Canine Reactive

Hate technology with a passion.
Long story short, no internet since Wednesday, was supposed to be fixed today, but now it won't be fixed until the 12th!!!! I have data on my phone but because it 4g it very hit and miss as to whether it works.

Have been on the phone to BT for hours. Tried setting up new equipment, and a special booster device to allow us to connect to internet even though main line down, but guess what? That doesn't work either.

So, if you are a client or friend and have been trying to email or WhatsApp me i apologise for the delay in response. I also may not get it to start with.

Work regarding dynamic dog reports unfortunately will be pushed back due me not being able to access what I need on my main computer, I do not have a laptop which I can take somewhere else to connect to WiFi to do the work, so you will really have to bear with me everyone.

Many thanks
Gemma.

PUPPY CLASS
Starting this Friday. 7-8pm at Whitecroft Memorial Hall for six weeks.
Get your pup off to a great start. using force-free positive training. we teach:
Sit
Down
Lose lead
Leave
Drop
Settle
Grooming
Handling
Calm approaches dogs
Calm approaches people

AND MORE!

Support is available for owners in between classes via phone or email should they need it, plus supportive handouts are given each week.

For pups aged 12-20 weeks.

£85 for the six weeks. Payment on booking over the phone.

Contact Gemma on 07508765210.

Still spaces available! Please contact me on 07508765210 to book.

I'm Back! Hey everyone, I am back, feeling refreshed and raring to go. Hope everyone has been well. Here is an update for current business hours and events during the remaining school holidays.

PUPPY CLASS: New course starts this Friday. Still spaces available. If you would like to book please call me on 07508 765210

HOURS: Kids are still off school until the first week of September, which means I am still working limited hours. Please note response times to messages and emails may vary because of this.

Here is a rare photo of me on holiday NOT covered in dog hair, or smelling of dog and Frankfurters. 🤣🤣

The last positive quote this week.

Just learn to accept that they don't understand.

Beating yourself up about the remarks or looks from others is just mentally battering. Why would you do that to yourself? If it was a friend or family member what would you say to them? I imagine you would encourage them to ignore it.

Theirs no point trying to explain your dog in the brief encounter you have on the walk. It will just be waisted breath, and you are taking focus off your own dog. In those reactive moments you need 100% be focused on your dog and help support them as best you can, the only thing you will have time for regarding the other dog walker, is to maybe shout out "please get your dog".

We can spread the word and help educate others by sharing things like these posts and others all over Facebook, any educational posts that explain reactivity, what its like to like with a reactive, spreading the word about yellow apparel, the whole lot. Eventually we will start to change the majority of ignorant owner to more respectful and understanding ones.

Gemma
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Positive quote of the day!

Reactive dog guardians are the most knowledgable, respectful, and patient people I know in the dog pet world. Why? Because just like a parent who lives with a child with a learning difficult or who is neurodiverse, you have learnt about your dogs behaviour in order to try and understand them better, you support your dog as best you can with the tools and knowledge you have so far. You work tirelessly every day to ensure everything you do is catered for your dogs needs, and most empowering of all you Never give up.

Regardless of how challenging living with a reactive dog can be, you love the bones of them, and accept they have their quirks, or issues. But you find ways to manage and cope.

Give yourself a pat on the back for being the most awesome dog guardian there is. Better still comment below saying " You are an awesome dog guardian". You never know who might need to hear it.

Gemma
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Quote of the day!

It is not your fault your dog may suffer with reactive behaviour. As explained in the previous positive post reactivity is an expression that the dog is not comfortable with something for some reason. There can be many reasons why a dog is reactive. pain, digestive issues, irritations from allergies, illness, heat, previous bad experience, they may be rescue, ex street dogs, shelter dog, ex breeding bitch, the list goes on.

Reactivity may not be a temporary thing, and may not show itself all the time, it can be random, unpredictable, and have no clear trigger.

I would say 95% of cases I work with have several contributing factors the thier behaviour issues. Reactivity doesn't just happen because of one thing. In addition to the things that originally triggered the behaviour their is always maintaining factors, things that happen daily in our routine with our dog that add fuel to the fire.

So many owners blame themselves, especially if they have had the bad luck having more than one reactive dog, they seem to think they are then the problem. I asure you you are not, unless you are miss treating your dog then I guarantee you are not the cause.

