Dog Behave Help

Let’s talk about how to pick a dog breed that suits your lifestyle.
I work with many families that have chosen a dog based on: looks, a breed they had as a child, their neighbour’s dog, one they saw on TV, etc…
Most times they need me because, they didn’t research the breed from reliable sources.
When choosing a dog, it’s very important to look at what breed or breeds it is. Dogs are developed for certain tasks or personality traits, not just looks.
Within a breed, there’s lots of different personalities.
If a reputable breeder is helping you choose the right puppy for your family, give very detailed information. Be completely honest about how much time you have to play with them, exercise them and the activities your family enjoys. It’s important to meet the parents, or at minimum, see a lot of videos of them in various situations, not just the show ring.
The first and most important step in your search for a new family member, make a pros and cons list.
Here’s a few of the top things to consider and research for the breeds you’re considering: common behavioural issues, personality traits, exercise type, activity level, grooming requirements, health concerns, training requirements, health clearances, etc…
A reputable breeder will also post lots of videos of their pups on social media.
If you’re looking for a rehomed dog, my biggest recommendation is to foster. Many people find their dream dog this way and many realize a dog doesn’t fit their lifestyle. 
For the pros and cons with this list, start with: why was the dog surrendered, behavioural issues, support with behavioural issues, medical issues, DNA test or best guess of breeds (most mixed dogs are multiple breeds), etc…

A good book to check out that’s very helpful is “Paws to Consider”. This is the only breed book I’ve read that gives an honest assessment of each breed. It lists common behavioural and medical problems, breed traits and lots of other information that breeders often don’t mention.
If you need assistance in choosing a breed, I also offer that service.

Choosing correctly is the most common way to find your soul dog or dream breed.

Now that spring is finally here, let’s talk about your dog’s daily routine.
It’s important your dog knows that they’re going to eat, go for an adventure, play with you, cuddle, etc.
*The more rigid you are with your times, the more rigid your dog will be.
For most people, life isn’t the same every single day. If we feed our dogs at exactly the same time every day, it’s very stressful for your dog if the routine is altered.
If there’s no medical reason for a strict schedule, it’s best to vary things in a way that’s realistic for you.
It’s the same with adventures. If you walk your dog the same time every day, she’ll be very upset if you’re busy and have to change the routine.
A flexible dog is a happier dog.

Just a reminder to all pet lovers, if you don’t have the pet poison control centre website in your favorites, please add it.
It lists items such as foods, plants, household supplies, etc that are toxic to your pets.

Here’s a link as reference. It doesn’t give medical advice, it gives information on toxicity.

Common Poison List | Pet Poison Helpline® Explore Pet Poison Helpline®s vast knowledge on poisons by reviewing our pet poison list. Explore our top 10 poison and holiday poison lists.

Is your dog leash reactive or aggressive?
Do you walk the same route every day?
Do you stay in the same general area on each walk?
Taking the same route every day, in a dog‘s mind, can be patrolling their territory.
Change up the route, the neighborhood, the activity, etc.
When a dog with issues sees patterns, the issues often become more extreme. 

Dogs often hide pain. Eating and drinking aren’t signs your dog is healthy or happy. By the time they stop eating or drinking, they’re often at end stage illness.

Medical issues are often mistaken for behavioural issues.

Here are a few examples:

-if your dog has slowed down on their walk or lost interest in going
-slower or less interest in playtime
-not wanting to play with her friends or playing with caution
-sleeping more
-drinking more
-losing interest in things that they enjoyed
- urinating more, having accidents or not being able to hold it as long
-wanting more cuddle time

These can be temporary, on and off or progressive.

We often put it down to age but, it’s important to get them checked. Give the Vet a list of symptoms/behaviours.

My dog Penny was slowing down on walks, we thought it from the heat. After the weather cooled off, it didn’t change and she started drinking more. We had her tested for Cushings and, that was the problem. She’s been on medication for a couple of years now and although it’s a progressive issue, she’s doing better.

Time for a walk! Take your dog on a new adventure today. Walk somewhere neither of you have been before. Drive to a natural park and walk the trails. Let your dog sniff, stop and investigate, walk at their pace and stay off your phone. Enjoy the time together without distractions ❤️

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"For punishment to be effective it has to be “accurate” in both intensity and timing every single time. Is this possible? No. In dog training slang, dogs that are sensitive may be referred to as “soft” dogs while dogs that are “tough” are referred to as a “hard.” The truth is though, we have all seen dogs that were supposedly “hard” in the hands of rough trainers and witnessed those dogs fall apart. It seems that even a “hard” dog cannot endlessly tolerate pain and fear without ending up with an anxious brain. This is emotional learning at work." - Angelica Steinker, BARKS from the Guild, January 2017.

Goodbye 2025, hello 2026!
Can’t think of a New Year’s Resolution that’s meaningful and you can happily stick with?
Aziza recommends you resolve to go on daily adventures with your dog because, your dog loves to spend time with you!
Happy New Year from Aziza and I!

Have you heard of the The purple Poppy Appeal? It’s a campaign in the UK that represents the animals that lost their lives in World War I.

For those of you that have lost your dog, here’s a few things to think about

Getting a new dog isn’t replacing your previous dog

The new dog may be your dog reincarnated

Or a friend sent by your dog

Never close your heart

No two dogs are ever the same, they’re individuals that fill us with love and friendship