Free Dog Training Tips - Care and Advice on Behaviour Problems
Search our dog training tips, below. Choose specific categories or use the search facility to search for more specific advice.
Also see our Free Tips Downloads section for free dog training tips infographics and handouts too.
Deaf Dogs Can Make Amazing Pets...
If you are thinking about adopting a deaf dog but are afraid of the handicap, don't be. It's not that they are harder to train - it's just that they have different training requirements. Deafness in dogs is usually inherited or can result from trauma, an ear infection, exposure to loud noises, old age or drug interactions. When puppies are born deaf it is...
Grooming Pains - Tips for Easier Grooming...
Grooming can be difficult for some pet owners and a fun experience for others. It doesn't have to be traumatic for you or your dog, but it can be easier if you know what you're doing. If you choose to handle your dog's grooming needs at home, these tips will help. Bathing If your dog smells like week-old garbage, a bath is more than just a luxury, it's a d...
Expecting a Baby? Prepare your Dog...
If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, you will want to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your child. Dogs can feel shunned and become confused and stressed when parents suddenly shift their attention from dog to baby. A dog does not understand why a baby is automatically elevated above the dog in the pack. In trying to regain their pack p...
One Pup or Two?...
As dog trainers, we are often asked by prospective dog parents if they should adopt one puppy or two and our answer is always the same -only if you actually want two dogs. Some people want two so they have playmates and won't be lonely while home alone. A puppy is adaptable if given the right environment and education in which to thrive. There is no...
Do's and Dont's of Taking Your Dog to Work...
As Bark Busters trainers, we often get to take our dog/s to work to assist us with teaching other dogs the concept of socialisation. We are lucky we get to spend a lot of time with our canine companions. Take Your Dog to Work Day was started by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999 to "celebrate the great companions dogs make and encourage their adoptions...
Sibling Rivalry...
Sibling Rivalry I have a sibling, whom I love. When we were young, we used to fight quite a bit. I was jealous of his privileges, such as a later bedtime or staying out later. Some of our fights were bad and on occasion one of us, usually me, got hurt. Our fighting continued until I matured a bit. Thankfully we haven't fought since I was maybe six or seven....
Unique Dog Tricks...
Sure, having your dog fetch you a beer from the fridge might be a stunt that can impress your friends, but the benefit of trick training with your dog doesn't end there... We find that dedicating some time to teach your dog tricks is time well spent for a number of reasons: Improves communication - Trick training can help you understand your dog better an...
Is your Dog Food Aggressive?...
Speaking of not sharing, one common instance of this we often see as dog trainers is called food aggression. Food aggression is a form of resource guarding in which a dog becomes very territorial when eating. A dog may growl and bare its teeth, lunge, and in extreme cases, even bite. You must first understand why a dog is food aggressive before you can addr...
Is your Dog Resource Guarding?...
Most dogs have a natural urge to protect what is theirs. Dogs can become very stingy when it comes to things like toys, their bed, food items, bones and household items. In most cases this natural urge does not create any issues in the household because the dog either moves away from them when the owner approaches, or the urge to protect is not that strong...
The Importance of Dog Training...
When people buy a puppy, they take their responsibilities very seriously, ensuring that the puppy receives the necessary vaccinations, learns where to sleep, where to eat, and where to toilet. Then, when the puppy is ready and able to leave the house, they conscientiously attend puppy training classes every week for the first few months of the dog's life. C...
Being a responsible puppy owner...
When people bring home a puppy it is a time of great excitement and fun for all the family. In previous articles, we have talked about the importance of training your puppy in a fun, gentle and consistent way from the very first day you bring them home. This involves the basics of toilet training, sleeping alone through the night, sit, stay, come when called...
National Kids and Pets Day...
April 26th is National Kids and Pets day celebrating the special bond shared between children and their pets, especially dogs, and is a reminder to parents about the importance of safety where dogs and children are concerned. Dogs benefit children in so many ways Growing up with pets has many benefits for children. Besides the emotional and physical health...