'Tis The Season' - Dog Behaviour Over The Holidays
20.12.25
Dog Behaviour. Dog Safety. Children and Dogs.
With more children interacting with dogs over the holiday period, it's important we debunk the myth that 'a friendly dog has a wagging tail.'A tail wag does not always mean a friendly dog …The dog may have their tail tucked down low and wagging, these dogs are a bit scared. Or when a dog’s tail is wagging up ’stiff like a board’ (almost ‘ping ping ping’) instead of ‘flowing like a wave,’ this is not a good, friendly sign! Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant, Trainer and Author, Dogs Best Friend. 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 🐾
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 🐾
06.12.25
Dog Behaviour. Dogs Weeing when they greet visitors.
With visitors coming and going at this time of year I thought it might be helpful to discuss, ‘Dogs weeing when greeting visitors…’Yes yes this may be a tad embarrassing for you the owner butthis can be submissive or excitement urination from your dog.For this issue, PUNISHMENT WILL MAKE THIS WORSE NOT BETTER!Excitement Urination - It’s like, ‘I’m so excited I peed my pants!’Excitement urination is seen particularly in young dogs who haven’t developed their muscle control, so gets better over time. Take your pup for more frequent walks to empty their bladder and try to always greet your dog calmly or not until they calm down. Then if needed, clean up their mess and ignore the action.Submissive Urination -Again this is more common in young and also female dogs but your dog will be showing what are called ‘appeasement’ signs - a lowered body, flattened ears, rolling over, as well as licking and looking away. It is good to approach these dogs from the side and in a quieter, gentler way.Again if urination does happen, do not react verbally or physically, just calmly clean up the mess if need be, Selina McIntyre, Dog Behavioural Consultant & Dog 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 🐾
23.12.23
Dog Behaviour. Signs of Stress in Dogs
There can be a lot of stress around at this time of the year and this can be reflecting onto your dog also.Below are some common signs of stress in dogs (some of which may surprise you) -*Hyperactive behaviour*Being on the ‘look out’ all the time*Eyeballing you and you being able to see a lot of white of your dogs eyes - this is potentially a sign of a high level of stress.*Your dog finding it difficult to sleep or relax*Howling, whining or barking when left alone*Lots of panting, even when it is not hot or your dog has not been exercised*Excessive salivation/drooling*Chasing and barking at birds, cars, fence running/pacing*Obsessive behaviour* Excessive digging* Excessive chewing of toys, furniture etc.* Excessive licking - objects or themselves.Other signs may be specific to your dog, I always say, you know your dog best. If something feels ‘off’ please seek help for your beloved companion, 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.
10.09.2020
As part of the noise aversion scenario, it is common for dogs to become sensitive to stimuli that forecast something else. For example, with a dog that is scared of thunder, they have been known to react to the air pressure dropping, which leads to the wind getting up, which often accompanies thunder. Most markedly, your dog may start to pace and whine when the wind increases. [Read More…]
Admin - 11:37:48 @ Guy Fawkes and similar stressors for dogs, Stress in Dogs, 'Tis the Season'
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Selina McIntyre of Dogs Best Friend, a qualified Dog Behaviourist & Dog Trainer in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga and Rotorua areas of NZ since 2004.