Problems On Paws

Problems On Paws Problems On Paws provides dog behaviour and training, puppy training and puppy class services. Unsure if we can help?

At Problems On Paws in Hornsby, I want to give you the skills and confidence to build a strong relationship with the dog you have. I want to help you give your dog the skills and confidence to live in our world. With a focus on building a trusting relationship with your pets we are here to offer dog training, puppy behaviour and more. Give us a call and we can discuss your needs and help you find a solution.

Someone's back on a chicken and rice diet for a day or two. He's not as resilient as he used to be in his older age. Bee...
12/04/2025

Someone's back on a chicken and rice diet for a day or two.
He's not as resilient as he used to be in his older age.

Been a stressful week, made worse when I'm woken up by the sound of retching at 4am. Wasn't able to keep kibble down but chicken and rice is agreeing with him so far.

We will continue to monitor him and if he can't keep his food down then it'll be a visit to the vet.

Many of my clients have probably heard me advise not to let their dogs practice the unwanted behaviours they have called...
18/02/2025

Many of my clients have probably heard me advise not to let their dogs practice the unwanted behaviours they have called me in to help with but why is that?
Why is management and prevention just as important as training the dog to do what we want?
Every time you let your dog partake in that unwanted behaviour, you are increasing the likelihood that they will choose that behaviour next time, due to the creation and strengthening of neural pathways within the brain. This means when presented with the same or similar situation the neural pathway is pretty much predetermined.
Let’s look at jumping up on guests as an example
Each time the doorbell rings, announcing a guest has arrived, the pre-practiced and strengthened neural pathway involved in the jumping up behaviour has begun to fire. Every time that two neurons fire together, their connection is strengthened, they wire together, increasing the likelihood that they will fire again together in future.

Are you seeing a vicious cycle forming?

So what can you do to break this cycle?
There are 3 key things when it comes to fixing problem behaviours in our dogs.
1. Preventing the dog from practicing the behaviour you don’t want through management
2. Teaching the dog an alternative behaviour for those situations, and
3. Practice, practice, practice
Back to our jumping up example
Before you even open the door, you should pop your dog on a lead. This will allow you to have more control over preventing your dog from jumping up on your guests and therefore avoiding strengthening those “jumping” neural pathways.
But prevention on its own isn’t going to provide a long-term solution to your problem.
We also need to teach your dog what to do instead of jumping when guests come over. This will start to build and strengthen those neural pathways that are involved in anything else but jumping.
What alternative behaviour can we teach? Anything that you deem is appropriate!
In the jumping up case, I usually recommend sticking to the “all four on the floor” rule– as long as all four of your dog’s paws are on the floor they can receive attention.
Then the third and final step is to practice that new behaviour in both set-up scenarios and organic ones. Every performance of that behaviour strengthens that neural pathway while weakening the “jumping” one.

It’s important that this alternative behaviour fulfills the same needs that jumping originally met- in this case attention from people!
This is so we can get a new strong neural pathway through repetition – because who doesn’t like practicing something they love, especially when they get a fantastic reward from it?

Take care and happy training!

☀️ Dog owners, take note! 🐾Today’s forecast is a scorching 40°C in Sydney! 🔥 Please ensure your furry friends stay safe ...
27/01/2025

☀️ Dog owners, take note! 🐾

Today’s forecast is a scorching 40°C in Sydney! 🔥 Please ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable in this heat:

Hydration is key—keep water bowls filled and refreshed.

Avoid walks during peak heat—opt for early morning or late evening strolls.

Provide ample shade and consider indoor activities.

Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Let’s keep our pups cool and happy in the heat! 🐶❤️

12/01/2025

🌟🐾 **5 Essential Tips for House Training Your Puppy!** 🐶🌟

1. **Establish a Routine:** Consistency is key! Take your puppy out at the same times each day, especially after eating or playing. This helps them learn when and where to go.

