Stonebriar Animal Behavior & Training

Horse training/coaching is an unregulated industry - buyer beware!! It may seem counter intuitive as a coach and trainer myself, but I believe in transparency a...nd also in everyone out there doing their due diligence. I continually attend seminars, conferences, do courses, read books and get coaching from other more experienced trainers if I need to, so I check them out carefully. Anyone should be able to see on a trainer's website or be able to ask directly, what is a trainer's experience, qualifications (if any in the horse world), what courses, conferences and seminars they attended, what books they've read, who are their mentors or other trainers they look up to and learn from and whether they use common industry specific science based terminology. Also, what associations they are members of and what is the entry requirements, if any and ethos of those associations and whether they are guided by a higher set of values such as the Humane Hierarchy, Most Positive Least Intrusive or LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive). Anyone can set up a website, fb page or YouTube Channel and give advice and show videos of their training. They can have 250k likes, but it still may not mean it is good training or kind on the animal. All the 'funny' animal videos that do the rounds of social media who get thousands of likes and comments are a case in point. Many people do not actually know what they are looking at regarding animal training and behaviour, it takes knowledge, skill and experience. This also means that although they mean well, an inexperienced or unqualified trainer could endanger the horse and the person, by taking on serious issues like separation anxiety or fear/aggression.

Lengthily read, but absolutely spot on and worth it!

I absolutely LOVE this from Pony Club Australia! What a lovely thing this needs sharing far and wide.

Best visual ever!

Behaviour does not have an on/off switch

I saw this without credit to the creator but the statement came from Chad Mackin of Pack to Basics

ENRICHMENT IDEAS Enrichment isn't all about food, there are other ways to mentally stimulate and fulfill our canine companions. Here is a quick resource for ...#canineenrichment activities which fall into 4 main categories: FOOD, COGNITIVE, SOCIAL AND SENSORY Remember a happy dog is one which has it's days filled with both physical and mental stimulation. One without the other means your dog isn't living their best life! ;) #k9enrichment #dogenrichment #caninementalhealth #mentalstimulation #enrichment #dogwelfare #caninewellness #dogadvice #dogtips #happydogs #caninebehaviourist

SMART (See Mark And Reward Training) x 50 Establishing a great life with your dog is a compromise between the dog's needs and our wants. Make sure you are provi...ding your dog with good, appropriate outlets for their needs (chewing, licking, sniffing, human engagement, physical activity) and pairing this with rewarding your dog for positive behaviours. SMART x 50 doesn't take the place of good training with a fear free professional, but it certainly pairs nicely alongside it! You can get Kathy's fantastic book Plenty in Life is Free from Dogwise

We advocate muzzle training for all of our client dogsnot because we have only bitey dogs in training, but because almost all dogs will find themselves wearing a muzzle at some point in their lives. Invasive vet procedures, pain, grooming, accidentsall may require a muzzle. Muzzle training makes your dog comfortable and familiar with something that can otherwise be stressful or frightening to your dog. Classes from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy are always clear, easy to understand, and fun for both dog and handler. We highly recommend this class! If you would like to work on this skill one on one with us, please give us a call!

Think of a leash like a seat belt. There for safety and security. You should use one, just in case and even on short trips, but you often forget that it's there... soon after putting it on. A steering wheel on the other hand needs constant supervision and direction. Your leash should not used to navigate your dog where to go. You shouldn't subject your dog to sharp U turns or abrupt stops. A leash is there for safety, but it shouldn't stop the dog from enjoying their walk. The same goes for you. No yanking this way or that, directing the dog wear to go, stopping your dog from sniffing or taking in the scenery too. Certainly not using your safety line to apply force and pressure to your dog, like corrections. There is absolutely no fun in that. Loose lead walking often has far less to do about the leash and more to do about the engagement between you and your dog so if you are using your leash to navigate, get in touch so we can help you both learn how to start enjoying the ride. www.rplusdogs.com #rplusdogs #dogtrainingtip #dogtrainer #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingonline #dogtraininghelp #dogtraining #fearfreetraining #fearfreeprofessional #certifieddogtrainer #positivereinforcement #positiveonly #positivereinforcementdogtraining #forcefree #forcefreeanimaltraining #letthemsniff #looseleadwalking #looseleashwalking

Reflections on the hardest part of our job--behavioral euthanasia. Please share with all who may need to read this today.

From the ever-brilliant Michael Shikashio--every word is true. I know my clients are well-versed (and probably sick of) my phobia of scorpions, but it applies here: If you ask me to sit still while Mr. Pointy-tail scorpion skitters by, I may just smack you as I exit the room! Don't ask your dog to do something you know your human friends can't do...

Update! Adopted! At Cobb County Animal Control, GA. Approx 10 month old male Mal taken in as a stray. Stray hold up August 30. I have messaged the shelter.

Sharing this in-depth look into fear--so that I can absorb it all over another few readings!

I remember all of these horses--especially the camp lesson horses who brought me so much joy in the summers. I wish I had known then what I know now.