What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

It's Not About The Dog

Home
Australia
Hobart, TAS
It's Not About The Dog

It's Not About The Dog! K9 Parenting Programs
M: 0409 321 793
E: [email protected]
W: w
(33)

formerly known as Ziggy's TLC will empower all K9 parents to be the absolute best they can be in all our K9 parenting programs.

26/11/2024

Every challenge with your dog is an opportunity to grow together, connect and strengthen your bond. Remember, we are two different species learning to understand each other’s language. Patience, compassion, and perseverance turn obstacles and challenges into moments of connection. Keep going, and never give up—your relationship with your dog is so worth it. 🐾❤️
Zigrid "the voice for dogs”

26/11/2024

Puppy biting is a normal part of a puppy's development, especially during teething and play. Puppies use their mouths to explore, communicate, and interact, but it is important to guide them towards more appropriate behaviours with humans. When you want to interact with your puppy have a toy in your hand, this way they are biting on your hands and not your body parts. This helps teach them that human hands are not for biting, but toys are! If they do mouth/bite, make a quick "ouch!" sound to mimic how another puppy would react, then offer the toy instead. Also look at the situation and context the mouthing/biting happens in.
Avoid corrections like tapping their noses or scruffing their neck as these can confuse or scare a puppy, remember hands are meant to be seen as a positive to a puppy. Consistency is key, If biting continues, a brief time-out can help your puppy understand that biting results in the end of playtime. Always reward gentle behaviour with praise, treats, or another low key play session. Provide your puppy plenty of opportunity to socialise with other dogs to learn bite inhibition naturally.
With patience, understanding and positive reinforcement, your puppy will grow out of this phase and learn how to interact with you more gently.
Happy k9 parenting

20/11/2024

As dog parents, we have all been there—having a snack or meal while our K9 buddy sits beside us, eyes wide and expectant.
The question is : Does sharing food with your dog teach them to beg? Maybe yes, maybe no. The answer really does depends on the dog, the situation, and most importantly as always the humans behaviour.
For me personally, sharing my food with my dog isn’t just about feeding him a bite here and there it’s a way of connecting, a quiet shared moment of joy. But this does not mean I am teaching him to beg every time food is around. Every dog is different, and how they respond to food-sharing depends on the context and your approach.
When I share a meal with my dog it’s not a casual toss of scraps. Instead, it’s a carefully thought out act, one that is created into our daily routine. I always make sure that whatever I give him is safe and appropriate for his diet. If the food isn’t dog-friendly, I will offer him something else—maybe a dog biscuit or a few treats in his kong.
Over the years, my awesome K9 buddy has learned that mealtime is not a time to beg or drool, its quality time spent together sharing and connecting.
Isn’t one of the ways of connections we have with people is to sit together with a meal or something as simple as coffee and doughnuts (my favourite with my friends)
A family meal at the end of the day at the dining table sharing food chatting about your day, just being in the moment and connecting.
Food for thought.
Do you share your food with your k9 buddy? Go on share a pic

20/11/2024

This sweet girl met up with my boy again and she is coming along nicely with her confidence.
My boy is really missing his K9 buddies.
Puppy period is such an important life stage to learn social skills and build up confidence when and where needed.

19/11/2024

Dogs Jumping up is not "Bad" Behavior, It’s a natural behaviour 🐾
When your dog jumps up to greet you, it’s a lot like a child running to hug you after a long day—they’re just showing excitement and affection! 🐶❤️ Dogs can express their love and happiness by jumping, and while some people may not love it, it’s not “bad” behavior. It’s simply their natural way of connecting with you.
Instead of saying no or aha or correcting them in any manner, teach your dog an alternative way to greet you. For example, you can encourage them to keep all four paws on the ground before giving them attention, or redirect them to their bed for a calmer greeting. This way, you’re not discouraging their affection, but guiding them toward a more appropriate behavior that suits you.

It is important to look at the context when your dog jumps up. Sometimes, they might be feeling nervous or anxious, especially in new situations where they don’t know how to express themselves. Small fluffy slipper dogs and medium-sized dogs, in particular, might jump up to get closer to your face to make sure you have noticed them!
Always observe your dog’s body language and consider the situation. Now If you don’t mind your dog jumping up, that’s okay! (I know I don’t mind it) Just remember to give them a clear cue when the greeting is over so they know that the interaction between you both has finished.
I like and teach a finish cue.
Please remember dogs can only be dogs, Learn their lingo so you will always know the reason behind any of your dogs behaviour.

