GM News - June 2020

Hello Gentle Modern Community,

We hope you're well. :-) Here's the June GMSDT News edition.
Best wishes, Amanda, Rodna, David & Ruth

Skills and Strategies to make being out and about with your dog a breeze.

Handling Distractions with Confidence program $120

Distractions, coming at you

Do the four sessions in the order you want, on the Sundays of your choosing (dates listed on our website). You can also enrol in a specific session as a stand-alone workshop-$40.
After completion of all of the sessions, you can participate in an assessment for Ideal Dogs of Australian (IDA) certification* at no additional cost.

Questions/Bookings: contact Amanda, 0418 371 060 amanda@jenkins.net

Just for Fun

Checkout the video of the Golden Retriever achieving his World Record for the number of tennis balls in a dog's mouth.

Spoiler Alert: Six!

Play+Train is Back!

After taking a break during COVID-19 Stage 3 restrictions, Play+Train is running again. Looking for social interaction (with physical distance for the humans) and informal training? This is the program for you.

Preparing for the time when every family member is back at Work/School/Uni?

Over the last few months we've given lots of hints and tips about preparing your dog for the house being empty again on weekdays.
Many of you are returning to the office, all school students will be back in the classroom next week and Uni students will be back on campus for second semester, so this is it!
You've worked to give your dog separate and alone time, and thought about food and non-food-based enrichment toys Here's the next piece of the puzzle.

Where does your dog like to hang out?
Is there a sunny spot near the kitchen that he likes to stretch out? Is there a cosy nook near the heating vent?

Can you make this a 'Special Space' for your dog to relax in your absence?

Put a dog bed in this spot - a bed with sides if there might be draughts sometimes.
Set up a radio/speaker nearby that will play white noise or soothing music (think reggae or .special compilations or instrumental
What other things do you know that relax your dog (exercise, certain aromas, blankets they can make a nest from, lying on an old t-shirt you've worn, etc)? How can you employ them? Experiment before you're back at work.

Rewards or Turn-Offs?

Advice to consider from Whole Dog Journal's ebook Positive Training Basics.

"When rewarding your dog, don't confuse your fun with the dog's fun. Most dogs love to be petted, but not in every context and not in all ways. . . .
Observe your dog carefully; if he backs away from you when you reach to pet him, pay attention! He's telling you he doesn't want to be petted . . .
If a dog turns and walks away, that's invaluable information: he doesn't like what you did. Even if he just closes his mouth and/or turns his face away, pay attention. That could be your dog telling you, "Um, I really don't like this."