Dog Park Etiquette

Understanding Reactivity in Dogs

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:43:00 GMT

Understanding Reactivity in Dogs

Reactivity is talked about a lot amongst dog owners and trainers but do we know exactly what reactivity is, what it looks like and what causes it? The term itself is a broad term that encompasses a range of behaviours and underlying causes and there are varying interpretations or definitions of what constitutes "reactive" behaviour in dogs.

For me, dog reactivity refers to an exaggerated or heightened response displayed by a dog when encountering a normal stimulus, such as other dogs, strangers, or environmental triggers. It is the observable behaviours, outlined below, that determine whether a dog is considered reactive.

I n some cases, frustration, fear, and anxiety can feed into one another, creating a cycle of escalating reactivity. For example, a dog may initially experience frustration due to a barrier preventing them from reaching a desired outcome. This frustration can then trigger anxiety and fear as the dog becomes more apprehensive about the situation. The heightened anxiety and fear can further exacerbate the dog's frustration, leading to increased reactivity.

There is a belief that addressing the behaviour alone will fix the problem and it's true, suppression techniques may temporarily inhibit the reactive behaviour, giving the appearance of improvement. However, without addressing the root cause of the behaviour, the underlying emotional state remains unresolved. This may lead to a false sense of security, if the dog's fear, anxiety, or frustration remains unaddressed, it can potentially result in an escalation of reactivity in the future or cause the dog to redirect their anxiety or frustration onto other targets.

Reactive behaviour is often an expression of distress or discomfort. Addressing the underlying cause helps improve the dog's emotional state, reduces stress and enhances their overall quality of life. It provides a foundation for behaviour modification and training that goes beyond simply suppressing reactive behaviours. By addressing the root cause, the dog learns to develop new coping mechanisms, build resilience, and improve their overall behaviour and responses to triggers providing the best possible outcomes for the dog and owner.

Puppy Toilet training

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:15:20 GMT

How To Toilet Train Your Puppy

Puppy toilet training can be frustrating but with patience and consistency, you can expect fast results.

Toilet training can begin as soon as you get your puppy. Just remember, puppies are very active. They eat and drink more than adult dogs, and also get fed more frequently.

Start Your training Right

Set yourself and your puppy up to succeed.

Have these items to hand and let's go!!

Make sure that you always give your puppy plenty of toilet breaks, take them out often, especially:

After a meal
Before bed time
When they wake up (after every nap/rest)
After play

Also watch for signs that your puppy wants to go to the toilet:

Sniffing around when they were previously settled or playing
Circling in the same spot before squatting
Becoming more restless

When you recognise the signs follow these steps:

Put the lead on your dog and take them to a designated spot in the garden
Use a specific word to mark the moment they go so the they associate it with the behaviour (toilet, quick quick etc.)
When they've finished reward them immediately with lots of praise, and a high value treat

Didn't get there in time? What to do when there's an accident

Don't get upset - accidents happen, just clean it up and wash the area with an enzyme cleaner to remove the smell. A warm solution of biological washing powder will also work
Don't punish your dog, rubbing their nose in it will not fix the problem. This will only teach your dog to fear you and they will start to hide where they go

Continue taking your dog outside and reward them with lots of praise when they go and eventually they'll ask to go outside to toilet

Dog Park Etiquette

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:04:55 GMT

Dog Parks - The Do's and Don'ts

Are you a fan of dog parks? Personally, I'm not, but I understand why so many people love them. They offer a controlled environment for dogs to interact with others, improving their social skills and overall behaviour. Additionally, dog parks can be a fun and engaging experience, fostering a sense of community among dog owners.

However, it's important to consider the unpredictable behaviour of different dogs, the lack of control in off-leash environments, and the potential health and safety risks associated with dog parks.

When visiting a dog park, practising proper etiquette helps create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

Here are some tips for dog park etiquette:

Size and Layout

Evaluate the size and layout of the park. It should be large enough to allow dogs to move around comfortably and engage in play without feeling crowded or confined. Look for areas that provide both open spaces and areas with trees or shade for dogs to take breaks if needed.

Fencing and safety: Check the condition of the fencing to ensure it is secure and in good repair, with no gaps or holes that could allow dogs to escape. Also, look for double-gated entrances to prevent dogs from bolting out when new dogs enter or leave the park.

Separation of small and large dogs: If your dog is small or has a timid temperament, having separate areas for small and large dogs can be beneficial. This separation can help prevent accidental injuries or overwhelming experiences for smaller or more reserved dogs.

Gate Manners

The entrance gate of a dog park often experiences a high level of activity and excitement. Dogs may be eager to enter the park and dogs in the park may rush over to the gate, leading to congestion and a potentially chaotic environment. This heightened excitement can lead to frustration and increase the chance of aggressive behaviour between dogs.

Assess the situation: If there are several dogs near the entrance, wait for a moment when there is a clear path, this allows for a smoother and calmer entry.

Close the gate and move away as soon as you enter. Moving away from the gate helps redirect your dog's focus and minimises any stress or overstimulation that may arise from the commotion near the entrance.

Once you move away from the gate, it allows your dog to start exploring the park and engaging in play more freely. This promotes a positive experience and allows your dog to acclimate to the park's environment, interact with other dogs and expend energy in a more relaxed and enjoyable manner.

Supervise Your Dog

Always keep an eye on your dog and maintain control of their behaviour. Be attentive to their interactions with other dogs and intervene, if necessary, to prevent any potential conflicts or rough play.

Allow dogs to greet each other appropriately and respect other owners' wishes regarding their dog's personal space. Not all dogs enjoy being crowded and they can become overwhelmed, so be mindful of their comfort level.

No Toys, Food or Training

Bringing toys or food into the park can trigger resource guarding behaviours and potentially cause conflict among dogs. It's generally best to leave such items at home to minimise potential problems.

Dog parks are also not the ideal environment for training or addressing specific behaviour issues in dogs. The distractions and uncontrolled interactions can hinder training progress or exacerbate existing behavioural problems. Anxious dogs may experience heightened stress levels which can negatively impact their overall well-being.

Know Your Dog's Limits

Be aware of your dog's limitations, such as their socialisation skills, energy levels and tolerance for certain behaviours. If your dog becomes overwhelmed, take a break or leave the park to ensure their well-being.

Before entering the park, take a moment to observe the dogs already present. If you think your dog may not be comfortable in that environment, don't go in. Wait for a quieter time.

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It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of dog parks and assess if they are suitable for your dog's personality, behaviour and individual needs. If you decide to visit a dog park, always prioritise your dog's safety, well-being and comfort.