Happy Hounds K9 Academy - The Urban Shepherdess

12/09/2025

Dog bites don’t come out of nowhere! There are multiple signs that your dog is “telling” you that they’re not comfortable, particularly when allowing small children around them. Don’t become part of the 77%, teach your children to respect your dog before the bite “comes out of nowhere!”.

Dog bite prevention video for families everywhere. 77% of dog bites come from a friend's dog or the family's very own dog. We want to change that number. Pl...

10/09/2025

This is a Public Service Announcement.

There is no magic farm that wants your neurotic Border Collie.

I have seen one too many posts lately saying ‘I need to rehome my Border Collie because he/she has behavioural issues and I don’t have time or space to fix them’ and honestly? That is fine. I am a big fan of rehoming a dog you can’t commit to or the fit isn’t right for everyone. I don’t think rehoming a dog is an inherently bad thing in many cases.

However I have also seen one too many posts asking if a local farmer wants to take them on.

This may be a little blunt, but your local farmer does not want your undersocialised, car chasing, space guarding, dog reactive, neurotic collie. A collie for a farmer is a tool for the job, and if that tool isn’t functioning well, then it ain’t gonna do the job to a standard that’s needed.

The most problematic thing about this thought process is the notion that there’s a magical farm that the dog you bought, with access to all the information in the world on the internet, with no knowledge or understanding of what these breeds need in order to live happy and functional lives as a pet. The reality is, you bought a cute farm puppy because it’s cheaper than a ‘pedigree’ or designer mixed breed, or because your uncle had one once and he was very obedient, and that hasn’t happened for your dog. You have this whimsical idea that your beloved mistake can go and live happily on a farm and spend his days skipping through fields, herding sheep and being someone else’s loyal sidekick. Absolving you of all guilt in the process.

The hard truth is, the magical farm DOES NOT EXIST. The kind farmer with a sprig of straw in his mouth and rosy cheeks who is just WAITING to take on your problem dog DOES NOT EXIST.

What does exist though is training. Making time for the dog. Realising your commitment and following through on it because the dog didn’t choose to live in a sixth floor flat in a city and it’s your job to make sure his/her needs are met despite not living on a farm. Failing that, it’s rescue through the proper avenues.

If you’ve got a Border Collie with issues, you simply need to step up. It’s a hard truth and one many won’t want to hear. Meet the dog where they are at. They can be truly WONDERFUL pets but they aren’t for the faint hearted. They are beautiful, clever, goofy, driven and easy to train because of how intelligent they are, but that intelligence and drive needs to go somewhere, and you, the owner, need to be the one to direct it in the right way! If you don’t know how to do this, then find yourself a trainer who is experienced with these dogs as a first step.

Courtesy from Kahla at Valleys Dog Behaviour & Training

📸 Emma Bryden (Via the Border Collie who is an absolute gem and living in an agility home that meets all her needs)

18/08/2025

Obedience vs Bonding.
Hiring a professional dog trainer to help you teach your dog appropriate behaviors and then not doing what you’ve been taught is a waste of money and time for both you and the trainer.

Training isn’t about obedience and control. It’s about establishing a true bond with your dog. It’s about creating a relationship and out of this relationship comes understanding. Dogs are a different species and humans have unrealistic expectations of how dogs should fit in to our human dominated world. When we come from this place of obedience and control we are asking for a robot not a loving companion.

Understanding dogs means learning what they need and helping them adapt to our environment which is completely different than what they would need to thrive. So when we come from a place of truly understanding dogs we are better equipped and better prepared for success.

Courtesy of Dog Decoder

07/08/2025

This is for you—the one who trains and practices and shows up with your dog, even though you know you might never set foot in a ring.

Or maybe you’ve tried, and it just… didn’t go the way you hoped.

Maybe your dog shut down.

Maybe they scanned the environment the whole time.

Maybe they barked, or bolted, or flattened into the floor.

Maybe someone said, “They’re not cut out for this.”

Maybe you’ve even wondered that yourself.

But here’s the truth:

You’re still doing the work.

You’re still training.

You’re still showing up for your dog—patiently, creatively, quietly—day after day.

And that counts.

More than you probably realize.

Because you’re not just training for a score sheet or a podium.

You’re training for trust.

For relationship.

For the kind of connection that doesn’t need an audience to feel real.

Your dog may be shy.

They may be sensitive, or vigilant, or easily overwhelmed.

They may struggle in new places, or around other dogs, or when the energy in a space gets too big.

And still—you’re out there, working with them, listening, adapting, loving them exactly as they are.

That kind of commitment? That kind of loyalty?