14/11/2024

The way we communicate with our dogs plays a crucial role in the quality of our relationship with them. Dogs are incredibly attuned to our body language and emotional state, so when we use negative words like "no" or "aha," paired with tense body language or a confrontational tone, the dog can pick up on that and may feel confused or anxious. Over time, this can even damage the trust and bond between you and your dog.
Using the word no or aha does seem to be instinctive for a human to use or what they have been told to use from a dog trainer, when you think about though, is it fair to correct a dog for something you have not yet taught them?
Instead of using negative reinforcement (like saying "no" or "aha"), it's much more effective to teach your dog what you would like them to do. When you take the time to teach the behaviour you want — in context, and in a calm, positive way — you not only help your dog succeed but also create better communication and a happier relationship. Dogs thrive on consistency and clarity.
For example, if your dog goes towards something they shouldn’t touch, calmly saying "leave it" while simultaneously guiding them away from the object, this gives them a clear message without the stress of confrontation.
In the long term, this approach helps your dog feel more secure and confident, which strengthens your bond. It shifts the focus from punishment to positive reinforcement, which is not only more effective but also more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
So, aim to remove those instinctive negative words "no" and “aha”( I call them K9 swear words) and replace them with positive requests and a calm demeanour. Not only will it bring out positive behaviour, but it will also make training sessions and all interactions more pleasant and productive for both of you!

12/11/2024

Cuteness overload ❤️🐾
What is he doing in a shelter ?
For all my Brisbane K9 parents if you are looking for that 2nd k9 buddy then I will provide this little guys 4ever new family a complimentry phone consultation to address all training needs.

11/11/2024

Aversive training tools like e-collars, prong collars, and slip collars might get quick results, but they can do harm to a dog mentally, emotionally, and physically in the long run. Is it fair to correct a dog for something you have not taught them? Just because these tools seem effective doesn’t mean they’re right. We wouldn’t use them on humans, so why on animals? Dogs have emotions and feelings, let’s focus on training with understanding, patience, compassion, and respect, prioritizing kindness and ethical methods.
At INATD before I will take on a client that has used any type of aversive tool they need to hand it over.
Dogs don't need these tools to learn.
My boy has never even been yelled at, never heard the word No or aha, what he has is a good advocate for him and all his needs met and he is always listened too.

10/11/2024

Tonight I light another extra candle for another special K9 that passed away today.
Take a moment to think about those that have had to say goodbye to their precious companion and those that are caring for the ones in palliative care.
Dogs bring so much joy and love into our lives it is hard when they have to leave. ###
Blessings Zigrid

10/11/2024

Teach your K9 buddy want you would like them to do in context.
Also be calm clear and consistent.
When a dog knows what you want it takes away frustration, stress and anxiety they may feel.

06/11/2024

Tonight I light an extra candle for a very special friend.
Hard being away from those I care about in times of heartache.
Getting ready to say thank you and goodbye to a K9 companion is hard and feeling the pain as your heart breaks.
Tonight give your K9 buddy some extra loving, every moment is a blessing.

06/11/2024

When I start talking K9 lingo, some people look at me like I’m speaking a totally different language—and in a way, I am! It’s surprising how many still think a wagging tail always means a happy dog, but that’s not the full story. Dogs use their whole bodies to tell us how they’re feeling or what they’re thinking. From posture to movements, facial expressions, and even vocal sounds, it’s all part of their communication.
The key is remembering that behaviour is all about context. When you understand K9 lingo, you can easily read your dog’s emotional state in any situation. So, it’s important to pay attention to the whole dog—not just one part of their body. Whether we are working with dogs or have them as part of the family, learning their language should always come first. I make this a top priority when working with my clients because it lays the foundation for better communication and trust.
Do the best you can to learn K9 lingo as your dog is doing their best to understand you.

