Something that gets some attention amongst dog trainers, with stories of telling their clients and getting puzzled looks, is the idea of leaving a leash on the dog, in the house, with no intention of going for a walk. Often clients look surprised or confounded…
Let me explain why this can help.
Often overlooked or taken for granted, the leash serves as a direct link between owner and dog, facilitating communication, training, and the establishment of leadership dynamics.
The leash provides owners with direct physical control over their dogs, offering a means to guide and manage their movements effectively.
This direct control is especially crucial during training sessions, as it enables owners to redirect their dog’s attention and reinforce desired behaviours promptly.
It can also be used just when the dog is roaming the house so you can use this direct control.
One of the most frustrating scenarios for any dog owner is the dreaded chase—A leash serves as a reliable deterrent against such behaviour, ensuring that the dog remains within the owner’s reach at all times.
Especially when the dog thinks they may be in trouble.
In the canine world, establishing leadership is crucial for a harmonious relationship between owner and dog. Wearing a leash symbolises the owner’s role as the leader, guiding the dog’s actions and setting boundaries.
By consistently using the leash to direct the dog’s movements and enforce commands, owners assert their authority in a clear and tangible manner.
This dynamic, fosters respect and obedience in the dog, leading to a more balanced and cooperative partnership.
Wearing a leash promotes good behaviour in dogs by instilling discipline and structure in their lived.
As dogs learn to associate the leash with specific activities such as walks, outings, or training sessions, they develop positive associations and anticipation of these events.
Over time, this repetition reinforces desirable behaviours, such as walking calmly on a leash, responding to commands, and maintaining focus on the owner.
The leash thus becomes a powerful tool for shaping habits and fostering a well-behaved canine companion.
Keeping a leash on the dog in the house is another situation that brings all these advantages into play. As the dog has the leash on more, the good behaviour becomes a habit and helps to get a better dog.
So there you have it, in the realm of dog ownership, the leash stands as a versatile tool with far-reaching benefits.
From providing direct control and preventing chase to establishing leadership dynamics and promoting good behaviour, its significance cannot be overstated. By recognising the power of the leash and utilising it effectively, owners can cultivate a strong bond with their dogs built on trust, respect, and cooperation.
As a high number of our clients have puppies or dogs between 2 and 18months old, we thought we might shine a bit more light on what’s going on.
Just to clarify one often asked question; dogs older than 18months can certainly be trained, we have successfully trained dogs up to 12 years old.
To get started, the first 18 months of a dog’s life are crucial for their overall development and well-being. It is during this time that they undergo significant physical, social, and cognitive changes that lay the foundation for their future behaviour and temperament. It is said that you get your “fully grown” dog after three years.
First year is physical maturity, Second year is mental maturity and Third year is emotional/social maturity.
Overview of key developmental stages
The developmental stages in a dog’s life can be divided into distinct periods, each with its own set of milestones.
These stages include the neonatal stage (birth to 8 weeks), the early socialisation period (8 weeks to 4 months), adolescence (4 months to 8 months), continued development (8 months to 12 months), and the transition to adulthood (12 months to 18 months).
Birth to 8 Weeks
Neonatal stage: Development and dependency on mother
During the neonatal stage, puppies are highly dependent on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and socialisation. They spend most of their time sleeping and growing, relying on their mother’s care to develop basic bodily functions and motor skills.
Socialisation with littermates and early interactions
Interactions with littermates play a crucial role in a puppy’s social development. They learn important skills like bite inhibition, communication, and body language through play and exploration. These early interactions shape their ability to interact appropriately with other dogs later in life.
Introduction to basic senses and motor skills
As puppies grow, they start to explore their surroundings, using their senses to understand the world around them. They develop their sense of smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Additionally, they begin to develop coordination and basic motor skills like walking, running, and play-fighting.
Importance of a stable and nurturing environment
A stable and nurturing environment during this stage is crucial for a puppy’s overall well-being. They need a clean and comfortable living space, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care to ensure healthy growth. Positive human interactions and gentle handling help build trust and confidence in humans.
8 Weeks to 4 Months
Transition to a new home and bonding with the owner
At around 8 weeks, puppies are ready to leave their littermates and transition to their new homes. This period is crucial for building a strong bond between the puppy and their new owner. It is important to provide a secure and loving environment to ease the transition and help the puppy feel safe.
Early training and basic obedience commands
Basic training should commence during this stage. Puppies can learn simple core commands such as sit, stay, and come when called.
Proper techniques focusing on relationship building should be used to encourage desired behaviours and establish a foundation for future training.
