Some tips on lead techniques
5 March 2024
A long lead can give a dog more freedom of movement on walks in open fields and allow them to move away from a trigger and sniff and explore.
Sniffing can be a relaxing activity. Some dogs feel very frustrated on a lead and will react because of tension.
Here are some tips on holding the lead
It can be a hazard to drop a lead. Place the lead over your wrist and inbetween your thumb and forefinger. This will help to keep your wrist safe.
Hold the lead with both hands so you can guide the dog or pull them away if you need to. Perhaps the trigger has surprised you or come too close.
What lead to choose
Ensure you have a lead that does not chafe on your hands.
Ones that do not get all wet and soggy and therefore could slip out of your hand.
Have a lead that is suitable for your dogs weight and therefore does not risk breaking.
Everyone Has an Opinion, But Confidence Doesn't Always Mean Competence
Information on mounting/humping
This is when a dog ingests non - food items such as rocks, stones, dirt, fabric.
A dog barking at night can feel frustrating and annoying – you know they need sleep and you need it too.
Here is some information about aggression.
If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or becomes overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or situations, you're not alone. Reactivity is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, and understanding why it happens is the first step towards helping your dog feel calmer and more confident.
Initia l meetings are like first impressions.= they count. Make sure the interaction is away from the house and in a neutral space. When they initially see each other have a treat ready to give but allow them to just watch each other too. Having toys on the floor (if your older dog does not guard can help take the social pressure off. Walking parallel with each other with both dogs on lead can help reduce frustration. If they engage in play, it should be mirrored and matched - always avoid any teeth on body parts. Coming home Dogs shouldn't be right next to each other on the way home. Just like we like personal space on a tube dogs's want this too! Here are some ideas that I got from Canine Arthritis Management for older dogs: If there is a back seat cover for mud an anti not slippy cover is important. Bolsters and cushions can help prevent moving around Harnesses to keep still when you go around any roundabouts can help too. Ramps and steps to get out of the car to prevent lots of pressure on joints ie caravan steps can help too At home Having a safe space for your older dog that your puppy cannot access is key. Feeding times can be over exciting. Just like, us all, older dogs need some tlc. Here are some home adaptations that can help:
Often people describe resource guarding and possessiveness over items when a dog has snapped or bitten.
When we live with an anxious dog, it is natural to want to reassure them.
There can be many great reasons to muzzle train every dog , just in case they ever needed it. These include: πΎAccidents and emergencies – if a dog is in pain they can be unpredictable sore and aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves. Placing a muzzle on them without any training before hand can stress them out even more and could mean treatment is delayed. This can happen with ANY dog even if they have never shown aggressive behaviour before. πΎSummer – As you may have seen in the news, very sadly a dog attended a tulip festival and after eating some passed away. More people will be having picnics due to the lovely weather and we don’t want a stressful and expensive vet trip if your dog eats something. πΎA change in behaviour – a muzzle keeps your dog, people and other dogs safe. πΎTravel – Many ferries and countries have rules that dog’s must wear muzzles. There is also a good website here , that takes you through steps. I am going to host a muzzle training workshop - you can find out more here. Adapted from the Muzzle Up Movement.
