How to teach your dog to be happy alone.

It is important for to teach your new dog to be OK without you. Often when a young dog is allowed to spend most of time with you when you eventually do have to leave them alone, they will not feel safe and this can result in developing separation anxiety.

TIPS:

• Teach your dog to go to his bed/blanket on command. I do that by associating bed with something good (big chewy treat) 

• Practice sending your dog to his/her bed on command, restricting the area or the ability for your dog to follow you, leave a chew (or breakfast) to distract and start moving for a short period out of sight. 

• Come back apprise calmly & reward your dog is still in the bed. 

• Increase times over a short period of time. It is a good idea to have a radio on during the day and while you practice so that your dog doesn’t focus on your movement around the house. 

• Do not come back when your dog cries as this would only associate crying and your return. 

• Don’t reward (by play or attention) when your pup is following you everywhere or being very demanding of your attention, instead reward calmly when he/she settles alone.

PLANNING TO LEAVE THE CITY OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON? THE HAIRY HOUNDS IN HACKNEY TEAM CAN LOOK AFTER YOUR 'HAIRY HOUND' WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SERVICES AND GET IN TOUCH IF WE'RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DOG.

How to stop your dog chasing

Chasing fast-moving objects triggers a dog's natural hunter-prey instinct and is an extremely rewarding behaviour for some dogs. 

However, chasing can also result in serious problems if the target becomes bikers, runners and skateboarders in the park rather then a tennis ball or other dogs. Here, prevention is better than cure. Once dogs develop a strong chase habit it can be very difficult to stop it. 

TIPS:

• Make sure your dogs is well-exercised  before you practice.

• Master your RECALL and manage your dog's response to its name as a way of getting attention when you need it.

• Reward your dog with high-value treats every time he or she comes back to you when you call them - practice without distraction first.

• If your dog shows interest in chasing runners or cyclists, keep him or her on a long training leash in those busy areas where they are most likely to meet the object of their chasing desire and practice getting your dog to focus on you.

• When your dog's chase object approaches, catch and maintain your dog's attention and keep rewarding them handsomely. 

• Practice the SIT and STAY commands while the jogger/cyclist passes.

• Repeat this exercise and over time your dog will associate cyclists and runners with being rewarded for staying close to you, instead of rewarding themselves with a game of chase.

• Teach your dog that being around you is more fun and more rewarding than chasing; play with them instead (fetch is a perfect outlet) .

• Get a friend to run or ride a bike, while you practice your focus and your recall.

PLANNING TO LEAVE THE CITY OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON? THE HAIRY HOUNDS IN HACKNEY TEAM CAN LOOK AFTER YOUR 'HAIRY HOUND' WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SERVICES AND GET IN TOUCH IF WE'RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DOG.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG TO CONTROL ITS BARKING

Dogs bark - that is normal. It is usually a sign, when they want to alert you of something they don’t think is safe or when they are worried.

Most dogs will, however, bark excessively if you don’t intervene and this can result in sleepless nights, unhappy neighbors or for you not being able to hold a conversation without interruption. 

Tips:

• When your dog barks at something teach them word SPEAK and reward them. One good reason to teach your dog to bark on command, is that by teaching him to bark, you may actually cure a future barking problem as our pup will learn to bark on command only.
• At the same time, when your dog stops barking say QUIET and reward handsomely…this will teach them to stop!
• Teach your dog that it is OK to bark at the door but only once or twice, then reward when, and only when, they stop. Saying QUIET to them.
• Always check why your pup is barking and reassure them that all is well and the area is safe. I use the phrase -ALL GOOD, and again reward as soon as the dog stops barking with the QUIET command.

PLANNING TO LEAVE THE CITY OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON? THE HAIRY HOUNDS IN HACKNEY TEAM CAN LOOK AFTER YOUR 'HAIRY HOUND' WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SERVICESAND GET IN TOUCH IF WE'RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DOG.

HEELing Powers

Teach your dog the difference between walking by the HEEL. The object is to remain nice and close without pulling as a way of getting from A to B.

The alternate to this command is WALK FREE where a dog is free to stop and sniff as part of their walk & exercise.

The use of HEEL really makes a difference when you need to be somewhere on time and your hound doesn’t stop every few seconds to mark a post, have a sniff or wander off to go and say hi to people or other dogs.

TIPS:

• HEEL is a command telling your dogs that you want them to walk, and a gentle reminder that you are in charge, so let your dog pee and the other thing (most owners know when this is going to happen) but afterwards don’t allow any additional marking stops.
• Reward/praise/acknowledge a good close walk without stopping or pulling. 
• If your dog pulls and there is tension on a lead, go backwards calling him or her or change direction. This way your will keep your pooch focused and on their paws.

