Dog Training: Private training only 27th & 28th February.

Hello everyone, I will be in Woodville on the Saturday 27th February, from 10am – 5pm, training at the Balance Domain.

On Sunday 28th February, I will be in the Ashhurst Domain from 11am – 7pm.

All dogs must be fully vaccinated (puppies included).

Cost: $60   Private Lesson (one hour only) 1 or 2 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

Cost: $120 Private Lessons (two hours only) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with.

Cost: $250 Private Lessons (2 x 2 hour) The 2nd 2 hour lesson will be in one months time. This will give you time to practice what you have learnt. We will keep in contact via email, text or phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for distance training and dog safety).

Advantages of private dog training:

You and your dog will learn more and have fun along the way.

Dogs need mental stimulation as well as exercise. So as well as obedience training, I will teach you a few games you can play to help stimulate your dog mentally, this will also help your dog learn to listen to you.

You and your dog will have less distractions.

My aim is to also promote dog safety & awareness so this class also covers: How to socialize your dog, the right way. Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs & people/Dog bite prevention, Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act, Introduction to Canine Parkour (Urban Agility).

Text: 027 7216823 to book an appointment. or email me The contact form is at the bottom of the About ME page.

Please include your name, contact details, your dogs name and problems you are having.

Limited spaces available

 

Dog Training & Covid-19: The New Normal guidelines for Classes & Private Training.

Hello everyone, I hope you and your dogs are all well. New Zealand has relatively small amount of Covid-19 cases, compared with the rest of the world but it is still here.  So non of us can afford to be complacent.

If you are feeling unwell, stay home, if you have a cough, cold or flu symptoms, stay home and go visit your GP.

While Covid-19, at this stage is not believed to be a health threat to dogs, they can test positive for Covid-19, from what I have read the dogs were in households where the virus was present. Human to animal transmission. Dogs can carry it on their body, although the experts say there is a very low risk of humans contracting the covid-19 from dogs, I personally wouldn’t let anyone pat my dog but that is up to you.

Please read the enclosed link, for more detailed information Can dogs get the Coronavirus?

So to help us all stay safe, the new Dog Training Guidelines are as follows:

Same rules apply for Class and Private Training

1.   New Normal: You must supply your own dog’s water bowl plus water. (for your dog only, no sharing with another dog) I used to supply a bowl plus water for your dogs to drink out of, while training.  
2. New Normal: You must supply your own dog treats, again no sharing with another dog.
3. New Normal: Don’t forget to bring your dogs lead, halter, collar etc make sure they are all in good order, as I can’t give you one to use.
4. New Normal: Social Distancing, 4 meters, you may ask “why 4 meters”? Dogs can’t meet, so 2 meters distance for you and 2 meters for your dog. (covers the length of your arm and leash)
5. New Normal: Bring and use your own hand sanitizer. Also gloves and masks if you choose to wear them.

 

 

“I don’t have a magic wand” I can only advise, teach & guide, you have to train your dog.

Sad but true, I don’t have a magic wand, I can only advise, teach & guide, its up to you to  be consistent and put the time and effort in to training your dog, on a daily basis.

I know there are a few people not many but enough, who think if they take their dog to a training class,  it will be miraculously trained, if they attend every session.

Unfortunately, that isn’t true, its just like going to school and the obedience class is often more about educating and teaching the owners, then the owners going home and practicing what they have learnt, on a daily basis.

Now, all dogs are different, what may work for one may not work for another, so its up to you, if you are having problems, mention it to your trainer, at the next class. They don’t know, if you don’t tell them.

Having said that, I can always tell if someone hasn’t done the work, even if they say they have.

When the last class is over, don’t expect to have a fully trained dog, that takes time, consistency and a lot of patience, meaning setting time aside each day to spend time with your dog.

Training can be fun, you are only limited by your imagination, dogs need to have their brains worked, so educational games such as canine parkour, nose works etc can be thrown into the training mix as well.

High expectations, can be a dog owners downfall, don’t expect too much too soon.  Even with older dogs.

young dogs v high expectation, and the winner is no one!  signs of stress in dogs

There are no quick fixes when it comes to training your dog

 

Your puppy needs to be fully vaccinated, before attending class. What does this mean?

I am not going to go into the pros & cons of vaccinating your dog and what it entails, as there is plenty of information out there (do your research) and if you are not sure about something, ask your vet.

