Happy Dogs

04/12/2025

03/12/2025

Bringing this back, as it's important! 👍

The problem with punishment in animal training is that it does work, and oftentimes quickly, at changing behaviors. But at what cost?

Aversive methods suppress unwanted behaviors by causing pain and/or discomfort that the animal will try to escape or avoid. While this works to stop a behavior, it does not address the underlying motivation for it. This can be effective in the short term but often leads to unintended consequences and lasting harm.

Research has shown that aversive methods increase fear and stress, and also risk causing aggressive and unpredictable behaviors. We also put our relationship with our pets in jeopardy. Punishment fails to teach the learner alternative behaviors and coping strategies, and can lead to learned helplessness.

If you feel stuck or don't know how to achieve your pet's behavior or training goals without using aversive methods, please reach out to a credentialed reward-based trainer, behavior consultant, or veterinary behaviorist.

We are here to help educate and make training and behavior modification feel achievable for everyone, without risking pets' welfare.💙

02/12/2025

Look how amazing these guys are doing! This is only week 2 of Happy Dogs - Loose lead walking 4 week course! Half these doggies have been working with Michelle at Happy Dogs to address their dog-dog reactivity (barking, lunging on lead) and are doing absolutely fantastic 🎉💕🐶😁 well done!

01/12/2025

Fun times at Tricks & Agility Prep 4 week course. This is week 2 learning some basics: release cues, tunnels, jumps, body awareness with cavaletti bars and more

01/12/2025

Let’s hope this gets adopted in all countries!

Good news for dogs in Germany! In several regions across the country, first-time dog owners are now required to pass both a written and practical test to prove they understand how to properly care for their new four-legged friends.

The goal is to prevent neglect and promote safer, more loving environments for dogs. The written test covers everything from dog behavior and safety to health and legal responsibilities. After that, a practical exam makes sure the new owner can confidently handle a dog in everyday situations like walking on a leash or interacting with strangers.

Many believe these exams create more responsible pet owners and reduce the number of abandoned or mistreated dogs. It’s also a way to raise awareness about what dogs truly need to be happy and healthy—because adopting a pet should never be taken lightly.

Animal welfare advocates hope this approach inspires similar policies around the world. After all, when dog owners are well prepared, dogs get to live their best lives: loved, safe, and wagging with joy.

Source: Simple Germany

30/11/2025

Beach fun

29/11/2025

When training is play & play is training

29/11/2025

28/11/2025

Energy to burn? 🔥
Time to think outside the box.
Actually, it's time to think about them!

Dig in your cardboard recycling for some dog safe items for you to hide some special little morsels.
The trick with this?
There is a sweet spot.
Not too hard for them so they just "give up".
Not too easy either or we can miss giving them true enrichment.

Many dogs that are just starting with these enrichment activities do need encouragement from us at first, but then we need to grab a coffee, sit down and watch them figure it out.
Let them just go for it.
That's half the fun for them and for you !

That rolled up towel can get boring too!
Do it lengthwise and then add a loose knot. Too easy still? Put that towel in a box, or let them smell around the whole house and find where you have "hidden it".
Do a "double burrito" where a smaller rolled up towel is tied up in a larger one.

Set up an obstacle course with appropriate and safe "jumps" to go over and then think about using a kitchen chair on its side so your dog can safely crawl under the gap too.

Variety is key here and if you have a few dog puzzles, kongs or lick mats lying around, hide them and make them a challenge to even get to.

What have you always wanted to try with them?
Maybe a full circle "roll over"?
Maybe targeting an object or even beginning scent work?

Keep these ideas up your sleeve for those rainy days, well worth remembering.

24/11/2025

Is your puppy ready to learn? Join our PUPPY CLASS this November Saturday 29th - 3pm at Byron Bays local pet store Petcare! Our expert trainer will guide your little one using positive reinforcement methods for a fun and effective experience. Sign up now: https://wix.to/YR3u1ap