Barker Behaviour and Training

29/05/2025

As we know better, so we need to do better! Good little podcast, worth the listen as desexing affects behaviour as well and not always the way you may think, it can sometimes make it worse.

Podcast Episode · pureANIMAL Collective · 06/05/2025 · 58m

30/04/2025

THE PLOT TO DOMINATE HUMANS

We hear it far too much - “my dog is dominant” or “trying to be the alpha” or “I have to be the pack leader to show my dog who’s in charge”.

The definition of dominance - dominant in the chain of command / occupying or being in a commanding or elevated position / having a controlling, prevailing, or powerful position in a social hierarchy. Do we really believe this of our dogs in the context of our relationship with them? Are dogs really trying to take over our homes and rule the world?

We control everything in their lives - what and when they eat, when they go out, their choices, where they sleep, who they interact with, their environment etc. and yet it’s still believed they are trying to dominate us.

Yes, dominance between dogs does exist, but not in the way that we may assume. It exists in certain situations or contexts, is fluid and may constantly change. It’s not usually about using force but about one individual deferring to another.

Dogs know that we are not dogs and they don’t expect us to behave like other dogs.

Dogs need us to be their advocate, a source of security, of safety and a secure base from which they can navigate our world – not a source of pain, fear, intimidation, force, competition and dominance.

There is a vast amount of scientific evidence and information available that debunks the dominance myth as it pertains to our relationship with dogs.

Here are just a few links and references for further information -

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour – “An appropriate trainer should avoid any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains prong collars, or electronic shock collars), intimidation (sq**rt bottles, shaker noise cans, compressed air cans, shouting, staring, or forceful manipulations such as "alpha rolls" or "dominance downs physical correction techniques (leash jerking, physical force), or flooding exposure. The learner must always feel safe and have the ability to "opt out” of training sessions”

Why Dominance Theory Fails in Dog Training
https://readypupgo.biz/why-dominance-theory-fails-in-dog-training/

Dr Anne Mcbride & SJ Evans
https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/APBC-Dominance-Article.pdf

Dr. L. David Mech talks about the terms "alpha" and "beta" wolves and why they are no longer scientifically accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNtFgdwTsbU

26/04/2025

22/04/2025

Do you have a new puppy? We have a couple places left in our Puppy Preschool classes starting either Saturday 26th of April at 9am or Tuesday 29th of April at 6.30pm, 1 hour x 4 weeks. Please book online at https://www.barkerbehaviour.com.au/ and your puppy can make new friends and start foundation training, while you are getting up to date Vet approved information to give your puppy the right start in life. Your pup only needs to have had their first vaccination usually given at 6-7 weeks to attend. Video 1 is controlled gentle play during preschool and video 2 is Bentley and Brix, new friends playing after puppy preschool while we are packing up. What fun!

07/12/2024

🎆Warning🎆Tonight is Mount Barker's Christmas carols and Fireworks. While most people especially children love them, a lot of pets find them very frightening and scary. Here are some things you can do to lessen the effects on your pets and make them feel safer. When we say pets it is not just dogs or cats that are affected, Guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and other animals all show signs of stress and fear to fireworks. At the very least you should bring your animals inside and make sure they are safe and secure. As you would comfort a child if they were scared, so you should comfort your pet if they are scared too.🫶

31/10/2024

Today is Halloween and many children will be going Trick or Treating. It is a good idea to think about our pets too, as Halloween can be scary or stressful time for them. If your dog is nervous of new people or people in costume, it may be better to shut them away or put them in the backyard so they don’t get stressed. Also while some pets don’t mind being dressed up, others find it stressful or scary, so only dress up your pet if they are comfortable with it. While we all love treats many of them are unsuitable for our pets to eat and can make them very ill so just stick to pet treats for your pets. Big thanks to Remkyn Poodles for the lovely Halloween photos.

07/08/2024

Wednesday Wisdom:
Do you know the dangers of chip or plastic bags to our pets and wildlife? People are aware of the dangers of suffocation from plastic bags to small children, but this happens more often than people realise to our pets as well. Discarded food bags are very tempting to dogs and some cats. Please make sure food bags are cut down the sides and placed in a rubbish bin to be safe. This even happened to one of our staff's father's dog. Fortunately the dog was able to be revived but the outcome was very nearly very different. ❤️‍🩹

11/07/2024

Couldn't have put it better myself. This is what we tell all our puppy people. Teach the behaviour you do want and reward it frequently so it is worth your puppy doing.

🗣️ One common frustration voiced by puppy parents is the repetitive cycle of saying "no" to their biting puppy, only to find the behavior persisting despite being told “NO!” a thousand times.

🤔 It's not surprising, considering that "no" is not a behavior itself. When your puppy jumps, bites your hands, scratches you, and you suddenly utter "NO," your puppy doesn’t understand what you want. Do you want them to stop biting, scratching, jumping, or tugging at your clothes?

No doesn’t tell your puppy what you want them to do.

🐶 Puppies don't comprehend English by default. Words hold no meaning for them unless we associate specific actions with those words through training. To them, it's merely sound.

🚫 "No" doesn't provide your puppy with clear guidance on what you desire. They might be just as puzzled about your intentions as you are about why they "aren't listening."

⚠️ And, if you say "NO" while your puppy is jumping and biting, you might unintentionally reinforce the behavior. Your attention becomes a form of reward when you engage with them (remember, they don't understand the word "no"). Your instinctive movements to protect yourself by shifting your hands, feet, arms, and legs can inadvertently encourage the jumping and biting—creating a super fun game for puppies.

🔄 Instead of tirelessly repeating "no," redirect your puppy's attention to an appropriate toy or chew.

🗨️ "You can't chew on me, but you can chew on this."