Even owners that suffer from depression and anxiety, you are not the cause. Yes our dogs can feel our emotions, and our emotions and behaviours impact our dogs, but this will not be the initially triggering cause for your dog's reactivity. There is much more going on beneath the surface.

Gemma
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Positive quote of the day!

You are not alone in the journey. 73% of dogs in the Uk have some form of reactive behaviour for varying reasons.

Remember reactivity is a way of your dog communicating they are not comfortable with something. They cannot speak so a bigger form of communication through more elaborate body language and vocal cues is needed.

On the social spectrum only a small number of dogs are social butteflies, a huge number of dogs need time to establish relationships through controlled and positive meet ups. The expectation that EVERY dog should be dog friendly and want to play with every dog it meets has come from social pressure, not the dogs.

You only have to look at a dog food ad or a camping ad to see the pressure society puts on dogs. Unfortunately the half time these ideals that are put out there are not realistic. Bear that in mind when you next speak negatively to yourself. Your dog IS normal. Having reactive behaviour DOES NOT make him an outcast.

Gemma
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Quote of the day!

"It is easy for people to make judgement when they do not understand". You are lucky if you have dogs in your life and do not stumble across some sort of behaviour problem. Reactivity is one of the most common behaviour issues reported to vets and professionals like myself. Owning a reactive dog is life changing, and it is one of those things you don't understand until you live with a reactive dog.

Non reactive dog owners do not know how hard you work to manage walks and prevent reactive episodes. All they see is a dog reacting (potentially looking aggressive) and they are quick to judge you and your dog in that short window of time.

I must admit that before having a dog of my own and going down the carrier path I have chosen, I used to judge people with reactive dogs. I used to say thing like "why don't they train that dog?" Those owners I was quick to judge may well have sought help and be trying to implement training, but I didn't know that, and I had no right to judge. Having experienced living with reactive dogs and with the advancement in my knowledge and skill set as a behaviourist and trainer I have 100% clear understanding, and now I make it my mission to help support those who own reactive dogs.

Any looks or comments you get from others you have to let wash over. Just remember they do not understand, and therefore thier opinion is not needed, wanted or helpful, and it needs to be ignored.

Gemma
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Todays positive quote: " They do not know your dog's story or the problems and challenges you are facing".

If they don't know then they can't understand.

They don't know if your dog is a rescue, had a bad experience, recovering from an operation, recently diagnosed with a painful musculoskeletal issue and so on. They also do not know what you are trying to do to help your dog. I imagine they haven't had a reactive dog and therefore do not understand how challenging this can be.

It's easy to judge when you don't understand, so ignore these comments as they are worthless.

Gemma
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Positive quote of the day!

I will be releasing daily quotes over the next seven days to help give some positive support to all of you reactive dog guardians.

Here is today's quote. "you can only do what you can with the knowledge you have at the time". This is so true and one which I can personally relate to. Knowing what I know now I know I would have done things differently with my late reactive dog Rocky. But I did what I could at the time with the knowledge I had, as are you. Regardless of what that may look like, you have the best intension for your dog and you just want to support them the best you can. This may mean how you handled things a year a go may be different to now, which is great. But don't beat yourself up about things you now regret or wish you hadn't done, at that time you thought it was best because that is all you knew.

Gemma
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Emotional contagion is the term used when emotions and or behaviours are transferred from one person to another. Research shows that the same happens with our dogs. This means that when you have questioned weather or not your mood affects your dog, you are right.

It is important then that we factor this into our behaviour modification with our reactive dogs. As you will already be aware there is a pattern or a loop both you and your reactive dog become stuck in before you get help from a professional. This loop looks like this: You are anxious or worried about taking your dog out because you predict that he will react and the walk will be very stressful and upsetting. Your dog senses that you are feeling stressed (smells hormone changes) and will be feeling a similar way. You both leave the house highly anxious and stressed. This means you are both on edge throughout the walk, maybe you are both extra vigilant, holding tension in your muscles etc. When the trigger or stimulus then comes into the environment, panic on your end ensues and reactivity on your dog's end.

