Author: Kathryn Christie

Start Strong with Socialisation & Basic Obedience

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Welcoming a puppy into your life is an exciting (and slightly exhausting!) adventure. The early weeks and months are your golden window for teaching your new best friend how to navigate the world with confidence. Let’s make the most of it.

Why Socialisation Matters

Socialisation isn’t just about meeting other dogs — it’s about positive exposure to sights, sounds, smells, people, and places. The goal is to help your puppy learn that the world is safe and fun.

  • Take them to watch kids play at the park.
  • Let them walk on different surfaces like grass, sand, and tiles.
  • Introduce them to friendly dogs who are fully vaccinated and gentle.

Basic Obedience Foundations

Start with short, fun training sessions (2–5 minutes) a few times a day. Focus on:

  • Sit – Builds impulse control.
  • Come – Essential for safety.
  • Leave it – Prevents them from grabbing dangerous or unwanted items.

Make It Positive

Use treats, praise, and play to reward the behaviours you want. Puppies learn best when they’re having fun.

Tip from Sarah: “Consistency beats perfection. Even if your puppy only learns one small thing today, you’ve made progress.”

0

Address Barking, Pulling, Jumping & More

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Most dog behaviour challenges are simply your dog’s way of communicating a need — for attention, exercise, or mental stimulation. Let’s look at some common issues and how to address them.

Barking

Identify the trigger first — is it boredom, excitement, fear?

  • Boredom barking: Increase daily exercise and introduce puzzle toys.
  • Alert barking: Teach a “quiet” cue, rewarding silence with treats.

Pulling on the Lead

Dogs pull because it gets them where they want to go faster.

  • Use a front-clip harness to give you more control.
  • Reward your dog when the lead is loose — even if it’s just for a few steps.

Jumping Up

Dogs jump to greet — it works for them!

  • Turn away when they jump.
  • Reward them for sitting or keeping all four paws on the ground.

Tip from Sarah: “Every time your dog practises an unwanted behaviour, it gets stronger. Replace it with something you do want, and reward it often.”

0

Games, Puzzles & Adventures

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Training isn’t just about commands — it’s also about keeping your dog’s mind and body active. Enrichment prevents boredom, builds confidence, and deepens your bond.

Indoor Games

  • Find It: Hide treats around the house for your dog to sniff out.
  • Shell Game: Place a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them, and let your dog choose.

Outdoor Adventures

  • Explore a new walking route.
  • Visit a dog-friendly beach or bush trail.

DIY Puzzles

Stuff a Kong toy with dog-safe peanut butter and freeze it. Roll treats into a towel and let your dog unroll it to find them.

Tip from Sarah: “Enrichment doesn’t have to be expensive. A cardboard box and a handful of treats can be the best game ever.”

0

Nutrition, Grooming & Safety Tips

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

A healthy dog is a happy dog — and a well-trained dog benefits from feeling their best. Let’s talk about the basics of keeping your dog in tip-top condition.

Nutrition

Feed a balanced diet suited to your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

  • Check ingredient labels — the first ingredient should be a named protein source.
  • Avoid toxic foods like grapes, chocolate, onions, and xylitol.

Grooming

Regular grooming keeps your dog comfortable and allows you to check for skin issues or parasites.

  • Brush your dog’s coat weekly (more for long-haired breeds).
  • Trim nails regularly to prevent discomfort.

Safety

  • Keep ID tags up to date.
  • Secure your backyard and check for escape routes.
  • Buckle up with a harness or crate when travelling in the car.

Tip from Sarah: “Health, training, and happiness go hand in hand. A well-fed, well-groomed dog is more focused and ready to learn.”

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