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

 

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.

 

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) 

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Dogs, Chicken & Boxes = FUN

Dogs, chicken & boxes = Fun scent work for you and your dog.  Scent work is a great workout for dogs, it can be both mentally and physically challenging. It can be done indoors or outdoors, so if the weather isn’t that great and your dog is chomping at the bit and maybe driving you crazy, hiding a few treats around the house can give your dog a bit of a work out.

Today we decided to hide chicken in the boxes, they didn’t need a lot of motivation to go and hunt it out. We placed the chicken under and in the boxes, on trees and around a car. below is a few photos I took today of the dogs having a great time, in fact we all had a good time.

 

Just a reminder, dog training classes start on Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 2pm Ashhurst Domain, Ashhurst, Palmerston North

Dog Training Classes with an expert dog trainer and behaviourist The course is very comprehensive and unlike others, covers more than just dog obedience & dog behaviour.

Start: Ashhurst Domain, Palmerston North Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 2pm

Woodville Sunday 17th January 2016 @ 10am

Suitable for dogs of all ages. Classes are kept, as age appropriate as possible. I will teach you how to handle your dog in real life situations. Small classes max no 5, Min 3, so I can spend more time with you and your dog, unlike some of the larger classes. To secure your place, book now!

The course teaches you: How to Effectively communicate With Your Dog & How Dogs Communicate With Each Other.

Commands: Sit, Stay, Recall, Down, Social Walking (loose lead/heal) Stand, Leave It (visit Turid Rugaas link on this blog to gain a better insight on how dogs communicate, with each other).

Covers Minor Behaviour’s Such As: Jumping Up, Digging Holes, Pulling On The Lead etc

My aim is also to promote dog safety & awareness so this class also covers:

How to socialize your dog, the right way.

Basic dog behaviour & safety around dogs/Dog bite prevention

Responsible Dog Ownership/Dog Control Act

Introduction to Canine Parkour (Urban Agility)

Course cost: $110 (FAQ sheets included) runs for 4 weeks (4 x 1 hour sessions)

If you and your dog would like to join the class, please fill out the form below.

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Muzzles: For many dogs, a gateway to fun

I am personally a big fan of muzzles, they can give dog owners peace of mind, and they enable dogs to go out and have fun.

The Muzzle Up! Project

Many dogs have to wear muzzles. Some are required to by law (breed-specific legislation). Some are fearful. Some eat rocks, feces, or garbage on the street.

The Muzzle Up! Project strives to erase the social stigma that comes with owning a dog that wears a muzzle. After all, when dogs are trained using positive reinforcement, they come to enjoy their muzzle, because the muzzle predicts good things (food, walks, fun with their humans). Muzzles also keep fearful and aggressive dogs safe, preventing them from possibly hurting another human or dog, while allowing them to still enjoy being a dog. And, unfortunately, some dog owners have no choice, since breed-specific legislation requires their dogs to wear one.

This blog post is a celebration of the humans who are doing it right: Desensitizing and counterconditioning their dogs to muzzles, finding creative ways to have fun with their dogs, and giving their dogs…

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Going away over the Christmas Holidays? Now is the time to start thinking about the needs of your dog. Boarding Kennel Stress in Dogs: Things owners need to know!

With Christmas just a few months away, many people will be taking a holiday break and maybe going away. Now is the time to start thinking about your pets and who is going to look after them, if they can’t go with you. Dogs can and do get stressed, so if you are planning to leave your pets in a boarding facility, now is the time, to start looking around.

If your pets have never been boarded before, day stays and day/night stays are recommended and should really, be started now. Boarding kennel stress is real! Dogs become stressed the same as you and I and putting your dog into a boarding kennels, can be very stressful for them.

Imagine taking a young child to a strange place and leaving it with people it doesn’t know. The child will more often than not, become distressed and upset. The same thing, can and does happen to dogs.

I hope the enclosed link: Titled “Boarding Kennel Stress in Dogs: Things owners need to know!” will help and inform dog owners, so everyone including your pets, will have a stress free holiday.

 

The Most Dangerous Pet Chew Ever: Rawhide!

Below is a very interesting article on the dangers of rawhide chews.  I used to give my dogs rawhide chews years ago but stopped because, when the chews became soft and pliable, bits of the chew broke off and were either swallowed whole or got caught in the back of their throat and caused them to choke. Its no fun trying to pull a large piece of rawhide out of a Bullmastiff’s mouth.

How can one of the most popular chew sticks on the planet be so dangerous for your pets, you ask? I mean, most dogs chew on rawhide for hours on end, and not only does it keep them busy, but they seem to last forever. Well if you understood what it took to make this… Continue Reading

Source: The Most Dangerous Pet Chew Ever: Rawhide!

 

Are you Quake ready? Do you have a survival kit for your pet?

Lately we have had a few shakes around the country, so it got me thinking, how many of  us are disaster ready and have survival kits for our pets, If you had to leave your home quickly, or the power or roads were out, how would you manage, what would you do? As it can be a stressful time for all, including our pets.

I have put a list together of the basic things you will need for your pets.

1. Water, make sure you have enough for a week.

2. Food, Buy some canned food and before many of you throw your hands up in horror and say “I am not feeding that”. Canned food has a higher water content, so it will reduce the amount of the water your pet will need. Don’t forget to include a can opener in your kit. Keep in mind, if you feed a total dry food diet. your pet will need more water.

3.Proof of ownership and vaccinations, ID Tags, papers etc

4. Leads/collars and some form of portable containment

5. First Aid Kit

6. Medications, if your pet is on any medication, make sure you have enough, so stock up.

7. Contact list, boarding kennels, friends, vets, etc

8. Toys, blankets, anything that keeps your pet happy.

9. You should have bowls for food and water but it may pay to buy some portable bowls.

Of course this is just a basic essential kit list but you may want to add more to your own pets survival kit.

 

Introduction to Canine Parkour (Urban Agility) Class Starts Sunday 29th March @ 11am in Ashhurst, Class will run for 90 minutes.

Urban Dog Agility also known as canine parkour is a great way for you and your dog to exercise and have lots of fun by using natures obstacles and everyday objects you come across, while out on your daily walk.

Some basic obedience knowledge is required but there are no barriers, with a little adaptation and imagination, all breeds and ages can do this.

You will be surprised what you and your dog can achieve. Combined with obedience training, it will strengthen your communication and training skills. Both you and your dog will become more confident, in everyday situations. Even nervy and reactive dogs can benefit by participating in Urban Agility because your dog will be focused on you and what you are asking it to do.

This is a introductory class and will run for 90 minutes, Cost $30, if you would like to attend, please fill out the form below or message me on Facebook.

This is not an obedience class all dogs must have some basic level of obedience.

If your dog is dog aggressive/reactive: I will need to meet you both before joining the class. To determine whether or not a class situation is suitable at that time, for you and your dog. Prior, one on one private training with one of my training dogs, maybe necessary before joining a class.

I will be holding a class for reactive dogs later on if there is enough interest.

To read more click on Canine Parkour

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