Canine Concepts

We’ve all heard this statement before, but have we really thought about it. I think it is an erroneous assumption to make and is open to interpretation. Imagine being exercised on a treadmill until you are tired, would that satisfy your brain? Providing your dog with monotonous exercise, will not sufficiently stimulate his mind. All [...]

1.  If you learn the following two rules of learning, you are well on your way: 1 a)  Ever organism (human, any domesticated or wild animal …) learn by the immediate — not delayed — consequences of their behavior. A consequence good or bad, must immediately follow a behaviour for it to be associated with [...]

When you acquire a dog or new puppy you take on the responsibility to  ensure you give your dog the best of everything and this includes training. There are so many different approached out there, some scientific, some self-proclaimed theories, some ‘old school’ and some too ‘new-agey’, and/or a combination of the above. I still [...]

Since the airing of National Geographic’s Dog Whisperer featuring Cesar Millan, I’ve had a few calls about what I think of the program. I’ve been debating if I should write about it, because when trainers disagree, it seems to be put down to ‘professional jealousy’, lack of confidence and pettiness. On request of a client [...]

I was watching Carte Blanche Medical the other night and they featured a research-couple in America working on a cure for colour blindness in humans. And off course all studies are usually always done on animals first. From a behaviourist and animal lovers point of view there were two things that I was happy about. [...]

”My dog stressed??!! … Never, they live in paradise, they have fallen with their little butts in butter, they live in absolute luxury.”

What to do about the neighbour’s dog that barks incessantly? I frequently get frantic calls from owners that have received complaints and from neighbours who want to know what they can do about the next door barking dog.

Jumping up is a common behaviour problem probably experienced by most dog owners. Jumping up is usually invited and encouraged by owners as a greeting ritual, expression of affection and play.

Broadly defined resource guarding is displayed by a dog who becomes aggressive when you try to take something away from them or even approach them when they are in possession of a resource.

Physical therapy for animals is a growing area of treatment for problems with the musculoskeletal system. Owners are looking to reduce the need for long term usage of anti-inflammatories and hence reduce the side- effects. The therapy may take the form of massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, soft tissue release, acupressure, acupuncture or chiropractic.