Training & Behaviour

Many owners often wonder why dogs hump and may find it embarrassing or funny when it is their dog that has a grand old time mounting other dogs or objects. Mounting, which is the more formal reference for 'humping', is often associated with being sexual or dominant, however, this is not always the reason why dogs hump other dogs. Pooches at Play Host and Dog...

Cats are highly intelligent animals, and like our dogs, they need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated to keep their brains and bodies fit and healthy. So, training a cat is as great activity to consider. Bored cats are prone to overeating and oversleeping, and can develop stress disorders, so incorporating some training into your cat’s daily routine is a great way to keep...

The Maltese is an ancient breed in the toy dog group, one of several small “bichon” dogs found around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The exact place of origin is a mystery. Many historians pinpoint Malta for the development of the breed, but conjecture includes Sicily, Egypt, and southern Europe from spitz-type dogs…so the mystery remains. Temperament The Maltese are generally gentle and affectionate, with a...

How to stop a puppy biting and mouthing is one of the most common questions I get from frustrated puppy owners. It's important to remember that puppies explore their environment with their mouths and use their mouths in play and when teething, so we need to find a way to allow them to fulfill this instinctual need, but direct in the right way. There is...

This week’s breed in focus is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionately known as the Cavie, originating from the United Kingdom where they were used to warm laps during cold carriage rides and while waiting about in chilly castles! Temperament Affectionate, happy and outgoing, they love human company and are an ideal companion dog. They are playful and willing to please, and, while they are...

I’m a big advocate of crate training dogs, because when it is done right, it provides your dog with a secure and happy place they can go to when they want a rest or are feeling anxious. It helps keep your dog safe and prevents escaping while traveling, or  may also be used to keep them safe during thunderstorms or fireworks. However should they be...

It’s not uncommon to see dogs barking or reacting fearfully to some very common every day objects or noises including lawnmowers, bikes, skateboards, vacuums, cars, loud noises, thunderstorms and fireworks. Usually this is a result of a lack of early socialisation during their critical period of development as a puppy, the first 3 – 4 months of their lives, where they should be exposed in...

This week’s breed in focus is the Dachshund. Bred in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt badgers and affectionately known as the daxie, wiener dog, hotdog, or sausage dog, this breed of short stature leaves a lasting impression. Temperament The Dachshund is a brave, lively and loving companion. They are devoted to their family but may not be the ideal breed to have around...

It can be hard to know how to best give your dog a tablet without it being a huge debacle, even with normally sedate cats and dogs, so here are some tips to help. Using treats to hide the tablet Using your pet’s food or treats, or even bits of xylitol-free peanut butter or cream cheese (if your pet’s diet allows this) is one of...

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for everyone. It’s also a crucial time for puppy socialisation activities to help ensure it can overcome the instinctive fear that dogs have of humans and many other things in our world. The reason why we need focus on puppy socialisation as early and as positively as possible, is that because everything that a dog learns...