Sophie's School: A dog school for Rescue Dogs & their Humans

07/04/2025

Can a dog consent❓
Can that dog change their mind? Absolutely, but do we recognise when that has happened?
Play is one of those areas that can be really misread by us (and badly misread).
➡️They can show they need a break
➡️They can show disinterest (and strongly)
➡️These signals can be subtle or "slap in the face" obvious
One thing for sure, we need to look harder at play and what constitutes good play.
It is full of nuances and subtilities as well as individual "quirks".

This dog training graphic (and over 130 more!) is available through
https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/hang-on-i-need-a-break?srsltid=AfmBOorInXhZoYEyi40FC05D9ZEI_oU_eQYBMltsm7GNRwqcFE_BTgDZ

05/04/2025

This week there was a post from a well-known dog influencer claiming that "dogs don't need enrichment" and that we should focus on their "real needs" instead.

I'm not sure if this statement was made simply to create controversy and get a rise out of people, or if it reflects a genuine belief. Either way, it fundamentally misrepresents what enrichment is and why committed dog owners invest time and effort into it.

Let's get something clear: Enrichment IS meeting our dogs' real needs. It's not some frivolous extra - it's acknowledging the reality of who our dogs actually are.

At the end of the day, our dogs are animals living in captivity. Yes, they're domesticated, but we still ask them to live in ways that are profoundly unnatural to them.

Think about it:

❌ It's not normal for dogs to stay inside houses 22+ hours a day
❌ It's not normal for dogs to walk slowly on leash without pulling, sniffing, or interacting with their environment
❌ It's not normal for dogs to ignore other animals they see
❌ It's not normal for dogs to not forage, counter-surf, or dig up your garden

Our dogs actually make very big efforts to fit into our human world with all its arbitrary and weird rules. The least we can do in return is fulfill their natural needs as much as possible.

That's what enrichment really is: providing opportunities for species-specific behaviors like sniffing, chewing, licking, digging, shredding, and foraging.

In all my years working with clients, I've NEVER encountered a dog owner who spent "too much time" on enrichment. In fact, I've found the opposite - the more intentional enrichment a dog receives, the happier they are, the easier training becomes, and the better the relationship gets.

Why?
Because enrichment acknowledges dogs for who they are. We humans don't have innate needs to sniff, dig, shred things, or forage - but our dogs absolutely do.

When we don't provide appropriate outlets for normal canine needs, our dogs find their own solutions - which we often label as "bad" behavior.
The dog who shreds your couch cushions, digs up your flowerbeds, chews your baseboards, raids your garbage, destroys toys within minutes, or counter-surfs is actually just acting according to their natural needs. Enrichment helps bridge that gap by providing appropriate alternatives.

With my own dogs, I ensure they have several types of enrichment every day - chewing opportunities, licking activities, daily sniffing adventures, appropriate digging spots, and chances for shredding and de-stuffing.

To be clear, enrichment doesn't replace exercise, training, or social interaction. It's ONE important piece of a fulfilled dog's life.

The next time someone suggests that enrichment is unnecessary or superfluous, remember: It's not about mindlessly throwing toys at our dogs or creating Instagram-worthy snuffle mats.
It's about honoring their true nature within the constraints of our human world.

It's not a way to DISCOUNT what they need. It's a way to ACKNOWLEDGE who they truly are.

(BY the way: I am writing this as my own dogs are all eating their breakfast in the form of frozen slow feeders 😄)

Happy Enrichment!

31/03/2025

Rethinking the Swap: Resource Guarding and Consent in Dogs

In the springtime, we see an influx of puppies and new adoptions as people prepare for more pleasant weather. By autumn, many of these puppies—now in adolescence—begin to show signs of resource guarding. It’s a common trend for behaviour professionals to see such cases during seasonal shifts.

Resource guarding (RG) can be a completely natural canine behaviour—dogs may protect what they value, whether it’s food, toys, space, or even people. But because it’s often viewed negatively, a common approach to preventing RG in puppies is teaching a “swap” behaviour—offering a treat or something of higher value in exchange for the guarded item. On the surface, this seems practical and positive. However, the swap technique can fall short if it’s not grounded in a deeper understanding of canine emotional safety.

