GM News - March 2022

Do your dog a favour and check out the Australian Dog Lover's 2022 Boredom Buster Dog Toys & Enrichment Ideas (Did I ever tell you about the time I did a training session with Molly Meldrum and his dogs in 2002 . . . ?)

Happy Month of March
from Amanda, David, Rodna and Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

#bodylanguage

Canine Body Language - great guide

I'm sure you've seen the work of Lili Chin. Lili is a favourite illustrator for many authors who write on dog topics. Doggie Language by Lili Chin, published in 2020, is well-suited to all members of the family, young and old. Clear (and fun!) drawings and descriptions will help you interpret your dog's communication. The book cover and an example page are below. Purchase from your favourite bookshop. Highly recommended.

Ideal Dogs of Australia assessment participants, 6 March 2022

Top Tip - Washing Dog Toys

"In a 2011 germ study by NSF International [NSF International is a US product testing, inspection and certification organisation], pet bowls and toys each ranked among the top 10 germ-infested items commonly found within the home."
Concerned? Check out How to Wash Dog Toys and Pet Products by Stephanie Colman in Whole Dog Journal.

GMSDT Facebook Round-up

Do you follow the Gentle Modern School Facebook page? No? Here's a taste of what you're missing :-)

ADOPTION

"The biggest favor you can do for your new dog is to let go of the vision you had in mind when you adopted her - and meet the unique spirit in front of you." Kathy Callahan quote from Great Expectations: What to Expect When Adopting a New Dog Posted 2 February

CAT-DOGS

Sarah Whitehead's take on dogs who have cat-like characteristics; cat-dogs.
These cat-dogs are:

Sensitive to touch. They appreciate touch when they are ready for it. They may find touch at other times irritating.
Independent - Enjoy alone-time. Cat-dogs are not dogs who follow you around. They connect with you when they have a purpose in mind for the interaction (and they might be quite forthright in communicating with you at that time 🙂)
Spatially sensitive - they have a larger than average personal space.

POMERANIAN AGILITY

A mighty agility run by a Pomeranian (truly your jaw will hit the floor!) Posted 11 February

BAD BEHAVIOUR OR EMOTION

A gem from the "Kindness is Essential, Not Optional" Dog Behaviour Conference, 31 Jan.-11 Feb '22: When talking about dogs who bark ferociously at other dogs, Dr Holly Tett said: "That's not bad behaviour, that's an expression of emotion." Holly described how anxiety was at the root of the barking-at-other-dogs behaviour for many dogs. Recognising that anxiety puts kindness at the forefront of your response to the barking and defuses resentment. More about Holly Tett Posted 16 February

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Overview of 10 Ways to Build Confidence in Shy and Fearful Dogs by Christine Calder, DVM, DACVB Posted 23 February

FAMILY LAW: PETS - PROPERTY OR FAMILY?

The ABC Radio National Law Report episode (first broadcast: 22 Feb 2022), "Sandy Hook Settlements, and Pets in Family Law Disputes" examines the issue of pets in legal battles - are pets belongings or family members? Posted 2 March

TONE OF VOICE

The importance of Tone of Voice in training and generally communicating with your dog by the Low Stress Handling Team "The more we use a positive tone with our animals, the more our animals will want to be with us and want to do what we ask." Posted 9 March