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 Classes & Private Dog Training Options, Ashhurst, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March, Class starts @ 1.30pm, min class size 4, max size 6, “Book Now” to secure your place.

Hi there and welcome to the new Private Dog Training & Group Class Page.

Dog Training Classes and Private Dog Training with an expert dog trainer and behaviourist.

At this stage all dog training will be held once a month on a Sunday in the Ashhurst Domain and Saturday by appointment only in Woodville, however this may change in the future.

Cut off for enrolments, will be 5 days prior to the scheduled training day.

Group Class & Private Training, enrolment cut off date, will be 24th February @ 5pm 2020

Small classes max no 6, Min 4, so you will learn more and I can spend more time with you and your dog. unlike some of the larger classes. Classes are kept, as age appropriate as possible.

To secure your place, Book Now! Start: Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North, Sunday 1st March @ 1.30pm. Suitable for dogs of all ages.

My apologies for this but the Group Class will be cancelled if the minimum attendance numbers, are not met.  (minimum no 4)

Faq sheets, included in the price.

Group Class: Please Read – Your puppy needs to be fully vaccinated, before attending class. What does this mean?

The Basics+Canine Enrichment Group Class (2 hours only) min class size 4.

COST: $79

If you and your dog want to have some fun while training, then this class is for you.

The Basics+Canine Enrichment: Walking on a loose leash, Sit, Leave it, Wait/Stay, Recall, Jumping up, leash pulling, plus any other minor problems.

Canine Enrichment: Most dogs today, have lost the jobs they were born and bred to do and while physical exercise is good its not enough, dogs like humans need mental stimulation. Canine enrichment is great for teaching your dog to listen and focus on you, while having fun along the way, it also helps alleviate boredom, as the saying goes “a happy dog is a tired dog”.  In this class I will introduce you and your dog to: Canine Parkour, (it will make your daily walk and training more interesting and fun), scent games, plus a few ideas on how to keep your dog happy and occupied with everyday items, we often throw away. These games and training can be adapted so you can do them in your own backyard or inside your home.

Private Training Options

Sunday Only

Limited Spaces

Sunday 1st March

Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, Palmerston North

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

$120     Private Lessons (two hours only) 2 to 4 problems you would like help with. (aggression not included)

$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 & phone calls.  (aggression, basic obedience, long line usage for recreational and distance training).

My aim is to also promote dog safety & awareness so all training options will cover: How to socialize your dog, the right way. Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs & people/Dog bite prevention, Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act.

Making a dog safety difference in 2019, most dog bites are preventable. It would be great if we could all in a small way help, turn the tide and try to reduce, through education, the number dog bites/ dog attacks in NZ.

Hopefully along the way, prevent someone from getting bitten and save a few dogs, a one way trip to the vet.

Name(required)

Email(required)

Phone No(required)

Group Class The Basics+Canine Enrichment

1 hour Private Training

2 hour Private Training

2 x 2 hour Private Training

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“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

 

5 things NOT to do when you first adopt your dog

Great advice, for anyone who is thinking of or who has adopted a dog lately and is a must read.  I originally posted this article back in 2015 but I thought it is time for a repost because lately I have had a few people contact me regarding the dog they have just adopted.

Again, high expectations (good intentions) on the part of the dog’s new owners, can set them all up, to fail. Lets face it, your newly adopted dog doesn’t know you, your family, environment or routine. It may be stressed, scared or frightened as well as some dogs have a history, you know nothing about.  So expecting them to act and behave and do what you tell them, can be a bit hard for them to grasp. Whether it be a puppy or older dog, they need time to adjust and feel secure.

 

No Dog About It Blog

I often try to remember back to when I adopted my first shelter dog. I was so uninformed and inexperienced back then. I had never adopted a dog before. I had absolutely no idea what to expect with an adult dog, especially not one who had a whole history behind her that I didn’t even know about. I probably made a lot of mistakes and bad decisions in those early days (I am sure of it).

What I didn’t know then, but know now is that for a rescue or shelter dog, the first few days and weeks in their new home are risky ones. They are at the mercy of their new human to make the right decisions for them. One mistake, and the dog could end up back at the shelter, or worse, euthanized for a serious mistake that could have been prevented if the human had made a…

View original post 1,001 more words

 

Saying Goodbye to my monthly, 4 week Ashhurst Group Dog Training Classes.

For those of you who don’t know, I run a monthly 4 week course, throughout the year (4 x 1 hour every Sunday afternoon) in the Ashhurst Domain.

I have really enjoyed holding the classes and I have met some amazing people and their dogs over the years, but its now time for a change.

Over the past couple of years, I have seen a steady decline in the number of dog owners, wishing to attend my classes they along with other life changes, have collectively  made me stop, think and re-evaluate, where I want to be and what I want to be doing.

So with that in mind, I have revamped my dog training services, sold my house and I am in the process, of packing up and getting rid of a lot of my stuff.