The Problem with Swap-First Approaches:

If a dog has not been taught the concepts of consent, safety, and choice, then “swap” becomes just another transactional demand. The dog may still learn that humans might take things unpredictably, and while a treat might be offered, the experience lacks trust and voluntary participation. Over time, this can actually create or exacerbate guarding behaviour rather than prevent it—especially if the dog perceives repeated loss of valued items.

Choice as Foundations:

Dogs raised with concept training—where the emphasis is on emotional safety, agency, and choice—are far less likely to develop RG issues in the first place. When a dog knows they won’t be forced, that their needs are heard, and that communication is two-way, they’re more likely to offer items freely, making a formal “swap” unnecessary.

Instead of jumping to training a trade, teaching the underlying concepts that support cooperative behaviours might be more beneficial. Concept training helps dogs understand ideas like “sharing is safe,” “giving things up doesn’t mean loss,” and “my voice matters.” These foundational lessons make behaviours like swapping more meaningful and reliable.

Passive Tips for Preventing RG:

💡Observe Body Language Closely

Watch for subtle signs of discomfort or tension when the dog has something—even if it’s not deemed valuable. Respecting their signals is essential for establishing a foundation of trust.

💡Practise “Trade” with More Choice

When offering a swap, let the dog choose whether to engage. Offer the alternative without demanding the original item. If they keep the original, that’s okay—trust is more important. Practising trades out of context (when there’s no conflict) is especially beneficial.

💡Use Consent-Based Handling and Interaction

Teach a “can I?” cue. Before reaching for an item, offer a hand and wait for the dog’s engagement. Reward curiosity, not compliance.

💡Reinforce Voluntary Sharing

If the dog brings something, praise them—even if there’s no need to take it. Reinforce the act of offering rather than focusing on possession.

💡Avoid Unnecessary Takeaways

Not falling into the habit of routinely taking things “just because.” If the dog has something safe and appropriate, let them enjoy it. Constant interruption teaches distrust.

While teaching a puppy to swap can be useful, but without the deeper work of building trust, consent, and communication, it risks becoming a quick fix rather than a sustainable solution. When dogs feel secure and respected, they’re naturally more cooperative. The real prevention for RG lies not in teaching them to give things up, but in nurturing a safe environment that builds trust.

Boo Blackhurst, CDBC

11/03/2025

DOUBLE TROUBLE
The challenges of raising two puppies together.

The problem behaviours that are commonly seen in dogs that are raised together is often mistakenly called “litter mate syndrome”, but these behaviours are not specific to dogs from the same litter and can occur with any 2 dogs that are raised together.

The problems that may develop have nothing to do with sharing similar DNA or coming from the same litter, but depends on how the pups are raised and how their environment is managed.

Problem behaviour is usually a combination of relational dynamics, poor socialisation, habituation, a lack of separate experiences and no individual resilience or self-confidence building.

Many people believe it’s a great idea to get two pups at the same time. They’ll be able to keep each other company when left alone, they won’t be bored; they’ll have each other to play with; they will always have a friend; both children in the family can have one; the breeder said it’s a good idea, you just couldn’t bear to leave the other one behind….and more, but this can lead to long term problems if there is no awareness of how to prevent potential problems.

Relying on the relationship between the dogs to fill the missing pieces of responsible pet parenting is setting the stage for the development of problem behaviours.

Although sibling pairs or 2 pups together may come with unique challenges, pups raised together can absolutely form healthy human bonds and develop into well-adjusted, confident dogs as long as their care givers are aware of what could go wrong and are prepared to put in the work to raise them.

11/03/2025

Here's why your dog hates certain things.

Your dog doesn't like black dogs because they see things on a blue-yellow colour spectrum. Black dogs, in general, just look like eyes and teeth.

Your dog doesn't like German Shepherds/Huskies/Malamutes because their ears are pointed upright, and that can be a sign of confrontation. Most of these dogs also have darker faces.

Your dog doesn't like French Bulldogs because their bulbous eyes can showcase they're anxious when they're not, their ears are pointed upright and their breathing can sound like growling. They also don't have tails that cover their a**l glands, so they're constantly spreading social scents that dogs can interpret as rude (think of the really loud aggressive guy at the pub).

Your dog doesn't like men because men tend to be taller, wear darker clothing and dogs are less likely to have interactions with men as a puppy than they are women or children. They will also have specific associations with their scent too.

