Unified Canine- Dog training in Sale & surrounding areas

07/11/2024

Client win 🥳

Meet Mustang – a gentle giant weighing in at 55kg, with the enthusiasm of a young pup! This greyhound x huntaway might look a bit intimidating when he gets excited and pulls his owner along to get a closer look at others, but we’re helping him learn that he doesn’t need to lead the way!

During our session, we focused on loose leash walking, building his confidence, and giving him a clear understanding of what’s expected. Since Mustang is a little anxious at times, we paired him up with equipment that suits his strength and gave him structured guidance so he could feel calm and comfortable on his walks.

His owners did a fantastic job putting everything into practice, and the results are already showing. This family is off to an amazing start, and we’re so proud of their dedication!

Keep up the brilliant work, Mustang and family! Every step forward is a win.

Looking for a group pet dog training option? Why not join our puppy or obedience class👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/services-dog-training-sale-victoria/

You’d like specific help to get on top of behaviour problems or tidy up your obedience? Book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

01/11/2024

Don’t forget the fireworks are on approx 9pm tonight in Sale!

Put those pups away early and keep them safe.

🐶 Bring them inside if possible
🐶 Confine them in a safe & secure area
🐶 Provide distraction (a stuffed frozen Kong is great for this)
🐶 Use music or other noise to mask the sound
🐶 Close your blinds to block the visual stimulation if close by
🐶 Consider staying home with them if they have a real phobia (or getting someone to look after them)
🐶 Don’t baby your dog, although soothing talk and petting doesn’t reinforce an emotion, it can reinforce the behaviour that is being displayed with the emotion
🐶If your dog has been prescribed medication for these very events, don’t forget to give it to them early enough to take effect. Supplements like Zylkene may also be a consideration today for those who aren’t but hate fireworks

🎆Please don’t take your dog to the show. It is loud, there’s lots of people, lots of machinery, big unusual things….Too much going on to even get your dog “used” to specific things if that was your aim. Uncontrolled environments are not good training opportunities. If wanting to take your dog for an enjoyable family outing, I guarantee it will not be as enjoyable for your dog as you’d hope and likely leave you with problems you weren’t anticipating.

Have fun guys!

31/10/2024

How do I Find the Best Dog Class Near Me?

It all depends on your goals, what you want to achieve, and how your dog handles certain environments. Here’s a guide:

1️⃣ Obedience & Agility Trials: If you’re aiming to compete in obedience or Agility trials, a dog club might be best. Clubs focus on precise obedience skills & trial standards, perfect for competitive goals.

2️⃣ Pet Dog Obedience: Want a well-behaved companion dog? A pet dog trainer who offers group and private lessons is ideal for teaching everyday manners, recall, loose leash walking, & more. Creating a well balanced dog who fits into the family.

3️⃣ Behaviour Issues: If your dog has behavioral challenges, it’s essential to work with a professional trainer who specialises in behavior modification & has proven results. Clubs aren’t equipped for these cases; the environment is too much for these dogs & instructors don’t receive specific training to address complex behaviours. For dogs with reactivity or fear issues, private training is a must to get tailored guidance.

4️⃣ Puppy Classes: For puppies, it’s important to work with a qualified, experienced trainer. It’s a crucial period in your puppy’s life—known as the “critical socialisation period” for a reason. Getting it right now can save you & your pup from so much frustration & heartache later on. Ask questions about the qualifications & experience of puppy school instructors.

What’s the best fit? It’s all about knowing your goals & understanding your dog’s needs. As a trainer specialising in behaviour modification, I’m especially passionate about helping reactive dogs, however, I can also help with a variety of other behaviours. My background is also in pet dog training both puppies and adult dogs. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help you & your dog achieve real success!

Looking for a group pet dog training option? Why not join our puppy or obedience class👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/services-dog-training-sale-victoria/

You’d like specific help to get on top of behaviour problems or tidy up your obedience? Book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

30/10/2024

How Do I Stop My Puppy from Biting? 🐾

Puppies explore the world with their mouths—and those little teeth can hurt! Most trainers will say the solution is redirection, like swapping your hand for a toy or getting them to focus on obedience. And yes, that’s part of it. But here’s the missing piece: correct first, redirect second. 🧩

I’m all about keeping things simple and clear for our dogs. If you make their world as black and white as possible there’s less guess-work involved for them, which means less anxiety about what you are asking of them. If we only redirect without correcting, the message can get muddy. Your puppy might think, “If I nibble on your hand, you’ll bring out a toy and we’ll play!”

