Do you know a stubborn dog? Often people will say that they have a stubborn dog who cannot be trained unless the human is firm with the dog. As with most things in life, it’s a little more complex than that. It is not just about how firm or kind we are with our dogs.…
Find out how to train a dog to stop doing the behaviours you don’t want
Being a bark buster – looking for the quick fix to train your dog will give you more than you bargained for.
Most owners know that one of the first things you should do when you decide to get a puppy is to enrol in puppy school. Not only do you get valuable advice and access to safe socialisation, but you get some much-needed support through those tough puppy moments. So why should you go onto further…
Having your dog stay on command is an important skill that your dog should know. “Stay” tells your dog to remain in a “sit” or “hold” position until you release them. Teaching your dog to stay is an excellent self-control exercise. It also has practical uses and will keep your dog safe. For example, teaching…
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends positive dog training methods as the preferred method of training dogs. Dog training is about developing good behaviours and building a strong relationship with your dog. In this article, we take a look at positive reinforcement training in detail. Then we discuss why it’s the preferred dog training method. Finally,…
Dog tricks are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Boredom can cause destructive behaviours like chewing, digging and barking. We recommend all dogs be trained in the basic commands – sit, drop, come, stay and “leave it”. Most dog tricks build on the basic dog training commands. Positive reinforcement training Positive…
Reactive dogs bark, snap, lunge or growl when pushed beyond their threshold. By “threshold”, we mean what your dog can comfortably handle. Most dogs when they react like this, they’re asking for space. A reactive dog is saying, in their own way, “please give me some space” or “I’m uncomfortable, please stay away”. For some…
Biting and mouthing by puppies are common and normal behaviours. Like babies, puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Everything goes in your puppy’s mouth including human hands, feet, fingers and toes. Puppies are also used to rough-and-tumble play with their brothers and sisters with lots of biting and mouthing. A puppy’s bite will…
Congratulations on getting a new puppy! Introducing a new puppy to your home is very exciting. But before you bring them home, make sure you follow the new puppy checklist. Stock up on essentials We know, it’s easy to splurge on your new puppy. Here’s a list of essential supplies you will need before you…
