all, Puppies, Leadership and Dominance in Dog Training, Guy Fawkes and similar stressors for dogs, Separation Anxiety, 'Walking the Dog' and all associated..., Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, Mental StimulationPreventing 'Fixation'/'Obsession', With Cats..., General Training, 'Obedience' Type Command Instruction, Safety Around Dogs, A Good Dog Behavioural Consultant/Dog Behaviourist, The problem with gadgets in effective dog training, Stress in Dogs, Reactionary Behaviour, Aggression, Embarrassing antics our dogs get up to..., 'Tis the Season', Visitors and your Dog, Vocalization, Strangers, Issues with Food, Cars/Vehicles and your Dog, Why does my dog?
Dog's - General Training
20.09.24Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Stopping pulling on the lead in a multi-dog household.Walking with more than one dog -Different lead lengths can be beneficial to stop pulling when you are walking multiple dogs ... Your multi dog household's hierarchy can affect the position they want to be in when out walking on the lead. Trying to stick to your idea around where an individual should walk may actually be adding to your frustrations. With this, IT IS OK FOR YOUR DOG TO BE OUT IN FRONT OF YOU when out walking on the lead. They simply should not be pulling on that lead (trying to get you to go in the direction they want to go). The lead should be fairly loose. Think about a musher and sled-dog team and the control that they have at the end of the sled.You can start your walk by scattering some food about the place for your dogs to find. This snuffling activity is in an attempt to help take some of the edge off their energy.As for other tips to help ease pulling on the lead -Start the walk as you want it to continue. Your dogs should be relatively calm (any dog is going to have a raised level of energy and excitement at the start of a walk). Do not let them get over excited again, even if you must wait. Once out the door -You can become unpredictable on your walks. Your dogs will have to listen to you, so that they know where they're going. They will never know when you are going to turn or where you're off to next. Heartily praise/treat your dogs when reacting well and staying close. You can also praise and perhaps reward eye contact or interaction on the lead (putting a 'Watch' command to this too). Your dogs will be encouraged to watch you. Anticipate distractions and praise your dogs upon them successfully walking by these. 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🐾
19.07.24
Dog 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 🐾
27.04.24
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Dogs jumping up on people.Dogs jumping up on people -
Firstly, always give your dog the opportunity to ‘Do Good’ and ask for a ‘Sit.’ In the early stages of training, you could reward your dog every time for sitting, then gradually introduce random rewards but praise every time.Voices should not be raised or arms moving around as both will stimulate your dog more. With this, ask visitors to fold their arms and turn around away from your dog. Pushing a dog down/away often ends up creating a rebound effect, with the dog coming back to get this attention. If the problem is persisting or is very intense, you could try one of these two options –Using an obliging visitor - the instant your dog begins jumping, get your visitor to silently turn around and walk away. Ideally they avoid making eye contact.The visitor then waits, still facing the other way until your dog has calmed down. They then about turn and try again with their approach. This can be repeated until your dog has stopped their jumping (usually this process takes mere minutes).Your dog is trying to gain attention, so if you reward them with this - even the odd time, you are then encouraging the behaviour.Now, you can also use short periods of ‘Time Out’ for intense jumpers. This just means, as soon as you witness your dog jump up (a single jump is enough) immediately isolate them for just a few minutes - paying them no attention while they are away; no ‘growling’ and avoiding eye contact if they can see you. *However, do not let your dog out if they are barking or whining etc. otherwise these behaviours become the ‘push button,’ ‘I’ll get let out if I do these things….’ If you bring your dog out and they jump up once more, immediately take them away again for the few minutes. This process is repeated until your dogs jumping ceases. Your dog needs to learn this consequence to action and it usually comes about at a speedy rate if done consistently, 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 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.
16.03.24
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. The training experience for your dog- Are you being realistic of what you're 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 instead, you really want to be appealing. - 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' or ‘Stay’ which are happening over time) This sends the message to your four legged friend that 2-3 repetitions 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 & 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.
24.02.24Dog 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..
