Hart Behaviour - Pet Behaviour Consulting

21/10/2025

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!

It may be really disappointing or frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.

Many people assume dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.

Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.

Early, appropriately timed and proper socialisation is really important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable or socially selective to varying degrees.

Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout a dog’s lifetime.

If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?

Do we label or try to fix every person that has an argument; doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, dislikes some people, or just prefers not to be social as having a problem that needs to be fixed?

Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?

When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that dogs are not comfortable with.

16/10/2025

Yes!!

BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The challenges of the teenage dog.

There’s a saying that most parents of teenagers can relate to - "Parents of teenagers understand why some animals eat their young!"

The changes that happen in the brain of a teenage dog are not that different to a human teenager.

The brain undergoes a period of "pruning" and "re-wiring". This process can cause some parts not to work, work sporadically or work too much.

To describe it in the simplest of terms -the prefrontal cortex of a teenage brain is at the “back of the queue” in this process. It’s still “under construction” and still developing. This area of the brain is responsible for making “logical” decisions, controlling impulses, learning, remembering, problem solving and social interaction.

Because the prefrontal cortex is being reconstructed, the brain relies more on a part called the amygdala to make choices and react.
The amygdala is involved in the “big feelings” we may see - emotional responses like fight or flight, anxiety, excitement, reactivity, impulse control and instinctive behaviour.

Being aware of the physical changes the teenage brain is going through in the process of maturing, helps us to be more understanding and accepting.

Statistics show that many dogs are surrendered or re homed during the teenage stage as their owners no longer “like” the way their dog behaves, can’t handle them or just give up on them.

Please don’t give up on your teenage dog. We need to manage our expectations and frustrations during this phase.

Understand and acknowledge what is happening in their brain. Help them through this stage with patience, consistency, love and acceptance.

02/10/2025

A true hero🤍

With deepest sorrow, we share the news that Dr. Jane Goodall, our founder, mentor, and friend, has passed away. 💔

Jane changed the way the world understands animals, people, and the natural world. From her groundbreaking discoveries at Gombe to her tireless work for conservation and peace, she inspired millions with her courage, compassion, and unwavering hope.

Her vision lives on through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, in the countless young people she empowered, and in the hearts of everyone moved by her message: that every one of us has the power to make a difference. 🌍✨

Today is a profoundly sad day for the planet. But Jane’s light continues in all of us.

We invite you to share your memories, tributes, and reflections in her honour. Together, we will keep her legacy alive.

🕊️ Rest peacefully, Jane. Thank you for showing us the way

28/08/2025

04/08/2025

All of this 🙌

29/07/2025

*Topline Vet Physio* is coming to the *Eastern Cape!*🚙

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be visiting the Eastern Cape from 5–7 August to offer professional Veterinary Physiotherapy treatments.

🐴 Home visits and equine sessions will be available on the 5th & 6th of August — book early to secure your spot!

📍 On Wednesday 7th August, I’ll be based at Kowie Vet Clinic, offering a Winter Special rate of only R550 per session. 🐾

❄️ Don’t let the cold weather slow your animals down. Veterinary Physiotherapy can:
✔️ Relieve pain and discomfort
✔️ Improve mobility and range of motion
✔️ Enhance strength, balance, and body awareness

Let’s help your animals stay happy, healthy, and moving comfortably this winter ❄️

📞 Bookings essential – limited slots available

Contact Alicia Ceronio
📱 076 737 2956
📧 [email protected]
🔗

28/07/2025

Are you interested in giving your new puppy the best start in life? Join The Puppy Club socialisation classes at Kowie Veterinary Clinic .

🌟 Why Puppy Socialisation? 🌟

🐶 Build Confidence: Help your pup feel at ease in a new environment. Socialisation builds confidence and can potentially reduce fears related to novel experiences.

🐾 Build a positive relationship: These classes encourage the bond between you and your puppy and can teach your pup to focus on you and stay as calm as possible around other dogs and people.

🧡 Prevent Behavioral Issues: Early socialisation can help prevent behavioural concerns later on, giving your pup a solid foundation for a happy, well-rounded life.