I will still continue to support Haven Bull Breed Rescue and Education and continue to train dogs. “Out with the old and in with the new”, as the saying goes.

Information on my all New look group and private dog training packages, can be found here.

My regular 4 x 1 hour weekly Ashhurst classes, will cease on 4th February 2019.

My new group class format and private training packages, will commence on Sunday 24th March 2019 in the Ashhurst Domain. Group Class will commence @ 1.30pm.

As for my dog Holly and I, exciting new challenges await, Photography, Travel & Adventure, are calling.

 

Boarding Kennel Stress in Dogs: Be a proactive dog owner, Things Dog Owners need to do, to help make their dogs stay, in a boarding kennels, a happy one

I originally wrote this article back in January 2014, I monitored the number of views and for 2014  I received a total  10844 views on both of my articles “Boarding Kennel Stress in Dogs: Things owners need to know!” & “Tips for boarding anxious/nervy dogs” there seems to be a lot of concerned owners out there. Dog Owners need to be proactive when it comes to boarding their dog, you may have a great time away but your dog may not.

Unfortunately, even now, it still never ceases to amaze me, how many dog owners ring me and ask if I have room to board their dog and their dog has never been in kennels before. (since writing this article, I no longer board dogs)

Dogs need to be introduced to a kennel environment early on, not at the last-minute a few days before you go on holiday. Separation Anxiety and related problems are on the increase. I am personally seeing more & more dogs with these issues and they unfortunately can be one of the hardest behaviour problems to fix.

All too often dogs are treated like babies and can become over reliant on their human family, that goes for big dogs as well as small dogs. Dogs like children, need to become independent and be able to happily function on their own. If you have a multiple dog household the same applies. Dogs should be equally happy to hangout with each other or be on their own. Again, same as people.

So be proactive and introduce your dog to a kennel environment early on. Below is a list of things, dog owners need to do, to help their dogs stay in kennels, be a happy one.

1. If your dog has never been in kennels before condition your dog to going into kennels, day stays at a boarding kennel are a good way of getting your dog used to it. If you have a kennel and run at home or some other form of containment, such as a garage, small bedroom or  a dog crate, use it.

2. If you are a multi dog household make sure your dogs are independent of each other and can cope on their own. Separate kenneling or confinement goes along way, in helping with that. Doesn’t mean that they can’t hangout together, just means they are ok with being alone. The same goes for dogs who are too attached to their owner, they too need to be made independent.

3. Visit facilities, talk to the kennel owner, are they knowledgeable and friendly do they understand dogs and dog behaviour. Just because they run a boarding kennel, doesn’t mean they understand dogs or dog behaviour.

If you have a nervy, anxious or dog aggressive dog or a dog who just needs space. Ask if the kennel owner is experienced in handling these types of dogs and can accommodate them. Introducing these dogs to kennels may take a bit more time on the part of you the owner and the boarding kennel owner. (Ask how they go about introducing these types dogs to a kennel environment) Some kennels may not take them because they are not set up to do so. Also certain breeds of dogs, may not be welcome.

4. To make your dogs stay less stressful and more comfortable, ask if you can bring a blanket or toy etc of theirs.

5. Ask how your dog will be exercised, some kennels walk the dogs, others let them out to run in large compounds with other dogs. If they are let out to run with other dogs, ask if they are supervised in other words is someone physically present, while the dogs are being exercised. Even friendly dogs can fall out and a dogfight may ensue, Also signs of stress or distress need to be watched out for, so it is important that dogs are supervised, at all times.(Refer AsureQuality Limited, Pet Boarding Establishments,Kennel Code of Practice). Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.

Click on the link to read what can happen if dogs are left unsupervised: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/9127003/Couple-furious-after-pet-mauled
Be aware some kennels leave dogs to run unsupervised.

If your dog is Nervy, anxious, dog aggressive or a dog who just need some space, ask if your dog can be individually exercised.If your dog is anxious or nervy, please read tips for boarding anxious/nervy dogs

6. If your dog is on a special diet or needs medication ask if the kennel will feed the diet required or dispense medication.

7. Also ask what food the kennel feeds the dogs and ask if it would be possible for you to bring your own dogs food, so his/her diet remains the same.

8. Read Socialising your dog, the right way
Incorrect socialising even in a boarding kennel environment can and does lead to behaviour problems in dogs, such as aggression or timidness.
I hope the above information helps you the dog owner to make an informed decision.

 

Puppy Training Classes, Are They Enough? To be honest, no they are not.

Click on the image to enlarge and read “A poem from an untrained puppy”

Puppy training classes, are they enough? To be honest, no they are not.

Puppy training classes can be a great start to socializing and training your dog, if run correctly but that is all they are, just a start.

They do not prepare the owner for the problem behaviours that often occur in the “teenage period” which usually starts around the 6-7 month mark and can continue until the dog is 15-20 months old, this time frame can vary depending on the dog.