25.11.23Dog 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 🙂
04.11.23
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Dog training and behaviour can be about the subtleties in a situation …Dog training and behaviour can be about the subtleties in a situation …
An example that can happen and be accumulative in nature, is from 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, 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 need) or vary the length here upon return.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 their is indeed a problem with the situation, beware of this, 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 :-)
02.09.23Dog Training. Dogs jumping up on cars.Firstly, you could calmly and firmly ask your dog for the 'Sit' (you could even keep a few treats in the car and reward initially every time and then move to a random schedule when your dog really does Sit here). If someone is on the outside of the car, perhaps they could manage your dog by not letting them greet you until they are 'relatively calm' (certainly this may need to be on a lead). If your dog is not listening to the Sit, make sure you're keeping the situation boring - no eye contact, no talking to them and be consistent with this. Only give your dog attention once they have calmed (any time this does not occur will keep the problem reoccurring). You may instead, want to train a place command like 'Mat,' to send your dog off away from the vehicle traffic area. Send your dog here and have them 'Stay' until you release them (with say an 'Ok, 'Come') Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural advice, tips and suggestions, why not visit my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page or check out my book with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
03.06.23
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Appeasement/Calming Gestures in Dogs
Do you know dogs can use appeasement/calming gestures when they are 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, 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 are 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 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 🙂
19.11.22Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Training dog's consistently.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.Don’t expect Bella/*insert name to know just 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 ‘Down’ is used for lie down and can be to get off the sofa. Have a think about your situation, 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 🙂
05.02.22
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Don't be a nag ...
Now this can be really hard to do initially until your really get into the habit of it, but…Do not keep repeating a command - this sends the message to your dog that 2-3 repetitions are what the command is made up of, what needs to be heard. Also, why would your dog ever feel the need to do the ‘Command’ the first time, if you're going to nag about it - repeating it multiple times? To your dog there’s always next time… Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and 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.
04.12.21Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. I do not teach a 'Heel'.Why?I have no issue at all with a dog walking in front of me when out on the lead, they simply should not be pulling (thus trying to get me to go in the direction they want to go). The lead should be fairly loose. I keep this at medium length. Not too long that I have to bring it in frequently to avoid obstacles but also, not a lead length that is a restriction and 'pressure to fight against' for the dog. The more restriction you place on them, the more dogs seem to pull, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
02.10.21
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Old Dogs, New Tricks
In my experience in this consultancy, old dogs can most definitely learn new behaviours and tricks.With this, a slightly different approach may be needed to accomodate learning changes with a senior dog. More repetition may be required and consistency of effort is of even greater importance when training this group.It is also important to be realistic about your dog's physical ability and wellbeing.Taking all these things into account, I believe teaching new and varied things to senior animals should be undertaken to enrich their lives, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. Why not head into your local bookstore for a copy of my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🙂
Pulling on the Lead -Firstly, it is ok for your dog to be walking in front of you when out lead walking. They simply should not be pulling on that lead (trying to get you to go in the direction they want to go) the lead should be fairly loose. Think about a musher and sled-dog team and the control that they have at the end of the sled. [Read More…]
Admin - 09:10:25 @ Puppies, General Training
09.01.2021
Firstly, do not play any games with your dog that involve putting your hands into their mouth, chasing them, or allowing them to jump all over you.Never alpha roll (forcefully rolling your dog onto their back) or scruff, as these can lead to a fear of hands and so hand biting.If your dog is being mouthy, start with a stern “Bah!!” vocalization and get up and walk away. [Read More…]
Admin - 08:35:58 @ Puppies, General Training
08.07.2020
Did you know many dog owners inadvertently train the opposite of what they want their dog to do?It all comes down to timing.An example of this is the ‘Off,’ for ‘Off the furniture.’Be aware of how you give the command for off the furniture. [Read More…]
