Start Training from Day OneThe sooner you begin training, the better. Early training establishes good habits and prevents behavioral issues before they start. Consistency is key—training should be a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.

By starting early and staying committed, you’re giving your puppy the tools they need to live a happy, well-adjusted life. And along the way, you’ll build a deeper connection with your new best friend.

Dogs are masters at concealing pain—a survival instinct rooted in their wild ancestry. They might continue to run, jump, and play, even while experiencing discomfort. This makes it challenging for owners to detect underlying physical issues. Often, physical symptoms like limping only appear when the pain has reached an advanced stage.

Additionally, many dog owners are not taught how to observe their dog’s physical movements and posture critically. Even professionals like trainers and behaviorists sometimes lack the tools to identify these subtle signs, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.

Looking for a treat your dog can’t resist? Liverbread might just be your new best friend! Whether you're tackling training in a distracting environment or rewarding your pup for mastering a tough skill, this recipe is a game-changer. At our classes, liverbread is a staple because it’s not only super tasty for dogs, but also easy to make.This recipe is our secret weapon in class, and we think you and your pup will love it just as much!

Studies show reduced stress behaviors, increased resting time, and enhanced optimism after participating in nosework or being exposed to enriching scents like lavender. For shelter dogs, these activities lowered barking rates and stereotypical stress behaviors, creating calmer, more adoptable animals.

Nutrition is more than just filling your dog’s bowl. A well-balanced diet can influence your dog’s physical health, mental well-being, and even their behavior.

Flirt poles are more than just a toy—they’re a powerful tool for exercise, training, and building a stronger bond with your dog. Whether you’re dealing with a high-energy pup, a dog with a strong prey drive, or a playful puppy going through a nipping phase, a flirt pole can be a game-changer.

Give it a try and watch your dog thrive physically and mentally while having an absolute blast!

Let’s talk about one of Pretoria’s hidden gems that’s perfect for you and your pup—Jan Celliers Park. If you haven’t been yet, let me paint you a picture of what makes this park so special.

Spoiler alert: It’s got everything you and your pup could want. but make sure that your puppy is fully vaccinated before visiting the park! Safety first.

What Are Your Goals?

The first step in choosing a training class is to define what you’re looking to achieve. Consider:

• Learning New Skills: Are you starting from scratch with basic obedience?

• Building on Existing Skills: Do you want to refine behaviors or work on advanced training?

• Engaging in Extracurricular Activities: Are you looking for something fun and enriching for your dog, like sports or tricks?

• Addressing Specific Issues: Do you need help with reactivity, focus, or confidence-building?

Clarifying your goals will narrow down your choices and help you select a class that aligns with your needs.

The benefits of contrafreeloading are closely tied to the elements of choice and skill. Studies indicate that animals are more likely to engage in contrafreeloading when they have the option to choose between free food and food that requires effort. This choice empowers them and adds an element of autonomy to their routine, which can reduce stress and increase satisfaction.

These two studies provide a glimpse into the complex relationship between a dog’s genetics, breed, and behavior. While certain traits, such as toy-directed behaviors, can be somewhat predicted by breed, other behaviors are more complex and not as closely tied to genetic differences. Furthermore, the discovery that non-coding genes may influence key traits opens new avenues for understanding how dogs’ behaviors have evolved alongside their roles in human society.

The connection between pain and distress is bidirectional. This has significant implications for treating dogs in pain. Effective pain management should include both medical interventions and strategies that reduce stress or address trauma, helping dogs get out of "survival mode." It's essential to ensure that behavioral interventions align with the dog’s pain management plan.

Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. While it’s true that cortisol plays a role in stress responses, it's also vital for helping animals meet everyday environmental demands. For example, cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning, helping dogs transition from rest to active states like foraging and exploring.

Things that happen during each stage can have a profound impact on a dog’s long-term behavior, in particular, fear, aggression, and resilience. Having a well-rounded adult dog is something we all want and recognizing their fear periods and how this can impact their emotional well-being and development in the long run. Did you know that your puppy’s socialisation should start before they even come home to you?

Recently, we had an outing to Irene Village Mall in Centurion. Did you know that the whole mall is pretty much pet friendly? Its the perfect place for socialisation and training.

What’s better than getting a pup cup from Starbucks and treats from Absolute Pets while working on your training?

Scientifically speaking, play is serious business! There's this fascinating thing called the PLAY system in mammals, including us and our dogs. It's like the brain's way of saying, "Hey, let's have some fun and learn while we're at it!" When pups play, it's not just about burning off energy (though that's a big part of it), it's about developing social skills, honing coordination, and even boosting their problem-solving abilities.

I think we can all agree that having pet insurance is really important but which do you choose? Join Charmaine and I for a chat on Pet Insurance in South Africa so you can make the best choice possible.