M & M Dog Training

27/07/2025

It was all a bit too much for Chloe this morning 💕

21/07/2025

Thank you See Spot Learn by Emily Dustan for this

I work with dog guardians every day, and there's something I need to share with our community. Many of the incredible people I support are struggling with reactive or fearful dogs, and they're carrying a heavy burden that most of us don't see. They tell me about feeling overwhelmed and judged by family, friends, and strangers who simply don't understand what they're going through.
We need to change this conversation.

When you see a dog barking, lunging, or growling, you're not witnessing a "bad" dog. You're seeing a dog who is scared, anxious, or dealing with past trauma. These dogs are trying to communicate that they feel unsafe or overwhelmed. They deserve the same love and understanding we give to calmer dogs, yet their carers often face isolation and criticism instead of support.

The daily reality for these dedicated guardians is exhausting. They stress about simple walks, feeling embarrassed when their dog reacts in public. They watch other dogs playing freely while theirs needs careful management. Progress feels painfully slow, and they're constantly vigilant, always training, always trying. Many feel cut off from typical dog owner experiences and genuinely exhausted from the relentless effort required.

👍Here's how we can genuinely help. When you encounter someone with a reactive dog, show empathy instead of judgment. These people are working incredibly hard with professional guidance, showing patience most of us can't imagine. If someone crosses the street with their dog or asks for space, they're not being rude — they're being responsible. Please respect their boundaries without question or commentary.

Instead of offering unsolicited advice, offer encouragement. Unless you're a certified trainer and they've specifically asked for help, a simple "You're doing great" will mean more than any training tip.

If you want to share resources, do it thoughtfully and respectfully, remembering they've likely already explored most options.
The truth is, behind every reactive dog is an owner who loves them deeply and is doing their absolute best.

These people aren't failing, they're fighting for their dog every single day. They deserve our support, not our judgment.

Let's be the kind of community that lifts each other up. Whether we're online or face-to-face, we can choose empathy over judgment and support over criticism.

Every dog deserves to feel safe. Every human deserves to feel supported. That’s what we’re here for.

03/07/2025

26/06/2025

19/06/2025

Mac’s chilling after his Butternut Box lunch.
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12/06/2025

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30/05/2025

29/05/2025

I hate grass seeds!

Grass seed warning ⚠️🌱

Do you know the dangers that grass seeds can cause? Their tiny arrowheads attach onto dogs - particularly breeds with longer fur. They can pe*****te their way into the skin, causing harmful injuries that could potentially require surgery.

Always check your dog's fur thoroughly after woodland walks or running through meadows. Monitor their behaviour by keeping an eye out for the warning signs of grass seeds - this could be head shaking, limping, coughing, sneezing, paw licking and lethargy.

If you spot a grass seed, gently remove it with your hands or tweezers - if its burrowed deeper (sometimes you may not even see it!), take your dog to the vet immediately.

14/05/2025

Training a dog ethically requires empathy, patience, and a focus on the dog’s well-being.

Always be aware of their confidence levels, as failure can impact their sense of self-worth.

It’s essential to ensure they are challenged but set up for success.

A safe, motivating environment, plenty of play, and consistent learning are key.

25/04/2025

"Nothing works❗"
We can ALL make mistakes.

➡️Enrichment
It needs variety!
It needs targeted.
That same puzzle toy they can solve in 5 seconds isn't challenging them anymore.
Many dogs do well with sniff walks, others will cower in areas they are not familiar with. You need to look at where carefully and a sniff walk can be just in your front yard or even your street.
Throwing a ball, is it enrichment (it can be for some) or a repetitive high energy activity that needs limited for others.
The same chew toy they are chewing all day, everyday... may not be enriching at all.

✅Challenge them when they are ready with enrichment.

➡️Rest and sleep
It doesn't come naturally to many dogs.
High energy or highly anxious dogs need us to set some rest times....and that isn't a "cat nap" in the lounge when the children are playing in there.
It isn't necessarily putting them outside for a sleep in the sun, esp if they are aware of every little sound.
Are they TRULY sleeping or just laying down, there is a very big difference.
Have we used enrichment to help tire them out in a completely different way?
Are we pairing sleep or rest with a rewarding and soothing item to help make a positive association?

✅Create a comfortable and quiet area for sleep and encourage them to use it multiple times a day.

➡️Low intensity Trigger Training

Are we "pushing" because we are frustrated and want faster results?
Have we a good understanding of what low intensity actually is?
Do we recognise non verbal signs they are uncomfortable or anxious?
Are we starting at a closer distance than we should because we desperately want them to make a connection sooner?

✅It cannot be rushed. Our dogs WILL show us when they are ready to decrease that distance.

"I can't do it !!!"
Take a deep breath...you can. You REALLY can.
Yes... these 3 areas are key, but we are human and struggle to adapt or change our habits.
Our bad habits and impatience can creep in.

If you are struggling, there are videos in the comments to help you to perhaps look at reactivity a different way.

This dog training graphic is available through abcdogsnz.com (just click the dog training graphics tab).

24/04/2025

Dogs, like every animal, just want to feel safe.

It's a basic need that must be met.

It strengthens bonds, reduces anxiety and allows them to live a happy comfortable life free of fear and discomfort.

This is really the bare minimum we can do for them.