For the last year on TikTok ( Nose To Trail 🐾 (@nosetotrail) | TikTok ) every Saturday I have done #WeeklyQuestionTime, where I asked the general public a range of questions about dogs.
This week however, I turned it round and gave my followers the chance to ask ME their dog related questions. In this blog I will cover a few of the questions, and in subsequent posts I will answer more. If you’re not on social media, never fear just drop me an email to info@nosetotrail.co.uk and I’ll answer your question in another blog!
So let’s get into it.
Question 1 – @Trixie off Tiktok “how do you know if you are doing enough to fulfil your dogs, or if you’re doing too much?”
Answer:
In short – you’re going to see behavioural problems, most likely when your dog’s needs are not being met. If you’re not doing enough with your dog then their excess energy, and instincts or desires will come out in ways you probably don’t want! An example of this can be destruction. Dogs ripping up cushions off sofas, chewing skirting boards in the home, holes in the garden etc. Yes there can be other reasons for these things, for example a dog with separation distress may show signs of destruction when they are left home alone, but it can simply be a way of a dog trying to make their own entertainment! Having a camera on them to see the body language that goes alongside this “naughty” behaviour can be very useful to help you to understand the emotions that are causing it.
A common example I get where this is the case is with border collies. People contact me for help because the collie they have purchased from a local farm is chasing cars and bikes. These dogs were bred to herd, to round up livestock. They are very intelligent dogs! They need to be stimulated and when they don’t have enough stimulation, these breed instincts are met by the dog going DIY. They want something to chase and herd and the only thing they get in their new more urban life is traffic. That’s why in my teenage tearaways course I introduce the activity of sheepballs.
If you’re doing too much with your dog the problem may be different – you may see the dog being over tired, and refusing to do things they’ve done previously, or perhaps with less enthusiasm! This isn’t something I come across very often though! Sadly the majority of dogs I work with are likely to be struggling because not enough is being done to mee their needs. Not enough play, exercise or training in general!
Question 2: @Dadda&Gabbana on Tiktok “How much charge is acceptable for the E-collar”
Answer: Nose to Trail is run by Rachel Rodgers- an APBC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist. This means that Rachel follows training principles that follow the APBC’s code of conduct (and so do the rest of the training team of life skills and rehab trainers). This code of conduct does not use aversive training techniques such as electric shock collars.
Nose to Trail also supports the RSPCA in their petition to make sure that the new legislation relating to electric shock collars does still come into force next year (2024). You can read more about this here: Ban the use of shock collars | Campaigns | RSPCA
Question 3 – @Rogue from TikTok “What would be your advice for owners/handlers to prepare for and deal with fireworks this November?”
Answer: I actually have some free to access resources on this ready for pet parents / dog guardians which I produced last year with my friend Tracy from No Fuss Fill.
The most important thing is NOT to wait until November to try to prepare for this. Preparation should start now!!!!
Find out more in my other blog entirely on this topic: Preparing your dog for Fireworks (nosetotrail.co.uk)
Or by watching a replay of the Facebook Live I did explaining the process:
That’s all for the first set of questions but don’t forget to check back soon to see if I’ve answered your dog training or behaviour question!
Got a question you’d like me to answer? Ask on social media or email info@nosetotrail.co.uk