Dizine Canine - Dog Training & Behaviour

02/02/2025

Such an important reminder for guardians; especially if raising a puppy. Meaningful sleep is an important aspect of your dog's wellness. Thank you The Grounded Hound Dog Training and Good Guardianship for the reminder!

This is something that can so easily be missed as a potential cause of dogs behaving in a certain way.

Just as for us, it's vital that dogs get enough sleep and that the sleep they do get is quality sleep. It is particularly noticeable in puppies when they are overtired and in need of a nap - this is what is often causing the behaviours jokingly put under the heading of 'landshark' where the puppy can be very mouthy and nipping.

The amount of sleep needed can be surprising to inexperienced caregivers. An adult dog needs somewhere in the range 8-14 hours, while puppies and senior dogs need a massive 18-20 hours.

It's also important to remember that dogs do not get all of their sleep in one go, unlike humans. They will sleep for a time then wake up for a while before settling down again later.

Dogs are also crepuscular, meaning they are generally most active at dawn and dusk compared to humans who are diurnal, and so usually most active in daylight.

It's vital to make sure that we provide comfortable places for our dogs to sleep, preferably giving them a choice of where they want to sleep. As an example my dogs have the pick of 3 dog beds and 2 sofas downstairs. Upstairs we have 2 human beds, 2 dog crates (with the doors permanently left open) and 3 dog beds. This gives a huge amount of choice for our 2 dogs, and they usually divide the night between the 2 human beds and the dog beds, although my younger dog likes to have a little time in a crate too.

If you find that your dog is showing signs that could be linked to not getting enough sleep, take a fresh look at their sleeping opportunities.

Are they all sufficiently comfortable for your dog?

Do they have the ability to be able to find somewhere nice and quiet for a nap if the house is busy?

As with many things relating to dog behaviour, it could be well worth taking them to their vet for a checkup to make sure there is nothing else causing the issues sleeping or the symptoms being seen - it's always best to rule out anything linked to health or pain as early as possible.

01/09/2025

Sharing here to help get this sweet gal out of the shelter and into a foster home. If you are able to foster or even adopt, please reach out to our friends at Straight Outta Rescue Society

Foster home desperately needed for this big gorgeous gal, she has been at the shelter for over seven months now, and her spirits are starting to dim 💕

Well we’ve been visiting with our amazing team at the Vancouver Animal Shelter lately and we have another really sweet gal we’d love to help get into a loving warm bed🩷

Denali came to our friends at VAS after her person sadly and very suddenly passed away. She was unsure where she was, where her person was and what would be in store for her next…😔

After a few days of waiting for her person and understandable confusion she realized she was safe.

Denali is a solid girl whose appearance may be deceivingly tough. She is a big, mushy, playful, goofy, happy girl tho!
Give her a minute to suss you out.
Speak to her with a kind voice.
Compliment her stunning brindled coat.
She’s ready to meet you.
Offer her a snack and she’s all yours.
Give her a ball or a toy and see her playful side appear.
Then, take her out for a walk for some one on one time. She will win your heart and offer you hers💜
Denali needs a foster without other animals or young children to start so we can assess her and set her up for success!

Denali has a whole lotta love to give and a big heart wanting to be filled with love again❤️

For a foster application please visit the link below.
Https://straightouttarescuesociety.ca/dog-foster-application

01/05/2025

Happy New Year!
These rainy, foggy winter nights definitely mess up our outdoor adventures. Thankfully we have lots of enrichment, food toys to get us through. Enrichment for the win, with the West Paw Qwizl.!!👍
Did you know that the act of licking releases endorphins in a dog's brain, which can help with feeling calm and relaxed? (It tires them out too 😊)

12/03/2024

Let's find this sweet girl a furever home for xmas!!! Please share

11/17/2024

The risk of behaviour challenges are far greater than the risk of disease. Carefully practiced, early socialization and exposure is critical for a puppy's early development. If you're unsure how to do this, we're here to help.
Thank you Rescued by Training and The Grounded Hound Dog Training for sharing this message :)

MYTH: "Don’t take your puppy anywhere until they're fully vaccinated."

