Dog Savvy

09/08/2025

THIS MORNING'S CLASSES IN BASSENDEAN WILL BE RUNNING NORMAL TIMES

A prayer to the weather gods it will fine up by 8.30. See you brave soles there

02/08/2025

SUNDAY CLASSES ARE RUNNING TOMORROW

We have taken precautions and hired the Baskerville Hall, 129 Memorial Avenue, Baskerville for training tomorrow. We will be dry no matter the weather. Classes are at normal times. As we are training indoors please toilet your dog before coming in.

We have a new beginners class starting at 9.30 am so can the 8.30 class be aware of the new dogs when leaving the hall.

See you all there

28/07/2025

26/07/2025

BASSENDEAN CLASSES ARE CANCELLED THIS MORNING
It's looking like a very wet, windy morning and not nice for training.
The free info / beginners class is postponed to next week.

21/07/2025

I get terrible road rage. I don’t know why. I am not an as***le driver but man, anyone who has been in the car with me or regularly voiceclips with me will have heard me swear like a sailor because of a slow driver (honestly, driving 10-15 km under the speed limit has me blow up) or because someone doesn’t indicate.

It was just the other day I said to a friend “I wish it was legal to just rear end people to get them to hurry the F up.” Id get a bullbar installed on my car asap.

Except it is not legal. And the reason I do NOT give in to my frustrations is because im afraid of the consequences.

- injury to another person
- Insurance won’t cover it
- Cost and damage to my car
- An assault charge
- Potentially getting arrested
- Or potentially someone beating me up

Also id be too much of a p***y to actually do it.

Now is bad that Im afraid of the consequences? I don’t think so.
Does that mean I fear everything else in life? And I live in a constant state of anxiety? No.

Now lets stop pretending that all reactive dogs are reactive because of anxiety. Plenty of dogs are reactive because they have gotten away with sh*tty behaviour time and time again and it feels good, it gives them an adrenaline rush. A dopamine hit.
Some dogs are so freaking leash frustrated they act out (especially those dogs that ate fine off leash with other dogs).

My honest opinion? I don’t think its bad at all that a dog may be afraid of a consequence if that stops a behaviour.

There is so much talk about “the dog doesn’t do it because he is worried about the consequence/correction.”

In some cases I don’t think thats a bad thing at all. Some things are off the table ever. And if you try it; be ready for a repercussion.

Does that repercussion mean abuse? Of course not.
Do we do that for a behaviour the dog has no idea was off the table? Absolutely not.
Do we teach the dog what we want instead? Yes.
Do I mind that the dog thinks twice about doing something because they didn’t like the consequence? No. That means the correction was effective and doesn’t need to be repeated.

The main message: remember that not all behaviour is because of “fear and anxiety”.
And a normal dose of caution (because I think fear is almost too big of a word) is not the end of you and your dog’s relationship. If anything it will solidify it because your dog figured out you are not a doormat.

20/07/2025

NEXT FREE INFORMATION SESSION / BEGINNERS CLASS AT BASSENDEAN ON SUNDAY 27 JULY AT 9.30 AM

To be your dog's 'leader' you should have the ability at any given time to simply override any behaviour.

Not all dogs/owners learn at the same pace. Classes are flexible and are designed to cater for people working at varying levels in the same class. All training is done under distraction so dogs learn to listen to their owners no matter what is going on around. Put simply, we teach them what is acceptable and what is not.

This training is for people wanting to achieve a well mannered family pet.

We use basic obedience as a stepping stone. We then move to the fun stuff - good manners. We teach boundaries at doors and gates, by invitation on to couches and beds; coffee table etiquette - keeping away from the food; greeting guests at the front door etc. All this without food rewards.

Sunday morning classes are held at Anzac Reserve, Cnr Anzac Terrace and Ivanhoe Street, Bassendean. Beginners class is at 9.30 am. Interested owners can come to the introduction session for free and experience the training before deciding whether to join.

For details phone June 0407 472 994; or email [email protected]

20/07/2025

As we didnt train today I have added some photos of the groups from the previous couple of weeks. Lovely to see the beginner pups calming down and listening to their owners. Enjoy.

19/07/2025

BASSENDEAN CLASSES TOMORROW ARE CANCELLED
We are making the call early. Forecasting a wet and possibly wild day tomorrow.
Stay home safe and warm

14/07/2025

Spoiling a dog might feel like love, but in reality, it often creates more problems than happiness—for both you and your dog. When dogs are given constant affection, unlimited freedom, and no clear boundaries, they don’t feel secure—they feel confused. It also leaves you as the owner often confused because "I buy him the nice bed, the best treats, he has so much toys but doesn't use them".

A spoiled dog often isn’t a confident dog; they’re often an anxious one, because no one is showing them how to navigate the world safely. Without guidance, they start making their own rules, which usually leads to behaviors like leash pulling, barking at everything that moves, jumping on guests, or even becoming possessive of people or resources. It’s not because they’re bad dogs—it’s because they’ve been put in charge of decisions they were never meant to make.

Spoiling also teaches dogs to expect rewards without effort. When they get treats, cuddles, or privileges no matter how they behave, they have no reason to offer polite, calm behavior in return. Imagine if your boss paid you your full wage regardless of whether you showed up to work or not—you’d probably stop making much of an effort!
Dogs work the same way. When everything comes easy, they don’t see a reason to listen or engage. The result? A dog who’s demanding, pushy, and stressed because they’re not getting the structure they actually need to feel balanced.

True happiness for a dog comes from earning what they want through good choices, not having it handed to them no matter what. Structure, boundaries, and fair expectations help dogs feel secure, confident, and calm. That doesn’t mean you can’t shower your dog with affection—but it means that affection comes at the right time, when it reinforces the behaviors you want to see more of. When you stop spoiling and start leading, your dog won’t love you any less. In fact, they’ll probably trust you more—and that’s what creates real happiness for both of you.

