Puppy Behaviour
Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.
08.02.25
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Your pup is a young animal. The expectations we place on our puppies.
From my experience in this consultancy, owners very often forget their pup is a young animal (especially if they have a large breed individual - members of the public can pass judgement here too).Yes, it's good to 'start off on the right foot,' do your research and look to manage behaviours appropriately, but you can do your pup a disservice and cause yourself unnecessary angst, if you're trying to get your pup to 'run before they can walk.' There needs to be some leeway for pups to be allowed to be just that, pups. After all, an ADULT dogs mental abilities are close to that of a human child aged 2 to 2.5 years.I feel we are pressuring our young dog's (and actually our young kids also) too much, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & 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 🐾
02.02.25
Dog Behaviour. It can be easy to forget the obvious with your pups/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, Trainer & Author, 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 🐾
25.01.25
Dog Behaviour.
Did your young dogs fear seem to come out of nowhere? Let’s talk ‘Fear Impact Periods’... Fear Impact Periods in dogs-
In general, the more independence a dog achieves with maturity, the more cautious they become about the unfamiliar. This change is thought to be as part of preparation for individuals to become functioning hunters in the pack (and you don't just wander up casually to that big animal do you?) During these distinct periods, dogs may become fearful of situations they once appeared to be accepting of, finding things more threatening.We’ll start with the second fear impact period as this is when you are likely to bring your pup home;The Second Impact Period —From approximately eight to ten weeks of age. Also called the ‘fear of situations period.’ During the Second Fear Impact Period it is important to avoid exposing your puppy to traumatic experiences (a long, winding car journey or air freighting your puppy for instance).The Third Fear Impact Period —Six to fourteen months. This is not so much one continuous period as a series of short periods, popping up every once in a while.This fear period is related to sexual maturity and growth spurts. Because of this, it usually occurs later in large breeds (who reach maturity later). Reactivity increases during this time. Territorial behaviour may show itself because strangers are potential threats to the fearful dog, particularly on the home property. In this period in the wild dogs are permitted to go hunting. During this time it is important to stay with the pack for safety. The puppy learns to run away if something unknown approaches them.Also during this period an owner may be dealing with a dog barking, lunging and pulling on their lead. You can see why owners get worried about their dogs behaviour around this time.There is a Fourth Fear Impact Period in early adulthood. This is where levels of aggression may increase as well as protectiveness and territoriality.With these periods, as with the management of fear generally, you can get what you reflect, so it is important to act calm (yes you may be acting). For example, do not put tension on your dogs lead around other dogs or children, and try not to tense up yourself.The key here is to build confidence in your canine companion. Don’t force situations upon them but don't ‘bubble wrap’ them either - let them explore and praise this effort, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, 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 🐾
11.01.25
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. The Crate. Crate Training your pup or adult dog.
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) and will be what is used to house your companion at least at a clinic stay, if your dog requires this.When purchasing your crate, the concept is not about the more room the better. Be sure to buy one just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around comfortably and lay down in. 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!! It can be good to undertake crate training when your dog has been fed and is tired (this encourages a dog to den). You can feed meals in the crate without closing the door. You could throw a few treats inside the open crate. If your dog goes in, settles and looks comfortable, begin closing the door for a few seconds at a time. Gradually build up the duration. Perhaps you don’t increase the time for a few times in a row but then once you get to a few minutes you can increase by around five minutes at a time, then ten and fifteen minutes as your dog gets used to the crate. You could even spread some peanut butter (non-xylitol containing – many NZ peanut butters) or cream cheese on the back of the crate and your dog can be temporarily occupied while licking it off. Give your dog fun, mentally stimulating toys inside the crate and super tasty treats that maybe they do not get elsewhere.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 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 🐾
03.01.25
Dog Behaviour. Puppy Behaviour. The Critical Socialization Period, part of setting your dog up with a positive outlook for life.
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 can even use doggy trolley’s or a push chair - 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, 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 & 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 🐾
07.12.24
Dog Behaviour. Dogs weeing when they greet visitors.