I train dogs in the Ashhurst Domain and other public areas, the Domain for example, is open to the public 24/7 as are many other parks and reserves. It is also a high traffic area, meaning people, dogs, (vaccinated or not) vehicles etc, can come and go as they please.

In other words it is not a controlled environment. So the risk, of your, not fully vaccinated puppy contracting something, is greater.

If you do decide to take your puppy out, it may or may not contract something but that is the risk you take and the choice, you make.

What does fully vaccinated mean? it means by the time your puppy reaches 14 – 16 weeks of age, it should have had, all its shots and be fully vaccinated. Of course, as with anything, there are exceptions.

Now I hear you say, what about socialising, or my puppy is doing this and that, what do I do?

Well if you know someone who has a fully vaccinated dog and the dog, is mellow and chilled, you could introduce your puppy to him/her OR you could attend a puppy pre-school, where you will find puppies of similar ages, up to 4 months.

Puppy pre-schools are often run by your local vet but look around and see what is available in your area.  These classes are held in a “controlled environment” and the puppies your puppy will meet, will be at various stages, on their vaccination schedule.

I hope the above has helped clear up any confusion some people may have had, regarding the term “Fully Vaccinated” and what it means.  Many obedience classes, boarding kennels and the like, require dogs to be fully vaccinated.

Are puppy classes enough?  There are no quick fixes when it comes to training your dog

A poem from an untrained puppy  Socializing your dog

 

I don’t have Facebook on my phone.

I thought I would mention and I know it maybe hard to believe but I choose not to have Facebook or messenger on my phone, as I personally, don’t want to be connected, all the time.

So if you leave me a message on Facebook and wonder why I have not replied, it is not that I am being rude by not replying, it is just that I won’t see it, until I switch on my laptop and check my messages, both morning and night.

So, if anyone needs to contact me,  either phone or text, maybe the way to go for some, text being my preferred option, as I always have my phone with me and do check it, regularly.

My contact details can be found under the “About” tab on ZeroBites Dog Training Facebook page.

 

Letter From The Dog

This letter is a great read, by  Victoria Stilwell

Since when does “just a minute” only apply to humans? We dogs say it too, except when we do, you humans get angry. You let us off the rope thing to go run around and play and then you ask us to come back at the most inconvenient of times, just when we are having the best fun – playing with other dogs or chasing small fluffies. When we don’t respond, you get mad and tell us how bad we are, but apparently you don’t understand that when we hear our name, look back at you and then continue with our game, we’re also saying “just a minute”. By the way…..how long is a minute?

Source: Letter From The Dog

 

Dog Training Q & A to some frequently asked questions & queries

I thought I would do a Q & A page to answer some commonly asked questions and queries I frequently receive. This page will be updated as more Q & A are added.

Q 1.  Do you offer a performance guarantee?

Sorry no, I do not. When it comes to dog training, there are too many variables, I have no control of, to offer any kind of guarantee. Dog training is all about me teaching you how to handle/communicate and train your dog. Your dog may listen to me but your dog isn’t my dog, you have to do the work.  I can only advise, guide & show, I can’t make you listen and take note of my advice or suggestions. Neither can I make you work and spend time with your dog as required, on a daily basis.

Although, I can ask you to let me know, if something I have shown you, isn’t working for you, I can’t rely on you telling me. Dog training is about commitment,  there are no quick fixes when it comes to training your dog.

Trades people such as plumbers, mechanics etc, may guarantee their work and guarantee’s apply on most consumer  goods, eg cars, TV’s, fridge/freezers and the like. As with any written guarantee, you need to read the fine print, re conditions that can make guarantee null & void.

Some dog trainers may offer a guarantee, it maybe just a gimmick, to increase their client base, you need to read the small print.

Q 2. Are you a dog whisperer?

Dog whisperer is a phrase,  which has been used quite frequently since Robert Redford movie the “Horse Whisperer” was released in 1998. it was based on the 1995 novel “The Horse Whisperer” by Nicholas Evans.

In fact, All animals speak to us, if we as humans, choose to watch, listen and learn. So, no, I am not a dog whisperer but like many other people I can read and understand dogs and what they are trying to tell us.

Many dog trainers/behaviourists, over the years have used the phrase “dog whisperer”, as a good marketing tool, to increase their client base and revenue.

Q 3. Do you only hold “group dog training classes” on a Sunday?

Yes I do, I find for most people, the time and day is more convenient.

Q 4. When is your next Canine Parkour Class (urban agility)?