FACT: "The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the *standard of care* for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age." (AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization)

FACT: If you wait until your puppy is full vaccinated, you've missed their critical socialization period.

Vets, rescues and breeders who are clinging to the outdated belief that dogs should be prevented from socialization until fully vaccinated are not keeping up with the current research, literature and recommendations from behavior professionals.

11/10/2024

The holidays are coming!! Is your pup ready? If not, we can help!

Dizine Canine has put together a short, condensed version of our original Life Skills; Basic Manners course covering all the important skills needed for holidays. Greeting company, settle on mat, stay, dinner time rules, and more.
These classes are 4 weeks only, starting Monday, November 25 at 7pm and each consecutive Monday evening thereafter. Last class is December 16. Classes are held in Port Alberni, and are limited to 5 teams only.
Register online at

Get your canine family member ready for the holidays!

10/05/2024

I've come across several posts lately discussing different ways of teaching a recall. Many people, including balanced trainers, stated a good recall can only be achieved by using an e-collar (shock collar).
Last weekend, Orion and Lindsey proved that isn't the only way, and I'm pretty sure they're both happier for that.
Well done team! Start enjoying those off leash trail hikes 😊

09/14/2024

Yes!!! Anthropomorphizing I can get behind! Wanna know why a dog seems to do so well with e-collar "training"? It's called behaviour avoidance; fear of doing anything that may result in an unpleasant (in this example, electric stimulus) consequence. Sadly, the difference between this parody and when used on a dog? The dog doesn't understand where the electric stim is coming from, making the stress of it even more profound. :(

Sure, a little four legged soldier responding to every word, I suppose looks impressive, but if at the emotional expense of the dog? Is it worth it?

Need help with your dog? Want to change behaviour without jeopardizing your relationship. Get in touch, I can help :)

29.3K likes, 566 comments. “The Corporate Jargon Shock Collar @Megan Green@Alli Wulfert”

08/16/2024

Let's help find this girl a home. Any one who knows the breed, knows shelter life can be the worst for them. Furever Endeavour Rescue Network is fantastic in giving Penny everything she needs, but what she really needs is a home to call her own.
Please share and hopefully in doing so, she'll find her family.

I will also donate an in-person consultation (Port Alberni to Qualicum), or an online consultation to anywhere else.
SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! Her furever home is out there somewhere!

Look at those eyes! 💛💛 Pretty Penny has been with us since April 1st. She came into care with 4 of her pups, malnourished and in very poor condition. When we first posted her picture and story, we received an outpoor of interest in this lady. Unfortunately we haven't found the right match for Penny yet. We have since learned that Penny needs to be the only pet in the home, she's selective with other dogs and we don't think she'd do well living with cats. Other than that, she's an absolute angel. SO willing to please, SO affectionate and loving! She just craves attention and love from any human she meets and it breaks our hearts that she's living a "kennel life". She deserves the world, including a family of her own and a warm comfy couch or bed to snooze in. If you are interested in fostering or adopting Penny, please reach out 🐾 2 of Penny's pups, Sheldon and Raj, are still available for adoption as well. Please have a look on our website to read more about everyone.

07/05/2024

And just another share about Penny, because, well..... she's not only an adorable pocket pit, but she really deserves a great home

Send a message to learn more

07/05/2024

Hey all bully lovers! This sweet girl is looking for a home to call her own. The amazing Furever Endeavour Rescue Network has been taking great care of Penny, including that she received immediate care for her ... ahem.... indiscretions ;)
Please spread the word, and if she finds a home here in town (Port Alberni), or on the east island (Nanaimo to Comox Valley) I will donate a introduction session to help settle her in and help ensure she and her new family are set up for success :)

04/11/2024

This comes up in almost every lesson I have, whether with the guardian of a reactive dog, or the guardian of the friendly dog. Bottom line, be respectful of fellow dog owners.

"He's friendly!" is no excuse for rude behaviour.

03/21/2024

Port Alberni - Reactive Dog Classes starting Sunday, April 7, 10:30am. Space is limited to 4 students only. Registration is up now.

Gain confidence while working with your reactive dog.