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Campbell Barcs | Dog Behaviour in Naarm, Melbourne

@actofdog.com.au

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Comment "LETS GO" and I'll DM you the first step. by @actofdog.com.au

This is the coolest thing I have ever done with Mookie!

If you have followed me for a while you have seen Mookie - and you know how hard it has been at times.

Thank you Kerry Macklin (CNWI) at K-Mac Scent Work!

The sessions are in a closed secure area, and are suitable for dogs that like to scent >>> news flash that means all dogs!

What a wonderful and patient instructor - and now Mookie's good friend.

I recommend this for every dog - seriously - if you have a dog, reach out to Kerry... Do it... by @actofdog.com.au

Your dog is different to this one - I will say though, that getting a dog to sniff, chew and lick is generally a good thing to do when they are overstimulated - like when putting on a lead.

When dogs lick, chew, sniff, it can lower their heart rate and blood pressure, shifting their body into a more relaxed state.

The thing to consider though is that food can further stimulate many dogs, so be strategic about how you apply this. *This is not a tutorial.

But, if you can use licking, chewing or licking to help sooth your dog, do it!

Cheers by @actofdog.com.au

When looking at the relationship with your dog, put it in perspective. 💕

Cheers by @actofdog.com.au

Ditch the path and head for nature!

If your daily dog walk is on pavement, it sucks, it’s time to trade the footpaths for creeks, lakes, and rocky trails.

I know it's harder inner city, but it can be done. I've checked out almost every suburb in Melbourne and there are always spots.

Your dog will thank you! by @actofdog.com.au

Nose work stuff can be super technical, but this video shows how easy you can make it.

Don't over think it, but keep in mind that before your dog can isolate a scent, they first learn that the odor means something.

So place a scent (e.g., birch or clove) inside a metal tin or small glass jar with holes.

And like the video - When the dog investigates and targets the tin with their nose, immediately mark with a verbal marker (like "YES!") and deliver the reward.

I made mistakes in this video BTW, but figure at the end of the day - for most dog owners its a good idea to just have a bit of fun. by @actofdog.com.au

Does your Dog steal stuff?

Mine too - it's bloody annoying - Here. Mookie stole the baby wipes.

And yes… stealing things you don’t want your dog to have isn’t ideal. And sometimes you gotta get it back.

But before we rush in a yell or snatch— it’s worth asking what’s actually happening??

For many dogs, the value isn’t the object. It’s the interaction. The parade. The look back over their shoulder. The “come and get me” invitation.

Sometimes they’re inviting us into their world.

That cheeky little strut, the proud head carriage, the sparkle in their eye — this is communication. It’s play. It’s a dog saying, “Look what I’ve got!”

The tricky part is that if every time they grab something we chase, panic, or create a big reaction… we can accidentally teach them that picking up items leads to conflict.

So sometimes the best response is management (because yes, keep things out of reach), but sometimes it’s also okay to pause and enjoy the moment.

Let them parade. Let them show off. Find a way to engage without turning it into conflict.

*This is not a tutorial, be careful of resource guarding and consult with a professional in need* by @actofdog.com.au

From Bali trip a while back

Interesting to see how the Kintamani dog adapts, when other dog breeds have been introduced to the island.

An interesting parallel question could also be raised as to how local Balinese people have adapted, when an influx of tourists and ex-pats have immigrated to the island. by @actofdog.com.au

Door stuff

Not a tutorial, going to be different depending on the dog by @actofdog.com.au

Want to prevent resource guarding?

Feed your dogs separately.

💡

Also, scatter feed the food - allow your Dog to scavenge and search for the calories.. Just like they would in nature, or on the streets.

This is real enrichment..

This will not only prevent resource guarding, but will help to biologically fullfill your Dog!!

⁉️

Why am I posting this?

My last client told me they feed their dogs together..

I asked why.. it turns out cause they *used to* follow influencers like this 🤡 by @actofdog.com.au

When your Dog is 'stuck'..

What do you do?

This is when your Dog is fixated on something (dog, person, possum). It is likely that they can hear you in this situation, however they are too locked on to respond.

Don't do this ❌

Pulling is not the answer! If you pull backwards, more than likely your Dog would resist and pull harder and it becomes a tug of war. It will also likely add more associated tension, or frustration towards the trigger.

Here's what to do instead ✅

1️⃣ Wait... just wait for your dog to disengage. I also try to loosen the lead when they get in this fixation mode - when you take the tension off the lead and wait for our dogs to disengage, this will often lead to quicker disengagement over time.

2️⃣ Walk across to your dog's shoulder, so they can see you in their field of vision. Again, try to take tension off the lead and walk to your dogs side, your presence should activate disengagement.

In this video, the dog had fixated for ~30secs, we waited it out and I watched his body posture soften over time - the breath rate relaxed, the mouth became less tense, then I walked to his side and 'hey presto' he disengaged..

As your Dog disengages, you can reward/reinforce them. by @actofdog.com.au

Can a Door knock = The cue to go to a mat?

It's possible - cool vid my client sent me :)

🎯 Goes like this

🍏 Method

(1) Knock on the door (the new cue).
(2) Immediately after (within 1 second), give your existing verbal cue (e.g., "bed", "mat").
(3) When your dog performs the action, mark and treat immediately.

🍏 The process

Repeat this over several days/weeks, allowing the dog to learn that the knock predicts the verbal cue, which in turn predicts a reward.

🍏 End game

Transfer the cue: Eventually, your dog should start going to the mat upon hearing the knock alone.

If they do, the cue has been transferred.

Note: For this to work, you must already have a 'on your mat' cue before starting. by @actofdog.com.au