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23.12.21
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs weeing when they greet visitors.
With visitors coming and going at this time of year I thought it might be helpful to discuss, ‘Dogs weeing when greeting visitors…’Yes yes this may be a tad embarrassing for you the owner butthis can be submissive or excitement urination from your dog.For this issue, PUNISHMENT WILL MAKE THIS WORSE NOT BETTER!Excitement Urination - It’s like, ‘I’m so excited I peed my pants!’Excitement urination is seen particularly in young dogs who haven’t developed their muscle control, so gets better over time. Take your pup for more frequent walks to empty their bladder and try to always greet your dog calmly or not until they calm down. Then if needed, clean up their mess and ignore the action.Submissive Urination -Again this is more common in young and also female dogs but your dog will be showing what are called ‘appeasement’ signs - a lowered body, flattened ears, rolling over as well as licking and looking away. It is good to approach these dogs from the side and in a quieter, gentler way.Again, if urination does happen, do not react verbally or physically, just calmly clean up the mess if need be, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
18.12.21
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The Christmas Rush.
Tis’ the Season! Christmas can be quite a stressful time of year for your beloved dogs as well.There can be extra people in your home with guests visiting (and possibly the shrill coming from ‘little people’) lots of exciting wrapping paper mountains, flashing lights and in general a lot more ‘buzz’ around.We humans refer to it as ‘The Christmas Rush.' For me, it’s absolute ‘crazy time’ busy.My tip for this time of year is for both your dog and yourself, to keep up the ‘release’ that comes from including exercise in your life.With dogs (and yes, at least some humans) pent up energy causes an increase in tension and anxiety.Also, mental exercise for your dog is just as important, especially at this time of year.Did your dog get into those bags of Christmas presents you didn’t even have a chance to wrap yet? He or she may be bored.You and your pack will get through the Christmas crazies❤ Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
11.12.21
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Christmas Stress. Signs of stress in your dog.
There is a lot of stress around at the moment and this can be reflecting onto your dog also.Signs of stress in dogs -There are many different signs that your dog can be showing that he or she is a bit stressed. *Importantly, when checking through the list below, it is still about the big picture and with this, it is always advisable to undertake a thorough Veterinary examination to rule out a medical issue.The signs -~ Excessive drooling~ Excessive shedding~ Panting (dogs actually should only really pant after a great deal of physical activity or in the heat).~ A curved in/tucked in tail.~ Tummy upsets.~ Destructive behaviour- which can include upon themselves - excessively licking or biting - often the legs and paws.~ Avoidance - Hiding, turning away, isolating themselves. The anxiety present triggers the ‘Flight’ response (of ‘Flight or ‘Fight’).~ In contrast, a fight or aggressive response to stress.~ Pinned back ears on your dogs head.~ Yawning - A dog placed in a stressful situation may yawn involuntarily.Yawning can often progress to vocalization such as whimpering, whining, barking or growling.~ With high levels of stress, inappropriate urination can occur - perhaps when going to the vets, when ’strangers’ come for a visit etc.Depending on your situation, we look to either the elimination of the stressful stimuli (which can be complicated but is achievable) or management.Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page at www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz or head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with @harpercollinsnz 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂26.12.2020
With more children interacting with dogs over the holiday period -Many children I come across in my school visits, say a friendly dog has a wagging tail but a tail wag does not always mean a friendly dog …The dog may have their tail tucked down low and wagging, they are a bit scared. Or when a dog’s tail is wagging up ’stiff like a board’ (almost ‘ping ping ping’) instead of ‘flowing like a wave,’ this is not a good, friendly sign!Education is key (I offer free dog safety & education talks to schools within my business area) Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
Admin - 10:33:05 @ Safety Around Dogs, Reactionary Behaviour, 'Tis the Season'
10.09.2020
As part of the noise aversion scenario, it is common for dogs to become sensitive to stimuli that forecast something else. For example, with a dog that is scared of thunder, they have been known to react to the air pressure dropping, which leads to the wind getting up, which often accompanies thunder. Most markedly, your dog may start to pace and whine when the wind increases. [Read More…]
Admin - 11:37:48 @ Guy Fawkes and similar stressors for dogs, Stress in Dogs, 'Tis the Season'
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