Cold Paws, Warm Heart
With a little extra care, winter can be a comfortable and enjoyable season for your dog. By protecting their paws, supporting joint health, and keeping their minds and bodies active, you’ll ensure they remain healthy and happy, whatever the weather.
Sit! What’s the point?
I saw a man with a beautiful German Shepherd walking with a lady and a Westie-type dog. As they paused at the road, the Shepherd stood next to him and the Westie stood next to the lady. The man told his dog to sit. His was ignored. He repeated it. The dog still wasn’t listening. The man pushed down on the dog’s rear to force him/her to sit. He then turned to the white dog. Told him/her to sit twice. It didn’t happen. He loomed over the dog and gave it a tap on the nose. The dog sat. And then they all crossed the road.
Why I love teaching a nose-touch-to hand
This simple, yet effective, behavior involves your dog touching their nose to your outstretched hand on cue. While it may seem like a basic trick, the 'nose touch to hand' offers numerous benefits, especially for reactive dogs. Here’s why it’s a must-have in your training toolkit.
Reward versus punishment in dog training
More and more dog trainers, behaviourists, and veterinarians are advocating for reward-based vs punishment-based training. Here’s why rewarding your dog is far more effective than punishment.
Reactive dogs and discomfort
If your dog is reactive—meaning they overreact to certain stimuli, whether it's other dogs, people, or even specific sounds—it's crucial to consider that pain might be a factor.
Appetite and muscle mass in senior dogs
As our beloved canine companions age, their needs evolve, requiring special attention to ensure they remain healthy and comfortable in their golden years. One critical aspect of senior dog care is maintaining lean body mass and ensuring a healthy appetite.
Prioritising well-being over walks
Dogs don't have to be walked everyday, but we do need to address their mental and physical needs.
What can you do if another dog is approaching your reactive dog?
Owning a reactive dog can be challenging, especially when encountering other dogs during walks. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, or show signs of distress when they see another dog approaching. While these behaviors can be stressful, they are also opportunities for training and deepening your bond with your dog.