THE AUSSIE - SUMMER 2019

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Training Tips Playing Nicely It’s very important that dogs learn to play properly. Play is a vital part of their development and it keeps them healthy and happy. It’s a completely normal behaviour that allows dogs to socialise and learn. However, with some dogs play can get out of hand. Play can become too rough and some dogs go past the point of play and that’s when problems arise. Dogs need to learn to be gentle and not get too over excited when it comes to both playing with humans and other dogs. When dogs are playing with each other it can some4mes look quite rough. Some Aussies can make sounds that can be misinterpreted. They are not aggressive, it's just Aussie play. Most owners know the sounds and movements their dog makes during play and would be able to recognise if something changes. Owners of other breeds and their dogs could misunderstand. Many breeds have their own ways of play which can confuse other breeds. This can lead to mixed messages and the wrong type of play being ini4ated. Games can get out of hand However, some4mes it can be very difficult to tell. It’s quite common for dogs to bark, lunge and play bite during play with other dogs. Dogs use play learn important things like bite inhibi4on, so that they know how much pressure to apply when playing with other dogs. Young dogs can some4mes get confused and overexcited. The key to making sure that games don’t get out of hand is to try and get to know your dog’s body language so that you can step in if needed. Occasionally even if both dogs are having fun, play can get a bit intense, so it is at that point you need to step in and give them a break to calm them down. As well as signs of bad play there are also signs of normal play that you should look out for. For example bouncing about, play bowing and role reversal. Dogs occasionally enjoy playing games that involve them swapping roles. For example, one dog will be the chaser and then they will switch. These are all signs of healthy, normal play behaviour. Reading the dog’s body language It’s also important to be aware of the other dog. Are they happy with the situa4on? Is your dog being over the top and making them feel uncomfortable? If you feel the other dog is not happy then recall your dog and move on. If your dog can’t seem to play appropriately and they push other dogs too far then don’t let them off the lead un4l their behaviour has improved. Allow them only to play with dogs that can cope with their level of energy. For those dogs that seem to be too pushy, there are many trainers that offer dog walking and socialisa4on classes which can help put you and your dog on the right track.
In this edi/on of ‘The Aussie’, we look at making sure your Aussie play’s nicely with other dogs they might meet. Aussies do have their own special way of playing and not all dogs understand, or play in the same way. That’s why so many owners look forward to having a chance of their Aussies meet up and have a chance to play with other Aussies. However, some/mes bad experiences with other dogs and the wrong play interac/ons can be learned from other dogs. So how do you make sure that your Aussie learns to play nicely? Here a few /ps from our resident southern based trainer. SocialisaKon is important The best thing you can do is to socialise your dog from a very young age. Puppy socialisa4on classes can be useful as well as allowing them to interact with other dogs that are suitable playmates. They need to learn the right behaviours from the start. Pups are very impressionable and care has to be taken. If they have dogs around them that know the rules of the game, they will teach young dogs these rules. That makes life easier for you. Don’t forget training is important Try and teach your dog very clear obedience commands. Dogs that are more obedient and respond to their owners commands are more likely to do what their owner says if play becomes too much. Teach them good recall and get them to sit and wait on command. This is also helpful if your dog is playing with another dog that gets too aggressive or over the top, because you can get your dog back quickly and easily. Remember, not all owners put in the 4me to socialise their dogs correctly. You can get big dogs being too robust with the smaller breeds and crea4ng havoc. Owners will say, oh they are just playing, but it could be terrorising your pup and causing future problems. The moral of the tale is don’t let your dog play with another unless you are sure the interac4on will be beneficial to your dog. The ques4on oVen asked is, do you reward your dog for the right play behaviour. The answer is yes. Apart from the fact they are enjoying themselves, you can verbally praise them – or give them a treat – but be careful when giving your dog treats when other dogs are around, it could cause problems.
Page 1 and 2: The Aussie SUMMER 2019 EDITION To b
Page 3 and 4: The Aussie It’s over for another
Page 5 and 6: Hon Secretary Chris Foske5 briefing
Page 7 and 8: We all know our Aussies can jump. T
Page 9 and 10: Kick back their feet? How many of y
Page 11 and 12: You can splash out and enjoy aVerno
Page 13 and 14: In the Summertime As you read this
Page 15 and 16: BBQs We have all taken to the idea
Page 17 and 18: A Thankyou to the PAT Aussies
Page 19 and 20: One topic of conversa/on with Aussi
Page 21 and 22: Without an honest approach, dogs co
Page 23 and 24: Why are dog’s nails important? Do
Page 25 and 26: The unsuspecting killer Con4nuing t
Page 27 and 28: Is there any treatment for pyometra
Page 29 and 30: To give readers an idea of how our
Page 31 and 32: The author of this Swedish study is
Page 33: Although this product has been arou
Page 37 and 38: And what is the answer to the ques4
Page 39 and 40: Treatable condi4ons Neck and back p
Page 41 and 42: Thank you to the Magazine readers w
Page 43 and 44: FINAL WORD Eagle eyed TV viewers th

THE AUSSIE - SUMMER 2019

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