Simone Tuten - Positive Pets - dog and horse behaviour consultant

01/04/2025

Treats are fantastic when training. But did you know the type of treat matters?

Here's one factor to consider: Treat size.

For quick repetitions, like shaping a behaviour with clicker training or practising position changes, use small, quick-to-consume treats.

If you want to slow your dog down or lower their arousal levels, try medium-sized treats that take a bit longer to eat.

For stationary behaviours, like settling on a mat, use large, longer-lasting treats to encourage relaxation.

Choosing the right treat can make a big difference in your training sessions.

What are your favourite training treats?

31/03/2025

Asha's Journey - A story of patience and transformation

Today, I want to share the story of Asha, a husky who came into my life at around 2 years old. When I first met her, she was tied up behind a fence, after having severely bitten an experienced vet nurse. It took 45 minutes of gentle patience to gain her trust enough for me to approach and untie her.

Asha's past was shrouded in mystery. She was neophobic, reacting to anything new with a hard bite. She feared open stairs, requiring blankets over them for access. She gave no warning signals that she was uncomfortable, only biting. She was scared of new people and objects, though she was dog-social. She also battled physical and mental health challenges, including reverse sneezing and prolonged staring at walls. Vets struggled to examine her thoroughly due to her behaviour and high level bites. There were no behaviour vets in the state at the time. The reverse sneezing, attributed to her anxiety, was later discovered to be a symptom of lung cancer.

Despite these challenges, Asha's two years with me were transformative. Her confidence blossomed. She overcame her fear of new people and objects. She began to inhibit her bites (when management failed). She discovered the joy of dryland sledding, running with unbridled enthusiasm. The first time I harnessed her to a scooter was a leap of faith. With safety precautions in place, she took to it like a pro, responding to my cues and loving every minute. That day marked a turning point in her journey.

Asha passed away at four from lung cancer. But the day before she left us, she was seeking affection from strangers. She passed away peacefully at home.

Asha taught me a lot. Her story reminds me that behaviour change takes time, patience and a holistic approach. It's about going at the dog's pace, prioritising safety, and understanding their underlying needs. While there are no guarantees of a complete behaviour change, the focus is always on improving the dog's (and the dogs human family) quality of life, fostering deeper understanding, and strengthening the relationship. Even with significant challenges remarkable improvements are possible.

28/03/2025

Just a bit of fun on a Friday.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/168FAHE4rs/

This video brings back memories of my first horse, Frosty. He loved splashing around in water - especially a nearby dam. One day, he decided to 'take' some beginner riders for an unexpected swim. He had a great time splashing about, thoroughly soaking them. The fun stopped, though, when they wanted to leave. Frosty, of course, wanted to stay in the dam. I ended up wading in to lead him out, much to everyone's amusement (including Frosty's I suspect). And I'm not a big fan of swimming or getting wet.

Do you have any dam/water related stories to share?

27/03/2025

Wonder what your dog friend is really saying?

"𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞" introduces you to their subtle signals, build a deeper bond through understanding, and prevent misunderstandings.

What's included:
✅ 49 minute video masterclass
✅ 6 practice videos of real-life scenarios
✅ Exclusive Facebook community
✅ Recommended resources

Understand your canine friend like never before.

For more information visit https://simonetuten.com.au/unlock-your-dogs-body-language/

26/03/2025

Aww what a lovely recent review :) I tailor all of my sessions (including classes) to suit the needs of the dog and family.

This feedback was for my younger puppy classes - perfect for puppies 12 weeks and under when they start.

24/03/2025

Did you know my brand colours were inspired by the stunning Western Australian landscape? It's true. There's a story behind every shade, and I'd love to share mine with you.

Back in late 2020, I was on a quest to find the perfect colours for my brand. I spent ages exploring different combinations and reading up on colour theory, but nothing felt quite right. I wanted something personal, something that reflected my deep connection to nature.

Frustrated but determined, I decided to take a wander through some local gardens and bushland, hoping to find some inspiration. And that's exactly what happened 😊

As I walked, I found myself drawn to the incredible diversity of Eucalyptus species. The vibrant greens, the rich reds, the subtle greys – all set against the backdrop of a deep blue sky. It was a breathtaking sight, and it sparked an idea: these were the colours I wanted to represent my brand.

You see, I'm not just a dog and horse behaviour consultant; I'm also a passionate conservationist with a BSc in Conservation Biology. Mother Earth and nature are incredibly important to me, and I wanted my brand colours to reflect that connection.

So, the next time you see my logo or website, remember the story behind the colours: the diverse Eucalyptus against the deep blue sky, a reminder of the beauty and inspiration we can find in nature.

Also a reminder to get outside with your canine friends and explore natural areas. It’s so beneficial for your canine friends (and you) to get away from the suburban hustle and bustle into to the quiet of nature.

Has nature inspired you? Do you have a favourite natural area to explore with your canine or equine friend? Share your thoughts in the comments.

21/03/2025

A bit of What's your dog's secret title? I have Sergent Licks-a-lot and Doctor Smooch-a-lot.

Share your canine friend's secret title below.

20/03/2025

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐩 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞

Is a new puppy bringing joy (and a little chaos) to your life? My virtual puppy package offers personalised guidance and support, all from the comfort of your home. Perfect for those who can't make it to my in-person group classes.

What's Included:
✅ Four consecutive weekly Zoom sessions (30 minutes each).
✅ Three months of access to my extensive online learning platform.
✅ A curriculum tailored to your puppy's needs.

