Choosing Right
Tug-E-Nuff Clam vs. Puppingtons Pods
Interactive food toys are a great way to engage your dog while rewarding positive behaviour. Two popular options are the Puppingtons Pods and Tug-E-Nuff Clam. Both offer fun, treat-filled puzzles, but what are their differences?
Enrichment DIY
Looking to enrich your dog’s life without spending much? Here are some DIY enrichment ideas that provide both mental and physical stimulation. From ball pits and scent games to temperature play and frozen treats, these simple activities will engage your dog’s senses and keep them entertained.
Prey Drive in Dogs
We need to give our dogs outlets for their drives. How can we best channel our dog's prey drive? What are the best toys? What part of the hunting sequence is your dog most interested in? What are the benefits of play and how can we use it to replicate the evolutionary prey sequence?
Slow Feeder vs. Lick Mat
Slow Feeder and Lick Mat, designed to calm and engage while promoting healthy eating habits and mental well-being. Give your dog the joy of mealtime enrichment with every lick and meal.
Why we don't trust those that recommend choke chains or slip leads
While often recommended by those unaware of the risks, these tools tighten around a dog’s neck, causing discomfort and pain rather than supporting true learning. The physical risks include neck injuries, and the emotional fallout can lead to anxiety, fear and aggression. As a certified dog behaviour consultant, I advocate for humane, science-based methods that respect your dog’s well-being and nurture a positive relationship. Your dog deserves better!
Natural Chews Chew-o-meter 📏
Whether your dog is super full on with their chews or a bit more dainty, learn here how to up the ante or bring it down a notch. Find a list ordered from super easy and quick chews up to the most hard and slow ones.
Learning the Emergency Stop with The Clam
An emergency stop is a vital skill for your dog to master. You can use it to keep your dog out of the path of speeding bicycles, runners, away from busy roads, and to stop them in their tracks whenever necessary.
And with this clever emergency stop training method, you’ll be surprised how fast your dog picks it up!
5 Fun Ways To Use The Clam
Conceal treats inside - ready to be used at the perfect moment during training & play. Initially The Clam was created as a distance reward to drive dogs forward and maintain focus during agility training as you can instantly reward your dog from a distance as you throw it and your dog helps themselves to the yumminess inside. The real beauty of The Clam is its versatility as it can also be successfully used for everything from enriching mealtimes to scentwork. Here are five fun ways to use it…
Car Rides A Nightmare?
Puppies are more prone to motion sickness which can have to do with the parts of the inner ear involved in balance not being fully developed yet. For that reason it's always good to keep car rides short and successful while the dogs are getting used to them. However, sometimes we have a dog that's already scared and we need to work backwards, so this is how we went about it with Roxy.
Green Lipped Mussel
For those seeking natural ways to boost their pets' health, Green-Lipped Mussel is a New Zealand treasure that's not to be ignored. A 100% natural nutraceutical - a secret weapon that's anti-inflammatory, joint-repairing, can reduce pain and swelling.
Hank's Nail Trimming journey
Of course starting with a blank slate is always easier, but what to do when your dog already HATES nail clipping? Read here how Hank overcame his fears.
Ethics in the dog world
In the ongoing dialogue about dog behaviour, terms like "alpha dog" and "pack leader" still persist, even though they are rooted in outdated science and misconceptions. Read here why we choose ethical and force free.
Why Scentwork?
A dog's sense of smell is a powerful tool that plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. Engaging a dog's sense of smell through focused scentwork provides mental, physical, and emotional benefits. These activities align with a dog's natural instincts, offering them a fulfilling and enriching experience that positively impacts their overall quality of life. Read here more about the benefits of scentwork and see how to get started.
Dogs around Halloween
Halloween is a fun and spooky time of year for kids and adults alike. However, it can be a stressful and unsettling experience for our furry friends. Read here why our dogs might not be happy about Halloween, how to set them up for success and download an awesome sign that you can pop on your door to ask trick or treaters kindly to move along.
What are the potential concerns with retractable dog leads?
Retractable dog leads have been popular among dog parents for their convenience, but they do come with their own set of pros and cons. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of retractable leads and share some recommendations.
Ball Launchers
Ball launchers have become a popular accessory for dog owners who want to keep their dogs active and entertained. However, these devices can have negative effects on your dog's health and wellbeing. Read here why we don't stock them.
Yak Chew Production
Yak Chews are a traditional hard cheese also known as Churpi/Durkha. It is consumed by the people of Himalayan regions of Nepal, who have known about the nutritional and dental benefits of yak/cow milk for centuries. It is produced in the mountains at more than 4500 metres, using the ancient recipes of the Himalayas and has become a favourite amongst dogs. Learn here about the production process of your dog's favourite chew!
Long Lines
Long Lines: Why? How? Which?
Learn about the different kinds of walks your dog would enjoy, why long lines are such a great tool and what different kinds exist. Find out which length and style is right for you and your dog and how to use them!
Learn about the different kinds of walks your dog would enjoy, why long lines are such a great tool and what different kinds exist. Find out which length and style is right for you and your dog and how to use them!
Socialisation
When we are socialising our dogs, we can make the mistake of thinking that the best thing to do is to allow them to meet everyone and every dog we come across. Let's understand better ways to socialise.
Resource Guarding
What is resource guarding, why does it occur, how can we prevent it or address it?
Canine Vocalisation
Let's look at why dogs vocalise, how they use their voices, learn how to identify why YOUR dog vocalises and how to help reduce this.
Fear Stages
Do Fear Stages Exist and What Are They? Learn more about fear periods and how to work through them with your growing puppy to support resilience in your best mate.
How Old Is My Dog In Human Years?
Learn here how to calculate your dog's age in human years and no... it's not just times 7. :)