That’s rare. That’s powerful. That’s something to be proud of.

Because it’s easy to train a dog who thrives in the spotlight.

It’s easy to feel successful when the ribbons come fast.

But what you’re doing? That’s deeper.

You’re walking a path that can feel isolating.

You’re sitting in classes where no one else seems to be having the same struggles.

You’re answering the same questions over and over again—

Why don’t you compete?

Why can’t your dog just relax?

When will they be “ready”?

And sometimes, quietly, you wonder if it’s you who isn’t enough.

But I want you to hear this:

You are more than enough.

You are doing something meaningful.

You are building something beautiful.

Every time you choose understanding over pressure…

Every time you meet your dog where they are instead of pushing them where they “should” be…

Every time you train with joy, even when no one’s watching…

That is success.

That is the work that changes lives.

So if no one has said it lately:

I see you.

I respect you and I’m proud of you.

And I’m so glad your dog has you.

What you’re doing matters.

What you’re doing is the reward.

25/07/2025

Let’s Talk Entitlement: Your Dog Is Not the Centre of the Universe (And Neither Are You)

Right, let’s get a few things straight from the off:
Your dog is not a human. It doesn’t think like a human, speak like a human, or interpret the world in the way we do. And guess what? That’s not a fault, it’s a fact.

There’s a growing trend among some dog owners to treat their dogs like entitled little toddlers, fuelled by this fluffy notion that “they just want to say hi” or “they’re friendly”. That’s lovely… until your “friendly” off-lead dog barrels up to a dog that’s nervous, reactive, working, injured, or just plain wants to be left alone.

Your Dog Is Not Entitled to Say Hello to Everyone

Let’s put it bluntly: your dog doesn’t need to greet every person or dog it sees. You don’t wave and say hello to every stranger in Pick n Pay, do you? (And if you do, people probably cross the aisle to avoid you.)

Dogs are the same. Some are social butterflies, others are more reserved, and some are just trying to keep their heads down and cope with the world. When you let your dog run up to another without permission, you’re not being nice, you’re being selfish. And you’re setting your dog up to get told off, either by the other dog, the handler, or both.

Puppy Classes and the Myth of Mass Socialisation -

Doing puppy classes in group settings where every pup is allowed to run around and say hello to everything that moves? You’re laying the groundwork for a dog that thinks every encounter is a party. That’s not socialisation. That’s overstimulation. You’re teaching them that the presence of another dog or person means “excitement” rather than neutrality or calmness.

Later down the line, when your adolescent dog loses its rag every time it sees another dog, you’ll wonder why. Spoiler: it’s because you taught them to.

Let’s Talk Leads and Recall -

If you don’t have a reliable recall on your dog, don’t let them off the lead. Simple. There’s no grey area here. A dog without recall is a loose cannon. If you can’t call them away from a squirrel, jogger, cyclist, or another dog, then keep them on a lead or long line until you’ve put the work in. Freedom is earned, not assumed.

Having a dog is a responsibility. It’s not a right to do whatever you fancy and assume everyone else will tolerate it. The world doesn’t revolve around you or your dog.

Respect Others. Control Your Dog.

You’ve no idea what that other dog is going through. It might be reactive, fearful, recovering from surgery, or in training. The person handling that dog might be managing trauma, anxiety, or just trying to enjoy a quiet walk. Your dog doesn’t get to invade that space just because you think they’re “friendly”.

If your dog lunges at others, pulls you down the street, barks at every passer-by, or flattens small children with glee, it’s not “cute”. It’s a lack of training. Own it, fix it, and stop making excuses for it!

The Bottom Line -

Your dog is a dog. Not a fur baby. Not a social ambassador. Not a therapy dog in training because you read a Facebook post that said it has a “healing energy”.

Train it. Lead it. Be its advocate. And above all else, be respectful of the space and comfort of others.

Because your dog may be part of your world, but it’s not the centre of everyone else’s.

27/06/2025

THE TRUTH ABOUT TEACUPS:

1) There is no such thing as a teacup Poodle. There are 3 sizes: toy, miniature, & standard.

2) There is no such thing as a teacup Chihuahua. There are 2 varieties: smooth & long coat. Yo quiero Taco Bell.

3) There is no such thing as a teacup Yorkie. Breed standard is 3.2 kg max. If it's larger than that, it's simply a bigger Yorkie.

4) There is no such thing as a teacup or mini Pomeranian. It's a Pomeranian. Period.

5) There is no such thing as a teacup anything, except for a teacup – which you drink tea out of.

