Happy Tails Dog Training

07/02/2025

TRAINING TUESDAY - play!
Play can be so useful in communicating with, & teaching, our dogs. There are a bunch of studies on play-based learning in humans [including Blinkoff & co 2023 with a good summary], and also dogs [Affenzeller 2020 even looked at the benefit of dog-human play after learning a new skill]. Check out our this article for some tips & inspiration on play with your dog: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Playing-with-your-Dog

06/02/2025

Thinking about studying to become a pet trainer (think dog, cat, avian, equine...the list is endless) - PPGA have a scholarship opportunity that is open now.

See details on the attached post :)

(p.s. I can answer questions too as I'm on the PPGA committee)

THEORY THURSDAY - update your theory!
We are very proud to announce that the Scholarship Program is back for 2025 - and now open for applications.
The program helps three new, potential, or emerging trainers with the costs of gaining recognised qualification and aid their career as a pet training professional.
Find out more, and apply now, via our website: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/PPGA-Sponsorship-Program

06/02/2025

02/02/2025

29/01/2025

A warm welcome to our Westbury Beginners class!
Enjoying some beautiful summer weather while we can

28/01/2025

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – 2025 🐶

Legana
2nd February 11am (Sunday) - BOOKED OUT

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

27/01/2025

If you see someone moving their dog away, please respect them - they could be in training, have an injured or elderly dog, a dog that may get stressed by on lead greetings, a dog that is not social with others (which is completely normal) or even a human that may not want human interaction (for a variety of reason, but this may include PTSD, trauma etc).

Please respect this - unless you are invited over, please don't approach

I was talking to a friend yesterday, and they mentioned how they took evasive action from a person with an off leash dog (in on leash area) and how that person then went out of their way to cover over..... arghhh

So Why Might Some Dog Teams Take Evasive Action

When you see a dog team taking evasive action—like hiding behind a car, ducking behind a bin or turning around—it’s often a protective measure.

Here are just a few reasons:

Safety First: Ensuring their dog’s and their own safety from unpredictable situations.

Avoiding Triggers: Steering clear of potential triggers for dogs who may be anxious or reactive.

Training Focus: Maintaining focus during a training session without distractions.

If you notice someone evading you, here’s how you can respond:

Respect Distance: Give them space and avoid approaching.

Be Understanding: Recognise that there are valid reasons for their actions.

Offer a Smile: A friendly smile or wave from a distance can show support and understanding.

Remember, it’s all about ensuring safety and comfort for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike!

26/01/2025

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – 2025 🐶

Legana
2nd February 11am (Sunday)

Westbury
28th January at 6:30pm (Tuesday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

08/01/2025

Send a message to learn more

07/01/2025

TRAINING TUESDAY

A favorite pastime in summer is taking our dogs to the beach. But not every dog likes the water.

So what can we do to help them?

Here are some steps to help your dog become comfortable with the sea:

🐶Start with a calm environment: Choose a beach or shoreline with gentle waves and calm water. Avoid busy beaches with strong currents at first.
🐶Play near the water: Play fetch or other games on the beach near the water's edge to help develop a positive association with the water. Encourage them to approach the water by making it fun and rewarding.
🐶Gentle water exposure: Let your dog explore the water at their own pace. You can gently wade in with them, but avoid forcing them into the water. If the dog feels too nervous, allow them to stay on dry land.
🐶Use a life vest (if needed): Some dogs may not be natural swimmers, so using a life vest can make the experience safer and more enjoyable. Consider also a long line for extra safety.
🐶Find a friend: Some dogs gain confidence by seeing other dogs enjoy playing in the sea.

Training your dog to enjoy the sea is a gradual process. With patience and positive experiences, most dogs can come to love the beach and the water!

05/01/2025

Such a legend of the dog training world - she made a huge difference to many a trainers. Her book 'Don't shoot the dog' is essential reading for anyone interested in dog training

02/01/2025

A reminder that training is a journey, not a race - your learner will learn at a pace that suits them.
Thanks to Pet Professional Guild Australia for an informative post :)

Theory Thursday

Training isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about building skills step by step. These steps, called “approximations,” help animals (including humans) learn in a way that’s manageable and stress-free. Each small success adds up, leading to the bigger picture.

By breaking any skill into small, achievable steps, learning can occur without anyone becoming confused or frustrated.

But here’s the key: be flexible. If your learner is struggling, don’t push them to the next step. Maybe the task is too hard, or they’re distracted by something. Adjust your approach—make the task easier, change the environment to one less distracting, or use a higher-value reinforcer.

Every learner is unique, and training plans should reflect that. Progress might not always be linear but those small wins will add up to big achievements.

Remember: training is a journey, not a race. Celebrate the small victories along the way! 🥳



* Created with the assistance of AI

23/12/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – 2025 🐶

I am taking a bit of a break from classes for most of January. So the next beginners classes will be starting late Jan/Early Feb next year

Legana
2nd February 11am (Sunday)

Westbury
28th January at 6:30pm (Tuesday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

23/12/2024

With some hot weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, this is extra important. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available (multiple options where possible and unable to be tipped over) and plenty of shady spots.

Where possible, leave access to an air conditioned room for them to retreat to.

Instead of walks, look at some indoor puzzles, lickimats and brain games to keep them mentally active instead.