Resource Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many things that us dogs do which probably leave you scratching your head asking “why?”. Ziggy will help you to understand dogs and why we do the things we do. Here are a few commonly asked questions about us K9’s and about Ziggy’s TLC.
1. Why do dogs Bark, dig, chew, bite and mouth, jump up, urinate on greeting, chase
2. Why do you not use the anti-correction barking collars to address barking
3. Why does my dog pull on the lead
4. Why is it so important to understand K9 communication
5. Why is a holistic approach to training so important
6. How can I register for a program or get more information
Why do dogs Bark, dig, chew, bite and mouth, jump up, urinate on greeting, chase
Well these are all natural behaviours for us, though unfortunately humans find them inappropriate because we might do them at the wrong time or in the wrong place.
We do these sorts of behaviours for many different reasons so it is always best to find out why we are doing it in the first place so then you can teach us to do something else that you would prefer.
Remember - we only know what you teach us!
Why do you not use the anti-correction barking collars to address barking
Even though barking can be a very serious concern for humans, it is important to remember that barking is one way we communicate. Ziggy's TLC is committed to helping you understand why we bark and what it means so that you can respond to us appropriately. Ziggy's TLC does not use any confrontational or physical training methods, so no check chains or anti- correction barking collars. If you use negative reinforcement like check chains, corrections and anti-barking collars, we change our behaviour out of fear which in turn can damage our relationship with our human family. This is because it seems unfair to us...Is it right to punish us for something that you have not taken the time to teach us?
Why does my dog pull on the lead
It is a natural instinct for us to pull. We tend to pull even more, however, if our owner doesn’t take us out for regular exercise because then we have too much energy saved up! The other reason we might pull on the lead when walking is that we are anxious about the walk – maybe we are nervous about other people or dogs.
Another important thing to think about is the walking equipment that you put on us. Not all dogs like to wear walking equipment, and this is often because we have the incorrect piece of equipment being used on us.
Ziggy can give you all the advice and information you need on what equipment is available and what would be best for you and your dog. Ziggy will personally fit your dog with the recommended equipment and you can trial it before you buy it too! Remember, we are committed to a happy dog and healthy you and this starts with enjoying your time exercising with your dog!
Why is it so important to understand K9 communication
As dogs, one of the biggest challenges we have in our lives is that our human friends just can’t understand us! We speak a very different language to you, so it is really important that we both learn how to understand each other.
Our main form of communication is through body language, so if you can come to understand the very basics of K9 body language you will find that your relationship with your dog will improve dramatically.
Think of it this way - can you imagine going to live and work in a different country where nobody spoke your language? Well, that is what it’s like for us so unless we all learn to communicate with each other us dogs have no idea what you want from us.
There are 3 ingredients for a solid relationship - whether it’s with your partner, child, friend, teacher (that’s me!) or student (that’s you!): Trust, respect, and yes – you guessed it – communication!
If you can understand our body language you will be able to communicate with us far better and we will all live a happy and healthy life together!
Why is a holistic approach to training so important
One of the most important things for you to remember about dogs is that we are emotional beings just like you! We have feelings and fears too (so it’s not always just about food!). At Ziggy’s TLC we believe that an appreciation of dogs’ emotions is fundamental to all training. While it is vital to learn to communicate with dogs, it is also absolutely essential to address any underlying emotional and physical issues. If Ziggy believes that your dog would benefit from supplementary services, she may suggest using Bach and Bush Flower remedies and/or Tellington TTouch therapy .
Let me explain more about Bach and Bush Flower remedies.
Flower essences are used to address emotional and personality characteristics, which makes them ideal for managing dogs with behavioural concerns. Bach flower remedies (from English plants) and Bush flower remedies (from Australian plants) are made from the energy fields of flowers and plants. Bush flower remedies tend to be more potent than Bach flower remedies, but the type of remedy Ziggy recommends for your dog will depend upon its individual emotional needs. For example, if your dog is particularly anxious in certain situations, Ziggy will make a remedy using the different flower essences that have been shown to address anxiety. The result is that your dog will be better able to cope in those situations that it would have been anxious about. Unlike humans, we do not experience the ‘placebo effect’ (where we might think we feel better/different simply because we have taken something). The result of the remedy will be evident in your dog’s behaviour! Remedies are completely safe for your dog, they can do your K9 buddy no harm and there is no risk of overdose or side effects!
Let’s also talk more about Tellington TTouch
Tellington TTouch is another supplementary service that Ziggy offers which helps to work with dogs in a holistic way. TTouch works on the dog’s nervous system which involves the movement of skin in circular motions as opposed to the rubbing of muscles. It is based on the premise that when we show resistance it is often because we are fearful, in pain or we do not understand. With traditional training, we often associate fear and/or pain with certain movements or situations which leads us to develop resistance and unwanted behaviours. TTouch breaks these ingrained patterns of mental and physical tension and helps us to become more relaxed and willing. This is achieved by activating nerve endings and pathways to the brain so as to improve the function of bodily cells. This helps us to become more aware of what we are doing and to think about new and better ways of doing things. In turn, this helps us to improve our co-ordination, balance and therefore our behaviour!
If Ziggy feels that there may be an underlying physical concern with your dog, she will also work with you and your vet, animal chiropractor, physiotherapist or any other animal practitioner. In my old age I have come to know many of them and trust me – you’ll love them!
So, remember Ziggy’s motto!
How can I register for a program or get more information
If you would like to register for a program or would just like some more information, please call! Remember – your K9 buddy is Ziggy’s motivation, so the best way for Ziggy to give you appropriate and relevant advice is for her to speak with you personally and find out exactly what your particular needs are. Once you have spoken with Ziggy she can recommend and design the best program specifically for you!
