Splendid K9 - Dog Behavior Specialists

28/10/2024

✨Myth Monday✨
Can You Really Not Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It’s a common phrase used to suggest that once we reach a certain age, change or learning becomes impossible. But when it comes to our furry friends, this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Many people believe that training is only for puppies, and older dogs are set in their ways. They think that once a dog has reached a certain age, they’re too stubborn or incapable of learning new behaviours.

The truth is, dogs are capable of learning at any age! Whether your dog is 6 months or 6 years old, they can still pick up new skills and behaviours with the right approach.

Here’s why:

Mental Stimulation: Training keeps an older dog’s mind sharp. Learning new tricks or commands engages their brain, just like puzzles or games for humans. This mental exercise is beneficial, especially for senior dogs, helping them stay alert and active.

More Focused: Unlike puppies, older dogs are often more focused and less distracted. They can dedicate more attention to training and are often more responsive to commands.

Eager to Please: Most dogs love to please their owners, no matter their age. With positive reinforcement—like treats, praise, and affection—older dogs are just as motivated to learn as younger ones.

When training an older dog, here are a few tips to ensure success:

Be Patient: Older dogs may take a bit more time to learn something new, but with consistency and patience, they’ll get there.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise when they do something right. This encourages them to repeat the behaviour.

Adapt to Their Needs: If your dog has physical limitations due to age, modify the training to suit their abilities. For example, teach them to sit or shake instead of jumping through hoops.

Don’t let age be a barrier to training! Whether your dog is a senior or still in their prime, they can always learn new tricks and behaviours. In fact, training can be an excellent way to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged as they get older. Remember, it’s never too late to teach your dog something new!

21/10/2024

✨Fun Fact Of The Day✨
Did You Know Dogs Have 1,700 Taste Buds?

We all know that dogs love their food, but did you know they have around 1,700 taste buds? While this might seem like a lot, it’s actually far fewer than humans, who have about 9,000 taste buds!
So, what does this mean for our furry friends? Dogs have taste buds that are similar to ours in function but differ in their sensitivity to certain flavours.

Here’s what they can taste:

Sweet: Dogs can detect sweetness, which is why they often love fruits like apples or berries. However, they should never eat things with artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, as it can be toxic.

Sour: Like us, dogs can taste sour, which can help them avoid spoiled or unsafe food.

Bitter: Dogs are quite sensitive to bitter tastes, which is why many products, like dog deterrents, are made to taste bitter.

Salty: Dogs have taste buds for salt, but because their diet naturally contains sufficient sodium, they don’t have a strong preference for salty foods.
While dogs can taste these flavours, their sense of smell is much stronger than their sense of taste. This means they rely heavily on scent to decide what food appeals to them.

With only 1,700 taste buds, dogs aren’t as focused on flavour as humans are. They rely more on their powerful sense of smell when it comes to food. This is why they might eat something that doesn’t taste great but smells enticing to them!
So, while dogs have fewer taste buds than we do, they still enjoy a variety of flavours.
The next time you see your pup eagerly munching on their favourite treat, remember—it's likely the smell that excites them more than the taste!

14/10/2024

✨Myth Monday✨
Do Dogs Eat Grass When They’re Sick?

One common myth among dog owners is that dogs eat grass when they’re sick. But is this true?
Many people worry when they see their dog munching on grass, believing it’s a sign of illness. In reality, dogs may eat grass for several reasons, including:

Boredom: Just like humans, dogs can get bored and turn to grass for entertainment.

Natural Instinct: Eating grass is a behaviour inherited from their wild ancestors.

Taste and Texture: Some dogs enjoy the taste and feel of grass.

Digestive Aid: For some dogs, grass can help with digestion or induce vomiting when they’re feeling unwell.

If your dog frequently eats grass and shows signs of distress—like vomiting or lethargy—consult your veterinarian to rule out any health issues.
While it’s usually not a cause for concern, always monitor your dog’s behaviour.

07/10/2024

Why Do People Look Like Their Dogs?

Ever notice how some people look remarkably similar to their dogs? It’s not just a funny coincidence. Psychologists believe it may be tied to the mere-exposure effect, a phenomenon where we prefer things that feel familiar. Since we’re so used to seeing our own faces, we might subconsciously choose pets that resemble us, offering a comforting sense of familiarity.

There's also an evolutionary angle. Known as "self seeking like," humans tend to pick romantic partners who look like them to increase genetic compatibility. This preference for similarity may extend to our furry companions too.

