First Camping Trip of the Season!
The Happy Dog Journal™️- Your weekly dog newsletter
Hi Gang
Last night, we had our very first camping trip of the year. I talked you through our packing list for Twyla last weekend, and this weekend, we were super happy to put our list into action.
We were really proud of her. Twyla was a really hyper puppy who was apt to escape from anywhere at any time and was always over excited at seeing other dogs, children and pretty much anything else. But over time, she has grown and mellowed, and with lots of desensitisation, has turned into an almost calm dog. She was still excited on arrival at a new place, but she soon realised she would not be playing with the dog in the tent behind us, and she was very chilled and well-behaved the rest of our time away.
When exposed to triggers in the right way, dogs can work out that not everything is ridiculously exciting or scary and can learn to be appropriate in pretty much all situations.
What we would never do is dole out aversive treatment to punish behaviours, as all that would do is create a bad association with triggers. Even if inappropriate behaviour is suppressed, it doesn’t do much to help the dog and how they are feeling. Allowing dogs to desensitise through gentle habituation or counter-conditioning techniques is far more successful and kind.
Want to know more about these gentle techniques? Check out our book below!
Spotted and sharing.
I saw this on Facebook and wondered who could relate?
An oldie but a goodie!
Luna’s Story
At 13 months old, overexcited dog Luna’s former owners had already rehomed her. We met her when she lived with her new family in a lovely nearby Newmarket village.
Luna had not been well socialised as a puppy. She would do somersaults of excitement when she saw other dogs, birds, and other triggers.https://freyavlocke.co.uk/2024/12/30/overexcited-dog-luna-the-dalmatian/
There is no Club video this week.
It will be back next week, though, so get your questions and queries in!
Instead, here is a video masterclass I made a while back to help your dogs with Car Travel Phobia. This common struggle can mean the difference between lovely days out (or camping trips) with your dog and having to leave them at home (or not go at all!)
Hope you all have a fantastic week!
Warm ‘n’ Fuzzies,
Freya xx