Reactionary Behaviour In Dogs
07.02.26
Dog Behaviour. A dogs interactions. Don't just ask for a sit. Set your dog up to be more comfortable in an interaction with another dog or even a human ... It's best you not ask your dog for a 'Sit' or a 'Down' when they are part of a dog to dog interaction (or even some interactions with humans), especially if they are naturally more cautious/wary, or even reactive, as these positions go against the flight, of 'Flight or fight' and can make your dog feel vulnerable here. Instead, you could actively engage your dog with you, with more fluid commands - use the 'Watch'/'Look' (to gain their attention if you need - this is to look at your eyes), 'mini' recalls into hand 'Touch's' etc. 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 in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you š¾
24.01.26Dog Behaviour. Dog Training.Did your young dogs fear seem to come out of nowhere? Letās talk āFear Impact Periodsā... 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.Weāll start with the second fear impact period as this is when you are likely to bring your pup home;The Second Impact Period āFrom approximately eight to ten weeks of age. Also called the āfear of situations period.ā 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 āSix 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. Donāt force situations upon them but also don't ābubble wrapā 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 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 š¾
18.01.26
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs reacting to certain people.If your dog seems to take a particular dislike to a certain visitor (though not always, this could be part of a bigger picture, where the person resembles/reminds your dog somehow of a past negative) and barks their head off at them, rather than getting 'agro' back at them for this action, try to work on direct positive association (small tidbits of a delicious treat are dispensed for the duration or you bring play out the 'bestest' toy your dog could ever know and play with them in the vicinity) with these people and the immediate sight of them in particular. With this approach, try active training, inviting these people over if you can or at least having a conversation with them about what you're up to and have your dog far enough away to work 'under their threshold for reactivity' here - trying to intercept them before they begin their tirade (perhaps trying an "Ahh!" or "Bah!" here) and over successive visits/interactions hopefully looking to close this gap (your dogs threshold increases) 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
Dog Training. Getting your dog to focus on you. The 'Watch' me command.
The dog training command "Watch" (or some say "Look") is super useful.
(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 āWatchā as soon as they look at you (their eyes will be following the movement of the treat) then you can say, āGood dogā 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, test how training is going. With any treats hidden away, ask your dog to 'Watch,' if their eyes dart quickly to yours, you have achieved the 'Watch Command.' If your dog starts snuffling around your hands, trying to find the the treats for example, you have some more practice to do!š Though a point here, when using treats for training, these should never be completely eliminated (just dramatically reduced over time and given sporadically) 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 āWatch,' 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
22.11.25
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Watch out for cuing/signalling about a negative response in your dog ā¦Try not to dramatically shorten your dogs lead length, tighten your grip on this and tense up, when you spot another dog in the distance (this also applies to spotting other animals or people) - instead, you could have your dog on a long lead and shorten it incrementally going towards the other dog if needed, or have them permanently on a mid-length lead that you feel you have sufficient control with but that is not too restrictive (dogs fight against this pressure and an antisocial dog that cannot flee is more likely to then go into fight mode) nor should you dramatically cross the road (it would be best to walk a couple of steps towards the other dog then cross on an angle). These actions only perpetuate the signal to your dog, that yes indeed, āthere must be something offā with that ācreatureā if we are to react this way (your dog senses micro-changes in your behaviour and the fore-mentioned are rather massive shifts).Another, slightly different way to look at cuing 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 in, a negative association can form with coming back to you and being put on the lead - your dog has lost all that freedom. Also if you always put your dog back onto a short lead around a stimuli (such as other dogs) these can begin to be associated with a negative, 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
24.10.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Dogs Chasing Things.'Dog's Chasing ...' Dog's chasing can become quite the obsession (particularly as the act encourages adrenaline production) think of dog's chasing cats, cars (these too can ārun awayā 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 āarousing stimulusā 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 āHand touchā, then a āLeave'/back' etc.. 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) and a good walk produces the calming chemical serotonin - to burn off pent up energy, behavioural issues can develop, interestingly tail chasing among the list ā¦ 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
