WELCOME TO THE DOG SAFETY INFORMATION TALK
A BIT ABOUT ADVANCE BEHAVIOURAL TRAINING Otherwise referred to as ABT we are a Dog Behavioural Training school and Doggy daycare centre. We offer a range of services including: Puppy Academy Dog manners and life-skills group training classes Behavioural modification programs and services Doggy daycare Workshops and seminars Private lessons on site or in home Agility, off lead and other advanced skills training
ABOUT DOGS Dog s are generally social animals They like to live in groups with familiar dog s and social arrangements When working with rescue dogs they may start fearful, shut-down or unaware of how to socialise. Sometimes they take awhile to trust you before showing their normal character traits.
The importance of reading dog body language Dogs use their body language to communicate with humans and other animals They cannot tell us verbally how they feel so it is important for us to understand what they are saying to us through their body
Stress Signals Excessive panting Yawning, tongue flick, lip smacking
Stress Signals Tense muscles through body and especially around their face, mouth tightly shut Pupils dilated or whites of the eyes showing more
Stress Signals Pacing, sniffing and other fidgeting behaviours Excess shedding, drooling, urinating more or less Tail down or between legs, body hunched, fixated on an object, frozen, lack of interest in food Physical problems such as irritable stomach, skin allergies and other health issues
Stress Signals
The Ears Up: Alert / Interested (accompanied by slight head tilt & relaxed or slightly opened mouth) Folded Back: Intimidated / Fearful Forward: Dominant / Threatening (may be accompanied by bared teeth & wrinkled nose) Back: Submissive (mouth drawn back, forehead smooth)
The Eyes Staring Dominant / Threatening Averting Gaze Appeasement / Submission Dogs interpret staring as a threat. Averting the gaze avoids challenging the dog to rise to the occasion
The Mouth Long Lips drawn back Intimidated, Drawn back but no visible teeth - Fearful Short Lips drawn forward - Dominant / Confident Top Lip Curled Showing teeth - Threatening / Stressed Dogs will show their teeth as a warning signal to give the other dog a chance to back away. It is important to not tell your dog off for giving warning signals as it can lead to them reacting with no warning
The Tail Tail Up Arousal / Confidence / Dominance / Threatening Tail Up and Stiff Aggression present (often up & curled over back) This is why some dogs may react worse to certain breeds (Huskies, Akitas) Tail Raised Horizontal but not stiff - Alert / Interested Tail Tucked Intimidated / Fearful / Submissive
Relaxed
Alert
Threatening (Offensive)
Threatening (Defensive)
Submissive
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS If possible give them a chance to get to know you before attempting anything they may not enjoy. Don t turn your back on a dog that seems like it could be aggressive, most dogs bite out of fear and more likely when you re not watching. Use treats if they will take them, if stressed and not willing to take normal treats try things such as cheese, cold meats and other high value items. Be assertive and direct with what you tell the dog; try asking them to sit as sometimes introducing an obedience exercise they know can help the situation.
Be aware of flight, fight or freeze just like any other species. If needing to enter a property with a pet request a meet and greet with the dog and owner first so as to avoid problems. Be just as aware of the dog who stares at you frozen as you are of the one barking and growling. The frozen one may be equal or even more of a risk to you. If stuck distract however possible; sound, citronella spray throwing treats. Carry a clipboard because you can always use it as a shield if needed.
USEFUL TOOLS Towels, large blankets and stable surfaces if they can t grip their feet they are likely to become uncomfortable. Muzzles: If possible use a basket muzzle. Calming remedies: adaptil, rescue remedy, reducing negative pheremones Very thick gloves Leads, catching pole, keep your arm straight so they are at an arms length. Spray bottles, water, citronella As a back-up poly pipe
DOG HANDLING EXAMPLES
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