05/11/2024

In local communities, K9 parents share more than just a love for their K9 buddy, they share the ups and downs of K9 parenting. Whether it’s dealing with a pups undesirable behaviour while they are learning to live in a human dominated world or an older dog managing anxiety during walks, many K9 parents face challenges that can feel really overwhelming at times.
When we encounter fellow K9 parents struggling with their dog, it is always better to approach them with compassion and empathy. A simple smile or a reassuring word can make a world of difference. By understanding that we’re all navigating are own or similar hurdles, and challenges we can foster a supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged.
Community support can take many forms, from informal meetups over coffee to organised training sessions. Sharing experiences and tips not only helps individuals overcome their challenges but also strengthens the connections and bonds with K9 parents. Knowing you are not alone in your struggles can alleviate stress and create a sense of camaraderie.
No matter where you live, whether it be in the country, city or suburban, let’s continue to cultivate communities where we lift each other up, celebrating our victories and offering help during tough times. Together, we can create an atmosphere of understanding and compassion that benefits both dogs and their humans alike. After all, we’re all in this life journey together.

29/10/2024

Another little hideaway Bolton beach triabunna.
Did a full walk all the way along the beach, had a picnic lunch then my boy rested taking in the glorious sunshine while I worked in my office for a couple of hours with this view.
Tassie truly is a gorgeous place to be, great energy, clean fresh air.

27/10/2024

Awesome little social meet and greet this morning with these 2 little darlings.
Staffie x male 4 months and first time off lead with another dog and he was a little champ.
It’s not k9 parents letting their pups down it’s the dog training industry. Too much focus on bloody training rather than focusing in on seeing to a dog’s basic needs and social skills with other dogs and everyday environments.
The number one behaviour to teach a puppy is settle.
These 2 will meet up again and we will aim to introduce another dog.
Yes my sessions are always set up to set the dogs up for success absolutely no free run for all and see what happens.

24/10/2024

Met this bundle of joy puppy yesterday for a session and she is just a darling, thrives on humans attention.
This sweet girl being a country pup has not had the opportunity to meet other dogs so this morning she met up with my boy and she was a little gem.
Time to get some puppy socials going here as not just an opportunity for pups to learn and practice their social skills and etiquette their humans will become fluent in K9 lingo.

Address

Hobart, TAS
7000

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 6pm
Sunday	9am - 6pm

Telephone

+61409321793

Website

http://www.itsnotaboutthedog.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when It's Not About The Dog posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to It's Not About The Dog:

Videos

Early morning beach run with this sweet girl again. First time on beach with the lead dropped and she was awesome. Just love seeing dogs be dogs running free without any helicopter parenting while teaching and implementing training when opportunities arise.

Teach your K9 buddy want you would like them to do in context. Also be calm clear and consistent. When a dog knows what you want it takes away frustration, stress and anxiety they may feel. #k9lingo #INATD #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogbodylanguage

My boy is 12 when will he slow down. It is important to keep our senior dogs active at a level they can handle and enjoy🐾

Met this bundle of joy puppy yesterday for a session and she is just a darling, thrives on humans attention. This sweet girl being a country pup has not had the opportunity to meet other dogs so this morning she met up with my boy and she was a little gem. Time to get some puppy socials going here as not just an opportunity for pups to learn and practice their social skills and etiquette their humans will become fluent in K9 lingo. #INATD #dogtrainer #dogcommunication

A lovely outing today at our favourite beach. My boys new little JR mate will be 13 tomorrow and the old boy well has had some extremely bad experiences with dogs in the past. Yet with Ryda he is just a cool little dude that seems to enjoy my boys company , running, chasing the ball and just hanging out. Together they worked out how to interact together with their own made up ball game. Years ago my boy was the student and now he is the teacher for many dogs. Even when dogs have negative experiences with other dogs it doesn’t mean they can’t find a friend with another K9, it just has to be the right one. Us humans don’t like all humans but we all need ( even us introverts ) need to have a friend or 2. The real friends are the ones that respect and listen to each other. When it comes to our dogs this is why we need to understand K9 lingo so you can listen in on the dog’s conversations and reward the good choices they make with each other. Both dogs had a great time downside for the old JR was he got a little drunk on sea water and had watery trots and a couple of vomits, funny as no different to us humans having a party with friends with a few drinks to many, going home having a vomit feel crap then wake up with hangover but by gosh the party was fun😜🐾 Noted not fun for the person having to clean up. #INATD #dogtrainer #dogcommunication

Cressy beach definitely my boys favourite beach. Another couple of hrs spent walking swimming, sniffing and just being. The request this way let’s go means changing direction let’s go this way. Teaching dogs behaviours is not hard if you can listen to dogs. #INATD #dogtrainerhobart #dogcommunication