Padfoot Animal Behaviour

27/01/2025

The day a dog trainer portrays themselves as 'The Expert' or 'the only person to listen to' is the day to stop listening to them.

Time and time again we meet people who reference what they have 'learned' from TV and social media personalities such as The Dog Daddy, Zak George, Cesar Milan or that bloke from Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, and who are surprised that the methods shown didn't work for their dog. What they seem to fail to realise is that these people are in the business of show, not the business of dogs.

I can confidently say that I know more about dog behaviour than 99.9% of people. That means I have about 800,000 people I can still learn something from (as well as approximately 900 million dogs).

You can be 'an expert'. You can dedicate your life to the pursuit of knowledge, and to use that knowledge to help animals. But you can never be 'The Expert'.

Anyone that tries to tell you that their way is 'The Way' is simply imparting their own opinion. The right way is what's best for you and your dog. It's that simple.

~James

Picture: Padfoot Trainer Hannah and her pack mates Akela and Layla.

19/01/2025

🎉 Congratulations to team Jet, Jess and Jack who passed intermediate level! Doesn’t Jet look very proud of himself?

We look forward to seeing you all in Bronze Level soon 🤎

12/01/2025

life member Raz rocking his new ‘GIVE ME SPACE’ safety vest at training this morning! Be like Raz - order yours today at https://www.padfoot.com.au/training-equipment/padfoot-canine-safety-vest-give-me-space and give your dog the space they need!

31/12/2024

❗THINK OF YOUR DOGS TONIGHT❗

👇 As part of the New Year celebrations, many Councils and people put on fireworks displays. While nice for people, over 40% of dogs find them scary. So, here are some tips to help your dogs this New Year’s Eve.

Make sure you bring your dogs indoors, close your doors and windows and put some music or the TV on to mask some of the noise.

If your dog is crate trained (if not, why not?) settle them into their crates and cover with a blanket to help them feel secure (remember, if it's hot, keep a fan on them too!).

DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE AND PARTICULARLY NOT OUTSIDE ALONE.

Many dogs are extremely fearful of fireworks and, as pack animals, find company helps them feel less insecure and scared. You don't need to mollycoddle them, or do anything that will convince them that they are right to be scared. But it's only kind and responsible to let them know they're not alone and give them the comfort they need.

Most importantly - and if it’s safe to do so - allow them to choose a place where they feel safest - this could be under your bed, in their crate, next to you on the lounge, or even on your bed with you! Even though this may be something you don’t normally permit, try to think of how your dog’s feeling and do your best to make them feel better.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year from all of the team at Padfoot.

29/12/2024

Watch out for your dog’s paws in hot weather!

🐾 Please remember your doggo's paws are just as sensitive to hot surfaces as ours. If a pavement (or sand!) is too hot for you to walk on comfortably with bare feet, the same applies to your dog so please try to avoid walking them at the hottest times of the day, or if necessary, stick to shaded or grassy areas. 🔥 Signs of soreness from surface burn may include:

⚠️Redness, inflammation, blisters or bleeding
⚠️Cracking or peeling of the paw pad
⚠️Licking or chewing at their paws
⚠️Limping or limited mobility
⚠️Reluctance to walk
⚠️Whining or whimpering

Please book an appointment by either phoning 5494 3622 or via our website if you have any concerns about you pooch's paws: https://www.malenyvet.com.au/online-booking/

26/12/2024

Did your dogs have a good Christmas? Looks like Wicket did! Show us your pictures!

15/12/2024

🎄🎄The Padfoot team would like to wish you all a very Merry and safe Christmas. Enjoy the time off with your best mate and we will see you all in the New Year!

🐾 Classes will return on Sunday 12th January 2025 🐾

13/12/2024

Information that is blindingly obvious to any dog trainer or behaviourist. So why do so many people insist on using harnesses rather than a simple slip lead or flat collar? Marketing at its best. Don’t be a victim of the con. Save your harness for use in the car.

Dogs generally pull about 60 per cent harder on a leash when wearing a padded harness compared with a collar, even when the equipment is marketed as “anti pull” – putting the people walking them at risk of injury.

Some dogs – especially smaller breeds – pull with a force more than twice their body weight on the collar, potentially damaging their throats, says Erin Perry at Southern Illinois University.

“It’s really very shocking,” she says. “The dogs are almost choking themselves on that collar repeatedly. But the harnesses in our study just didn’t inhibit pulling in any way, and that’s definitely a wake-up call – especially because of the risk to owners.”

Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2459747-dogs-pull-harder-on-the-leash-when-they-wear-a-harness-than-a-collar/

Image: CBCK-Christine/Alamy

11/12/2024

🎉 Congratulations to our foundation class participants who graduated tonight. Well done to you all for your commitment - your dogs thank you! Hope to see you all back in 2025!

10/12/2024

We have seen two dogs recently suffering from tick paralysis - one of whom sadly didn't make it. Both were unprotected, relying on 'natural' solutions.

I'm sorry, but the risks to your dogs are too great to rely on unproven methods, chanting, healing crystals or pseudoscience.

Please speak to your vet and use a proper tick preventative treatment this tick season. Before it's too late.

09/12/2024

Christmas Shutdown

The Padfoot Animal Behaviour team will be taking a break from 23 December to 5 January. All enquiries should be sent by email to [email protected]. We will not be answering the telephone or responding to DMs during this time.

If you have a serious emergency which needs our assistance over this period please email [email protected] with the nature of the issue and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Serious issues include aggression, reactivity, anxiety etc. not undesirable behaviours such as barking, pulling on the lead etc.

We hope you all have an enjoyable festive season with your family and other animals!

09/12/2024

Support the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia this festive season and be well prepared to help your dog should the unfortunate and unforeseen happen!

Padfoot uses and recommends the Rescue Swag first aid kits for both dogs and humans! Check them out!

Ensure your furry friend stays safe and cared for, no matter where your adventures take you, with the RFDS Pet First Aid Kit. Designed to handle the unexpected, this compact and lightweight kit is perfect for outdoor trips, camping adventures, and everyday use. With tick removal tools, a snake bite....

08/12/2024

🎉 Congratulations to our foundation class participants who graduated yesterday. Well done to you all for your commitment - your dogs thank you! Hope to see you all back in 2025!

28/11/2024

Get $100 off Life Membership with Padfoot Animal Behaviour this Black Friday!

As a Life Member you get to attend all group class levels - from Foundation to Platinum - with nothing more to pay, ever!

If you're committed to helping your dog develop safe, reliable, off-lead skills there is no better option available.

Use the code BFF24 when joining for $100 off and start your journey to a better future for you and your dog! Offer ends midnight on Monday 2 December 2024.

24/11/2024

👏👏 Congratulations to Kaylee and Winnie who passed intermediate level today! Well done - we will see you both in Bronze level next week 🤎

20/11/2024

Do you know the difference between an animal behaviourist and an animal trainer? Do you know who to call when you need help? Our latest article will help you decide!

Many people are confused by the difference between an Animal Behaviourist and a Trainer and struggle to understand who they should contact to help them. This short article will help you decide.