Julie Naismith, helping dogs be happy home alone

So excited to be presenting at this fabulous event. And I'm even more excited to share the news that PPG are now offering full scholarships for the event. Need more info on how to apply? Let me know!

"It's just a dog, they'll get used to it!"

Ever been told this?

This phrase pops up in all sorts of dog training scenarios.

I hear this all the time as poorly given advice, to well meaning guardians, on separation anxiety cases.

So, will they get used to it?

Well, it's very unlikely.

This technique is something called 'flooding'.

'Flooding' is when we expose the dog, all at once, to the thing they're afraid of until they give up and appear relaxed.

In reality they are most likely to have shut down.

It's an unpleasant and cruel technique that doesn't address your dog's genuine fear of being home alone. And, you will most likely have re-occurring separation anxiety episodes.

Let's be kinder to our dogs and do better!

India is 14 and a half years old today. 🥳

We didn't think we'd get here, so celebrating every milestone is important! 🎉

Happy Half-Birthday, India! 🎂

🎆 Myth Alert: "Silent" Fireworks 🐾

Every year, a story circulates about a town that supposedly uses “silent fireworks.” But here's the truth: truly silent fireworks don't exist.

While some fireworks are marketed as “quiet” or “low-noise,” they still produce sound.

My own dog, Tex, used to struggle with fireworks. 😢

He's so much better these days✅ and here are a few things that helped him, which you can try with your dog.

🏠 Create a hiding space for your dog. If you have a windowless bathroom or even a large cupboard or closet, those would be ideal spaces. Dark spaces work really well because the lights from fireworks can trigger many dogs.

🎵 Use white noise, music, a fan and layer, layer, layer the sounds.

💊 Meds. If you haven't already talked to your vet about anxiety meds, this might be the ideal time to book that appointment.

Comfort your dog if they need comforting. Don't ignore them!

If your dog is sufficiently under-threshold with all of the above, give her a something yummy to work on. 🍗

And please, please, please,🙏 whatever you do, don't lock your dog in a crate. Give them access to a crate if that's somewhere they like to hide, but keep the door open.

What about you? How's your dog with fireworks?

You'd be surprised how often this is overlooked. 😳

Always ensure your dog has access to clean and fresh drinking water.

Even puppies who are toilet training should never have their water taken away before bed. Doing so can seriously affect their kidney function. 💦

If your dog is likely to accidentally knock over their bowl or make a mess, you can get a no spill water bowl, or a bowl that clips onto the bars of their crate.

While many dogs can absolutely be crate trained to be happy and content in their crate, many dogs find confinement incredibly distressing.

With these dogs, they may never be comfortable in their crate, no matter how slow you take training... and that's ok!

It's important to recognize when dogs feel this way and explore alternatives other than a crate.

During launch week for The Essential Guide to Positive Crate Training, I'll be sharing my absolute top crating tips.

🐾 Let's start with possibly the most important one. 🏆
Some people will find this controversial. ⚠️ Lots of "whatabouts" i.e. what about crate rest, dog squabbles, destruction, visitor chaos, vet stays etc etc. 🤔

But I can tell you having worked with countless crate-phobic dogs over many years, there is nearly always an alternative. 🐶💡
What are your thoughts? 💭

This is such a common myth and often we're told we just have to get our dog a crate because they are den animals, and crates are their dens.

There is absolutely no evidence to say dogs are den animals. 🚫

It's true that some dogs like to be covered and some dogs like to hide in smaller spaces when they are frightened. But many dogs are the complete opposite and don't like those things.

It really is just personal preference.

There is no innate need for a dog to have a den.

It is SO important that your dog can properly maneuver around in their crate. They need to be able to stretch, itch, groom themselves and get into those funny sleeping positions they love so much!

This is important because limiting your dog's ability to naturally move around can affect joint growth in puppies, can cause pain in elderly dogs or dogs with joint issues and can impede your dogs ability to have a restful sleep.

Make sure you get a crate big enough for your dog, and if you are unsure go bigger!

Summer is officially here! ☀️

Have you got any summer adventures planned?