⭐What to Expect:⭐

👣 Life Skills: While our classes focus mainly on socialisation and guardian education. We also incorporate basic training cues like sit, stay and recall using positive reinforcement and fear free training methods.

💡 Expert Advice: Classes are run by a qualified animal behaviour consultant who will be there to answer all your questions, providing invaluable tips on puppy care, behavior, and training.

🎊 Fun-filled Sessions: Each class will incorporate exciting confidence-building exercises, enrichment and/or gentle obstacle courses. Plenty of tail-wagging and giggles guaranteed.

🐕Who can join? 🐕
Pups between the ages of 10-16 weeks who have had their first two vaccinations are welcome to join.

🐾 The Puppy Club is a Hills sponsored puppy school 🐾

Don't miss out on this opportunity for you and your beloved pup to learn, grow, and potentially create lifelong friendships! Limited spots are available, so book your spot today.

📍 Location: Kowie Vet Clinic
⏰ Schedule: 6 week course
💵 Price: R700
📅 Date: TBC
📞 Contact: 082 851 9521
📬 [email protected]

28/07/2025

Growling is communication 🐾

We need our dogs to growl so we know when they are close to their limit. That they really need us to listen and things are getting serious.

They are never a warning we should seek to remove but one we should be glad to hear. Because that’s what’s going to prevent things from escalating further.

12/07/2025

07/07/2025

The next round of puppy classes is just around the corner! If you’d like to join us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Are you interested in giving your new puppy the best start in life? Join The Puppy Club socialisation classes at Kowie Veterinary Clinic .

🌟 Why Puppy Socialisation? 🌟

🐶 Build Confidence: Help your pup feel at ease in a new environment. Socialisation builds confidence and can potentially reduce fears related to novel experiences.

🐾 Build a positive relationship: These classes encourage the bond between you and your puppy and can teach your pup to focus on you and stay as calm as possible around other dogs and people.

🧡 Prevent Behavioral Issues: Early socialisation can help prevent behavioural concerns later on, giving your pup a solid foundation for a happy, well-rounded life.

⭐What to Expect:⭐

👣 Life Skills: While our classes focus mainly on socialisation and guardian education. We also incorporate basic training cues like sit, stay and recall using positive reinforcement and fear free training methods.

💡 Expert Advice: Classes are run by a qualified animal behaviour consultant who will be there to answer all your questions, providing invaluable tips on puppy care, behavior, and training.

🎊 Fun-filled Sessions: Each class will incorporate exciting confidence-building exercises, enrichment and/or gentle obstacle courses. Plenty of tail-wagging and giggles guaranteed.

🐕Who can join? 🐕
Pups between the ages of 10-16 weeks who have had their first two vaccinations are welcome to join.

🐾 The Puppy Club is a Hills sponsored puppy school 🐾

Don't miss out on this opportunity for you and your beloved pup to learn, grow, and potentially create lifelong friendships! Limited spots are available, so book your spot today.

📍 Location: Kowie Vet Clinic
⏰ Schedule: 6 week course
💵 Price: R700
📅 Date: TBC
📞 Contact: 082 851 9521
📬 [email protected]

27/06/2025

🐾 PAWSAVER: Pet First Aid Workshop
📅 Monday, 15 July | 🕠 5:30 PM | 📍 Bushman’s Town Hall
🎟️ Tickets: R350 per person | Book here ➡️ https://qkt.io/DlQAYc
👉 All funds raised go to helping our local furkids in need!

Do you know what to do if your pet is injured, choking, or in distress? While nothing replaces veterinary care, this Pet First Aid Workshop, presented in partnership with Kariega Veterinary Clinic, will give you some basic knowledge that could help you act quickly and calmly in an emergency.

This session won’t make you a vet — but it might help you buy precious time until you can get your furry friend the care they need. 🐶🐱

💛 Proceeds go directly to supporting our ongoing work with local animals in need.

Seats are limited, so don’t miss out.

29/05/2025

Just for clarification. Reward based training is the way to go.

We are a group of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Doctorate level Animal Behaviorists dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through an understanding of animal behavior. Join us and discover how insight into animal behavior can strengthen the human animal bond and enhance....