Happy Dogs

27/07/2025

Since when did we equate sitting with "politeness" ?
Is it time to reassess the "Sit"?
It's a reflex of ours to always ask for it.
It becomes a "default" cue....whether it's "needed" or not.

A change of position does not change their emotions.
It can be incredibly frustrating for them.
Is there anything wrong with just standing near us?

Do we insist on a sit when they are clearly showing us they are feeling anxious?
Is it always the most asked for position?

Does it really help?....or is it a habit that we have and it's difficult to break?

25/07/2025

🐶 Are you curious about how dogs learn?
Perhaps you have a new puppy or an older dog who has some less than ideal behaviours?
Join us THIS MONDAY NIGHT for 'How Dogs Learn', 28 July 2025, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at Byron Bay Community Centre.
Gain valuable insights and strategies for helping anxious, fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs.
Raising money for BYRON DOG RESCUE 🐕
$45 per ticket
Be in the draw to WIN PRIZES!!! 🎁 First 30 people to buy tickets can win a variety of dog food, treats, toys, books & dog training vouchers with Michelle at HAPPY DOGS
Don't miss out!
Buy tickets on Happy Dogs website:
https://www.happydogsbyronbay.com/event-details/how-dogs-learn

22/07/2025

1 Spot left for our PUPPY CLASS on TONIGHT at 6PM! 🐾 If your new puppy is between 8 -15 weeks and has had at least 1 vaccination they can attend! Don't miss out! Sign up now: https://wix.to/5U7NXpi

22/07/2025

Join us for an educational and engaging talk on 'How Dogs Learn'! 🐾
Discover effective strategies to help anxious, fearful, and reactive dogs.
Monday 28 July 2025, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Byron Bay Community Centre.
Rating money for BYRON DOG RESCUE!
First 30 tickets sold go into the draw to win PRIZES that include dog treats, toys, books & training vouchers.
Get your tickets here: https://wix.to/a5OW591

20/07/2025

If every day feels like a battle....it's time to zoom out a bit.
Reactivity doesn't improve by accident.
It improves when we look at the bigger picture.
These areas need attention....every day, multiple times a day.

"I can't do multiple training sessions a day"
Maybe you can if they're shorter?
Can you break that half hour into 3 x 10 minute sessions instead?

"He has 8 hours sleep at night"
Great!....now let's get some more enrichment in to help him actually rest and sleep during the day, he's desperate for it.

"I throw her ball 2 - 3 times a day"
That could be adding some fuel onto the fire.
Maybe we should lower that high arousal associated with that game and try a more calming and mentally stimulating game instead?

Having a reactive dog is hard work.
There is no doubt about that.

Let's look at ways to do things differently.... especially if you are stuck.

20/07/2025

20/07/2025

Frustration often causes unwanted behaviour.
However it is often a cry for clarity and not more "control" by us.
When they can't access what they want....toys, other dogs or even the chance to run, it causes dogs frustration.
Are we really looking at ways to address that or just wanting "obedience"....because that frustration must be addressed.

Crates.
Used well...they're helpful.
Used too much....a major cause of frustration.

Even a lead can cause frustration.
Leash reactive dog anyone?

Autonomy.....we don't look at this enough.
A dog needs to have choice.
We just need to guide that choice appropriately.
They can start to show great decisions.
We can trust them more in situations because of those good decisions.

That frustration starts to drop away.

Add in enrichment and sharpen those "sometimes rules". ..... watch what happens.

19/07/2025

One walk.
Two goals.
That's the problem.
If progress has stalled....it may be time to split those goals.
We're all busy.
Multitasking seems logical for us.....we're time poor so try to do it all at once.
Squishing everything into that 20 mins or half an hour can work against you.

Some dogs can handle both.
Many can't.

If your training has stalled....are you asking too much of your dog?

Are you expecting calm one minute and then dart from place to place the next?
Wanting focus straight after a high arousal game?

Split them up, but something else something to consider.....many reactive dogs already struggle with over arousal and for those dogs, high arousal exercise such as running and frisbee etc may need limited. Even if you split those walks.

If you feel stuck...it may be time to hit the pause button on those areas too for a while.

It does need monitoring but is often a catalyst for real change.