Episode Summary: In this episode of Wagging Tales, hosts Fraser and Jay dive into the transformative power of enrichment for dogs. From the science behind enrichment to real-life examples, they reveal how physical, mental, and sensory activities can turn even the most challenging behaviours around. Whether your dog is anxious, reactive, or just a bit bored, enrichment can be a game-changer for their behaviour and wellbeing.

Tune in to discover how to build a tailored enrichment plan that fits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle, hear about success stories from clients, and get Fraser and Jay’s top tips on keeping enrichment safe, simple, and effective.

Topics Covered:

• What is Enrichment?: Defining enrichment and understanding why it’s more than just physical exercise.
• Scientific Backing: Studies show how enrichment can reduce anxiety, stress, and even reactivity by increasing dogs’ serotonin levels and overall happiness.
• Types of Enrichment: Physical, mental, social, and sensory activities to keep your dog mentally engaged and emotionally balanced.
• Client Success Stories:
  • Toby, the Border Collie: From nipping and chasing to calm and focused, thanks to toy selection exercises.
  • Kopi, the Singapore Special: Overcoming anxiety through confidence-building enrichment.
  • Frank, the English Bulldog: Managing reactivity with sniff-based games and mental stimulation.
• Building an Enrichment Plan: Case study of two French Bulldogs with noise sensitivity, barking issues, and reactivity. Fraser and Jay outline a balanced plan tailored for their specific needs.
• Common Mistakes & Misconceptions: Tips for keeping enrichment manageable, varied, and safe.

Takeaways: Enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy; it’s about helping them feel fulfilled, balanced, and happy. By adding purposeful activities into your dog’s routine, you’re addressing their natural needs and often reducing unwanted behaviours in the process. With a little planning and creativity, enrichment can easily become part of your dog’s lifestyle.

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We’re diving deep into the behavioural impact of spaying and what it really means for your female dog. 🐕

In this episode we discuss:

✨ How your female dog’s heat cycle affects her behaviour ✨ The role of hormones like progesterone and how they influence reactivity, guarding, and mood ✨ What to expect if you have multiple female dogs in your household ✨ The right timing for spaying, and how it impacts behaviour—good or bad

If you're considering spaying or just want to understand how hormones shape your female dog’s behaviour, this episode is a must-listen! 🎙️🐾

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If You Would Like To Support The Podcast And Help Us Improve The Quality Of Our Show And To Help Us Continue To Bring On Interesting And High-Profile Guests.

Please Consider Becoming A Patron.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Jay delves into the significant risks involved with using aversive techniques in dog training. Drawing from both personal experience and real-life cases, he explores why these methods can lead to serious physical and psychological damage in dogs.

Jay breaks down:

• The difference between aversive and positive reinforcement techniques.
• The short-term outcomes versus long-term consequences of punishment-based training.
• Real examples of dogs affected by fear, anxiety, and aggression due to aversive methods.
• How modern, science-based training can achieve safer, more reliable results without damaging the dog-human bond.

🐾 Key Takeaways:

• Aversive techniques can lead to increased aggression, fear, and stress in dogs.
• Science-backed, positive reinforcement methods are not only more effective but also build trust and confidence in your dog.
• Understanding the behavioural and emotional impacts of your training choices is crucial for a well-adjusted dog.

Tune in to learn how to make informed training decisions that ensure the well-being of your furry companion!

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If You Would Like To Support The Podcast And Help Us Improve The Quality Of Our Show And To Help Us Continue To Bring On Interesting And High-Profile Guests.

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Episode 37: Kids & Canines - What Kids Need To Know

In this episode of Wagging Tales, we start our series of Kids & Canines by diving into a topic that's crucial for every dog-loving family—teaching your kids how to interact safely and respectfully with dogs. 🐶👧👦

We cover:

• Understanding your dog's body language 🐕
• Setting safe interaction guidelines ✋
• Establishing clear boundaries and rules 🚧
• The importance of supervision and responsibility 🔍
• How to create a strong, loving bond between your child and dog 💖

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to ensure that both your kids and dogs are happy, safe, and comfortable.

Patron Links:

If You Would Like To Support The Podcast And Help Us Improve The Quality Of Our Show And To Help Us Continue To Bring On Interesting And High-Profile Guests.

Please Consider Becoming A Patron.

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Patron Links:

If You Would Like To Support The Podcast And Help Us Improve The Quality Of Our Show And To Help Us Continue To Bring On Interesting And High-Profile Guests.

Please Consider Becoming A Patron.

Https://patron.podbean.com/waggingtales