With visitors coming and going at this time of year I thought it might be helpful to discuss, ‘Dogs weeing when greeting visitors…’Yes yes this may be a tad embarrassing for you the owner butthis can be submissive or excitement urination from your dog.For this issue, PUNISHMENT WILL MAKE THIS WORSE NOT BETTER!Excitement Urination - It’s like, ‘I’m so excited I peed my pants!’Excitement urination is seen particularly in young dogs who haven’t developed their muscle control, so gets better over time. Take your pup for more frequent walks to empty their bladder and try to always greet your dog calmly or not until they calm down. Then if needed, clean up their mess and ignore the action.Submissive Urination -Again this is more common in young and also female dogs but your dog will be showing what are called ‘appeasement’ signs - a lowered body, flattened ears, rolling over, as well as licking and looking away. It is good to approach these dogs from the side and in a quieter, gentler way.Again if urination does happen, do not react verbally or physically, just calmly clean up the mess if need be, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog 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,' thank you.
26.10.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs biting onto their leads.Dog’s biting their leads when walking -Firstly, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Biting at the lead can be a way for dog to release excess energy or stress. Your dog then has a tug toy going with them out into the world! As well, avoid tugging the lead out of their mouth as this will only create a fun resistance game. High energy, playful dogs who have a hard time when they’re overwhelmed, are most likely to undertake this behaviour. The more intense the situation and the more worked up they are, the more likely lead biting will occur. Some dogs have learnt to bite the lead to gain attention so be aware of your behaviour around this. You can undertake the ‘Watch’ command to focus your dog’s attention back on you (the ‘Watch’ is to watch your eyes) and reward for this behaviour. Or extend on this, stopping and asking for multiple commands to be performed. Or you could try, immediately halting your walk as soon as your dog connects with the lead. Turn away, giving them no attention, loosening the lead (whilst at the same time taking away the walk) until mouthing stops. Take a step forward again, but repeat the process if your dog connects with the lead, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog 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,' thank you.
18.05.24
Dog Behaviour. 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) 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,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you 🐾
03.02.24
Dog training. Dog Behaviour.
Nipping and biting in puppies -Firstly, if you're finding this an issue, do not play any games with your pup that involve putting your hands into their mouth, chasing them, or allowing them to jump all over you, the energy level here gets too high.Never alpha roll (forcefully rolling onto the back) or scruff your pup, as these actions can lead to a fear of hands and so hand biting in defence.If your pup is being mouthy, start with a stern “Bah!!” vocalization and get up and walk away. Ignore them until they too walk away (your dog is not getting what they want – attention - so the action will quickly lose its value).Pushing your dog away will often reinforce the behaviour as they can see this as a game (and attention can be attention to a dog).You can try controlling your pup on a lead and then rewarding ‘calm’ behaviour.You can also use short periods of ‘Time Out’ for ‘Intense Mouthers or Nippers.’Time Out -Ideally use a bathroom or the laundry for time out, here there is little stimuli and usually less to chew on for your pup. These area’s being smaller, are more snuggly like a den (and dogs are den dwellers). We try to keep a crate as positive as possible. If the great majority of the time this is the case and you don’t have anywhere else suitable for time out, you could still use this.Time out just means, as soon as your dog begins mouthing or nipping, 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.Do not let your dog out if they are barking, scratching, or whining, 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 behave negatively once more, immediately take them away again for the few minutes. This process is repeated until the mouthing/nipping behaviour ceases from your pup. Your dog needs to learn this consequence to action and it usually comes about at a speedy rate if done consistently. *Timeout use is also a great tactic for an intense jumper of a dog, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural 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.
20.01.24
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Puppies Chewing. Destructive behaviour of pups.
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).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 is 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 & behavioural 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.
08.07.23
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. The importance of timing when training your dog.
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. To teach ‘Off,’ off must be said extremely quickly, the second your dogs feet are all off the object or all on the ground (a very small window of time). Whilst it is important not to wait with this command it is also important not to say it too early otherwise, the word “Off” is associated by your dog with being ON the furniture.This principle applies with commands like “Quiet” too. Where your dog should actually be being quiet, at the time the word “Quiet” is said, Selina McIntyre, Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural 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 :-)
Dog behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs whining.
