Walk’n’Train Classes
These classes are a great opportunity to take what you’ve learned in a Reactive Dog or Pet Obedience class “on the road” under instruction. It’s not an ideal environment – and that’s the point. This is where you get help in applying what you’ve learned in class “on the road”. This class is suitable for nearly all dogs who have attended at least 4 classes or 1 private consult with Every Dog, there would be very few dogs who wouldn’t benefit.
To book, go to www.everydog.com.au and select WT2C Walk’n’Train. We decide the location a couple of days before the session (after seeing which dogs are enrolled) and send a text message with directions and any special instructions. The cost is just $22.50 per session, and you book individual sessions.
What we work on depends on the individual needs of the dogs attending. There is a particular focus on loose leash walking and come when called.
Harnesses, Leashes, and Long Lines
A reminder that we keep a stock of some of the products that we recommend in classes at discounted prices compared to retail. These include front-attach harnesses ($40 with safety clip), long lines (from $35), “Beachcomber” leashes with stainless steel fittings, and the Foobler ($49). There is usually 10 minutes after class to purchase equipment and your instructors will be happy to assist.
Ingrid is now making small quantities of “Snuffle Mats”, which are a brilliant enrichment and “slow-feeding” tool. Email Ingrid directly at billarina@gmail.com to order.
Private Consults – exciting new options available!
All available dates and times for private consults (in home or at our venue) are now available to be booked via our website, www.everydog.com.au
Some dog behaviour problems can’t be solved in a group or even specialist behaviour modification class, and this is particularly true of problems in the home or between dogs who live in the same home.
In order to broaden our offering and continue to provide excellent value, we’ve expanded our options to include private consults with Ingrid or Maddie as well, with supervision and consultation with Aidan before your behaviour plan is sent to you.
Another exciting addition to our range is a service where a trainer collects your dog during the day and takes them for a private training session. These are run as a course with an initial consult to determine needs, then video and notes are provided after each session, along with several final consults to ensure that you are able to maintain the behaviours we have worked so hard to instil. The obvious benefit is that it is faster and easier for an experienced, trained professional to teach your dog first. This is particularly true for dogs who are easily distracted, reactive, or just too much for the average person! However, there is no point in putting in all that effort if the behaviours are not maintained, so these final sessions are very important, too.
July/August Class Schedule – bookings essential, and some days/times/locations subject to change
Monday nights:
6:00 – 6:50pm* BM2C Behaviour Modification Clinic (Aidan) / RD2C Reactive Dog (Ingrid)
7:00 – 7:50pm RD101 Reactive Dog Intro (Ingrid & Aidan)
8:00 – 8:50pm RD101 Reactive Dog Intro (Ingrid & Aidan)
Tuesday nights:
6:00 – 6:50pm* (TBA) Social Skills small group (Ingrid and Maddie or Aidan)
7:00 – 7:50pm PO101 Introductory Pet Obedience (Ingrid and Maddie)
8:00 – 8:50pm PO2M Rally Obedience and Advanced Reinforcement Schedules (Maddie and Ingrid)
Saturday mornings:
9:30 – 10:20am WT2C Walk’n’Train (Ingrid and Aidan)
10:30 – 11:20am WT2C Walk’n’Train (Ingrid and Aidan)
*Days for Social Skills and BM2C are yet to be finalised
Private Consults by appointment
Forget Everything You’ve Heard About Dominance
By Sarah Dixon (Fulcher) CDBC, KPA-CTP, CERT.CBST, CTDI http://sarahfulcher.com/
If your dog tries to ask nicely for space, and no one listens they may learn to eventually resort to “screaming” for their requests for space to be heard. In dog language screaming for space equals barking, lunging, growling, and sometimes aggression.
These insecure dogs often get labelled as dominant and well-meaning owners are told to alpha roll or pin their dog, which only makes them lose trust in their person even more.
Forget everything you’ve ever heard about dominance – it’s probably false. Your dog is likely needing to feel safe or too excited – or a mix of both.
What are some ways dogs will ‘ask nicely’ for space or show that they are nervous? Some of the most common ones you will see and can start to watch for in your own dogs are:
Lip licking can be a sign of stress.
Your dog turning its head away from a person or dog is a signal that they are non-threatening and may be uncomfortable with the interaction.
Pinning Ears
Your dog’s ears being pinned flat back can be a good sign that they are nor comfortable. Not that the dog here is also licking its lips.
Your dog yawning when they are not tired may be a sign that they are feeling stressed or in conflict.
Tucking Tail
A dog tucking their tail under their body is a sign that they are fearful or not confident.
A dog lifting a paw can be a sign that they are uncomfortable in a social interaction.
Does this dog look comfortable?
Whale Eye
Eyes can tell you a lot about a dog’s emotional state, if you know what you are looking for. Whale is refers to the dog looking sideways so you can often see the white of their eye. It is a sign of discomfort, stress, and can often be a pre-bite warning.
These are just some of the many body language signals your dog will use to communicate stress, conflict, and discomfort. Remember all behaviour is fluid and must be taken in context – emotional states cannot be judged by a still photo. However, this will give you a good idea of what to start looking for in your dog’s body language.
