07.02.26

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. What does your dog actually need right now?

Is your dog tired or hungry?

When your dog is getting tired or hungry, he or she is more likely to engage in ‘naughty’ behaviours (sounding familiar human parents?!) This behaviour can even show itself in hyper active looking actions - like nipping and jumping- to gain your attention. My advice is to ensure your dog maintains their regular feeding schedule (the diet also being of high quality) and has somewhere to calm down and rest quietly, whilst being encouraged by all to do so.

Has your dog just had enough for now, are they knackered? Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 03.01.2026

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Of huge behavioural impact, a dogs' Critical Socialisation Period.

A Dogs' Critical Socialization Period -

This is such an important topic that I have to discuss with the majority of my clients.

The Critical Socialization Period is the first 16 weeks of your pup’s life.

This is when the foundation associations are made with his or her world, when your dog’s ideally have nothing but positive experiences with as many different stimuli as possible with everything from animals to noises (here your dog can experience fireworks early in the form of noises on an App. for example) and different ages and races of people, waterways and other environments, electronic devices, vehicles, you name it. Socializing your pup during this time in particular, is a huge part of raising a happy and well-rounded dog. A dog that can venture out with you in the world, leading a full and rewarding life.

*Now you might be thinking, what about the risks of Parvo Virus? We held Trev and Lily up in our arms in public spaces that unknown (and possibly un-vaccinated) dogs may have ventured - you can even use doggy trolley’s or a push chair - I know this may seem extreme - but from experience in this line of work, the risk of your dog developing a fear response/aversion to a stimuli that they have not been exposed to sufficiently and positively, should not be underestimated.

As well, it is vital that your pup is living and learning among a human family (integrated into family life, not just living out the back in a kennel) for ‘family dog’ skills to be learnt in this period.

If you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder, the breeder will be practicing socialization acts also, including gentle handling, exposing the pup to different sensory experiences – different noises, textures underfoot and to nuzzle into etc. Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 27.12.25

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. The Crate.

The piece of equipment known as a ‘Crate’ is not for everyone but neither is it a cruel cage. It is a hugely beneficial training tool for both your pup and adult dog.

The crate provides a sense of security for all stages of life (as such should not be dispensed with once your pup matures) and will be what is used to house your companion at least at a clinic stay, if your dog requires this.

When purchasing your crate, the concept is not about the more room the better. Be sure to buy one just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around comfortably and lay down in.

Particularly when covered with a sheet in Summer (or partly covered) or a blanket in Winter, the crate provides a secure, den-like environment, all of the dogs own.

When working with clients I inform them, the crate is a smaller area to protect than the much bigger home 😉

The sense of security can be very beneficial at potentially stressful periods such as Guy Fawkes.

Crate Training Tips –

Keep it positive!!

It can be good to undertake crate training when your dog has been fed and is tired (this encourages a dog to den). You can feed meals in the crate without closing the door.

You could throw a few treats inside the open crate. If your dog goes in, settles and looks comfortable, begin closing the door for a few seconds at a time. Gradually build up the duration.

Perhaps you don’t increase the time for a few times in a row but then once you get to a few minutes you can increase by around five minutes at a time, then ten and fifteen minutes as your dog gets used to the crate. You could even spread some peanut butter (non-xylitol containing – many NZ peanut butters) or cream cheese on the back of the crate and your dog can be temporarily occupied while licking it off.

Give your dog fun, mentally stimulating toys inside the crate and super tasty treats that maybe they do not get elsewhere.

Importantly with training, do not let your dog out (if all other requirements have been met - your dog does not need to go to the toilet, eat etc. realistically) when crying, barking or scratching on the crate, otherwise these become the ‘button’ behaviours you will train your dog they need to ‘push’ for you to let them out! From many a client, they say these behaviours get old, very quick … Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant and Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training advice, tips and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins, 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾

13.12.25

Dog Behaviour. Stress in dogs at Christmas time.

Christmas can be quite a stressful time of year for our beloved dogs as well.

There can be extra people in the home with guests visiting (and possibly the shrill coming from ‘little people’) lots of exciting wrapping paper mountains, flashing lights and in general a lot more ‘buzz’ around.

