Olive and Oscar's Academy

01/11/2025

SECONDS COUNT
This post is not advocating that dogs meet every other dog, but rather about how to go about it in a safer way, if and when it does happen.

The 3 second rule for dogs meeting each other is used as a guideline to help foster positive introductions, prevent either dog from feeling overwhelmed or trapped and prevent any potential reactivity and stress.

A short 3 second introduction is enough time to provide important information to both dogs.

Enough time and information for dogs to decide – “are you a threat?”, “do I like you?”, “do I want to learn more about you?”, “do I really dislike you?”, “do I want you to go away?” etc. Both dogs may not feel the same way – one may not be happy to engage while the other may want to.

All interactions should ideally happen like this, not just initially. Just like us, dogs can have off days – things like pain, trigger stacking, lack of sleep or a host of other reasons can influence a dog’s emotional state and whether a dog wants to interact or not.

There are countless times I have witnessed meetings or introductions between dogs that have gone on just a few seconds too long and have not ended well.

This can have long lasting effects on future behaviour when meeting other dogs.

Understanding body language is critically important. If we are going to share our lives with another species, protect them, advocate for them and help them feel safe, then we need to understand and respect their language.

The examples in this post of red and green flags are just a few general ones to look out for – there are many more and these will differ depending on the individual dog, context and circumstances.

Here are some resources that provide more detailed information about body language –

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://bit.ly/4hwC8k1

On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://bit.ly/4oftWqW

Make sure those first 3 seconds count – they can make all the difference.

10/10/2025

06/04/2025

Spring is finally here! 🌞🌱🌈

We are keeping very busy with all these lovely doggies 🐕

I do have some availability on my Tuesday morning (9 am) walks if your dog would like to join in the fun!

Message for me if you'd like to join in any pack walks.

For 1:1 training sessions please get in touch!

05/11/2024

01/11/2024

Happy Friday Everyone! These faces make me smile everyday 😍🐶🐾🍂

03/08/2023

Hi all! Oscar and I are taking a much needed break and hopefully we'll get some sun 🤞 I will be back to work on the 18th but will respond to messages when I can. Lovely Ollie will be walking all the doggies, however she is now fully booked. Feel free to message Ollie if you have any queries 🐶🐾

LOTS OF THINGS TO UPDATE YOU UPON MY RETURN! Get those tails wagging 🐕

31/05/2023

Choosing the right dog walker for your four-legged companion requires careful consideration. You want someone who not only enjoys spending time with dogs, but also follows high ethical standards. Here are the key factors you should consider ensuring that you're entrusting your canine friend to an ethical dog walker:

Understanding Your Dog's Unique Needs:

A considerate dog walker understands that every dog is an individual, with their own temperament, physical abilities, and personal comfort zones. They should be prepared to adapt their approach to suit your dog's specific needs, considering things like walking pace, distance, and any behavioural tendencies.

Considerate Group Sizes:

An ethical dog walker will limit the number of dogs they walk at the same time. This shows their commitment to offering each dog the attention and care they require, placing the welfare of the dogs above the potential to earn more by walking larger groups.

Commitment to Safety:

Look for a dog walker who prioritises safety. They should use suitable and secure equipment, such as robust leads and secure harnesses. Additionally, they should assure you that your dog will be safely fastened during transport and that they always follow road rules. The presence of a first aid kit is also a good indicator of their preparedness for emergencies.

Professionalism and Honesty:

A professional dog walker should maintain transparency with their clients. This means they're willing to discuss any incidents or issues that occur during the walk. They should also be clear about their services, fees, and any changes to schedules or plans.

Up-to-Date Canine Knowledge:

A responsible dog walker should keep updating their knowledge about dog behaviour, health concerns, breed-specific traits, and the latest developments in their field. This ongoing commitment to learning reflects their dedication to their profession and ability to provide optimal care for your dog.

By using these guidelines, you can find an ethical dog walker who not only provides a professional service but also genuinely cares for the well-being of your dog.

01/05/2023

Happy Bank Holiday! Here's some pictures from this week

18/04/2023

Happy Tuesday 🐾

18/04/2023

TELL ME WHEN I GET IT RIGHT!

Imagine this – You work for someone who continually reprimands you. You never know from one day to the next if there is anything this person is happy with, because the only feedback you receive from them is what you are doing wrong – it’s all just so negative!

You are never thanked for a job well done, never given any positive feedback, recognition or encouragement.

This leaves you feeling demotivated, confused, insecure and unhappy. You have no idea what this person really expects of you or wants from you.

Surely you must be doing something right, some of the time? If only you had more feedback about what that was – you could do more of that and you would both be in a happier place.

We often treat our dogs this way, only focusing or providing feedback on the “wrong” behaviour and neglecting to provide feedback and encouragement for the “right” behaviour.

Rewarding, reinforcing and encouraging a dog for whatever they are doing right is an effective, scientifically proven way to communicate, teach, create trust, build confidence, security and build a strong bond in a positive, force-free way.

Just like us, when a dog does something that results in something good happening, they’re far more likely to keep repeating that behaviour.

Reinforcement or rewards don’t always have to be food or treats – it all depends on what that particular dog finds more rewarding – lots of praise, a favourite toy, playing a game or anything else a dog really enjoys can be rewarding.

Keep telling your dog when they get it right and very soon, they will be doing less of the wrong thing and more of the right thing.

Stop focusing on the unwanted behaviour and communicate to your dog that they are getting it right by rewarding the behaviour you are looking for.