Gentle Modern School of Dog Training in Leopold, Victoria, Australia | Shopping & retail

Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

Locality: Leopold, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 5250 5676

Address: 41 - 49 Bawtree road 3224 Leopold, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.gentlemodernschoolofdogtraining.com.au

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25.01.2022 Dog Treat Box The latest addition to our YouTube Channel is a how-to on an easy way to entertain your dog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLEBwbLLvM Putting together a Dog Treat Box is quick and easy and uses household items you will have:... - a cardboard box, - some washed out yoghurt, cream cheese, cream containers, - brown paper - dog biscuits, yoghurt, peanut butter, cream cheese, etc Your dog will then have fun making their way into the box and enjoying the food surprises.

25.01.2022 Passing by Distractions

24.01.2022 Scout will be coming to group training in Leopold in May. He had already mastered one of the important skills in life!

24.01.2022 A clear overview of the obvious ways a dog shows you how they're feeling by dog trainer and educator, Susan Garrett

23.01.2022 In working mode; Puppy Group in Heidelberg

23.01.2022 'How far away can dogs smell and hear?' Your own curious kids might be interested in the answer to eight year old Georgina's question, 'How far away can dogs smell and hear?' Curious Kids, a series for children by The Conversation recently addressed this topic. https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-how-far-away-can-d

22.01.2022 I promised the lowdown on life with Pluto: >Before Pluto came home we installed two baby gates: one to keep him out of study (computer cords and cables) and one to keep him safe from the detergents, etc., in the laundry. Now we have five baby gates: the two already mentioned, plus one on either side of the kitchen, one to keep him away from the dining table and TV in the western half of the family room and then another to keep him completely out of the family room - he can't... have unsupervised access to the couch. (The cover we bought for the couch as an initial attempt to protect it sadly doesn't protect the couch from chewing.) >Pluto pulls things off the clothesline so I have the clothesline up as far as it will go and I hang things horizontally standing on a platform to reach the line. >Pluto picks up and runs off with phones and remotes and pretty much anything else. >Pluto guards stuff and very careful negotiations have to go on to recover items. > Pluto chews door frames. > His favourite type of play involves mouthing body part and grabbing clothes. Honestly we've considered returning Pluto to the shelter a number of times but we're persevering. I'm reframing the rolling series of strategies and techniques to keep him safe and us sane as being a valuable opportunity to practice lateral thinking :-)

21.01.2022 Snaps from our most recent Puppy Group Program, GMSDT Melbourne: Lola and Bentley - Cocker Spaniel X Cavalier siblings, Hunter - Jack Russell X Poodle, Lexi - Cavoodle, Louis - Labradoodle

21.01.2022 A little clip of a some of the dog fun today at the Gentle Modern School at Leopold from my friend Cassie. Thanks Cassie

20.01.2022 You will be aware of Melbourne Metros return to Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions. Pending further advice, GMSDT Melbourne will suspend group programs but will continue one-to-one lessons outdoors with one instructor and a maximum of two handlers participating at any one time. Appropriate physical distance can be maintained without compromising the training. GMSDT in the Geelong/Bellarine peninsula area is unaffected. Please feel free to discuss what we can offer you.... Geelong/Bellarine peninsula area - phone Ruth, 5250 5676 Melbourne area - phone Amanda, 0418 371 060 Best wishes for your continued good health

20.01.2022 Free "Dogs Are Awesome Masterclass". 8 short video training sessions by Susan Garrett. Wednesday, 8 July (our time) to Friday 17 July. Susan is a Canadian Dog Trainer who generously shares many free programs (paid online programs also available). We've promoted Susan Garrett's free programs here before and this is another one! Live sessions are being run on Facebook but at a very unfriendly Melbourne, Australia time! But the replays will be available on the Masterclass webpage: https://recallers.com/masterclass/ Sign-up is also via this page.

