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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Reactionary Behaviour In Dogs
17.11.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs Chasing. Chasing can become quite the obsession (particularly as the act encourages adrenaline production) think chasing cats, cars - these too can ‘run away’ swiftly allowing the perfect chance for a good fast chase for your dog! Even fixation on torch lights etc. can create a chase. Your dog can become more interested in chasing than in actually catching the object. It becomes quite the game BUT in the process, your dog can accidentally cause harm to themselves, property, or the poor bystander caught in the middle as they are on their mission.So where possible, in front of the ‘arousing stimulus’ get your dog to undertake some distracting tasks, that they can also be rewarded for (if your dog wont take the normally tasty reward or even think of performing these commands - you must move further away from the animal/object). These commands could be a mini recall, into a ‘Hand touch’, then a ‘Leave'/back' etc as examples. You can build on these over time too.With this training, we are now making a positive association with the situation also.If an intense chase drive is not channelled into acceptable play with toys, including short stints of Fetch for example (remembering that this activity does work a dogs brain up with adrenaline production) and as I have mentioned before, your dog loves play that includes you best of all, as well as sufficient exercise in general (including mental exercise/stimulation) - a good walk produces the calming chemical serotonin - to burn off pent up energy, behavioural issues can develop, interestingly tail chasing among the list … 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 book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 13.09.24 Dog Behaviour. The antisocial dog. 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 & 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. 27.07.24 Dog 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. 12.07.24 Dog 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. 04.05.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The best form of exercise for your dogs brainDo you chuck and chuck a ball or stick etc. but your dog seems to excitedly just want more and more? This is because the act of the chase produces the ‘excitable’ hormone adrenaline. A calm, more stable energy is beneficial. With this, the walk produces more of the calming , ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin, so it's best walking 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 & 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. 13.01.24Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Did your young dogs fear seem to come out of nowhere? Let’s talk ‘Fear Impact Periods’…Fear Impact Periods -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 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. 03.01.24 Dog 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,' as well, check out https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/ for some online dog behaviour training, thank you. 29.07.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Signs of stress in dogs.These are some common signs of stress in dogs (some of which may surprise you)*Hyperactive behaviour*Being on the ‘look out’ all the time*Eyeballing you and you being able to see a lot of white of your dogs eyes - this is potentially a sign of a high level of stress.*Your dog finding it difficult to sleep or relax*Howling, whining or barking when left alone*Lots of panting, even when it is not hot or your dog has not been exercised*Excessive salivation/drooling*Chasing and barking at birds, cars, fence running/pacing*Obsessive behaviour* Excessive digging* Excessive chewing of toys, furniture etc.* Excessive licking - objects or themselves.Other signs may be specific to your dog, I always say, you know your dog best. If something feels ‘off’ please seek help for your beloved companion, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with Harpercollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you. 18.06.23Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. Teaching the 'Watch' or 'Look' CommandTeaching 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, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood' thank you 🙂 09.06.23 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Small Dogs 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.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' thank you 🙂 15.04.23Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The effect of the lead.The dynamic of a dog-to-dog social interaction is perceived differently, if your dog is on the lead and the other dogs are off-lead (or vice-versa) – so the off-lead dogs are accessing freedom. I have witnessed many an instance, where the slightly under confident dog that is off lead, encounters one that is on lead and then becomes a different individual altogether. The resulting situation may be one of hostility unless you and your dog are acting relaxed (yes you may be acting). From this, my advice would be to aim for your dog to be off lead, in a dog off-lead area with all the other dogs present (rather than contained on-lead, hence you would work up to going to dog-parks if you wish to use these) all provided you have a great recall to use in these environments, 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 🙂 25.02.23Dog 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 🙂 21.01.23Dog 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 🙂 17.12.22 Dog Behaviour. Children and dog's interacting With more children interacting with dogs over the holiday period, 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, they 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! Education here is key, 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 🙂 09.10.22Dog training. Dog Behaviour. Dogs and Cat's. Helping your dog and cat get along. Ensure you have worked on basic training with your dog so you know you’ll have greater control when they are around your cat/s. A great command to teach for this is the 'Leave' - where the dog steps back away from an animal or object.Training and your dog's overall behaviour benefits from sufficient mental and physical exercise every day. Pent-up energy can be put to negative behaviour, like an increased likelihood of your dog fixating on and chasing your cat, as well as an overall higher level of tension and anxiety in your four-legged companion. Look to build a positive association with the other animal. When your dog comes into the room with your cat, have cat treats handy and dispense them while your cat can see your dog. Then vice-versa, treat your dog upon them seeing your cat if they are reacting well here. Though if your dog become highly excitable, remove them from the room. Then, make sure you have high resting places where your cat can easily and safely retreat away. Have your cats food, water and litter tray if required where only they can access. If utilizing a crate for your dog, keep this away from your cat’s normal feeding/drinking/toileting/sleeping area’s and your cat’s access to the outdoors (cat door) if possible.Importantly, never punish either animal for aggressive behaviour here as a negative association can form with the other animal, 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 :-) 30.07.22Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Does your dog like to chase balls/sticks etc?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 training and behavioural 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 🙂
05.06.2021
Dog Parks and Off Lead Area’s —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. [Read More…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
20.03.2017
Reactionary behaviour can generalize itself and faster than you think.For example, your dog may be displaying a reaction to certain nationalities and a certain gender of person - (this does happen, a concept associated with socialization)- but then, they may begin to generalize this reaction to the same sex as before, but including different nationalities now, for example.My point is, your problem situation is now bigger. [Read More…]
Admin - 17:02:21 @ Reactionary Behaviour
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