Here’s where clarity comes in:
1️⃣ Correct (or shift them out of that behaviour) : Use a clear “No” followed by whatever appropriate consequence works for your pup.
2️⃣ Redirect: Show them what they can bite, like a toy, and engage in play.

This way, you’re saying: “No, don’t mouth me. But yes, play with this!” You’re helping your puppy understand the rules and setting them up for success without confusion or frustration.

💡 Get ahead of ‘shark mode!’:
If you know your pup is full of beans and about to go into “shark mode” (you know the look!), be proactive. Grab a toy or redirect their energy with a short training session before they start using you as a chew toy. The goal is to avoid reinforcing the biting habit in the first place.

Stay patient—puppies learn quickly with consistent boundaries and clear communication! 🐶

Need help with channelling puppy energy? Why not join our puppy class, now beginning November 8th 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/puppy-class-sale-victoria/

If you’d like specific help to develop your pup to be a well balanced adult, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

23/10/2024

What’s the Best Leash for Loose Leash Walking?

There isn’t a perfect leash for everyone—it really comes down to what works for you and your dog. But here’s what I’ve found works best for me:

1. The most important feature is a strong buckle- Cheap buckles can snap under pressure, which is a serious safety risk if your dog lunges or pulls.

2.A standard 4ft leash- This length gives your dog enough freedom to sniff around without getting tangled which I find often happens with a 6ft leash.

3. Avoid bungee leashes or multiple-loop designs- Bungee leashes might seem helpful for a dog that pulls, but they actually reward pulling by letting the dog move forward with resistance. Leashes with multiple loops can snag on things during your walk. A single loop at the end keeps it simple and lets you use a thumb lock for solid control. Leashes with handles might seem useful, but they give you less grip when you need it most.

4. Choose material based on comfort- I personally go for leather because it’s easier on my fingers, especially with bigger or lunging dogs. Nylon works too, but it can be abrasive during tough moments.

5. Look for solid stitching and rivets- It’s worth checking the quality of your leash—weak stitching or poorly made rivets could fail just when you need them most. A well-made leash gives you peace of mind on every walk.

In the end, the right leash is about what works for you. Pick what gives you confidence and comfort—your walks will be much more enjoyable for it.

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s pulling ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

Want a free guide to give you start? Click here and sign up for my free loose leash walking guide 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au

22/10/2024

Client win 🥳

Little Toby pulls on leash and jumps all over visitors, taking ages to settle.

His wonderful family reached out to learn some skills to walk him without pulling and how to practice the visitors at the door scenario.

They aced it in their lesson 💕

Toby also gets right up in your face so we worked on a bed command. His sister saw how much fun it was that she had to join in too! 🤣

Keep up the fabulous work!

18/10/2024

“My puppy won’t stop biting, jumping, and running riot around the house. I’ve tried everything, but nothing works…”

It feels like this…

You collapse on the couch after a long day, hoping for a moment of peace. But before you can relax—bam! Your puppy zooms through the house like a tornado.

In seconds, they’re chewing your shoes, yanking socks off the kids, and nipping at your hands when you try to redirect them. The kids are squealing, the pup’s buzzing with energy, and your patience is wearing thin.

You scoop them up and plonk them outside. “A bit of backyard time should calm things down.” Just five minutes of quiet—please!

But as you shut the door, guilt creeps in. “Am I doing the right thing? Shouldn’t I know how to handle this?”

You watch through the window as their tail wags happily—while you feel drained and unsure.

“I thought getting a puppy was supposed to be fun. Why does it feel so overwhelming?”

Soon, you find yourself letting them stay outside more, hoping the extra play will help. But deep down, you know it’s not a real solution. Each day, you feel more disconnected from your pup—and the guilt builds.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This is the story of so many puppy owners in Gippsland—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Raising a puppy is hard—all the nipping, jumping, and chaos can feel overwhelming. But every challenge has a solution. The key is finding one that works for your puppy.