20.01.2022 Many people walked their dogs more often during social isolation, but you might have shied away from spots where dogs and their people congregate due to concerns over physical distancing. You might have walked loads with your dog but not to locations like shopping strips and, even if you did, those shopping strips might have been devoid of bustling cafes, delivery trucks, shop windows with flashing light displays, doorways with music leaking out onto the footpath, etc. Some... dogs might struggle with a return to all that sight, sound and odour stimulation. This is a time to (re)consider the impact of fear on our dogs. 'Fear and Fear-related Aggression in Dogs' by Christine Calder, DVM, DACVB (in Veterinary Partner: Dogs category, Behaviour subcategory) gives a clear overview of Fear, Anxiety, Stress How fear can be expressed in aggressive behaviours How fear, anxiety and stress can be treated and reduced https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx

19.01.2022 Why We Love Dogs - Victoria Stilwell https://positively.com/victorias-blog/why-we-love-dogs/

19.01.2022 At this time of COVID-19 we're all primed to think about our personal space and maintaining distance. Even before COVID-19 though we had a sense of how close we'd want strangers to get to us, and how consent on intimacy is important even with loved ones. Eileen Anderson, US writer and dog trainer, has written a very comprehensive article examining issues of personal space for dogs and how humans might invade it https://eileenanddogs.com//space-invaders-humans-pressure/... Excerpts from Eileen Anderson's article, 'Space Invaders: How Humans Pressure Dogs & Other Animals': "We humans typically dont respect dogs space bubbles to the degree they would probably prefer. Instead, we assume access, taking for granted that they want our petting and touching. Even when we are respectful, our species different ways are hard on them. As primates, we express affection by frontal proximity and hugging. For many dogs, this constitutes restraint and invasion. Additionally, as their caregivers, we must sometimes do intrusive things to their bodies or take them to strangers who do so. Many people even assume access to other peoples dogs. People with fearful and reactive dogs have to go to great measures to prevent intrusion from strangers who see a dog and are driven to pet and touch him. It is becoming more common to at least ask permission of the owner, but few think to check with the dog, or know how to do so." "But Im arguing for giving them these rights when we can. The right to personal space without thoughtless invasion. The right to bodily integrity to the extent possible. Most of us can do a much better job facilitating that for our dogs." I can't do justice to Eileen Anderson's article with just a few quotes and so I encourage you to checkout the whole article. I think most people would find the concept of humans as "space invaders" in the lives of domesticated animals thought-provoking and even challenging. Eileen raises the issues AND provides guidance on how to support our dogs.

19.01.2022 Loose relaxed puppy bodies and soft waggy tails

18.01.2022 New little labrador today for a first lesson. Golden retriever third lesson. Gorgeous.

17.01.2022 Bribery? People often say "Oh well, she does it for food" as though they're embarrassed or dismissive of their dog's efforts. When you progress in your training from luring to rewarding *after* a dog responds - you aren't cheating and you and your dog aren't doing anything to be ashamed of.... We're all hard-wired to do what's of benefit to us, so it makes sense to use a reward that a dog finds motivating. The Poker Machine analogy is used a lot because it's a good one! No matter how much you enjoy the ambience of the Gaming Venue, the lights and music of the machine, the company of the other punters, the friendly voice of the waiter as they compliment your commitment to the machine - if you never got a payout after the first few times - even a small amount - you would lose interest in playing the pokies. It's the chance of getting a jackpot that keeps you playing - it's the chance of valuable reward that brings a dog back to you when she would really prefer to keep stalking that bird. Inspired by 'That's Cheating!' by Gretta Ford via the Victoria Stilwell, Positively Newsletter - https://positively.com/contributors/thats-cheating/

17.01.2022 My students from today. One to one lessons and some socialisation. Sorry I missed photographing one of them.

16.01.2022 Zazie Todd (PhD), author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, wrote recently on the '13 Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them'. The article provides the science behind why the 13 actions/lack of actions are mistakes. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com//13-common-dog-t ... Nine of the mistakes really resonated with me. Here's my take on them: >Using praise alone to train a dog - praise is a poor motivator >Not using good enough treats - "you have to figure out what works to motivate your dog." >Not giving the treats fast enough - make a clear and quick connection between the dog's response and the reward >Repeating cues - repeating words for a human usually conveys emphasis, but for a dog the meaning is just diffused.Sit. Sit. Sit, sit, sit. >Punishing instead of rewarding - for example, the dog comes to their human slower than the human wants and the human yells or speaks sternly when the dog reaches them. Will that response on the part of the human make the dog want to return quicker next time? >Expecting results too soon - teaching a dog and establishing reliable responses can be hard and it always takes time. >Not taking account of distractions - distractions impact your dog's ability to respond: only make things harder gradually. >Not training - a dog of any age will benefit from regular training: training maintains behaviours and dogs enjoy a mental workout. >Not realizing when the dog is afraid - "Sometimes, the reason for the way a dog is behaving in a particular way is that they are afraid." We're all guilty of making these mistakes at some time. But you know what they say - we can convert mistakes to learning experiences and do better :-) Zazie Todd's article has resources and guidance to help all dog-loving humans. I'm sure you'll find the whole article of interest.

