Category: Positive Dog Training
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My Dog Is Overly Excited for a Walk. What to Do?
Dogs can become highly aroused before a walk for many reasons, and practical steps can reduce that arousal so walks are safer and more enjoyable. Below are explanations of common causes, immediate tactics, training options, gear choices, and when to seek professional help. Understanding Why Your Dog Becomes Overly Excited Anticipation, specific environmental cues, sight…
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My Puppy Doesn’t Like Walks. What to Do?
Your puppy refusing walks can have many causes ranging from physical discomfort to fear or unfamiliar equipment. 1. Rule Out Medical Causes When a puppy avoids walks, start by checking for medical problems because pain or illness commonly reduces activity. A physical exam and targeted tests can identify issues such as ear infections, joint pain,…
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Dog Running Away from Me. How to Prevent It.
Dogs leave a yard or handler for many reasons, and preventing escapes requires matching physical management to the dog’s motivations and routine. Why Dogs Run Away — Understand the common reasons Many escapes stem from instinctual drives such as a strong prey or mating drive, sudden fear responses, or unmet social and activity needs. A…
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Raising a Puppy. When Does It Get Easier?
Raising a puppy involves shifting routines and new responsibilities as the dog grows and learns. A clear sense of timing for common challenges makes planning and training more effective. Developmental Timeline and Milestones Puppy development is commonly divided into age ranges of 0–8 weeks, 8–16 weeks, 4–6 months, and 6–18 months to describe when behaviors…
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Treating Reactivity – Desensitisation and Counter Conditioning
Treating reactivity in animals focuses on changing the emotional response and observable behaviours that occur when an animal is over-responsive to a stimulus or context. What Reactivity Is and Treatment Goals Reactive behaviour is an excessive, rapid behavioural response to a stimulus that may include lunging, barking, charging, freezing, or intense avoidance and is distinct…
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Good Dog Schedule – Daily Routine
Designing a daily routine for a dog centers on matching the animal’s physical and mental needs with the owner’s time and household logistics. A consistent schedule helps with toileting, training, exercise, feeding, and rest while accommodating life stage and health needs. Dog profile & scheduling goals Start by listing the dog’s breed, age, weight, and…