25/06/2025

Just like us our dog’s brain is like a giant library. Every experience they’ve had is recorded as a book on a shelf, each one tied not just to a memory, but to emotional experiences.

When our dogs are finding things difficult, If a walk always feels scary, if the environment they face with other dogs, people, traffic they find uncomfortable, their brain will keep reaching for the same book, with the same emotions, same reactions we might see.

The stronger the emotion at the time, the more deeply those stories settle into their memory. Although their brain is doing what it’s designed to do, keeping them safe. The more often those books are read, the faster the brain reaches for them next time.

Just like in a library, new books can be written by them, with new emotional experiences that feel safe, predictable, positive ones to build a different collection, supporting them through with our compassion, patience, and understanding, helping to replace their books with new stories. Not the ones we write or choose for them.

Eventually, those old books can start gathering dust. They will always be on the shelf, but they won’t be the first ones our dog reaches for, building a new collection for their library, one book and one page at a time.

08/06/2025

Accountability in Dog Ownership: Responsibility Isn’t Optional

Let’s get one thing straight from the start: owning a dog is not just about cuddles on the couch, posing for Instagram, and picking out cute collars. It’s about commitment. Real, daily, sometimes muddy, often challenging, deeply rewarding commitment. And at the heart of that commitment lies accountability, a word far too many dog owners seem to forget the moment the lead gets clipped on.

The Myth of “He’s Friendly”

We’ve all heard it—usually shouted across a field as a dog charges over, ears back, eyes wild, no recall in sight: “He’s friendly!” As if that’s supposed to be a magic phrase that excuses the chaos that follows.

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter if your dog is friendly, saintly, or descended from the Dalai Lama himself. If your dog is out of control in a public space, the responsibility lies squarely on your shoulders. Full stop. That means training your dog to be under control, not just hoping for the best and shouting vague reassurances while your Labrador launches itself into someone’s pram.

Training Is Not a One-Off Event

Dog training isn’t something you tick off a to-do list like changing the oil filter in your car. Nor is it a six-week puppy class followed by a lifetime of crossed fingers. It’s a lifestyle. A habit. A part of how you interact with your dog every single day.

Yes, that means continuing to work on obedience after the trainer hands you back a calm, well-mannered dog. It means reinforcing recall, refreshing lead manners, and proofing behaviours in real-life situations, not just your garden at tea time when the birds are the only distraction.

If your dog’s training slips, it’s not the dog’s fault. It’s yours. Dogs don’t suddenly “forget” their training; they behave based on what you allow, reinforce, and model.

Public Spaces: Not a Free-for-All

We live in a society. A civil one, ideally. And that means shared spaces require shared responsibility. Your dog’s freedom should never come at the expense of someone else’s safety, peace, or dog’s wellbeing.

A lead is not a punishment, it’s a tool of respect. Respect for others who may be afraid of dogs, who may have a reactive dog on lead, who may be training, walking elderly dogs, or simply enjoying a stress-free stroll. Respect also for your own dog’s safety. No matter how brilliant your recall, all it takes is one squirrel, one unexpected noise, or one unfamiliar dog for a situation to turn south.

There is a time for off-lead freedom, when recall is reliable and the environment is appropriate. But there are also plenty of times for a lead. And knowing the difference is a hallmark of a responsible owner.

The Dog Trainer Isn’t the Daily Handler

Dog trainers can teach, coach, guide, and support. But they aren’t the ones holding the lead at 7am on a cold Tuesday when your dog decides that chasing joggers is the new Olympic sport. That job is yours. The phrase “train the owner, not the dog” exists for a reason.

A good trainer equips you with the tools and understanding to maintain your dog’s training. But if you ignore the structure, ditch the boundaries, and let things slide because “he knows it, he’s just being stubborn,” you’re not being fair to your dog or anyone else.

Your Dog Is Your Responsibility—Always

Whether it’s a cockapoo in a café or a collie in a countryside car park, your dog is your responsibility. That means:
• Ensuring they’re under control.
• Keeping them on a lead where appropriate.
• Picking up after them.
• Respecting other people’s space.
• Maintaining their training.
• Seeking help when things go wrong (and yes, they sometimes do).

And if you’re a trainer reading this, our job isn’t just to train dogs. It’s to teach owners that consistency, accountability, and effort don’t stop when the session ends. If anything, that’s when it starts.

A Final Word (With a Wink)

If you’re nodding along thinking “this doesn’t apply to me,” it probably does. If you’re feeling mildly attacked, good. That means you care. And if you’re reading this while your dog is halfway through digging to Australia in your flower bed… well, maybe it’s time to grab the lead and get back to basics.

