20.12.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Safety. Children and Dogs.
With more children interacting with dogs over the holiday period, it's important we debunk the myth that 'a friendly dog has a wagging tail.'A tail wag does not always mean a friendly dog …The dog may have their tail tucked down low and wagging, these dogs are a bit scared. Or when a dog’s tail is wagging up ’stiff like a board’ (almost ‘ping ping ping’) instead of ‘flowing like a wave,’ this is not a good, friendly sign! Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer and Author, Dogs Best Friend. Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
27.09.25Dog Behaviour. Signs of stress in dogs.
These are some common signs of stress in dogs (some of which may surprise you)*Hyperactive behaviour*Being on the ‘look out’ all the time*Eyeballing you and you being able to see a lot of white of your dogs eyes - this is potentially a sign of a high level of stress.*Your dog finding it difficult to sleep or relax*Howling, whining or barking when left alone*Lots of panting, even when it is not hot or your dog has not been exercised*Excessive salivation/drooling*Chasing and barking at birds, cars, fence running/pacing*Obsessive behaviour* Excessive digging* Excessive chewing of toys, furniture etc.* Excessive licking - objects or themselves.Other signs may be specific to your dog, I always say, you know your dog best. If something feels ‘off’ please seek help for your beloved companion, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾
Dog Behaviour, Dog Training, Food Aggression The best way to deal with a dog that is protective over its food bowl is to dispense with the bowl altogether.
You can scatter your dogs food, making it harder for your dog to protect, which can diffuse the situation.
Feeding a Puppy -
One common recommendation is to take the food bowl away occasionally as the pup eats. However, experience suggests, the only thing that this teaches the pup is that something negative is likely to happen when people come near as he or she is eating — they may snatch the food.
Even if the removal of food is synchronized with a reward, the dog may still consider the abrupt removal of their food more threatening than any benefit from the reward.
Another common thought is to put your hand in your pup’s bowl as they eat, so they get used to the close proximity of people during meal times. Once again, a dog with a nervous temperament or a high food drive might feel this is too threatening and become more reactive in the situation.
Bones -
Food can be used as a trophy by dogs and a bone is an extra special trophy.
Lookout to ensure there are no bones left lying around that your dog might want to protect, gather them back in and give them out when you want, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.
© Dogs Best Friend Limited N.Z. 2025.
Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004. .