Stanford Dog School

23/04/2026

But they KNOW it.
Chances are, they don’t. Not out there.

This is one of those areas that frustrates both ends of the leash.
But we have to look at what’s actually happening.

A quick side step.

I design logos and graphics for clients.
Put me in my office, at my computer, and I can do it well.

Now put me in a busy café or a mall?

I’m looking at the cabinet with the cakes.
I’m hearing the person beside me going on about their co-worker.
I bump into someone I know.
That great idea I had? Gone.

I suddenly can’t do what I KNOW how to do.

The environment changed. Completely.

Put me in a quieter café, I’d probably manage.
Do it there a few times, I’d get better and better.

So why do we think dogs are any different?

They learned to listen in the lounge.
Maybe did a few solid downs in the yard.
Then it all falls apart the moment you step out the gate.

Because the environment changed.

That new smell in the grass.
The grumbly motorbike going past.
The lawn mower in the background.

None of that existed in your lounge.

And the further you move into higher distraction areas,
the more the environment will win.

So flip it.

Build those listening skills in those lower level environments first.
Add small distractions.
Use higher value rewards so it’s worth it.

Ask for a few basics there. Then build.

That’s how you grow the skill.

If you haven’t put those intermediate steps in,
you’re asking too much, too soon.

20/04/2026

Most people waste it.
Right before you move, there’s a moment.

Two seconds.
That’s all this takes.

A moment where you’re both about to move, and you add a word.

It doesn’t feel like much.
It isn’t, yet.

Because right now, it’s just a word. Something you say as you walk.

But repeat those two seconds, cleanly and consistently, and it turns into something far more powerful.
It becomes a well rehearsed “we’re moving” signal.

That moment they just spot a trigger?
You can use it.

That pebble they’ve been stuck on for seven minutes?
You can move on.

A quick, simple cue that brings focus back to you and it means movement.
You’re putting in a smoother transition from one thing to the next.

And the more you use it, the clearer, cleaner, and more effective it becomes.

Simple.

Now all you have to do?
Choose a word,
and remember to use it.

17/04/2026

SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS

Separation anxiety occurs when dogs feel alone, abandoned and distressed at being separated from their guardian which can result in panic and grief leading to excessive vocalising, destructive behaviours, inappropriate indoor elimination, self harm or trying to escape confinement to find their guardian.

Separation anxiety in dogs can be due to poor or inadequate habituation to being left alone for short periods in their critical socialisation period before 15-16 weeks, extreme attachment to guardians, or part of that dog's generalised anxiety profile.

Separation anxiety can be mild, moderate or severe and a behaviourist will look for different indicators to identify the severity which will determine the modification plan. Depending on the severity, improvement can take weeks or months to be noticeable so guardian commitment and patience are required. There is no one size fits all approach to treat separation anxiety so the causes, severity and treatment will depend on the unique emotional state of the animal, his history and context.

The assistance of a veterinary professional and a behaviourist may be required where medication is core to the modification plan.

My longest case took 18 months to prepare a dog for being alone for 4 hours a day while my quickest case resolved in a month. When clients request an estimate, my answer is "it depends".

Separation anxiety is one of the more complex emotional states to improve and most guardians give up after a while, but some guardians persevere no matter how long it takes to create confident and emotionally resilient dogs.

Please note that this post or poster does not represent the full complexity of separation anxiety/distress and any related conditions. It does not cover the origins, triggers, assessment protocols or tools, and a comprehensive list of recommendations which can include veterinary medication. This full picture is normally unearthed in the assessment with individual clients and a veterinary professional. This post only deals with a summary of the issues that I have observed with my client's dogs in my neck of the woods as related to the brain's CARE and GRIEF (formally known as the PANIC System) Systems by Jaak Panksepp. It is not intended to simplify a highly complex issue or to minimize it. It is also not intended to be used as a reference for the full understanding of the condition and related emotional states. This post is meant to offer guardians a possible direction to consider when their pets are struggling with emotions and behaviours that may seem similar so that they can seek help soonest.

16/04/2026

13/04/2026

How do you really know?
They’ve run up to you, flopped over, and that soft little belly is right there, all ready for a pat.

When a dog rolls onto their back, they’re exposing some of the most vulnerable parts of their body. The stomach, the throat, even the groin. Areas with very little protection. It’s one of the most vulnerable positions they can put themselves in.

So are they consenting and wanting connection, or “defaulting” to this position?

They can show this position when they’re uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or even “surrendering”. They may do this with other dogs as well as humans as a way to avoid conflict.

Are they stiff, rigid, holding tension throughout their body? Paws tucked in tight, face turned away, or maybe even a hard stare?
That’s not a moment to go in for a belly rub.

So when is the best time?
When they’re already fully relaxed.

Are they soft, loose, relaxed through the body, maybe even encouraging you with a few wriggles closer or nudges? That’s when touch can feel safe, and welcome.

Same position. Very different meaning.

19/08/2025

Why do U-turns help reactivity?
Well… it’s not always for the reason people think.

✅ Early recognition.
By spotting those subtle and tiny posture changes, you can turn before reactivity kicks in. That’s the optimum time to help change emotions.....not when they’re already reacting.

✅ Distance creates comfort
Re-engaging while the trigger is still at that manageable distance turns this into a training opportunity......your dog learns this other dog isn’t so “bad” after all.

Well look at you!
You're building resilience and optimism.

✅ A controllable cue.
Having a reliable U turn gives you something predictable to use in "unpredictable" situations.

Are there pitfalls with this method?
You betcha...as there are in many dog training techniques.

Timing is key, so rehearse before you need it.

Don’t rush straight back to the same distance that triggered that escalation. Sometimes you can return partway....sometimes a bit closer.
Sometimes not at all.

Often just an extra metre or two is the confidence boost your dog needs.

18/08/2025

10/08/2025

Did your dog just do nothing?......absolutely nothing?
Brilliant!
Reward them.
We don't reward nothing enough.
They have made good choices with no barking, jumping or simply checked in with you for more guidance.

Training doesn't have to be spins, tricks and always telling them what we want.
Real "training" can happen in silence.....and often its trickier to spot.

Keep your eyes and ears ready to spot those good choices.
When you reward them.....watch what happens.

More "nothing".
Excellent!

27/07/2025

Those hovering hands?
They can cause more issues than solve.
"It worked for me"
Maybe it did.... for your individual dog and your exact circumstances but the advice of taking a bowl away and giving it back or patting a dog eating creates more issues than it prevents.

"I saw a trainer make a video and it worked for him".

Please.....I need to say this clearly, don't do it.

This is one area where following advice online does more harm than good.
They can bite.
That injury may not happen to you but to someone you love.

Puppy showing these issues?
Look to see if their food is adjusted in quantity as they grow.
Sometimes we forget just how quickly they are actually growing and how hungry they become because of that rapid growth.

Looking for more tips?
I'm really sorry..... there are none here.
This is an area that needs a thorough assessment, careful understanding and tailoring an individual plan.

There are no five minute fixes for such a complicated behaviour that affects everyone in the family.

Respect their need for space.