06.09.25Dog 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 a vital topic that I have to discuss with the majority of my clients.The Critical Socialization Period is the first 16 weeks of your pupās life but it affects them for their lifetime.This is when the foundation associations are made with his or her world, when your dogās ideally have nothing but neutral to positive experiences with as many different stimuli as possible; with everything from various 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 (we're talking what will your dog possibly encounter in their lifetime here). Socializing your pup during this period 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 trolleyās 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.*If your pup seems scared about what you're exposing them to then as a concept, 'immediately decrease the stimuli,' to where your pup is not responding this way - ideally they're relaxed, examples around doing this are creating distance from the animal or object, turning down the sounds playing. Then, you might not introduce this stimuli again till later that day or actually the next - at this reduced level. Then, you would be acting nonchalant and then praising or perhaps rewarding likewise behaviour in your dog if not positive interest, though really the idea is that all the stimuli become either like background noise (sometimes literally) or like part of the furniture,*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 āfamily dogā 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 regular gentle handling, exposing the pup to different sensory experiences ā different noises, textures underfoot and to nuzzle into etc, 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
24.08.25Dog Behaviour. The best exercise for your dogs brain and energy. Retrievals games? Do 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 promotes the āexcitableā hormone adrenaline's production. A calm, more stable energy is beneficial, especially in preventing fixative behaviours and reactivity to stimuli. As a concept, the more a dogs mind goes into adrenaline mode, the more readily it will go into adrenaline mode.With this, the walk promotes the calming, āfeel goodā chemical serotonin's production, so it's best walking makes up the bulk of any exercise regime with your dog, rather than say ball play (you could absolutely still play ball etc. but just limit these games to a few minutes in duration at a time, to avoid peaks in adrenaline), 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 āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
26.07.25Dog Behaviour. Pain affecting your dogs behaviour.I have recently been dealing with a very painful back injury and it got me thinking about the affect this has had on my behaviour - I have definitely been more tired and out of sorts, getting a bit short at times.Has your dog's behaviour changed rather quickly? With them suddenly being reactive for example? With this, are they grumpy and anxious? Now, animals mask their pain for as long as possible as part of their survival instincts (predators spotting weakness) so for pain to be observed by a limp or being stiff, this pain is likely to be quite bad.If you suspect your dog may be in pain, please visit your veterinarian for advice on this matter, 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,' thank you š¾
19.07.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. You can get what you reflect with your dogs behaviour...You can get what you reflect with your dogs behaviour. Have you been feeling grumpy or tense/anxious? When I'm out walking our two dogs, I look first at the other dog owners, then their dog/s - these will likely be reflecting their ownerās energy, I then observe our dogs, then I check myself and my behaviour and what Iām reflecting to the group/entire picture (all this is happening extremely quickly mind you). This concept is especially true for dogs on their leads, as these can prove effective, reflective communication tools.With this, if you are grumpy, my advice is not to treat the walk as a 'stress reliever' for you. You'll probably actually just find the walk doesn't go as smoothly as you'd like and certainly far from 'stress relieving' - rather you are getting a product of what you reflect, 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,' thank you š¾
05.07.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. A fear of strangers Dogs fearing strangers - Firstly, you do not have to know the exact route cause as to why your dog is fearful of strangers, to be able to help them.The initial step is very specifically, identify all those your dog is afraid around ā who and when.Then, for the early stages of the training process it is all about lowering your dogās (and your own) stress levels, by avoiding these triggers, to help them become amenable to teaching.From here, starting outside of the reaction zone (the proximity where your dog is likely to react to strangers) ask for commands and ātricksā to be performed in the presence of the stranger. The commands could start with āWatchā (watch my eyes). Gradually over time move forward in the invisible scary realm (this varies from days to weeks) showering your dog with praise, affection and some treats (vary these and make them great!) if very little to no reaction is taking place by your companion.When out and about and you come across a stranger, praise heartily and reward any and all instances of favourable behaviour by your dog, in the strangers presence (perhaps associating with a word) 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 Harper Collins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you š¾
07.06.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Play. Tips for the dog park.Signs of overstimulated play (and when itās time to calmly intervene) āā¢ If dog vocalisations continuously increaseā¢ One dog is giving appeasement signals and trying to get away ā¢ If one dog targets another dog by chasing, stalking, or always playing roughly, is pushy and the interaction is one-sided, this dog should leave. This type of interaction isnāt usually fun for the dog on the receiving end. Dogs that tend to play rudely, body slamming, mouthing too hard, mounting, and generally creating havoc can cause negative responses - potentially fights and injuries. You are instead wanting - a ālooseā/relaxed body with both dogs. Tails loosely wagging or held loosely mid-way down the backs, a lack of rigidity in the bodies and neither dog trying to stand taller, as well as eyes relaxed, not intensely staring. Itās also great to see symmetry in behaviour between the dogs, mimicking the same relaxed behavioural cues of the other dog, 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,' thank you š¾
