All good dogs deserve fun (and yes, YOUR dog IS a good dog!)

Like lots of you, Clare and I got into dog training because we ended up with problem dogs of our own.

In my case, I adopted a 5yr old Border Collie with plans to explore the Scottish Highlands in between learning flyball and agility.

I also really wanted to do some Search + Rescue work having grown up acting as a “dogs body” for Killin Mountain Rescue Team.

Once there was even the dream of my faithful collie coming onto campus to give my undergraduate psychology students real life experience of animal learning . . .

There’s a saying that plans only last until you get punched in the face .

In this case it was a sharp encounter with reality that diverted most of those big ideas.

My faithful collie was, it turned out, something of a complex soul.

The list of behaviour problems just kept getting longer

• Fearful and aggressive to strangers (esp men) 
• Noise phobic 
• Travel phobic 
• Terrified of children (and would bite if feeling threatened) 
• Keen to chase other animals 
• Aggressive with many other dogs 

And that was just the start!

But despite his (many) challenges, Finn was still a “good” dog.

In fact, I adored him.  And while we worked on his problems, I still wanted to have fun with him! 

It took me several years to find an understanding trainer who would let us hang around on the edge of classes.

And I spent many evenings driving to Leeds and beyond.

But it was worth it.

“Fun” classes helped build our relationship.

We remembered how to enjoy things together.

Practicing everyday skills made it easier to cope in real life. Loose lead walking really does make handling a reactive dog easier!

And laughter became part of our training sessions again.

We don’t want you to have to struggle on alone or feel like it’s all hard work and no play.

But we know our special dogs need a calm, safe environment.

That’s why you’ll find “reactive dog” versions of our most popular classes.

Some sessions are focused on giving you more techniques, but plenty are “just” about having fun while learning with your dog.

Here’s just a few examples: 

• Scentwork Solutions for Reactive Dogs 
• Essential Life Skills for Reactive Dogs 
• Canicross for Reactive Dogs 
• Parkour for Reactive Dogs 
• Bodywork + Relaxation 
• (and we've just had a special request for Gundog Games for Reactive Dogs so watch this space!)

What makes these classes special?

1. Designed for dogs that need space from other dogs or humans 
2. Working outside, usually near your vehicle with optional barriers 
3. Taught by experienced trainers who will respect your dogs’ boundaries 
4. VERY small class sizes 
5. All attending dogs have been assessed and screened 
6. The chance to train in a supportive group atmosphere with other people who really understand what it’s like 

Reactive Dog specific sessions that are now open for bookings!

Sat 19th October Parkour Progressions for Reactive Dogs (afternoon)  Progress your Parkour

Sat 14th December Parkour Fundamentals for Reactive Dogs (afternoon) Start learning Parkour

Tues 13th August  6.30pm Essential Skills for Reactive Dogs: Progressions (4 week class)Book Essential Skills Class

General workshops that are now open for bookings!

If your dog struggles to cope around other dogs or people, please talk to us before booking on these sessions specifically. We want both you and your dog to have a relaxing learning experience, and sometimes that means you will get more out of the Reactive Dog specific sessions.

Saturday 21st September 1/2 day workshops @ PawPark

• Parkour Fundamentals (morning)
• Herding Dogs (morning)
• Gundog Games (afternoon)

 
If you don't see the class you were hoping for, stay tuned as we're confirming venues for the rest of our Autumn and Winter programme.


The weather is looking disgustingly hot for this week so please stay cool and fingers crossed that we don't have to cancel the weekend sessions....

Morag, the Collie Girls and the Injured Big Yin*

*Laird managed to stab himself in the shoulder last week so I'm desperately trying to keep him still while the stitches knit everything back together. Considering renaming him as Mr A&E!

When life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade – stop buying more lemons!

I was in an accident last week. Another driver took a chance on a side junction, cut across the traffic and went straight into the side of my van. We were really lucky because neither of us was going that fast, but it was terrifying for me and the collie girls.

The aftermath with police, ambulances, recovery vehicles, having to find a friend who could come and rescue the girls – noisy, unfamiliar, lots of stressed people.

The van is away for repairs (I hope!) and we’ve finally sorted out a temporary replacement.

Bronte has taken it all in her stride. Being deaf and part blind means life can be pretty unpredictable and she generally shrugs and moves on.

Freya is really struggling, but then this is the fourth time she’s been in some kind of vehicle collision. Every time we’ve managed to work through it, but it gets harder each time.

Passing traffic noises are scary again, she’s on high alert in every situation and when Freya saw the replacement van outside my house she panicked and tried to flee. That was just seeing the van, we weren’t going near it or unlocking it.

Having a positive attitude to life and turning challenges into opportunities is one way of coping with the ups and downs the universe throws at us. So yes, when life gives you lemons – making lemonade can be an excellent choice.

But the truth is being optimistic isn’t enough.

Using positive affirmations might help your attitude, but what needs to change is your behaviour.

So when an avalanche of lemons lands on your head, the smart thing to do is cancel your monthly order of lemons…

I’ve organised my work schedule and personal plans so that barring emergency vet trips, Freya doesn’t have to go anywhere near a vehicle for at least the next month.

While I know I could ask her to go in a car, and she would try her best for me, it’s not worth pushing our luck and adding to the stress she is already under.

We’re going to be using supportive medication, plus all of the training techniques that have worked so well for us in the past to build Freya’s confidence around vehicles.

Freya has a pretty good set of resources to draw on (she adores crate training, knows that loud noises equal treats, enjoys scentwork, learns fast) but most importantly she knows that I won’t force her to do scary stuff.

