Barks and More

20/06/2025

17/06/2025

Have you seen dogs shake after they played, had an interaction or met someone new? Did you know that it is a stress reliever for dogs?

Knowing dog body language is so important. It's not just about facial expression, it's about behaviour as well. Stretching, sniffing and scratching in a situation is also a sign of unease. Let's familiarize ourselves with the signs.

Credit: Dogs Disclosed

JUST SHAKE IT OFF

A “shake off” is one of many types of body language and is one of the easiest ones to notice.

The shake off can provide us with important insight as to how our dogs are feeling.

Besides being a very effective way to get rid of dirt, bugs or water - dogs can remove up to 70% of water in one single shake off - the shake off is often seen just after something that a dog needs a mental reset from.

It’s a way to flush out adrenaline and could be compared to us taking a deep breath to reset our nervous system and calm ourselves down.

Dogs instinctively know they feel better when they just shake it all off!

It’s their way of saying “Phew, I’m glad that’s over, now I can put it behind me and move on”.

Shaking off is a positive way to calm down, reset and cope with stress – be that negative or positive stress.

It’s a healthy way of transitioning from one emotional state to another.

It’s important to be aware that shake offs may sometimes be caused by an underlying medical issue like an ear infection, allergies, itching or pain.

If you notice a shake off, look at what has just happened beforehand. This will provide a good clue as to what it is that your dog feels they need to reset from.

10/06/2025

We had another chat with Anton from LEKKER FM this morning.

Have a listen to the podcast:
https://iono.fm/e/1552809

We talked about different rewards, training exercises and the basics.

Barks And More - Anton Olwage gesels met Philecia Erasmus (Dieregedragkundige) 10-06-25

09/06/2025

Do you think your dog is "naughty"? Are they destructive? Do they constantly bark? Do they chew on everything?

It can be boredom or stress. Give your pup something to chew. Give your pup puzzles and games. Give them an outlet for these big emotions.

Credit: ABC Dogs NZ

They can't tell us...they SHOW us.
It can come out as being a "ratbag"....chewing, destroying (and yes that does include favourite items of ours too).
Stress in dogs is a weird one...it often comes out in ways we don't read as "stressed".

Those barks? They just heard a noise...or did they?
Running away when called? Just stubborn....is it or do they just need some peace and quiet?
Before we think they are just misbehaving....let's look a little deeper at what could be occurring and most importantly...why.

04/06/2025

We have been a bit quiet. But we're back again. We have 2 new podcasts that you can listen to. We chatted with Anton from LEKKER FM on 13 and 27 May. Have a listen:
13 May
https://iono.fm/e/1552807
27 May
https://iono.fm/e/1552808

Barks And More - Anton Olwage gesels met Philecia Erasmus (Dieregedragkundige) 27-05-25

10/05/2025

Come join us at Asher Farm Sanctuary today. We'll be here until 15h00!
All items are discounted! 😁🥳
Marlyn Repsold Kahlan&Co
Philecia Erasmus Barks and More

04/05/2025

5500 still to go to keep the rescues safe

Please help keep them safe

FNB ASSARO
ACC 62434287034
Branch code 250655

26/04/2025

Welcome to Lua Lou and Luna that joined the Barks and More training family this week.

17/04/2025

Meet some of the pups I have been training recently. A few others still to add. Basic life skills, socialization, behaviour modification, consent training and some free shaping. All with positive reinforcement and fear free methods.

I teach the owners a lot about behaviour and what to expect and how to work with it if any of the behaviors arise. The owners learn more than the pups in the first few sessions!

14/04/2025

Walking an anxious dog can be difficult. But all you need is patience and great observational skills. Some dogs won't take treats when their scared, so use that as a sign. Look at their body language as well. Small steps will help to build their confidence in the big scary world.

Credit: International Institute For Canine Ethics