Dogs Best Friend

25/06/2024

The ‘Leave’ -
*This command is useful to get a dog to move back away from an animal (for example a cat or person - so the dog stops licking them if this is an issue) or object (inappropriate food for instance).
Keep hold of an especially favourable treat (or super interesting toy) in your hand and wait for your dog to lose interest - which they will eventually. The instant your dog has turned to go away, exclaim “Leave!” and offer the object.
Repeat at least ten times.
Sometimes to get at least the first few ‘Leaves,’ we need to lower the value of the item if the dog just won’t leave it alone. This food or toy still needs to hold some value though, for it to be seen as reward for the ‘Leave’ action Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
For more dog training as well as behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

19/06/2024

Do your small dog (and yourself) a favour and don’t ‘bubble wrap’ them.
It’s best not to pick your small dog up all the time or fear socializing them out of worry of them getting hurt. Your dog will not develop the social skills needed to be great friends with their larger counterparts. Sometimes, these under socialized dogs develop fear aggression directed at other dogs and the situation can become 'combustible.'
Lastly, try not to pass on your worry to your dog.
Most small breeds (but not all) were developed to hunt vermin or prey. These little canines had to be gutsy, fearless, steadfast and independent. A big attitude was needed to stand up to their prey. As such, you need not worry about your dog being treated exactly like what they are, a dog, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

11/06/2024

Games to play with your dog -
*It has been shown that pent-up energy of any form (physical, mental or chemical/dietary) increases a dog's tension and anxiety levels, so why not look at some games you can play with your beloved companion!
You could play Hide and Seek/train with your dog (with training being built into your day as well - asking for commands as part of feed time for example).
This is mentally enriching for your pooch, a fun way to work on ‘obedience' commands and brilliant for your relationship. I truly enjoy playing Hide and Seek or ‘Sit, Stay, Come’ with our dogs Trev and Lily. I go off and hide (after back tracking to confuse them with my scent) then call them to “Come!” I praise and sometimes reward them with a tasty treat upon their return. The look on their faces when they find me is priceless. Our kids join in with this game too, its a family affair.
You can also play -
- Box Search
Using a variety of boxes -
• While your dog isn’t looking, put a treat in one of the boxes
• As they find the treat, offer praise and a few bonus treats
• Put a fresh treat in the same box and rearrange the boxes
• Encourage your dog to find the treat box again
- The muffin tin game
Using a muffin tin -
• Put treats into a few of the muffin tin holes and cover them with tennis balls.
• Next, put tennis balls into all of the other empty muffin tin holes.
• Give the “puzzle” to your dog and let them explore by moving the balls to find the treats hidden underneath.
- The cup game
• Grab three cups, possibly you may need to look at ones that are a little more substantial, like plastic cups or flowerpots.
• Start with one cup and put a treat under it while your dog is watching. When they nose at the cup or paw at it, praise them and lift the cup to let them get the treat.
• After a few repetitions, bring in a second cup, but don’t put anything under it.
Show your dog that you are putting a treat under one cup with the empty cup next to it. When they sniff or paw at the cup with the treat under it, praise them and lift the cup to allow them to get the treat.
If your dog paws at the empty cup, lift it and show them there isn’t anything there. Then, lift the cup with the treat and show them this, but don’t allow them to get the treat. Put the cup back down and repeat, praising as your dog selects the right cup.
The better your dog gets, the more cups you can add in. Start moving the cups around like a magician in demonstration that your dog is using their nose to find the treats, not just memorizing the location, Selina McIntyre, Dog behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training Tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

04/06/2024

As part of the recall, you should be ‘dictating’ where you’re going, what you’re up to etc. when out and about with your dog - as an assertion of your authority here.
Then remember you're competing with the world around your dog at this time, so you need to change your tone (have a distinctly higher pitch than normal for you) and be more exciting/interesting!

*Also importantly, ensure your dog does not have pent-up physical and mental energy as this makes the world off the home section, particularly exciting!

