MAD DOG
Author: Erin Dixon
TOP CANINE TOPICS:
C CANINEDENTAL HEALTH
anine dental hygeine is essential
for your dog’s overall health Just like humans, dogs are prone to dental issues like tartar build up gum disease and bad breath that can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss or infections.
Regular brushing, dental chews and professional cleanings can help to maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing discomfort and more severe health issues, including heart or kidney disease
Keeping your dog’s mouth clean not only improves their quality of life but also ensures they can enjoy their favourite treats and toys without pain
If you are unsure whether your dog needs their teeth professionally cleaned, you can arrange to speak to your vet or a vet nurse to have a look at your dog’s mouth This is a quick and simple assessment and they can give you a good idea as to whether they think they need a scale and polish or if there is a possibility for removal of decaying teeth.
DOGTRAININGEDUCATION
We are proud of the progress everyone has made in our training classes and we want to remind
you that training is a continuous journey! Whether your dog is mastering their skills or refining behaviours, the key to success is consistency and practice Keep up the great work with the exercises we have covered, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional support Remember, the more you practice, the faster those behaviours stick!
SPAY/NEUTERAWARENESS
Spaying or neutering your dog is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure your pet’s health happiness and well-being It is probably one of
the most commonly asked questions within the dog training community for various reasons.
Spaying females and neutering males can prevent certain cancers, infections and other health issues For example, neutering can prevent prostate problems and reduce the risk of testicular cancer, while spaying eliminates the risk of uterine caner and reduces the chance pf mammary tumors Neutering males can reduce unwanted behaviours like marking, aggressions and roaming Spaying females prevents heat cycles, which can lead to behaviours like exessive barking, restlessness and escaping
We encourage you to talk to your vets about the best time for the procedure and consider the long-term benefits for your dog’s health
GUNDOG SUNDAY SERIES
For those who are booked onto the Gundog Sunday Series, we will be commencing on Sunday 23rd March The remaining dates will be as follows; Sunday 27th April and Sunday 25th May Each session will be starting at 1pm and will run for between 1 5-2 hours depending on exercises covered on that module
Unfortunately, there are no additional spaces for this series but there may be opportunities for additional training classes in the future
SCURRY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
This year we have split our Scurry Championship series into four levels
The first level is INTRODUCTORY and will contain dogs that have yet to attempt a Scurry or those we feel would benefit from less pressure The dogs will be required to work for either treats or dummies with a fastest time winning in the scurry and a small search area containing three hides
Level 1: Introduce structure and reinforce dummy use for retrieving and hunting Dummies or ball can be used within this level
Level 2: Teamwork, advanced handling and Scent ability using only dummies for both elements Dogs will be given a time limit for their hunting element and the scurry will become more technical.
Level 3: Increasing handler skills and different opportunities for gaining points depending on technical aspects.
Level 4: Team pairing
THREEWEEK MINISERIES COURSES
Whatareour3weekMiniSeriescoursesallabout?
IMAGE:ENGAGE&EXCEL
We offer three different types of mini series that you can get involved with and they are as follows;
Gundog Mini Series
Dynamic Dog Mini Series
Engage & Excel Mini Series
Our three week series is designed to give you and your dog a strong taster of each session in a focused, manageable timeframe Whether you are looking to improve basic obedience (engage & excel) or have fun (dynamic dogs) (gundog), these series provides hands-on training in a supportive group setting
In just three weeks, you will have had the time to explore a different type of training and build a deeper bond with your dog It is perfect for busy schedules and dogs of all ages and experience levels!
