Hopefordogs Canine Training

31/12/2024

Wishing all hoomans and pets a simple, joyous, and healthy new year ahead. Let’s embrace the beauty of life’s little moments, spreading love and compassion to all creatures & animals around us. 💛

This year, let’s commit to making celebrations truly inclusive. Fireworks may be exciting to watch for a few minutes, but they leave lasting harm to countless voiceless beings – not just our pets but also wildlife, strays, and the environment.

Let's say no to fireworks for all occasions: New Year, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali – let’s celebrate responsibly and with kindness!

18/11/2024

🎉CONGRATS to Chewie for passing her Basic Manners program with flying colours! 🎓🐾 This clever pup has been working hard on foundational skills, prepping for the Public Access Test (PAT) to become a certified assistance dog. 🐕‍🦺💪

Chewie's dedication, paired with the love and commitment from their amazing guardian, has been truly inspiring. 💖✨ We’re so proud to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see you shine as a fully qualified assistance dog. 🌟

Keep being awesome, Chewie—you’ve got this! 🐾👏

📷: Chewie showing off those skills like a pro.

02/10/2024

Dr Daphne Ang (Clinical Resident of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists) is running a survey on behaviour of pet dogs in Singapore.

The survey takes about 7 minutes to complete: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1q7rncRA3-SNmS0PA5rq61cMFoUadm759BNDUATUf4Fw/edit

Anyone who owns/fosters a dog in Singapore can participate in this survey. Feel free to forward this to your friends or relatives who are guardians to dogs too! Your contribution will provide valuable insight and information on the welfare of pet dogs as well as towards the advancement of Veterinary Care in Singapore.

Thank you so much for your time!

Purpose of survey: We are conducting a survey on the prevalence of behaviour related issues among pet dogs in Singapore. The survey will run in the period 30 September 2024 to 30 October 2024 Participation: Your participation is voluntary. You may choose to withdraw at any time without any consequen...

17/09/2024

Balanced dog training using positive reinforcement (rewards-based) methods and aversives (physical punishment) is no better than simply using force-free positive methods and love.

20/08/2024

🎉 Huge congratulations to Keith, the adorable Pitbull mix, and Gunner, the friendly German Shepherd, for completing our Basic Manners Program! 🐾👏

You've both worked hard on essential cues. Your progress is amazing, and we couldn't be prouder! Keep up the fantastic work, and here's to more fun and learning ahead! 🐶🎓

13/08/2024

[SG Pet Festival: A Dog Trainer’s Perspective]

I recently attended the SG Pet Festival on all 3 days, as I was helping to mend the booth for a dog shelter. However, what I witnessed over three consecutive days left me with mixed feelings and serious concerns about the welfare of our canine friends at such events.

The Good, The Bad, and The Concerning

Let's start with the positives: SG Pet Festival offers a unique opportunity for pet guardians to explore various products and services all in one place. Many familiar vendors and brands were present, making it convenient for those looking to shop for their pets.

However, the negatives I observed far outweighed these benefits:
Stressed and Anxious Dogs: The crowded, noisy environment was clearly overwhelming for many dogs. I saw numerous pets displaying signs of stress and anxiety, yet their guardians seemed oblivious to their discomfort.

Inappropriate Use of Aversive Tools: I was disheartened to see many dogs on slip leads and choke chains. In one particularly troubling instance, I spotted a guardian proudly holding a yellow remote control for a shock collar on a slip lead, while their Singapore Special was visibly distressed.

Misunderstanding of Dog Behaviour: When I spoke to one guardian about their use of aversive tools, they justified it by saying, "Oh, we seldom use it. It's easier to control." This highlights a concerning lack of understanding about positive reinforcement training methods and dog behaviour.

Dangerous Situations: In a shocking turn of events, a husky got spooked by fireworks on Sat evening and ran away. This incident underscores the potential risks of bringing dogs to such overwhelming environments.

The Misconception of "Socialization"

Some pet guardians might argue that events like the SG Pet Festival are good for "socializing" their dogs. However, it's crucial to understand that exposing a dog to a stressful situation in hopes they'll "get used to it" is not socialization—it's flooding.

If a dog appears to become "okay" after a while in such an environment, it's often not a sign of calmness but rather learned helplessness. This is a state where the dog has given up trying to escape the situation, which can be psychologically damaging.

A Call for Change

While I don't want to be judgmental of individual pet guardians —many of whom are likely following outdated or misguided advice—I believe we can and should do better for our furry friends. Here are some suggestions:

For Event Organizers: Consider implementing stricter guidelines on the use of aversive tools at the event. Display educational posters about positive reinforcement training methods and the potential harm of shock collars, choke chains, and slip leads.

For Pet Guardians: Before bringing your dog to such events, honestly assess whether they're ready for such a stimulating environment. If your dog shows signs of stress or anxiety, it's okay (and often better) to leave them at home.

In Conclusion

While events like SG Pet Fest can be exciting for us humans, we must always prioritize the well-being of our canine companions. Is the potential stress and risk worth it for our dogs? In most cases, the answer is NO.

That said, with proper education, guidelines, and a shift in focus toward dog-friendly practices, such events could potentially become more positive experiences.

14/07/2024

[Keeping Your Pets Safe During Fireworks]

As National Day celebrations approach, keeping your pets safe and calm amidst the fireworks is important. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable, quiet area where your pet can feel safe. This can be a room with no windows or a crate covered with a blanket to dampen the noise.

2. Use White Noise or Brown Noise: Play white noise, brown noise, or soothing music to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Use speakers with good bass or a subwoofer for low-frequency sounds like brown noise and Taiko drums. Physics tells us that the optimal masking sound is in the same frequency range as the problem sound. However, it’s advisable to choose something with lower frequency sounds than the problem sound.

