Prof Karolina Westlund said: “Play seems frivolous and not serious. It really isn’t. It may be the emotion that you should take the most seriously.” Social species (like dogs) have seven primal emotional systems in the brain; these systems ‘light up’ when the animal is experiencing certain emotions. Let’s talk about the Play system. This […]
The power of play, and the science behind it! Read More »
As a responsible pet parent, it is extremely important to continuously teach your dog new things. This will not only stimulate his mind, but also prepare you and him for a variety of scenarios. If you want your training sessions to be successful, it is also important to make use of positive reinforcement and reward-based
Why positive reinforcement training is beneficial Read More »
It is a personal preference whether you allow your dog on the bed or not. But think about reinforcement for a second – sleeping on the bed is comfortable, it smells like his people, he’s close to his people, perhaps he gets cuddles on the bed too. Sleeping in his own bed simply does not
Teaching dog to sleep in his own bed Read More »
Your dog is a picture of pure, unadulterated joy when, ball in mouth, he runs back to you as fast as his legs will carry him. Playing fetch is a huge favourite among many dogs and their owners, but does this fun game come with risks? Keeping an injury-free balance Quite a bit of research
6 ways to play fetch safely Read More »
One of the best ways to spend time and build a strong bond with your dog is to teach him new cues. In so many cases, we teach our dogs every day without even realising it. By following these tips, you can make the most of every training opportunity you and your dog get.
Training secrets for owners Read More »
When you first get your puppy, one of the most pressing things all owners want the puppy to learn is not to toilet in the house. We need to remember that puppies have no concept of inside and outside, and will toilet on a surface that feels the most familiar under their feet. So if
Housetraining done right for your puppy Read More »
Stepping out of your everyday routine and taking the dog for a walk is enjoyable for both the dog and for you. There are beaches and parks in South Africa that allow dogs, so be sure to check for signage that indicates when no dogs are allowed. It is a privilege to enjoy a public
20 safety and etiquette tips for dog walking Read More »
A dog who barks non-stop can be a challenge. His continuous barking could be a sign of a medical issue or as a result of boredom, but it can be very irritating for your neighbours, and very frustrating for you. Things could even escalate if the neighbours start seeking legal advice. Rather take action to
When your dog just won’t stop barking… Read More »
If your dog is going on his first holiday with the family, you want to prepare him for the journey long before you actually depart, especially if the travel time will be long. Some dogs might get comfortable in a car more quickly than others, but it is still important to prepare your dog beforehand.
5 steps to prepare for long trips with dogs Read More »
Never get a pet because your child saw the animal in a movie and wants one. Get everyone involved but keep pet chores age appropriate
8 points to consider when getting a family pet Read More »
Now that you and your puppy have mastered the sit, it’s time to teach him how to lie down on your cue. This is a basic exercise, already taught in puppy school, but it can be a bit of a challenge! This is because dogs are animals, and therefore always aware of their own safety.
Teach your dog to lie down video Read More »
It is a natural behaviour for dogs to be a bit possessive of their stuff. If they were still living in the wild, they would need to protect their main resource, namely food, in order to survive. Resource guarding can be defined as behaviours that discourage others from coming near or taking the item that
Prevent resource guarding video Read More »
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