The example I have explained is the exact reason why my behaviour therapy packages do not just focus on the practical behaviour mode or training elements. There is so much foundation work that has to happen to ensure that both you and your dog are in the right frame of mind to go for that walk to start with. This has a profound effect on how successful your walks can then be.

Would you like some FREE tips on what you can implement today to make some changes in this area? Come and join the support hub where you will find the post with some added FREE tips for you to Start implementing straight away to help you and your dog have a more successful walk.

Canine Reactive Support Hub:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/275353517943614

Gemma
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Current and new clients. Please note I am away between the 5th of August to the 13th of August. Any emails or messages will be responded to when I get back.

If you are interested in booking a space for the puppy course starting on the 16th of August then please get in touch before the 5th of August.

Many thanks
Gemma
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BOOK BEFORE THE 5th OF AUGUST TO SECURE YOUR PLACE!

Spaces are still available for August puppy classes. A six-week course covering everything you need to get your pup off to the right start. Lots of supportive info for owners, under the watchful eye of a qualified trainer and behaviourist.

The new course starts on the 16th of August. Friday evenings 7-8 pm at Whitecroft Memorial Hall, for pups aged 12-20 weeks.

I am away from the 5th of August so if you would like a space please get in touch before then.

Contact Gemma on 07508765210

https://www.facebook.com/share/AjTeSaM2GTs3MwjP/

Currently, you do not know which way to turn. You have been questioning if you need professional help, or should try and continue to struggle on your own. At some point, your dog seemed to improve so you held off. But now his reactive episodes are becoming more frequent and intense.
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This is now having a significant effect on you and your family's life, not to mention the damage to the relationship between you and your dog. There is no question that you love your dog, but a lot of the time you do not enjoy their company and often resent them.
If you are experiencing the following you need professional help.
Questioning your dog's behaviour, not sure if it is something that can be helped.
Your social life and family life have been affected by your dog's reactive episodes.
You feel lost and in a fog, not being able to see a way out.
Don't know how to handle your dog's behaviour on a day-to-day basis.
Are overwhelmed with emotions, exhausted by it all.
Have had discussions about rehoming or having your dog put down!
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Don't let the stigma hold you back!
One of the biggest reasons owners hold back from seeking professional help is that it involves them admitting out loud that they have a 'reactive' dog.
There is a massive stigma attached to the label 'reactive'. This is due to a lack of knowledge and understanding by the general public and badly constructed media. You see, reactive dogs are not naughty dogs who seek joy in upsetting their owners. Often we find the root cause is emotionally driven, undiagnosed illness or discomfort.
This said it is still extremely hard for owners to reach out and seek help, I know! I have been where you are right now. Unfortunately, my experience with professional trainers and behaviourists at the time was not a great one. I was made to feel like 'just' another dog client. There was no sympathy or connection.
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When you are at your wit's end with your dog's behaviour and you finally pluck up the courage to pick up that phone or send that email, you need to be met with professionalism, sympathy, and non-judgmental advice.
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That's where I come in!
In-depth behaviour consultation

As a fully qualified Behaviourist and Dynamic Dog Practitioner, my consultations differ significantly from the traditional approach.

I will take a deep dive into all aspects of your dog's life to establish the root cause of the behaviour. Some areas I look at are; diet, health, training history, previous experiences, relationship dynamics, behaviour, and environment. I also include a functional assessment and look at how your dog goes about his day-to-day activities. How he eats, drinks, walks, rests, plays, and moves in general can tell me a lot about what is going on for him physically, which may or may not be contributing to or causing the behaviour problem.

What to expect from an in-depth behavioural assessment

1) An initial call to establish what is going on for you and your dog, and to talk you through the process.
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2) Liaising with your vet to obtain your dog's medical history and to give them a heads-up that we will be working together. We may need your vet's support later on.
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3) History gathering: A simple form for you to complete before the consultation itself, this helps to give me a head start and a baseline to work from.
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4) Behaviour observation: where possible and where safe to do so, I ask that you get video footage of your dog’s behaviour for me to analyze.
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5) Deep dive – This is a 90-minute fact-finding session where I gather all of the information I need to get a good understanding of why your dog is behaving the way he is.
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6) Functional assessment – I will ask you to gather specific videos and photos for me to view to help support our findings from the deep dive.
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7) Report – I will put together a report to help you understand your dogs behaviour, summarise things discussed in the consultation and support the functional assessment. Where applicable a Veterinary report will be put together to supply to your vet with clear evidence of potential physical areas to be investigated or contributing factors affecting the behaviour of your dog.
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8 - Feedback zoom – 30-minute chat to talk through the findings, discuss our next steps and go through the proposed treatment plan

Consultations can be done virtually or in person depending on your location. Canine Reactive will advise which is most appropriate depending on the behaviour problem presented. If there is a risk of bite or the dog will become too stressed or anxious with a stranger in the home, then you will be advised on a virtual consult.

