Rehab Club Brags (Feb 2018) and what "doing nothing" might mean

February's rehab club was all about slow motion movement and observations. We worked fairly close up with everyone around people and dogs, and we tried to see all the small communications.

Question of the day:  what are our dogs telling us when they stop wanting to play Look At That or Engage/Disengage games? 

If your dog is keen on food (and all of ours were) then when they STOP looking at the other dog in exchange for treats there's going to be a reason for it...

• it could be boredom  but it's not usually
• it might be they'd like to move away, the session has lasted long enough
• it could even be that our dog is feeling threatened or worried

Even when you think your dog "isn't doing anything" they probably are... does your dog slow down, hesitate, turn away.

If we're moving too quickly towards the other person or dog, then you might miss your dog pausing. Also watch for your dog conveniently crossing in front of you, blocking your path. Again this is communication.

Why do we want to do things slowly?

Partly so we don't miss the important but small things

Mostly because slow, careful experiences give our dogs space to think, consider and react thoughtfully.

"strong emotions make us (and our dogs) stupid"

Exciting news - we WILL be offering an extra weekday rehab session once a month on a Tuesday afternoon. We've chosen the day that worked for the majority of you, but we know it won't be perfect for everyone!

First weekday rehab sessions: Tues 13^th March 2pm, then Tues 24^th April at 2pm

To book on please email Laura initially (we'll have a new booking system running shortly) on info@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk

Want to know more about rehab club, and get specific tips and hints to help? Sign up to our rehab specific list here! Rehab Club List

 

Rehab Club brags from January 2018 (Silence is golden)

Silence is golden

Standing quietly, watching two dogs move around calmly and check in with their humans for support and praise.

For us, that’s the stuff of smothered cheers. Silent celebrations, and huge grins.

Sometimes life is all too hectic and we miss the chance to slow down and really watch our dogs.

If your dog tends to react to other dogs by barking, lunging or screaming then you probably have reflexes like a steel spring.

When was the last time your “reactive” dog could just hang around and watch another dog safely?

Rehab Club is our special wee bubble where we make the real world more predictable. You can relax and feel safe enough to let your dog make their own choices.

You might even be surprised by the progress you have made without realising – just like our amazing January group!

January Brags

Janey (GSD) and Elsie (Staffie cross) successfully walked on relaxed short leads, practiced approaching, passing each other and making awesome choices.

Mabli (staffie) learned how to get closer to other dogs and people without losing her mind to excitement.

And Bounce (Shipperke) practiced relaxing around young, bouncy dogs in a safe space where no-one was running over or threatening him.

Clare and I are SO very proud of all the hard work these folk put in, and we love seeing it pay off. We’ve promised to start filming the sessions so we can show just how big these changes are!

Want to experience that blissful calmness with your dog?

You need to have started a behaviour package with Well Connected Canine, want more chances to practice and be ready to work with a super supportive group of people!  Drop us an email to info@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk to check for spaces on Sunday 18^th February (venue near South Cave).

There are just four places available each month so don’t delay!

Enjoy those silences

Morag and Clare

Welcome to the Sunday Sports and Social Club

Training your dog is fun, but it’s even better fun when you add in some cake & coffee with good company. 

It’s good to mix activities up and cross-train for fitness, plus it keeps everyone on their toes. 

So we’re launching the Well Connected Canine Sunday Sports and Social Club (2-4pm) from 28^th January!

Our FREE monthly social club held on Sunday afternoons near Market Weighton. 

You just need to have trained with well connected canine to be eligible to attend, and keen to train with your dog in a friendly atmosphere.

There’s no formal teaching at these sessions. But there is plenty of space and equipment to set up practice areas and other people to help you out.

Activity options

• Rally and Fenzi TEAM
• Agility (with Hoopers coming soon)
•  Scentwork
• Canicross (brilliant trails within easy walking distance)
• Parkour
• Anything else you’d like to work on!

Just let us know you’re coming, and bring along something to share (cake, fruit, biscuits etc). We’ll provide the space*, equipment and tea/coffee.

Are you coming on Sunday 28^th January?  https://doodle.com/poll/d2uyeq3ibar52zr4

And sign-up to the dedicated mailing list http://eepurl.com/PcFGv  for monthly reminders and activity update.

Happy Monday!

Morag and the collie girls

*all sessions are outside, so come prepared for the weather. Dogs will enjoy the sessions most if they’re able to settle in your vehicle while you have a coffee and warm up in the kitchen.