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Harnesses

The choice of walking equipment in my experience tends to be a preference for most people, or perhaps what they have always used with previous dogs.I used to walk my dog Merlin on a check chain 25 years ago, but I always felt it was like a battle between him and I, rather than a partnership. I thought there had to be a better and kinder way.Fast forward to a more modern approach to walking and training dogs. Now, my equipment of choice is a harness that fits the dog correctly, allows for free sh...

Puppy Play

Puppies playing nicely together is almost guaranteed to put a smile on your face. What puppies learn in their early stages of their life has a big impact on their lives as adults, and learning to interact calmly and safely with other dogs is important.We also know that preferences and tolerance levels change throughout life and sometimes over a short space of time (e.g. from puppy to adolescence).Play styles can also vary and while one style may work for some puppies, it may not work for another...

Long Leash Skills

Using a long line can be a great way to give your dog a bit more freedom if their recall isn’t reliable, if you want them to choose their own direction in the park/open space, or they want to go into spaces to sniff.Always use a long line with a back attach nonrestrictive harness for safety and comfort.They can be dangerous if not used properly or in the right environment so take note of these tips and have a practice without your dog first.How to HoldAlways use 2 hands, keep your palms up and...

Critical Distance

Critical Distance This is the point where your dog may go from being alert to a trigger to showing barking, lunging or other ‘reactive’ behaviours. It can be a fine line! Your aim is to keep your dog ‘under threshold’ and within their ‘critical distance’ wherever possible.Distance Is Your Friend Repeat after us! 📢 If your dog gets worried by other dogs, people, kids on bikes, cats, motorbikes, trucks (whatever the trigger), and they stare, bark, lunge, growl or show other distance...

Digging!

Is your dog is digging up your plants? Or digging holes under the fence? Maybe you risk breaking your ankle stepping in holes in the lawn? We understand your frustration! Digging is a natural and normal behaviour for dogs. Dogs dig, it’s what they do. Some dogs were even bred to dig for a job. Their strong nails and feet are designed for it. Digging is also a self-rewarding behaviour – the smells and treasures they can dig up! Plus it’s actually a good work out as they use lots of muscle g...

Adding A New Dog To The Family

In our experience probably not! You may have a formula that works – for example a certain age difference in between dogs, or maybe you add a dog for a specific purpose or just because it feels like the right time. Here are some things you may want to consider if you are struggling deciding:Your Existing Pet/sIs it the right time for your existing pets? Have they got to a level of training and skills that you are happy with? If your existing dog is elderly, how would they cope with a younger do...

Flashy Fangs

Keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy is an important part of their overall wellness, just like it is with us. Here are some ways to maintain teeth in between vet visits:Raw meaty bones that are appropriately sized for your dog are nature’s ultimate toothbrush. Use bones that your dog has to rip and tear at the meat and cartilage – necks, tails and ribs are good for this. Note that weight bearing bones from large animals may damage teeth.Ascophyllum nodosum – a species of seaweed with...

Treat Recommendations for Training

Why use treats?We use treats in our training classes and privates as food is a primary reinforcer for dogs – they don’t need to learn to like food! Dogs have to eat – every day, so why not use this as training opportunities?It doesn’t mean that you can’t use other reinforcers down the track – play, pats, attention etc. However, food is a very effective reinforcer when you start teaching new behaviours and your dog will learn faster.The 5-10% RuleTreats and snacks should only make up ...

Trigger Stacking

What is a trigger? A trigger is defined as ‘An event, person, or animal, noise or other factor that leads to an undesired or abnormally large reaction. If your dog barks at white dogs then white dogs would be considered to be triggers for your dog reaction.’ (Stewart 2016)You can also say that a trigger is an addition to the environment that causes a dog to increase their awareness, fear, or reactivity. So it may not necessarily be ‘stressful’ in your mind, but it is to your dog. For exa...

Fear Periods

This is when your normally calm or stable puppy freaks out at random things like leaves, objects, or neighbourhood noises. They may be suspicious of strangers and have a high startle response. Some dogs may become shy or timid of things and some may show more active “go away” behaviours such as growling or lunging.  Dogs can go through several fear periods throughout their early lives. Some dogs can sail through these periods with no problems, others may develop unexpected fears.These p...

Candles and Dog Behaviour?

Candles are a helpful way to think about all the factors that contribute to your dog's reactivity. Everything that makes your dog concerned, uncomfortable or over-excited is a candle. The more candles that are lit, the more likely your dog is to react. Think of it as increasing heat, and we can reduce that heat - and the reactivity - by "blowing out" candles.Candles can be big things like joint pain or stomach pain, equipment, grooming or handling, noise, medical conditions such as allergies, vi...

Cafe Etiquette

It’s fabulous that more and more cafes are allowing dogs. It gets dogs out and about with their families and helps with socialisation of younger dogs.But does your dog cut the mustard when it comes to café etiquette? Do you as a dog handler/pet parent?Here are our top tips:Choose a quiet time for the first few visits so your dog gets used to the environment.Pick a table in a quiet spot with easy access and easy to get away from potential problemsBring with you your puppy’s mat, or pram or h...

Titre Testing

What is Titre Testing?Titre testing is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to check your dog’s immunity to core vaccines.Core vaccines are Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus. These are infections that can make your puppy or dog very sick and can be fatal.After natural infection or vaccination, white blood cells will produce identical antibodies against these infections. These antibodies can be measured by testing your dog’s blood, which can ascertain if your dog requires a booster for t...