Virtual consultations are recorded and a copy can be sent to you for future reference.

Prices

Virtual £195.00

In-person £215.00 ** Visits outside of a ten-mile radius are subject to a fuel charge at 50p per mile**

If you own a reactive dog I imagine at some point you have tried to seek Information on how you can help your dog. This may have led you to click links from Facebook ads/posts, an afternoon on YouTube, or try to implement the techniques you have seen on a certain dog TV program.

I don't know about you, but when I was in that situation I found it MORE confusing and overwhelming than helpful. No one trainer can seem to agree on the "right" method, you are not sure if you agree with said method, but are so desperate to help your dog you give it a try anyway. Quickly you find that you have tried a handful of things leaving you confused, your dog confused and no progress made.

So what's the best thing to do?
What are you waiting for? Join today.to advice from too many resources leaves your head spinning. Stop listening to EVERYTHING.
2) Focus on finding a safe space like the Canine Reactive Support Hub where you can get safe, ethical, advice you can trust from a qualified professional (me).
3) Support - you are not the only dog owner experiencing this, and you should not try and face this journey on your own. The Canine Reactive Support Hub is based around support. Non-judgemental support from owners going through the same thing.
4) Profesional help - there is no way around it. If you are serious about helping your dog you need professional help. Your dog is unique and the driving forces behind his behaviour will be unique to him. Only by working with a professional with you be able to implement what is right for your individual dog and you.

I would like to invite you to the Canien REactive Support Hub. Besides the lovely supportive community we have there, there are lots of useful tips and info to help get you started on your journey.

What you waiting for? Join today.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/275353517943614

Click link to read full post.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Dbkmxbeo6Gcobr7f/

When I take on new clients and we are discussing behaviour modification for their dog, I often suggest stooge work.

Stooge work allows us to set the reactive dog up for success around the stimuli which then gives us windows of opportunity to capture and reward more desirable (non-reactive) behaviour.

For example, if your dog is fear-reactive towards other dogs, throwing them into a class "social" training set-up will be overwhelming for them. It is also very hard to control all parameters in these situations, and often involves other reactive dogs that may be reacting during the session, also working with reactive dogs requires a lot of focus and concentration from the professional you are working with. I cannot see how a professional can ensure all dogs are kept under threshold when they have several in a group. This runs the risk of many dogs experiencing a negative experience around something they are already scared of. This is not what your sensitive dog needs.

They are most likely to go into shutdown in this type of environment, which can often be mistakenly seen as the dog "coping", because they are not reacting. What is actually happening is that the dog is so overwhelmed, that the nervous system has shut down, and the dog can't do anything.

What you and your dog need is a controlled and trusted environment.

I use very calm and well trained stooge dogs to help other dogs learn new ways to behave and cope that do not require reactivity.

These sessions are set up so your dog starts off at a distance where they can see the stooge dog, but remain calm. We then work on rewarding behaviour we like e.g. looking at the stooge dog with relaxed body language. We build this up so the dog can offer this more and more ( along with other positive behaviours), and we then can work on reducing the distance between reactive dog and stooge dog. We then work on developing this further to try and mimic the various situations that may happen during a walk. Such things may include following another dog, being followed, walking by, sitting or standing to the side and waiting for the other dog to pass by, parallel walking and approaching head-on.

As much as it is about setting the reactive dog up to offer a new way to behave that is non-reactive. We also work on the owners' ability to read their dog's body language, the timing of cues for successful focus and implementation of cues, lead handling skills that enable you full control but also ensure your dog is not being triggered, and much more.

Only in a controlled stooge situation can you really apply what is needed for both dog and owner to learn the new skills they need to make positive changes in the right direction. These sessions are extremely valuable and are the best way to help change behaviour in reactive dogs without compromising their welfare.

