Courteous Canine of Jackson County NC

01/28/2025

01/04/2025

So important! I can help you establish thresholds.

DOG REFUSE TREATS AT TIMES?

😣 If you are trying to work with your dog there are a few things that can indicate your dog is what we call "over threshold" - in which your dog's stress levels are too high to properly learn, listen or think properly.

‼️ Thresholds are important in training because they can make or break your success.

There are several indicators that your dog is over threshold. (Not an exhaustive list!)
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1️⃣ Refusing food

2️⃣ Spitting out food

3️⃣ Barking/lunging

4️⃣ Appearing to "not listen"

5️⃣ Heavy panting

⏱ If your dog frequently goes over threshold and you aren't sure what to do, or if what you're doing isn't working, it's time to start a behavior modification program to get it under control!

🦸🏼 Get in touch with the proper professional for optimal results.

📸 The attached handout/image (click to enlarge) is from Grisha Stewart's BAT protocol (Behavior Adjustment Training) and shows stress on a very lovely illustrated, easy-to-understand scale. Illustrated by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

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Stacy Greer, CPDT-KA
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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2024 Stacy Greer
All rights reserved. Feel free to share via the “Share” link to the original post. Downloading for redistribution online or in print form is strictly prohibited.

12/15/2024

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11/27/2024

Happy to help with the information you're providing (or not providing).

11/19/2024

TRIGGER STACKING – WHEN BEHAVIOUR HAPPENS “OUT OF THE BLUE”

We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to go right and one frustrating thing after another happens to us, leaving us feeling wound up, stressed and ready to explode at the next unsuspecting person who dares to ask us something.

This “unsuspecting” person may think we have a serious behaviour problem or need anger management therapy, when the truth is that we’ve just had a really bad day or even a few bad days and don’t usually behave like this at all.

Dogs are no different and a behaviour that seems completely out of character or happens “out of the blue” is often caused by “trigger stacking”.

A trigger may be anything that increases a dog’s stress levels and has a negative impact on their emotional, mental or physical state.

These may be small things that we may not even notice or seem insignificant to us, but they are all adding to an increasing “stack” of events that may culminate in out of character behaviour.

When stress levels reach a certain point, the next stressful event, however small, may cause an explosive reaction that is completely unexpected.

Instead of just focusing on a particular behaviour and seeing it as a problem that needs to be prevented, take a step backwards, look at the bigger picture, look at events, circumstances or environmental factors that may have played a role leading up to that behaviour.

Being aware of potential stressors and allowing your dog time to decompress, relax and unwind for a few days will often mean the difference between “normal behaviour” and a behaviour that seems completely out of character.

11/14/2024

So important esp with the holidays coming up.

"How is he with kids?" We are often asked that question about our dogs. But sometimes the question should be "How are your kids with dogs?"
Please teach your children, especially little ones, that dogs do not enjoy humans screaming, running towards them, or grabbing at them. Pulling on ears, tails, jumping on the dogs, teasing him with food, or feeding a dog from their plates is also not appropriate. Even the gentlest dog can get scared and maybe growl or even bite in an effort to protect himself. Learn the signs that the dog is scared or uncomfortable and teach your kids to know them too. ❤🐾
Here's a good article from the AKC on this very thing:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teaching-young-children-respect-dogs/

10/26/2024

Treat your dogs EVERY day!

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10/02/2024

Recommended reading:

If you’re the owner of a new puppy or a dog owner looking to adjust misbehavior, the best dog training books can help you get the best possible results.

09/26/2024

food = treats!

09/11/2024

Would like to help - Jane Finneran, CPDT-KA.

09/10/2024

When most dogs end up in a shelter...

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

08/12/2024

If I hadn't had this name for 20+ years, would choose The Cooperative Canine.

08/02/2024

I would like to help you understand your dog's behavior. I have been helping dogs with their owners for over 30 years.

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