30.07.2018

Dog Training, Destructive Behaviour

Chewing/Destructive Behaviour -
Interestingly, it has been shown that a dog’s endorphin levels increase when chewing (the dog gets lots of feel good chemicals).
It is because of this, that you cannot try to stop your dogs chewing completely (it is too chemically rewarding - so very difficult to train out). You must instead re-direct the chewing to acceptable items (that are not too similar to unacceptable items). [Read More…]

19.07.2018

Dog Training, Dog Behaviour, The Interaction of Dogs on Your Property

Your pack includes all dogs on your property. Sounds obvious right? But you may be implementing different rules and boundaries for one dog - they may be allowed inside for example or on the furniture and another is not. [Read More…]

14.07.2018

Dog Training, Pulling on the Lead/Leash

I have no issue at all with a dog walking in front of you when out on the lead.
Walking on the lead…
Your dog should not be pulling on the lead (thus trying to get you to go in the direction they want to go *) so then the lead should be fairly loose. [Read More…]

09.07.2018

Dog Training, Dogs Barking, Teaching the Command ‘Quiet’

Teaching the command “Quiet!”
When your dog is barking, growl a very stern and guttural “Bah!!!”*
Then, the instant he/she IS quiet, say quiet and praise. You can also reward with something high value - such as a liver treat or cheese crumb, both are strong smelling, so usually more attractive your dog :-)

*Or shake a plastic bottle with pebbles in it if this proves ineffective or if your dog simply zones out and the barking is very intense, shake a tin (for example a Milo one) taped up with coins in it, by your side.
For more training and behavioural tips check out my Dog Behavioural Blog, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend

05.07.2018

Dog Training and Confidence

‘Confidence is the training clincher, even if it’s faked.’
I believe from my experience in this Consultancy, that you can tick all the boxes from a trainers or behaviourists task list for you to perform but if there is no confidence in performance, no show of ‘leadership grit’ (again, as always, leadership and dominance are different) your dog may still essentially ‘walk all over you’, with you not accomplishing your goal. Fake it till you make it! Think of a person that commands authority (even a fictional character) and try to emulate their behaviour, Helen Clark or is that a bit contentious. [Read More…]