Picture below: The amazing Bertie (pug X JRT) who is one of my stooges and the beautiful Ingrid (Saluki cross) during one of her many sessions.

Thanks for reading.

Gemma
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What makes Canine Reactive different to any other dog behaviour/training business?

3) Unrivalled support - non-judgemental support to keep you and your dog on the right track. Clients get access to me in between their weekly sessions should they need any words of encouragement or need help troubleshooting a specific problem with their dog.
1) Through personal (negative) experience I know how important it is to feel safe and supported when seeking help for your reactive dog. I also know, and understand how crucial it is that you get up-to-date, scientific backed, ethical help for your dog.
3) Unrivalled support - non-judgemental support to keep you and your dog on the right track. Clients get access to me in between their weekly sessions should they need any words of encouragement or need help troubleshooting a specific problem.
4) Gemma specialises in reactive dog behaviour, meaning she is focused solely on you and your dogs specific needs and requirements.
5) I am not just a dog trainer, nor am i just a canine behaviourist, I'm also a qualified Dynamic Dog practitioner. This means I can spot if discomfort may be contributing to your dogs behaviour, which is crucial, given that 80% of behaviour cases presented to vets have undiagnosed discomfort or pain at the heart of the problem.

You have the opportunity to get to know me better through a non-obligatory FREE phone call.

Link in the comments.

I can't wait to speak to you.

Gemma
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My journey started over thirty years ago. I was animal obsessed and was (still am) a huge David Attenborough fan. I would watch all of the wildlife documentaries and dream of being the next David or a vet.

During my last years of secondary school I got an after-school job at my local vets, helping to clean out the kennels, stock up the consult rooms, help care for the patients, and general cleaning.

I discovered Hartpury College when I was looking for further education. The school I went to had a careers department with lots of connections to the local college, but all the courses subjects I was not interested in, and no animal-based courses at all. Luckily due to me working in the vets and having various conversations with the nurses, I was pointed in the direction of Hartpury College. I did a two-year college course in animal husbandry and care. Part of my course required six weeks of work experience. I found a local dog trainer and behaviourist and from that moment on I was hooked on behaviour. I decided there and then that becoming a vet was off the table and animal behaviour was the way forward.

I then went on to do my degree in animal behaviour. When I left university I wanted to pursue a lifelong dream of volunteering in an Orangutan rehabilitation centre. So I did, for a month. This work also involved behaviour observations for their research and records. I LOVED IT.

When I got home I had to get a job, so I responded to an advert for a vets not far from me that was looking for a receptionist. I was still figuring out my career path at this point. Whilst at the vets, only a few months in, a stray dog was brought in. A very scruffy, young, wild, German Shepherd. Our eyes met over the reception desk, and little did I know this dog would change my life and guide me onto the path of where I am today.

This dog had no chip, no collar, was stinky, malnourished, wasn’t house trained, had no manners, hatted men, and was generally unruly. So naturally I homed him.

Rocky as he became known sent me on a journey of education, understanding, compassion, patience, and growth.

You see he hated men, which luckily we quickly managed to get over. But he was reactive to dogs, and very protective of me. Back then I had only a little knowledge specifically relating to canine behaviour but was not equipped with the understanding and tools needed to help a reactive dog. I knew basic dog training which I implemented with success, but the reactive part was a whole different game.

Due to Rocky’s behaviour I decided I wanted to learn more. So I embarked on several dog-specific training courses, then studied more specifically into reactive behaviour and aggression. This sent me down a rabbit hole of never-ending learning.
While still trying to manage Rocky day-to-day.

A few years in I needed professional help. I had had several incidences in the woods on walks that led me to come home crying my eyes out. I was reluctant to ask for help because I felt embarrassed, so had put it off for years. But, we needed help.
After a very stressful walk on one occasion, I plucked up the courage to contact a behaviourist for help. I was hoping for understanding, reassurance and guidance. What I got was far from that. I was met with cold and assertive energy, I was told it was my fault my dog was reactive, and I shouldn’t have got a German Shepherd as my first dog.
Needless to say, I came away from the very brief conversation feeling worse than I did at the start. Understandably this put me off seeking help elsewhere as I thought every other professional would respond the same way. I then contacted the trainer I had work experience with to see if she knew anyone who could rehome Rocky. Luckily, she didn’t.