At the end of the day, dog ownership is a privilege. Not a right. And if you’re going to take the leash, you’ve got to take the lead, responsibly.

20/05/2025

Your behaviourist/trainer doesn't need to see the behaviour you’ve described in order to change the way your dog thinks/acts.

"How can you possibly help unless you see my dog lunging at other dogs/nipping the postie/pinching food from the side?!"

I promise, it's never necessary to set your dog up to fail for us to be able to help you.

You see, we BUILD behaviour, we don't correct or suppress behaviour.

If you want something; build it!

By making the new option more rewarding for your dog and removing the potential for them to rehearse the old behaviour, that's how we shape lasting behaviour change.

You see, practice makes permanent.

The more your dog practices barking, nipping, lunging, counter-surfing etc, the better they get at defaulting to that particular behaviour.

Neurons that fire together - wire together.

This is the opposite of what we want to achieve!

We build skills out of the context the original behaviour occurs in, digging the foundations.

Then we put the bricks on top, by slowly slivering down the stimulus gradient, ensuring the dog has all the skills they need to succeed.

Setting dogs up to fail to demonstrate behaviours is potentially really dangerous. Frustrated, stressed out dogs don't often make good decisions and situations can escalate.

It's not unusual to hear,

"Oh he's not doing it now you're here!"

That's because we always set dogs up to succeed.

We control the environment; not the dog.

And you'll never see demonstrative before and after videos here. It's not in your best interests or your dog's best interests.

We believe you when you say they lunge and bark - and we know exactly what that looks like!

If the day we visit you is the last day you ever see that behaviour - surely that's the absolute best outcome?
Contact us at [email protected] to set up an appointment to set your dog up for success with a few simple techniques.
Always opt for a Qualified Force Free Behaviourist or Trainer, in fact ask to see their credentials first before letting them near your dog!

18/05/2025

Enjoy every minute of every day with your dogs 🐾❤️🐾

09/04/2025

Top Trainers Tip

30/03/2025

GETTING A PET-SITTER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

In a quick skim through Facebook, it seems that many humans have left holiday arrangements for their pets until the last minute. Some people are asking about late boarding kennel referrals (good luck!) and others are looking for pet-sitters.
It is interesting to see how many people morph into "experienced pet-sitters" overnight, and how the pet-sitter transaction unfolds - it is casual, quick and VOILA.. people leave their pets in the care of total strangers whilst they jet off on holiday. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A SAVVY and SECURE ARRANGEMENT IN PLACE before you leave your animals with anyone. They should be valued members of the family, and we don't leave family members with just anyone!

WHEN LOOKING FOR A PET-SITTER, please use some of these guidelines before contracting:

1. Ask about experience and don't squirm from asking for referrals (past clients) - be sure to contact the past clients and ask for details on the pet-sitting stay and how the individual related to their animals. It is vital that any pet-sitter has a solid level of experience.
2. Remember - just because someone loves animals does not necessarily make them a good pet-sitter. Not everyone is able to handle animals in a savvy and responsible way, especially busy pets, bigger pets, nervous pets or animals with behavioral challenges or special needs. Don't be afraid to set aside friend or family connections, in favour of an experienced pet-sitter.
3. Ensure that the pet-sitter meets the pets before you leave on holiday - be sure to provide a detailed overview of each animal and their needs/quirks and routine, and check that the pet is comfortable in the presence of the pet-sitter. Animals have very good instincts 🙂
4. Ensure that all information related to food brand/dosage, veterinary contacts, and vet books is readily available
5. Alert your local security patrol company, your vet team, and (if on good terms), your neighbour(s), just in case there is a problem and the pet-sitter needs support.
6. Check in regularly to ensure that all is OK whilst you are away - it helps to keep pet-sitters on their toes.
7. Make sure that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is working and registered on the vendor system. Also make sure your pet is wearing a collar and a clear ID tag with contact information. Prevention is always better than cure.
8. Ensure that the pet-sitter understands the importance of keeping the pets away from the front yard and away from easy access to the gate - pet theft is at record highs in the country!
9. Be sure to leave emergency contact numbers - you want to know immediately if anything happens. If a pet does get out of the yard, quick action is needed for best retrieval results.
10. Enter into a formal contract with the pet-sitter so that the arrangement is taken seriously from the outset, that expectations are clear, and that payment terms are explicitly addressed.

We hope this overview has been of some use to you. PLEASE HANDLE THE SELECTION OF PET-SITTERS WITH CARE. You do not want to come back from your family holiday, only to hear that your furry friend has been missing for days or weeks.

THANK YOU FOR CARING MORE & DOING MORE!