Hey! And Welcome to Ask Ali with Ali Smith. Your multi-award winning dog trainer who's here to help. Bitesize answers to your training queries to get the best advice for all your doggy capers & conundrums. Supporting modern training and all things scientific.Want your question answered? Ask over on Instagram or email woof@rebarkable.com.
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Whats.that.rattle asks if I have any harness suggestions to help with pulling for a strong hound.I share three of my favourite harnesses we use with the hounds, and share why they're great for deep chested hounds.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
When you have a dog with fear reactivity, it can be hard to know how to introduce them to people in your home.In this episode, I answer Caicos' question from Instagram about how to introduce a fear reactive dog to a new guest in their home. I discuss the benefits of keeping their guest informed, and then muzzle training their dog. Breaking down the process is really important, and steps like - Adding smells (a good trick is to take your guest's shoes off before they come over) - Taking walks together - Recognising where the dangers may be makes the process a lot easier!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
I'm so excited to share with you today's video: Is clicker training really necessary? Or is a marker word just as good?This was a question that Stewie_McD asked me on Instagram and it got me thinking.In this video, I'll discuss some of the science behind clicker training vs marker training and what conclusion I draw from it. Let's go!If you want more reading, Clicker vs marker!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Today, I'm talking about my dog who is startling out of sleep and showing aggression. Leisha asks for my opinion on whether she should adjust the dog's medication and train. I share my insight on what I suspect this may be, and that it's most likely centered in deafness or pain, but that I would strongly suggest you see a good vet.I hope you enjoy!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
In this episode, we're talking about what you can do when an off-leash dog approaches your dog.If you've ever been out walking and had an off-leash dog come up to your pup, you know how stressful it can be. You have a few options: You can either try to get away from the situation as quickly as possible, or you can address it head-on with some helpful techniques.I share some of my favourite tricks to deter an off leash "it's okay he's friendly" doggo!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Today I'm answering whats.that.rattle's question about what to do when your reactive dog reacts and the situation was entirely unavoidable.First off, I want to say that we forgive ourselves, because we are human and it is not our job to read other people's energy or body language. We are allowed to be human beings who sometimes make mistakes.Afterwards, we walk away from the situation as quickly as possible, even if it means walking away from our pets for a bit so they won't be exposed to any possible triggers. Also, give them some down time as they'll be more likely to react whilst there is still cortisol in their system.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
In today's video, I'm answering lacoltural's question about whether she should adopt a second dog when her current dog doesn't necessarily like other dogs.As always, I'm so glad you're here and can't wait to see you next week!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Welcome to Ask Ali, where I answer all your questions about dog training. Today's question is from Jenn, who asks "what do I do about dog attacks in a multi-dog home?"This is a really common issue that many of you may be dealing with right now. Sometimes this is really difficult, especially in this situation where the instigation was very unexpected, and at least one dog was in pain -- but it's still doable.In today's episode I discuss how to bring down cortisol, and let both dogs destress, allowing both dogs to recover and repair their relationship as positively as possibleSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
How do you re-grow confidence after your dog has been attacked? Well, you start by taking a step back. Increase your distance to things (muzzle train if necessary) and try to show your dog that the world isn't so scary. You can also enroll in dog spots or try some competitions online - and sometimes walking in a slightly nicer area can help you grow your confidence too. Luckily for us? Dogs bounce back really quick when we let them. Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali discusses enrichment options for a less able pitbull terrier. Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali explains that this argument is something that she doesn't believe it's the case, and that mammals, lizards and birds and animals of all kinds respond to positive reinforcement. So why would our dogs be any different?Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali guides that this is often prey drive related. Suggesting finding appropriate outlets for this driver, and then counter conditioning and desensitization for the bike itself.