Posts on the Topic Behaviour & Training

Understanding dogs is not just a passion but a necessity for anyone who shares their life with a dog. Historically, despite the millennia-long relationship between dogs and humans, scientific exploration of dogs was often dismissed, considering them more as an...

Leaving your puppy or adult dog home alone can be a daunting experience, both for you and your pet. Dogs are social animals, and they can struggle with separation-related anxiety when left alone. This guide aims to provide you with...

Imagine a world where everything is unknown and out of your control. For humans and dogs alike, this can be a source of immense stress and discomfort. Controllability and predictability serve as anchors in the bustling flow of life, providing...

Dog behaviour modification is a methodical approach to improving a dog’s responses to certain situations or stimuli. At its core, this practice focuses on altering inappropriate or undesirable behaviours by using a variety of established techniques. It is essential for...

Dog training exercises are the foundation of a well-behaved and happy pet. Before diving into complex tasks, it is essential to grasp the core principles that underpin successful training. The initial stage involves teaching simple signals such as 'sit', 'stay',...

Welcome to the fascinating journey of dog development where we delve into the key stages from puppyhood to adulthood. As a prospective or current dog owner, it is crucial to understand the growth phases your canine companion will go through....

Kicking off your dog's training without a plan is akin to embarking on a journey without a map. A training diary acts as a crucial tool in plotting the course of your dog’s education, ensuring no valuable lesson falls through...

At the heart of dog training lies the ability to communicate effectively, and marker signals can serve as one of the fundamental tools to achieve just that. But what exactly are these signals? Marker signals are unique sounds or actions...

Desensitisation and counter-conditioning are cornerstone techniques in canine behavioural training and therapy, aimed at helping dogs overcome negative emotional states such as fear and anxiety, associated with stimuli or situations. Desensitisation involves the gradual and controlled introduction of a dog...

Vision is a complex sense that differs significantly across species. To truly comprehend our dogs' perspectives, we must start with the fundamentals of canine vision. It provides an essential window into their behaviour and needs. Unlike humans, who generally rely...

When it comes to shaping the behaviour of our dogs, the concept of interrupting behaviour is a critical one. It is a strategy of gently but effectively redirecting our dogs when they're engaged in less-than-desirable actions. To use this approach,...

Communication with our canine companions is critical for a harmonious relationship and effective training. One of the means to achieve this is through dog training using hand signals. These visual cues offer a clear and consistent way to convey your...

Imagine a world where your every move is dictated; where the joy of choosing is a foreign concept. This is often the reality our canine companions face. By understanding the power of choices in your dog's life, we can revolutionize...

Yawning, a behaviour seen in most vertebrates, serves multiple purposes, from physiological to psychological. In dogs, yawning is more than just a response to tiredness; it is a complex behaviour that can convey a wealth of information about a dog's...

When embarking on the journey of training our canine companions, the equipment we use can significantly affect the outcome. A dog training harness is a key tool that offers many benefits over traditional training methods involving a collar and leash....

Reactive dogs often display responses that are out of proportion to the situation. Such behaviours can include excessive barking, growling, lunging, or snapping in response to specific stimuli in their environment, such as other dogs, strangers, or certain sounds. Understanding...

Most dog owners are well-acquainted with the hormonal cycles of dogs, but not all are aware of the impact these changes can have on their pets, particularly male dogs during a female's heat cycle. To manage male dog stress during female...

When deciding between a male dog vs female dog, it's imperative to understand that both can provide companionship and joy, yet they may exhibit distinct characteristics. These differences are not just biological, but can also influence their interaction with you...

Just like humans, our dogs go through various stages of sleep, from light dozing to deep slumber. Understanding your dog's sleep cycle is key to recognising if your pet is enjoying quality rest or if they might be struggling with...

Growling is a form of communication in dogs that can indicate a variety of emotions or intentions. It's crucial to understand that growling is not solely a sign of aggression. It can be a dog's way of expressing fear, anxiety,...

Welcome to a fascinating journey into the world of canine senses, where we delve into the exceptional abilities of dog hearing compared to that of humans. This article will provide valuable insight for anyone curious about the sophisticated auditory system...

Spotting the early signs of a potential dog fight is crucial for any dog owner and dog professional. When dogs exhibit aggressive behaviours, such as growling, snarling, or fixed stares, they may be signalling an imminent conflict. It's important to...

Determining how far I should walk my dog begins with a clear understanding of their individual exercise needs. Dogs, like humans, require regular physical activity to maintain their health and happiness. The amount of exercise needed can vary widely based...

Incremental dog training is a method where complex behaviours are broken down into smaller, manageable tasks. By focusing on teaching one aspect at a time, this approach makes learning more accessible and less daunting for the dog. It is similar...

Dog welfare is a term that encompasses the overall health, emotions, and well-being of dogs. It's fundamental for dog owners and animal professionals alike to grasp the essentials of dog care. This includes understanding a dog's physical, emotional, cognitive, and...

Many dog owners witness their pets displaying signs of distress during firework displays. The loud and unexpected sounds can trigger intense fear and anxiety in our canine companions. In fact, research from The Kennel Club in the UK reports an...

Understanding unwanted behaviour in dogs is crucial for any pet parent aiming to cultivate a harmonious relationship with their canine companion. Unwanted behaviour, which can range from excessive barking to destructive chewing, often stems from a variety of sources, including...

If you've ever watched dogs at the park, you'll notice they seem to ‘see’ with their noses, picking up scents, always on a tireless quest to unravel an unseen world. This is due to their incredible genetic gift of canine...