Dogz

Where are your trainers this week?

Congratulations to our Canine High Graduates!

What a great job (from L to R): Lemon, Buck, Zoey, Ariohe and Lipo and their families!

Classes are filling up fast!
Click here to register today: https://pocketsuite.io/book/dogz

Any local friends willing to foster? 8 puppies were dumped in a bucket in an alley. 6 week old Chihuahua mixes!

There is also an ADORABLE 9 month old lab mix with a leg injury (picture in comments)

Art by Dave Coverly
www.instagram.com/speedbumpcomic

Purchased a Rattlesnake Vaccine for your dog? Free Case Review

Knowledge about dog behaviour is important. It's a no brainer. But why? 🤔

Well, understanding dog behaviour is crucial in effective dog training for several reasons. A deep knowledge of canine behaviour allows trainers & behaviourists to create effective, humane, and tailored training programmes. Here are the primary reasons why this knowledge is essential:

⚠️ Understanding Canine Communication.

Dogs communicate primarily through body language and vocalisations. A deep understanding of these communication methods helps to interpret what a dog is feeling or intending, which is crucial for effective training.

Body Language. Knowing the nuances of a dog’s body language, such as tail position, ear orientation, and posture, can indicate whether the dog is relaxed, anxious, or aggressive. For instance, a wagging tail doesn't always mean a dog is happy; the context and type of wag are important indicators of the dog's emotional state.

Vocalisations. Different barks, growls, and whines have distinct meanings. Recognising these sounds allows trainers to respond appropriately to a dog’s needs and emotions, facilitating better communication and training outcomes.

⚠️ Addressing Behavioural Issues.

Behavioural issues such as aggression, anxiety, and excessive barking can stem from various causes, including fear, territoriality, or past trauma. Understanding the root causes of these behaviours is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.

Anxiety. Recognising signs of anxiety and understanding its triggers (e.g., separation anxiety, noise phobia) helps in designing desensitisation and counterconditioning programmes to alleviate the dog’s stress.

⚠️ Understanding the importance and relevance of health and wellbeing vs behaviour.

Physical & mental health do impact dog behaviour more than people realise. Considering possible pain, discomfort, nutrition, appetite amount of physical activity and mental health is absolutely critical before any training can start.

⚠️ Implementing Positive Reinforcement Techniques.

A comprehensive knowledge of dog behaviour supports the use of positive reinforcement techniques, which are based on rewarding desired behaviours to encourage their repetition.

Timing and Consistency. Understanding the importance of immediate and consistent reinforcement helps trainers effectively shape and reinforce desired behaviours. This is critical as dogs learn best when there is a clear and immediate connection between their behaviour and the reward.

Motivation. Knowing what motivates a particular dog, whether it’s food, toys, or affection, allows trainers to tailor their approach to each dog’s preferences, making training more effective and engaging.

⚠️ Building Trust and Relationship.

Effective, kind and modern dog training is built on a foundation of trust between the dog and the trainer. Deep knowledge of dog behaviour helps in establishing this trust by ensuring that training methods are humane and respectful.

Avoiding Negative Methods. Understanding the detrimental effects of punishment and negative reinforcement encourages trainers to avoid these methods, which can damage the dog-trainer relationship and lead to fear or aggression.

Empathy and Respect. Recognising and respecting a dog’s individual temperament and limits fosters a positive training environment, enhancing the bond between the dog and the trainer.

⚠️ Customising Training Programs.

Dogs, like humans, have individual personalities and learning styles. Knowledge of dog behaviour enables trainers to customise training programmes to suit the specific needs and characteristics of each dog.

Breed-Specific Traits. Different breeds have distinct behavioural traits and predispositions. For example, herding breeds may require more mental stimulation, while scent hounds may need activities that engage their sense of smell.

Individual Differences. Beyond breed traits, individual dogs have unique personalities. Some may be more timid or excitable than others. Tailoring training to these individual differences ensures more effective and humane outcomes.

⚠️ Preventing and Managing Problem Behaviours

Understanding the natural behaviours of dogs helps in preventing and managing problem behaviours before they become ingrained.

Early Intervention. Recognising early signs of behavioural issues allows for timely intervention, preventing the escalation of undesirable behaviours.

Environmental Management: Knowledge of dog behaviour informs environmental management strategies, such as providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and safe spaces, which are critical for preventing behavioural problems.

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Save the date for this FREE Dog Park Safety talk on June 27th presented by Kelley Bollen, MS, CABC of Kelley Bollen Consulting!

Expected topics include how to spot and stop the potential for dog fights before they happen, how to break up dog fights safely, and other ways to socialize your dog beyond going to a dog park, plus how to understand dog body language.

- What: Dog Park Safety presentation
- When: Thursday, June 27, 2024
- Time: Presentation at 6pm; Q&A at 7pm
- Where: Washoe County Regional Animal Services Education Room
- Cost: FREE
- Hosted by Options Veterinary Care, a program of Humane Network

This presentation stems from the recent shooting at Rancho San Rafael Park after two dogs got into an altercation. The woman whose dog was shot is funding the presentation in the hopes of preventing incidents like this in the future and to raise awareness about dog behavior and dog park safety overall.

Don't miss out on the ultimate pet supply sale happening this weekend! Join Boxers and Buddies on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm for a paw-some selection of supplies for your furry, scaly, or feathered friends. From dog crates to costumes, supplements to shampoos, and even stylish clothing, we've got it all. Whether you're a proud dog parent, a devoted cat lover, or an enthusiast of reptiles, small animals, or birds, there's something for everyone at our sale. Bring your pets along and treat them to some fabulous goodies. See you there!

Dogz training teaching snake avoidance without using shock collars.
www.dogztraining.com
775-219-4121

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No matter who you "mother", we love you and appreciate you!

Happy Mother's Day

Kristi Benson, Special Correspondent to CAP, always writes the best posts. I was looking back at one of her archive pieces that considers the ways in which we're the same as dogs and the ways in which we're different, and I thought you might enjoy this quote. It's something dog trainers get very good at.