Dogs Best Friend

Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Blog/Tips

A qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.
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Dog Ownership - Helpful Tips
2.11.24Dog Behaviour. Noise Aversion in Dogs. Fear of Fireworks.Guy Fawkes Prep. POST THREE- BioAcoustic Music -Music has been created aiming to calm your dog, it's called 'Through a Dogs Ear.' The soundtracks mastered are easy for the canine nervous system to absorb. In the formation of Through a Dogs Ear, adjustment of the high and low frequencies has occurred. High frequencies tend to arouse the dog's nervous system.- Provide a small area for your dog during stressful periods- Perhaps use a covered crate if your dog is accustomed to this, or even just a sheet covering a table for your dog to retreat to. This area is den-like and hopefully will help make your dog feel more secure.- Lastly, you must be the strong one -Don’t act worried about the loud bangs and squeals outside, for your dog. I always say with behaviour, 'You can get what you reflect,' - so act calm and nonchalant about the goings on in your neighbourhood, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & 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 🐾 19.10.24 Dog Behaviour. Noise Aversion in Dogs. Fear of Fireworks.Guy Fawkes Prep. POST 2.- Ensure your dog is receiving adequate mental and physical exercise every day - pent-up energy has been directly linked to an increase in tension and anxiety in dogs. - Use a Anxiety Wrap. Many of my clients rave about the ThunderShirt - New Zealand. This is a cloth, positive acupressure vest your companion wears. The idea is also, that a constant gentle ‘hug’ can calm an anxious pet’s nervous system (a hug is chemically rewarding - it encourages serotonin production). Also, on a hot day you can soak the Thundershirt in water and put it on your dog as a cooling jacket.- Aromatherapy -The use of high quality Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils to promote calm. Lavender has a reputation for its calming benefits and paired with Cedarwood, these benefits are thought to increase. A couple of drops onto a cloth tied onto your dog’s crate/kennel or dropped into a diffuser and let run for a few hours, should be beneficial. I will be posting more on this topic so stay tuned! As well, for more dog behavioural and training advice, tips 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 🙂 05.10.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Tips for Dog Parks and walking in area's where dog's are permitted off-lead -Importantly, the dog park is not the place to socialize puppies (from the perspective of intensity and a potential disease risk for your pup). Senior dogs too, may find dog parks overwhelming. Pay attention to your dog’s cues about this experience.It has been found that new dogs coming into a dog park provide information about themselves when they first enter, by urinating a short distance from the entrance. This is an important process as part of successful social communication and managing group dynamics, so should not be discouraged.The treats you take to the dog park should not be the 'bees knees'/of 'absolutely fabulous' variety. You don’t want to gather a crowd with this tasty food, instigating a fight. Dry biscuits should be fine and never feed other people’s dogs.Once you have entered, avoid standing in a crowd which can cause dogs to hang around and play in a smaller area, this can lead to heightened exchanges. Try to stop your dog tailgating other dogs. Having a dog glued to your butt, sniffing profusely, is not comfortable at all and the other dog is likely to retaliate with a snap.If your dog is being told to move away by another dog and your dog is not listening, either undertake the recall or go over and move your dog away. The reverse should happen too, help your dog get away from a harasser. Don’t discipline somebody else’s dog, just move along to another area of the park.Be aware of the potential for a play fight to accidentally escalate into a real fight. If one dog is just a wee bit too rough with an action this can cause upset.Even if the dogs are racing around full ball, they should have many normal pauses in their play. The dogs should be relaxed at these points, if not, this is a good indicator things could be getting out of hand. At the least, this ends up being good practice for the dog to be overly stimulated and uncontrolled in other situations. With this, be on the lookout for unsupervised children, pushchairs, bikes and skateboards in the dog park. These can be triggers for dog aggression or chasing.It may be obvious but do not take dogs who are in season to the dog park and you should have great control of an entire male if you venture here.Keep walking around the park and working on your recall. This ensures the dog’s frolicking doesn’t get too heated. If a problem starts to manifest, move off or walk faster to maintain your dogs focus.Trust your instincts. If you see any dog or person that makes you uncomfortable move away or head on home, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you🐾 28.09.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Energy expenditure for your dog should be looked at cumulatively. Have you taken your dog out for a big walk or for a run and then once home, they still get 'up to mischief.' This could be because energy expenditure should be looked at cumulatively. I tend to look at what our dogs are getting from the physical exercise and mental stimulation perspective, over the course of roughly a week. If your dog hasn't had sufficient exercise and/or worked their brain enough (and so have still been getting bored) over roughly this period, you'll have behavioural implications, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you🐾 31.08.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Safety. Children and Dogs. Here is some useful advice in regards to children and dogs interacting - Children are more likely to be attacked by a dog they know. Supervision is key, do not be complacent, dogs are not fluffy babysitters.- It is not acceptable for a dog to snatch food from a child.- Children under twelve should not correct or reprimand any dog. Timing of correction or reprimand is paramount and the ability to judge this and knowledge about this, can be lacking with children under this age (and yes, with some older individuals). There can also be issues with a dog’s ‘respect’ for a younger child and potential risks involved here. *It's better to be safe than sorry!- Do not let children take a dog’s toys away and play with them. Although your dog should not show elements of aggression or resource guarding (as well with this, don't make ‘scarcity of resources’ a reason for aggression) teach respect for your dog and make sure your dog has his or her own bed to go to and toys to engage with.- Allow children to assist with feeding but not be solely responsible for the act. This can be a highly energized time and is best done with the aid of an adult.- Children need to be ‘trained’ by adults to maintain social distance - It's not a good idea to go up and put your face up in your dog’s face. This can be threatening and irritating to your dog.- Do not let children disturb your dog when he or she has gone off to rest.- Dogs have more sensitive hearing than us. Loud screaming around your dogs should be avoided and frankly is not pleasant for anyone.- As a general rule, dogs dislike being hugged.- Children should be taught to be respectful and not handle dogs roughly. Teach your dog to respond to verbal commands rather than having to be touched.