“Thanks Erin for a super mini series - informative & fun!! Look forward to participating in your plans for the new year! “
Annie & Bramble - Gundog Series
“We've just completed a Foundation 3 week mini series with Erin. It has been fabulous!! Each week was planned out carefully with email handouts to follow to help with your homework Thank you Erin ��”
Anita - Foundation Series
HOWTO:
As dog owners and trainers, it is easy to focus on your dog’s behaviour, but it is equally important to recognise that how we handle our dogs directly impacts their success in training Good handling skills make a world of difference in the learning process and strengthen the bond between you and your dog
Good handling is all about clear communication, confident leadership and consistency When you handle your dog properly, you re helping them understand what is expected while ensuring that they feel safe and confident
Consistent Cues and Body Language:
Dogs are highly attuned to our body language Be mindful of your posture, movements and facial expressions when giving commands. Inconsistent signals will confuse your dog which makes it harder for them to learn
Lead Handling:
Whether you are working on lead walking or general loose lead manners, your handling skills are crucial A relaxed, properly controlled lead allows for clear communication, while a tight or jerky lead can cause anxiety and frustration for both you and your dog
Timing and Rewards:
Correct timing when giving commands and rewarding behaviours is essential Rewardig at the right moment reinforces positive actions Without the right timing, the dog may not associate the reward with the behaviour I think it is also important to mention that you need to make sure that you are rewarding when your dog is offering you the behavior you want Do not get caught up of trying to get more and more out of your dog each time because that is when the dog will start to become frustrated rag your lead or even start to vocalise their frustration, and you are making it less likely for the dog to want to try the exercise again as the consistency in the reward is not good enough Ensure you are adding lots of value to your rewards in order to keep your dog interested
Patience and Calmness:
Dogs often mirror their handlers emotions If you are anxious, your dog can pick up on that and become anxious too A calm, patient demeanor will help your dog to stay focused and confident in their learning process
A common challenge we see in training is when dogs are either not responding to cues or are confused by mixed signals This often stems from inconsistent handling by the owner By improving your handling skills, you increase the likelihood of your dog listening to you, staying focused and building trust All of which, leads to faster, more effective training
Handling Mistakes We See In Training - And How to Avoid Them.
Even experienced dog owners often find themselves making some common mistakes that can hinder their training progress Fortunately, these can be easily fixed by adjusting your handling approach and increasing your awareness of your dogs needs Here are some of the most frequent handling issues we encounter and tips on how to correct them
Inconsistent Cues
One of the most common issues in dog training is inconsistent cues You might give a cue like ‘sit one day, and the next you use ‘sit down’ or even ‘[name] sit’ Dogs thrive on consistency, and they rely on knowing exactly
Always use the same word for the same behaviour, and ensure that everyone in your household is on the same page with cues Consistency is key to building your dog’s understanding
Giving Mixed Signals with Lead Handling
If your dog pulls on the lead you might unintendedly reinforce that behaviour by pulling back or using harsh corrections Similarly allowing too much slack in the lead can also send mixed signals about your expectations
Ensure that you are holding your lead with a nice relaxed grip and use it as a guide to your dog without pulling Practice your loose lead walking by reinforcing your dog when they are calm beside you.
Losing Patience or Getting Frustrated
Training takes time, and it is easy to get frustrated when your dog doesn't ‘get it’ right away However, frustration will negatively affect your dog’s behaviour and cause setbacks
Stay calm and take breaks when needed and keep your training sessions short and positive Remember, your dog is learning with you and patience is part of the process!
Overlooking Socialisation and Exposure
While basic obedience is crucial, socialisation and exposure to different environments, people and other animals is just as important. Without proper socialisation, even well-trained dogs can become fearful or aggressive to different situations
Gradually expose your dog to different environments and
positive experiences with other dogs and people Use controlled settings to introduce new stimuli at a pace your dog can handle
Improving your handling skills and avoiding these common mistakes will not only make your training more effective but it will also create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog Remember, dog training is a journey and you are not alone on it! Keep practicing, stay consistent and enjoy the process
Training From a Class Perspective
I think another important thing to mention is your handling within the class setting People can sometimes become trapped in the idea of ‘that person is doing it like this so I should do it like this’. That’s where it becomes tricky All dogs are different and you should not rely on what other people are doing with their dogs. Although sometimes it can give you a good idea of where you may be struggling, it is important to remember that each and every dog responds differently to what is being asked of them and some handlers are more competent than others The most important thing to remember is; don’t focus on what everyone else in the room is doing, your primary focus is on the floor in front of you If you find yourself looking around the room for visual feedback, you probably need to ask your instructor for help - which is totally fine by the way!
Ensure that where you feel stuck or are receiving inconsistent feedback from your dog, you do ask your instructor for help as the guidance and support is there readily available but we cannot offer it if you do not ask
The other important thing to remember is to listen to what your instructor is saying before you start your exercise Ensure that you keep listening to them until they tell you to start as it is important that you hear the entire explanation of the exercise rather than thinking you can fill in the gaps We often see the most inconsistencies or challenges when people think they know the next part of the exercise and will jump ahead without actually knowing the full ins and outs, or they simply didn’t listen to the explanation in the first place We get it, you are excited to train with your dog and you want to make the most of it but trust us when we say, we know what we are doing and we want you to do it well!
BREEDFOCUS
Origin:
The Dalmatian is believed to have originated in croatia, specifically in the dalmatia region which is where they got their name.