13.04.25The effects of a dogs lead/leash length on their behaviour On reactivity to stimuli -If you see another dog for example and you immediately bring your dogs lead into a shorter length, you are then cuing your dog, each and every time this occurs, that there is 'something up with that dog.'Instead, you could have your dog on a long lead and shorten it INCREMENTALLY going towards the other dog if needed, or have them permanently on a mid-length lead that you feel you have sufficient control with but that is not too restrictive (dogs fight against this pressure and an antisocial dog that cannot flee is more likely to then go into fight mode).Also, if you need to put your dog back on their lead in situations with other dogs for example, keep as much slack/length in it as you can safely do so upon their return (to try to prevent an abrupt lack of freedom being associated with the other dog).Lead length and pulling on the lead -The more you restrict a dog, the more they will pull (as mentioned above - dogs fight against this pressure), especially the larger breed dogs that have a longer gait. I walk our two Border Terriers together on the street, on leads approx. 2 meters in length. I have Lily slightly longer as she is naturally higher ranking in the pack than Trev and with this, I find she is more likely to pull if she is held parallel to Trev or most certainly if she was on a shorter lead than him. Keep these points in mind when you're out and about with your canine companions, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & 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,' thank you š¾
01.03.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Helping your dog and cat get along.
Ensure you have worked on basic training with your dog so you know youāll 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. Then, training and your dog's overall behaviour benefit 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 as often as you can, 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 becomes highly excitable, remove them from the room to calm down. 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 catās normal feeding/drinking/toileting/sleeping areaās and your catās 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 behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understoodā thank you š¾
15.02.25Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The effect of the lead on dog-to-dog interactionsThe dynamic of a dog-to-dog social interaction is perceived differently, if your dog is on the lead and other dogs are off (or vice-versa) ā 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 very well 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 should work up to going to dog-parks if you wish to use these) all provided you have a great recall in these environments, 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.
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 - itās 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,' 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 ā¦There's a couple of good reasons for thisā¦*Even if owners have a āglorious looking large sectionā I have found with a great number of clients that their dogs wait to go off and āplay,ā 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 dogās 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,' 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 ālook outā 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 āoffā 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.
09.06.23
Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Small Dogs Do your small dog (and yourself) a favour and donāt ābubble wrapā them.Itās 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 š
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 āflaggedā to that inadvertent person or object and extensive training to build a more ānormalā, 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, āBig Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you š
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) āhad quite a nasty encounter withā¦ā 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 ānasty oneā) too close has got to be ānegativeā 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 āOh no our dog will go for yours!ā 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.Itās important to act calm (this may well be acting but it's the first step) and donāt 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 ā¦ The dog may have their tail tucked down low and wagging, they are a bit scared. Or when a dogās tail is wagging up āstiff like a boardā (almost āping ping pingā) instead of āflowing like a wave,ā 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 š
05.06.2021
Dog Parks and Off Lead Areaās āImportantly, 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 dogās cues about this experience. [Read Moreā¦]
Admin - 10:58:44 @ 'Walking the Dog' and all associated..., Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, Reactionary Behaviour
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 Moreā¦]
Admin - 08:12:24 @ Safety Around Dogs, Reactionary Behaviour, Visitors and your Dog
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. Iāve learnt that some of these people donāt normally walk and for some of these dogs they donāt normally get out either (I am very pleased they are having these experiences). [Read Moreā¦]
Admin - 07:33:35 @ Puppies, 'Walking the Dog' and all associated..., Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, Reactionary Behaviour
18.01.2020
Adult Dog Mouthing & Nipping -With this situation, the adult dogs in question have probably never learned to suppress this āantisocialā behaviour during puppy hood.Itās likely they havenāt been taught to be gentle or redirected to chew toys instead.Most mouthing is normal dog behaviour. [Read Moreā¦]
Admin - 06:29:19 @ Dog 'Ownership' Helpful Tips, Reactionary Behaviour
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 Moreā¦]
Admin - 17:02:21 @ Reactionary Behaviour
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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.