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG THROUGH THE FIREWORK SEASON

The bonfire season is here and Christmas is not far around the corner. Many spring and summer puppies will encounter fireworks for the first time. Experiencing loud noise, bright lights and lots of people can be very stressful and frightening for your pet.  

Introduce him or her to noises at home by playing relevant sound recordings and creating a normal and comforting environment, as well as providing treats and reassurance so that your hound realises that there is nothing to fear 

TIPS:  

• Be relaxed and keep high value treats handy.
• Reward calmly a calm behaviour.
• Be near; act as normal but offer reassurance if needed.
• Start to play sounds for a few minutes at a time at the usual feeding hour, or supply a Kong toy filled with your pup's favorite treats.
• You could also distract your pup from focusing on the noise by playing with him or her your favourite game,while the firework sounds are playing.
• If your pet is showing very distressed behavior stop playing the sounds & get in a professional to help.

Have a happy autumn!

PLANNING TO LEAVE THE CITY OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON? THE HAIRY HOUNDS IN HACKNEY TEAM CAN LOOK AFTER YOUR 'HAIRY HOUND' WHILE YOU ARE AWAY. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SERVICESAND GET IN TOUCH IF WE'RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DOG.

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG TO PLAY ON COMMAND

TEACHING YOUR DOG OR NEW PUPPY THE MOST BASIC SKILLS ISN'T VERY DIFFERENT TO RAISING A CHILD.

You would not let your child run up to a stranger or another child in the park, before first finding out whether the other person wants to be approached, or played with.
It is equally important to monitor to whom your dog or puppy runs to. Some dogs don’t want to be played with. Some are old and some are not so friendly,  even if they look it.

TEACH YOUR HAIRY HOUND EARLY ON TO RELY ON YOU TO TELL HIM OR HER WHEN IT IS OK AND SAFE TO PLAY. 

Here are a few tips:

• Approach other owners before you release your dog.
• Ensure your dog is calm.
• Release him or her from the lead using 'GO PLAY' command. -This way your dog will still get to play, but you've decided with whom, and when.
• Ensure you remain close-by, to intervene when you want the 'play' to stop.
• Releasing your pup from a distance and letting it run to any dog it wants to, especially when you haven't mastered recall yet, is only going to undermine your ability to retrieve your dog and keep him or her out of trouble.

Planning to leave the city over the Festive season? The Hairy Hounds in Hackney team can look after your 'Hairy Hound' while you are away. Take a look at our services and get in touch if we're the right fit for your dog.

How To Teach Your Dog How To Wait

Teaching your dog/new puppy the most basic (but fundamental) skills are not dissimilar to raising a child in many ways.

You would not let your toddler run out of door as soon as you open it. The same applies for your dog.

Make sure you cover the following points early on, to avoid bigger problems from developing in future.

• Teach your dog the 'wait' command as soon as you can. 
• Reward your pet’s patience with a treat. 
• Make sure that your pet sits, whilst you get ready to take him/her for a walk. ( Also, make sure you step outside first. )
• Teach your dog to wait for his/her food (alternate the duration - 10 seconds to 1 minute )
• Always wait before crossing the road. Get your dog to sit on the curb at every crossing, that way you have time to spot any oncoming cars.
• When receiving visitors at your home, get your dog to sit and wait before greeting your guests, rather than having your dog pounce on them.

Planning to leave the city over the Festive season?

The Hairy Hounds in Hackney team can look after your 'Hairy Hound' while you are away. Take a look at our services and get in touch if we're the right fit for your dog.

How To Teach Your Dog To Be Calm

A calm dog is a content and more controllable one.  

Always ignore over-excited behavior and always appraise or reward your pet when he/she is calm. By reward I mean your attention, cuddles, treats or play. 

Some breeds are more excitable than others, but with your consistency and repetition all dogs will very quickly understand that by being calm they get what they want much quicker.

Your dog can’t learn anything when he or she is excited, let alone focus on what it is that you are asking them to do, or not do. 

Tips for keeping your dog calm:

• Don’t give your dog any attention when he/ she is jumping on you. If you do, you'll be reinforcing negative behaviour.
• Don’t overexcite them when you come home. Be calm at first, make your self a cup of tea, then give your dog a good cuddle. This saves you from being jumped on and your dog getting histerical, every time you come home.

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Planning to leave the city over the Festive season?

The Hairy Hounds in Hackney team can look after your Hairy Hound while you are away. Take a look at our services and get in touch if we're the right fit for your dog.

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