If you need help with an avalanche of lemons, let us know!

Have a safe week

Morag and the collie girls

PS Looking forward to seeing some of you at our Xmas social on Thursday where the only lemons will be round the edge of my tequila glass

PPS Well Connected Canine is taking some well-earned time off over Christmas to spend time with

our dogs and our own families. We’ll be closing on Thursday 21 st December and re-opening on

Thursday 4th January. If you do need to speak with us before Christmas, make sure you get in touch

soon - it’s creeping up fast!

Crow-scarers, whose bright idea were they anyway?!?

I mean, I know they might be useful for farmers but *insert sweary words of choice here* seriously!

You’re enjoying a relaxing walk with your dog across the fields, watching them sniff for rabbits, and then

BANG

so close it felt like someone shooting at you.

No wonder your dog panics. Starts running home, or panting with wide eyes.

Does your heart start jumping?

Do you feel that knot of anxiety in your stomach as you work out the distance to get back to the car?

Some dogs are just scared of fireworks, but lots of dogs get a bit worried about other loud noises too.

The bad news is that if you just ignore it and hope things will get better – they usually don’t. I’m working with two lovely dogs right now who were a bit sensitive as pups but now have full blown noise phobias and can’t even go on normal walks any more.

The good news is that there’s lots you can do to help a worried or scared dog. I know because I’ve gone through it with two of my own dogs, and helped over 50 other dogs to cope better in a noisy world.

How you can help your dog:

The first step is to find out how bad your dog’s fears really are. Take this short FREE quiz to find out and get suggestions about what to do

http://www.adaptil.com/uk/What-Causes-Stress-in-Dogs/Behaviourist-Fear-of-Fireworks-Assessment

If you want to know more, come along to our evening seminar (Well Connected Canine + York Vets4Pets) this Wednesday (5^th July) 7pm, Wigginton Old School.

I’m going to explain what makes a fear different from a phobia, look at the natural and behavioural treatment options available and help you write an action plan for your own dog.

We have just 3 places remaining – phone Vets4Pets York on 01904 658 201 to book your place. Ticket price is just £10 for two family members, refreshments, goodie bag and vouchers for behavioural health checks and a phone consultation.

Don’t delay – it’s only FOUR months until bonfire night and the fireworks season starts…

Morag and the collie girls 

(part of the reason I have two deaf dogs is because my first collie had such serious noise phobias)

PS if you live too far away to come to the seminar, you can always chat to us about working via Skype. All you need is enthusiasm and a reasonable internet connection and I can probably help you. Email info@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk to apply for a consultation.

Hiding from thunder, drooling as the rain batters down

If you dread the sound of summer thunder storms, or come home early from work around Bonfire Night so your dog can toilet before it gets dark, you probably live with a noise sensitive dog.

Loud noises can be downright terrifying for some dogs, and it's an insidious problem as the fear spreads from gun shots or fireworks to include thunder, loud rain, slamming doors and more.

It was one of the biggest problems I had to work on with Finn (my first ever rescue collie). He went from being worried about fireworks to panicking over thunder, low flying jets and at one point refusing to toilet outside in the dark for over a month. You could say it was a steep learning curve!

There are no quick fixes for this kind of problem, and if there were I promise I would share them with you.

But there are some tested strategies that can really help your dog to cope better. That might include supplements or even medication, but simple preparation and training ahead of time can make a big difference too.

If you want to help your dog be less scared of loud noises, and release that knot of tension in your own stomach, come to our evening workshop on Wednesday 5th July at 7pm, Wigginton Old School Hall.

There are just 7 places left, and you'll get practical action tips plus a goodie bag, discount vouchers and refreshments!

Don't wait till November to try and fix the problem - get help now.

Morag and the collie girls

Noise Fears & Phobias - How to Help your Dog
Wednesday 5^th July 7pm to 8.30pm (Wigginton)

Book your place now as we have limited spaces

Ring Vets4Pets York on 01904 658 201 to book and pay
Tickets cost £10 per family (max two people) includes refreshments + a goodie bag

Trembling and hiding under the sofa

Finn used to really hate thunder storms. He’d shake and tremble, drool and pace around the room. For a moment he’d settle squeezed in between the back of the sofa and the wall. Then another rumble would send him searching for an escape.

Finn found lots of noises scary, from thunder, to loud rain, crow-scarers, noise of a football being kicked and of course, the dreaded fireworks from late October through to January.

You might not know that Finn was my soul dog. The troubled collie that helped guide me towards becoming a behaviourist, and pushed me up a very steep learning curve.

 

Eventually after a lot of hard work, Finn only minded the really big noises and he could cope or even relax through the smaller bangs. Loud rain no longer meant a week of anxiety, and I stopped having to rush home from work if there was a thunderstorm.

Noise fears and phobias are insidious nasty things.

They creep up on you, and suddenly you realise that your dog who was never that keen on fireworks now won’t toilet outside in the dark.

Maybe you already knew your dog was scared. 

Or maybe the big thunderstorms last week reminded you.

You can change that fear. You can help your dog to be less terrified.

If you’d like to learn more about how to help your dog cope with scary noises and especially fireworks, come to our education evening:

Wednesday 5^th July 7pm to 8.30pm

Ring Vets4Pets York on 01904 658 201 to book and pay

Tickets cost £10 per family (max two people) and include refreshments + a goodie bag

Venue: Wigginton Old School Hall, max 20 attendees

Presented by Morag K Heirs PhD, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, in association with Vets4Pets York

Don’t wait till October or November to get help!