0:00 Discussion on dog training and behavior management. Nikki McLeod raised concerns about her visibility in behavioral services and website representation. Lucy W updated on a Springer Spaniel improving overall but anxious around owner departures. Emphasis on owner consistency, clear training plans, and the impact of family dynamics.
2:19 Updates and work challenges. HOST and Lucy W discussed timing of emergencies; Nikki noted a packed schedule and insights from Greta. Nikki reiterated that her behavioral role is underrepresented on the website, affecting perception.
6:51 Addressing separation anxiety in a Springer Spaniel. Progress noted but anxiety spikes when the owner prepares to leave. Plan: implement “no attention” cues to reduce anticipatory arousal and build independence. Consistency from the owner is critical.
16:23 Strategies for impulse control. Gemma and Lucy recommend stationing cues and reinforcing calm stays while owners move about. Gradual exposure to distractions and frequent, short practice sessions were highlighted.
27:39 Stationing for departures. Practice stationing during leave routines; release is the last step before exiting. Concerns about the dog breaking station without supervision. Reference to CAM protocol and broader departure-management strategies.
36:38 Reducing frustration via signaling. Gemma cited animal studies showing that clear cues about outcomes reduce frantic behavior. Applying predictable signals can lower dogs’ anticipatory frustration.
39:14 Training and behavior modification. Gemma teaches an emergency stop by redirecting to toys; Lucy encourages weaving training into daily life. Consistency remains a major owner challenge. “No attention” cues and stationing deemed effective.
57:26 Dog health and chew options. Danielle’s dog Spock may have a foreign body; vet advises 24-hour wait before x-rays. Chew alternatives discussed—calf hooves suggested as softer than buffalo horns.
1:02:44 Yorkie behavioral history. Hannah outlined early medical issues and a traumatic dog attack, fueling anxiety toward dogs and people. Building a timeline to inform intervention planning.
1:07:24 Managing barking and anxiety. Dog reactive to visitors and stimuli; prior training ineffective. Recommendations: visual barriers, safe spaces, environment management, and pain checks. Decompression and engagement exercises explored.
1:23:24 Managing arousal. Danielle proposed focus work and snuffle mats; practice during calm periods (per Hannah). A self-study guide on window barking is planned. Documenting progress and ongoing assessment emphasized.
1:27:05 Free work for engagement. Lucy recommended familiar items (snuffle mats, cardboard tubes) to reduce visitor-related anxiety. Hannah noted toy frustration in small dogs and suggested easier alternatives.
1:38:36 Small-space strategies. Questions on sleep habits and TV noise. Danielle suggested gradual alone-time in a bedroom to build comfort, acknowledging caravan space limits.
1:43:46 Writing behavioral reports. Hannah sought guidance on depth; Danielle advised including tentative diagnosis and next steps. Gemma stressed skill assessment and resilience-building before targeting specific issues; stay flexible as data emerges.
1:54:52 Decompression and “latte” exercises. Danielle contrasted structured latte work with free work, using snuffle mats to help Deifer focus around distractions. Gradual build-up of calm duration is key.
2:00:28 Emotions first. Danielle: reward calm to shift from fear-driven barking to thinking. Gemma agreed—address emotion to enable behavior change. Timing of reinforcement and clear client communication matter.
2:15:07 Support and collaboration. Hannah expressed worry while awaiting results; Danielle and Nikki offered support. Need for more ABTs and clearer assessment roles noted; many trainers unaware of benefits.
2:18:05 Canine health and post-op care. Danielle’s dogs: one recovering, one may need surgery. Importance of post-spay conditioning to protect core muscles. Nikki called for better owner education. Strategies for training older clients highlighted.
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