Command Correction Praise

24/01/2025

✨ Meet Ruhi! ✨

This superstar and her owners have been working hard to refine some key skills:

✔️ Loose lead walking for calm, enjoyable strolls
✔️ Positive socialization to build confidence
✔️ Managing her excitement to prevent jumping on people
✔️ Channeling her high prey drive into positive outlets

With consistent effort and the right strategies, Ruhi is making incredible progress! 💪🐾 Keep up the amazing work, Ruhi and team!

23/01/2025

✨ January’s Almost Over—Earn Trick Titles for Your Dog From Home! ✨

Did you know your dog can become a Registered Certified Trick Dog and you can earn Trick Titles with your dog right from the comfort of your home? 🐾 As a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, I’m excited to mark Trick Titles through Do More With Your Dog for FREE in honor of Train Your Dog Month! 🎉

Whether you’re just starting out or working toward an advanced title, this is the perfect chance to bond with your dog and showcase their skills.

📩 Comment below or send me a message to learn more and get started today!

20/01/2025

This really is our "fault" as a society.❗
We seem to promote play instead of acclimation.
Socialisation is a very warped term.
"Socialisation" really isn't play, play is a separate and important skill BUT if your dog or puppy is actively encouraged to play with every other dog or puppy they encounter...that in itself can be the beginning of a lifetime of reactivity.
I have been criticised for promoting "too much" calmness around other dogs and puppies...."Why can't they show emotions", "Why can't they play"?
Never said they couldn't....however, because of the societal pressure to play with all other dogs and puppies (wherever we take them) we can VERY easily set our dogs up to view all dogs and puppies as a source of constant amusement at the mere glimpse of one, a reason to go to the very extremes of emotions.
They may "dig in" and drag you closer.
The barking, shrieking and spinning can start....for two reasons, the emotional extremes dogs now have attached to other dogs and the frustration because they can't reach that other dog quick enough.

So maybe the term "socialisation" is the issue, because for us it means "socialising".
Acclimation is a far better term.
Yes this dog trainer handout is available https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-socialisation-a-misunderstood-concept?srsltid=AfmBOoqgDG7Dz4PA1Dux7WQJJTop1g9IMIB8KhAnvFL0fKik2CShlc65

16/01/2025

Well-conditioned animals aren’t ‘skinny’—they’re a healthy weight. They may seem thin compared to what’s often considered ‘normal,’ but that’s because many pets today are overweight. Carrying extra kilos puts unnecessary strain on their joints, heart, and overall health, significantly shortening their lifespan.

As responsible pet owners, it’s our job to prioritize their well-being and keep them fit and control their daily intake of food. Maintaining a healthy weight means more active, happy years together. 💪🐾 Let’s redefine ‘normal’ for our pets—healthy is the new standard!

13/01/2025

Medical or Behavioural? Sometimes It’s Both. 🐾

Within three months of each other, I’ve had two cases where the dog has an underlying medical condition influencing the behaviours they’re displaying.

Here’s what happened:

Case 1
The dog was refusing to sit or drop on command, a history of snapping when startled, and avoiding jumping into the car. I suggested a vet check, and after an examination the dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

Case 2
This dog was skipping steps while walking, refusing to move on walks at times, and yelped one time when asked to drop. I suggested a vet check and it revealed two luxating patellas.

Both dogs are now on treatment plans with dedicated owners providing the best quality of life possible.

As a dog trainer and vet nurse, I’m attuned to spotting potential medical issues. If I express concern about your dog’s behaviour, it’s because I care deeply about their welfare. A vet visit might rule out concerns—or uncover something treatable that improves their quality of life.

Always rule out medical before assuming it’s just behavioural! 🐶💛

09/01/2025

09/01/2025

Len loving the sweet potato treats I made while doing some fitness conditioning. 🥔

07/01/2025

🎉 January is Train Your Dog Month! 🎉

I’m excited to announce that as a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, I’m offering FREE title markings for Do More With Your Dog Trick Titles throughout January!

✨ Earn Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert titles for your dog!
Here’s how it works:
🐾 Send me videos of your dog completing tricks from the checklist.
🐾 I’ll mark them off and provide you with a custom checklist detailing your progress.

If you’d like to purchase the official titles and register your dog as a Certified Trick Dog, visit the Do More With Your Dog website for all the details:
👉 https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/

Let’s have some fun, bond with our dogs, and achieve new goals together this January! 🐶✨

28/12/2024

28/12/2024

Their excitement is often the ONLY reason we want them to meet another dog.
They can drag us (often at speed), towards another dog they want to meet.
Even with the happiest/friendliest dog that pulls towards another dog....things can change in an instant once they actually meet.💥
Sometimes the over excitement of seeing another dog means they haven't assessed the situation and often we haven't assessed the situation either, we just want to make them happy!
Face to face, tight leads and over excitement when meeting another dog can and does lead to very big issues.
Take the time to assess.
Take the time to teach your dog how to meet dogs in a way many dogs appreciate!

26/12/2024

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas from our furry family to yours! 🎄🐾
Kodah, Cosmo, Pluto, & Halo are wishing you a day full of love, purrs, and wagging tails! ❤️🎅✨

22/12/2024

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all my incredible clients for their trust and support. It’s been such a privilege to work with you and your amazing dogs—of all sizes, breeds, and personalities. Every dog I’ve met has brought something special to my life, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey. Here’s to another year of training, learning, and celebrating our four-legged companions. Thank you for making this year unforgettable!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄✨ Can’t wait to see you and your pups in 2024! 🎉🐶

(CCP returns 6th of Jan)

16/12/2024

Meet Archie the Spoodle! 🐾
This cheeky little pup is full of personality. We’re focusing on enriching his curious mind, managing his drive, teaching him polite greetings (no jumping on visitors!), a structured recall and perfecting his loose lead walking skills. Stay tuned for his progress – Archie’s a star in the making! ⭐🐕