Your dog doesn't like children because they are unpredictable - one minute they are still, the next minute they are not! Their movements are jerky, difficult to follow and can be scary. Plus they make a lot of noise!

Hope you found this helpful!

08/03/2025

Over excited dogs need help to be calm. Here we explore 3 ways to help these dogs relax plus many more dog training tips to help over aroused dogs. As dog tr...

05/03/2025

I STILL NEEDED MY MOM

THE CONSEQUENCES OF TAKING PUPS TOO YOUNG

The early life experiences of a puppy are so important and have a significant influence on how that pup develops - emotionally, mentally, socially and physically.

There are still many so-called “breeders” that allow pups to be taken away at 6 weeks.

Uninformed people just accept this without question and are often unprepared for the consequences.

Just because a puppy may no longer physically depend on mom for food doesn’t mean they are ready to cope emotionally, without the security of their family unit, in a strange new home.

A 6-week-old puppy is still very reliant on mom and their littermates to learn appropriate play behaviour, impulse control, frustration tolerance, bite inhibition, self-confidence and develop the social skills that will help them grow into well-adjusted adults.

Although 8 weeks is the bare minimum that a reputable breeder will allow their pups to leave, some will keep their puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age, but also make sure that proper, age-appropriate socialisation and habituation is provided.

Habituation is getting a puppy used to different things in an environment in a positive way, at the right developmental time. This could look like introducing different objects, noises, sounds, smells, different textures, places etc, so the puppy learns that these things are not something to be afraid of.

However, we don’t live an in ideal world and having to care for or rescue pups much younger than 8 weeks is often unavoidable due to different circumstances.

In these cases, we need to do what we can and hope for the best.

This post is not about this kind of situation, it’s about spreading knowledge, creating awareness, understanding and encouraging people not to support unethical, irresponsible breeders that allow their pups to leave too early, with no regard for their wellbeing or development.

05/03/2025

03/03/2025

Bit of a challenge for you if you haven't tried this....TRY it.
This is an absolute game changer ✅
If you don't do this or maybe you don't do this enough, it has the ability to transform your relationship.
It strengthens your bond 🥰
They can start to HEAR you when you speak 👂
They will naturally start to "check in" with you more and look at you for guidance. 🏆
Win....win...WIN !!!
If you haven't added this in or don't know where to start there is a video in the comments.
This dog training poster is available through https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-don-t-overlook-the-look?srsltid=AfmBOoq2LRQmungr8C0rJiBieAzeR_ELv5Xskw36UQE_9MqzbheFp1hp

03/03/2025

Just DON’T!

There are some great ways to prevent food aggression, but messing with, taking or putting your hand in your dogs food is not one of them.

The more we mess with our dogs stuff, the more likely they are to become defensive around it. Just like we might!

26/02/2025

Being friendly, neutral or playful doesn't mean that emotional state is automatically transferrable.
Friendliness ISN'T transferrable to every situation.⚠️
It can be difficult for us to understand that our dogs can become reactive, anxious and even behave aggressively....because they are SO friendly at home, at the in laws house or when they are in an area they are familiar with.
I think we can all be somewhat guilty of expecting emotional consistency when we change the environment...yet we are shocked when behaviour happens "out of the blue"
Situations and environments can hugely impact a dogs behaviour.
Your dog may be friendly.
Your dog may like other dogs....but your dog can struggle when they are elsewhere.
This dog training handout is available through https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-it-s-ok-my-dog-is-friendly?srsltid=AfmBOoo8OEcxMJBHI0QO31iWPrEAXfAsPwP9jILHjVuK8ByvOoSsFfyU

24/02/2025

Simple ❓ So simple and so important✅
Transformative.
Bond strengthening.
Instructional.
Deepening connections and understanding for you both.
If you are new to rewarding the behaviour you want to see more off....there are a few pitfalls with this.
Number one would be rewarding at the exact wrong time (very easily done).
🔵Your dog may jump up to get the rewards as you deliver them (you may be rewarding the jumping...which can be repeated).
🔵Not physically prepared to reward and missing the perfect time...then rewarding much later than you should.
🔵Not recognising that NOT barking when another dog does IS rewardable.
🔵Ignoring when they start to make great choices
Give it a go....it can change everything.
This dog training graphic is available from https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-reward-what-you-want-repeated?srsltid=AfmBOoqZ3qxXdgxWoGkWWe6oyTeqgtrcXRfmW1qQ0QSRnMIi-K4aWmnA

18/02/2025

So how do you introduce dogs to each other?This is a step by step guide for socially awkward dogs or dogs that need a bit more confidence to meet other dogs ...