- It is totally unacceptable to allow a child to climb on or step on your dog. They are not a piece of play equipment! At the end of the day, it’s most important that we encourage our children to be polite and caring to the animals they're interacting with, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 16.08.24 Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Consistency in dog training. Quite simply and perhaps obviously (or maybe not so obviously?) dogs brains don't think like ours. Is your family all using the same word for a command? If Mum is saying ‘Bella* come!’ and Dad is saying ‘Here!’ This can be a confusing situation for your dog.Don’t expect Bella/(*insert your dogs name) to just know what to do. "She’s heard it enough, she should know" is a common complaint I hear from owners. She’s been confused regularly by you is more like it. Also, do the words you are using as commands have more than one meaning or action associated with them? (this applies for different pack members too). Well gosh, that is confusing. For example perhaps you are using ‘Down’ for lie down and then to get off the furniture. Have a think about your situation and if you are confusing your dog ... Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 10.08.24Dog Behaviour. Mental stimulation for dogs. Feeding dogs for enrichment.How does this Dog Behaviourist feed her dogs?Always with enrichment. We don't own feed bowls. *Pent-up energy of any form, including mental energy, has been linked to tension and anxiety in dogs, so it is well worth enriching your dogs life with mentally stimulating tasks. We split our dogs daily feed portion up and alternate between all of the methods below for feeding – after all, variety is the spice of life!- Scatter feeding outside on the lawn (especially great when I'm running late in the mornings but also brilliant to stimulate a canine's amazing sense of smell). - Placing biscuits in maze like dishes to be pushed and licked out (ours is a Trixie feeder but other brands are available).- Stuffing lamb mince into Trev and Lily’s Kong’s and freezing them (these also get trapped inside diluted meaty stock stock ice blocks in Summer with some veges.)- The biscuits in Wobble Toys, wobbled and rolled around the room.- Biscuits hidden in snuffle mats. Trev and Lily search and snuffle their way around their mats to find the hidden biscuits buried under the fabric flaps.- A biscuit portion could be in a feed ball (from experience make sure you get a sturdy one here and that biscuits flow easily around in it – so possibly a slightly bigger size one than you think, once dogs learn about a feed ball, boy do they LOVE IT!)- We're more likely to use on the weekend, when there's more time, a ‘pull-out’ Hol-ee Ball. Cut up a old rag into strips (just smaller than the width of the holes) and roll up some of your dogs biscuits into each rag strip. Your dog then pulls and tears out the fabric from the holes to get to the biscuits, 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 03.08.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The large pup. Expectations of the larger pup versus those of the smaller pup.I've found in this consultancy over the years, that larger breed pups are held to a different standard than the equivalent aged smaller dogs. (As a side note, this absolutely happens with taller young children growing up - I was asked once 'How is school going for him?' about our 3-year old boy at the time).The bigger breed dogs typically reach social maturity much later than the smaller breeds - with a large breed dog perhaps not reaching this developmental milestone till around 4 years of age!I feel we see big dogs and lump them together with a higher standard of behaviour expected, when really, we could be looking at a much younger individual - certainly in the social sense. This impacts our tolerance and patience with their training and so subsequently training progress.If you can, query deeper, if you have a larger breed dog, check in with yourself, is your dog still a young pup (requiring understanding) in their big, gorgeous body? 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 27.07.24Dog Behaviour. Go patrolling to lessen reactivity about your property.Walk the perimeter of your property with your dog regularly …There's a couple of good reasons for this…*Even if owners have a ‘glorious looking large section’ I have found with a great number of clients that their dogs wait to go off and ‘play,’ or utilize the section, until their owners get home. However, once the action of patrolling starts, evidence of exploratory play increases (from finding mangled toys dispersed, droppings, neighbours comments etc!)You're doing your bit. You are surveying the territory for potential threats - which could even be the neighbours pesky cat in your dog’s eyes - but this way you're on duty and can have more training control of your dog in these situations in my experience, reducing barking (you may have to address further issues here though) perhaps also aiding a sense of security, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you. 19.07.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Know and appreciate your dog. Breed does matter. It is best to know your dogs rough breed type and then appreciate all that this or these breeds bring to the table in regards to behaviour. Yes every dog is unique but genetics plays a huge part in behaviour. I get clients that say, gosh my Terrier really likes to go for cats, well, although all dogs chase, terriers, herding breeds and sight and scent hounds are genetically geared for chasing.Now, we can look at ‘behavioural issues’ but for some of these, underlying drivers are still present and simply must be taken into account.Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Huntaway’s, Kelpie by their very nature have a job to do and this is not innately as a pet but as a great help to the farmer.Guard dogs like the Rottweiler, Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees have been bred to protect livestock.Dogs that are of traditional working types can require increased energy investment from you to fulfil their needs, if they are not expending their mental and physical energy working. It is important to investigate this, to truly provide for your loving companion, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend, For more dog training & behavioural 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,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 12.07.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. What are you inadvertently telling your dog? Cuing your dog.Watch out for cuing/signalling for a negative response in your dog …Try not to tighten your grip on your dogs lead and with this, your body tense up, when you spot another dog in the distance (this also applies to spotting other animals or people) or make an abrupt 90 degree crossing of the road (we would instead look at other actions like a few steps forward first, then crossing on a 'casual' angle for example). The former actions described only perpetuate the signals to your dog, that yes indeed, there must be something 'off with that thing' if we're reacting this way.Another, slightly different way to prevent a negative cuing event is -When you put your dog back on their lead after a recall, try if you can, to leave the lead long enough for slack. If you have the lead too short and tight each time after you get your dog back on, a negative association can form with coming back to you and being put on the lead - your dog has lost all that freedom, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you. 22.06.