16.01.2022 Murphy ( Groodle) and Roger ( French Bulldog) socialising between training. Both fantastic.

15.01.2022 Have you been doing more training with your dog during the COVID-19 lockdown? Ideally, we could all say a resounding Yes! to this question but I appreciate that theres been a lot going on and maybe training with your dog hasnt been at the top of the To-Do list. But, its always a good time to think about your dogs training needs and your training practices. Steve Duno in the Modern Dog Magazine article Are You Making These 10 Training Mistakes? tackles the common tr...aps we fall into, the first being not training enough. Early on in a dogs life with us we invest in training and . . . then we take our dogs skills for granted. Sadly, if practice makes perfect . . . well, you know what the flip side of that adage is! Heres the mistakes that Steve identifies: 1. You dont train your dog often enough 2. You repeat commands 3. Your training sessions run too long or too short 4. Your dogs obedience behaviours are not generalized to varying conditions 5. You rely too much on treats and not enough on praise, esteem, and celebrity 6. You use too much emotion 7. You are reactive, not proactive 8. You are inconsistent 9. You lack confidence 10. You dont train to the individual dog I encourage you to read all of Steve Dunos article https://moderndogmagazine.com//are-you-making-these-/29092 - it has valuable pointers and advice for you (and me!) no matter how long your dog has been with you.

15.01.2022 Could Separation Anxiety be Brewing? Sooner or later you and the other human members of your household will be spending increasing amounts of time away from home. This will be another significant change for your dogs (and for all pets). Set them up for a successful transition / resumption of normality:... > Incorporate alone/separate times of varying duration into every day. For example: Go to the mailbox without your dog Go for a walk without your dog Work in the back yard without paying any attention to your dog Read alone in your bedroom with the door closed Occasionally follow a normal (pre-COVID-19) work-time departure process for example: - put on your office shoes, - get a food container (your lunch) out of the fridge, - pick up your keys and handbag, - round up the kids (theyre off to school), - hand over the long-lasting dog-chew to your dog, and - go through the door to the garage (or go into your home office and close the door for an hour). Follow through the 'departure' process as much as you want. You might drive round the block and return home. You might, in fact, be going to the supermarket, but time it for a work departure and dress and act like youre off to the office for the day. You could leave your laptop camera recording so you can see how your dog responds. > Use toys designed for independent play (that is, play that doesnt involve you). For example: - Boredom-buster products and tips from the Australia Dog Lover https://www.australiandoglover.com//top-12-boredom-busters - Hanging toys that your dog can bat about: for example, bungee products such as the home alone toy and chook toy from Aussie Dog Products https://aussiedog.com.au/product-category/alone/ (Dog Lovers Show https://dogloversshow.com.au/melbourne/ is currently running promotions with their Exhibitors and Aussie Dog Products is offering 25% off their products when using the code: DLS2020) > Give your dog long-lasting chews which she can enjoy separate to you (e.g. she has the treat in the backyard while you are in the house). For example, deer antlers take a long time to chew. If you are already concerned about your dog shadowing/following you continually, wanting to have body-to-body contact with you when you are stationary, showing alarm/stress at your absences, discuss this with your Vet *now*.

14.01.2022 'Stranger' Danger US trainer, Trish King of Canine Behaviour Associates, in a recent blog post (https://mailchi.mp//home-sweet-home-territorial-defense-48) raised an important consideration now that restrictions on having visitors to your home have eased: your dogs will likely have heightened concerns regarding strangers in your home. Even family members who ordinarily visit your home often may not have been seen by for your dog for several months. Be aware that your dog ...may have difficulty when people come to your home and be prepared: Practice training skills in the house (sit, drop, come, wait) so you can use these exercises to manage your dog Have high-value rewards ready for when people visit, so the rewards help your dog to more easily shift their focus to you Have your dog on-lead so you can control their access to visitors if need be If your dog is having difficulty, promptly remove your dog to a comfortable, confined space where they can have a Stuffed Kong, deer antler, something long-lasting to occupy them positively while the visitor is there. Put the radio on in that area if the radio noise will drown out the sounds of unfamiliar voices. Most animals feel happier when they can choose to interact with new people. Remember even people the dog has met before, may again be a stranger to your dog after several month absence. People who are unfamiliar to your dog shouldnt come straight up to your dog and begin touching them and should instead ignore them. Let your dog come over to the person when (if) they feel ready. Gentle touch on the dogs back or chest is better than touching the face. See more

