Happy Dogs

27/12/2024

Their excitement is often the ONLY reason we want them to meet another dog.
They can drag us (often at speed), towards another dog they want to meet.
Even with the happiest/friendliest dog that pulls towards another dog....things can change in an instant once they actually meet.💥
Sometimes the over excitement of seeing another dog means they haven't assessed the situation and often we haven't assessed the situation either, we just want to make them happy!
Face to face, tight leads and over excitement when meeting another dog can and does lead to very big issues.
Take the time to assess.
Take the time to teach your dog how to meet dogs in a way many dogs appreciate!

28/11/2024

Thanks to for this !

20/11/2024

https://youtu.be/8jh4AyEt270?si=jRLT6vELJffQsyIT

In this video, we delve into the world of slip collars and the potential harm they can cause to our beloved canine companions. We explore the truth behind th...

18/11/2024

16/11/2024

THEORY THURSDAY - dog body language

Understanding how dogs are feeling by interpreting their body language is essential for us when living and training with them. PPGA member Mel Ritterman of Cooper and Kids penned this article with some great tips on "reading dog".
https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Understanding-Dog-Body-Language

While you're there check out the left-hand nav for other great resources for pet owners :)

16/11/2024

MYTH: "Don’t take your puppy anywhere until they're fully vaccinated."

FACT: "The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the *standard of care* for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age." (AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization)

FACT: If you wait until your puppy is full vaccinated, you've missed their critical socialization period.

Vets, rescues and breeders who are clinging to the outdated belief that dogs should be prevented from socialization until fully vaccinated are not keeping up with the current research, literature and recommendations from behavior professionals.

19/09/2024

Balanced dog training using positive reinforcement (rewards-based) methods and aversives (physical punishment) is no better than simply using force-free positive methods and love.

17/09/2024

One of the main answers I get when I ask guardians what they think makes a dog happy, is "physical exercise"
A physically tired dog is a happy dog... right?
Wrong! A physically tired dog is just that, a physically exhausted dog.

A happy dog is one that has had all of their needs met!

Yes physical exercise is important, but you need to take into account, different personalities and different breed needs as to how much physical exercise a dog needs.
(Even some collies are couch potatoes)
Also take into account, how fit your dog is.
I see so many guardians with ball launchers expecting their dogs to do repetitive retrieves over and over again, when the dog is already completely fatigued.
(Not something I would ever recommend)

Have you ever given your dog a day off?
My Shepherd being a sensitive dog, doesn't want to go out into the stressful, scary, big bad world every day. He needs days off to de-stress and relax

Mental exercise is vital!
Mental exercise is very important, and there are lots of good interactive toys your can buy to work your dogs brain. Also teach them new tricks and play scent games, and have plenty of enrichment licky mat time.
Your dogs mental health greatly affects their physical health.

Happy dogs need love and affection! like us they need to feel loved, wanted, appreciated and needed

You are what you eat, so a happy dog needs a good healthy diet. Alot of people think dogs are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores so therfore need a balanced nutritional diet of fruit, vegetables and meat.

A happy dog needs to feel safe!
So give a good cozy comfortable bed, and somewhere where they can have their own space and not be disturbed.

A happy dog is free of pain and discomfort.
Most behaviour issues are due to pain, therefore have regular vet checks.

And a happy dog needs to be free from fear and intimidation, so, not having to walk on eggshells in fear of negative consequences. Make sure all training is positive and force free.

Meet all your dogs needs, then you will have a very happy dog 🐶

17/09/2024

Over excited dogs need help to be calm. Here we explore 3 ways to help these dogs relax plus many more dog training tips to help over aroused dogs. As dog tr...

04/09/2024

The myth that will not die!
The dominance/ pack leader theory started when scientist Rudolph Schenkel wrote a paper in 1947 based on an idea that wolves fight within a pack to gain dominance and the winner becoming Alpha. But this was observing wolves in captivity.
More studies was done by David Mech in the 70s and his extensive research since has proven the Alpha theory to be incorrect.
Wolf packs consist of a breeding pair and their offspring, it's a family structure.
With so much research and so many indepth studies undertaken its hard to believe that some uneducated trainers still try to force this outdated rubbish onto the public

But, dogs are not wolves and there is thousands of years of evolution separating them.

Dogs are NOT "pack" Animals
A "pack" animal, is an animal that lives and HUNTS in a pack
Dogs are scavengers, and only hunt small game on their own.
Dogs are not carnivores, they are omnivores
Dogs do not need a pack leader and do not try to dominate you. They learn best in a positive state of mind and through positive reinforcement

Dogs ARE social creatures though, and happily bond with different species
(My previous dogs best friend was our Guinea pig)
but how "sociable" a dog is, depends on many factors and, is down to each individual personality.

Using fear to try to teach a dog to respect you, is never going to work.
You need to meet all their Emotional, Physical and Intellectual needs!

If a trainer quotes anything like Alpha, dominance, pack leader or top dog...... run, and do not let them anywhere near your dog!