Whining can be occurring because of -- Attention seeking (to get treats, toys etc. from you)- Excitement - when your dog is greeting you- Appeasement (wanting to pacify or avoid conflict).With this, your dogs tail will be often tucked in under their body, which is lowered, with their head down also and eyes averted.- Separation Anxiety- Other anxiety or stress. This whining is often involuntary.- Injury or medical condition causing pain or discomfort.If you notice your dog whining frequently or suddenly starting, take him or her to the vet to get to the bottom of this.Appeasement Whining -This is a normal canine behaviour but it is also good to build your dogs confidence.Use reward based training as opposed to aversion methods and play fun games. Intimidating your dog will only decrease his or her confidence.Excitement/Greeting Whining -Keep greetings as calm and short as possible. Pat your dog only when he or she is less excited. Maybe ask for a ‘Sit’ or another ‘calm behaviour’ to be performed.Anxious Whining -It is important that the cause of the anxiety is addressed.Anxious whining is usually accompanied by other nervous behaviours such as pacing, circling and licking. The anxious dog seems to have trouble controlling their whining.Attention-Seeking Whining -Are you inadvertently reinforcing this?Any attention is encouraging the behaviour (eye contact, touch - patting, talking - growling included. As well; letting your dog out of their crate when whining, or you coming back through the door when your dog is being noisy, it’s like, “Hey you! You’ve come to say hello!!!” (Or letting them in).Instead, turn around away or completely ignore your dog. Teach them that they must be quiet before they get any attention, treats or have any playtime, 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.
07.07.23
Dog Behaviour. 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.- ‘Well balanced’ should ultimately include your pup not displaying reactionary behaviour, including undue fear based behaviour and aggression towards humans, other animals and objects. A big part of this comes from proper and sufficient socialization in the Critical Socialization Period (0 - 16 weeks of age) 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 :-)
Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Consistency when training your dog.
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’ is a common complaint I get 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). 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 training and behavioural 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.
Dog Training. Command Training. Are you a nag?
Do not keep repeating a command.Like “Sit, sit….sit.”This sends the message to your dog that 2-3 repetitions for instance, are what the command is made up of.When you ask them to do something make sure you can get them to do it (of their own accord - not pushing their bottom down for a ‘Sit’ for example - this is not really them undertaking the task is it) otherwise your dog will learn they simply do not have to.You can try to structure the situation so that you will get the response. *For example a ‘Sit’ is more likely to be performed with your dog walked back into a corner.However, in the odd situation where it’s just not going to be practical, it may be best not to ask for the command in the first place, to save ‘losing face’, it’s those ‘perfect storm’ bad training type situations, you’ll will know when… 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 :-)
06.07.23
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Treat every experience for your dog 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.The owner 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 from that dog).We had an encounter recently 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!” Staying calm (and our dogs sitting while she walked by), instead we had a wonderful interaction and play with the third dog we met.Act calm 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 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 :-)
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs weeing when greeting visitors
‘Dogs weeing when greeting visitors…’Yes yes this may be a tad embarrassing for you the owner butthis can be Submissive or Excitement Urination.For this issue, PUNISHMENT WILL MAKE THIS WORSE NOT BETTER!Excitement Urination - It’s like, ‘I’m so excited I peed my pants!’Excitement urination is seen particularly in young dogs who haven’t developed their muscle control, so gets better over time. Take your pup for more frequent walks to empty his or her bladder. Try to always greet your dog calmly or not until they calm down.Clean up their mess and ignore the action.Submissive Urination -Again more common in young and also female dogs but also your young dog will be showing what are called ‘Appeasement’ signs - Lowered body - flattened ears, rolling over as well as licking and looking away. It is good to approach these dogs in a quieter, gentler way and from the side.Again, if urination does happen, do not react verbally or physically, just calmly clean up the mess if need be, 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.
13.06.23
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The good and the not so good ways of doing things in dog training ...
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. 2. Your dog is not then necessarily undertaking the ‘Sit’- you are manipulating his or her body.3. 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 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, no touch cue is needed once taught 🙂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 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.
Dog Behaviour. Dog 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.All too often in this business the ‘problems’ become consuming to the owners at the point when they come to me but usually there is already much positive that needs to be acknowledged.Focus on the positive, what you focus on grows :-) 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.
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Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.