Rocky is the reason Canine Reactive exists. I was so upset and angry about how reactive dog owners were viewed and treated, I thought there had to be another way.
I knew that besides helping to change the dogs behaviour these owners needed understanding and compassion, as well as support.
So I started my career path in dog training and behaviour. Over the years my knowledge base and qualifications have grown in all areas related to reactive dog behaviour and aggression.

Since that moment I have gained several certificates and diplomas in dog training, obtained a diploma in holistic canine behaviour, completed the aggression in dog master course by Michael Shikashio, Become a Dynamic Dog Practitioner and much more.

Rocky showed me there was a massive opportunity to provide a service that wasn’t out there. Unfortunately, we lost Rocky when he was 9 years old to cancer. But he taught me everything there is to know about living with a reactive dog and showed me the way to helping others and for that I will always be grateful. I now get to help dogs and their owners make positive changes and enjoy each other again.

Thank you Rocky. This post is for you.

Love you and miss you.
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HYPONATREMIA 🐾
Did you know that if dogs swallow too much water when the are swimming, they can become seriously ill? This is called Hyponatremia - very low levels of sodium in the blood. It occurs when a dog swallows too much water and it dilutes the amount of sodium in the blood.

This doesn't mean no more swimming, it just means be careful that your dog does not get too excited and make sure that they do not spend excessive amounts of time in the water in one go.

👀 Water intoxication signs incl:
- Staggering/loss of coordination
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Glazed eyes
- Excessive salivation

While all dogs are at risk of water intoxication if they swallow too much water, some dogs are more at risk than others. These include:
- Small dogs that only need to swallow a small amount of water to have too much
- High energy dogs that may spend more time in the water
- Dogs with little fat to absorb excess fluid

Hi! Welcome to Canine Reactive.

My name is Gemma O'Leary and I am a qualified dog trainer and behaviourist specializing in helping reactive dogs and their owners.

It is no coincidence that you have landed here on my page. Like me many years ago you have been trolling Facebook and Google to find a trainer & behaviourist to help you with your reactive dog.

Your dog is your most precious thing in your life and seeing them so distressed when they react upsets you greatly. You want to help them. You also want to make sure that you get the right help.

Unfortunately, when I sought help for my reactive GSD I was shocked at how cold and emotionless the approach was to helping owners with dogs that have behaviour issues. I felt worse asking for help than I did beforehand ( and it took a lot for me to pluck up the courage to ask in the first place). I was made to feel like I had failed my dog, and it was my fault he was the way he was. Fast forward to now and I know that's not the case. I also know that unfortunately some of the methods I was advised actually made his behaviour worse.

I have felt passionate about helping dogs and owners ever since, with a huge focus on ensuring the owner is supported as much as the dog.

I decided to do things differently from other trainers and behaviourists.

1) I look at your dog as a 'whole'. This means I look at every aspect of their life including homing history, diet, health, relationship dynamics, environment, training history, experiences, the behaviour in question, movement and confirmation, and much more. This way no stone is left unturned and we can get to the root cause of the problem which is essential for a good prognosis.

2) Support - you are the one who has to implement the training and behaviour modification, you are the one who has to face the daily challenges of living with a reactive dog, therefore it is essential you are supported. I will not give you a list of instructions to get on with, I will support you every step of the way. There are no one-off sessions with me.

3) You will be given everything you need to cope day-to-day. Behaviour does not change overnight, and despite what the TV shows tell you there are no quick fixes. Creating behaviour change takes time and commitment. Therefore I will give you tools to help you cope day to day while you and your dog are in the transition period.

4) Unlike other trainers and behaviourists I am one of very few who can also spot if your dog is potentially suffering discomfort (undiagnosed). 80% of behaviour cases have undiagnosed pain as a causal or contributing factor, so this is very important.

5) I also offer an initial non-obligatory FREE chat so you can get to know me and I can help you understand the process and how I work. This way you can feel more comfortable about who you are booking with should you choose to.

If you would like to speak with me then you can book your FREE discovery call using the link in the comments section below.

I look forward to hearing about your dog.

Gemma
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