Barefoot Paws - The Podcast

In Season 1 Episode 6 we discuss:

We look at the topic down to 3 different levels, Owner, Handler and Trainer, we discuss the topic in increasing detail and technical nuance so that we may become more subtle in our interaction with our dogs.

Sensitivity to afferent stimulus elicits a physiological change in the body. This change readies the body for action, relative to the stimulus. In plain English, we discuss how arousal allows the body to ready itself for action and most importantly, how overarousal can lead to overexcitement. Naturally we also discuss methods on regulating that excitement.

You can contact me at:

E: [email protected]

W: barefootpaws.com.au

Excitement is a juggernaut in behaviour, teaching your dog independent regulation of their excitement is key to the best chance of staying with you forever!

Predatory Expression – How we can all benefit from our beloved Savages

Hey Welcome to the Barefoot Paws Podcast, where we teach them to want it.

This weeks it is Predatory Expression – How we can all benefit from our beloved Savages

The Savage Brain – Refer to Ep1 about the Savage vs Civil aspects of our dogs. Limbic system, instinct, survival based responses to environmental/perceived stimuli. Theoretical Model of Emotional Control – Different areas of brain active to increase the productive response to a stimulus

What is a Mode

Mood, emotional framework which makes a specific topography of responses most likely

We focus mostly on Prey, Social and Defense

They are survival based instinctual expressions, innate and variable between breed and kennel

What is Drive

Maximum potential of mood expression

Genetically biased

Environmentally influenced (inhibitory/excitory)

What is a threshold

Reactivity potential of dog towards afferent stimuli

High Threshold = low potential to react

Low threshold = high potential to react

What is Social

Familial bonding

Social Bonding (possibly also exclusion when we look at the effect of Oxytocin – the Us and Them drug)

Separation Stress/Anxiety

Triggering Emotion - Security

What is Defence

Response to perceived threat

Flight

Fight (Defensive Aggression, Protection)

Freeze/Appease

Triggering Emotion - Fear

What is Prey

Search

Stalk

Eye

Chase

Grab

Kill

Dissect

Consume

Triggering Emotion - Excitement

What happens with High Drive dogs whose needs are not met?

Neurotic behaviours and maladaption

Social

Reactivity to passers by

SA

Defence

Reactivity

Defensive Aggression

Prey

Reactivity

Light chasing

Examples of their use:

Social – Heeling, recall, stay

Defense – An object guard in ringsport, flock protection for LGD

Prey - Scentgames

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OR

barefootpaws.com.au

First Trimester – Relational Engagement

    During this module you will learn how to discern polite and impolite manners of your dog, learning to read your dog now will enable you to address any issues later  

    Safe spaces, for both dogs and babies are identified  

    Recreational activities are strategized that will enable your dog to be alone for longer periods of time  

    This is a foundational module to engage both Social and Prey modes in your dog to provide both improved relationships and emotional releases in a positive manner 

Second Trimester – Behavioural Evaluation

    Behavioural assessments take place with ample time to address any issues identified  

    Social skills of your dog are improved through exposure techniques in secure conditions  

    Lifestyle changes initiated  

    This module builds off of the previous work with you and your dog’s relationship to alter any major or minor issues that have been found that could result in unnecessary stress or conflict once the baby comes home. 

Third Trimester – Extended Relaxation

    Safe place Stay  

    Father takes over majority of canine husbandry, Mother reduces interaction to simulate post Birth changes and also reflects the physical changes within the mother’s body and capacity  

   Pet Care fall backs  

   The familial relationships have been firmly entrenched and both you and your dog are confident in moving towards expanding the family unit. This module sees you extend the relaxation time of your dog to allow for extended periods of social isolation. The periods can include feeding, sleeping, midwife/medical visits, family visits, naptimes etc. 

Week 1 – Bringing Baby home

   Scent Articles, Possession and Isolation are covered between your dog and baby  

   This is the first week that the baby is at home, usually an unsettling period of artificial silence, reduced activity and energy levels of mother and father for our dogs. 

Week 2 – Social Activities

    Grooming, Relaxing, Walking and any other undertaking, done in a formalised setting using Separation between dog and baby  

    Building on the 3 trimester’s work of Social interaction with our dogs, you will engage in activities with your dog in a Social context 

Week 3 – Formal Introductions

    Sight-Sound-Scent of baby paired for your dog  

    Having habituated our dogs to the new baby we can now safely introduce them to each other. Formal introductions using sequential exposure