12/07/2025

TRAINING IS ON IN BASSENDEAN THIS MORNING. SEE YOU THERE

09/07/2025

“Your Dog’s Independence Matters: Teaching Your Dog It’s OK to Be Alone”
An in-depth article for dog owners and trainers on canine independence, resilience, and why FOMO is not the same as separation anxiety.

As a dog trainer, one of the most common messages I receive begins with: “My dog’s got separation anxiety.” But more often than not, once I start asking questions, it quickly becomes clear, it’s not true separation anxiety. It’s the fear of missing out. FOMO. And yes, dogs get it too.

Let’s be honest: a dog’s need for independence is often overlooked in favour of constant closeness. We’ve unintentionally conditioned many of our dogs to believe that being glued to us 24/7 is not just normal, it’s necessary. But here’s the thing. It’s not healthy. Not for your dog. Not for you. And not for the bond you’re trying to build.

What Is Canine Independence?

Canine independence means your dog has the confidence to be alone, whether that’s in another room, on their bed while you cook dinner, or even left at home while you nip to the shops. It’s the ability to self-settle, cope with low stimulation, and understand that separation doesn’t mean abandonment. It’s an essential life skill that too many dogs are lacking.

But why? Because we’ve stopped allowing dogs to just be dogs.

The Root of the Problem: You Created a Shadow

It usually starts small. You get a new puppy or rescue dog and feel guilty leaving them alone. You let them follow you to the toilet, lie under your feet at the dinner table, jump on your lap while you’re watching telly. You feel flattered that your dog loves you so much. But what you’re actually doing is removing their ability to be calm, comfortable, and secure without you being constantly present.

Dogs are opportunistic learners. If following you around the house is allowed and occasionally rewarded, through affection, treats, or access, they’ll keep doing it. Soon, they expect to be included in every activity. And when they’re not? Cue panic, barking, destruction, pacing, or excessive drooling. But again, this isn’t always separation anxiety. It’s simply a dog who’s never learnt how to not be involved.

Real Separation Anxiety: A Different Beast Entirely

Let’s not minimise the reality of true separation anxiety. It’s serious. It’s debilitating. It’s not a dog simply whining for attention. It’s a dog that panics to the point of soiling itself, ripping through doors, and risking self-harm just to try to reunite with its owner. These dogs can’t be left in a room without becoming distressed. Some can’t be crated. Some can’t even cope if you turn your back.

That’s not the same as a dog who doesn’t like being left out while you’re upstairs folding laundry. That’s not the same as a dog sulking because it wasn’t invited into the car. There’s a distinction, and we need to recognise it.

Why Teaching Independence Matters

A dog that can cope with time alone is more balanced, more emotionally stable, and, dare I say it, more fulfilled. Independence:
• Reduces stress by allowing the dog to learn that time alone isn’t threatening.
• Builds resilience by teaching the dog to manage low-stimulation environments without panic.
• Promotes self-soothing behaviours like chewing a toy, relaxing on a bed, or sleeping through the quiet.
• Prevents over-attachment which, if left unchecked, can evolve into real anxiety issues.
• Encourages problem solving, dogs learn to adapt, explore their environment, and entertain themselves.

Let’s not forget, dogs are capable problem-solvers. But if they’re never given the space or opportunity, they won’t develop the skill.

How to Build Your Dog’s Independence
1. Create Physical Distance in the Home
Start small. Use baby gates or close doors to prevent your dog from shadowing you around the house. Teach them that they can’t always be with you and that it’s perfectly OK.
2. Place Training and Settle Time
Train your dog to go to a bed or designated spot and stay there, calmly. No attention, no fuss. Just chill time. You’re teaching them to self-regulate and be still.
3. Don’t Reward Attention-Seeking
If your dog paws you for affection or follows you relentlessly, avoid giving in. Attention given at the wrong moment reinforces needy behaviour.
4. Enforced Rest Periods
Put your dog in a crate or separate room for quiet time, even when you’re at home. This isn’t punishment, it’s teaching downtime.
5. Gradual Departures
Practise leaving the house for short periods and build up slowly. Don’t make a big song and dance about leaving or returning. Make it a non-event.
6. Avoid the Guilt Trip
You’re not being cruel by teaching your dog to be alone. In fact, it’s one of the kindest things you can do. You’re giving them a skill that will last a lifetime.

Independence Is a Gift, Not a Punishment

Let’s stop thinking that being apart from our dogs is somehow neglectful. Dogs who are given the tools to cope with alone time are more confident, less anxious, and less demanding. They’re not looking to you to micromanage their every moment. And ironically, once your dog can be on their own, you’ll find your time together is more meaningful. Less clingy. More connected.

Because true connection doesn’t mean constant proximity. It means trust. It means balance. And it means knowing that even when you’re apart, you’re still a team.

In Summary

If you want a well-rounded, emotionally stable dog, don’t just focus on obedience or enrichment, focus on independence. Your dog doesn’t need to be part of every moment of your life. In fact, they’ll be better for it if they’re not. Teach them to switch off. To self-settle. To be OK when they’re on their own.

It’s not just about stopping behaviours you don’t like, it’s about preparing your dog to handle the world without falling apart.

So next time you feel guilty about shutting the bathroom door on your dog, remind yourself: you’re not being cruel. You’re building a better dog.

If you’d like help building independence in your dog, or you’re struggling to tell the difference between FOMO and genuine separation anxiety, get in touch. We’ll guide you and your dog towards a calmer, more confident future, together, and apart.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
Training that makes a difference.