimming a fussy dog’s nails it is amazing how often she will calm down when I tell her “Just let me do my job”. Giving treats when your dog is being uncooperative is another bad message. People will try to stuff treats into their dogs while it flips out, scratches the people trying to help, and is a danger to you and the staff supporting you. Save the treat for the instant the dog settles and holds still. Use words of praise then. Some dogs are fussing out of fear. This is when being calm and not making excuses is important. Please don’t reinforce your dogs fear by telling me that “She doesn’t like it.” I can already see she doesn’t like it and you are only reminding your dog with your intention, through your words that she doesn’t need to like it. Some dogs are fussing because fussing has always stopped you from doing what you’re doing before. These dogs need a calm “Knock it off. I need you to cooperate until I’m done.” And while we’re at it, please don’t talk “baby talk” to your adult dog. Your intention
WE Bath
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
STEPH STEW’S DOG DO’S Stephanie Stewart Professional Dog Grooming Services Over 5 years’Experience
250 597-7DOG
www.luckydogubath.ca Just north of
1059 CANADA AVE DUNCAN Power Lunch
Dust off your cowboy boots and come kick up your heels at the Honky Tonk Hoedown barn dance! Featuring entertainment by Montgomery Country and including a hearty vegan chilli dinner and no-host bar, you won’t want to miss this fun fall barn dance. This fundraiser is presented by the Cowichan and district SPCA with net proceeds going to the local shelter, to supply animals in need with food, medical care and help finding their forever home. Tickets are $40, and can be purchased at the Cowichan SPCA shelter or online through the Cowichan SPCA website. Event takes place Saturday, September 29 from 7pm - midnight at Cobble Hill Hall
comes across that your dog is an infant. Your dog deserves to be treated like an adult dog with the respect you would grant any other housemate. (This doesn’t apply when you’re home alone and having a sweet moment) I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs and I choose my words carefully. I don’t want to over power any dog, I just want to
work with them to accomplish the important task I need to perform. My words are a big item in my tool box. Be aware of what you’re saying. Your dog is listening. Debbie Wood is a certified Small Animal Naturopath and can be reached at 250-597-7DOG.
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