The Dog in Mind

16/09/2024

Not a bad way to spend a weekend...
Well, for me and Paddy 👀😂

14/11/2023

Amazing work Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home .

Advocating education and providing the tools to ensure these beautiful dogs get the owners that they deserve. 👏

24/10/2023

I'm not crying, you are!

Hats off Monarch's Mutts Dog Rescue, beautiful to see.

As always, please read carefully and make sure if you do apply, you're providing everything this lovely lady needs.

04/10/2023

Paddy and his not so little mate, Cleo... Paddy hardly got a look in with his ball! 😂

27/09/2023

Paddy and his shadow, Mr M!

24/09/2023

Pushing Boundaries.

Paddy's First Meeting with a Horse. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this one's worth a whole novel! Paddy recently had his first-ever encounter with a horse, and it was a moment initially filled with fear, followed by thought, curiosity, and mental growth.

Paddy's initial instinct was flight (that's a HUGE dog, run for your lives!), but that's ok and totally normal. New experiences can be just as intimidating for our four-legged friends as they can be for us. However, as he took a little time to relax and process the situation, curiosity eventually took over!

🐾 Pushing Boundaries is Stimulation:
These moments of pushing your dog's boundaries and exposing them to new things makes for excellent mental stimulation (for both owner and dog). It's about more than just physical exercise; it's about mental stimulation, having to think and adapt, rather than relying solely on instinct.

🐾 Stay Calm and Confident:
Remember, as their trusted guide, your calm and confident energy plays the most significant role in helping your dog relax. Dogs look to us for cues on how to react to new situations. When you remain steady and composed, it reassures them that all is well.

🐾 The Power of Curiosity: Just look at Paddy's expression! That mix of curiosity and wonder is what it's all about. Encounters like these encourage cognitive development and strengthen the bond between us and our furry friends.

🐾 Challenge & Reward: Every time we gently nudge our dogs out of their comfort zones and into new experiences, we're helping them build confidence and resilience. And when they conquer their curiosity, the rewards are truly heartwarming (experience, not just treats). So, next time you're out and about with your pup, consider introducing them to something new. Whether it's meeting a horse, or exploring a new trail, these experiences enrich their lives in more ways than one.

Share your stories of boundary-pushing adventures in the comments below! 🌟

20/09/2023

Nature vs Nurture: The Reality & Understanding Instinct

In the world of our four-legged companions, there's an age-old debate: nature vs nurture.
It's essential to recognize that, while our influence on our canine pals is significant, it doesn't erase their instincts.

Through effective and rigorous training, we can manage instinctive behaviors, but erasing them entirely is another matter. Take Evie, for instance. With time and dedication, we've gained control over her instinct not to chase squirrels. Still, it's not a guarantee, and without vigilant supervision, she might still give chase.

🔍 Selective Breeding:
When we selectively breed certain dogs for specific tasks, we often fine-tune specific instinctive traits already present.
Through this selective process, these traits can become more pronounced - think scent breeds, guardian breeds, hunting breeds, retrieving breeds etc.

Think of it like "Top Trumps" for dogs. Each breed comes with a "likely" skill card - these are probable outcomes, not guarantees.
A Greyhound is likely to be incredibly fast, but not all are speedy enough for racing.
A Rottweiler is inclined to be a good herd protector, but it doesn't guarantee they'll leap to your rescue or protect the family. It's more likely, but not certain.

🔥 The XL Bully Discussion:
Let's address the hot topic - the XL Bully. In the UK, there's no officially recognized breed called an XL Bully; it's a crossbreed, leading to unpredictable behavioral traits. This situation mirrors what we've seen with Poodle crosses - it's challenging to predict temperament outcomes due to occasional accidental matings and, more often, irresponsible breeding for profit.

With recent events, it's crucial to understand that not all dogs labeled as XL, or those that resemble them, are inherently aggressive. Assumptions should never be made, just as you shouldn't assume a Golden Retriever (known for their friendly nature) wants to be touched.

Baiting Behaviour:
What can't be ignored in any dog is their instinctive behavioral traits. The challenge lies with baiting breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Boxers, English Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, and more. Dogs from reputable breeders are less likely to exhibit these behaviors, but it may still be present, albeit rarely.

Baiting behavior isn't natural; it was cultivated from prey drive centuries ago and is more likely in breeds bred for this purpose.
The UK's XL mix often comprises many bait and guardian breeds, increasing the likelihood of this behavior (not from the guardian breeds, though it's not a good combination).

A dog with bait instinct will have it from birth. You can't eliminate this instinct completely, but you can effectively control it through training and management. Much like Evie will always have her squirrel-chasing instinct.

