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How to achieve easy living with your dog
I live with three spaniels currently. At one point I lived with two German Shepherds, a saluki and two spaniels. I always felt I should even things up with another sighthound. But didn’t want to seem like a crazy dog lady. I often get asked "how do you manage?", but...
Living with a Dog Behaviour Problem Means Honouring the Dog You Have
Living with a dog behaviour problem is by definition challenging for us. If we didn't find the behaviour difficult to live with, we wouldn't define it as a problem. Our dogs are individuals with an entire set of genetics and learning histories that make them into who...
Why Teaching a Collar Grab Might Save Your Dog’s Life
How I Lost My Dog Recently I lost Flint, my working cocker spaniel. Actually, I hadn’t entirely realised I lost him before he reappeared. Teaching the collar grab was the reason I got him back so quickly. I was moving equipment for Thursday night classes from my back...
How Start Button Behaviours Can Improve Your Training
Start button behaviours can really help you power up your training. They are especially helpful for dogs fearful of certain stimuli like noises or vacuum cleaners. They are also useful for procedures where we need to do something to our dog like grooming or putting on...
Living with an old dog is hard
You’re preparing to say goodbye knowing that in all likelihood you’ll be the one to decide when. It’s been over 4.5 years since I put my beloved Khanu to sleep. I still miss him every day. I often cry whenever I think about him. Yes, that means I cry over him a lot....
Dog Training Lingo: What’s the Difference Between Habituation, Desensitisation, and Counterconditioning?
You’ve heard the terms habituation, desensitisation and counterconditioning but you’re not sure what they mean or why each one is important. They seem to be flung about with abandon and sometimes combined and it’s all a bit confusing. So what do they actually mean? At...
Dog Trainer, Dog Behaviourist and Veterinary Behaviourist: What’s the Difference?
You know you need some help with your dog but you’re not sure exactly who to ask. There seems to be a lot of choice and it’s just not clear what the difference is between a trainer or a behaviourist–and you’ve just found out there are veterinary behaviourists, too!...
The 5 Best Places to Practise Dog Training at Home
You don’t have to go far to have places to train your dog. We spend the majority of our time at home so it makes sense to start there. There’s also far more to training your dog than the normal sit and down. More useful things to teach our dog are ways to behave in...
How to Make Sure Your Dog and Kids Stay Friends During Lockdown
We are all having to stay at home for extended periods of time and our routines have completely changed. It’s difficult for everyone, not least your children who now can’t see their friends. Your dog is now having to contend with a complete shift in their world...
Why Social Distancing Will Help You Socialise Your Puppy
We’re in lockdown. No hanging out with our friends. No catching a live band. No eating at your favorite restaurant. So how the hell are you going to socialise your puppy when you’re not allowed to be social? Here’s how. 1. Let them watch and learn Puppies need to...
