Busimann's Dog Training

28/07/2025

If they're hiding...they're not ready.
They're not being dramatic or disobedient.
They are telling you and others as clearly as they can that they don't feel safe.
If being behind your legs makes them feel safer....let them.
They are telling you, "You make me feel safer"
Peeking at visitors behind a chair?
Same thing.
That chair or couch can be a protective "barrier".
It's safer there.
They may have more options to escape in different directions or have learned that humans struggle to reach them in their hiding spot.

Let them hide.
Let them observe....but take the pressure off next time.

If you know this happens when visitors arrive, that's an opportunity to have a plan in place for next time.

Maybe a Lickmat behind a gate.
Perhaps removing them to the backyard before your gust arrives...they know the person is inside but they can observe at that distance they need.

That's how to build confidence.

Over time that distance can get less and less.

For now though....it's clear communication that we must listen too.

28/07/2025

This is perhaps the most important thing our dogs need from us - understanding. Once we can understand how to read their body language and, vitally, understand their need to be a dog doing dog things, we can then see what we need to do to give them the best lives possible. When we can do that, our relationship moves to a whole different level. 💛

28/07/2025

Jyn is having TPLO surgery today for her Cruciate Ligament. I am not looking forward to the 8-12 weeks of rehabilitation that comes with this major operation. 😢 Jyn certainly is not going to be a happy chappy either. Hopefully, it will go well and time will continue to fly by. 🤞🤞

28/07/2025

It may look odd to us, but this quick sniff reveals a lot!
How stressed is the other dog?
Are they full of reproductive hormones or are they more mellow due to age?
Is this they same dog I met last month?

For many dogs it's a "polite" and informative greeting
For others though,it is unwanted attention.

That tail may tuck tight.
Access to the information another dog wants can be limited.
This is where some dogs persist and that can be unwanted by the "tail tucker".
The pestering is the issue and it may require you to step in and advocate.

Should dogs immediately go to the rear when they meet a dog?
Some do. Some don't.

Normal?
Absolutely!

28/07/2025

Let's not assume that behaviour is automatically a problem. Let's be aware that our dogs are telling us something crucial...

28/07/2025

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?

27/07/2025

27/07/2025

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.

27/07/2025

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.

27/07/2025

Something just seem a bit "off"?
Can't quite put your finger on it?
Bit quieter than normal or just sleeping more?
There are so many ways dogs can show us they could be in pain.
It's not as obvious as howling or limping.

Grooming that same area over and over again?

Maybe they're resting more but away from the family?

Does a part of their body just not look quite right?

You know them better than anyone.
Trust your gut when you think something just isn't right.

27/07/2025

Escalation and issues can start subtly.
Play can change in an instant.
Are you witnessing play or discomfort, from either dog.
We have a responsibility to advocate for both dogs involved.
Not just our own.
Step in if there are those little emotional shifts.

That sudden stiffening.

Those vocalisations which now have an "edge" to them.

The fast play that suddenly looks a bit frantic now.

Is the holding down of one of the dogs becoming more intense..... is there more control trying to be exerted?

Play is only play if both dogs are enjoying it.