2. **Choose a Designated Spot:** Select a specific area outside for bathroom breaks. This familiar scent will help your puppy associate that spot with potty time! 🌳

3. **Use Positive Reinforcement:** Praise and reward your puppy with treats and affection every time they go in the right place. This builds positive associations! 🎉

4. **Keep an Eye On Them Indoors:** Supervise your puppy closely while indoors. If you catch them in the act of an accident, gently redirect them outside. 🚪

5. **Be Patient and Consistent:** Accidents will happen! Stay calm, clean it up without fuss, and remain consistent in your training. Patience is crucial during this learning phase! 💪

Happy house training! Share your tips below! ⬇️

🐕

🐾 Training your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, but mistakes are often made along the way. Here are 5 common...
07/01/2025

🐾 Training your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, but mistakes are often made along the way. Here are 5 common pitfalls to avoid while training your dog:

Let’s work together to train happier and healthier pups! 🐶✨

05/01/2025

🎉🏢 Guess who’s back? I’m thrilled to announce that I’m back in the office after a Christmas and New Year break! I'm ready to kick off 2025 with fresh ideas and renewed energy, excited to help you achieve your goals this year! 💪✨

Let's make magic happen together! Can’t wait to connect with all of you!

🌟

04/01/2025

🎉🐾 Ready to bring some extra joy to your dog's day? Teaching your furry friend fun tricks can strengthen your bond and keep their brains engaged! Here are some cute tricks you can try:

1. Spin - It's a real showstopper! 🌪️
2. Play dead - The ultimate dramatic flair! 😵‍💫
3. Bow - A classic cuteness overload! 🐶✨
4. High five - A job well done! 🤩🌟

What tricks does your pup know? Share below! 👇 -sitiveVibes

🐾🎉 Happy New Year 2025, dog lovers! As we step into this brand new year, let's celebrate the pawsitive changes we can ma...
30/12/2024

🐾🎉 Happy New Year 2025, dog lovers! As we step into this brand new year, let's celebrate the pawsitive changes we can make together! 🥳 Whether it's teaching your furry friend new tricks or nurturing deeper bonds, we're here to make this year the best yet for you and your pup! 🐶✨

Let's embark on this exciting journey together! What goals do you have for your dogs in 2025? Share with us in the comments!

🎉🐾 As we welcome the New Year, let’s make sure our furry friends are safe and happy! Check out these essential tips in t...
28/12/2024

🎉🐾 As we welcome the New Year, let’s make sure our furry friends are safe and happy! Check out these essential tips in the image to keep your pup calm and comfortable during the celebrations. Your dog deserves a festive season too! 🎇💖

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. Let’s ensure everyone starts the year off right! 🐕✨

Share your best pet photos from the celebration with us! We can't wait to see how you ring in the new year with your four-legged friends!

25/12/2024

🎄✨ Wishing all our incredible clients a very Merry Christmas! May your holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Thank you for being a part of our journey this year! Here’s to creating more beautiful memories in the year ahead! 🎁🌟

🎄🐾 The holiday season is filled with joy, but it can also bring unique challenges for our furry friends. Let's prioritiz...
22/12/2024

🎄🐾 The holiday season is filled with joy, but it can also bring unique challenges for our furry friends. Let's prioritize their safety and happiness during this festive time! ❤️ Take a moment to check out our latest tips in the image to keep your pup healthy and stress-free. Remember, a happy dog means a happy holiday! 💖

🎄✨ Attention Valued Clients: We wish to inform you that our office will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Decembe...
20/12/2024

🎄✨ Attention Valued Clients: We wish to inform you that our office will be closed for the Christmas holiday from December 20th to January 6th. During this time, we will not be available to respond to inquiries. We appreciate your understanding and support throughout the year. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

🐾 Socialising your puppy is essential for their development and happiness! Here are 4 effective ways to help your furry ...
18/12/2024

