Hi Everyone! 

This month, my Adolescent Classes finally got underway! I caught up with Jess McNamara, founder of The Zen Den Dog Training, formerly, a.b.c.d.o.g. and I joined the opening of Integra Service Dogs new training facility! I will be at the RSPCA Christmas Markets on Fri 8th of December and want to offer you something special this Christmas season...

A D O L E S C E N T  C L A S S E S

This month I took a small group of adolescents through my four week course where we explored solutions to common adolescent challenges! All of these skills are not only helpful to you as an owner, but ultimately help to minimise stress to your dogs in their day to day lives. We had fun at graduation on Sunday afternoon...

T H E  Z E N  D E N  D O G  T R A I N I N G

For those of you who don't know, there are a few Jess's in Canberra who train dogs, but Jess McNamara is the OG you need to know about! You may formerly know her as a.b.c.d.o.g. but now, Jess has rebranded to... (drumroll)... The Zen Den Dog Training!

Jess spent 10 years working in dog shelters and through the acquisition of a dog she struggled to understand, she delved in deeper to study canine behaviour and has since completed numerous qualifications. She has not only taught canine behaviour to nurses and veterinary professionals, she is an ACT government approved assistance dog assessor and she recently received the 2023 Trainer of the Year Award from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers of Australia (APDT).

I am so pleased to have met Jess and have begun referring cases of my own to her. I'm even engaging with her on my own complex dog family situation at home. Our dogs are far from perfect, despite what you may expect...

So, who are Jess's perfectly imperfect hounds? Meet Risk the anxious Hungarian Vizsla and Merlot the Brittany spaniel! Jess is consistently working on Merlot's fixation on birds, which was notable during our outdoor photo shoot, (my bad)!

I wanted to pick Jess's brain about common misconceptions about training our dogs.

JBR: What is a big misconception with regards to training our dogs? 

The Zen Den: How successfully you train your dog is not a reflection of there intelligence; there are many reasons why training may not be successful, but your dog being 'dumb' is not one of them. If you aren't making progress in your training, you may not be giving clear information or are not being consistent enough. The environment may not be suitable for learning or there may be underlying health or anxiety issues, which can impact learning. 

The dog is the learner, but we are the teacher - if we aren't teaching in an appropriate manner, that's a reflection on us, not the dog.  

JBR: What is your most important piece of advice for those considering adopting a dog? 

The Zen Den: Think about your environment and family life first, before you choose a dog. I often see working breeds who are overwhelmed by their environment and develop anxiety as a result. If you are rescuing a dog who has not lived in a suburban environment before nor been adequately socialised, they may not adjust well.

Some breeds, require more time from us; if you are out of the home from 8am-6pm, a highly social breed may not be the right choice. Some breeds are bred to be very physical, but if you only want a short daily stroll, this won't be suitable either.

Many of us are busy, but we need to remember that it was our choice to get a dog, and so even if we are busy, we need to find time to meet the needs of our dogs, including their biological needs. 

Jess offers group classes and private consultations. You can read more at her brand new website! To book in a consultation with Jess you can email her: thezenden.dogtraining@gmail.com.

W O R K I N G  W I T H 

I N T E G R A  S E R V I C E  D O G S 

Last week I joined the opening of a brand new training centre for Integra Service Dogs Australia. Meeting and photographing the staff, volunteers, trainers, sponsors and ofcourse the dogs and their veteran and first responder handlers was a joy!

Integra dogs each have a unique story; Oran (left) was in the Guide Dog program before coming to Integra and will shortly join his new handler this week! Gandalf (right) has newly joined Integra from Vision Australia and will likely be placed with a new handler in QLD at the end of the year. These dogs understand 40 different commands including 'hug' and 'hold'.    

Stay up to date on my socials @jbrpets_ for more of my latest collaboration with Integra Service Dogs Australia. 

Want to know more? Check out Integra's website to learn more abut the work they do in our community for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. 

A  C H R I S T M A S  S P E C I A L  

Looking for a special gift this Christmas? Buy now and simply get in touch to book in a mini shoot with me by Lake Burley Griffin this year! 

This can be purchased now and booked in for 2024.

Lastly, I'll be at the RSPCA Christmas markets from Friday 8th December from 4pm-8pm! There will be market stalls, food stalls, pet photography, agility and the opportunity for adoptions!

Keep sending in your questions for me to share with the wider audience - if you are thinking about it, so is everyone else!

Thank you, to each of you for your support - word of mouth goes a long way and so does a review!

I hope to see you soon and Merry Christmas!

www.jbrpets.com | e: puppyschool@jbrpets.com | m: 0415 908 808

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