Free Dog Training Tips - Care and Advice on Behaviour Problems
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Also see our Free Tips Downloads section for free dog training tips infographics and handouts too.
The Myth Of The Low Maintenance Dog...
Everyone wants a low maintenance dog. You know the one - the dog that plods happily behind their owner, doesn't bark at or jump up on everyone and wags happily at every pat from any passer-by. Unfortunately, not all of us achieve this and wish 'why-can't-my-dog-be-like-that dog'? While others make it look easy you may be surprised at how much work they act...
Mental Vs. Physical Stimulation For Your Dog...
Does this description sound familiar to you: "My dog, Ranger, just won't settle down. He seems to have an endless supply of energy, even after running around all day." This is a common description shared by many Bark Busters clients during our initial conversation. If this sounds familiar to you, the first question to ask yourself is "How am I stimulating m...
Avoiding Incidents With Stray Dogs...
Stray dogs - dogs that have been abandoned and are homeless or dogs that are running loose without an owner - are a growing problem. Some are reunited with their owners, others are picked up by animal control authorities, and others are adopted from rescue shelters but some become feral and can pose a threat to humans. We all know it is the responsibility o...
How to Choose the Right Crate for your Dog...
Crates provide more than just a place for your pet to stay when you're working on dog training or if you're travelling. The right crate provides security, comfort, and a place that your dog can truly call their own. Here's how to choose the right crate for your dog so they can enjoy their own space happily. Size matters Ideally, your dog's crate will be l...
What Your Body Language Tells Your Dog...
Dogs have a specific way of interacting, which includes an instinctual manner of communication. Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language they understand is the first step in establishing your leadership. By leveraging a dog's instinctual communication techniques using voice control and body language, we humans can learn a new langu...
How To Overcome Window Aggression In Cars...
When you are in the car with your dog, do they suddenly start barking at other dogs and people going past or even at other cars? It's a very common problem and one, according to Greg Kleva, dog behaviour therapist and master trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog Training, that can be easily rectified once you understand the reason for your dog's behaviour. St...
Are Some Dogs Born Mean?...
As Bark Busters dog trainers, we are often asked if certain dogs are born mean, or if certain breeds just have a pre-disposition to be aggressive or vicious like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and other breeds that have been unjustly branded as bad. Bad news, dogs aren't born mean; it's dog owners that make them that way. A puppy is like a newborn baby - innocent a...
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?...
How often should you bathe your dog? Should your dog be groomed once a week, once a month? The answer to this question depends on the breed, the environment, your dog's level of activity and any skin issues. Just like humans, dogs can get stinky! Remember, the only sweat glands on a dog are between their paws. There are some dog owners who never bathe their...
Calm Your Dog's Thunderstorm Fear and Anxiety...
Fear of thunderstorms and lightning is very common in dogs. Those big booms can be very scary. Many dogs can sense a storm coming from the rapidly falling barometric pressure. Therefore, your dog may show anxiety even before the storm can be heard. Does your otherwise obedient dog begin to pace, pant, cling to you, or hide under the bed at the first si...
Not Respecting Boundaries - Dog Training Tips...
Boundary control is teaching your dog that they are not allowed in certain rooms or, for example, on the carpet, unless you have invited them. To reinforce the idea of boundaries for your dog, they should not be allowed in the house without your invitation (even if the back door is open) or allowed out the exterior gates or front door without your invit...
Does Your Dog Chase Livestock?...
Dogs have many behaviours that are instinctive rather than learned. These instinctive behaviours are inherited from their ancient ancestors such as wolves and other feral canines, and sometimes appear to make no sense in the modern world of pet dogs. All dog owners will have noticed some of them in our own pets; circling before lying down to rest (treading...
Why Does My Dog?...
As dog owners, we love our dogs and enjoy their little quirks and personality traits, but sometimes their behaviours might leave us bemused. This is often because these are instinctive survival or pack behaviours inherited from their ancestors. Give doggy licks and kisses Some people love and encourage their dog to give kisses, whilst others aren't so keen...