We humans refer to it as ‘The Christmas Rush.' For me, it’s absolute ‘crazy time’ busy.

My tip for this time of year, is for both your dog and yourself, to keep up the ‘release’ that comes from including exercise in your life and a good walk encourages the calming chemical serotonin's production - in both you and your dog.

With dogs too (and yes, at least some humans) we know pent up energy causes an increase in tension and anxiety. Also, mental exercise/stimulation for your dog is just as important, especially at this time of year.

Did your dog get into those bags of Christmas presents you didn’t even have a chance to wrap yet? He or she may be bored.

You and your pack will get through the Christmas crazies❤ Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer & Author, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 22.11.25

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Watch out for cuing/signalling about a negative response in your dog …

Try not to dramatically shorten your dogs lead length, tighten your grip on this and tense up, when you spot another dog in the distance (this also applies to spotting other animals or people) - instead, you could have your dog on a long lead and shorten it incrementally going towards the other dog if needed, or have them permanently on a mid-length lead that you feel you have sufficient control with but that is not too restrictive (dogs fight against this pressure and an antisocial dog that cannot flee is more likely to then go into fight mode) nor should you dramatically cross the road (it would be best to walk a couple of steps towards the other dog then cross on an angle).

These actions only perpetuate the signal to your dog, that yes indeed, ‘there must be something off’ with that ‘creature’ if we are to react this way (your dog senses micro-changes in your behaviour and the fore-mentioned are rather massive shifts).

Another, slightly different way to look at cuing is -

When you put your dog back on their lead after a recall, try if you can, to leave the lead long enough for slack. If you have the lead too short and tight each time after you get your dog back in, a negative association can form with coming back to you and being put on the lead - your dog has lost all that freedom. Also if you always put your dog back onto a short lead around a stimuli (such as other dogs) these can begin to be associated with a negative, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural and training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 11.10.25

Dog Training. Dog Behaviour. The Excitable Dog

If you want your dog to be calm, it’s important not to reward excited or raucous behaviour and be CONSISTENT with this. You may be doing the obvious, ‘Oh Bella* (*insert your dogs name) is barking she must want attention’ and then pat her, or perhaps less obviously, get her inside after she has just been barking at something excitedly. Also when out and about, if your dog is barking excitably, try not to let them move forward towards the animal or object they are reacting to, otherwise this can be seen as a reward for this behaviour.

With training, as soon as your dog is relatively calm for a few seconds, reward them. This can be with praise – though not given too heartily as the action can excite them again, or the opening of the door to let them in, importantly though, not always with treats as this can be too high a value item to work to getting (with ‘bark, quiet, treat’ becoming the pattern). Work on extending the calmer time and varying how long your dog must calm down for, before they are rewarded (including with opening the door) Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 29.08.25

Dog Training. The importance of timing in dog training.

Did you know many dog owners inadvertently train the opposite of what they want their dog to do?

It all comes down to timing.

An example of this is the ‘Off,’ for ‘Off the furniture.’

Be aware of how you give the command for off the furniture. To teach ‘Off,’ off must be said extremely quickly, the second your dogs feet are all off the object or all on the ground (a very small window of time). Whilst it is important not to wait with this command it is also important not to say it too early, otherwise, the word “Off” is associated by your dog with being ON the item.

This principle applies with commands like 'Quiet' too. Where your dog should actually be being quiet, at the time the word “Quiet” is said, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 24.08.25 Dog Behaviour. The best exercise for your dogs brain and energy. Retrievals games? Do you chuck and chuck a ball or stick etc. but your dog seems to excitedly just want more and more? This is because the act of the chase promotes the ‘excitable’ hormone adrenaline's production.

A calm, more stable energy is beneficial, especially in preventing fixative behaviours and reactivity to stimuli. As a concept, the more a dogs mind goes into adrenaline mode, the more readily it will go into adrenaline mode.

With this, the walk promotes the calming, ‘feel good’ chemical serotonin's production, so it's best walking makes up the bulk of any exercise regime with your dog, rather than say ball play (you could absolutely still play ball etc. but just limit these games to a few minutes in duration at a time, to avoid peaks in adrenaline), Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 09.08.25

Dog Training. Teach your dog the 'Watch' or 'Look' at me command.

