K9 Alchemy | Local service

K9 Alchemy

Phone: +61 431 395 489

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22.01.2022 When we address a behaviour we have to consider the purpose of the behaviour. Like humans, dogs do things for a reason. That reason is to always be trying to better its situation. Let's take pulling on the lead as an example. What is behind this behaviour? Firstly dogs don't naturally understand a lead, we need to teach them to give into the lead pressure not pull away. This is a natural reflex called opposition reflex. If you're standing there and someone comes up and push...es on you, your natural behaviour is to push back against them. The same is with dogs. The next thing behind this behaviour is normally a motivation to get somewhere, to a smell, a dog, a person or even escape a situation. So we have a motivation behind the behaviour, now what follows the behaviour? How many times has the dog got to interact with said motivation? The person, the smell, the other dog? Or get away from something that scares it? If your dog has had success in the behaviour, and achieved what they set out to do then this behaviour is now reinforced. This means it is more likely to happen again. Once we know what is motivating the dog and the outcome of the behaviour we can start looking at removing the reinforcement the dog received from the behaviour, creating a reinforcement for a desired behaviour and implementing consequences for undesirable behaviour. Simply creating a punishment for an undesirable behaviour without understanding what is behind or following a behaviour can lead to creation of further undesirable behaviour. We can sometimes strengthen an undesirable behaviour or create confusion in the dog that leads to aggressive responses. If you are unsure it's always good to get a professional (or two or three) opinions on a behaviour before addressing it to ensure you address the behaviour correctly. It is always easier to prevent rather than cure. Until my next post, remember, train your dog like everyone is watching, and play with them like no one is. :)

10.01.2022 This guy is with another trainer and is looking for a new home. He's an awesome dog and Tracey is a phenomenal trainer so you know he's been in good hands and learnt his manners.

03.01.2022 Great video on pup specialisation