Freya V. Locke - Dog Behaviourist | Author | Blogger. Issue 30, 2024
Time to have a week off and relax.
Hi Gang
I am on the last couple of days of a glorious week off. We even managed a little two night getaway in a secluded log cabin in the depths of Suffolk countryside. The view from our veranda was a wheat field, with rabbits hopping about, and a woodpecker. There was silence apart from the trees and the wheat blowing in the wind. Oh, and a wind chime, which was melodic and pleasant.
It is an extreme understatement to say that I needed this time off. It can be stressful working with dogparents of anxious or aggressive dogs.
Keeping dog owners motivated can be challenging when progress is not consistently linear. But I find making sure that dogparents know there are no overnight fixes, despite what they see on TV or on TikTok videos helps. Learning to be patient with our dogs, and being sure we are using the right rewards, making cues simple, is key. Make use of your dog pro! A good dog pro will always welcome contact between sessions if more guidance or tweaks are needed.
It also can be hard when dogparents have made so much progress with their dogs that they no longer need you too. We get very attached to clients, and saying goodbye is always tough, even when they are winning!
Then there is the pressure of constantly learning about dogs, what makes them tick and how best to help with certain struggles!
It’s an enormous responsibility, as well as an honour, to have my advice trusted, and one I take seriously.
Taking time off is crucial, like in many compassionate professions. As I explain in my next book, putting on your own oxygen mask is vital. It is hard to take care of others, in any capacity, but especially when one of you has no ability to speak a verbal language.
How do you spend time off? Do you even get a rest sometimes?
Scrumperdinger.com
Twyla didn’t write much this week as she was looking after the house and the oiks who live here. She says she will have something good lined up for you next week.
She is however, rather excited by a new food we have been trying. Twyla's diet consists of a mix of raw, home-cooked, and occasionally commercial food when we're on the go.
As it can be tough to keep fresh food from going off when we are in the tent, or to use as training, we do like to try out alternatives. We often use dehydrated raw but that can get expensive. So, she has been eating Platinum dog food as treats. The food is soft and chewy nuggets. Real ingredients, cooked in their own juices with no nasty additives. She LOVES the stuff. No affiliate or sponsorship link, by the way, a recommendation while I am thinking of it!
Fun Not Fear® Journal
Here is an old article that may be relevant to you as holiday season is on us!
When You Are On Holiday And Your Dog Gets Sick.
Want to know more about helping your anxious dog the Fun Not Fear® way?
We have a book! Available in all formats from Amazon.
Grab your copy, and get helping the dog in your life to overcome their struggles.
Spotted and sharing.
Why Feed Tripe? - Julie Arnold
Tripe, it looks vile and smells even worse … but our dogs love it and with good reason!
My other posts - because I write about other stuff too!
Recently I added a page of links to my various bits and bobs to my website. Go check out some of my other websites and blogs! It's not all about dogs, but I hope some of it will bring a smile to your face!
Handy links.
Well thats it from me this week I’m off to spend some quality time with Twyla before I head back off to work next week.
Have great weekend.
Warm ‘n’ Fuzzies,
Freya xx
Do you find that there is a link between the dogs anxiety and human anxiety? I can't help but wonder if much/part of a dog's anxiety is coming from the pet parent. If it is, how do you help people see their role? How do you address it?