Wags and Wisdom: Animal guidance by Kyrana

Looking for unique holiday gifts? Wanting to be safe? Wanting to support a local small business? If you said yes to any of those questions, come on by this weekend! Me and the boys will be running amuck while my wife, the artist, handles the glass! Masks required. Saying hello and that you know me from here is a bonus!

A recent uptick in my caseload where the dog is suddenly aggressive towards another dog in the home reminded me of just how much our emotions influence our do...g’s behavior. Research shows just how intuitive dogs can be when it comes to our own emotional states (Mills, Miklosi). And after all, many of us are experiencing a wide range of emotions that we didn’t just a few months ago. In many cases, the aggression is directed at the other resident dog only when the aggressor is near the owner, and the other dog approaches. Resource guarding? Perhaps. Jealousy? Perhaps. Health issues that affect communication? Perhaps. Though when the dogs have a history of peacefully co-existing for years, and the only significant change is an event that is emotionally taxing on the owner, the catalyst can often be their current emotional state. And what an incredibly difficult situation this presents! The owner now has the revelation that they may be part of the cause for the conflicts. A terrible stressor to pile on top of the current heap of emotions. What can be done? First, it is important to know that this is not the owner’s fault. We are human, and humans experience emotions. No one purposely decides to get all stressed out and see if their dogs proceed with a battle royale. Second, management. Separating the dogs to prevent further conflicts for the time being is absolutely OK. Time can be spent with each dog individually (preferably out of earshot and eyeshot) to provide ample enrichment. Third, destress - not just the owner, the dogs too. Training shouldn’t be arduous. Go with activities that are fun, provide exercise for all, and remind us of one of the main reasons we get dogs for in the first place. Fourth, determine the contexts in which the behavior is most likely to happen (often with the help of a professional experienced with aggression). Decide what you want the dogs to DO INSTEAD of going after each other. Does it happen only when the owner is on the couch watching Netflix and the other dog approaches? Teach each dog to station on their own beds during that timeand make it highly reinforcing for them to do so. #dogtraining #dogtrainer

Monday’s challenge: Catch a treat! Kola used to be an absolute pro at this, but age, eyesight, and reaction time has all shifted significantly (as it has in me!), so here is Garvey. No, Garvey isn’t as funny looking when he does it as Kola is, but he is handsome! Share your video of your pet catching a treat - could be a horse, a goat, a bird, a cat, a dog, or any other pet you have at home!... Show off time!

Let’s have some fun. Share a photo of your pet! Here is my old man, Hua Kola. His name is a Lakota phrase that, at one time, translated as I would fight to the death for you; only males were allowed to say it and it was to indicate the closeness of your relationship such as brothers, best friends, etc. We call him Kola for short. He is 15.5 yrs, a lab mix, and has been helping me with clients way back when I was a vet tech when we first became family 1/15/05. While I try and keep him retired - he deserves it - he is still a huge help when I have clients dogs at my home.

If you want to avoid looking a bit like an alien with peanut butter on your head to get your dog’s toenails done, feel free to leave a comment! Props to this woman for creativity and getting it done!

Reminders for my clients as we continue our adventures with remote, aka video, training.

These are timely reminders regarding dogs and children. I know a lot of parents are now staying home, with their kids. It is a stressful time for all. I hear many parents struggling with the challenge of balancing trying to work from home, become teacher to their kids, as well as full time cook and maid. Now, more than ever, is the time to remember WE are the ones with the opposable thumbs and the ability to clearly communicate to those around us. Our pets don’t have those g...ifts, don’t know why there are changes, and are absolutely picking up on the new level of stress in the home. Now is the time to revisit animal body language (cat, dog, parrot, or anything else you have in your home) with your children and make sure your pets are getting the breaks they need; while some will be overjoyed with the extra attention, all will need to have breaks. Check out the other thoughtful tips No Monkey Business Dog Training is sharing.

Have a curly haired dog? Unless you are a groomer, or have a groomer living with you during this time period, you are probably wondering how you are going to deal with all that curly hair. Here is a great video to give you some help with all that!

Hi, everyone. Welcome to day 8 of our new, ummm, adventure. Petra, Kate, and I have been talking about a concern we have for the time when people will be return...ing to their new routine and potentially leaving the house to go to work. Right now I'm sure your dog is thrilled you're home. Even if you are trying to keep as normal a routine as possible, you're home! But when you have to leave again, to go back to work, we're concerned we are going to hear from a lot of dog owners who are seeing signs of separation anxiety in their dogs. There could be barking, destruction, escapes, excessive licking, and more. So let's think prevention now rather than having to respond to it later when it's already a problem. Changing an established separation anxiety problem is difficult. Very difficult. We would like everyone, all dog owners, to schedule some time away from your dog (or puppy) at least twice a day even during these difficult times. Put your dog in his crate in another room and close the door. Or just in another room if he won't get in trouble. If it's safe, put him outside. Give him a toy or something to chew on and leave him alone. Let him relax. Start by leaving him for 5 to 10 minutes each time if hes been with you constantly for the last couple of weeks. Gradually work up to half an hour each time. Ideally when this isolation is over, your dog will miss you but will also be comfortable being by himself. That's it for today. I'll be back tomorrow. And again, feel free to share this with your friends who own dogs. The information is for everyone.

Quick and easy muzzle games with Darcy the Boxer! Whether your dog is new to muzzle wearing or a seasoned pro, it’s always good to top up those good associatio...ns and help you and your dog enjoy the muzzle. 1. Place the muzzle in a bowl a touch bigger than it. Fill with food. Go to town! 2. Fill palm with food, place muzzle on palm. Go to town! 3. Place dog in a sit stay. Fill palm with food, muzzle on palm, recall dog into muzzle! 4. Free-shape a nose target into the muzzle. If your dog has done a few reps of the above and gets the idea, see if they will put their nose in without food, mark and reward well when they do. Top tip: squeeze cheese or peanut butter smeared on the inside of the muzzle makes it even more fun for the dog.

I always knew they were clever....