Displacement Behaviours

Displacement behaviours are normal behaviours displayed out of context. They can occur when a dog is experiencing conflict or anxiety/stress and can be an attempt to deflect those emotions.Examples of displacement behaviours:·         Sniffing·         Scratching·         Yawning·         Licking or chewing themselves·  &nb...

Puppies and Stairs

We often get asked by puppy parents when can their puppy go freely up and down stairs.Stairs can be a risk as dogs can slip or jump off from a height and can do damage to sensitive growth plates, muscles and ligaments.Stairs that are open at the back can be especially difficult to navigate and cause an extra danger due to the slipping risk.We recommend blocking or preventing free access to stairs until your puppy is fully grown. This may be up to 12-18 months in some breeds.Use baby gates and ba...

Raw Feeding Puppies

Can You Raise a Puppy on Raw? YES!! There are a great many benefits to feeding a raw species appropriate diet and whole fresh foods. However, it is important to provide proper nutrition and balance of essential nutrients. One of the most important aspects for growing puppies is the Calcium to Phosphorus ratio. The easiest way to achieve nutrient balance when raw feeding, is to feed a premade raw food made by a reputable company. Most companies will state if their product is formulated to comply ...

How Often Do You Walk Your Dog?

There is no doubt the benefits walking your dog can have both for them and for us. You get to spend time together, your dog can investigate smells, see other people, other dogs, and new environments. Walking may reduce or delay obesity related problems in dogs, and in humans the health benefits from increased physical activity is well documented.However, it’s worthwhile considering the impact that walking can have on stress levels for both you and your dog. Walking can increase arousal levels ...

Preventing Resource Guarding in Puppies

Resource guarding is a normal canine behaviour. Dogs guard stuff – just like we guard our possessions too (we lock our houses and have PINS on our credit cards). So, you have a new puppy – can you be sure they won’t become a resource guarder? No! Behaviour is an interplay of lots of things – genetics and the environment are two, but also experiences and learning. We can teach puppies that they don’t need to stress about having things taken off them. Then your puppy can learn that ...

Car Sickness

Dog motion sickness is more commonly seen in puppies and young dogs than in older dogs, just as car sickness affects more children than adults.Sometimes puppies can grow out of car sickness, but they may need a bit of help.Natural Products to AssistThere are some products on the market you can try:AdaptilNatural Animal Solutions Travel EzeHomeoPet Travel AnxietyGinger is well known for its ability to alleviate nausea and vomiting. You can give your dog a small amount of fresh grated ginger (perh...

Growling

It is normal to be alarmed if you hear your dog or puppy growl at you, a family member, another person, dog or pet. We often fall into the trap of reprimanding a growling dog, as our first thoughts are of surprise, embarrassment, disappointment and sometimes, anger.   Facts about Growling:Growling is a normal canine behaviourGrowling is valuable communication we need to pay attention to.Growling is a warning signal that indicates the dog is feeling uncomfortable, threatened or worried.Growl...

Feeding Raw Bones

Bones are nature’s teeth cleaner for dogs and cats. They are high in natural and digestible calcium and other minerals, they provide roughage in the diet, and are a source of essential amino acids, enzymes, essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. They are excellent for satisfying the chewing urge and giving dental exercise including gum massage and aiding in plaque removal.Important feeding guidelinesBones must always be fed raw. Cooked bones can splinter and cause digestive complicat...

Carrots for dogs

Carrots are high in fibre (soluble and insoluble), vitamin K1, potassium and magnesium. They contain very powerful antioxidants called carotenoids that can protect from disease and enhance the immune system. Cooked carrots have higher antioxidant levels than raw. Researchers have found that boiling carrots until tender increased the concentration of carotenoids by 14 percent. Raw carrots have the cellulose walls intact, and dogs can’t break down the walls to facilitate easier digestion. That m...

What is Redirected Aggression in Dogs?

Redirected aggression is when a dog redirects aggressive or hostile behaviour to a different place or purpose. That may be towards another dog/s, a person, or an object. The aggression may be caused by excitement, frustration or fear and almost always occurs when the dog is in a state of over arousal. Some common examples: 1. Two dogs are running along a fence barking at and chasing the postman. Out of frustration that the dogs can’t reach their intended ‘target’, the dogs turn on each oth...

Sprinkle Cheese Party for Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms 🌩They are a regular part of our Southeast Queensland summers with heavy rain, thunder and lightening plus wild winds, it’s no wonder our dogs can freak out. If at any stage you have been affected by wild weather – be it flooding or damage, it can also bring on human anxiety which pets can pick up on.One of the ways to cope with wild storms and pets is to create a good association.Enter…..the sprinkle cheese party! As soon as the change in weather starts or your dog becomes...

Rest Zones

One of the things you can prepare for the busy Christmas period to help your pets, is to set up a ‘rest zone.’ Sometimes called ‘safe or zen zones’ 😊A rest zone is a place your pet can go to rest or sleep to get away from the chaos of a busy household, other pets, and noises etc.It may be a crate, den, bedroom, mat or other quite area. It should be an area where pets can be quiet and calm – it is a no go zone for humans, especially children.To start, make sure your zone is quiet and...