It was science appreciation day last week, and in all good research, the commentary was delayed until I had the full story! Science backs a lot of dog training – the good, the bad and the outdated.  And it can be challenging to work out if your potential new trainer is just spouting some terminology to you, or do the really truly understand it? There are two main pieces of science that trainers and behaviourists refer to, and a lot of misinterpretation or changes of understanding that has happened along the way, as well as more research into the topics that have changed the impact of them ..read more

Scent detection for pet dogs, and why they all love it What is scent detection training for pets? We teach our dogs to hunt for a specific target scent, and get prizes for finding it. Most dogs find their way through their noses, and it taps into their natural instincts to give them pleasure. It also lowers their heart rate so its perfect for all dogs, especially the nervous or reactive ones. It can be done indoors or outside, and ideal for all ages and mobility levels. It’s my girl’s favourite game, and it tires her out much more than any physical exercise, as it uses a larger part of the ..read more

Rescue Dogs – labels and myths busted Tom Candy, CCAB, is the Senior Training & Behaviour Advisor for Dogs Trust, and has extensive experience with shelter dogs and rehoming charities. We talk about what the label of rescue can mean, or even hinder for our dogs, and some myths busted about these dogs that have ended up needing a new home. We also chat about the great work that the staff can do for these dogs to make their life a bit better, and therefore able to get rehomed quicker. Find out more about his work on his facebook page Simplifying Shelter Behaviour https://www.facebook.com ..read more

What does the ban on the XL bully mean? The XL Bully has been added to the Breed Specific Legislation under the Dangerous Dog Act. But what does this mean, what do owners have to do, and is it really going to work? I give my thoughts on this new addition to the legislation, and what I think would be better instead…. Get in touch if you need help with muzzle training or lead walking your dog. To work 1-2-1 with me, just get in touch The post Podcast – Ep 33 – XL Bullies and the ban first appeared on Pippin Pet Dog Training ..read more

Will letting them on my bed cause separation anxiety? This is such a common dilemma for dog owners, and especially those that are worried that if their dog sleeps on their bed, they may cause the separation anxiety. Let me dispel some myths here, and say that if you want your dog on your bed, go for it! You’re more likely to trigger or exasperate separation anxiety if you shut your dog downstairs and leave them to cry all night. Have a listen here, and also my tips on how to move your dog from your bed to their own if that is what you are wanting to do. To work 1-2-1 with me, just get ..read more

What does this actually mean? Not ever going out? When we train for separation anxiety, for best progress and results, we don’t want your dog to get distressed again and this means to never leave them longer than they can currently cope with. However, you do need to go out so this is where you create a village of helpers to sit with your dog for every time you pop away. Hassle – yes, but….. just think that in the future you won’t need them at all as your dog will be much happier and settled home alone as you have taught them to feel safe when left in the house without you. It really is one ..read more

Why I no longer teach puppies to SIT   It’s often the first thing owners want to get their dogs to do, but this really should be the last. Your relationship with your dog, building the trust and meeting their welfare needs should be the priority. I have a real problem with the Sit position for most dogs – it can be uncomfortable, exhausting, inappropriate and can bring on early pains and arthritis. In this episode I go through my reasons why I don’t teach this anymore. What do you think? The post Podcast Ep 29 – Why I don’t teach puppies to Sit first appeared on Pippin Pet Dog Train ..read more

Collies, and collie x’s, are exceptional dogs that will work till they drop! But can they make good pets? This is the question I put to Martina Miradoli, the Collie Specialist who runs That’ll Do Academy. Being a collie owner for years, she has a deep understanding of the breed, and the differences between the working and show lines, and which type would suit you best depending on what you are wanting to do with them (think time and energy!) She goes through how to keep them happy if you don’t have your own farm and how to really get the best out of them without them getting self employed i ..read more

Why you may be struggling to get consistent results in separation anxiety training There is nothing more frustrating than not getting any consistency or reliability in trying to get your dog to be home alone and happy. But what may be stopping you? One of the key reasons is that we are not consistent in coaching our dogs. In this episode, I go through some tips to help you become more consistent, and therefore get better results – and more spontaneity in your life! The post Podcast – Ep 27 – Getting consistent results in separation anxiety first appeared on Pippin Pet Dog Training ..read more

How do you know if your dog has separation anxiety? How do you know if your dog has separation anxiety? Learn about what your dog does when you are home and then what do they do when you leave them? Are there new behaviours, or just more frequency or intensity of what they are doing? These can be signs of FOMO, boredom or more likely separation anxiety. The post Podcast – Ep 26 – Identifying Separation Related Behaviours first appeared on Pippin Pet Dog Training ..read more