13.01.2022 You Choose! I'm sure you've come across reports of research that show the ability to make choices enhances people's wellbeing. Today let's have a think about how the ability to exercise choice benefits our dogs too. Which way to go on a walk What things to sniff at and for how long... Who to interact with and for how long When to go outside (a dog-door is great for enabling choice) What toy to play with Where the best spot is for an afternoon nap (does your dog have a bed he can move around?) The following article by Pat Miller in the Whole Dog Journal https://www.whole-dog-journal.com//how-to-teach-a-you-cho/ describes how you can teach a You Choose cue to your dog. Give it a try and let us know how it went - did your dog's choices surprise you? We'd love to know.

13.01.2022 Zazie Todd writes an excellent blog on her site Companion Animal Psychology and she recently published a book; Wag: the Science of Making Your Dog Happy. Zazie most recent blog post (https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com//three-tips-for-) focuses on three tips from her book. One relates to punishment interfering with a dog's sense of safety, one on the positive role of choice in puppy socialisation, and one on the role a dog's human plays in building confidence and resilience. I encourage you to check out Zazie's full blog post. Zazie communicates clearly, and with a great deal of knowledge and compassion.

13.01.2022 Dominance theory debunked. Your dog is not trying to be the boss, the alpha or to dominate you. This theory is based on captive wolves not on a natural wolf pack which is a family unit. Dogs are part of our family. https://www.theage.com.au//pet-training-shift-why-teamwork

12.01.2022 Alan Jacobs - US Academic and Author - after the recent death of his dog, Malcolm The quote refers to the book 'The Invaders: How Humans and Their Dogs Drove Neanderthals to Extinction' by Pat Shipman. The following link provides access to a range of info about Pat Shipman's theory, including a video summary by Wall Street Journal's Jason Bellini https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php

11.01.2022 Some of our clients this week. Arent they just gorgeous?

11.01.2022 Teddy learning how to " stay". A useful lesson to teach puppies that it's good to be calm and quiet.

11.01.2022 Puppies are allowed to socialise even during social distancing. Between lessons at The Gentle Modern School of Dog Training.

11.01.2022 So here's the downside . . . Your new dog - puppy or rescue dog will likely damage you and your home. Not anything sinister, but you will be chewed upon and nipped. Your furniture and various belongings will be chewed/scratched/drooled/(maybe) wee'ed on. There will be disagreements among family members about how to manage the chewing/nipping/jumping.... There might be barking that drives you nuts (or your neighbour nuts). You'll discover things about your dog's personality that won't delight you - they don't like other dogs, they're scared of trucks, they're obsessed with balls - not in a jolly way, but in a crazy, manic way. Be prepared for unwanted expenses, experience and emotions. Can you tell my family recently adopted a dog? He's loveable, but truly he's often unlikeable. He's a dog, doing dog-things. Can't fault him for that :-) but also it's not helpful to sugar-coat that. Dogs do lots of things that humans love, but also plenty of things that humans find frustrating, annoying and unpleasant. (Next post I'll share share details of life with Pluto.) It is a BIG commitment taking on a dog. You can never 100% prepare for the downsides but don't be surprised by them. Your relationship with your dog is going to take hard work, practicality and generosity.

11.01.2022 Puppy and Toddler - How can the care of the latter inform the care of the former? There are similarities in being responsible for the care of a small child and a puppy. The care-giver of each has to protect and teach an immature being who's learning about their world. Denise Fenzi of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy does a great job of outlining the similarities and how the puppy guardian can learn from a parent in 'Socialization: A Positive Parents Guide to Raising and Training D...ogs and Puppies', Denise Fenzi https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/blog/socialization It's a short read but a powerful argument, I really recommend it. Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite: "Do you use a leash with your small children? Probably not. Instead you pay attention to what the child is watching and you look for triggers that signal a potential problem (a ball rolling into the street will cause most parents to watch their kids carefully for signs that they might follow). If people had to manage their puppy without a leash in public spaces, their understanding of their dog's needs and triggers would improve dramatically they would have no choice but to pay attention and "learn" their puppy.

