Training & Behaviour

How to crate train a dog, puppy - and even a cat! When introduced slowly and positively, crate training can provide your dog or puppy with a safe, comfortable space where they can sleep, relax or retreat when they need some quiet time. Crate training can also assist with puppy toilet training, prevent unsupervised wandering, make travelling easier and help dogs gradually become comfortable spending...

Why Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Works Positive reinforcement dog training is an effective and humane way to teach new skills, improve behaviour and strengthen the bond you share with your dog. It focuses on rewarding the behaviours you want to see more often, which reinforces that desired behaivour, rather than relying heavily on punishment or correction when your dog gets something wrong. Reinforcement simply means...

It can be hard to know how to best give a 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...

Miniature Schnauzer: Temperament, Health and Grooming Small but full of personality, the Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, energetic and affectionate dog known for its distinctive beard, expressive eyebrows and lively terrier spirit. They can adapt well to apartments or houses, provided they receive enough daily exercise, mental stimulation and companionship. Miniature Schnauzer history and appearance The Miniature Schnauzer was developed in Germany during the late...

How to Train a Puppy With Positive Reinforcement Knowing how to train a puppy using positive reinforcement will help them learn new skills while protecting their confidence and strengthening the bond you share. Positive reinforcement means rewarding a behaviour you would like your puppy to repeat. When your puppy performs the desired action and immediately receives something they value, that behaviour becomes more likely to...

Puppy biting: How to stop biting and mouthing Puppies are one big bundle of fun and energy, with their happy smiles and wagging tails -but they also like to use their mouths a lot! Puppy biting and mouthing is normal, but knowing how to redirect it away from your hands, clothing and belongings can be challenging. Puppies explore the world through their mouths, particularly during...

Why Do Dogs Kick After Pooping or Peeing? Dogs kick after pooping or peeing as a form of communication. Known as ground scratching, the behaviour is thought to help spread scent and leave visible marks that signal their presence to other dogs - not simply bury their business. You know the move: a dramatic backwards kick, like they’re auditioning for Riverdance, with grass and dirt...

Corgi Breed Profile: Temperament, Grooming and Health With their short legs, big ears and cheeky personalities, the Corgi is hard to resist. These affectionate, intelligent dogs can make wonderful companions, but behind that cute appearance is a capable herding dog that needs daily exercise, training and mental stimulation. In this Corgi breed profile, we explore their personality, grooming needs and health considerations, with health insights...

Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle Bringing a dog into your family is incredibly exciting, but choosing the right dog breed, or rescue dog, for your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet owner. The best match depends on much more than a dog’s appearance. You need to consider their likely temperament, energy levels, size, training...

Helping a Rescue Dog Settle In: The 3-3-3 Rule Bringing a rescue dog home is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be a major adjustment for your new pet. Helping a rescue dog settle in requires patience, consistency and an understanding that they may initially feel overwhelmed or unsure. The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs is a simple guide to what you might expect during...