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali discusses how cats and dogs can get along. You can use management, training and create positive associations with calmness around cats.Further readingHow To Stop Your Puppy From Chasing The CatSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali discusses HappyLittleWinnie's question "How do I work on my dog's relaxation in public?"Ali gives some examples using her dogs and who she would teach multiple things to, and who she wouldn't and why as a way to demonstrate why it would or wouldn't work to do that.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Philos' Friend asked "How do I work on my dog's relaxation in public?"Ali discusses applying the 3D's and rewarding calm behaviour. Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Kovu asked "How do I stop my dog from reacting to the upstairs neighbours through the floor?"Kovu is slightly nervous and alert barks at the noises the new upstairs neighbours make.This one will be tough because of the fact that this is meant to be a decompression zone! Ali suggests finding a way to decompress with Kovu, manage sounds as best as possible and maybe even talk to the neighbours if their noise is excessive.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Dog has started airsnapping at the young children in the family. Ali encourages the the questioner to assess the situation for whether it's true threat from discomfort, play, or illness.Applying management as required!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
"Do you have any recommendations for Dog coats?"Ali explains that so far she's still in testing, but last year she loved the ruffwear powder hound. the questioner says that it's actually a coat for a toy poodle and Ali recommends checking out the GF Pet Alpine puffer!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali gets asked "How do I stop my 7mo toy poodle chasing cars?"Ali explains about the second fear phase and encourages understanding, satisfaction of needs and then training with counter conditioning & desensitisation. Further readingSecond Fear PhaseSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali gets asked "Do you have any muzzle recommendations for a dog who can slip their muzzle?"Ali answers about her favourite muzzles(find a full list on Best Muzzles )Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Ali gets asked what the difference is between the ruffwear front range and the perfect fit harness, both harnesses that Ali loves! Further reading:Best Dog Harnesses Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Kovupupp asks what my experiences are with CBD as a training aid for dogs.Ali explains that occasionally she uses CBD in training or with her own dogs.She suggests testing & consulting with a vet!Further readingComplete guide to CBD for dogsSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
"How Do You Create Calmness Around New People & Dogs?"Ali explains that Calmness is a process that most dogs need to learn, and its something that often becomes an issue when our dogs are a puppy and new people and dogs become super exciting.Watching from a distance and rewarding calmness throughout would be a fantastic learning opportunity.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Stephanie Taylor asks "How do you stop your dog from jumping up?"Ali explains a few things about dog training theory, and why turning away or ignoring may not work.Then guides that teaching a mutually exclusive behaviour works much better, such as a sit!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Reggie & Rhi ask - "How do I bring guests into the home with an anxious dog?"Ali goes through management options to assist, such as muzzle training and then what training you can do.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Raising_eabha_the_irish asks "What's the question I wish dog owners asked me more?"Ali explains that she wishes people asked her what breed of dog that they should get. Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Elle asks "What's your opinion on clicker training?"Ali explains that she's not really into it! That clicker training just adds in another thing to carry, to remember, and that words are equally effective! Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Kovupup asks "what insurance do you recommend?" Ali explains that she's not really in a position to recommend, but gives details of what she's using with her own dogs! Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
WalksWithPablo asks "Ali, what are your opinions on medication for dogs with behavioural issues?"Ali answers describing when she does and when she doesn't believe it's appropriate, discussing the benefits that dogs (and their parents) may see for using it. Generally showing support for it's appropriate use, and explaining the "Window of responsiveness" theory. Further reading:Training your dog with FireworksIntro to reactivity in dogsCBD & Dog trainingSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