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Raising a robust small dog. Your treatment of your small dog.Do your small dog (and yourself) a favour and don’t ‘bubble wrap’ them.It’s best not to pick your small dog up all the time or fear socializing them out of worry of them getting hurt. Your dog will not develop the social skills needed to be great friends with their larger counterparts. Sometimes, these under socialized dogs develop fear aggression directed at other dogs and the situation can become 'combustible.'Lastly, try not to pass on your worry to your dog.Most small breeds (but not all) were developed to hunt vermin or prey. These little canines had to be gutsy, fearless, steadfast and independent. A big attitude was needed to stand up to their prey. As such, you need not worry about your dog being treated exactly like what they are, a dog, 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 12.05.24 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Who makes up your dog pack? The effects of one dogs treatment on all others in the pack. Your pack includes all dogs residing and interacting on your property (for example a flatting situation and dogs are interacting this way).There is the potential for problems here if there are different rules and boundaries for one dog, to another - they may be allowed inside for example and the other is not, or one on the bed or couch, the other not. You can have a real impact on the social dynamics of the entire pack, with how you are interacting with all individually, 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’ as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾 20.04.24 Dog Training. Teaching the 'Watch' command to your dog.Teaching the super useful command, 'Watch' -(This is to watch your eyes, for focus in the situation and can be useful before asking other commands, such as the Recall).Get your dog in front of you, either sitting or standing and say their name sharply in a commanding but friendly tone. Immediately offer a treat, do this once or twice. Then the third time, bring the treat up quickly just in front of your eyes, tell them to "Watch” as soon as they look at you (their eyes will be following the movement of the treat) then you can say, “Good dog” and give them the treat.Add the movement of your hand with the treat, back to your dogs face and up to your eyes. After a few repetitions, alternate the command without a treat (though never completely eliminate treats from training, to keep your dog on their toes).Your dog will get so that they watch your eyes regardless of whether you have a treat, when you command the ‘Watch,' Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you. 06.04.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dog Appeasement Gestures. Signs your dog is stressed, uncomfortable or scared.Did you know, dogs can use appeasement/calming gestures when they're feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or scared.Yawning or lip licking by a dog lets a person or another animal know that they are of no threat. For example, a dog who is being approached by another dog may turn their eyes away, whilst licking their lips. This lets the other dog know they come peacefully. A dog may also do this if scolded or punished by their owner. They are saying, 'Look, I intend no harm.'Dogs may also use appeasement/calming gestures as part of a distraction. When your dog is confused or stressed around what you're asking of them, they can begin to maniacally scratch, 'distracting you' in the situation. Once they understand the new command for example, or their stress level drops, the scratching stops.If however, your dog begins to lick their lips and yawn, it's likely they're feeling a higher level of stress than usual and you should not push the interaction, giving them time to relax, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & 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,' or my online Canine Behaviour Seminar Downloads, available at https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/thank you! 24.02.24 Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Best practice dog training. There are good and not so good ways of doing things right?Some examples I come across in the dog training realm include -1. Teaching the ‘Sit’ by applying pressure around/on the rear end of your dog, whilst saying “Sit.”You do not need, nor should you, physically touch your dog to train a sit in my opinion as 1. You will not always be close by to cue this action. 2. Your dog is not then necessarily undertaking the ‘Sit’- you are manipulating his or her body.When training, if indoors, you can walk your dog backwards towards a corner of a room, offering treats up just above their nose and back towards the top of their head, he or she then usually sits. If out and about, step in front of your dog with your body, offer the treat in the same way, whilst asking for the ‘Sit.’ With this too, no touch cue is needed once taught.2. When teaching pups about ‘resource guarding,’ some advice circulating is to regularly take your pups treats etc. away whilst he or she is eating them. In my opinion and experience, this can increase a guarding tendency, as dogs become protective that you are going to come and take items away and quite frankly, fair enough, it seems like a scarcity of resources is in place. Instead, you must train with ’swapsies’ with other desirable objects from the get go… Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training & behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you. 16.02.24Dog Behaviour. Dogs Fake Yawning.The ‘fake yawn’ is one way a dogs body relieves stress.He or she may have ‘had enough’ or is getting frustrated in a situation.They may be highly aroused in anticipation of an event, such as, ‘’I’m waiting, waiting, for that food bowl to be put down….come on!”It pays to look at the overall situation to gain clearer insight as to the route cause of the ‘fake’ yawn but then worth addressing, if this is a stressful situation/event requiring resolution, 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. 25.01.24 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. It can be easy to forget the obvious with your dogs behaviour ...Is your dog tired or hungry?When your dog is getting tired or hungry, he or she is more likely to engage in ‘naughty’ behaviours (sounding familiar human parents?!) This behaviour can even show itself in hyper active looking actions - like nipping and jumping- to gain your attention. My advice is to ensure your dog maintains their regular feeding schedule (the diet also being of high quality) and has somewhere to calm down and rest quietly, whilst being encouraged by all to do so.Has your dog just had enough for now, are they knackered?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 🙂 03.01.