Usually classes are run for four weeks and only take dogs up to 4 months of age. They cover the basics in behaviour and training but very few, cover anything in-depth. Most do not teach, you the owner, good leadership skills, in other words, what you need to know and do, to utimately have a well rounded obedient dog, who is a joy to have around. After all there is more to learn than just “sit and stay”.

Young dogs are quite pliable and can be easy to teach, owners often say to me “he is such a good boy/girl, does everything I tell him/her” but four weeks of puppy training is not enough to instill basic training in a dogs mind.

I often chat to frustrated owners who are having problems with their dog. They tell me, they took their dog along to puppy training class but for whatever reason, chose not to continue on with any form training.

Which is not good for them or their dog because more often than not owners become angry and frustrated, which can and does make matters worse.

That is why its is important to continue on with obedience training classes.

A good training class should cover obedience & behaviour problems along with many other issues, in more depth. They should teach you how to handle your dog in the real world. In other words, Good leadership and communication skills are the key. After all, like I said before, there is more to be taught than just “Sit and Stay” Classes should give you a good grounding and help set you up for life.

Below is a very good article on why you should continue you and your dogs education by taking your dog to classes.

Why should I take my dog to training classes?

http://www.tarynblyth.co.za/articles/whytrainingclasses/

I run classes on a monthly basis, If you and your dog would to join one of my classes, please contact me or visit my website or see the class information on this blog for details.

 

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

 

Before you go jumping in, ask yourself, “Is a dog the right pet for me or in reality, would I be better off, owning a goldfish?

Again, here is another post I wrote sometime ago, unfortunately it is still relevant today, with rescues, pounds & shelters seeing more dogs than ever, coming through their doors.

While you may love the idea of owning a dog, the reality maybe, you would be better off owning a goldfish. Why a goldfish you may ask, well goldfish don’t demand the same level of time and commitment from you, as a dog does.

Ask any rescue, shelter or pound and they will tell you, the continuous number of puppies & dogs, coming through their doors, isn’t slowing down.

In our consumer driven society, dogs seem to be another thing that get thrown on the heap, when the novelty has worn off. Many are in love with the idea of having a dog but the reality is, they are work, they are not “something” you leave in your backyard and ignore.

Dogs are fun and great to have around, they make wonderful companions but they will change your life as you know it, for many years to come. Whether you decide on a puppy, adult dog or a dog from rescue or shelter, you could be looking at a 10-15years + commitment, depending on the breed and age of the dog.

Are you ready for that?

So as a prospective dog owner, you have to think carefully about:

1. Your Lifestyle

Are you home a lot or do you spend a lot of time away?

Do you work long hours, are you always busy? If you are too busy, then owning a dog probably won’t be your top priority.

Do you own your own home or are you renting? (rental properties often don’t allow dogs)

Dogs are a 365 day a year commitment, to build up a good relationship and to enrich their lives, they need time spent with them everyday. Whether its training, going for a walk or playing games, Being tired or busy is no excuse for not spending time with your dog.  In fact, dogs can be great stress relievers, they are a good excuse as well, for turning off your phone, TV or computer for a while.

2. What breed of dog is right for you

All I can say on this is, do your research, don’t be swayed by, the latest TV or Movie star dog, they may look cool on-screen but don’t be fooled, these dogs are well-trained. Don’t get sucked in by that “cute” puppy look, all dogs look “cute” when they are puppies but they soon grow up and loose that “cute” look.

Some breeds may need to be groomed regularly, while others may need more exercise, so if you are not into grooming or running/walking a couple or so kilometres a day, be smart, don’t get a dog that requires grooming or a lot of exercise. Dogs don’t just need exercise & training they also need their minds enriched as well, so just walking your dog, isn’t really enough.

3. Costs 

Well dogs are not free, they come with costs, you have purchase costs, food bills (they need to eat) veterinary costs, that could be for anything, such as, vaccinations, operations, check ups, flea treatments, worming treatments etc

Then there is housing, where are you going to keep your dog, inside or outside or both. You may need to look at purchasing a kennel & run, or securing your property by altering or improving the fencing.

Then there’s bedding, collar, lead, toys, dog crate, registration, training, boarding/house sitter, if you want to go away. Grooming, dog walking, if you employ a dog walker, doggy day care, and the list goes on.

4. Damages

Ask any dog owner and they will tell you, dogs can chew, so be prepared for possible chewed furniture, clothes, shoes and the like, oh and I forgot TV remotes, just to name a few. If you get a puppy the chances are you will have accidents in the house, while house training, if your dog becomes ill, the same can happen, along with being sick, on your good carpet. All par for the course when you own a dog.

So if you are not phased by any of the above, dog ownership maybe right for you but if any of the above make you think twice, then owning a dog at this time, may not be, right for you.