As soon as people kind out that I am a Canine Behaviouralist they want to know that answer to that burning question that keeps them up at night (as I would if I the shoe was on the other foot)
Here are some of the most common ones .......
How many training sessions will my dog need
It is very hard to say before meeting the dog as it depends on many factors that include
Previous training
Age and breed of dog
Current level of exposure training
Owner and dog engagement levels
Medical conditions
Accessibility
Dogs history
Every dog and owner is different, after the first meet a rough guide can usually be given
Is it normal for my dog to eat grass?
Dogs are notorious for eating grass. The occasional grazing of grass can be normal. However, if grass consumption is excessive, or worsening, or if the behaviour is accompanied by other signs like inappetence, your vet should be consulted. Eating grass is often a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What should I do if my dog seems scared of the vet?
It is important to be able to read your pet’s body language, and set your pet and your vet up for success. If you can, do this from a young age
It is important that you remain calm as your dog will easily pick up on your anxiety. Desensitising your pet to the vet is essential, so, if your vet is local, pop in for quick go on the scales or just a treat over the counter. Offer support and positive reinforcements for good behaviour.
Good time keeping is key, your don't want to arrive too early so your dogs anxiety has time to build but equally your dog will pick up on stress if you are in a rush. Your vet will likely pick up on ques from your dog, however, it is important to always verbalise things that make your pet comfortable to ensure a safe interaction between your pet and the vet staff.
Can my dog eat bones?
I always advise against feeding dogs bones. Even if raw, 'dog bones' are often old, brittle and not well looked after. Therefore they can be dangerous for dogs to chew on. There are so many great ways to give your dog the nutrition and protein they need these days, my general advise is to avoid bones. That being said if you do decide to feed your dogs bones make sure they are raw and flesh covered.
What dog is best to get with a new baby while I am on maternity
NONE. THE END
There is no question that watching your well trained dog play with your children is one of the most heart warming things a dog owner and parent will ever experience.
However, a new born and new dog? even if not a puppy is not a good idea. No dog looks forward to hearing a screaming baby all night, nore do the enjoy being around a little human with unpredictable behaviour. Mixing a new child and dog is a sure fire way to stress you out, potentially create guarding or anxiety issues in your dog and put unnecessary strain on the family
If I train with food will I always have to use food?
Treats are a fast and easy way to reward your dog, but they aren’t your only option. Just like food, anything your dog wants or enjoys can be a reward.
I like to use four types of reward
Food
Play
Fuss
Freedom
What reward I use depends on the type of training I am doing For example, recall training might be rewarded with play, while lead walking might be rewarded with food
Keeping your reward varied makes it more engaging for the dog and prevents them from always expecting treats for good behaviour
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
Puppies bite a lot because it's a natural part of their development and a way for them to explore the world around them. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where biting helps soothe their sore gums as their new teeth come in. Additionally, puppies use their mouths to learn about their environment, play with littermates, and even establish social boundaries. Biting is also a way for them to interact, show affection and communicate, although it’s important to teach them that gentle play is preferable as they grow.
How many times a day should my dog poo?
Always a tough one to answer as many factors affect the frequency such as how often they eat, how much they eat, their fibre intake and their overall health.
A rough guide is that an adult dogs should poo between one and three times a day while puppies will go five times a day or more. The older a dog gets the less they tend to poo but they should still go once per day