Admin - 05:11:45 @ General Training, 'Obedience' Type Command Instruction
30.05.2020
Toileting Inside!Firstly, I would suggest trying to follow a regular exercise and feeding schedule (but providing water at all times).Also, when taking your dog out for a wee, if he or she doesn’t go within 5 minutes or so, bring them back in and confine them to a ’safe area’, then 15 minutes later take them back out to the same area. [Read More…]
Admin - 08:20:28 @ Puppies, General Training
11.01.2020
Digging -There can be many different reasons for this type of behaviour.Boredom, Separation Anxiety, breed inclination (although I personally have found enrichment and exercise are key here with our Border Terriers) and simple exploratory puppy play to name but a few.However, if you do happen to catch your dog digging, you can use a “Bah!!” coupled with a clap or shake a plastic bottle with pebbles in it (down by your side) to get their attention. [Read More…]
Admin - 08:47:37 @ Puppies, Separation Anxiety, General Training
21.09.2018
Teaching the command ‘Watch’ or ‘Look’ to gain your dogs attention!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 or fun toy. [Read More…]
Admin - 04:40:23 @ Puppies, General Training, 'Obedience' Type Command Instruction, Reactionary Behaviour
30.07.2018
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…]
Admin - 10:11:02 @ Puppies, General Training
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…]
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…]
Admin - 16:46:20 @ Puppies, Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, General Training
31.03.2018
Do you or someone you know get ‘hangry’? It seems like a popular term these days, referring to feeling hungry and grumpy because of such hunger.Well my point is that, just like with us (and all animals really) a dogs behaviour is reactive to their needs. [Read More…]
Admin - 15:27:25 @ Puppies, General Training
04.02.2018
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 and another is not. [Read More…]
Admin - 18:38:55 @ Puppies, Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, General Training
A couple of tips for you..-To your dog, the word “No” is far less effective than the guttural growling sound of “Bah!” or “Ahh!” usually, when a negative behaviour has JUST occurred.
- On a different note, a good time to have a short training session, I find, is after a walk. Not a marathon mind you ;-) Your dog’s pent-up energy has been released and their mind is more calm and focused,Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.
- On a different note, a good time to have a short training session, I find, is after a walk. Not a marathon mind you ;-) Your dog’s pent-up energy has been released and their mind is more calm and focused,Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Dogs Best Friend.
Admin - 04:54:04 @ General Training
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.
Admin - 12:20:36 @ Puppies, Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, General Training
20.11.2017
What is really your dogs rewarding factor?It’s important to get to know your dog and utilize and understand that there are different and sometimes overlapping motivating factors that are viewed as rewards by individual dogs.Not all Labs are food motivated (yes I have met some) I know, shock horror. [Read More…]
Admin - 18:02:16 @ General Training
16.10.2017
Walk the perimeter of your property with your dog at least on the daily…A couple of good reasons for this…* Even if owners had a ‘glorious looking large section’ I have found from a great number of clients that their dogs wait to go off and ‘play’, or utilize the section, until their owners get home. [Read More…]
Admin - 07:36:32 @ 'Walking the Dog' and all associated..., General Training, Vocalization
12.06.2017
What are you really encouraging?Make sure you are not inadvertently encouraging your dogs reactionary behaviour.If you are giving your dog treats while your dog is being ‘reactive’(growling, barking etc.) in an attempt to distract or ‘create a positive association’ with the people or animals your dog is reacting to, you may in fact be rewarding and encouraging that reactionary behaviour.Instead, only reward AFTER your has behaved in a more positive way and is ‘relatively’ calm,
Admin - 06:55:33 @ General Training, Reactionary Behaviour, Vocalization
25.02.2017
‘You can’t have your cake and eat it too!’With dog training, you cannot pick and choose what you do off a Behavioural Modification Plan.Training your dog is like looking at a landscape shot, not a portrait - encompassing your dog and his or her environment.Your dog needs to look at all the information in his or her training photo/picture for it to make real sense to them.This is also for you to get the results you desire :-)
Admin - 06:55:26 @ General Training
Focus on the positive with your dog.When you’re interacting with your dog, why not make it your task to really take note of their behaviour and actions and then praise them (where appropriate ;-))It is so important to observe, acknowledge and praise those behaviours we want our dogs to repeat.As it is with life, it is with dog training, that what we focus on gets repeated and ‘grows’ so if we want an action performed again, it at the least needs to be acknowledged. [Read More…]
Admin - 16:47:02 @ General Training
I am a firm believer that the greatest teachers on dog behaviour are the dogs themselves so our greatest learning will come from our direct interaction with them. This is your greatest study,Selina.
Admin - 16:20:17 @ General Training
© 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.