When it comes to calling your dog back to you, make sure you’re bending down. This change in posture is both more interesting and less threatening to come up to. Return to standing once your dog returns.
If your dog is not responding, swiftly walk away a safe distance without looking back. You can even hide behind a tree.
Any time you chase after your dog here, creates a game scenario and you are then ‘following the leader.’
By quickly moving away, the pull of the pack is likely to be strong and you should listen for any panting coming up behind you 😊

Recall takes practice too. Practice within your home and garden environments, then progress to using a longer lead whilst off property, increasing distraction levels over time/with success - including a greater distance from you and obstacles to vision, before finally allowing off lead time once you have great recall here (at least 90% of the time your dog returns quickly), Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer and Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

28/05/2024

Some signs of stress in dogs -
When faced with an unwelcome situation, dogs may ‘escape’ by focussing on something else. They may sniff the ground, groom themselves or simply turn away.
Dogs can also use appeasement/calming gestures when they're feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or scared. Yawning or lip licking by a dog lets a person or another animal know that they're of no threat. A dog who is being approached by another dog may turn their eyes away, whilst licking their lips. This lets the other dog know they come peacefully. A dog may also do this if scolded or punished by their owner. They're saying, 'Look, I intend no harm.'
Dogs may also use appeasement/calming gestures as part of a distraction.
When your dog is confused or stressed around what you're asking of them, they can begin to maniacally scratch, 'distracting you' in the situation. For example once they understand the new command, or their stress level drops, the scratching stops. If, however, your dog begins to lick their lips and yawn, it's likely they're feeling a higher level of stress than usual and you should not push the interaction, giving them time to relax - the ‘fake yawn’ is one way a dog’s body relieves stress, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

25/05/2024

21/05/2024

Dogs chasing -
Chasing can become quite the obsession (particularly as the act produces adrenaline) - think chasing cats, cars - these too can ‘run away’ swiftly - allowing the perfect opportunity for a good fast chase for your dog! Even with a fixation on torch lights etc. your dog can become more interested in chasing than in actually catching the thing. This becomes quite the game BUT in the process, the dog can accidentally cause harm to themselves, property, or the poor bystander caught in the middle as your dog is on their mission.
So where possible, in front of the ‘arousing stimulus’ get your dog to undertake some distracting tasks/commands that they can also be rewarded for (if your dog wont take the normally tasty reward or even think of performing these commands - you must move further away from the animal/object). You can build on these actions over time as well.
With this training, we are now making a positive association with the situation also.
Also, if an intense chase drive is not channelled into acceptable play with toys, including short stints of Fetch for example (remembering that this activity does work a dogs brain up - with the production of adrenaline and your dog loves play that includes you best of all) as well as sufficient exercise and mental stimulation (and a good walk produces the calming chemical serotonin) behavioural issues can develop, interestingly tail chasing among the list…
Side note - playing chase with children -
It's best young kids in particular, don't play chase games with your dog as these can get out of hand quickly and your dog may also chase strangers children if this is how they're used to engaging, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

14/05/2024

Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog
- Your pup is comfortable being contained and left alone (containment will possibly be required for at least veterinary care). The crate is not a cruel cage but a den-like environment (dog's are naturally den-dwelling) especially when you partially cover it with a sheet in Summer or with a blanket in Winter.
- Your pup can rest and ‘be in quiet’ (they're not always go, go, go or sleeping with one ear, one eye open.)
- A vet check of your pup (possibly when you get your vaccinations) has determined no medical condition is causing undue stress on your companion that could be affecting their behaviour.
- ‘Well balanced’ should ultimately include your pup not displaying reactionary behaviour, including undue fear based behaviour and aggression towards humans, other animals or objects. A big part of this comes from proper and sufficient socialization in the Critical Socialization Period (0 - 16 weeks of age). Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

07/05/2024

Your pack includes all dogs residing and interacting on your property (for example a flatting situation and dogs are interacting this way).
There is the potential for problems here if there are different rules and boundaries for one dog, to another - they may be allowed inside for example and the other is not, or one on the bed or couch, the other not. You can have a real impact on the social dynamics of the entire pack, with how you are interacting with all individually, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