The breed ranges anywhere between 16 and 24 inches in size and between 20 and 32kg in weight.
They are most famous for their distinctive black or liver coloured sports on their white coat. Their coat is short, dense and sleek which requires minimal grooming but regular brushing helps to manage shedding.
Temperament:
Dalmatians are generally quite affectionate and playful but they are energetic and intelligent. They thrive with active owners who can provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They can be stubborn at times, so early training and consistent leadership is key.
Exercise Needs:
They have a high energy level and require daily exercise, including walks, runs and playtime. Dalmatians are well suited to active families, runners or people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Health and Lifespan:
They typically live between 12 and 14 years and their common health conditions include hip dysplasia, deafness and urinary stones. Regular vet check ups and a balanced diet are essential to their health.
Fun Fact:
Dalmatians are famous for their historical role as carriage dogs and firehouse mascots. They were once used to clear the way for horse-drawn carriages and guard horses. They were an integral part of firehouses in the 18th and 19th centuries as they would run ahead of the carriage to ensure the path was clear of pedestrians, carts and other obstacles, allowing firetrucks to move quickly.
Their natural protective instincts also made them great at guarding the horses when the firefighters were working on the scene.
“Socialisation”
Lets discuss the different methods and whether we would avoid them or endure them.
Is your dog’s socialisation helping or hindering their training?
When it comes to raising a well behaved dog, socialisation is often at the top of the list Many pet owners view sociaisation as a simple matter of allowing their dog to greet other dogs, interact with strangers and be stroked by anyone they meet on walks However, while these experiences can be important, not all socialisation is created equal In fact some of what we consider socialisation could actually be hindering your dog’s progress in training
What People Often Think Socialisation Is
For most dog owners socialisation means allowing their dog to interact with everything and everyone in sight This includes:
Greeting Other Dogs: Many people encourage their dog to meet every dog they encounter, believing that it will help their dog to become more comfortable with other canines
Saying Hello to People on Walks: Some owners feel it is important to let their dog greet every person they pass during walks, thinking it will help with their dog’s social skills
Letting Strangers Pet Your Dog: In an effort to make their dog friendly and approachable, many people allow strangers to pet their dogs, even when the dog may not be comfortable with the interaction.
While this kind of socialisation may seem harmless, it can actually lead to miscommunication, frustration and even behavioural problems
While socialising your dog is essential, uncontrolled socialisation - especially with other dogs and strangers - can actually set your dog back in their training journey Here’s why:
Overstimulation and Stress
Constantly allowing your dog to meet new people or dogs can lead to overstimulation Dogs thrive in environments where they can feel safe and confident and constant, unchecked interactions can leave them feeling stressed or anxious This can affect their behaviour at home and in training classes making it harder for them to focus or learn new behaviours
Reinforcing Unwanted Behaviour
Letting your dog greet every other dog or person might reinforce bad behaviours, such as jumping up, pulling on the lead or barking excessively In the heat of the moment it is easy to overlook the fact that your dog is not being polite or calm in these situations Without proper guidance, these behaviours can become habitual and harder to correct
Lack of Boundaries and Control
Dogs need clear boundaries and structure to learn effectively If they are constantly allowed to approach every dog and person, they start to believe that socialisation is a free-for-all. This can create inconsistent behaviour where your dog does not understand when it is appropriate to approach and when they need to focus on you and their training
Confusion in Training Classes
In group settings, if your dog has been accustomed to constant uncontrolled socialisation, it can cause confusion Dogs who have learned to freely engage with others without restrictions may struggle with focusing on exercises or listening to their handler when there are distractions, such as other dogs or people nearby The lack of self-control can cause your dog to become frustrated or overwhelmed in training classes, hindering their progress
The Difference Between Positive Socialisation and Over-Socialisation
Instead of letting your dog meet every dog and person, aim for controlled interactions where you manage the situation For example allow your dog to greet other dogs or people but only under supervision ensuring both dogs are calm and that the interactions are positive
Encourage calm behaviour when meeting others, whether it is another dog or person If you allow another person to say hello encourage them to only say hello when their feet are on the floor or whilst the dog is sitting
Introduce your dog to different environments dogs and people slowly and at their own pace Don’t force interactions that could cause anxiety Instead, give them space to feel comfortable before progressing to more complex social settings
You need to set boundaries ensuring positive experiences and focus on quality rather than quantity. You will help your dog become well-mannered, confident and obedient both at home and in training classes