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What Positive Punishment and Negative Reinforcement in Dog Training Really Mean
Ever felt confused when a trainer talks about positive punishment and negative reinforcement? You’re left wondering how anything positive can be bad? You’re not alone. There’s a whole lot of scientific jargon in dog training and understanding positive and...
From Fearful to Fearless: How to Build Your Dog’s Confidence
If your dog overreacts to some situations, or shuts down and gets stuck, it’s normally because they are worried or afraid. Boosting your dog’s confidence can help handle uncertainty better, meaning they react or freeze far less. Increasing confidence isn’t...
Dog Behaviour Change: Why Labels Like “Aggressive” Hold You Back & What to Do Instead
I hear it all the time. “My dog bit out of nowhere—he’s aggressive.”“He was barking and lunging like a maniac for no reason.”“She knows she shouldn’t do it, but she still does it—she looks guilty afterwards!” In that moment, your dog stops being your best friend and...
How to Set Your Dog Up for Success: 5 Simple Habits for Better Behaviour
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you embark on dog training. Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or rescue, or you’re dealing with behaviour challenges, it can feel like there’s too much to do and no time to do it. You might think that you need to be setting...
Starting Off Right: Why Foundations Matter in Dog Training
What Do We Mean by 'Foundations' in Dog Training? Bringing a new dog into your life is exciting, whether it's a fresh-faced puppy or a rescue looking for a second chance. But excitement can quickly turn to frustration when unwanted behaviours crop up—jumping up,...
Top 8 Questions to Ask Before You Hire A Dog Behaviourist
I know you want the absolute best for your dog. From finding a great vet to the perfect behaviourist to investing in pet products from companies whose business practices resonate with you, where you spend your money matters. You want the best for your budget and also...
How to Pick the Right Dog Behaviourist for You
As a dedicated Clinical Animal Behaviourist, I meet a lot of dog parents who are overwhelmed by the daunting task to find someone trustworthy and knowledgeable enough to address their dog's behavioural issues effectively. Finding the right dog behaviourist can deeply...
Time to Unleash a New Companion? A Guide to Considering Another Dog
Thinking about getting a new dog? The prospect of welcoming a new furry companion into your life usually means imagining the joy and unconditional love they will bring. Certainly when we added Flint to our family the excitement was not just because we were going...
From Trash to Treasure: DIY Dog Toys for Boredom-Busting Fun
While dogs can get bored and find their own fun by say chewing the table legs, most often this is a case of natural dog behaviour not having a outlet. It’s important for dog welfare to give them the opportunity to express normal dog behaviour. Things like...
Prevent Boredom, Reduce Problems: Toy Rotation for Dogs Made Easy
Have you ever had a friend whose house seems to change a little every time you visit? They rearrange the furniture, or there’s new art on the walls, or even the towels change colour in the bathroom? It often gives the place a new feel. You suddenly notice how large...
