Free Dog Training Tips - Care and Advice on Behaviour Problems
Search our dog training tips, below. Choose specific categories or use the search facility to search for more specific advice.
Also see our Free Tips Downloads section for free dog training tips infographics and handouts too.
Why Breed Matters?...
As dog trainers, we are often asked by pet parents what breed of dog they should get. Which is the hardest to raise? The most intelligent? The answer is always the same: it depends. It depends on what type of dog is best for you, your family and your lifestyle. Do you live in a small apartment? You might not want a Mastiff. Love to run long distances? Chan...
The Difference Between Loving and Spoiling Your Dog...
Do you love your dog? Of course, you do! If you're a Responsible Dog Owner, developing a loving relationship with your dog based on trust and respect is essential for its emotional and psychological health. People LOVE their dogs . They are non-judgmental. They don't care about how much money we have or how much stuff we own. They don't care what we look l...
Is Your Dog Aggressive?...
As Bark Busters trainers, we are often called upon to help dog owners overcome aggression. In fact, we are one of the few training companies able to deal with this behaviour. Many dog owners are frightened that their dog's aggression cannot be curbed. However, with patience and the Bark Busters training methods, we can make behavioural changes no matter how...
An Old Dog Can Bring New Life...
Often Bark Busters dog trainers are asked about dog breeds. Which breed is the easiest? The smartest? The most obedient? Should I get a puppy, an adult, or a senior dog? Many times the answer depends on your lifestyle. Do you want a lap dog or running partner? A puppy or a more mature dog? We thought we would extol the virtues of senior dogs. Although puppi...
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Healthy For Life...
Are you doing everything possible to keep your dog healthy and happy? Spending time with your dog and providing a healthy lifestyle are key to your dog's longevity. Here are some great tips from Bark Busters to ensure your dog stays in tip top shape: Exercise. Your dog needs daily exercise both physically and mentally. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog....
A Back To School Quiz About Dogs...
Are your kids walking or riding their bikes to school? Do they play in the neighbourhood and encounter dogs? With around 9,600 people each year attending hospital emergency departments in New Zealand for dog bite injuries, it's important that your children know what to do when they encounter unfamiliar dogs. Give them this quiz to prevent them from dog bites...
Understanding and Training Dogs with Separation Anxiety...
At times it may seem like you own two different dogs when you really only have one. Is the following a familiar scenario for you? When you are at home, your dog is very well behaved. They listen to your commands, only chews on bones and other doggie toys and barks only when you ask them to "speak." However, they transform into a completely different animal...
Helping Your Pup Overcome His Fear of Water...
Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs like water. Many are afraid of water and its vast uncertainties, and if your pup gets scared at the sight of even a kiddie pool filled with the wet stuff, there are some things you can do about it. Here's how to help your pup overcome their fear of water. Consult a professional The best way to help your dog become u...
The Festive Season...
It's that time of year again! Christmas is fast approaching, and the season for after-work drinks, get-togethers and parties is about to begin. Obviously, we all want to enjoy this time of year; but do spare a thought for your four-legged friends as they don't understand the changes that may occur in your routine and your behaviour. We've put together some...
Who Is The Boss? You Or Your Dog?...
Without even recognising it, your dog may be "wearing the pants" in your house. Without a strong leader, it is natural for the dog to take charge and try and be the "pack leader". When our Bark Buster's trainers visit a client in their home, one of the first things we look for is: "who is in charge?" More often than not, it is the dog. While we observe the...
Could You Be Confusing Your Dog?...
Too often dog owners ask: "Why won't my dog listen to me?" The simple answer is because they don't understand what you are saying. If you are familiar with the Bark Busters training methods, you know that the foundation of our behavioural changes rests on communication - voice tones and body language. For thousands of years, this is how dogs have communicat...
Natural Dog Behaviours...
Let's face it. Some of the things dogs do drive us crazy! And yet, digging, chewing and jumping all come naturally to dogs. Even so, while some bad behaviours are natural, they do not have to be normal. For example: Jumping begins as play behaviour among puppies. They jump on and wrestle each other to prepare themselves for adult life when they'll have...