Dog Geek Musings

Episode Eleven. What is Respect & Why Is This Concept So Important

Everyday respect plays a meaningful part of our lives and can be seen and expressed in many ways. Respect is the way we show appreciation to the valuable qualities of others, and we are all worthy of this appreciation. People tend to respect those with authority but  respect for other individuals is not limited to those who appear to have more power than we do. Without respect in our lives, there would be a great deal of conflict. Its really important that we incorporate respectful behaviors into our lives and also in our workplace. So how do we do just that? Incorporate respectful behavior into our everyday lives. Listen on! To learn more about TeamNostics and the other programs DogNostics has to offer click here [https://dognosticseducation.com/]

Episode Twelve. Are You Guilty of Uncivil and Destructive Workplace Behavior?

In any circumstances we have lost many of our basic social values and this has had a detrimental impact on our very own businesses, private lives and family infrastructure. Employers rudely intrude on an employees’ personal workspace, gossiping coworkers are now the norm and quality customer care has been lost through keyboard warrior relationships and the virtual realms to which we find ourselves operating.  Much of this results in a work environment that is no longer conducive to productive relationships and highly functioning work place teams. Join me, Niki Tudge to discuss this important topic in our short podcast. You can read the full article that motivated this podcast here [https://dognosticscareercenter.com/the-lost-art-of-disagreeing-without-being-disagreeable-an-urgent-need/]

Episode Eleven: Grieving For our Pets and Making the Decision To Say Goodbye

JOIN NIKI TUDGE AS SHE EXPLORES PET LOSS AND THE GRIEVING PROCESS This months podcast speaks to saying goodbye to a pet or loved one and how we can support our pet owners through this process. When a person you love dies, it’s natural to grieve, express your grief and expect friends and family to provide understanding and comfort. Unfortunately, when a beloved pet dies, many people are less understanding of the deep affect it has on your life. Some may think or say, “it’s just a pet” and think that your pain may pass in a matter of days or with the “replacement” of another animal. Nothing could be further from the truth. Listen on for more information on the grieving process. You can reach Coleen Ellis here https://twoheartspetlosscenter.com/pet-loss-education/

Episode Ten - What is Canine Enrichment?

What is Canine Enrichment? The key to a happy and healthy dog is regular enrichment and allowing them to engage in their innate behaviors, such as playing, chasing, smelling, chewing and scavenging. By allowing your dog to engage in these behaviors, you allow them to be physically, emotionally and mentally satisfied. Dogs who don’t receive stimulation tend to find ways to enrich themselves, resulting in unwanted and unpopular behaviors. Join Louise Stapleton-Frappell and Niki Tudge as they disucss Canine Enrichment and how we can use it. https://www.dognosticseducation.com/p/canine-enrichment-technician

Episode Nine - April 5, 2021. No Isn't a Behavior!

LISTEN TO NIKI TUDGE & LOUISE STAPLETON FRAPPELL DISCUSSING THIS CONCEPT FROM DOGNOSTICS TOP TEN TRAINING CONCEPTS [HTTPS://WWW.DOGNOSTICSEDUCATION.COM/P/THE-TOP-TEN-MOST-IMPORTANT-DOG-TRAINING-KNOWLEDGE-CONCEPTS-FOR-PET-OWNERS-TO-UNDERSTAND] SHORT COURSE #3 “NO!” ISN’T A BEHAVIOR. As we know, dogs do not speak English, French or Spanish, nor do they speak any other language we humans share. They speak dog! For this reason, we must use our words very carefully. Actually, we need to recognize that our pet dogs pick up far more about our feelings, intentions and intended communication via our body language and the way we approach them. To our dogs, we must always be safe. They need to trust we will always look out for them both physically and emotionally. We need to harness our carefully spoken words to clearly communicate what we would like them to do, our expectations, and we need to support that with happy, stress free skill training. In that vein, remember that “NO” is not a behavior. Often, when we say this word, we are frustrated, emotionally stressed or impatient. Our dogs read that in our communication system and it can lead them to be hesitant, unsure, or in some cases scared of us. Maybe we have used “NO” when we have punished them, so now the word is a precursor for something unpleasant, making us unsafe and them uncertain! Let’s always communicate in a happy upbeat manner, encouraging them to behave in the way we would like them to. Let’s ask them to do something specific instead of just saying “NO” It reminds me of the story of the small girl drawing on her bedroom wall. When her mother shouts: “No Sarah, do not do that!” So as soon as her mother left the room, Sarah began drawing on the floor! Had her mother provided clear instructions about where to draw, this could have been avoided.  By teaching Sarah to draw in a coloring book, everyone's goals are achieved. Have a think about all the situations where you may be saying “No” to your dog and develop a list of the behaviors you would like your dog to do instead! Then you can work through the list, helping your dog develop the much-needed skills to happily coexist in your home.