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Looking to prevent reactivity in dogs.Got a young pup? The Critical Socialization Period -This is such an important topic that I have to discuss with the majority of my clients. The Critical Socialization Period is the first 16 weeks of your pup’s life. This is when the foundation associations are made with his or her world, when your dog’s ideally have nothing but positive experiences with as many different stimuli as possible with everything from animals to noises (here your dog can experience fireworks early in the form of noises on an App. for example) and different ages and races of people, waterways and other environments, electronic devices, vehicles, you name it. Socializing your pup during this time in particular, is a huge part of raising a happy and well-rounded dog, a dog that can venture out with you in the world, leading a full and rewarding life. *Now you might be thinking, what about the risks of Parvo Virus? We held Trev and Lily up in our arms in public spaces that unknown (and possibly un-vaccinated) dogs may have ventured. You could use a doggy trolley, push chair or even a doggy front-pack if needed. I know this may seem extreme, but from experience in this line of work, the risk of your dog developing a fear response/aversion, to a stimuli that they have not been exposed to sufficiently and positively in this time, should not be underestimated. As well, it is vital that your pup is living and learning among a human family (integrated into family life, not just living out the back in a kennel) for ‘family dog’ skills to be learnt in this period. If you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder the breeder will be practicing socialization acts also, including gentle handling, exposing the pup to different sensory experiences – different noises, textures underfoot and to nuzzle into etc. Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer and Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out mybook with HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 25.11.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The Excitable Dog. If you want your dog to be calm, it’s important not to reward excited or raucous behaviour and be CONSISTENT with this. You may be doing the obvious, ‘Oh Bella* (*insert your dogs name) is barking, she must want attention’ and then pat her, or perhaps less obviously, let her inside after she has just been barking. Also when out and about, if your dog is barking excitably, don't let them move forward towards the animal or object they are reacting to, this can be seen as a reward for the behaviour.With training, as soon as your dog is relatively calm for a few seconds, reward them with attention. This can be with praise – though not given too heartily as this can excite them again, or the opening of the door to let them in, importantly though, not always with treats as this can be too high a value item to work to getting (with ‘bark, quiet, treat’ becoming the pattern). Work on extending the calmer time and varying how long your dog must calm down for before they are rewarded (remember this includes opening of the door) 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 with HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 11.11.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs with Dogs. Your dog does not need to be a ‘Social Butterfly.'We/Society seem to expect our dogs to be ’sociable’ with all other dogs they meet but you can simply smile at the other owner and walk on by 🙂Do you yourself stop and shake hands with everyone you meet on the street? 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 :-) 21.10.23Dog Behaviour. Antisocial dog behaviour. Dog Training.A sign that a dog is antisocial about other dogs, is that he or she is uncomfortable about being sniffed at their rear end. Think of the refusal of the rear sniff as the equivalent of the snub of the hand shake in human interaction - it’s quite a big deal! Two dogs might go round and round too, until one has had enough! Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you. 14/10/23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Noise Aversion in dogs. Fear of fireworks in dogs.Guy Fawkes Prep. Post 2. - Ensure your dog is receiving adequate mental and physical exercise every day - Pent-up energy has been directly linked to an increase in tension and anxiety in dogs. - Many of my clients rave about the ThunderShirt - New Zealand a 'anxiety wrap' for dogs. This is a cloth, positive acupressure vest your companion wears. The idea is also, that a constant gentle ‘hug’ can calm an anxious pet’s nervous system (a hug is chemically rewarding). On a hot day you can soak the Thundershirt in water and put it on your dog.- Aromatherapy -The use of high quality Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils to promote calm. Lavender has a reputation for its calming benefits and paired with Cedarwood, these benefits are thought to increase. A couple of drops onto a cloth tied onto your dog’s crate/kennel or dropped into a diffuser and let run for a few hours, should be beneficial, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips 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 🙂 26.08.23Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Dog Training Tips.The training experience for your dog- Are you being realistic with what you are wanting from your dog? Is the ground very cold or wet that you want them to 'Sit' or 'Stay' on for example? This will affect some dogs performance of such a task. - Then it may seem obvious, but it must be remembered, it’s called a 'Command’ not a ‘Request’… With this, I don't put the Recall/Come into the same 'command' category. For this, you really want to be as appealing as you can be to your dog. Also something to think about, do you change the tone of your ‘Command’ when giving it in ‘Public’ or in front of certain family members etc. This can effect your dogs response…- Then, if your dog does not initially respond to a command, do not repeat the same command again and again unless for the ‘Recall' (I can chirp a fast "Come, come, come!") or ‘Stay’ - which happen over time Repetition can send the message to your four legged friend that 2-3 repeats are what the command consists of. Be patient, you could say your dogs name next but then wait. Also, we can call it nagging to a dog as well! Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural 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 🙂 05.08.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Energy expenditure for your dog should be looked at cumulativelyHave you taken your dog out for a big walk or for a run and then once home, they still get 'up to mischief.' This could be because energy expenditure should be looked at cumulatively. I tend to look at what our dogs are getting from the physical exercise and mental stimulation perspective, over the course of roughly a week. If your dog hasnt had sufficient excercise and/or worked their brain enough (and so have still been getting bored) over roughly this period, you'll see the behavioural results, 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. 14.07.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dog Safety. Children and Dogs. Here is some useful advice in regards to children and dogs interacting - Children are more likely to be attacked by a dog they know. Supervision is key, do not be complacent, dogs are not fluffy babysitters.- It is not acceptable for a dog to snatch food from a child.- Children under twelve should not correct or reprimand any dog. Timing of correction or reprimand is paramount and the ability to judge this and knowledge about this, can be lacking with children under this age (and yes, with some older individuals). There can also be issues with a dog’s ‘respect’ for a younger child and potential risks involved here. *It's better to be safe than sorry!- Do not let children take a dog’s toys away and play with them. Although your dog should not show elements of aggression or resource guarding (as well with this, don't make ‘scarcity of resources’ a reason for aggression) teach respect for your dog and make sure your dog has his or her own bed to go to and toys to engage with.