I’ve been there—feeling lost and exhausted—and I know it’s possible to turn it around.

You can enjoy your puppy again. 🐾 You can have a calm, happy dog who fits into your family. You don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready for change, Let’s chat about what’s going on and find the path forward together.

Want to join our puppy class, beginning October 25th? 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/puppy-class-sale-victoria/

After specific help to develop your pup to be a well balanced dog, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

17/10/2024

Meet little Luna,

She’s the cutest thing isn’t she?!

Luna was causing a bit of a ruckus in her first week at home barking, howling & whining when separated from her family, waking up early & jumping up on people.

We worked on these things in our first session. Her owners are really switched on and dedicated. They managed to get on top of these behaviours straight away. 🏆🙌

Now we are working towards their goals to have a well behaved, social and trained dog.

Finding the right motivation for this pup is important. In our second lesson we went through building engagement when out and about and using that for the beginnings of walking nicely on leash and coming when called.

Can’t wait to see her progress next lesson!

Keep up the amazing work 🤩😎

17/10/2024

17/10/2024

How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?

Puppies are little balls of energy – but how much exercise is just right for them? You’ve probably heard that a tired pup is a well-behaved one, but too much activity can be as harmful as too little, putting unnecessary strain on their growing bodies and joints. It’s all about striking the right balance!

Every puppy has different energy levels so it can be a hard one to answer. As a general rule it is recommended to do 5 minutes of structured exercise for every month of age for 2 sessions a day. I would suggest these be broken down into socialisation, training and play rather than a walk.

It’s also key to focus on quality over quantity – mental stimulation counts just as much, if not more, as physical exercise! Short training sessions, socialisation outings, or even a good old game of tug can drain that puppy energy without overdoing it.

If your puppy turns into a cranky toddler or lags behind, fatigue is setting in. Don’t push it. Rest is just as important as play. Puppies need loads of sleep to recharge and grow strong – it’s like a toddler needing naps.

So, next time your pup’s bouncing off the walls, consider a balanced mix of mental work and gentle exercise. Keep them happy, healthy, and on track for smooth development!

Need help shaping that balance? Why not join our puppy class, beginning October 25th 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/puppy-class-sale-victoria/

If you’d like specific help to develop your pup to be a well balanced adult, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

10/10/2024

This beautiful girl, Indi, was our first dog. She was the sweetest! The perfect first dog.

Today is her birthday. Miss you pup 💕

10/10/2024

Can I Use a Harness to Stop My Dog From Pulling?

You could…but it’s not the most effective solution, and it’s often not in your dog’s best interest. Don’t be fooled by the marketing hype around harnesses, especially the no-pull harnesses.

Think of it like this: you could use a screwdriver for many things—hammering, chiseling, prying. Could it get the job done? Sure, but a hammer is much better for hammering nails, and a chisel is designed for precise woodwork. The right tool makes the job easier, with less force and better results.

Now, with a no-pull front clip harness, it works by twisting your dog’s body. Imagine having a rope tied around your side with a weight on the end, pulling you off balance all day. How would your back, shoulders, and hips feel after that? Not great, right?

A balanced approach to loose leash walking, using equipment designed for clear communication, makes things smoother for both you and your dog! Less frustration, more freedom.

Even with the right equipment, it’s not going to stop your dog from pulling, it will make it easier. You still need to have the skillset to achieve long lasting results. Seeking the help of a professional trainer who will teach you the best methods for you and your dog is the best way to learn this skill.

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s pulling ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

Want a free guide to give you start? Click here and sign up for my free loose leash walking guide 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au

09/10/2024

What’s the Difference Between Aggression and Reactivity in Dogs?

Ever wondered if your dog’s bark or lunge is truly aggressive or just a reaction? While they might look similar, aggression and reactivity are different, and understanding the difference is key to working with your dog.

Reactivity happens when a dog “showboats” – putting on an aggressive-looking display to avoid conflict. Think of it as your dog saying, “Back off!” without actually wanting to get physical. It might seem like an overreaction to us, but for dogs, it’s a form of communication. They’re trying to create space or stop something that makes them uncomfortable.

Aggression, on the other hand, involves intent. It’s when a dog actually means business and there are different types of aggression, such as fear-based or territorial. But remember, most dogs DON’T want to use aggression. From an evolutionary standpoint, dogs that fight are more likely to get injured or worse, which lowers their chances of survival and passing on their genes.

