Dear Hindy,

My wife and I recently bought a new puppy, and we want to make sure we do all we can to raise her right. Is it possible to prevent behaviour problems before they start? Thank you, Jim

Dear Jim,

Congratulations on your new puppy, such an exciting time! The fact you’re even asking this question shows me what great dog parents you’re going to make!! There’s a lot to discuss, way more than is possible here but I will do my best to get you started.

You probably know preventing a problem is a lot easier than dealing with one once it has arisen, although of course that is possible as well.

I am a huge fan of routines and schedules. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing at the same time every single day, but it does mean you have a framework, a template for what to do when…roughly. It also means everyone in the household knows what their roles are, when.

Basic training is a great way to prevent future problems. No need to rush and try and teach your pup everything at once, but you’ll want to teach things like “sit” – “stay” – “drop it” – “come” – “leave it.”

Regular exercise is extremely important, not only to keep her healthy but to stave off boredom and anxiety. Mental stimulation in the form of games, treat dispensing and puzzle toys is just as important.

Socialising her to interact with various people, animals, even getting her used to busy roads, men and women on bikes or in uniform, floor textures… are all part of the package.

It is important to teach her to walk nicely on a leash so walk time is enjoyable for everyone.

If you’ve decided to crate train, teaching her to like the crate will be a big help.

Never punish your dog!

Good luck

**Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

Dear Hindy,

Nothing makes Josie happier than her walks, but she’s so super excited she jumps around like a lunatic and it’s impossible to put her leash on. It’s stressful and irritating. Any advice? Thank you, Robert

Dear Robert,

My dog Jack was the same way when we first adopted him. A lot has to do with how often a dog gets walked. If they only get one walk a day, if that, how can we expect anything less? If you feel this is the case, I hope you will find a way to take her out at least twice a day, but 3 times is better.

Please don’t yell or punish her for her over exuberance!!

Okay, let’s look at how we can start the walk off on a much calmer note.

The simple rule is – the leash does not go on until Josie is sitting calmly, and every person who walks her must follow this rule. If for some reason it’s too hard for her to sit, have her stand/stay – that works too.

Call her over to the spot where you get her ready for her walk, and ask her to sit. As soon as she starts jumping around drop the leash, turn your back and don’t say a word. When she’s quiet for a few seconds pick up the leash and clip it on. If she starts jumping again drop the leash, turn around, wait for her to calm down before trying to attach the leash again.  

It really is as simple as that.

It can be frustrating, I’ve been through it myself, but you’ll be surprised how quickly she will learn – when she’s calm she gets her walk.

I’m a big believer in training with treats, but not in this case because the longed for walk is the reward.  

Good luck.

**Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

Dear Hindy,

My dog Winnie is constantly licking herself, me, the furniture…and it’s driving me crazy. What should I do? Thank you, Charlotte

Dear Charlotte,

I can sympathise that it is an annoying behaviour, that’s for sure. You don’t say if she mostly licks herself, but I’ll briefly address this issue in general. Some dogs are constantly licking themselves, to the point where sores develop.  

If Winnie is focusing on a particular area on her body, it may be because she’s experiencing some pain or discomfort. Believe it or not, that spot may not be the source of the pain, but she’s focusing on it because it feels good.

What about boredom or anxiety? Two other possible reasons for the licking.  

Another quite common reason is allergies, whether because of the food she’s eating, or her environment. My dog Jack used to do that a lot when we first adopted him, and switching him to a grain free diet helped. He also has environmental allergies at certain times of the year, and rolling around in the grass doesn’t help. I just ordered Colloidal Silver, as many pup parents have recommended it for itching and hot spots.  

A visit to your vet will help you determine the cause of the licking. I don’t know your dog’s schedule but if you believe boredom makes sense, please be sure Winnie gets more exercise, play time, and mental stimulation in the form of puzzle toys and games.

Oh, and don’t forget to ask him if he thinks Colloidal Silver will help her!!

Here is a link to a podcast I did with a holistic vet about allergies. You should find this very helpful. 

Good luck.

**Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**  

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Dear Hindy,

Three weeks ago I came home from work to find the stuffing ripped out of one of my cushions. A couple of days later it was a roll of toilet paper wrapped around the table legs. The latest is a curtain that got pulled down. Why is my dog destroying the house, I’m furious! Thanks, Audrey

Dear Audrey,

Who can blame you for being angry! We all make sacrifices for our pets, but I know this can be a step (or several) too far. The first question I have to ask is if there have been any changes in your household recently? Longer working hours, a new pet, a move… Without more details it would be difficult to determine, but two possibilities are boredom or separation anxiety.

There is one way for you to get a better sense which one it is, and that is by setting up a nanny cam in the area that seems to bear the brunt of the most destruction. If things start to go downhill fairly soon after you leave the house, it’s safe to assume the cause is separation anxiety. If, however, your dog seems pretty cool and relaxed about you being gone, takes a nap, hangs out and only later starts re-decorating, it’s probably boredom.

Either way there are things you can do to help. If it is boredom and your dog is alone for many hours each day, hire a dog walker to take him out, enrol him in doggy daycare, or have a friend or neighbor help out when possible.

If it is a result of separation anxiety, while there are certainly ways to help, the process is too involved to go into in this Q&A. Just know help is available. 

Good luck!

**Ready to schedule a training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**   

Dear Hindy,

When I try and take Earl’s toy away from him he always tries to bite me, and sometimes he gets me. What gives! Thanks, Roy

Dear Roy,

Ouch!! Earl is displaying something known as “resource guarding” which, put simply means he is controlling access by anyone else to, in this case, his toy. It’s quite common and although an exact cause may not be known, it is often a result of a dog feeling insecure. They tend to see everyone as a potential threat to whatever resource they are protecting.

Obviously it’s not a very desirable behavior because Earl could hurt someone seriously one day, not to mention how stressful it is for him to be on high alert all the time.

You must never, ever punish a dog for a behavior you are not happy with. It doesn’t work and it’s cruel. Having said that, the good news is there are ways to help him gain more confidence, and in turn allow you to take toys, or anything else for that matter, away from him when you choose.

First you need to find something Earl likes more than the toy, and it’s usually something delicious. The next time he’s guarding his toy approach him but stop well before the distance at which you would typically get a reaction, and throw him a bit of the treat. Then another and leave the room. Don’t give him any if he comes looking, you want it to be only when he’s with his toy.

You’ll keep repeating this, taking a step closer when you’re sure he’s comfortable at the previous distance. Once you’re close to him with no reaction, lean over slightly as though you’re going to take the toy and drop a treat. Keep repeating this and reaching closer as long as he’s not reacting.

If at any point he does, you’ve progressed too quickly.

Eventually you will be able to pick up the toy. How long is impossible to say, just keep up the training nice and slow.

Good luck!

**Ready to schedule a virtual training session with me? Great let’s get started!! Simply fill in the contact form with your time zone and what you need help with, and I’ll be in touch to set up an appointment.**