10.01.2022 Cecelia Sumner in her article 'It's a Dog's Life' in BARKS from the Guild (https://barksfromtheguild.com/2020/06/11/its-a-dogs-life/) makes a series of points that I thoroughly endorse. I recommend you read the whole article, but I thought I would capture a few of the key points here. "I encourage prospective dog owners to take an honest look at their lifestyle. Selecting a dog that fits into their regular activities is the first step to a great relationship. I like to pick a... dog based on personality more than appearance. . . . Dont just select a breed, choose an individual. There is great variety of canine personalities. . . . Interacting via training creates a relationship based in communication. That spills over into other aspects of your relationship with your pet. By increasing your ability to understand with each other, you will be lowering stress levels and creating good habits. This does not involve spending any extra time training your dog. You are simply using your time together more effectively. . . . By being proactive about supplying an outlet for innate behaviors and listening to your dog, you can avoid behavioral stressors and create a satisfying relationship for both of you." I couldn't say it better.

08.01.2022 Major will be the first rescue dog in the White house.

08.01.2022 Cute little Roger ( French Bulldog) at training today. He was brilliant.

06.01.2022 BBC Earth has a great interview with Marc Bekoff on dogs own rules of play, with accompanying footage of dogs in play mode. Marc Bekoff is Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado and the author of many great books, including 'Canine Confidential'. (Thanks to Alison Schipp for putting me onto this fabulous video ) https://www.facebook.com/bbcearth/videos/2642421476043854

05.01.2022 Life with a very old dog We live with a very old dog; 11-year-old Tiger. Tiger is a large breed dog with Great Dane somewhere in his mix. He weighs almost 45 kg. For a large breed dog, 11 years old is very old. We adopted Tiger from a rescue shelter at 3 months. We fondly call him the money-pit as he has always been a mass of health conditions and ailments: ...Continue reading

04.01.2022 Having trouble toilet training your puppy or older dog. These hints are what we recommend: https://beacondogtraining.com.au/toilet-training-video

04.01.2022 My puppy clients today. Aren't they all gorgeous? The best time to start training is between eight and twelve weeks of age.

03.01.2022 The wearing of face masks is becoming more prevalent in Victoria. Start working now to have your dogs become accustomed to seeing people wearing face masks: https://www.battersea.org.uk//getting-dogs-used-people-fac Even if you dont intend to wear a face mask, your dogs will see people out and about wearing face masks. Our very best wishes for good health for you and your two and four-legged family members.

03.01.2022 Dealing with distractions! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2010281532532636&id=1866216766939114

02.01.2022 A great video and exactly what we promote at the Gentle Modern School of Dog Training. https://www.facebook.com/100000518538742/posts/3552959738064609/

01.01.2022 The Value of the Stuffed Kong Giving your dog a Kong Classic stuffed with food provides so many benefits: - your dog won't be interested in you or in any human during his time extracting the food - he's busy! - your dog will be quiet - your dog will be stationary... - your dog will be content Check out Tiger demonstrating all these features. See more

01.01.2022 There's a difference between a dog who shows mild fearfulness of something new/different/weird (to the dog) and a dog that has significant fear. That statement seems like the bleeding obvious, doesn't it? Knowing the difference between mild and significant fear doesn't always lead us to the best strategies to deal with that fear though. Eileen Anderson recently wrote a very clear examination of fear and how to help fearful dogs in 'Does Walking Your Dog Up to Something Scary... Cure Their Fear?' (Posted on July 13, 2020 https://eileenanddogs.com//does-walking-your-dog-up-to-so/) Every dog is fearful sometime and I encourage you to read Eileen's article, especially if you have a puppy or a dog who is new to you. Extreme fearfulness can be disabling (it might be literally paralysing) and have severe consequences for how your dog interacts with the world and what you can do with your dog in the world. A dog suffering from mild fear can be supported by observing our response to the situation. Wheelie bin - Confident upbeat tone in your voice: "Hey that looks interesting, Rover. Shall we look at it from here until you feel comfortable enough to approach? Weird stuff means food doesn't it, Rover, here's some yummy food for you." If Rover is comfortable to approach the wheelie bin, let him have a sniff - IF he wants to. "So brave, Rover, checking that out; have a treat and let's do some of that heeling as we move onwards. It helps confidence when you do something like heeling that connects us and that we can both do with enjoyment and success, Rover, doesn't it?" Treat significant fear seriously. Check out Debbie Jacobs' site as a starting point https://fearfuldogs.com/more-resources/