- Allow children to assist with feeding but not be solely responsible for the act. This can be a highly energized time and is best done with the aid of an adult.- Children need to be ‘trained’ by adults to maintain social distance - It's not a good idea to go up and put your face up in your dog’s face. This can be threatening and irritating to your dog.- Do not let children disturb your dog when he or she has gone off to rest.- Dogs have more sensitive hearing than us. Loud screaming around your dogs should be avoided and frankly is not pleasant for anyone.- As a general rule, dogs dislike being hugged.- Children should be taught to be respectful and not handle dogs roughly. Teach your dog to respond to verbal commands rather than having to be touched.- It is totally unacceptable to allow a child to climb on or step on your dog. They are not a piece of play equipment! At the end of the day, it’s most important that we encourage our children to be polite and caring to the animals they're interacting with, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out book in association with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you. 28.05.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog.Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog -- Your pup is comfortable being contained and left alone (containment will possibly be required for at least veterinary care). The crate is not a cruel cage but a den-like environment (dog's are naturally den-dwelling) especially when you partially cover it with a sheet in Summer or with a blanket in Winter. - Your pup can rest and ‘be in quiet’ (they're not always go, go, go or sleeping with one ear, one eye open.)- A vet check of your pup (possibly when you get your vaccinations) has determined no medical condition is causing undue stress on your companion that could be affecting their behaviour.- ‘Well balanced’ should ultimately include your pup not displaying reactionary behaviour, including undue fear based behaviour and aggression towards humans, other animals or objects. A big part of this comes from proper and sufficient socialization in the Critical Socialization Period (0 - 16 weeks of age). For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips 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 🙂 13.05.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The subtleties in a dogs behavioural picture. A dogs behaviour and training can come down to the subtleties of the situation ... An example that can happen and be cumulative in nature, is when you undertake the recall (the ‘Come’) after your dog has been off leash and you regularly put your dog straight back onto a short leash. This restriction can be too much of a negative for some individuals, discouraging the recall. I would aim to have the lead fairly loose (though not too far away, so you can bring your dog in if you like) or vary the length of lead here.Also, when meeting other dogs out and about, do you tighten your grip on your dogs lead or tense up? Both possibly even before you are in the physical realm of the other dog? These actions are cautionary signals to your dog (as well as to the other dog) that there must be a problem here. Beware of your behaviour, your body language, 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 🙂 06.05.23 Dog behaviour. Dog Training. The effects of throwing a ball or stick etc on behaviour. Do you chuck and chuck a ball or stick etc. but your dog seems to excitedly just want more and more? The act of the chase does not calm the mind of a dog (this action produces more of the 'excited' hormone adrenaline) instead it hypes them up. A calm, more stable energy is beneficial. With this, the walk produces more of the calming chemical serotonin, so it's best this makes up the bulk of any exercise regime with your dog, 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 with HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 26.03.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The Crate. Crate Training.The piece of equipment known as a ‘Crate’ is not for everyone but neither is it a cruel cage. It is a hugely beneficial training tool for both your pup and adult dog.The crate provides a sense of security for all stages of life (as such should not be dispensed with once your pup matures).Particularly when covered with a blanket in Winter or a sheet in Summer (or partly covered) the crate provides a secure, den-like environment, all of the dogs own.When working with clients I inform them, the crate is a smaller area to protect than the much bigger home 😉The sense of security can be very beneficial at potentially stressful periods – such as Guy Fawkes.Crate Training Tips –Keep it positive!! Give your dog fun, mentally stimulating toys inside the crate and super tasty treats that maybe they do not get elsewhere. You can even spread peanut butter (non Xylitol containing) or cheese spread on the back bars, to prick your dogs interest. Importantly with training, do not let your dog out (if all other requirements have been met - your dog does not need to go to the toilet, eat etc. realistically) when crying, barking or scratching on the crate, otherwise these become the ‘button’ behaviours you will train your dog they need to ‘push’ for you to let them out! From many a client, they say these behaviours get old, very quick… Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 25.02.23Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Electric Collars. Shock Collars.Let's talk Electric Shock Collars. You may think these are a quick fix option but think again ... One problem with these I have found over the years, is that it can be a very easy and speedy process for a dog to develop and learn a negative association with the creature (human or other) or object present repeatedly (but perhaps no repetition required!) when the collar is used. Then, a negative reaction is almost ‘flagged’ to that inadvertent person or object and extensive training to build a more ‘normal’, neutral response again may have to be undertaken. I would rather get to the bottom of what's happening in your problem situation, for long term change, 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 with HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 18.02.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs Chewing. Destructive Behaviour.Interestingly, it has been shown that a dog’s endorphin levels increase when chewing (they get lots of feel good chemicals). It's because of this, that you cannot try to stop your dogs chewing completely (it's 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). You can use a “Bah!!” coupled with a clap if you’re able, or shake a plastic bottle with pebbles in it (by your side, not close to your dog) to get their attention, then coax them away to ANOTHER location and spend a few minutes playing with an acceptable toy (using lots of praise and perhaps the occasional treat).There is real value to the toys when played with together with you and your dog wants to interact here 🙂*As well, you could spread a small amount of peanut butter (Xylitol free) or cheese spread on acceptable toys to make them more appealing, especially on initial purchase.Any time your dog chews on an unacceptable item without redirection, gives approval of that item they’re chewing on. It's for this reason you may need to confine your dog to a ‘safe’ area - where there are few or no unacceptable items to chew on but PLENTY OF ACCEPTABLE TOYS, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips advice and suggestions, why not check out mybook with HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 21.01.