Good As Gold Dog Training/Canine Life Skills Coaching

11/05/2026

The power of animals… particularly dogs.

22/03/2026

Ditch the sit.

Please stop forcing puppies to sit whenever they encounter something new or other dogs pass by on a walk… (and adult dogs)

I often see puppies being ‘corrected’ and forced into a sit for becoming ‘wriggly’ on the lead when other dogs are approaching or passing.

Whenever our puppies see other dogs or novel things and become animated we always jump to the conclusion they are excited and being ‘naughty’, this is rarely the case. Nervous energy is massively different to positive excitement yet looks the same to the untrained eye.

Many puppy training classes teach that we must get the puppy to sit and watch things go by and this is not the correct approach.

When we force them to sit we are taking away their ability to cope with the situation, by getting more distance if needed, or communicating how they feel such as hiding behind us when things get too close or something is overwhelming.

Insisting a puppy sit is far more likely to lead to reactivity in adulthood because it’s a form of flooding. We are removing their choice in the situation and exposing them to things they might deem scary with no option for escape, this is how we create fears and phobias.

Whilst us remaining remaining still with our puppy is correct so that their arousal is as low as possible whilst they mentally process the situation, instead of concentrating on their compliance and stillness, we should be far more concerned with how they feel about the situation and what stress signals they are displaying so that we can give them more distance and pair with treats to create a more positive association, or allow them to meet/approach briefly if that’s genuinely what they want to do, and the approaching dog is suitable.

Teaching a puppy voluntary eye contact is THE foundation for all future training, by providing them with a means to communicate with us, ask for help, and subsequently helping them deal with situations, sit does not achieve any of this.

Puppies dont need obedience training, they need us to be emotionally available and help them build positive associations with EVERYTHING first and foremost.

Lastly, I must add, it is NOT ok to use a slip or grot lead on a puppy, it’s equally as unthinkable as using one on a human baby.

26/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HMcCuzjHp/

23/02/2026

Gentleness; compassion; kindness and respect.
What does this look like for the dog you live with?

Send a message to learn more

23/02/2026

Send a message to learn more

23/02/2026

Gentleness; compassion; respect.

What does this look like when we live with our dogs?

Send a message to learn more

29/01/2026

I've been saying this for years!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CtTgBKhCh/

In some parts of Switzerland, you cannot own a dog right away. The rule says you must first take training classes and pass a short theory exam. This means people who want a dog need to learn basic skills and show they understand the rules before they can keep one. Often you must show a certificate when you register the dog.

The reason for this rule is to keep people and animals safe. Training classes teach how to care for a dog, how to handle it in public, and how to stop bad behavior. The theory exam checks that owners know local laws, vaccination rules, and how to prevent bites or accidents. The idea is that better-trained owners lead to calmer, healthier dogs.

For many people, the rules feel helpful. New owners learn important things and get support from trainers. Dogs are more likely to behave well, and neighborhoods may have fewer problems. Some people find it strict or expensive, but many see it as a way to protect both animals and people. Overall, it encourages responsible dog ownership in those areas.

28/01/2026

Does your dog appear ‘obnoxious’ or ‘pushy’…. read on and contact me for some
help

25/01/2026

That goes for me too!!!

Ricky Gervais has never been one to shy away from using his platform for the things he truly cares about. While most people know him for his sharp wit and his ability to roast the biggest stars in Hollywood, those who follow him closely know that his dedication to animal welfare is perhaps the most defining part of his character outside of comedy. He has spent years championing the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves, often using his massive social media presence to bring attention to issues that many people would rather look away from.

This commitment to animals isn't just a casual interest or a PR move. It is a deeply held belief that has seen him support countless charities, campaign against animal testing, and call for an end to various forms of cruelty across the globe. He often speaks about the innocence of animals and the responsibility that humans have to protect them. For Ricky, being a celebrity isn't just about the fame or the awards; it is about having a megaphone that he can use to make a real difference in the world.

What makes his approach so effective is his refusal to be polite about things he finds horrific. He is well-known for being blunt, honest, and sometimes confrontational when it comes to animal abuse. He understands that to change minds and influence policy, you sometimes have to be the loudest person in the room. He doesn't care about offending people if it means he might save a life or change a law that prevents unnecessary suffering.

The bond he shares with animals in general has always been a point of focus for his fans. His social media is frequently filled with photos of him spending time with pets or advocating for their safety. He often expresses a genuine sense of peace when he is around animals, noting that their loyalty and lack of malice make them far easier to get along with than many humans. These personal connections clearly fuel his passion for activism.

Over the years, he has become one of the most prominent voices in the world for animal rights. Whether he is campaigning against the international fur trade or supporting local shelters, his message remains consistent. He believes that kindness is a choice and that there is no excuse for cruelty. It is a legacy that will likely stay with him just as much as his contributions to television and film, showing that behind the jokes, there is a man with a very big heart for the natural world.

18/01/2026

Big fines and possible jail time for the use of prong collars on dogs... and dogs left in hot cars.
If you believe this should also apply to WA please see your local member of parliament - people need to speak up!

Australia's most populous state is cracking down on people who leave their dogs in cars and use painful...

04/01/2026

I confess… I’m not the greatest when it comes to social media and posting frequently. There have been a few ‘distractions’ along the way. My best distraction is my toddler grandson, Liam. Gosh… I had no idea that being a nanna would be so delightful!
Liam just loves dogs… any dogs… all dogs. He is so confident around them. Which can also be a worry because as a toddler he is often uncoordinated; fast and unpredictable in his movements and naturally curious.

So, when Liam started touching my face and trying to poke me in the eye etc I knew it was time to teach him how to be gentle. We began with ‘gentle Nanna’ – I held his little hand and stroked my face saying “gentle Nanna”. Then we stroked his face and said “gentle Liam”. I repeated this with him every time I visited him so that he knew what I meant when I said “gentle…”.

Liam came to visit me and of course, delighted to see my Maddie and Layla. It’s just beautiful to watch him with my dogs and the way my dogs are so gentle around him. Layla and Liam have a very special bond and love hanging out together… ALWAYS SUPERVISED by me. No dogs at any time should be left alone with a toddler- safety for all is paramount.

Here is a video of Liam with Maddie and Layla being ‘gentle’. Yes, I am hovering very close and directing the interaction at all times. Notice how I quickly interject when I see Liam going to touch their heads? Or when Liam tries to place both arms on Layla’s back.

At all times, I am there to reassure Maddie and Layla. We keep the interactions short, calm and gentle. Liam has a play area sectioned off from Maddie and Layla so everyone can relax – including me ;).

To learn more about appropriate interactions with dogs or preparing to introduce a baby into the home please contact me.