Positive reinforcement is now considered by many experts to be the best way of training a dog. We sure have come a long way compared with how people used to train dogs in the past. Not only is positive reinforcement more humane than older dog training methods, but also it has been scientifically indicated to be a better way of conferring positive behavioural traits. Here are some tips for using positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog, at home, and at a dog obedience course. Be Quick with a Treat When first learning a trick or a new behaviour, a dog will have absolutely no idea wha ..read more

Puppies are the cutest animals in the world, but some of their habits can become a hassle if not caught and fixed early on. Here are some problematic things to work on with your puppy, on your own and at a dog obedience course. Chewing It’s perfectly natural for puppies to want to chew on your clothes, furniture and books, and it might not seem like much of a problem. Their weak little puppy jaws don’t do much damage, after all. However, little dogs don’t always stay little. If you don’t nip this behaviour in the bud, you may have to start dealing serious destruction of your property very soo ..read more

It can be really hard to choose a good dog sitter, especially if you’ve got to pick somebody you don’t know personally. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you’re picking the right dog sitter for the dog you love. Look Online and Ask Around There’s no one perfect way to start looking for a dog sitter. Ask your trusted friends if they can recommend anybody, then start scrolling through one of the many websites for highly regarded dog sitters. It’s early days at this point in the process, so keep an open mind and identify as many potential candidates as possible. Look for Indicators of Q ..read more

It’s easy to think of reasons why you might decide to give your dog a yummy snack. Maybe they’ve just learned a new trick, you want to coax them into coming back inside, or they’ve just been an especially good dog and you want to show them how much you care. What can be difficult, however, is finding the right snack for your dog. There’s a lot to consider like the price, nutritional value, availability, and, most importantly, whether or not your dog is going to enjoy it. If you’ve been looking for some new dog friendly snacks, here are a few you might already have at home. Peanut Butter Peanu ..read more

It can be difficult for busy pet owners to find the time to make sure their dog gets enough exercise. However, it’s indisputable that effective exercise is one of the best things for a dog’s health, behaviour and happiness. Here’s a quick guide to the best practices for exercising your dog. Go for a Walk It might sound a bit obvious, but going for regular walks is an absolute must for most dogs. There are many things, however, that you might not have thought very much about. How frequently should you walk? How long should they be? What time of day do you walk your dog, and at what pace? These ..read more

Pet-based apps for smartphones and tablets have become a multimillion-dollar industry in just a few years, and it isn’t hard to see why they dominate the charts. These apps allow you to control microchip activated doggy doors, automatic fetch machines and smart collars, and they are now readily available at low prices. Here are just a few mod-cons you might consider downloading. Smart Collars A smart collar looks just like an ordinary dog collar, but it can do so much more. Typically, the device will be fitted with a GPS that tracks your dog’s location, so you don’t have to worry in the event ..read more

There are thousands of different dog toys on the market and, to the untrained eye, they all just look the same. Not everybody, after all, has a certificate iii dog training qualification. Your choice in toys can make a real difference to your dog. Some toys will end up bringing your dog years of joy, while other toys will be forever ignored. However, others might actually be harmful for your pet. Here’s how to spot the right toy for your dog and avoid any nasty surprises. Is it the Right Toy for my Dog? There are complicated toys that some brainy dogs absolutely love. For example, there are p ..read more

Dogs aren’t toys to play with – they’re a long-term commitment. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with the dog, so whether you’re rescuing an old dog or adopting a young pup, it’s important to do your due diligence first. Here are just a few of the things you should keep in mind before settling on a new dog. Be a Bit Pragmatic Many people have a ‘dream dog’; a breed of dog that they desperately want. It’s great to be passionate about your new furry pal, but it’s also important when buying a dog that you ask yourself whether or not you’ll be able to properly care for a particular breed ..read more

When selecting a trainer for your dog, you’ll encounter many trainers vying for your custom. Sadly, not all of them are going to be right for you and your dog, so how can you be sure that you’re getting the right dog trainer? Before you enrol your pet in a canine training course, you’ll want to be sure that the trainer has a canine trainer certification. However, there’s a whole lot else to take into consideration too. Here’s a quick guide on what to look out for: Do they have the Right Personality? Obviously, you love your dog and would always treat them with dignity and compassion. You’ve g ..read more

Fantastic Walking Trails in Victoria for Your Dog Taking the same path around the neighbourhood every day can lack inspiration and excitement for you and your dog. If you’re lucky enough to live in the beautiful state of Victoria, you have a range of options for walking trails at your fingertips. In this article, we’re making a list of some of our favourite dog-friendly walking trails in Victoria. The Unmistakable Yarra Bend Park Trail The Yarra river connects Melbourne at all points. This huge park covers 260 hectares of land and the Yarra river flows for 12km through it. No matter where you ..read more