Introduction to crate training and housebreaking
Crate training and housebreaking are important aspects of a puppy’s development. Introducing them to a crate helps create a safe space and assists with housebreaking. Consistency, patience, and leadership are key when teaching puppies toilet training and to go in appropriate areas.
Teething and appropriate chew toy selection
Between 4 and 6 months, puppies start teething, which can be a challenging phase. Providing appropriate chew toys helps alleviate discomfort and prevents destructive chewing on household items. Ensuring a variety of textures and sizes will cater to their changing needs as they lose their baby teeth.
Adolescence and the onset of puberty
During this stage, puppies go through adolescence, which is similar to the teenage phase in humans. They experience hormonal changes and may exhibit behaviour challenges, such as increased independence or testing boundaries. Consistent training and guidance are essential to navigate this stage successfully. This time also marks the end of Puppyhood.
Continued socialization with other dogs and people
Socialisation remains crucial during this period. Continued exposure to a variety of dogs, people, and environments helps puppies develop good social skills and reduces the likelihood of fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations. Arranging playdates with other well-behaved dogs can provide valuable socialisation opportunities.
8 Months to 12 Months
Continued physical and mental development
During this stage, dogs continue to grow physically and mentally. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them physically fit and mentally engaged. Activities like walks, interactive play sessions with trusted other dogs, and puzzle toys can help meet their energy and mental stimulation needs.
Importance of regular exercise and playtime
Providing young dogs with regular exercise and playtime is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities that match their individual energy levels not only helps burn off excess energy but also strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog.
12 Months to 18 Months
Transition from Adolesce to adulthood
Around 12 months, puppies start transitioning from Adolescence to Adulthood. They may become more settled in their behaviour and develop a more predictable routine. However, they still require continued guidance, training, and socialisation to become well-adjusted adult dogs.
Sexual maturity and considerations for spaying/neutering
During this stage, some dogs may reach sexual maturity. It is important for owners to consider spaying or de-sexing their dogs to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health issues. Consultation with a veterinarian can provide guidance on the appropriate timing for this procedure.
Fine-tuning obedience and addressing behaviour challenges
As dogs approach adulthood, it is essential to continue reinforcing good behaviour and addressing any lingering behaviour challenges. Consistency, leadership, and patience remain key to refining obedience and ensuring a well-behaved dog.
Monitoring overall health and addressing any emerging issues
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during this stage to monitor the dog’s overall health and well-being. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care should be maintained. Owners should also be observant of any emerging health issues or changes in behaviour and seek professional advice as needed.
Recap of key developmental milestones in the first 18 months
The first 18 months of a dog’s life are filled with significant milestones and developmental stages. From their early dependence on the mother to their transition into adulthood, each phase plays a crucial role in shaping their behaviour, socialisation, and overall well-being.
Investing time and effort in the first 18 months of a dog’s life yields long-term benefits. A well-rounded and well-adjusted adult dog is more likely to have good social skills, be obedient, and form strong bonds with their owners. This sets the stage for a fulfilling and harmonious lifelong relationship.
Responsible dog ownership involves understanding and meeting the needs of a growing puppy throughout their first 18 months. Providing a loving, nurturing environment, proper training, socialisation, and veterinary care contribute to the well-being and happiness of both the dog and their owner.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to jump, showcasing their agility and athleticism. Whether it’s a joyful greeting or an attempt to reach something desirable, their leaping prowess has fascinated dog owners and animal enthusiasts alike. But what exactly drives dogs to jump? Let’s explore the various reasons behind this behaviour, shedding light on the biological, instinctual, and social factors that contribute to our canine companions’ jumping tendencies.
Seeking Attention:
Dogs are social animals that crave attention and interaction. Jumping can be a way for them to grab our focus and gain our undivided attention. By leaping up, they aim to be at eye level, making it easier for them to engage with us. For puppies, jumping may have been reinforced during their early development stages as an effective means of getting attention from their mother and littermates.
Instinctual Behaviours:
Jumping is deeply rooted in a dog’s instinctual behaviour. In the wild, dogs are pack animals and would jump to lick the face of the alpha or dominant members as a sign of submission and respect. While domestication has significantly altered their social dynamics, some dogs may still exhibit these instinctual behaviours. Jumping up can be seen as a way for them to acknowledge the presence of an authority figure within their family unit.
Seeking Assistance or Access:
In some cases, dogs may resort to jumping to obtain something they desire. They might leap up to reach food on the kitchen counter, catch a flying object, or gain access to a restricted area. This behaviour is often driven by their innate problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. It is essential for dog owners to discourage this behaviour and provide proper training to establish boundaries and prevent any potential accidents or conflicts.
