Southern K9

01/23/2023

Consent is something we should all keep in mind at all times when interacting with our dogs.

All dogs are different, as we know. We might meet a dog on a walk who is desperate to greet everyone they see, and we can let them approach and give them a cuddle.

Or we might see a dog who isn't interested in greeting, so out of respect we should leave them alone. It's quite easy to tell whether a dog wants to be touched or not, from their body language and communication.

We just have to know what to look for. In behavioural terms, dogs use specific signals to show others what they need. They use their bodies, facial expressions and little changes in how they look, to increase or decrease the distance between themselves and whoever they are communicating with – be it a dog or a human.

11/26/2022

(Sharing again as more than 2.5 k followers since first last posted)

Let a dog sniff your hand...it will show the dog your friendly!

How ?
How should a dog perceive a strangers hand right in their face ?
This myth has been around for so many years. I think we all had it engrained into us as children. Unfortunately, it still persists now.

There is even more to the myth ...."If the dog moves into you to smell more...it means you can pat ". No...no it doesn't. All it means is the dog is trying to smell more of you.

It does not mean you are friends.
It does not mean the dog will like you.
It does not mean the dog trusts you.

It means the dog has smelt what is thrust into their face.

Everyone of these dogs in these pictures are uncomfortable. Yes...even the one that is licking the hand (number 2). The dogs face is tight, it is straining forward to lick but the eyes are FIRMLY on you...in case it needs to react in a hurry. An appeasement lick in this situation can communicate " I don't trust you...I will show you I mean no harm".

Number one has a very tight face, mouth is tight, ears are flat and back, it is not taking its eyes off the hand as that hand is very close...and could do anything.

Number 3 has a very tight face, the sclera of its eye (the white) is showing as the face has tightened so much it has changed the normal shape of the whole eye area. This is called "whale eye". The ears are tight, back and flat.

Children are often told "put your hand out for the dog to smell". So lets get rid of this myth, and save some from a bite.
It is a threatening move to many dogs.... and lets get rid of the myth once and for all.

11/26/2022

🐶✨

How well do your dogs perform in loose leash walking!? How about in HIGH distraction environments? Can you go hands-free?

Loose leash walking is such an IMPORTANT skill to learn, walking with your dog should be fun and relaxing for both of you. If your canine companion is constantly pulling on leash, walks can be stressful for everyone!

Want to teach your canine companion to excel, shoot us a message!

11/25/2022

11/24/2022

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving today!

Remember if you plan on including your four legged friends in your holiday feast, not everything is safe for them to eat!

Keeping them happy AND healthy is our responsibility 🦃👍

11/22/2022

Owners: like anything else in life you desire which you don’t currently possess, it’s going to take constant effort, the development of new skills, and enough discipline to keep you on track even when you’re overwhelmed or simply would prefer the easy way out.

Trainers: like anything else in life, you can’t want something for someone more than they want it for themselves. Give your clients and their dogs 110%, and then allow them to be adults who are responsible for their own actions and choices.

Owners who won’t do the work, don’t get results. Trainers who can’t let go, don’t get any peace.

It’s really that simple.

11/16/2022

As the holiday seasons approach, remember puppies aren't just "gifts" they are a commitment you need to be making for the lifetime of that puppy. If you can't make that commitment then please don't get one. They don't deserve to end up homeless or abandoned.

If a new companion is what you’re family is considering to bring home this holiday season, please remember to ! Dogs need 10-15+ years of financial, emotional, and physical commitment ❤️

09/30/2022

Your dog’s mental health plays a HUGE role in their quality of life !!
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