VIDEOS

Here's a quick video on how to acclimate your puppy or dog to a harness. 

Sometimes videos like this use a confident dog or a stuffed toy, but you will notice in this video we demonstrate each step with an actual puppy that is initially quite wary of the harness. This will help you recognise the confidence level the pup must display at each level before proceeding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-H2GrQjbhE

In this video we discuss the purpose of enrichment. We also look at practical suggestions for implementing an enrichment program for your dog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwR0ZY_NSu4

Sharon Carroll from Avanti Dog Training discusses strategies for choosing the right dog or puppy for your family. Considerations such as size, coat type, breed and purpose are discussed, as well as considerations relating to the timing of purchase. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeGdNYPryZ8&t=604s

Here's a video of Vincent (8 month old silver standard poodle) and Jericho (2 yo apricot standard poodle) practicing how to find the heel position with me stationary. You can see the better straightness in Jerry's sits compared to Vincent, who has only just started this exercise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TW0od2iooU&feature=youtu.be

Vincent (8 month old standard poodle) practicing remaining in the heel position through forward, sideways and backwards steps, as well as 180 degree left and right turns. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azImZ58jphY&feature=youtu.be

Vincent (8 month old standard poodle) in his second session on dumbbell pick up. The criteria is very low at this stage - "pick up the dumbbell in the middle and hold it until I say YES"  - then he can spit it out and have a treat. This will be shaped into a formal dumbbell retrieve for obedience competitions over the next few months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWcicXDCHQI&feature=youtu.be

Good preparation is the key to success. Knowing ahead of time what new skills your dog might need, allows you to take your time in the training phase. Undertaking lots of desensitization ahead of time is important. Often routines need to change - your dog may need to have a different greeting routine at the door, there may be rooms or areas that he will no longer have access to, and he may no longer be able to jump on your lap every time you sit down. Making all these changes well ahead of time will reduce the likelihood of problems developing when you bring your baby home.

Many people can identify a visibly stressed dog, but a lot of people miss identifying the more subtle signs. Also, due to exposure to specific training strategies, some dogs "mask" their feelings. Anxiety can also be missed in dogs with passive coping styles. 

It is important to identify anxiety in dogs in order to improve their welfare, but it is also essential because aggression is often linked with fear and anxiety. This video discusses the more subtle signs of anxiety, and describes strategies to reduce anxiety and improve overall confidence. 

Puppy socialization protocols involve structuring interactions with lots of different people, dogs and environments. However, exposure itself is not enough, and in fact exposure alone can be detrimental. This video describes the socialization window, and the importance of positive experiences during that window.