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Treat every experience your dog has as unique. Treat every experience as unique ...For example, if your dog has in any realm of the past (very recently or quite a while ago) ‘had quite a nasty encounter with…’ then owners can form the impression from that encounter (sometimes with the very next dog and owner combo they meet) that interacting with dogs (or dogs that look similar to that ‘nasty one’) too close has got to be ‘negative’ and avoided.From this, the owner then is in a heightened state, tense and on the defensive. This energy and judgement is unwittingly communicated through your behavioural cues to your dog (tightened grip on the lead or maybe even crossing over the road from that dog).We had an encounter with our two Border Terriers where they were quite dramatically lunged for on the lead but I decided at that encounter, to be as calm as possible for the next dog we saw. Well guess what, the next woman was very stressed out, she was actually yelling “Oh no our dog will go for yours!” I stayed calm and our dogs sat while this woman and her dog walked by. We then though had a wonderful interaction and play with the third dog we met.It’s important to act calm (this may well be acting but it's the first step) and don’t give up, for the potential marvelous encounters that could be in your dogs future, 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 🙂 26.11.22 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Have you read my book yet? Hi there, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Trainer here, have you read my book yet?After working extensively with both lion cubs and dogs, I have written a book with HarperCollins Publishers, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood.' In Big Dog, I write about my adventures and assisting these and other animal companions here and I include an extensive array of my case studies. My approach with animals is that they should VOLUNTEER, RESPECT and TRUST YOU when living with them. Interested? Check out 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood' Selina McIntyre, Dogs Best Friend. 26.08.22Dog behaviour. Dog Safety. Children and Dogs.A couple of dog safety points that there seems to be misinformation about -Many children I come across in my school visits, say a friendly dog has a wagging tail but 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!Also with interactions, it is best not to approach a dog you dont know with your hand out stretched. Not knowing the dogs history, this dog may have been treated roughly or even hit with a hand and so hands can be scary. You should have your hands down either by your side or on your thighs and wait for the dog to come up to you, nudging for a pat if they like. Wait for this friendship olive branch but if the dog is not interested, don’t push it. Education is key (I do offer free dog safety & education talks to schools within my business area) 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. 06.08.22 Dog Behaviour. How does this Dog Behaviourist feed her dogs? Mental Stimulation idea's for dogs. I dont own feed bowls ...So how do I feed our dogs?With enrichment.We split our dogs daily feed portion up and alternate between all of the methods below for feeding – variety is the spice of life!- Placing biscuits in a maze like dish to be pushed and licked out (ours is a Trixie feeder but other brands are available).- Stuffing lamb mince into Trev and Lily’s Classic Kong’s and freezing them (these also get trapped inside ice blocks in Summer with some veges.)- The biscuits in a Wobble Toy, wobbled and rolled around the room.- Scatter feeding outside on the lawn (especially good when I am running late in the mornings but great for stimulation, especially for dogs that were bred to be more inclined for scent work).- Biscuits hidden in a snuffle basket. Trev and Lily search and snuffle their way around their mats to find the hidden biscuits buried in the fabric.- A biscuit portion could be in a feed ball (from experience, make sure you get a sturdy one here and that biscuits flow easily around in it – so possibly a slightly bigger size than you think, dogs once they learn about a feed ball, LOVE IT!)- Their biscuits in the tricky Buster Cubes. This is more difficult for the dogs to get their biscuits all out but thats part of the fun!*Pent-up energy of any form, including mental energy, has been linked to tension and anxiety in dogs, so it is well worth enriching your dogs life with mentally stimulating tasks. Selina McIntyre, Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book with @HarperCollins, ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂 04.03.22 Dog Behaviour. Do you want dogs to like you?You know those people, the ones that don’t seem to give a bar about dogs but dogs fawn all over them, there’s definitely something to it. I’m at the other end of the spectrum as far as passion for dogs but I’ve learnt a thing or two and I don’t know how many clients have said to me, ‘Wow, such and such doesn’t normally like strangers’ when their dogs have sidled up to me.Let’s look at this further -For me, I’m standing up and side on to the dog (here I'm not risking being bold over and I'm in a position of authority too) whilst giving them space - they then have more of an ability to move away if they feel the need.I’m as still as possible (those who know me, know that I’m quite animated - talking with my hands normally, so this takes some restraint).I do not make eye contact (for quite a while actually). I focus on the owner or another point I have chosen. With this, I am neither a threat nor a push over.I allow the dog to decide to sniff me first (if they want to at all). I never EVER offer the back of my hand (as seems to be a common practice). You never really know a dogs past at this point and they could have been hit with a hand. You are encroaching into the dogs space also.Finally as mentioned, dogs just ‘hang with me’ at their owners home. The last signal as part of this, was them coming up and nudging me for a pat. I was accepted, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural and Training Blog at www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz or visit your local bookstore for my book with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you :-) 28.08.2021 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Tension and Anxiety. Covid 19. Your dog feeds off your emotions and intent in situations. As well and quite logically, your dogs behaviour affects you. Be it through the frustration at chewed up new sunglasses or perhaps sadness and anxiety when they too are exhibiting these emotions. This point is something to think about in the current times. You get what you reflect.Also, pent up energy can increase tension and anxiety - manifesting in nervous behaviour.For both your dog and yourself, get out and walk.Many owners are underestimating the requirements in this area. For a healthy dog, of every breed, I would be recommending two walks per day. The length of each walk would then vary.