Liefdog

26/01/2025

Somebody had a wonderful day with his favourite people.

23/01/2025

😱

23/01/2025

🤭

Send a message to learn more

22/01/2025

Does anyone else absolutely LOVE appropriate/controlled resource guarding?

I love watching things like this. The communication is so beautiful. Not to mention how the puppy pets the older dog as if to say "it's okay, bud. I'm stealing your stuff and you're going to love me anyway."

Send a message to learn more

22/01/2025

The story of the end of many a relationship.

"I will push you off the boat. Do you want to get drowned? Because I CAN swim."

🤣

Send a message to learn more

20/01/2025

❤️‍🩹

16/01/2025

“Don’t even talk to me. I’m too cute and it’s exhausting.”

Chase, Boxer, 17wks

15/01/2025

Take notes, friends.

11/01/2025

Daycare can be helpful for dogs left alone for long hours or those with separation anxiety, but it’s not for every dog. Overstimulation can lead to aggression and inappropriate play, so careful consideration is key.

Here are a few reasons daycare might not be a good fit:
🚫 New to your home (less than 2 months)
🚫 Under 6 months old
🚫 Poorly socialised or reactive
🚫 Fearful, anxious, or displaying bullying tendencies

Daycare and dogs parks are not meant to “socialise” your dog; daycare is for well-socialised, stable, behaviourally sound dogs who are reliably appropriate with other dogs.

Not sure if daycare is the right fit? Consider a dog walker instead!

10/01/2025

🔐 Liefdog’s Academy Members: check your inbox for your January resource!

Not yet a member? Join today at the 🔗 link in bio (IG) or https://liefdog.com/the-academy

Each month you’ll receive a training resource 📖, a live Q&A (recorded for replay) 🙋‍♀️, and a training tutorial 🎦 PLUS access to me in the supportive Community 💬 and priority access to live events and other perks! 🎁

09/01/2025

We often think that “socialising our puppy” means to bring them to a dog park and let them play with other dogs, but it’s not that simple.

Socialisation in humans looks like that - dinner parties, clubs and bars, concerts, meetups, etc. For puppies, it’s not just something they do on the weekends or around the water cooler at work, it’s a systematic process that is considered a behavioural vaccine.

👉 A puppy’s critical socialisation period is from 5 weeks to 14 weeks (some might argue 12 weeks, even!) and in that time, we have a lot of work to do to fill their brain with positive associations.

Once they’re past 14 weeks, the work isn’t done. Nope! The easy part is done. From then on, it takes more focus, more observation, and more intention to ensure they’re confident and happy in new situations.

Want a step-by-step guide to rock puppy socialisation? Check out my program “The First Year” in the Liefdog Academy! ✨ It’s packed with a full plan to help you raise a well-rounded, rock-solid dog.

🔗 liefdog.com/the-academy

05/01/2025

We are so saddened to hear that Karen Pryor has passed away.

She leaves behind an incredible legacy of decades of education and pioneering in the animal training world.

It was an honour to hear her speak a few times over the years. Her books have had a lasting effect on me and will continue to teach and inspire.

Rest in peace ❤️

04/01/2025

Does your dog guard their food bowl? Let’s rebuild trust and change their emotional response to you approaching them while they have the resource. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Put 1/4 of their meal in the bowl and place it on the floor.
2️⃣ As they eat, step away and toss small, high-value treats (think cheese or ham) into or near the bowl.
3️⃣ Repeat until they’re relaxed and happy, eagerly anticipating those bonus treats.
4️⃣ Gradually move a little closer and repeat these steps until eventually, you’re placing the treats in the bowl or retrieving the bowl to toss a few treats in and replacing it for the dog to consume.

This simple exercise builds positive associations and trust—your presence becomes a good thing!

❗Note: this is only an example—if your dog has a history of resource guarding, please consult a qualified professional prior to attempting this on your own.

02/01/2025

LOOK WHO DID THE STAIRS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE HE WAS A PUPPY!!!!!

31/12/2024

Animals cannot comprehend that fireworks is a harmless experience; to them, it is a very dangerous scenario that requires fight or flight.

If your dog is scared by this tonight's fireworks, check out our tips below:
• DON'T bring them to any fireworks
• Walk them well before dusk
• Keep them on a leash outside
• Double check your fences/gates
• Ensure their ID tags are up to date and on their collar
• Keep lights and TV on to block out the flashes and sounds
• Close windows/blinds and consider using a white noise machine
• Utilise calming aids such as Thundershirts, Adaptil, etc.
• Speak with your Vet about anti-anxiety medications if there is a history of fear, anxiety or stress with fireworks
• Have a plethora of stuffed Kongs and food toys to keep them busy

29/12/2024

Researchers challenged longhorn crazy ants and humans with the same task: maneuvering a T-shaped object through two consecutive open doorways. Single humans always outperformed single ants, but ant groups could beat human groups. In PNAS: https://ow.ly/fpwV50UwZAn

27/12/2024

🐕 Dogs are natural problem-solvers! Feeding them out of bowls takes away the chance to use their instincts.

Get rid of that food bowl and start enriching your dog’s environment! Give them something to DO. A mentally stimulated dog is a good dog.

Here is a list of my Top Ten food dispensing toys that will keep your pet busy for much longer, utilise their brains and eliminate boredom-based issues, potentially relieve anxiety, and reduce nuisance behaviours such as excessive barking and chewing of inappropriate items.

Check out my top 10 food dispensing toys: https://liefdog.com/top-ten-dog-food-dispensing-toys/