Bottom line: If your dog is reactive, it’s not necessarily aggressive. Both behaviors can be managed with the right training and understanding.

Want to learn more about handling these behaviors? Drop a comment or message us – we’re here to help!

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s reactivity ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

24/09/2024

What Causes Dog Reactivity?

Ever wondered why your dog suddenly loses it when they see another dog, a person, or even a passing car? There are generally two big reasons for this kind of reactivity, and both boil down to emotional responses.

1. Fear: Some dogs react out of fear—this often stems from a lack of proper socialisation or bad past experiences. If they’ve had a negative run-in with other dogs or people before, they might respond with an aggressive looking display as a way to keep themselves safe by keeping these things away from them.

2. Frustration: On the flip side, some dogs react because they’re frustrated. They see something they absolutely love—maybe another dog or a friendly face—but can’t get to it. That pent-up excitement can come out as barking, lunging, or pulling.

Understanding the “why” behind the behaviour is the first step in helping them overcome it. It’s not about aggression—it’s about emotion, whether fear or frustration.

Does this sound like your dog? Drop a comment or reach out—I’m here to help you turn those reactions around!

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s reactivity ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

19/09/2024

Can a Reactive Dog Be Cured?

Here’s the truth—reactive dogs aren’t broken. Reactivity isn’t a disease, it’s a form of communication. Yes, they may be overreacting, but that overreaction is a symptom of something deeper. That’s the real issue that needs to be “cured”—whether it’s fear, frustration, or something else.

Once we understand what’s causing the reactivity and work to address it, most dogs can improve significantly or to the point where reactivity no longer shows up in their behaviour at all. When owners take the time to truly understand their dog and what’s driving the reactions, are willing to make changes, learn the skills needed and follow through, we can often remove the need for those big over-the-top responses.

Now, does this mean every dog will get to 100% calm in every situation? Not always. Factors like genetics, early experiences, and even the owner’s ability and commitment to change play a huge part. But with the right approach, every dog can improve a lot from where they are right now. At a minimum, you should be able to get your dog under control quickly and manage their environment effectively.

So, while a reactive dog might not need to be “cured” in the traditional sense, they can absolutely get better. That progress makes all the difference.

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s reactivity ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/

18/09/2024

Aren’t these pretty!

Interested in basic obedience group classes? Our group classes are designed specifically for pet owners. You can start when you want and finish when you want. Multiple levels to be achieved within the same class and Awards to be earned. Find out more & sign up here👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/basic-obedience-class-sale-victoria/

16/09/2024

Multitasking day.

Have a lot to do today planning a snake avoidance day and other helpful things for my clients as well as general admin.

But spreading out my attention to share with my son who’s home for a few days.

16/09/2024

What Are the Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know?

Training a dog isn’t just about teaching tricks – it’s about creating a balanced, well-behaved companion who listens and trusts you. In my opinion, every dog should know at least these core commands:

- Sit – Simple but essential. It’s an easy one to teach that can help in many situations.

- Down – Helps teach your dog self-control but also paramount as an emergency command should they run across a road and you don’t want to call them back into traffic.

- Stand – Helps for grooming and vet visits.

- Come – Critical for safety. A reliable recall could also save their life and allow them more freedom.

- Loose Leash Walking – No more pulling on walks! Structured walking also keeps your dog right beside you and under control.

- Bed Command – Perfect for giving your dog a calm, safe space when needing to get them to settle. Great for creating calm in the house.

- Leave It – This one’s handy for impulse control, especially when your dog comes across something they shouldn’t touch.

These commands make life with your dog more enjoyable, safe, and stress-free. Every dog can learn them – it just takes consistency, patience, and a little know-how!

Interested in basic obedience group classes? Our group classes are designed specifically for pet owners. You can start when you want and finish when you want. Multiple levels to be achieved within the same class, Awards to be earned & fun to be had. Find out more & sign up here👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/basic-obedience-class-sale-victoria/

If you’d like help to get on top of your dog’s obedience ASAP, book a 1:1 with me here 👉 https://unifiedcanine.com.au/contact-us-dog-training-in-sale/