* As a general rule, a large adult dog, 2 X 1 hr (minimum), medium sized adult 2 X 45 minutes and an adult small breed 2 X 25 minutes. *Taking your dog for a run for one of these sessions would then shorten the required time of this session.Now, I know a look of shock will be on some of your faces with the above recommendations, it’s important to look to those numbers as times to aim for, but that with pent-up energy behavioural issues will be made worse. There is more stimulation (experiencing different sights, smells etc.) when you break up the day with two walks and this approach also burns more energy than a single big, less intense one. Throwing a ball or Frisbee does not calm the mind of a dog, these activities hype the dog up and we want a calm, more stable energy. Most certainly do these activities but they should not really make up the bulk of your exercise regime with your dog.At the end of the day regardless of what is happening in the world, our dogs don’t dwell. Dogs live in the now and I think it would be great to live a bit more like that, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions going forward, look for my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood' it's out now! 21.08.21 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs and Covid Lockdown Going back into lockdown, it may feel like we're back in the twilight zone and your dogs will also be feeling things have changed.I'm sure you will be quick to notice the increase in both people and dogs out walking in these times, exercising and seeking respite from the confines of home. I’ve learnt that some of these people don’t normally walk and for some of these dogs, they don’t normally get out either (son I am very pleased they are having these experiences). With this though, we encounter more excitable, ‘pully’ dogs on the lead and also people that are aversive to dogs getting some fresh air in (it does appear to be this, as opposed to the two metre rule practice). These examples feed into my philosophy that you get what you reflect with dog behaviour, and so when your dogs ‘interact’ (even at a distance - where a dogs vision is best) with these dogs and people, their behaviour will alter. This intense behaviour is viewed as unstable. Dogs do not nurture instability.More dogs are being kept on their leads to avoid contact with other dogs and humans. Depending on the intensity and duration of the walk, you may want to increase it's length, as often off lead romps as part of a walk increase energy expenditure.If you take your dogs off lead, watch out for cuing during this time, when you put them back on lead around people and other dogs to avoid exposure. We do not want people and other dog's to become part of a negative (from your dog perspective - 'I get put on a lead around these creatures)When you put your dog back on their lead after a recall/’Come,’ try if you can, to leave the lead slightly long enough for slack. If you have the lead too short and tight each time after you get your dog back in, a negative association can form with coming back to you and being put on the lead - because your dog has lost all that freedom. You can also create negative associations with people and/or dogs. Also, try not to tighten and tense up on the grip held with your dogs lead when you spot another person and dog in the distance. We've had a woman quite loudly utter an expletive and yanked her dog in when she saw us. These actions only perpetuate the signals to your dog, that yes indeed there must be something off with that group if we are to react this way.I know, it’s all rather a lot but that’s why we go out and have a walk in the sunshine with our furry mates. It is still my most favourite part of the day, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. Going forward, why not look for my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood' it's out now!
Here is some useful advice in regards to children and dogs interacting.- Children are more likely to be attacked by a dog they know. Supervision is key, do not be complacent, dogs are not fluffy babysitters. [Read More…]
27.03.2021
hewing, Destructive Behaviour -Interestingly, it has been shown that a dog’s endorphin levels increase when chewing (they get 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…]
12.03.2021
There are good and not so good ways of doing things right?Some examples I can think of in the dog training world that are happening right now include -Teaching the ‘Sit’ by applying pressure around/on the rear end of your dog, whilst saying “Sit.”You do not need to, nor should you, physically touch your dog to train a sit in my opinion as 1. You will not always be close by to cue this action. [Read More…]
27.02.2021
Small Dogs -Do your small dog (and yourself) a favor and don’t ‘bubble wrap’ them.It’s best not to pick your small dog up all the time or fear socializing them out of worry of them getting hurt. Your dog will not develop the social skills needed to be great friends with their larger counterparts. [Read More…]
29.01.2021
Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog- Your pup is comfortable being contained and left alone (containment will possibly be required for at least veterinary care). The crate is not a cruel cage but a den-like environment (dog’s are naturally den-dwelling) especially when you partially cover it with a sheet in Summer or with a blanket in Winter.- Your pup can rest and ‘be in quiet’ (are not always go, go, go or sleeping with one ear, or one eye open.)- A vet check of your pup (possibly when you get your vaccinations) has determined no medical condition is causing undue stress on your companion that could be affecting their behaviour. [Read More…]
19.12.2020
Tis’ the Season!Christmas can be quite a stressful time of year for your beloved dogs as well .There can be extra people in your home with guests visiting (and possibly the shrill coming from ‘little people’) lots of exciting wrapping paper mountains, flashing lights and in general a lot more ‘buzz’ around. [Read More…]
11.12.2020
With this being the season of family gatherings -Let’s look at your dog’s stealing food from the table.Dogs steal food because -- Food has been given to them when they are begging at the table and they are coming back for more.- Your dog is bored - make sure they are getting out and and about exercising and have sufficient mental stimulation. [Read More…]
04.12.2020
There is a lot of stress around at the moment and this can be affecting your dog also.Signs of Stress in Dogs -There are many different signs that your dog can be showing that he or she are a bit stressed. *Importantly, when checking through the list below, it is still about the big picture and that it is always advisable to undertake a thorough Veterinary examination to rule out an medical issue. [Read More…]
14.11.2020
What is a Dog Behavioural Consultant?Dog Behavioural Consultant’s help dogs in a very holistic way. We look at the environment, the people and other animals that your dog is interacting with, as well as the particular set of circumstances you are facing. [Read More…]
Admin - 08:58:41 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips
01.08.2020
Your pack includes all dogs residing and interacting on the property (for example a flatting situation and dogs are interacting this way).There is the potential for problems if there are different rules and boundaries for one dog - they may be allowed inside for example and another is not.You can have a real impact on the social dynamic of the entire pack, with how you are interacting with all individually, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
Admin - 07:39:12 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips
04.04.2020