Checking Confidence and leadership levels
In a lot of cases the dog will jump to get an indication of what kind of leader you are or get a read on your confidence level. If you just let a dog jump on you it tells the dog that you will put up with more or other undesirable behaviour. For a lot of dogs “condoning” a situation is agreement.
Training and Managing Jumping Behaviour:
While some jumping may seem harmless and endearing, it is essential to manage and train dogs to control this behaviour effectively.
Here are a few tips to discourage jumping:
- Consistent Training: Establish clear rules and boundaries from the beginning, consistently reinforcing them to discourage jumping behaviours.
- Teach that it is not desirable: clearly let the dog know that you do not want them jumping, pair with a consequence and keep the dog accountable.
- Seek Professional Help: If your dog’s jumping behaviour becomes challenging to manage, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist for guidance and assistance.
Understanding the reasons behind a dog’s jumping behaviour is crucial for dog owners to establish proper training, set boundaries, and ensure the safety and well-being of their furry companions.
Whether it’s expressing themselves, seeking attention, or exploring their surroundings, dogs’ jumping tendencies are deeply ingrained in their nature. By employing proper training techniques and establishing a good relationship with the dog, you will see the occurrence diminish and cease.
We love to get updates about how dogs we have trained are going. A recent example is Hewey.
He was sent for training as his main issues were excessive challenge barking, some reactivity, pulling when walking, lack of reliable recall and basic commands.
We recently received this update:
“We have been working with Hewie, from release-play to sit (at distance), to command ‘come’, and drop.
He is doing well and is now a joy to walk.
We continue to work on his reaction to bikes etc BUT there is a significant improvement there already.
Cheers, Peta and Mark ”
Always great to hear !
Dog training is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership, as it helps dogs learn appropriate behaviours and manners that allow them to liveharmoniously with their human families and communities.
However, not all dogs develop the same way and sometimes reactive behaviour manifests itself and can be challenging or even dangerous. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs become reactive and how dog training can help address these issues.
What is reactive behaviour in dogs?
Reactive behaviour in dogs refers to an exaggerated or defensive response to stimuli, such as other dogs, people, sounds, or objects, that the dog perceives as a threat or a challenge. Reactive behaviour can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual dog’s temperament, history, and context.
Some common signs of reactive behaviour in dogs include barking, lunging, growling, snapping, or even biting. Reactive behaviour can also be associated with anxiety, fear, frustration, or aggression, and can be triggered by various factors, such as lack of socialisation, traumatic experiences, genetic predispositions, or inadequate training.
Why do dogs become reactive?
There are many reasons why dogs become reactive, and it’s often a combination of factors that contribute to this behaviour. Here are some possible causes of reactive behaviour in dogs:
- Lack of socialisation: Dogs that have not been exposed to a variety of people, dogs, and environments during their critical socialization period (between 3 and 20 weeks of age) may become fearful, anxious, or aggressive towards new stimuli later in life.
- Traumatic experiences: Dogs that have been subjected to abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events may develop reactive behaviour as a way to protect themselves or cope with stress. Dogs that have been attacked by other dogs or humans may also become reactive towards similar stimuli. We hear about incidents at Dog Parks VERY FREQUENTLY.
- Genetic predispositions: Some dog breeds or individual dogs may have a higher risk of developing reactive behaviour due to their genetic makeup or breeding history. For example, herding breeds may be more prone to reactive behaviour towards movement or stimulation, while guard breeds may be more prone to reactive behaviour towards perceived threats.
- Inadequate training: Dogs that have not received consistent, and appropriate training may develop reactive behaviour as a result of confusion, frustration, or lack of guidance.
How can dog training help address reactive behaviour?
Dog training can play a crucial role in addressing reactive behaviour in dogs by providing a structured and positive learning environment that teaches dogs appropriate behaviours and responses. Here are some ways in which Affinity dog training in Sydney can help address reactive behaviour:
- Socialisation: Affinity Dog training can help socialize dogs by exposing them to various stimuli in a controlled and safe manner. Socialization can help dogs learn to be comfortable and confident around people, dogs, and objects, and reduce their fear or anxiety towards new stimuli.
- Desensitization: Dog training can use desensitization techniques to help dogs overcome their reactive behaviour towards specific stimuli. Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger at a low intensity and rewarding calm and non-reactive behaviour. Over time, the dog learns to associate the trigger with positive experiences and to respond calmly to it.
- Positive reinforcement training: Affinity Dog training, often use positive reinforcement techniques, which involve rewarding desired behaviours with vocal praise and affection. Positive reinforcement training helps dogs associate good behaviours with positive outcomes, reinforcing those behaviours and reducing reactive tendencies.