@Rescuedandcherished asked what they should or could do when they're hiking in public and dogs keep running up to her dog. Ali discusses how to approach this situation, and explains that level of overwhelm described is something trainers refer to as Trigger Stacking. That Ella experienced so many problems that she became totally overwhelmed and could not control herself any further. In these instanced Ali advises that a few things will need to happen;1 - Leave. 2 - Tell the park ranger/proper authority3 - Take breaks on the trail for water and sniffing. All of this should definitely help! Further reading:Rules for hiking with your dogCortisol BreaksSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Miss_Starry'sDog asks If I have some good resources against prong collars and ecollars (shock collars). Further readingProng CollarsEcollarsSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Mylo_andchefmom ask, "Should I Crate Training My Puppy As A Foster Carer?"Ali discusses how crate training functions, why it's important and why it's particularly important that Mylo_andchefmom follows the shelter's instructions if at all possible.Explaining also how a 'normal' dog parent would make this decision and how it should be implemented.She also discusses how she uses crate training with her own dogs and using it as a 'safe space' for her own dogs. Whilst none of them are crated every night, all three of Ali's dogs are comfortable being in a crate.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Reggie & Mom, Rhi, Ask "Should I only use treats for our reactivity training?" Ali discusses how rewards can still be used for regular obedience training and reactivity training (desensitization and counter conditioning)Further Reading:High Value RewardsReducing treats in positive reinforcement trainingIntro to reactivity in dogsBest Gear For Large Reactive DogsSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Eleonorevangaasbeek asks Ali, "How do we build confidence in our dogs?"Ali explains that dog sports are fantastic for building confidence, general obedience and good socialisation is a good thing!Further reading:Parkour for dogsGuide to Socialisation Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Nillster_ asks "Why do dogs come to humans and ask for affection, even though they want space?"Ali explains that it's not necessarily that they feel comfortable, and that they may be doing it to placate their humans and suggests adding in cooperative care in the context of consent to pet!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
SchnauzerStormy asks "How do I get my intact male dog to move on from the smell of a female in heat?"Ali advises that we teach a "move on" style cue, how to train that and to use strong smelling treats to reprogrammed their nose. Also suggests a ready cue.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Molly P Shea asks "Is 9yo too late to train a reactive dog who has bitten?"Ali explains that the bite history adds in complexity that will make the training more difficult, but that they are trainable.Biting becomes a learned behaviour and is something that your dog can forgo steps in the "ladder of aggression" that will complicate things.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Alison Boones "How do we tell the difference between fear an excitement reactivity?" Ali discusses how it can be hard to know, gives some tips on how to tell either way, and that fear will result in "Aggressive" displays, whilst excitement will be "over intense" play. And to use body language!but that it doesn't actually, truly matter because the training is the same.Further readingIntro to reactivityPandemic puppiesSpectrum of sociabilitySupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Eric The Red Lab asks "how do we approach busy areas and new reactivity towards dogs?"Ali explains that as a young dog, he's in a second fear phase, and that as a new adopted dog, that the family might be seeing new behaviours that are just surfacing.And how to approach new, busy areas!Further reading:3D's of Dog TrainingSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Laura asks "Why is my 7mo dog whining? The Vet says they're healthy."Ali suggests it may be to do with hormones! That males can get antsy if there is a girl in his environment that may be in heat. That neutering may help, but will not guarantee.It could also be habitual, i.e. a learned behaviour and suggests creating an alternative behaviour.Also, ensure that needs are satisfied and the whining isn't making this sort of request, i.e. if they need to go out to the bathroom.Find the pattern!Ali also says if other dogs are whining, then a vet check should be done!Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
"Why does my dog cover his food?"Ali explains that dogs tend to hide food they value. Explaining that this may or may not be a problem, and that in the past rescues who may not have been fed properly in the past makes them more prone to hiding or "storing" food.Ali suggests testing! Increase food, decrease food and see if it changes the response.Also, consider a vet check.Support the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
Jasmine (questions compiled because of related issue) "How do I approach my issues with leash biting, lack of ability to relax, reactivity to cats and dogs, and noise sensitivity"Ali suggests to start with assessing enrichment status, thinking about what your dog adores and starting by giving them more of this.Assess the stressors in your dogs life, and manage out as much as possible. (e.g. the window may require covering!)Reactivity will begin with desensitization and counter conditioning (aka making scary things less scary, and decreasing distance to scary thing!) towards both cats and dogs.The material below may be useful for further reading High Value RewardsReducing treats in positive reinforcement trainingIntro to reactivity in dogsBest Gear For Large Reactive DogsSupport the showAli Smith is the founder of rebarkable.com This episode comes from an instagram live, head to @re.barkable or submit your question to woof@rebarkable.com
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