Teach the super useful command 'Watch' (or 'Look') -

(To watch your eyes, for focus on you/distraction from other stimuli - including with a dog pulling on the lead and can be useful for increasing receptivity to other commands such as the recall - perhaps your dog has their nose buried in a bush, commanding the 'Watch' first to get eye contact here, can improve the 'Recall' for example).

Get your dog in front of you, either sitting or standing and say their name sharply in a commanding but friendly tone. Immediately offer a treat, do this once or twice.

Then the third time, bring the treat up quickly just in front of your eyes, tell your dog to “Watch” as soon as they look at you (their eyes will be following the movement of the treat) then you can say, “Good dog” and give them the treat.

Add the movement of your hand with the treat, back to your dogs face and up to your eyes.

After a few repetitions, test how training is going. With any treats hidden away, ask your dog to 'Watch,' if your dogs eyes dart quickly to yours, you have achieved the 'Watch Command.' If your dog starts snuffling around your hands, trying to find the treats for example, you have some more practice to do! Though a point here, when using treats for training, these should never be completely eliminated (just dramatically reduced over time and given sporadically) to keep your dog on their toes.

They will then get so that they watch your eyes regardless of whether you have a treat, when you command the ‘Watch,' Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 02.08.25

Dog Behaviour. The walk should be for both you and your dog.

The walk should be for both you and your dog in my opinion, you exercising and getting some fresh air and the same for your dog, as well as them having some times for smelling and interacting with the world. I let our dogs sniff more at 'landmarks' for them - telephone poles on the corner of a intersection for example, but not every post along the road, which I'm telling you, they would want to, but I'm sorry, I've not got all day.

In regard to items that dogs show particular interest in smelling, I count 2,3.4,5 and then I find I'm able to readily get them to move on.

I have a few few regular walks I undertake but personally never walk the same route two days in a row as I get bored. Again, to me the walk is about both you and your dog and don't feel bad if you feel the same way too, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog behavioural & training tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you. 26.07.25 Dog Behaviour. Pain affecting your dogs behaviour. I have recently been dealing with a very painful back injury and it got me thinking about the affect this has had on my behaviour - I have definitely been more tired and out of sorts, getting a bit short at times.

Has your dog's behaviour changed rather quickly? With them suddenly being reactive for example? With this, are they grumpy and anxious?

Now, animals mask their pain for as long as possible as part of their survival instincts (predators spotting weakness) so for pain to be observed by a limp or being stiff, this pain is likely to be quite bad.

If you suspect your dog may be in pain, please visit your veterinarian for advice on this matter, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 19.07.25 Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. You can get what you reflect with your dogs behaviour... You can get what you reflect with your dogs behaviour.

Have you been feeling grumpy or tense/anxious?

When I'm out walking our two dogs, I look first at the other dog owners, then their dog/s - these will likely be reflecting their owner’s energy, I then observe our dogs, then I check myself and my behaviour and what I’m reflecting to the group/entire picture (all this is happening extremely quickly mind you). This concept is especially true for dogs on their leads, as these can prove effective, reflective communication tools.

With this, if you are grumpy, my advice is not to treat the walk as a 'stress reliever' for you. You'll probably actually just find the walk doesn't go as smoothly as you'd like and certainly far from 'stress relieving' - rather you are getting a product of what you reflect, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 21.06.24 Dog Behaviour. Safety Around Dogs. Children and Dogs Interacting. Here is some useful advice in regards to children and dogs interacting -

Children are more likely to be attacked by a dog they know. Supervision is key, do not be complacent, dogs are not fluffy babysitters.

- Never allow a dog to snatch food from a child.

- Children under twelve should not correct or reprimand any dog. Timing of correction or reprimand is paramount and the ability to judge this and knowledge about this, can be lacking with children under this age (and yes, some older). There can also be issues with a dog’s ‘respect’ for a younger child and potential risks involved here. *It is better to be safe than sorry.

- Do not let children take a dog’s toys away and play with them. Although your dog should not show elements of aggression or resource guarding (as well do not make ‘scarcity of resources’ a reason for aggression) teach respect for your dog and make sure your dog has his or her own bed to go to and toys to engage with.