Lower-frequency sounds can mask higher-frequency sounds, but it doesn’t work the other way around. The sound should be constant and of a constant volume, and it needs to be broadband, containing many frequencies rather than just one or two. Most importantly, your dog needs to be OK with it.

3. Thundershirts: These are snug-fitting shirts designed to provide a calming effect for anxious pets.

4. Close Windows and Curtains: This helps to reduce the noise and block the flashing lights from the fireworks.

5. Distraction: Engage your pet with their favourite toys or a new treat to keep them distracted from the noise.

6. Pheromone Diffusers: These can help to calm pets by releasing calming pheromones into the air.

7. Taiko Drums: Playing Taiko drums can provide rhythmic and soothing background noise for pets who are accustomed to the sound and find it calming. Ensure you use speakers with good bass or a subwoofer to properly deliver the low-frequency sound.

8. Anxiety Medications: Consult your vet about the possibility of using anxiety medications for your pet. These can be particularly helpful for pets with severe anxiety during fireworks.

9. Overnight Stay or Boarding: Consider having your dog stay overnight with a friend or at a boarding service during the fireworks. This can be especially useful if your home is near the celebration area.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your pets stay safe and as comfortable as possible during the National Day fireworks celebrations.

26/04/2024

🎉 Congratulations to Milou the Westie for completing our Basic Manners Program with flying colors! 🐾 Milou showed exceptional skill in the Rocket Recall!

Milou is the French name of Snowy, who is the faithful companion of Tintin in the Belgian comic series "The Adventures of Tintin."

🚀 Well done and keep up the pawsome work Milou! 🐶✨

25/04/2024

Tumeric

WHY THIS LONGEVITY HERB IS A MUST ADD TO YOUR DOG’S DIET!🐶

Cancer is considered the leading cause of sickness and death in dogs. And one of the world's most extensively researched and promising natural compounds for cancer treatment is a medicinal herb that so desperately needs to be incorporated into our pets’ lives. That herb is turmeric root.🍠

Over the years, curcumin (a compound found in turmeric) has been studied as a potential tool to both reduce as well as possibly treat, different forms of cancer.🦠 Various studies have found that curcumin can help kill tumor cells, as well as inhibit tumor growth in test tube and animal studies. With the ability to selectively target cancer stem cells, curcumin plays a significant role in suppressing the metastasis of cancer cells.

More recent research has discovered curcumin may also protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Studies show that cooking some foods at high heat results in the formation of more than ten to hundred times of new AGEs in foods.🔥 Processed canned and kibble dog food may contain significantly high levels of these AGEs. Animal and human studies show dietary AGEs result in increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and potentially organ damage, with more than half of absorbed AGEs bound in the liver and kidney. Accumulation of AGEs in the body over time may be a significant contributor of aging. Curcumin has been shown to not only protect the body from AGE’s damage but may also inhibit the formation of AGEs in the body.

👉Our suggested amounts for dogs: 50 to 250 mg two times a day, this is roughly 2 mg per pound of body weight twice a day. *Based on curcumin's naturally low bioavailability, source a product that has been formulated for increased absorption.

💬Comment and we’ll message you the link to The Forever Dog LIFE book with over 120+ recipes and tips to help your pet live a longer and healthier L.I.F.E. Including ways to make it easy for you to incorporate this golden root into your pet’s diet like our Apoptosis Bites for a snack that packs a functional punch. Apoptosis is the body’s clean-up mechanism to remove old or diseased cells, and add curcumin here to boost this natural process.

Or make our Ultimate 2.0 Turmeric Paste - and supercharge it with green tea for even more benefits. And bone broth, rich in collagen, is the perfect vehicle for turmeric to lend its joint-supporting assistance.

And, of course, we included turmeric in a number of our complete and balanced recipes. It’s a superstar ingredient that provides essential nutrients, too! Comment for more.

14/02/2024

🎉🐾 Congratulations Feifei and Peanut! 🐶🌟 You both aced our Basic Manners Program! 🎓🐾 It's been pawsitively amazing to see your progress and hard work pay off. 🎉👏 Keep wagging those tails and showing off your new skills! 🐾🌟

23/01/2024

Exciting announcement! We've collaborated with our pals at to offer you a fantastic 10% discount on top of the 25% savings on the Pawmeal Trial Plan, resulting in whopping savings of $20.30 for our furbabies!🐶

Did you know?
An imbalanced gut microbiome can have a substantial impact on a dog's mood and behaviour.

A healthy and well-functioning gut is essential for the production of crucial hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Hurry, limited time only! Order now at https://pawmeal.com/shop/trial-plan/

Promo code: hfd10offpawmeal

22/01/2024

Great tips for helping a new puppy to settle in and sleep better:

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/puppies/how-to-get-a-puppy-to-sleep-through-the-night/

Puppies sleep schedules are irregular. Exercise, dimming lights, and companionship are great ways to get a puppy to sleep through the night.

09/01/2024

Canine Pharmacology Accredited Advanced Certificate

09/01/2024

Creating Desirable Behavior Around Distractions

29/12/2023

Congratulations to our recent Basic Manners Program graduates! 🐾🎓

Lox, the bull terrier mix from Seattle, Hiro the Golden Retriever, Haru the Pomsky, and Codie the Westie have successfully mastered the art of good manners! 🌟👏

These furry friends have shown dedication, enthusiasm, and lots of paw-sitivity throughout their training journey. 🐶👊

Well done!👏👏👏