I am sorry but due to the lack of interest, I no longer hold Canine Parkour classes. I do however include an introduction to canine parkour, in my group classes and private training packages. I also offer a one hour private parkour training session, to anyone who is interested.

Q 5. Hi, just wondering when your next Pet Support Group meeting is?

Again, unfortunately due to the lack of interest, I know longer offer this free service.

Q 6. Do you train when its raining?

Yes I do, I train in all weather, unless it is extreme, or there is a possibility of someone getting injured e.g. Its a very windy day and there’s bark or branches breaking off trees and being tossed around, by the wind.  They have the potential to harm. So I will cancel, I usually contact people via phone or text. So, if the weather is a bit crappy, don’t assume I am going to cancel.  If you don’t hear from me, its still on.

 Q 7. Why do your classes cost more than the dog training clubs?

Volunteer club members, run the classes and they only charge a nominal amount to cover their basic costs. That is why their courses run for longer and cost less. Unlike myself and many other trainers, we have to cover our costs and live.

 

 

Ashhurst Domain: Local Environmental Mess

Attention Dog Walkers, if you exercise your dog in the Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, please be mindful of the river damage. Some of the walking tracks no longer exist, in the lower domain.

Elayne Hand, Brightchic Photography

Ashhurst Domain car park & river access. 8th apr 2017

I have to say from the get go, I am not a Ashhurst resident, having said that I spend a great deal of time there – you could say “its” my second home.

Unfortunately, since September 2015 nature has had a hand in changing the landscape and not for the better.  Recent flooding over the past couple of years has seen the Manawatu River, decimate the river banks and take out big chunks of land, including some of the walking tracks.

Just recently the river claimed more land including part of the car park as well as access to the river.

The question now is, how much more land is going to be lost and what is going to be done to prevent it.

The PNCC and Horizons were made aware of the problem as soon as it happened, back in September 2015…

View original post 259 more words

 

How do I keep my dog happy, When walking isn’t her no 1? Flash Dog Training Special, (Blog Only) 6pm Friday 27th – 6pm Sunday 29th. Manawatu Region Only

Today most dogs have lost the jobs they were bred and born to do. Dogs like humans they need mental stimulation, otherwise they may  become bored, destructive, depressed or stressed.

Although walking your dog is good exercise, a bit of mental stimulation, will help keep them happy as well as, tire them out.  Mental stimulation can help them focus and listen to you more and if the weather is really bad, you can keep them occupied at home.

End result, a happy tired dog and we all would like our dogs to be happy.

Welcome to my new flash monthly, dog training special post. Every month I will be offering for 2 days only, blog only special. To take advantage of any of the flash specials. The form below needs to be filled out and emailed to me, within the time stated above.  Training will be held in the Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North.

So to kick off January 2017, I am offering a 1 hour introductory class for $10. Limited numbers, Maximum no 6. Class will commence on Sunday 5th February @ 11.30am.

Titled: “Enrichment games for your dog” These games also mean lots of FUN for you and your dog and can be played around the home or when you are out and about. We will be looking at scent games & canine parkour as well as interesting things to do with milk bottles and ice cream containers.

This class is not suitable for dog aggressive dogs. However, aggressive dogs can benefit greatly, so if your dog is aggressive, I am more than happy to teach you and your dog privately. (cost $40) 

Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone:(required)

Address:(required)

Breed & Age(required)

Male or Female(required)

Submit

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A big “Thank You” to all who supported ZeroBites Dog Training blog, in 2016.

ZeroBites Dog Training blog had a good year, come the 31st December 2016. Zerobites had 41,546 visitors and 59,859 views. To celebrate I am offering a “Blog only Special” (Manawatu Region Only) for a limited time only.

From 9am Friday 6th January to 6pm Sunday 8th January 2017

Private Dog Training (one on one)  to help you with any basic behaviour or training problems, you maybe having with your dog. 

(Aggression issues are not included, as more time and work is needed) 

Training will be held in either Ashhurst or Woodville

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I will be offering one 2 hour, dog training session

OR 

two 1 hour, dog training sessions, for $89.00 including FAQ sheets. This is a great deal, for a limited time only, usual price $160. Offer closes 6pm, Sunday 8th January 2017.

Please fill out the form below, if you would like me to help you, with your dog.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone No(required)

Tell me about the problems you are having with your dog(required)

Age, Breed, M or F(required)

Ashhurst or Woodville(required)

Submit

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