Maybe you're going hiking or heading to the beach. 🥾 🌊

I want to hear all about those amazing summer adventures you've got planned with your dog! ☀️🐶

Does your dog have a fancy crate set up? 🐶

Maybe they have lots of blankets or their favorite toys in their crate? 🐶 🦴

Let's see those crate set ups!

In preparation for my new book release, "The Essential Guide To Positive Crate Training”, coming out later this month, we're talking all things crates. 🐶📚

There's so much information online surrounding crates and everyone has an opinion on it so let's get some facts straight and hopefully make the subject a bit clearer for everyone.

Comment below on what you'd like to know about crates, any myths you'd like clearing up or any troubles you've every had with crating your dog.🐾

Happy Dog Dad Day to all the dog dads around the world! ❤️ 🌎

Thanks to all the dog dads who embrace being empathetic and compassionate to their four-legged friends, and who aren't afraid to carry a treat pouch and listen to their dog’s needs.

You're the best! 😘

Ja, de geruchten zijn waar–we zullen deze herfst de SA Pro-cursus in het Nederlands aanbieden! Vanaf 15 mei kan je je aanmelden.

Under your duvet, on the armchair, the back of the sofa, their favorite bed, or their crate? 🐶 🛋️🛌

Where is your dog's go to snoozing spot?🐶💤

Post a photo in the comments!

Lickimat sent a reply. I think we all got the same email. Copying here ICYMI.

Happy International Women’s day ❤️

UPDATE: I've posted the reply from Lickimat in the comments. So disappointing to see a brand I previously recommend - Lickimat- is promoting a trainer renowned for using aversives.

I do not support businesses that claim to enrich dogs' lives, but then choose to platform such harmful figures.

Happy World Book Day! 🌍 📚

What better way to celebrate today than to show you a cheeky sneak peek of my new crate training book that's coming out later this month. 🗓️

I'm so excited to finally be able to show you guys!

I know I sparked a debate earlier this week about my “den or dungeon post”. But here’s a video explainer.

Link in the comments.

Happy Gotcha Day, India! 🎉 You might be totally deaf, losing your sight, and getting a bit confused these days. But you're as beautiful today as you were 14 years ago. Love you to bits, baby girl! 💕 🐾

It is SO important that your dog can properly maneuver around in their crate.

They need to be able to stretch, itch, groom themselves and get into those funny sleeping positions they love so much! 🐶💤

This is important because limiting your dog's ability to naturally move around can affect joint growth in puppies, can cause pain in elderly dogs or dogs with joint issues and can impede their ability to have a restful sleep.

Make sure you get a crate big enough for your dog, and if you're unsure go bigger!

Can you house-train your puppy without a crate? Yes, and here's how! 🌟

House-training your puppy doesn't require a crate. 🚫

Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are your best tools.

Create a routine, supervise closely, and celebrate successes. 🎉

Share your crate-free training tips below! 🐾✏️

While many dogs can absolutely be crate trained to be happy and content in their crate, many dogs find confinement incredibly distressing.

With these dogs, they may never be comfortable in their crate, no matter how slow you take training... and that's ok!

It's important to recognize when dogs feel this way and explore alternatives other than a crate.

To an anxious dog, a crate is a dungeon not a den

For the month of March, we're talking all things crates, in preparation for my new book release later this month! 📖

There's so much information online surrounding crates, and everyone has an opinion on it!
So, let's get some facts straight and hopefully make the subject a bit clearer for everyone.

Comment below on what you'd like to know about crates.

Are there any myths you'd like cleared up, or any troubles you've had with crating your dog?

Oh, Percy! 🥰🐾When you’re getting on a bit and it’s all about warm snuggles.

So cute to be on a Zoom and have these two curled up in the background.

Have you ever wondered if your dog is manipulating you by barking when you leave?

It might seem like that, but luckily dogs are far better souls than us humans.

They don't manipulate. They don't do malice. And they don't act out of spite. They leave all that to us humans.

If barking gets us to come back, our dog is doing that for a reason. They can't handle being alone, and hate it when we leave.

Our job is not to scold them for "scheming" but to give them the confidence to handle being alone.

If you were in a panic and called 911, wouldn't you hope someone picked up the phone? ☎️

So please don't ignore your dog's cry for help.
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