- Obedience training: Dog training typically includes obedience training, which teaches dogs basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Obedience training provides dogs with clear guidelines and helps establish a strong bond between the dog and their owner. Dogs that receive obedience training are more likely to exhibit self-control and respond appropriately to various situations, reducing reactive behaviour.
- Relationship development: developing the relationship between the dog and the handler or owner can be key in resolving reactivity situations. Once the dog knows they can trust the handler and don’t need to react to the situation the dog tends to become more relaxed and less likely to react given a certain situation.
Other points to consider
Behaviour modification
In cases of severe reactive behaviour, dog training in Sydney may incorporate behaviour modification techniques. These techniques involve identifying triggers, understanding the underlying reasons for reactive behaviour, and implementing strategies to change the dog’s response. Behaviour modification may involve gradual exposure to triggers, desensitization, counter-conditioning, and management techniques to prevent reactive episodes.
Professional guidance
Dog training is often best approached with the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and skills to assess each dog’s individual needs and design a tailored training plan to address reactive behaviour effectively. They can provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the training process, ensuring that both the dog and their owner are on the right track.
Consistency and patience
Addressing reactive behaviour requires consistency and patience from both the dog owner and the trainer. It’s essential to maintain a structured training routine, provide clear expectations, and reward positive behaviours consistently. Reactive behaviour cannot necessarily be resolved overnight, and it may take time and ongoing training efforts to see significant improvements. However, with the right approach this can be quicker than some people think.
Understanding why dogs may become reactive is important for addressing and managing this behaviour effectively.
Affinity Dog training in Sydney offers various techniques and strategies to help dogs overcome reactive tendencies, including socialization, desensitization, positive reinforcement, obedience training, behaviour modification, and professional guidance.
By investing in proper training and working closely with a professional, dog owners can create a safe, harmonious, and enjoyable environment for both themselves and their canine companions.
Walking your dog is not only an essential part of their daily routine but also a great way to bond with them.
As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to understand the significance of keeping a loose leash while walking your furry friend. To some people it may seem like a minor detail. However, it can have a significant impact on your dog’s behaviour, well-being, and the overall quality of your walks together.
It’s also one of the most common issues we get asked about.
There is a saying in the industry that may sound like a smart “A” thing to say, but to get a dog to walk on a loose leash; you have to have a loose leash.
Why a Loose Leash is Important
A tight leash can have a negative impact on a dog’s behaviour, causing them to feel tension and stress. Your sending the message that there is something wrong.
Getting into a tug of war is not going to solve it.
On the other hand, a loose leash promotes a positive relationship between the dog and its owner, as it allows for freedom and comfort while also providing control.
Training Techniques to Keep a Loose Leash
There are different training methods available to teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash. What is often missed is that the loose leash is a reward in itself. It’s all about timing!
Even if the dog only goes two or three steps walking nicely beside you, get that looseness in there!
Encourage the dog with happy vocal tones and maybe a small pat.
Remember that pulsing the leash will have more of an affect than pulling constantly.
To implement these techniques effectively, you need to remain patient, consistent, and persistent.
It’s also important to avoid common mistakes like pulling on the leash for too long or ignoring the pulling.
These actions can make the training process counterproductive and harm your dog’s trust in you.
Benefits of a Loose Leash
Aside from promoting good behaviour and reducing stress, a loose leash can also improve communication between you and your dog.
When walking on a loose leash, your dog is more likely to pay attention to you and respond to your commands.
Additionally, a loose leash can make walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog, as it allows them to explore and have fun in a safe and controlled manner.
Conclusion
In summary, keeping a loose leash while walking your dog is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being, as well as your overall relationship with them.
To teach your dog to walk on a loose leash and have a pleasant walking experience, you can use positive reinforcement and voice rewards when your dog walks calmly with a loose leash. It’s also important to avoid common training mistakes. By doing this, you can build a better relationship with your dog and enjoy walks together.
These are some of the areas we provide dog training for in Sydney – if you are not listed, please still contact us ! The Hills – Annangrove, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Carlingford, Castle Hill, Cherrybrook, Dural, Glenhaven, Glenorie, Kellyville, Kenthurst, Maraylya, Maroota, Nelson, Northmead, North Rocks, Rouse Hill, West Pennant Hills Blacktown and surrounding areas – Acacia Gardens, Dean Park, Doonside, Glendenning, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Marayong, Marsden Park, Oakhurst, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Schofields, Seven Hills, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie, Vineyard, Riverstone
