The Dog Phenomenon in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Dog trainer

The Dog Phenomenon

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 419 378 193

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• Pet service
• Dog trainer

25.01.2022 We had a lovely review from a client who needed help negotiating a court issue with her dog. Dealing with council and court issues is an area of expertise and a passion of ours. We advise on all manner of court and council issues and have very successful outcomes.

24.01.2022 Here's something to remember next time you reach for the dog food on the shelf. Read the label. https://www.facebook.com/PlanetPaws.ca/posts/1806134552794752

23.01.2022 It's coming soon. Our new logo will be revealed shortly, but here's a black and white peak. We can't wait to show it to you!

22.01.2022 Please be very careful. We heard about this several weeks ago running rampant in some kennels and day care centres in the USA, (we know of one day care centre in America who's numbers have dropped to as low as 12% because a strain of haemorragic gastroenteritis has affected so many of the healthy adult vaccinated dogs that attend). It appears to be spreading to other countries and becoming an epidemic. A super strain of Parvovirus has emerged and is affecting ...dogs young and not so young. Typically puppies and senior dogs are the most vulnerable, but this strain seems to be different. So what can you do? 1. Make sure your dog's Parvo immunity is current, by updating their vaccination or having your dog's Parvo levels titre tested at your vet. Low levels indictate it's time to vaccinate. If this is a new strain then the current vaccination will offer partial protection which is better than no protection. 2. Wash your hands and even the bottom of your shoes after contact with your another dog. (You may even need to be on alert and avoid day care or kennels if they are sick and for at least 2 weeks after). We will post a "parvo" wash soon, to help limit spreading this virus. In my previous work as a vet nurse, this was crucial to prevent spreading the virus. It is *highly* contageous. 3. Be careful of taking your dog/s to open parks where unknown dogs could leave traces on the ground by carrying the virus in their faeces. 4. Finally, boost your pets immune system with a high quality diet such as raw food or BARF and add lots of organic veggies (especially if they are on a standard dry food mix regardless if it is from the Supermarket or your Vet as the process to manufacture dry foods destroys many nutrients.) You can even add Augustine Approved "SuperBoost" to their food. Please keep your ears out and be sure to report any symptoms to your vet immediatly. Do not take your dog near any other dogs should you observe any potential signs of onset, or if you become aware that your dog has been in recent contact with a dog that has developed symptoms- your dog could have become contagious but not be presenting symptoms during the incubation period. https://www.facebook.com/iwakeupwithtoday/videos/1876242165743773/

22.01.2022 Pretty in matching pink. Maria has been having problems walking Missy due to a bad shoulder. Today was the first walk where they both had a great time. Missy didn’t pull and got to enjoy the sights and smells of the neighbourhood, and Maria could relax and reward her dog- something she hasn’t been able to do on a walk before.... It was happy faces and smiles all round today. We love a win-win.

22.01.2022 Training your dog to listen and behave takes time and effort. It's even more challenging when you have mobility issues- such a Penny, who requires wheelchair assistance. Her problem is that Lulu likes to do a runner out the front door and side gate. For obvious reasons, training her has it's own issues, let alone catching her when she's on an escapade. So what do you do in such a situation, and how do you train reliable off lead responses? The answer is "training adaption...s". Training adaptions are designed to get to the same end goal of reliable off lead control and good behaviour. They are not about avoiding the problem or work arounds. Avoiding the problem doesn't solve anything and work arounds (such as creating a barrier around the exits) are simply unrealistic in the longterm. What we need instead is a solid strategy, teaching Lulu to first listen reliably on lead, to understand language and predictability. Typically we would use specific techniques to teach these skills, but when you have an owner that has difficulty bending to pat her dog or reaching out to her and who needs to do a 6 point turn just to get the door open to go inside, these techniques won't work and we MUST make training adaptions to create the learning outcomes we need. Once we create the learning outcomes we need in exercises and in everyday situations, we can use Lulu's understanding to resolve her other more serious issues. Just because mum has physical limitations doesn't mean that Lulu has learning limitations. We know that if we can provide mum with the correct training adaptions for her situation that Lulu's learning and behaviour will follow a predictable path. In the near future she will indeed be a happy and safe girl who doesn't do a runner off lead when she spots an opportunity to flee. Feature video: Another issues is that Lulu cuts across mum when they go for a wall, causing the lead to get tangled up in the chair. This causes a lot of frustration. Here Lulu is learning wheelchair awareness and to walk nicely. Great teamwork Penny and Lulu #dogtrainingadaptations #dogtrainingforwheelchairs

20.01.2022 I first used the Close command more than 15 years ago for my dog Zac. I developed it because there were times on walks where I wanted him to still be free to enjoy his walk yet I wanted him closer so that he was under control. Understandably , for some people, seeing a Rottweiler off lead at a distance from their owner was unnerving. The close command satisfied the criteria that he could enjoy his walk and sniff, be safe from potential dangers and make others feel... safe too. The further away it is, a dog is more likely to become distracted and act on any impulses or competing drives it has, so don’t try the close command until you have mastered recalls under distraction, heeling and great general on lead obedience under distraction before going off lead. Generally speaking the closer they are to their base ie you, the more responsive they are, and the more training you do, the more trust builds and the stronger that base is. When that base is strong your verbal reach or your distance control will extend. Being off lead is a privilege earned through training, mastery and demonstrated results - not a right. If your dog wants to have fun- teach them to listen and be safe first. When you are teaching the close command, the range is typically 2-3 meters radiating in a circle around you. I use the Closer command when I want him within 1 meter and Heel for super- controlled precise walking by my side with his eyes level to my midline.* Bali could never have done this previously. He was terrified of the world and the sight and sound of such a truck would have sent him into flight . He would have run off - probably into the path of the truck. So thanks to the close command he gets to have a safe and relaxed walk. Other trainers I work with and customers have adopted this command and they enjoy similar results and pleasures with their dogs. Happy training. - The Dog Phenomenon. * Note: I always carry a lead and my dogs are always wearing a collar on any walk. Wisdom says expect the unexpected and although a dog can be mightily trained, we should always be considerate of others, mindful that our dog can make mistakes in extreme situations and life is full of surprises.