- Allow children to assist with feeding but not be solely responsible for the act. This can be a highly energized time and is best done with the aide of an adult.

- Children need to be ‘trained’ by adults to maintain social distance.

- It is not a good idea to go up and put your face up in your dog’s face. This can be threatening and irritating to your dog.

- Do not let children disturb your dog when he or she has gone off to rest.

- Dogs have more sensitive hearing than us. Loud screaming around your dogs should be avoided and frankly is not pleasant for anyone.

- As a general rule, dogs dislike being hugged.

- Children should be taught to be respectful and not handle your dog roughly. Teach your dog to respond to verbal commands rather than having to be touched.

- It is totally unacceptable to allow a child to climb on or step on your dog. They are not a piece of play equipment!

At the end of the day it’s most important that we encourage our children to be polite and caring to the animals they are interacting with, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 07.06.25

Dog Behaviour. Dog Play. Tips for the dog park.

Signs of overstimulated play (and when it’s time to calmly intervene) –

• If dog vocalisations continuously increase

• One dog is giving appeasement signals and trying to get away

• If one dog targets another dog by chasing, stalking, or always playing roughly, is pushy and the interaction is one-sided, this dog should leave. This type of interaction isn’t usually fun for the dog on the receiving end.

Dogs that tend to play rudely, body slamming, mouthing too hard, mounting, and generally creating havoc can cause negative responses - potentially fights and injuries.

You are instead wanting - a ‘loose’/relaxed body with both dogs. Tails loosely wagging or held loosely mid-way down the backs, a lack of rigidity in the bodies and neither dog trying to stand taller, as well as eyes relaxed, not intensely staring. It’s also great to see symmetry in behaviour between the dogs, mimicking the same relaxed behavioural cues of the other dog, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 31.05.25

Dog Behaviour. Dog Training. Who is in your pack? Your pack includes all dogs residing and interacting on your property

Your pack includes all dogs residing and interacting on your property (for example a flatting situation and dogs are interacting this way).

There is the potential for problems here if there are different rules and boundaries for one dog, to another - they may be allowed inside for example and the other is not, or one on the bed or couch, the other not. You can have a real impact on the social dynamics of the entire pack, with how you are interacting with all individually, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, including around dogs pulling on their leads, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins 'Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood,' thank you 🐾 24.05.25 Dog Training. Teaching your dog the hand 'Touch' command Teaching a hand 'Touch' from your dog (very useful for getting a close 'recall' and then can be utilised as part of a positive distraction process around arousing stimuli);

'Touch'

- Hold your hand out flat and wait for your dog to engage.

- When your dog does engage say “Touch”

- Immediately treat them here.

If your dog doesn’t sniff at your hand, start by having a treat between two of your fingers and hold this out to them.

Work towards targeting from further away, with your hand in different positions and then with increasing distractions around.

Practice the hand ‘Touch’ using both hands too.

You can ask for repeated ‘hand touches,' as you turn around on the spot, as part of your distraction process, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾 17.05.25

Puppy Behaviour. Dog Behaviour. Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog

Signs your pup is developing into a well balanced dog -

- Your pup is comfortable being contained and left alone (containment will possibly be required for at least veterinary care). The crate is not a cruel cage but a den-like environment (dog's are naturally den-dwelling) especially when you partially cover it with a sheet in Summer or with a blanket in Winter.

- Your pup can rest and ‘be in quiet’ (they're not always go, go, go or sleeping with one ear, one eye open.)

- A vet check of your pup (possibly when you get your vaccinations) has determined no medical condition is causing undue stress on your companion that could be affecting their behaviour.

- ‘Well balanced’ should ultimately include your pup not displaying reactionary behaviour, including undue fear based behaviour and aggression towards humans, other animals or objects. A big part of this comes from proper and sufficient socialization in the Critical Socialization Period (0 - 16 weeks of age). Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog Trainer, Dogs Best Friend. For more dog training and behavioural tips, advice and suggestions, why not check out my book in association with HarperCollins ‘Big Dog, Small Dog - Make your dog happier by being understood’ thank you 🐾