03/05/2024

Expecting a baby and already have a furry family?
Taking approximately 2.25 hrs. My 'Baby on the Way' Session looks at what it means to bring a little human into your pack and how to best prepare your dog for this new situation.
We look at living with your dog including general training tips to make life easier, preparing your dog for having a baby around, introducing your dog to your new bundle of joy and the management of children and dogs together.
With this, a handy booklet of instructions is provided for you to refer back to, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend.
Please visit www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz
for more information, thank you 🙂

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

01/05/2024

Do you chuck and chuck a ball or stick etc. but your dog seems to excitedly just want more and more? This is because the act of the chase produces the ‘excitable’ hormone adrenaline.
A calm, more stable energy is beneficial.
With this, the walk produces more of the calming , ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin, so it's best walking makes up the bulk of any exercise regime with your dog, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my Dog Behavioural & Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

29/04/2024

Love a walk in Taitua Arboretum. School holiday sunshine! ❤️🐾

25/04/2024

SALE! SALE! SALE!
In celebration of my being in business for 20 years,
you can learn from me, when and where you want,
for less than a $50!
To purchase the instant download featured below
visit -
https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/
'Your dog need not worry about you
and you can become someone your dog wants to
listen to'
$49.95 NZD (normally $79.95)
Through learning the often subtle behavioural cues of
dogs (with practices for you to do too) you can
become your dogs leader. Leadership and dominance
are different. An effective leader works with patience
and empathy, wanting to inspire trust and confidence.
You want your dog to look to you to make the right
decisions and a dog who feels safe and secure is far
less likely to over-react to the stresses of daily life.
~
"Selina brings a personable, applicative, and
knowledgeable approach to understanding dogs. It is
not 'your average sit, come and stay dog training'.
Selina has a deep understanding of dogs behaviours
and can explain in straightforward manner practical
ways to help your dog feel more at ease in a world
where they are constantly navigating 'our rules'...To
put it simply I believe Selina's approach and
knowledge is of value to all those who are lucky
enough to share their life with dog/s."
Tamzen, Muddy Paws, Tauranga.

Download significant, powerful information towards building a positive relationship with your dog.

23/04/2024

Dogs jumping up on people -
Firstly, always give your dog the opportunity to ‘Do Good’ and ask for a ‘Sit.’ In the early stages of training, you could reward your dog every time for sitting, then gradually introduce random rewards but praise every time.
Voices should not be raised or arms moving around as both will stimulate your dog more. With this, ask visitors to fold their arms and turn around away from your dog. Pushing a dog down/away often ends up creating a rebound effect, with the dog coming back to get this attention. If the problem is persisting or is very intense, you could try one of these two options –
Using an obliging visitor - the instant your dog begins jumping, get your visitor to silently turn around and walk away. Ideally they avoid making eye contact.
The visitor then waits, still facing the other way until your dog has calmed down. They then about turn and try again with their approach. This can be repeated until your dog has stopped their jumping (usually this process takes mere minutes).
Your dog is trying to gain attention, so if you reward them with this - even the odd time, you are then encouraging the behaviour.
Now, you can also use short periods of ‘Time Out’ for intense jumpers. This just means, as soon as you witness your dog jump up (a single jump is enough) immediately isolate them for just a few minutes - paying them no attention while they are away; no ‘growling’ and avoiding eye contact if they can see you. *However, do not let your dog out if they are barking or whining etc. otherwise these behaviours become the ‘push button,’ ‘I’ll get let out if I do these things….’ If you bring your dog out and they jump up once more, immediately take them away again for the few minutes. This process is repeated until your dogs jumping ceases. Your dog needs to learn this consequence to action and it usually comes about at a speedy rate if done consistently, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training & behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my comprehensive Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you.

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

17/04/2024

Teaching the super useful command, 'Watch' -
(This is to watch your eyes, for focus in the situation and can be useful before asking other commands, such as the Recall).
Get your dog in front of you, either sitting or standing and say their name sharply in a commanding but friendly tone. Immediately offer a treat, do this once or twice.
Then the third time, bring the treat up quickly just in front of your eyes, tell them to "Watch” as soon as they look at you (their eyes will be following the movement of the treat) then you can say, “Good dog” and give them the treat.
Add the movement of your hand with the treat, back to your dogs face and up to your eyes. After a few repetitions, alternate the command without a treat (though never completely eliminate treats from training, to keep your dog on their toes).
Your dog will get so that they watch your eyes regardless of whether you have a treat, when you command the ‘Watch.' For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my comprehensive Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you.