🐾 Socialising your puppy is essential for their development and happiness! Here are 4 effective ways to help your furry friend thrive:

1. **Puppy Classes**: Enroll in a local training class that focuses on socialisation. It's a great way to meet other pups and learn essential skills! 🐶

2. **Public Outings**: Take your puppy to different environments - parks, pet-friendly shops, or busy streets. Exposure is key! 🌳

3. **Playdates**: Arrange playdates with known and well-behaved dogs. Supervised fun can help them learn appropriate behavior and build lasting friendships. 🐕‍🦺

4. **Meet New People**: Encourage friends and family to meet your puppy. The more positive interactions they have, the more confident they will become! 😊

Start socialising today and watch your pup blossom!

Enroll in our puppy classes for socialisation and so much more!
https://www.problemsonpaws.com.au/puppy-classes
Available at Asquith and Thornleigh vet clinics

🌟🐾 Hey dog lovers! It's treat time! 🥳 We want to know: what are your pup’s all-time FAVORITE treats? 🍖💖 Is it crunchy bi...
15/12/2024

🌟🐾 Hey dog lovers! It's treat time! 🥳 We want to know: what are your pup’s all-time FAVORITE treats? 🍖💖 Is it crunchy biscuits, chewy snacks, or something super special? Share in the comments below and let's celebrate those tail-wagging moments together! 🐶✨

11/12/2024

🎉🐾 Get ready to celebrate your furry friend’s brilliance! Teaching your dog cute tricks not only strengthens your bond but also doubles the fun! From playful spins to adorable high fives, there’s a world of tricks you can explore together! 🎈✨

Here are a few to get started:
1. **Spin**: 🐕‍🦺 Teach them to twirl in a circle!
2. **High Five**: 🖐️ A classic that never fails to impress!
3. **Play Dead**: 💥 That dramatic flair will steal hearts!

So grab some treats and get ready for a pawsitively awesome time! 🥳🐶
Share your dogs' tricks below!

🐶✨ Looking to improve your dog training sessions? The right treats can make all the difference! Here’s a quick guide to ...
11/12/2024

🐶✨ Looking to improve your dog training sessions? The right treats can make all the difference! Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best training treats for your furry friend:

1. Small and Soft: Look for small, soft treats that are easy to chew and can be quickly eaten. This keeps the training sessions flowing smoothly without long breaks for chewing. 🦴👄

2. High-Value Treats: Use high-value treats that your dog finds irresistible. These are usually moist, smelly, and extra tasty. Try different types like cheese, chicken, or store-bought training treats to see what your dog loves most. 🧀🍗

3. Healthy Ingredients: Opt for treats made with natural, healthy ingredients. Avoid those with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Look for options with real meat as the first ingredient. 🌿🥩

4. Low-Calorie Options: Since you'll be using a lot of treats during training, choose low-calorie options to avoid overfeeding. You can also use your dog's regular kibble if they find it motivating. 🍖⚖️

5. Variety: Keep a variety of treats on hand to maintain your dog’s interest and excitement during training sessions. Mixing up the treats can prevent your dog from getting bored. 🐾🌟

Choosing the right treat can lead to successful training outcomes and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. What treats does your dog love? 🐕❤️

Address

Services Available In:
Hornsby, NSW
2077

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61406649633

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We help you build strong, positive relationships with your dog!

Remember when you first picked up your puppy? I do. It was exciting and scary at the same time. This little ball of fur will rely on you for everything. There is the potential there to have the most amazing relationship and bond. Something so unique you won’t be able to describe it. It’s a best friend but with so much more on offer too.

I have always loved animals, especially dogs. I spent my entire childhood asking my parents for a dog. Always the answer was no, until one day it wasn’t.

When I got Benji I vowed to always take care of him no matter what. I promised to never abandon him and to look after him as best I can.

When I first got Benji I did just that. Except, with what I know now, I can tell you I made mistakes.