Canine Academy

I have been running puppy pre-schools for nearly 3 years and in my experience we generally have 1 or 2 pups that are withdrawn and fearful. This usually improves over the course of 4 weeks. I'm not sure how your puppy pre-school is currently being run but if I identified a pup like yours I encourage them to arrive a few minutes early each week just so they are in the area first rather than arrive last when there are a handful of pups. It's hard to know exactly what’s going on in your current puppy pre-school, but the idea here is to allow all pups the opportunity of socialisation without being bullied or mobbed. All of my classes involve off leash time but this is monitored. A shy or fearful dog like yours should be allowed off lead first, and any pups that are overly boisterous should have limited time off lead and be monitored closely. A useful tool for me as a trainer is the use of a "boring hold", this is where a boisterous dog is held firmly by the front shoulders for about 20 seconds or until they stop fighting the hold then let go again. I have had great success in the past with my one on one behaviour consultations when leadership techniques are needed. I'm not sure the exact information you were given but to simply ignore your dog is not healthy, and I would not advise this. Was the trainer suggesting ignoring the fearful behaviour? It's a hard thing to do, but by ignoring fearful behaviour (assuming your dog is not in physical danger) is a perfectly healthy way to help your dog. "Praise the good and ignore the bad". After you return from work or after any period of separation I do suggest you ignore your dog until they are calm. By doing this you certainly do improve your leadership status but you also reward calm behaviour. If you give attention to a jumping dog they will learn that behaviour gets them attention, and it will become a very usual and annoying behaviour. If you need a hand on how to improve your leadership skills just let me know, I have a completely hands off method Matt Melville Owner of Canine Academy, Sydney Dog Training and behaviour academy

Hi Rosiesmum, This can certainly be a trying time for you and the family. As suggested I would have a thorough vet check done to rule out any infection or irregularity. If this has all been ruled out then we need to look at her lifestyle and her environment. Let's assume the vet check has come back clear. Please follow this link and read the information I have outlined on my website house breaking your pup.If you have done all of these things and are still having trouble please let me know via this forum. Matt Melville Owner of Canine Academy, Sydney Dog Training and Behaviour Academy

By providing a home for 1 or more dogs is such a joy for most people. While many people stop at 1 dog, there are those out there that opt for 2 or even 3. Before you consider taking on more than 1 dog, I think you really need to have an honest look at why. If it is to keep the other dog company while you are out, then this may not be the best reason. If the first dog has begun to exhibit any symptoms of separation anxiety (barking, chewing, digging) then by adding another dog you may simply have double trouble on your hands. Also as mentioned in a previous post, it can be hard when owning more than 1 dog to get that special time alone. If your dog is not exhibiting any separation anxiety then that's great! Having worked in a doggy day care for 2 years I really do see huge benefit in these places, I suggest good reaserch into one thats close by and ticks certain boxes. There are 2 main types, one is the traditional type where dogs are kept in runs, and some of then will be allowed play time with other dogs, in groups of about 6-8, or the other type is where they are put into a group for the day based on size and energy level, and they spend the day like this. The one I worked in was the latter. If doggy day care is not an option, then look at expanding your dogs world. This means have a look at his/her environment. Provide a sandpit for digging and hid treats in there so it will encourage them to dig there, be creative with boredom busters. Freeze treats in blocks of ice. Using old ice cream containers is great for this. Tie toys or treats from trees, hide food around the yard. Get creative! By having 2 dogs the best thought here is to ready yourself for double the work, not half. As a trainer I know that it can be hard to retain your dogs focus in the park or where other dogs are. So be prepared to put in a bit of extra work with training 2 dogs. Dogs will learn more easily when they have no distractions. In summary there is definately great things to be shared by having 2 dogs but there are also some things to think about. Matt Melville Owner of Canine Academy, Sydney Canine Academy