Signs and Muzzles:
Recognizing this instinct can be subtle, and you may not know until it's too late. With effective training and management, it might never surface. If you become aware of this and a behaviorist confirms it, there's one guaranteed way to ensure no harm comes to your dog: a muzzle.

As with many debates in the dog world, the ultimate losers are often the dogs themselves, regardless of the breed. So, don't judge a dog solely on appearance, but don't live in denial either. Understanding instinct is crucial for responsible dog ownership.

The Conclusion:
In conclusion, no dog should be judged by their appearance; it means nothing. Likewise, a ban on something that doesn't actually exist (the XL Bully) is pointless and doesn't address the primary issues with irresponsible breeding. The impact of banning a dog based on broad appearance creates huge challenges for the many responsible owners out there with dogs that are perfectly friendly and well behaved.

However, baiting instinct is real, far from exclusive to the XLspecific, and the denial of it is naive, especially as the dangers become ever more apparent. These challenges are relatable to other dogs with extreme traits such as prey drive, it can be managed, but it will always remain a liability.
Without this understanding, proper handling and training, this problem will be never-ending.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our furry friends and our communities, we must embrace a holistic approach, grounded in understanding, education, and responsible ownership.

17/09/2023

🐾 Can I Touch Your Dog? No.

Let's talk doggie etiquette, because just like us, our four-legged friends have their preferences too!

You might get different answers from us at "The Dog in Mind" depending on the furry companions we have with us and what they're up to. If they're working with another dog, the answer is usually a firm "no."

🐾 Respect the Pawsome Pooch Privacy: Nobody has the right to pet a pup without asking the owner first. It's no different from not wanting a surprise bear hug from a stranger! Take our pal Paddy, for instance – he's all about work and not so much about the cuddles (although he'd love to work with you!).

🐾 It's Not About Aggression:
If an owner says "no," it doesn't mean the dog is aggressive. Some dogs simply don't like being touched, or they might be focused on a task at hand. The ever so elegant & tolerant Evie, for instance, is more into chasing fluffy critters than receiving pats from strangers.

🐾 "I Don't Mind if They Jump":
We've all been that person at some point, thinking it's cute when a dog jumps up. But the reality is, not everyone appreciates it. If it sparks fear or discomfort (legally speaking), your dog could face some serious consequences.

🐾 Respect Their Space and Time:
If you're short on time or can't follow the owner's instructions for a proper introduction, it's best to politely move on. It takes a lot of effort to build good habits, but just minutes to undo all the hard work!

So next time you spot a pup on the street or at the park, remember, always ask the owner if it's okay to say hello. It's a small gesture that shows respect for both the pup and their person.

13/09/2023

This is certainly worth a read.

Credit to Southend Dog Training for providing a professional perspective and really getting to the nooks of the problem, irresponsible ownership, and the even greater problem, irresponsible breeders.

The British government wants to ban the XL bully breed after violent attacks, prompting debate over who should be at fault: the pets or their owners?

11/09/2023

🐾 Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help: Nellie's Journey.

You may already recognize this fox red beauty... The wonderful Nellie! Recently, Nellie joined us for a refresher session.

Nellie's story continues to be a testament to the extraordinary bond between dogs and their humans, highlighting the value of seeking guidance when needed. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and she's made tremendous progress since our initial work together nearly 12 months ago.
But what truly sets Nellie's story apart is her owners' willingness to ask for help when they needed it.

🤝 The Power of a Helping Hand:
Navigating the intricate world of dog training and behavior can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle with ever-changing pieces. Even with a smart and well-trained pup like Nellie, it's often the small details that make all the difference.

🐾 Keeping Two Hands on the Leash:
In Nellie's case, the solution was as simple as keeping both hands on the leash and maintaining a consistent hand position. It's these subtle adjustments that can prevent the reoccurrence of bad habits and lead to smoother, more enjoyable walks for both dog and parent.

🧡 Seeking the Right Support:
Nellie's story serves as a reminder that asking for help doesn't equate to failure; it shows a deep caring for your four-legged friend and the awareness to recognise when things need a tune-up.
BUT remember, it's crucial to seek guidance from the right sources. Well-intentioned advice from strangers across the road doesn't always hit the mark and rarely helps (control your dog, be firmer with your dog, who's walking who), as what works for one dog may not work for another (speaking from personal experience).

Have a story of your own to share, or seeking advice? Don't hesitate to reach out. We're all in this together, committed to the journey of nurturing the bond between humans and their canine companions.

Remember, it's all about time, practice, patience... and more practice!

07/09/2023

🐾 A Journey of Transformation: Three Years in The Making

From a once excitable pup, who couldn't resist a huff and puff at anything on four legs, to the epitome of maturity and a source of comfort for four legged friends that he works with.

I couldn't be prouder. 🙌❤️