Over-excited, conflicted, anxious or an OTT canine?
Sit Happens offers Behavioural Therapy for those dogs (and owners!) who struggle with emotional charged issues such as dog aggression, separation anxiety, noises phobias, resource guarding, hyper-activity, over arousal and more. If you’re struggling with it, we can help.
Do you own a “hyper” “over the top” dog? A dog that “LOVES” everything.
Or perhaps you own a dog who vocalises, barks, growls, or you believe is dominant or “wees with excitement”?
As owners view the world through human eyes, we cans sometimes mistake a dog’s signs of anxiety and over arousal as enthusiasm or excitement. Dog body language can be subtle and easy to miss, however once recognised it enables us to reframe and understand our dogs perception, enabling us to keep our dogs emotionally safe in order to build a cooler, calmer more confident dog
When dealing with behavioural problems, Sit Happens follows a protocol which includes prevention, relaxation, confidence building, redirection and positive reinforcement training. We do NOT utilise any aversive or corrective techniques; these have been scientifically proven to cause more harm and we are proud to be Delta Accredited for positive reinforcement methods to help with behavioural modification.
Our behavioural therapy protocol comprises of 4-5 private 1:1 sessions, with the first three being weekly, and follow up sessions fortnightly. There are then pathways for further training and success with ongoing support or entering one of our courses.
Most importantly, we do not judge. We work with all cases and presentations and work collaboratively with your vet and yourself to ensure you feel supported and confident.
Locations
HOW DO YOU RECOGNISE A BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEM VS A TRAINING PROBLEM?
A training problem is defined as a problem that occurs when your dog has the ability to think, respond, problem solve, make choices and remember.
A behavioural problem can be identified as a reaction rather than a choice, it refers to the behaviour your dog displays when your dog is no longer thinking but responding emotionally.
These may include:
• Destruction of property when left alone
• Urination upon greeting
• Escaping property
• Licking and mouthing
• Excessive energy
• Approach retreat behaviours
• Barking/growling at dogs
• Barking growling at people/men/guests/children
• Growling/biting when food is taken away or approached
• Pacing/panting/hiding
• Barking at objects
• Chasing tail/shadow/reflection
• Self-mutilation or excessive licking
There is generally a trigger (a stress inducing stimulus called a stressor) to a behavioural problem which may include:
• Approach of people or dogs
• Being left alone
• Visits to the vet or groomer
• Thunders storms or loud noises
• Unfamiliar objects or objects out of context
• Car trips
• Food or toys being taken
Any emotional response our dogs practice has proven to escalate into sometimes undesirable and potentially dangerous behaviour.
WHY DO BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS OCCUR?
It is very natural for owners to ask ‘what did I do to cause this?’ The answer is generally nothing.
Genetics, early learning and current environment are some factors that influence behaviour.
In some cases, a traumatic incident can be identified as the driving factor.
Most importantly, behavioural problems can be supported with our force-free and positive reinforcement methods, experienced staff and proven training support.
We are judgement-free with whatever struggles you have; we have seen it all before and we truly care that you have reached out to us for support.
HOW DO SIT HAPPENS HELP OWNERS WITH DOGS WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS?
We cannot change your dog’s genetic makeup or erase their early learning, what we can do is alter their existing environment, improve their current learning and to begin the process of changing emotional associations from negative to positive.
Behavioural therapy has no guarantees and can sometimes be an ongoing, long journey as it requires the need to alter a perception or feeling. In time, similar to humans, your dog may learn to feel relaxed, comfortable and happy in situations XYZ, but situations ABC may prove too difficult for your dog to manage their emotional response. In these situations, we help owners learn to manage their dog well and help them live as stress free as they individually can.
Sit Happens Behavioural Therapy uses the following techniques:
• Prevention of stress and the practice of the inappropriate emotional response
• Teaching your dog to well versed at “thinking” and the practice of calm
• Confidence Building via our stability and predictability protocol
• Quality sleep and relaxation
• Desensitisation, redirection and counter conditioning
• Possible medical assistance and referral to your vet
Behavioural Therapy comprises of 4-5 initial hour-long private consultations, with the first three sessions being weekly and the follow up sessions fortnightly.
After these initial sessions an assessment will be made on your needs and your dog’s requirements, it maybe that you need more one on one sessions or that your dog can attend our Confidence Building Course, Calming Canines Course. Play Train or our Basic Training group Program. Either way we will not leave you without options suited to your needs and the option for further support.
