Freya V. Locke - Dog Behaviourist | Author | Blogger. Issue 28, 2024
Freya V. Locke - Dog Behaviourist | Author | Blogger. Issue 28, 2024
It's a scorcher! Grab a coffee - or an ice cream, and settle down for a read.
Hi Gang
This week you may notice if you follow me on Facebook that I have some new letters in my name - “Acb-ksa”.
Facebook, in their wisdom, won’t let me capitalise it, so I’m stuck with it looking like that. I think ACB-KSA would look much better!
In the UK, the dog training and behaviour industry is unregulated. Anyone can wake up in the morning and decide they are a trainer or behaviourist with no qualifications or experience.
Scary, huh?
So we have membership organisations to show that we are good at what we do and to keep up with our peers. It is a sign to vets and other health professionals that we know our stuff. I'm part of a few and their support is priceless.
(I’m on the committee of INTODogs as their secretary and am a Patron of ICAN: International Companion Animal Network and head of the Dog Welfare Alliance. I’m a Pet Professional Guild member, and many more.)
There are several organisations who police their memberships in an attempt to self regulate the industry.
Most dedicated professionals join at least one of these organisations to show competence and undergo external assessment. This also helps us to keep up with the latest methods and science surrounding training and behaviour. We have to complete CPD each year to keep our memberships current.
My main professional member organisation, The Association of INTODogs, have undergone a few changes over the years, including now what we as INTODogs members are called.
Recently it was decided that we are to be known as “Accredited Canine Behaviourist - Knowledge and Skills Assessed.”
We need to make our ability clear to those who might be looking for a highly skilled professional, for their dog. This clearly states we have had our knowledge and skill as a behaviourist put through an examination process.
So incase you were wondering, that is where the Acb-ksa came from.
Scrumperdinger.com
Twyla wrote a guide to feeding your Scrumperdinger an 80/10/10 diet all by herself. Isn’t she clever?
Raw and fresh feeding can be daunting for a dogparent who has always fed kibble and tins, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you feed your dog fresh food, you won't want to switch back to a commercial diet, and your dog will be super grateful.
Fun Not Fear® Journal
Club Live - we rarely share them outside the group, but this one may save a life!
With the hot weather upon us, it is essential that we consider our dogs health and keep them cool.
Benefits of Reward-Based Training: Beyond the Bribery Myth
Another article I wrote this week was about the myth that giving treats and rewards is bribing the dog. Although dogs can be bribed, it is important to note that rewards are not the same. Understanding how the two things differ can make a massive difference in a person’s approach to teaching and the success they have.
Ad: 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.
“Say Hello Nicely” by my dear friend Theo Stewart. Check out all the case studies on her website. She is a force-free trailblazer.
My other posts - because I write about other stuff too!
Life beyond Facebook - is there such a thing? I truly hope so, as I am getting less and less enjoyment from the platform. Here is an article I wrote about why I prefer being right here with you folk on Substack - the platform I use to create these newsletters.
Handy links.
So that is it for another issue. Hope you all enjoy the summer weather safely this week! Have a great seven sleeps and I will see you next weekend.
Warm ‘N’ Fuzzies
Freya xx