Dogventure

24/10/2024

Just read an amazing post about the ethics of using aversive type of collars on dogs (i.e. prong, e-collar, shock collar). It isn't shareable, but here is one statement that stood out for me in bold.

"But here's something to keep in mind, especially for my fellow South Africans: both of these tools are illegal to use here in South Africa, and you can be reported to the SPCA for using them". I'll post the link to the KUSA statement regarding this in the comments below.

05/10/2024

05/10/2024

INSTANT SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX ISSUES ARE NONSENSICAL AND CAN EXACERBATE BEHAVIOUR CONCERNS

The amount of nonsense advice on social media re the emotional and physical welfare of dogs is shocking to say the least. Every one is an expert on a dog that they have NEVER met! I have so many wrinkles and frown lines (mostly from mouthing WTF) from too much cringing as I read some of the utter 💩 advice given to gullible pet guardians. Here are some examples...

If the dog barks too much, try a vibrating or shock collar. Or, give him strong vet meds or CBD oil.
If the dog cries when left alone, let's medicate him. CBD oil is best.
If the dog is marking indoors, let's snip him.
If the dog is chewing the furniture, let's discipline him or give him some CBD oil.
If dog is stressed about something, let's force him to confront his fears so he can get over it. And remember to give him CBD oil.
If the dog is barking and lunging at other dogs or people, let's show him who the alpha is. And give him CBD oil.
If the dog is growling at your children, just send him to the shelter after saturating him with CBD oil.
If the dog has a tiff with the other dog in the home, let's train it out of him by sending him to a trainer or training facility 30km away...this will most definitely solve the issue. Or let's give him CBD oil.
If the dog is not paying attention in a training class, use a choke or shock collar. That will calm him down. Also try CBD oil before the session.
The dog is jumping in the furniture and stealing food from the counter. Just increase discipline and show him who is boss.
The dog is pulling on a lead. Just use a prong collar.
The 4 month old dogs p*es in the house at night and can't wait till the morning. Just rub his nose on the p*e as this will teach him not to. Or don't give him water at night.
The dog chases chickens. Use a shock collar.
And so on.
And so on.
I won't even mention the medical advice given.

There are lots of questions on social media daily about behaviour issues and lots of ready made answers designed to bring instant relief are offered. No one cares about understanding THAT dog's emotional state and feelings BEFORE advising a solution. No one cares about the unique emotional life and experiences of THAT dog. Everyone goes from one 'solution' to the next seeking the silver bullet. And the solution MUST be quick, cheap and requiring minimal guardian effort. And all the while, the dog is truly being ignored with respect to his feelings and emotions...the issue or issues are never truly identified so that we can work on that dog feeling better before acting better.

Quick fixes are not sustainable. Find out WHAT your dog is feeling before trying to solve the issue. And don't ask advice from guardians on social media who DON'T know a thing about your dog and who have NOT even met your dog!

Whatsapp 071 893 3199 for a PROPER behaviour assessment and expert recommendations on how to improve emotions and hence behaviour. Smart Pet Behaviour professional fees are covered by most South African pet insurances.

Warning - Smart Pet Behaviour offers ZERO quick fixes and hence guardian commitment and dedication to any plan is a prerequisite for success.

28/09/2024

The question was asked if I could train a deaf cattle dog to stop biting tyres [sic] using positive reinforcement, and the answer is yes! There's a caveat, however. What is referred to as positive reinforcement training is not as simple as those who advocate aversive methods of training would like to believe. It involves a whole lot more than simply giving a dog a cookie! But unless you've ever seen or been introduced to really good training, you would not know that, and you would not understand how powerful and versatile non-aversive, fear-free, evidence-based training is! To the person who asked this question, I would like to in turn ask these questions: can you train a wolf to accept nail trims using a shock collar? Can you train a tiger to accept blood draws using a shock collar? Can you train a rat to identify TB or locate a landmine with a shock collar? Can you train a fish or a butterfly with a shock collar? Which arm would you put the shock collar on to train an octopus? Why on earth do you need a shock collar to train what could be arguably described as the most agreeable domestic animal on the face of the earth? ~Cindy