18/02/2025

Another controversial post...
For many years now the "answer" to all resource guarding was to hand feed meals.
If only it were that simple and if only it helped every dog…..but it doesn’t ❗
In fact, it can exacerbate resource guarding for many dogs.
The comment “hand feed every bite” is thrown around on social media when the subject of resource guarding comes up.
It is time to look deeper at the issue…not just for “simple” solutions.
Hand feed every bite ⚠️
Take your dogs bowl away when they are eating ⚠️
Put your hand in their food when they eat ⚠️
Feed only in a crate⚠️
None of this takes into account a dogs individual issues and it can cause many more issues than it solves.

Some trainers still believe putting your hand in a dogs food and hand feeding dogs their meals is a magical cure for all resource guarders. Then there are the "other" trainers (and we are in a minority, or at least it seems that way). There are VERY real dangers with RG and hand feeding.
Resource guarding morphs and changes.
It can expand in many different ways….all from following a strangers advice and they may be very well meaning.
Perhaps it worked for them, but many trainers have seen the damage this advice can do.
The person is then guarded ❗
The crate has become a highly valued resource and now people can’t go near it ❗
This dog may have developed multiple areas that this show up in now, and in multiple situations.

A few of us have seen the issues "hand feed every bite" causes and thankfully there are a growing number of us pointing out the dangers of this. If you have issues with RG, you do need to be aware that this needs professional help.
Google, Ai or dog behaviour groups won't really help and can make this worrying issue even worse.
If you are looking for tips or advice in this post….there really are none (apart from seek real help) because this can be a very dangerous topic to advise on without a full understanding of that individual dog.
All the best with this, it can be a very worrying and complex issue indeed.
This dog training graphic is available through https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-resource-guarding?srsltid=AfmBOopG0AFwrmbElmFmtsDjkBCEhZjiCIecPC7TkB1nPuY3YfAYP1bl

12/02/2025

ARE YOU WORTH COMING BACK TO?

I’m often horrified when I watch people trying to get their dogs to come back to them when they call.

They call and call and get increasingly angry and frustrated as their dog keeps ignoring them.

When their dog eventually comes back, or has been chased and "captured” by the now really angry person, they get screamed at, yanked about, or punished in some way for taking so long and not listening.

Why on earth would a dog want to return to someone who does this to them!

The most common reason dogs don’t come back when we call is because it’s not a positive experience.

A new environment is generally far more rewarding, stimulating and exciting than coming back to us.
An exciting scent or seeing something to chase can all override a response to recall.

Make coming back to you well worth it by always making it a rewarding experience and keep practicing this throughout a dog’s life.

Have a little patience if it takes longer than you would like, let your dog finish what they’re doing before calling them, practice in different locations and environments and never reprimand or punish them for coming back.

There is never a guarantee of a perfect recall each and every time, but making it a rewarding experience will greatly improve the rate of success.

06/02/2025

Oh those Zoomies !!!!!⏪⏫⏩⏬
What if you are a "target"?😲
Should you just let them be ?
Can you lessen them ?
Before those questions are answered, it is vital that we ensure all our puppies and dogs needs have been met.
Over tired ?
Under stimulated?....over stimulated ?
Should you do anything about them...yes and no. ✅❌
On the whole the zoomies are natural and normal, BUT when YOU become a target, it can be an issue.
If they are predictable....after baths, after dinner, before bed etc, you can try and lessen them by doing some training games, getting that nose working on finding something and pull out some enrichment puzzles or make them yourself....but it isn't the time for food in a box that they can destroy as that can ramp up that energy again.
Think more along the lines of, a rolled up towel with rewards scattered through, lickimats, snuffle mats and plastic cups so you can play "find".
There is a video in the comments about how to start find...SO helpful to calm a dog and on days when you need to tire them out but it's perhaps pouring with rain.
This dog training graphic is available from https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-the-zoomies?srsltid=AfmBOopH5SVfasdLy3Pfo5J9CF7Ir0VCJuNDjwpCOo7JAJQ3Zd4GnwNb