You can start any week, provided there's space available.

Benefits of Virtual Classes:
✅ Convenient and flexible scheduling.
✅ Learn and progress at your own pace.
✅Train your puppy in a familiar and comfortable home environment.
✅Personalised guidance and support from a very experienced trainer.

Ready to start your puppy's training journey? Visit my website or contact me to book your spot.

19/03/2025

A huge thank you to this lovely family for their kind review of my puppy classes! 🥰

They highlighted how valuable the puppy playtime was for them, and I agree it's very valuable.

Puppy play is such a crucial part of development. In my puppy classes, I create a safe and controlled environment for puppies to interact (if they wish) and develop vital social skills.

I also focus on teaching owners how to read puppy body language and understand their own canine friend's unique play style. This empowers them to monitor that their pups are having positive social experiences and avoid potentially overwhelming situations.

I'm so grateful for the positive feedback - thank you

18/03/2025

Today's training tip

Did you know that including a mix of fast and slow behaviours in a training session can make a big difference?

Dogs and horses (and people) benefit from a mix of activities. If you have been working on fast exciting behaviours, balance that with slower calmer exercises.

This has several benefits including:
🐶 Calms the mind - slow exercises tend to be calming exercises that help your dog or horse settle
🐴 Reduces over-arousal/over-stimulation problems - problematic behaviours tend to creep in when a dog or horse becomes over stimulated.
🐶 Helps our canine or equine friend learn how to settle after higher arousal states - a valuable skill for them.

Some examples,
🐶 if you have been practicing fast recalls with an exciting reinforcer, practice stays or settle or station on a mat
🐴 If you have been focusing on upward transitions into a canter also work on reinforcing a loose rein walk

14/03/2025

Woo hoo, it's the weekend! 🎉 What fun adventures do you have planned with your canine and equine friends?

I'm working this weekend, but that doesn't mean the animals in my care miss out. Today, Henry and I enjoyed a lovely bush walk after a successful "Happy Visit" to the vet. Arnie got his favourite squeaky toys to keep him entertained while we were out.

Tomorrow morning, Kobi, Jackson, and the bonus horse will get a special treat – new enrichment with their breakfast (I'm still deciding exactly what, but it should be good fun).

What are your weekend plans? Share your stories and photos below! I'd love to hear about your adventures.

13/03/2025

Experience the joy of puppy hood and create a strong, lasting bond with your new canine friend. I offer tailored puppy classes to support both you and your pup at every stage.

🐶 For the littlest pups (7-12 weeks at start): My Younger Puppy Class focuses on building confidence, early learning, and positive socialization, along with essential foundation training.

🐶 For growing pups (13-20 weeks at start): My Older Puppy Class addresses the specific needs of this age group, laying the groundwork for pre-adolescence, and strengthening confidence, connection, and social skills. (Note: Puppies can join this class directly, even if they haven't attended the younger class)

🐶 Prefer to learn from home? My Virtual Puppy Class program provides expert guidance and coaching, all from the comfort of your own space.

Whether you're navigating typical puppy behaviours, addressing specific challenges, or simply want to give your puppy the best possible start, I'm here to help.

Learn more and book your spot here: https://simonetuten.com.au/puppy-class

I'm excited to meet you and your wonderful new puppy.

12/03/2025

Today I thought I'd share a lovely comment made about my puppy classes. I do aim to deliver tailored, fun, informative and helpful classes.

By the way I have spaces available in my younger and older puppy classes. For more information message me or go to my website https://simonetuten.com.au/puppy-class/

11/03/2025

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Short and sweet sessions are often the most effective.

You might be surprised how much your dog or horse can learn in just 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Try doing a quick rep with positive reinforcement, then take a little break, and repeat.

These short bursts of learning can be incredibly powerful. They keep things fun and prevent your canine or equine friend from getting overwhelmed.

Have you experimented with really short learning sessions? Share your experiences below.

10/03/2025

"Is it too late?" That's a question I often hear from worried pet owners. Recently, a potential client asked if her 3.5 year old dog was too old to change his car chasing and lead pulling habits. My answer? Absolutely not.

It reminded me of a few of my favourite success stories. Take the 8-year-old rescue dog, for example, who arrived without any house training. Now, he politely asks to go outside. And then there's my own 14-year-old horse, who once feared the saddle. Now, he willingly walks up and patiently waits to be saddled, unrestrained. Or the 6 year old reactive dog that now ignores his triggers on walks.

These stories prove that age is no barrier to learning and positive change. There's always hope for a happier, more fulfilling life for your furry (or hoofed!) companions, no matter their age. With patience, understanding, and positive training, many things are possible.

What positive behaviour changes have you seen in your older canine and equine friends? I would love to hear your stories.

06/03/2025

Ever wish you could truly understand what your dog is trying to tell you?

Unlock the secrets of canine communication with my new online course, "𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞"

Learn to decode tail wags, ear positions, and more to build a deeper bond with your canine friend.

👉 Learn more and enrol here

Do you ever wonder what your dog is really trying to tell you? Are you looking to build a deeper bond with your canine companion? Understanding body language is the key to unlocking a world of communication, preventing misunderstandings, and ensuring your dog’s well-being.

05/03/2025

My latest Puppy Class Google Review - I loved having this family with their older puppy in classes recently.

I have places available in my puppy classes - please contact me for more information.