17/09/2024

"Do Pets Need Shrinks?" by Peter Neville is an insightful and engaging exploration of animal behaviour, specifically focusing on the psychological needs of our pets. Peter Neville, a renowned animal behaviourist, delves into the complex emotional lives of animals, offering readers a deeper understanding of how pets think and feel. The book is filled with real-life case studies that highlight common behavioural issues and their underlying causes, providing practical advice for pet owners and professionals alike. Neville's compassionate approach and expertise make this a valuable read for anyone interested in improving their relationship with their pets. Whether you're dealing with a specific behavioural problem or simply want to understand your pet better, this book offers both knowledge and empathy, making it a must-read for all animal lovers.​

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You can now download this book for free here - there is space for a donation to Worth Wild Africa so please do consider supporting this excellent initiative. https://www.worthwildafrica.org/

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https://simplebooklet.com/dopetsneedshrinks ​

Username: Shrinks Password: Freddie

10/09/2024

28/08/2024

30/07/2024

WHAT THE F?

Recognising stress responses in dogs.

Fight or flight are well known reactions to fear or stress, but these other “F” words are also important to understand and be aware of as they may not always be so obvious.

Freeze, Fawn, Fidget or Fool around are also responses to stress or fear and are also commonly seen in people.

Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to one type of response while some react based on previous experience - what has worked for them before or what hasn’t. Some dogs have different reactions depending on the specific context.

Recognising and taking note of situations or circumstances where these responses are seen is important in understanding how our dogs are feeling.

When we recognise a fear or a stress response, we are able to intervene and advocate for our dogs.

28/07/2024

While corn on its own is okay in small amounts, the cob can't be digested, and it often doesn't pass naturally through the digestive system and in many cases, requires urgent surgery 🌽

27/07/2024

Forwarded Post from Assagay Residents exposed to Rabid Dog: shared from MediVet Hillcrest

RIP Mika

Heart broken, devastated and guilt-ridden..... Letting you go has been the most difficult to process decision I've ever had to make.

I'm SO sorry we couldn't do more or fight harder for you my girl but I want you to know that i couldn't have wished for a more amazing companion, protector and family member.

You will be sorely missed by each of us and remembered for your gentle temperament, special bond with the M&Ms, love for food, and that wiggle bum each time I came home.

So so sorry my girl, love you forever.

Love all of us xox

For those pet owners reading this, I URGE you to make sure your pets vaccinations are up to date!

We had an incident earlier this week where a stray dog managed to enter our property, naturally our dogs confronted it and chased it off. The stray was picked up and dropped off with the nearest vet who immediately suspected a possible rabies case. The dog was euthanized and the state vet was alerted.

Whilst waiting the rabies results, we had our local vet give each of our dogs a rabies booster shot, even though there was no clear bite or visible wounds on either of the dogs.

Our 2 older dogs were fully vaccinated for rabies, but our dear Mika(barely over a year old) had only received 1 rabies vacc to date, with her annual follow up due in September this year.

We received the devastating news yesterday from the state vet, confirming the stray was infected with rabies. Our hearts dropped.

Due to Mika only having had 1 vacc, she was deemed 'unvaccinated' and high-risk to all that she comes into contact with. Compounding the issue, is rabies can present itself anywhere form 0-6mths after being contracted.

By law we had to euthanize a perfectly healthy pet because we did not have her vaccinations fully up to date.

I wouldn't wish this scenario on anyone, so please check your dogs/cats vaccinations books/records, and ensure you sort them out ASAP.

Secondly check you properties fence/perimeter walls for any access points to prevent unwanted contact and potentially infected visitors mixing with your pets.

I hope this post saves at least 1 pets life, so that our Mika's loss was not in vain.

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I did not know that the state vet has to euthanise a dog exposed to rabies with no up to date vaccinations.

Did you?

Please make sure rabies vaccinations are up to date.

13/07/2024

Remember this when 'schooling' your horse 👏

10/07/2024

Love this!

06/07/2024

https://youtu.be/vgEs2J2gw44?si=cDUnmAuOLo3cm4_R

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.Cape fur seals are generally curious and friendly sea mammals. They are often...

02/06/2024

This is why we prefer the harnesses that don't prevent adequate movement on the dog's shoulders. This makes a huge difference in how your dog moves.

04/05/2024

Anatomically correct dog ❤️ if you agree they got it right. ✅️

04/05/2024

Absolutely!