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Tag: learning

Nature versus nurture

November 20, 2023 admin 1 Comment

The nature versus nurture debate has been an enduring one in our understanding of not just ourselves, but also of…

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Posted in: Dog Science Filed under: dog behaviour, dog science, environment, genetics, learning, nature versus nurture

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Get a puppy + take them to puppy class= well behav Get a puppy + take them to puppy class= well behaved adult dog. Right? Eh, nah not really 🤷 Taking your puppy to classes can certainly be helpful, but it really isn't a guarantee of the dog you'll have at two years old. In fact, if you've got a puppy who is especially sensitive or worried, one who is extra boisterous, one who is already struggling with being on the lead around other dogs… basically if your puppy is anything but the average, textbook puppy (who we already know is actually pretty rare) puppy classes may not be helpful at all. A poorly ran puppy class can make those issues even worse that they already are. Even well ran classes are not the right thing for lots of pups. A few years back, I ran puppy classes myself. At least one pup in each cohort couldn't cope and we had to switch to one to ones after the first class. In hindsight, there was at least two others in each class who struggled, but I didn't know what I know now to call it at the time. And that's why I don't run puppy classes nowadays. It is nigh on impossible to tailor a class to meet the needs of a group of essentially babies when there is such huge variety within our dogs. If I create a class with a sociable, bouncy cockerpoo puppy in mind, that's not going to be the right fit for a worried little miniature dachshund pup, or an independent minded husky. In a previous life, created activities for actual human babies and there were less factors to think than with a puppy class! So if you're considering booking your pup in for classes, think carefully. And don't assume it will prevent your pup having issues later on! 🐶❤️ Pic is me running my puppy class back in 2021 - the mud probably didn't help!
I think we sometimes forget that a puppy is a litt I think we sometimes forget that a puppy is a little individual with their own opinions, worries and way of doing things. Your puppy is not a blank slate. Two puppies from the same litter, raised exactly the same way, can still turn out very differently. I've worked with thousands of puppies, dogs and their families over the last 7.5 years and there really is no average puppy. Just like kids, they all have their own personality, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. Following generic puppy training advice can just lead to more overwhelm and stress. That's because it isn't meant for your puppy- their breed, age, life experience so far, and you- your family, lifestyle, time restraints and experience with dogs. So if you're struggling to actually apply the advice you've picked up online or in a puppy class, give yourself some grace. That advice wasn't designed with you and your puppy in mind and it won't help you solve the problems you're actually working through, like one to one training can. Pic of four dogs on their group walk with our fabulous dog walk who also did one to one training with me earlier on in their lives. 4 funny, characterful and completely different dogs 🥰 #folkestone #puppytraining #kentpuppy
Team Doherty Dog Services is growing again... No i Team Doherty Dog Services is growing again... No it's not another baby! We've welcomed a fabulous behaviourist to our squad in the form of the wonderful Laura Green. Yes, that's two Laura's, both here to help you train your dog. If you want help with your puppy, I (Laura Doherty) will be taking on new clients again towards the end of the year in Folkestone and surrounding areas. If you want help with your barky, lungey and maybe bitey reactive dog, Laura Green is now accepting new clients in Canterbury and surrounding areas. I first met Laura G when looking for help with our very own Duke Silver. She worked as Training and Behaviour Advisor at the Dogs Trust for 17 years and honestly, what Laura doesn't know about dogs isn't worth knowing! I'm absolutely delighted to have Laura join us. She shares our passion and commitment to helping dogs and their families have the best possible lives together 🐶❤️
Big shout out to anyone else surviving the summer Big shout out to anyone else surviving the summer holidays! September is in sight now people 😎 This is my first summer as a mother of 3 children and my first without a dog. There's been a lot of visits to our favourite spots for the first time without Duke. It's got me thinking about what our favourite thing about having a family dog was. For us, it was definitely the adventures, always. I've always been glad of the time I put into socialising and training Duke in the early years. He loved coming anywhere and everywhere with us and we've spent endless hours exploring with him. What's your favourite thing about your dog? Let me know ⬇️ #folkestone #kentfamily #dogsofkent
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