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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...

Pets and Strangers

Christmas holidays can be a busy time for everyone, including pets. There is more activity as everyone is home for the holidays, they may be getting less rest, and they may become less tolerant. Check out our video on ‘trigger stacking’.Chances are your dog/s or cat/s may encounter some new/strange people over the holidays – maybe you have family or friends visiting or are hosting a gathering/party or Christmas lunch.While some pets love the activity and attention, some may be more comfort...

Growth Plates and Puppy Exercise

Growth plates are the soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to become longer until the end of puberty. In a developing puppy, bone formation begins in the centre and at each end of the growth plate. Gradually, the growth plates thin and close due to hormonal changes approaching puberty. In puppies, this closure is normally completed by approximately 18 months old. However, it can be earlier in smaller bre...

Feeding Challenges in Adolescent Dogs

We come across a lot of adolescent dogs who ‘go off’ their food or become ‘fussy’ and many people tend to panic and get concerned their dog isn’t eating so try different foods and toppers.There are many reasons adolescent dogs can go off their food.The first thing to check is if there is any medical reason. If the lack of appetite isn’t resolved within a few days, or your dog has other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, please consult with your veterinarian.Other reasons includ...

What is 'Puppy License' - and has your young dog run out of it?

In dog-dog relationships, every puppy is granted a ‘puppy license’. It’s basically the right to be a complete and utter pest around other dogs. This may look like annoying behaviours such as grabbing older dogs around the neck to play, jumping on them, knocking into them etc.Most adult dogs will brush off such behaviours and let them slide but only for a certain amount of time before younger dogs are expected to behave in a more ‘adult’ manner. This can be anywhere from 5-8 months of a...

Physical Exercise and Downtime

All dogs need adequate and appropriate physical exercise with consideration to their age, breed, health, and behaviour. Physical exercise releases endorphins and endocannabinoids, chemicals in the brain thought to be involved in regulating mood and pain. In a study published in 2012 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22442371/], Raichlen found that dogs, like humans, experience peak endocannabinoid activity following moderate-intensity exercise. In other words, yes, dogs experience a chemical chan...

The Misunderstood Muzzle

Times have changed – muzzles no longer predict big vicious snarling dogs. A muzzled dog is not a bad dog, and may not even be a dog that bites. However it is a dog whose people are being proactive and safe.Why Muzzle Train Your Dog?Muzzles are an important piece of safety equipment for all dogs. The most even tempered, friendly dog can still become dangerous if injured, sick or scared. Most commonly we recommend for some dogs to wear a muzzle at the vets. Some dogs can become extremely fearful...