Wigglebums

02/09/2025

The bare minimum bar you should be able to achieve is not hurting your dog on purpose (who among us hasn't stepped on a paw?). Science has graciously provided us with the proof that anything that can be taught with the pain of shock, prong, or choke (pain or fear of any kind, really) can just as easily be taught without.

So if the evidence is true, and frankly we have multiple decades of evidence that it is, then using aversives comes down to the:
👉morals of the owners (ewwwwwww, stay far away from dogs)
👉the impulse control of the owners (develop some)
👉the ignorance of the owners or pseudo-trainers (there is just no excuse for this one...the info is everywhere)

NO DOG EVER NEEDS TO BE HURT IN THE NAME OF TRAINING. NO CREATURE EVER BENEFITS MORE FROM PAIN AND FEAR TO LEARN.

Suppressing a dog's behaviour is not training. It is living in a dictatorship and not being able to speak freely. It is a cruel slave/master relationship. It is oppressive, and it is gross. You know it. I have watched the tear-streaked faces of too many clients while they recount the damage they have done when putting aside their empathy and doing what they were told by a supposed "authority". They knew better, and now so do you. Do better. 👈

01/09/2025

👩‍✈️👩‍🍳👮👷‍♀️Thanks for making our country tick!!

28/08/2025

Something we have LONG had anecdotal evidence for and now we have the data.

In conclusion, this study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isn’t simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as “early” spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.

Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.

26/08/2025

04/08/2025

Imagine understanding dogs, behaviour, and the shaping thereof in ways you never thought possible. Imagine a relationship with your dog where both of you are heard, seen, and taken into consideration. Imagine a dog that cooperates, not because they fear what happens when they don't, but because they see it as a better option that also works for them.
Realizing that what you have seen on TV is not training. It is a destructive representation of behaviour and training that will be devastating to your relationship with your dog. Real training takes time, effort, and strategy to ensure both the learner's and the teacher's needs are being met. That welfare and safety for both are strictly adhered to. And that sometimes, management is put in place until satisfactory outcomes can be achieved.
Choose education, experience and efficacy. For everyone's sake.

18/07/2025

✨What people think trainers do vs. what they actually do is sometimes at odds for many reasons.

👉We don't fix dogs like you fix an appliance. They are sentient creatures with emotions, will, and desires of their own.
👉We are not there 24/7, and you need to know how to modify your dog's behaviour yourself.

🏈🏀⚽️⚾️Think of a trainer more as a coach than as a repair person. We are here to run you through plays, give you instructions on how to make changes, give feedback when something isn't working according to plan, and cheer like crazy when you and your pup score. We can help by setting the stage for your dog to transfer behaviours to you when you have to take over with a teach, show, do approach (teach you the methods and why, show you how it looks, have you do it).

Setting client goals and expectations is important for everyone. But the work you do with your dog builds incredible bonds, understanding, and communication. While I have over a decade of experience and skill-building to make it look easy, I need you to build those same skills, while realizing that it takes time and isn't easy.

09/07/2025

An excellent question!! Response in comments!

07/07/2025

Do you think your dog has separation anxiety? Would you know the difference between that, isolation distress or boredom? Don't be too sure.

A qualified professional, such as a vet behaviourist or behaviour consultant, can help you decipher what problem you are facing, formulate a plan of action, find resources to assist in your training plan and provide additional support.

Be sure they are listed on The Pet Professional Guild, APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers, IAABC Foundation, or listed as a vet behaviourist on the directory at https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=5985

05/07/2025

Anyone else have a story like this!!?? DOGS ARE SO AWESOME!🐕‍🦺🐩🐕🦮

Years ago, Paige and I were in between classes at a facility. Just chilling and I was sharing my lunch with her. Suddenly, she lunged into action, barking ferociously and chasing an employee out of the field. Anyone who knows Paige, knows she is an affection w***e. I have literally seen her throw herself at people's feet to get a pet. I have never seen the like before or since, but I know now that that place was littered with not very nice people.