Are breed traits important in dog training, or is it really all about the individual dog? (*Disclaimer: Some sweeping generalisations will be made in this article) It’s true that every dog is an individual and, regardless of their breed, they will have their own unique personality traits which require a broader thinking than simply signing … Continue reading Train the dog in front of you, not the breed?
Category: Dog Training
The Hunting Habit
How do you train a dog who has a taste for hunting ...? We love to watch our dogs enjoy their walks, running through the fields and burning off their energy. But this can soon turn to panic when your dog disappears longer than you expect or you watch them take off in hot pursuit … Continue reading The Hunting Habit
How to Stop Your Dog’s Bad Behaviour
Owning a dog isn’t always the idyllic dream we wish it was, it takes hard work and commitment in many ways, and training your dog can be one of the biggest challenges. Some people are blessed with a dog who never really requires a second thought when it comes to training, almost like they’re just … Continue reading How to Stop Your Dog’s Bad Behaviour
Getting a Second Dog … When is a Good Time?
Sometimes having one dog just isn’t quite enough and the sight of a new puppy in the park gets us all broody for one of our own. There’s something about having two dogs … double the love, twice the fun … all the more chaos? Bringing a second dog into the family isn’t a simple … Continue reading Getting a Second Dog … When is a Good Time?
Dogs Who Steal
Many dogs become skilled thieves, they know how to steal food off worktops, tables or out on walks. It’s often not exclusive to food, it could also be socks, tissues or all manner of random and disgusting items. It’s such a common, frustrating, and potentially dangerous problem, yet it’s also one of the most challenging … Continue reading Dogs Who Steal
Let the Fireworks Begin…
So it’s firework season. For many dog owners, it’s a dreaded time of year. For every firework that lights up the sky, their dog is rocketed into panic and fear. Maybe you thought ahead this year and started preparing your dog a few months ago, building up to a fear-free firework season, but I would … Continue reading Let the Fireworks Begin…
Puppy Biting: The Why’s, What’s, What-Nots and How’s
Puppies are adorable. They’re cute, silly, mischievous and endless fun, but it’s not long before those little needle-sharp teeth start to really irritate you. It’s the painful side of puppyhood which we often forget about ... puppies BITE. Your puppy is not being ‘aggressive’, he does not need to ‘learn who’s boss’ and he is … Continue reading Puppy Biting: The Why’s, What’s, What-Nots and How’s
The Canine Ladder of Communication
Many of us will confidently say our dog would NEVER bite. Even people who own reactive dogs will still claim their dog would never bite. They might bark and lunge around but they would never bite. How can you be so sure? Every dog can be classed as a ‘bite risk’, they all have teeth … Continue reading The Canine Ladder of Communication
Communication and Reactivity
Being aware of the Ladder of Aggression and dog communication is vital for every dog owner, but it’s even more crucial if you live with a dog who struggles to cope with stress or displays reactive behaviours. Whether your dog struggles with frustration-based reactivity or fear-based behaviours, identifying the signals is the first step of … Continue reading Communication and Reactivity
The Residential Debate
The phrase ‘residential training’ comes with a stigma attached. A quick Google search brings up numerous articles stating all the disadvantages and the ‘why-nots’. I’ll be the first to admit residential training isn’t suitable for every dog or every owner. It does have pros and cons, and it’s by no means a ‘quick fix’, nor … Continue reading The Residential Debate
