Greer's been itchy lately, and she's also shown more anxious behaviors. I knew something was up, and the things I considered weren't anywhere close to the real problem.

Fleas.

We had a flea explosion at home and because Greer's on flea control I didn't think it could be that. Sigh. I make mistakes.

Anyway, it reminded me of the influence of itchiness when it comes to behavior and how that's something that is often overlooked. Behaviors humans don't like are labeled as problematic and in need of modification, and sometimes it's a quality of life issue regarding physical discomfort.

This episode talks more about our experience as well as a study that compared the behavior of itchy and non-itchy dogs. If you like science, this is a good one for you.

This question comes up frequently, probably because I work with autistic families: How do I know if I'm using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for dog training?People ask because they have unpleasant experience with ABA personally or through the autistic community, and they absolutely do not want that to be a part of their relationships with their dogs. It's tough because a lot of the methods that are central to ABA are also central to modern, science-based dog training.

In this episode I talk about what ABA is and what makes it concerning, and I compare that with different styles of dog training. Toward the end of the episode are three things to look for when finding a class, trainer, or program that doesn't rely on ABA methods.Greer works in a few barks and a short whining session because she needed to go outside to poop.

Greer and I work with families virtually anywhere in the world, and I work with families in person in the South Puget Sound. If you'd like to chat about your situation, please send me a message (shannon@slobberedlens.com) and we'll arrange a time to get to know each other a bit. I'll let you know if I think I can help, or if I know someone who can do better.

The job of the leader isn't to be in charge. The job of the leader is welfare. Different members of the team or partnership are better able to serve in that role at different times, and it's absolutely right for them to switch places and mix things up.In this episode I talk through a conversation I had with a family I'm supporting and harkened back on my days in corporate life and as a dance teacher for inspiration, all with a few examples of me and Greer doing the best we can.Greer and I switch leadership roles many times a day. Sometimes she's the obvious choice for leader and sometimes it's me, and neither one of us minds when the other leads. We know leadership isn't about dominance, so it's all good stuff.

This is the last of the four-episode series on the Anam Canine process. We are now figuring out the impact.

Yeah, it's the last episode in the series, and really this impact stuff runs through the entire process. We use information we've gathered in figuring out the impact from previous stuff to help us figure out the issue, so it's like a cycle or spiral. This is about observing what is happening without judgment so we can look back, identify patterns, and figure out what else to try. It also helps us see where we might be improving and not noticing (or conversely having a harder time).

I'm once again talking about by tired, old back (which is feeling much better, thank you) and what kinds of impacts I've been paying attnetion to.

These four episodes (EP006-009) are here so you have an idea of what is coming your way when you call on me to help you sort through your stuff. We'll do all of this together a few times and you'll gradually become more skilled and confident in doing it yourself. Then you won't need me and we'll all celebrate!

If you'd like to chat about whether we're a good fit and I can help with what's going on with you and your dog, I look forward to hearing from you - you can email me at Shannon@slobberedlens.com. I work with families virtually all over the world and can meet in person in the South Puget Sound area (Washington, USA).

We've talked about figuring out the issue and then figuring out learning styles. Now we're working through possibilities. Now that we know what the issue is and how we like to learn and do things, what are the options.

Possibilities need to be engaging, and the list needs to include enough variety that there is something there for low energy / effort days, high energy / effort days, and the days in between. Also, rest is always a possibility - it's not necessary to work every day and the break is valuable.

We are continuing the series about working through an issue - the first in the series was episode 6 about figuring out the issue. This time we are talking about figuring out the learning style involved. 

How does your dog like to learn? What kinds of environment are easiest for that learning to happen? Are there particular reinforcements that are helpful (which I alarmingly didn't discuss when the mic was on)? Which senses are most useful?

Just a few of the questions to consider when you are figuring out your dog's learning style. This matters because applying techniques or possibilities that don't suit your dog aren't going to click and work.

My recovery and prevention options for my herniated disc continue to be the example here, so I am the dog. I talk through how I like to learn and what kinds of activities are rewarding for me and what that means for the conventional recommendations for a back injury.

Greer and I are happy to virtually support families all over the world. If our Anam Canine approach is one you'd like for your family, please visit us at www.anamcanine.com or find us on Facebook.

Greer and I are working on a new project this summer for my benefit. I have a herniated disc and need lifestyle options that are going to help me recover and hopefully prevent this from happening again. I'm approaching this like I do when I support any other family and moving through the steps I use, and I'd like to invite you along so you can get an idea of what it's like to work with me.

This is about my back rather than barking or pulling on lead, so a lot of it feels different and maybe a little silly, but I don't like to share stories from the families I support because their stuff is private.

The first part is figuring out the issue. There are lots of pieces to this and it's an easy place to scoot through on the way to the solution. If this part isn't clear and well considered, however, it's even harder to notice any benefit from the things we change. We wind up addressing symptoms rather than the real issue.

Greer was only slightly grumbly during this episode. It's a quiet one. :D

Our podcast is listener supported. If you'd like to point a few coins our way, you can send them via PayPal.

For consultations for your family, please send me a message at Shannon@slobberedlens.com or find me on Facebook .

Lots of dog trainers talk about the importance of routines for managing behavior, especially behaviors related to separation and anxiety. Routines are marvelous, and they can help create a sense of security.The trouble with routines is that they eventually fail, and if the routine is where all of your effort has gone, you may not have the skills to respond to this without totally freaking out. That's why Greer and I concentrate on building skills like flexibility and resourcefulness more than we work on routines. We want to be ready for the hard days when things don't go the way we planned, and having skills to call on gives us security in the sense that we can trust our own abilities to cope.I'm getting over COVID-19 and things changed a lot around the house because I wasn't able to do stuff. I also live with chronic illness, so we don't ever know if the day is going to be a routine day or one that's full of surprises. We do what we can to prepare, and working on our own skills is far more helpful and empowering for us than the rigidity of a routine or schedule that might not hold.

You can find me on Facebook at @anamcanine or online at www.anamcanine.com. I work with families virtually nearly anywhere and am happy to visit in person in the South Puget Sound area.