20.01.2022 Thank-you Amber. Keep up the great work.

20.01.2022 Some days I feel like training my dogs to be good (so I can enjoy their company and do things with them and so they are happy and safe dogs) are full of trials and frustrations. Many of you might relate, especially if you have a dog that has very high end issues. And other days I feel like I'm soaring. Yesterday was one of those days. Many of you know the background here. I've had extremely well trained dogs in the past, but these two are well.... different. Bali and Th...Continue reading

16.01.2022 Training tip: When tradies come- use your obedience commands.

14.01.2022 Sometimes it’s just nice to chill with your dogs on chilly mornings. How many of you go outside to greet your dog just because? Do you have a favourite activity you do with them? Photos and comments welcome.

14.01.2022 This is a good thing! At last suitable pet greyhounds will be able to walk as other dogs and not be penalized by their breed’s negative identity. Happy days for greyhounds. Report from April 26 Herald... Sun. See more

08.01.2022 "Your dog shouldn't even exist", commented one man after he witnessed one of Holly's aggressive episodes. However, Holly the 7 year old Greyhound (who was the dog that was barred from attending every vet clinic in the local area unless it was a life and death emergency), is proving the haters wrong. In our previous post, we showed that although Holly was previously "failed" at dog training because she was unable to drop or hold a stay that she indeed could be obedient, ...Continue reading

06.01.2022 Bella the Rotty gets highly stimulated around other animals. We had a helper today in Missy the horse. And I took my first Helfie - horse selfie

04.01.2022 Have you ever had trouble walking your dog because they don't respond well to other dogs goading them through the fence? We have. In the past Thai would not have been able to do this- that is pass this property on his walk around the block without freaking out or wanting to himself to engage in fence fighting.... When Thai (and his brother Bali) first came to me, they were both in dreadful condition. Neglected and starved and left to fend for themselves, they didn't know how to interact with the world. Everything was scary; people, cars, dogs, loud noises, even wearing a collar! It is no wonder that sudden loud noises and strange or confronting situations would send them into a melt down. They just didn't have the experience to deal with it. Thai's initial response to being confronted by two big dogs wanting to climb the fence was to run. As we worked through his trust and lack of early socialisation, he became more confident. This lead to him becoming agitated when dogs would try to fence fight on a walk, and he'd started thinking seriously about getting involved instead of running. But that's not acceptable either. When training and socialisation are done right it should raise confidence. However if a dog has too much confidence, we have another problem- where the dog no longer needs to listen and trust. Leadership and obedience go out the window and you get a dog who is comfortable deciding for themselves how to respond to a given situation- ergo aggression. The power of positive leadership and builds trust and confidence and should result in a dog who doesn't *need* to respond to goading in any way other than to follow your calm assured lead. And that is what you see here with Thai. These two aggressive dogs goading him and behaving in a threatening manner- note the Rottweiler trying to leap the fence, and Thai takes it in his stride. Should the owners of the dogs at the property allow their dogs to do this? No. Should they train their dogs and take steps to prevent their dogs having access to their front fence? Yes. Should they fix their fence so that it is safer? Yes of course. These should go without saying. But unfortunately we cannot depend on others to do the right thing with their dogs and we must have ways of preparing ourselves and our dogs for life and that includes situations that are less than ideal. This property is in a location where we pass it almost daily and there are few choices to avoid it. If we want to be able to have a nice walk around the block then the only way was to train Thai until he no longer felt threatened because he knew I'm in charge and I will take care of him. We enjoy our outings and he's so much happier for it. We achieved this through positive leadership, obedience and practice. If you are having problems walking your dog, you can give us a call to show you how it can be done!

03.01.2022 Great advice from a life guru that also hold true for dog training and behaviour: "Always consider the source. Don't put a lot of stock into other people's opinions unless they're actually out there consistently taking risks, being brave and making things happen" - Marie Forleo

03.01.2022 We're now on Instagram! Follow us @thedogphenomenon for a more personal behind the scenes look at us and for inspirational dog training content than we share on our Facebook page. We hope to see you there.

02.01.2022 This is scary. Please NEVER advertise you are giving a cat or dog away for free . Be responsible with your pets so that they don't produce "unwanted" litters and if you are having trouble with keeping your dog, then seek the help of reputable charities or organisations who can help you train, rehome or with the cost of looking after your pet . You chose to get your "pet". It's a responsibility- not a right. Treat that stewardship with care and dignity . If you h...ave any compassion or thought about the meaning of the life you are stewarding, then you will ensure that any pet under your care is rehomed responsibly so that they do not suffer at the hands of evil people. Don't contribute through ignorance, naievity and denial which allows a steady supply of bait and the barbaric practice of dog fighting to continue. Most of our posts are about training and behaviour, but we know we reach many people and have a responsibility to educate on dog matters. Choose your dog with love. Lead with love. Rehome with love. #choseninlove #leadwithlove #rehomewithlove https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214619046087707&set=a.10200618168234511.1073741826.1168965330&type=3