Do Dogs Act Like Their Owners?

It’s not just appearances. Studies show dogs often reflect their owners' personalities. Research led by Borbála Turcsán from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary found that extroverted people are likely to have outgoing dogs, while more introverted owners may have quieter pups.

According to Turcsán, “In all cases, the personality correlation between them was significantly different from random chance. And the magnitude of correlation was higher than what was found in human-human relationships. So our expectations from the relationships with our dogs could be similar to what we expect from our other human relationships.”

Turcsán also notes that this connection wasn’t just due to time spent together, meaning the dogs weren’t merely copying their owners. Instead, the match seemed to exist from the start, based on a shared personality.

So, it’s no surprise that many of us end up with dogs who not only look like us but act like us too! After all, a dog’s bond with its owner can sometimes outlast even human relationships.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/uncovering-the-mystery-of-why-dogs-might-look-like-their-owners

18/09/2024

Reduce Your Dog's Behaviour Problems in Just Two Weeks

If you're dealing with behaviour challenges in your dog, a little consistency can make all the difference. By creating a daily routine of engaging activities, you can start to see improvements in just two weeks.

The idea is simple: pick 3-4 stimulating activities that your dog enjoys, and practice them at the same time each day. Spread them out if you can, to keep your dog engaged throughout the day. Some great options include lick mats, snuffle mats, treat scatter games, calm walks or hikes, Kong toys, and even basic obedience training.

These activities not only provide physical exercise but also challenge your dog mentally, which helps reduce boredom and unwanted behaviors. The real trick? Stick with it. Consistency is key to seeing results.

Give it a try, develop your own routine, and let us know how it goes in the comments! And if you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to support you.

09/09/2024

Such a heartwarming moment to share!
After weeks apart due to a period of altercations, these two beautiful pitties are finally reunited and happier than ever.
Moments like this make it all worthwhile.

30/05/2024

An outdated belief is that allowing your dog to sleep on your bed somehow leads the dog to think they are dominant in the relationship - this couldn't be further from the truth and this has been widely debunked over many years, so cuddly up with your beloved dog in bed as winter approaches 🐹

17/05/2024

Caryn and Miguel, clients of Splendid K9, donated a dog kennel and dog blankets and we added a big bag of dog food. We then donated the set to car guards on beach front who's dog was facing a cold long winter with nowhere warm to sleep ❤️

22/04/2024

If this was your dog, what kind of daily physical and mental stimulation activities would you give him?

What kind of routine would you have to ensure that he lives a balanced life?

Let us know in the comments below!

19/04/2024

Meet Nacho!

He may ATTACK you with love if he sees you, beware!

Nacho's over-excited behaviour has made it difficult for him to see other dogs on leash without vocalising (barking).

He loves his daycare buddies, but struggles to comprehend remaining calm on leash.

Nacho, beyond his natural persistence, shows more and more improvement upon every visit he grants us.

Further video updates to follow soon!

12/04/2024

Progress of the Week - Bruno!

From a severe fight and reactive biting instances,

To now, a forming social butterfly in the making!

Watch till the end to see Bruno take on another dog's reaction like a champion!

Specific Information:
Behavioural program plus approximately five months of homework carried out by the client.

(Please note that the voice heard in the background is of the client).

10/04/2024

Meet Blits! The dog who only got to discover socializing from the age of Twelve!

Blits is a little older than what is commonly addressed in the training community,

However, don't let that fool you! Blits has the spirit! As much as any other dog has.

Blits was brought to us due to a lack of socialization from his earlier years.

So much so, that his first healthy sightings of other dogs, were done with us!

Blits went through thirty minute, systematic desensitization sessions, one-two times per week, for several weeks.

From growling, stiffened postures, whale eyeing and actually biting at other dogs!

Blits can now be at the company of other dogs, sniffing the grass, the air, (and the roses), without feeling the need to combat every friendly soul that passes his way.

Thank you for being with us Blits, it has been nothing but a pleasure.

05/04/2024

Welcome to Splendid K9, Michaela Lawrence!

Studying through Pet Sense Behaviour College,

Michaela has a thriving passion, skill and ambition when it comes to obedience training!

What does this mean for you?

She is gaining practical experience through dog walking.

Therefore, obedience training through dog walking, at a competitive dog walking rate and a fraction of the usual, obedience industry cost!

Two spaces for daily walks LEFT.

Contact us now - 084 492 8844.
Or [email protected]

Servicing the Southern Suburbs and Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town.

19/01/2024