Although this all feels like an alternate reality for you, your dogs will also be feeling things have changed.It is hard not to notice the increase in both people and dogs out walking in these times, exercising and seeking respite from the confines of home. I’ve learnt that some of these people don’t normally walk and for some of these dogs they don’t normally get out either (I am very pleased they are having these experiences). [Read More…]
14.03.2020
Consistency -Quite simply and perhaps obviously (or maybe not so obviously?) dogs brains do not think like ours.Is your family all using the same word for a command?If Mum is saying ‘Bella* come!’and Dad is saying ‘Here!’ This can be a confusing situation for your dog. [Read More…]
18.01.2020
Adult Dog Mouthing & Nipping -With this situation, the adult dogs in question have probably never learned to suppress this ‘antisocial’ behaviour during puppy hood.It’s likely they haven’t been taught to be gentle or redirected to chew toys instead.Most mouthing is normal dog behaviour. [Read More…]
29.12.2019
Remember, this sticky hot weather is affecting us all, including our dogs with their behaviour.Tiredness and irritability can be seen in our beloved pets as well as you and me, as this heat really kicks in.Listen to the signs. [Read More…]
Admin - 05:55:37 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips
16.11.2019
he dynamic of a dog to dog social interaction is perceived differently, if your dog is on the lead and other dogs are off-lead – so the off-lead dogs are accessing freedom. I have witnessed many an instance where the more ’slightly lacking in confidence’ dog, off-lead, encounters one that is on lead, then becomes a different individual altogether.The resulting reaction may be one of hostility unless you and your dog are acting relaxed. [Read More…]
02.11.2019
Fear of Noises, Guy Fawkes Prep. Part Two -- You must be the strong one.Don’t act worried about the loud bangs and squeals outside for your dog and don’t cuddle or coddle them as this can inadvertently be seen as praise for their fearful behaviour. [Read More…]
12.10.2019
Ask for ‘tricks’ to be performed at this ’stressful’ time. Shower your dog with praise and affection and some treats if the ‘trick’ is worthy when performed. The ‘trick’ is what you are praising for, not any reaction. [Read More…]
21.06.2019
If your dog does not initially respond to a command, do not repeat the same command again and again (unless for the ‘Recall’/'Come’ or ‘Stay’). This sends the message to your four legged friend that 2-3 repetitions are what the command is made up of.Be patient, you can say your dogs name, but then wait. Also, we can call it nagging to a dog as well ;-) Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
28.02.2019
The earlier a problem is identified, the easier it is to change.The longer you leave that ‘troublesome niggle,’ the more your dog is practicing a behaviour that will need to be reversed or redirected…An example of this early identification is with food aggression. [Read More…]
05.07.2018
‘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…]
25.06.2018
It may seem an odd question but what are you not noticing?I come across many owners that repeatedly, are very much encouraging the behaviour they do not want.An example of this is when sitting down and absorbed in conversation, their dog waltz’s along, jumps up and gets a lovely pat or scratch around the ears. [Read More…]
20.05.2018
Watch out for bribery!Do not show your dog the precious treat (or other reward) you have in your hand to try to get them to undertake the command you are wanting.Treats and other rewards should be given IMMEDIATELY AFTER the desired behaviour has been performed, for a few repetions (say 10 times max) but then reduced to a random schedule. [Read More…]
20.04.2018
*Put some small dog biscuits into a used plastic food or drink bottle with the lid off (such as a juice bottle). It usually takes dogs a while to roll the biscuits out.
*Scatter feed part or all of your dogs meal. [Read More…]
Admin - 11:37:12 @ Puppies, Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, Entertainment for your dog
16.04.2018
Insert a few minutes into your day for Hide and Seek/training with your dog (yes training can be built into your day also).This is mentally enriching for your dog, a fun way to work on ‘Obedience Commands’ and simply great for your relationship.
I truly enjoy playing Hide and Seek or ‘Sit, Stay, Come’ with our dog Trev. [Read More…]
Admin - 07:38:27 @ Puppies, Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, General Training, Entertainment for your dog
09.04.2018
I’m happy using extendable leads when walking dogs.It’s ok for your dog to walk in front of you (think a sled dog team with a musher) but not if your dog is pulling*.*Pulling is trying to get you to go in the direction your dog wants to go and as such is an attempt to lead you. [Read More…]
11.03.2018
A tip, when out walking, observe other ‘owners’.I tend to assess the ‘owner’ of the other dog as part of judging the possible state of mind of the other dog.If the owner is waving his or her arms around, looking stressed or aggressive, the situation with their dog can then be combustible. [Read More…]
01.02.2018
Remember, this stinking hot weather is affecting us all, including our dogs with their behaviour.Tiredness and irritability can be seen in our beloved pets as well as you and me, as this heat really kicks in.Listen to the signs. [Read More…]
13.12.2017
Christmas Time -This time of year can be quite a stressful one for your beloved dogs as well as yourselves. There can be extra people in the house with guests visiting (and possibly the shrill coming from ‘little people’), lots of exciting wrapping paper mountains, flashing lights and just in general a lot more ‘buzz’ around. We humans refer to it as ‘the Christmas Rush’. [Read More…]
Admin - 13:58:20 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips
04.12.2017
This is the time of year when people do consider giving puppies as gifts -An interesting point to note however, is that natural pack rank starts to be displayed from about week three of age and this rank is the dogs innate rank for life. Pups are adopted out to new and varied packs and thus new and varied ‘owners’ but natural pack rank will still be present and always plays a factor in training (for the first and all homes the dog lives in over it’s life).Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.
22.09.2017
How much walking would you recommend for my dog?Usually a lot more than you think.For a healthy dog, of every breed, I would be recommending two walks per day. [Read More…]
Admin - 16:55:05 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips
Dog Training and the tired dog? Hungry Dog? Nipping, Biting 26.06.2017
I find, including with our own very young Border Terrier Trev, when your pup or even older dog is either getting tired or hungry he or she is more likely to engage in ‘naughty’ behaviour (sounds familiar human parents?!) But this behaviour can even be really hyper active looking in nature - like nipping and jumping to gain your attention. My advice is to ensure your dog has it’s regular feed schedule and somewhere to calm down and rest quietly and is being encouraged by all to do so. Has your dog just had enough for now, are they knackered?Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.
28.11.2016
Do your research about breed or perceived breed mix. If you can do this before getting your dog this is ideal but afterwards is helpful too. You want to look at what the dog needs in terms of mental stimulation and exercise for example. [Read More…]
© Dogs Best Friend Limited N.Z.2024. Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.