Your Dog Needs You

Dog Obedience Basics: Release Me!

Mia — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:25:56 +0000

Always use a release after you have given your dog a command. A release word is the equivalent of giving your dog permission to be ‘at ease’. By using a release, you are teaching your dog that she should stay in a position, such as sit or drop, until she is released or given another command. If you use a release word correctly, you will never have to teach your dog ‘stay’ because your dog will stay in any position until you release her. The release word can be anything, as long as you use that word consistently. I use the word ‘free.’ Some people use ‘okay’, but many professional dog trainers say ‘okay’ may cause the dog confusion because it is used commonly in general conversation. Whether you have... [Read the rest or post a comment]

A Tip to Stop Your Dog’s Restless Nights

Mia — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 09:25:14 +0000

I would often hear my boy Frodo rustle around at night as a puppy. I thought his nocturnal roaming was just his nature; that he loved to ‘guard the perimeter’ or scare off any nocturnal bugs that caught his attention. As Frodo got older his restlessness continued -he even started to bark late at night. Frodo was normally such a quiet soul and when his barking got worse I began to wonder what is this little guy’s problem? Now that I’m a dog trainer and understand dogs better, I’ve come to realise that Frodo’s nocturnal activity was probably a result of him feeling somewhat insecure and maybe a little cold too. You see, the barking and night roaming diminished drastically when I did one simple thing: I got him the right bed.... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Is Your Dog Trying to be Your Boss?

Mia — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:26:43 +0000

In one of my training guides I say that it’s not always a good idea to allow your dog on the bed or couch. I say this because some dogs can get a little too comfy and see the bed or couch as their territory; you may have seen (or even owned) a dog that growls or snaps when you or another tries to sit on the couch with the dog. In this situation the dog’s reaction is a sign that it is ‘guarding’ an important resource, that is, the comfy bed or couch! If your dog is quite obedient and tends to listen to you, then I think it’s okay to relax that rule. This is especially true if your dog has never snapped or growled at you. If... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Don’t Pat Your Dog!

Mia — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:34:06 +0000

The other day at the puppy class I run, I came across an angry little boy named Carter. Despite being only 12 weeks old, this little fellow snapped and growled at the other pups. The class had not even started, yet tension amongst the owners was high. This was understandable – they were nervous because this little pup was menacing their own beloved pups. I must admit, I was taken aback. It was the first time I’d ever come across this behaviour in such a young dog. What could I do to reassure the class? What could I do to help Carter? As I observed Carter being patted by his owner, I realised that Carter was being rewarded for this behaviour. I immediately said to Carter’s owner “Don’t pat your dog!”... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Should I allow my dog on the couch or bed?

Mia — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:32:17 +0000

I admit that I am an advocate of strong leadership when it comes to an owner’s relationship with their dog, but I have softened on one of my rules… In the past I have said: “When sitting or sleeping you must be on a higher level than your dog – your dog should not be allowed on your bed or couch.” My reason for this advice was that our relationship with dogs is based on physical cues. Dogs respond well to strong, consistent, literal body language. As such, in the canine world leaders should be literally higher than their subordinates; by being physically higher than your dog, you can assert authority and command respect. Whilst I still think this is true, I also know that many dog owners – including... [Read the rest or post a comment]

My Dog Won’t Come When Called

Mia — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:12:25 +0000

It’s so frustrating when your dog won’t come when called. Even when you have taught your dog to come on command in the backyard, the presence of other dogs or food in the park can be too much of a temptation. Many owners say that, although their dog is relatively well-behaved and obedient, the dogs seem to ‘lose it’ in open space and run off easily. I, too, have experienced this problem with one of my dogs. Through careful preparation and a planned training program, I can now have this ‘runaway’ walk beside me off-lead in a suburban street, and he does not run off. However, I always remain vigilant. Now my dog walks beside me with the lead draped over his back. If you were to ask dogs why they... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Why Isn’t My Dog Learning Quicker?

Mia — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:30:43 +0000

When it comes to reducing a dog’s unwanted behaviour, many owners tell me they have moments when they get frustrated. This is because, despite their best training efforts, the dogs’ behaviour gets worse. This usually results in the owners giving up because they believe what they’re doing to address the problem is simply not working. My advice? Don’t give up! Any training plan that addresses a dog’s unwanted behaviour should be followed through, even if the dog’s behaviour appears, for a time, to get worse. This is because when a dog is introduced to a new behaviour, the dog will attempt to desperately cling to what she knows best. If you were to ask the dog why she does this, she’d say: “What I have done has always worked for me, but my... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Dog Food Rule Number 1: Less is More!

Mia — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:17:06 +0000

The other day one of my clients said her dog was not motivated by food. I took her comment at face value and showed her another way to reward her dog (via affection and play). As I was demonstrating various training techniques to my client, I noticed something that can be quite detrimental to the training process: dog food in the dog’s bowl. The food had been there all day. You might think this is no big deal. As a dog owner I like to ensure my dogs eat well. But, unlike my client, I stop short of leaving food in their bowls all day, every day. Why? Because I know that dogs will not ‘work’ for what they can get anytime. If food is always available, your dog is unlikely to want... [Read the rest or post a comment]

Dog Essentials for Your Evacuation Kit

Mia — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:17:24 +0000

In light of the recent floods in Queensland and the devestating effect it has had on both people and animals, I thought I’d share some tips on what you can do to prepare for your dog’s welfare in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Many families have an emergency or evacuation kit stocked with essentials like food, water and other items to help through a relocation as a result of fire, flood or other natural disaster. When stocking your evacuation kit, remember to include a first-aid kit for your dog as well as the following items: Water and Food Make sure there is enough dried and canned food for your dog for two weeks. You should check expiration dates on the food labels and replace water every couple of months. Make sure you... [Read the rest or post a comment]

What Dogs Can Teach You about Love and Leadership

Mia — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:22:54 +0000

I recently spoke to a lovely lady about dog training. This lady said to me: “You know, Mia, dogs are a reflection of their owners.” This insight created a huge shift for me. Despite the knowledge that relationships mirror our inner world, I had not, until now, explored this principle when it came to me and my dogs. For about five years I have had two loving canine companions by my side: my girl Ziggy – feisty, sensitive and extroverted, and my boy Frodo – quiet, intelligent and protective. Alice’s comment caused me to ponder my evolving relationship with these fantastic creatures. I came to realise that dogs are a barometer of one’s abilities as a leader and nurturer. I recall a defining moment back in 2007, when a dog... [Read the rest or post a comment]