GM News - December 2023

After her health setback (and thankfully, Rodna is well again), Rodna has decided to retire - very sad for us, but an exciting new life phase for Rodna!

At the Play+Train break-up on Sunday 10 December 9AM (Warringal Parklands, adjacent to the Banyule Tennis Club), we will have a Farewell card for Rodna - we'd love you to come sign it (even if you're not a Play+Train member!).

In the meantime, please enjoy this 54th edition of GM-News.

Very best festive wishes to you and yours!

Amanda, David, & Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

Top Tip One - How to Avoid Holiday Stress in Pets

Jen Reeder and Marilyn Mele have great advice. In brief:

Routine
Safe Place
Avoid Changes in Diet
Enrichment (see Top Tip Two!)
Advocate for your Dog's Personal Space

Top Tip Two - Puzzle Toys!

Toys that engage your dog and get them to problem solve are great gifts to your dog anytime, whether homemade or bought. Here is a range of resources on puzzle/interactive toys:

'A Guide to Using Food Puzzle Toys with Your Dog' by Zazie Todd, Ph.D. is a great article on how to successfully use food puzzles with many examples
Nina Ottosson puzzles are the gold standard
Kmart has a range of inexpensive puzzle toys
Some relevant videos from the GMSDT YouTube channel and Facebook page:

Pet Photography

Considering a professional photo shoot of your pet(s) or just wanting to take a really nice pic yourself this Xmas?

First, get inspo from Dog Photographer of The Year 2023 winning images.
Second, check out Why Every Owner Needs a Professional Pet Photographer in Their Life - Dr Alex Avery's podcast episode (audio and text available). Despite the title, there are tips for professional andamateur pet photography.

Body Language: "Oh, you want a tummy rub, don't you!"

One of the things that's gone into Dog Lore is that a dog lying on his back wants you to pat/rub his tummy, BUT there are lots of reasons a dog might expose their belly, not all positive. Check out Why Does My Dog Roll on Their Back? by Stephanie Gibeault

Free Resources

Australian KONG Essentials Webinar, Wednesday 6 December 1:00-2.00pm AEDST. To Register

Learn about how KONG helps solve common “problem“ behaviours
Identify how to choose the correct size and rubber weight KONG for your dog based on breed, size, and their chewing temperament (light, average or power chewer?)
Learn that all dogs can play with all types of toys so long as you manage and supervise your dog’s playing sessions.
Q&A

Author Interview with Barbara Buchmayer, author of the books 'Enrichment Games for High-Energy Dogs' and 'Positive Herding'. The recording of this interview with Barbara by Dogwise Publishing on high-energy dogs, enrichment, and sheep herding is available at https://www.facebook.com/dogwise/videos/353130627150615