Training & Behaviour

Walking your dog every day is really important for their mental and physical wellbeing, but scenting walks for dogs are equally important which is why we need to allow them to take some time to stop and sniff the world around them. Scenting is in their DNA The part of a dog’s brain that processes smell is 40 X larger than ours and they have...

Many dogs don't do well at public off-leash dog parks, yet still need the opportunity to run about and play in new places and spaces for their mental and physical health and well-being. Fortunately, SniffSpace is an online directory of safe, dog friendly private dog parks and play spaces that are available to rent by the hour around Australia. As a dog behavoiurist and the...

Keeping your dog safe at the dog beach or dog park is not always easy. Dog beaches and parks tend to have an increased risk of dog attacks and accidents, so basic dog training and obedience can help address some common dog behaviour problems that you might see. A lot of problems at the dog beach or park  start because owners don't know how to...

Keeping our dogs challenged and engaged through training and games is just as important when they are older, as it is when they are a puppy, so teaching and old dog new tricks has many benefits. Not only does it keep them mentally and physically stimulated, which has a positive impact on their overall health and well-being by keeping those cogs turning, it keeps their...

Many owners get frustrated by their dog’s over-excited or aggressive reaction to seeing another dog and are unsure of what to do about dog to dog reactivity or aggression. Dog to dog aggression is often a fear based response, where they see the other dog as a perceived threat, and may be based on past negative experiences, a lack of socialisation during their critical period...

When it comes to some of the top dog behaviour problems trainers are called in to help with, Erin Williams from Beyond Dog Training in Sydney and speaker at this year's Sydney The Pet Show shares her top three, plus some key tips to help. 1. Over-arousal When it comes to top dog behaviour problems, when a dog remains in a state of over-arousal, things...

The key to positive reinforcement dog training and behaviour modification is finding what motivates your dog the most to follow your instructions or perform a behaviour you are want from them faster, better, stronger. For most dogs this is food or treats, but it can also be rewarding them with play, such as a game like tug-a-war, fetch or giving them their favourite toy, verbal...

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for everyone.  Hopefully you are reading this before you have picked up your new bundle of fluff so that you are well prepared for their arrival and know how to puppy proof your home. To help, make sure you have read our article on Preparing for a Puppy article as well to help ensure you have everything...

With so many puppies missing out on that critical early socialisation they need due to Covid-19 restrictions, and many rescue dogs being re-homed,  there are now many nervous dogs that can be reactive when meeting new people, particularly those coming into their home. If you have a nervous dog or one that reacts to people inappropriately, it is important you don’t introduce them to too...

One of the most common problems I have to address as a dog trainer is not so much the bad behaviour in dogs, but rather the behaviour of the owner. In the majority of cases where an owner has complained about their dog jumping or barking, not coming back to them at the park, jumping up on the furniture and other annoying habits that have...