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

14/04/2024

www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz

14/04/2024

SALE! SALE! SALE!
In celebration of my being in business for 20 years,
you can learn from me, when and where you want,
for less than a $50!
To purchase the instant download featured below
visit -
https://selinamcintyre.podia.com/
'Your dog need not worry about you
and you can become someone your dog wants to
listen to'
$49.95 NZD (normally $79.95)
Through learning the often subtle behavioural cues of
dogs (with practices for you to do too) you can
become your dogs leader. Leadership and dominance
are different. An effective leader works with patience
and empathy, wanting to inspire trust and confidence.
You want your dog to look to you to make the right
decisions and a dog who feels safe and secure is far
less likely to over-react to the stresses of daily life.
~
"Selina brings a personable, applicative, and
knowledgeable approach to understanding dogs. It is
not 'your average sit, come and stay dog training'.
Selina has a deep understanding of dogs behaviours
and can explain in straightforward manner practical
ways to help your dog feel more at ease in a world
where they are constantly navigating 'our rules'...To
put it simply I believe Selina's approach and
knowledge is of value to all those who are lucky
enough to share their life with dog/s."
Tamzen, Muddy Paws, Tauranga.

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

09/04/2024

Dogs that take/collect items.
Dogs that frequently go out and collect items are often insecure.
These dogs are regularly collecting items that the owners have touched or worn and are active in this behaviour when the owners are out. They surround themselves with an 'object barrier of their owners scent.' Great absorbent material for this scent includes - tissue paper, books and T.V. remote controls - which have little gaps around the buttons to capture skin cells. These items also get reduced in size (chewed up) so they can be spread out, to form a greater barrier (as well as the chewing producing the feel good chemical, serotonin - aiding a reduction in anxiety) Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my comprehensive Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

02/04/2024

Karangahake Gorge adventures yesterday. Lily and Trev camo with the river rocks oh so well 😆

02/04/2024

Did you know, dogs can use appeasement/calming gestures when they're feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or scared.
Yawning or lip licking by a dog lets a person or another animal know that they are of no threat. For example, a dog who is being approached by another dog may turn their eyes away, whilst licking their lips. This lets the other dog know they come peacefully. A dog may also do this if scolded or punished by their owner. They are saying, 'Look, I intend no harm.'
Dogs may also use appeasement/calming gestures as part of a distraction.
When your dog is confused or stressed around what you're asking of them, they can begin to maniacally scratch, 'distracting you' in the situation. Once they understand the new command for example, or their stress level drops, the scratching stops.
If however, your dog begins to lick their lips and yawn, it's likely they're feeling a higher level of stress than usual and you should not push the interaction, giving them time to relax, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my comprehensive Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.

27/03/2024

Do small dogs need to go for a walk?
The Walk -
The walk is one of the best forms of mental stimulation for a dog.
With this, pent up energy of mental or physical forms has been linked to tension and anxiety. There is more stimulation (different sights, smells etc.) when you break up the day with two walks and this also burns more energy, than a single, longer less intense one.
The walk with you can be primal bonding time, where you demonstrate you have what it takes to confidently lead, ‘Out in the big wide world.’ The walk is a bit like going off ‘On the hunt.’
Throwing toys for your dog does not calm their mind (the action of the chase produces adrenaline) these activities hype the dog up and we are wanting a calmer, more stable energy. Most certainly do these activities but they should not really make up the bulk of your exercise regime with your dog.
I would suggest even for a small dog such as a Yorkshire Terrier (adult), he or she should be getting two, twenty minute walks per day.
Remember, most dogs are confined to increasingly small property sizes and the walk breaks up a long day of monotony for many, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my comprehensive Dog Behavioural and Training Blog/Tips Page as part of www.dogsbestfriend.co.nz and here I have some online training for you too! Or my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you

Est. 2004 and qualified (Bach. A.A.T.) Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer & Author - Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty & Rotorua, NZ. Bringing passion & empathy to your situation.