GM News - December 2019

Gentle Modern School of Dog Training (GMSDT) News - December 2019

Thank you for being part of the Gentle Modern School community.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you and your dogs.

Our mission is to support a long and happy partnership between you and your dog.

(We'd love to hear how your dog is going, just hit REPLY and let us know.)

Best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

— Amanda, Rodna, David and Ruth

Top Gifts

My idea of Christmas presents is not a gift but an "experience" for both humans and our canine companions. Some dog will love a run in the bush, others may like to go for a swim. My kelpie Tan loves nothing better than chasing the ball into the waves. My boy kelpie loves swimming in the flat water in the bay. Make an adventure for you and your dog.

Ruth

Most dogs LOVE snuffling for food so my Xmas gift suggestion is a Snuffle Mat - treats are hidden deep within the fabric fringes waiting to be found. You can DIY a Snuffle Mat - Pinterest has lots of guides to making your own. Amanda

Of course there's always Training Gift Vouchers and Books :-)

Plus, remember our Xmas gift to you: a free 'Come & Try' session on 10.00-11.00am Sunday, 15 December in the Open Area adjacent to the Banyule Tennis Club, Warringal Parklands. Equipment from our Ideal Dogs of Australia, Agility, and Rally-O courses and our Tricks Workshop will be set out for you to explore. We'd love to see you there :-)

Top Tip

[This is info that we have shared on the GMSDT Facebook page but it's so important that we wanted to share it in the GM-News too.]

On a sunny 25C day, asphalt will be 52C on the surface. Since dogs' paws are no thicker than the bottom of our feet, pavement that is too hot for us to walk on is also too hot for them to stand on. An effective way to check this is to place the back of your hand on the street or the footpath for seven to 10 seconds. If you are uncomfortable in just a few seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on the pavement. Info adapted for Australia

Facebook

Have you checked out the Gentle Modern School of Dog Training Facebook page lately? Each week we post content on dog care and training that we prepare specially for Facebook. Here's an index of our latest posts.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs	25 September
Foundation of Coming when Called	30 September
"The comparison curse"	9 October
It's Hard being Tiny & Cute	16 October
Setting your mind free whilst walking your dog . . .	30 October
The case of the Fly chasing dog - A Case Study by Ruth Weston	6 November
How does a person's personality influence their dog's level of stress?	13 November
When pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on	20 November
Changes in Appetite can Indicate Health Problems	27 November
Behaviour Change is Hard: Jumping and the Extinction Burst	4 December
Preventable Pet Problems	11 December