GM News - July 2025

GM-News is back after a break! (Did you miss it? 😉)

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

Top Tip: Quick access to food rewards for in-the-moment training - Treats in your pockets and/or in jars around the house.

1. Surprise your dog with a reward when they do what you love. Over time, desirable behaviours become the default.

‘Surprise’ rewards can be a powerful way of shaping the behaviours you want from dogs. The ‘poker machine’ effect: your dog won’t know when a treat might appear; he just knows that if he comes when called, stands/sits calmly rather than jumping, etc., there’s a good chance a food reward might appear.

The faster the reward is delivered, the better the chance your dog has of connecting their action with the happy consequence.

2. Avoid unnecessary battles; use spontaneous "Find It"

A positive way to

Distract your dog from things you don’t want her to respond to
Move him away from you or someone else if he has become over-excited
Move her away from a doorway, move him forward on a path, etc.
Pre-empt jumping.

Drop a treat on the floor/ground close to your dog, letting your dog see it leave your hand and say “find it” (or “search” or similar).
When your dog has learnt the ‘game’ - “find it” means there is food to be found - you can toss treats further away. Find it video: (3.08 mins)

(Be cautious about using “find it” when other dogs are close by.)

You can use your dog’s everyday food and a selection of ‘special’ treats to add interest and value.
Deduct the food given as rewards from your dog’s mealtime food amount to avoid any risk of over-feeding.

Canine Body Language – Shaking

It’s not just from the cold that a dog might shake. Why is my dog shaking? by Dr Zoe Jacobs-Fohrman BVSc covers the wide range of potential causes, including

Excitement/Fear
Muscle Loss
Overworked/fatigued muscles
Pain/nausea/illness
Toxins
Neurological disorders

GMSDT 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 a sample of recent posts:
> Does your dog need a coat?    3 July
> Why “just tire him out!” doesn’t work long-term    25 June
> Identifying signs of aggression and how to steer your dog clear of a potentially aggressive dog 18 June
> Dog bed cleaning    14 May

Your Reward for Reading to the End

The book "Museum of Dogs: A Romp Through Art History for Dog People" by Jessica Poundstone contains quirky, gorgeous, and sweet images.
(This pendant, pictured in the book, is made of pearls, rubies, gold, and enamel, and it's 7.5 cm high. It's dated 1575-1600. The artist is unknown.)