PerkyPets

Here to help

The advice given here is only an introduction and general in nature.
Every dog is an individual and if you feel that you need more help.
Please contact me and I will be only too happy to discuss your issues.
In my experience addressing issues earlier rather than latter leads to better results.

Caring with clear leadership since 1999

Everybody has problems with their dog from time to time.
Sometimes we get a little lax in our training and setting of rules and boundaries. The dog may become very comfortable and have the opportunity to take a few liberties.

The good news is that you can teach an old dog new tricks. However, if they have been doing it for a while it may take a little longer.

I prefer to work on a one to one basis with clients and their dogs to sort out problems.

Dogs love digging and at some time they might choose the wrong place to dig.
They dig for many reasons from hiding bones to being bored. I know one dog who dug up and chewed through a $4000 watering system in the garden.
Providing a special area in the garden where the dog is allowed to dig and not elsewhere can avoid grief later on.
Barking
Incessant barking can really upset your life and the neighbours. I try and look for why the dog is barking, after all they are just trying to connect with us. Once we know the cause then we can work out a plan to address the problem. Some common triggers include:
Anxiety
Attention Seeking
Breeding (Yes, some dogs are bred to bark!)
Boredom
Fear
Fun
Often jumping up starts early when the dog is a small cute puppy. When the puppy turns into a 50 kg adult it does start to wear a little bit thin probably like your clothes are starting to feel. Even a small dog jumping up gets annoying if they do it enough. Not rewarding the jumping and replacing it with a good behaviour like sitting can make the dog more managable.
Lack of toilet training has sent more dogs to the pound than anything else. It can be mastered in just a few days with the right approach.

The absolutely first thing to do when the puppy arrives is take him to his toilet spot. I guarantee the pup will relieve itself immediately. Praise for this good behaviour and give a tasty reward. Congratulations, you have just completed your first training session and the dog hasn’t even entered the house.

Now you can take the puppy to meet the new family and explore the home.
Puppies have small bladder’s and so will need to relieve themselves every hour or so and after sleep. Take them to the designated toilet spot regularly, praise and reward when the pup eliminates.

If you see your pup about to go to the toilet in the wrong place, pick them up straight away and run them straight to your toilet spot. Praise and Reward on success.
Mistakes do happen and if it happens blame yourself for not paying attention and clean up the mess. Do not use cleansers with strong scents or ammonia, it can smell like another dog and could lead to further marking behaviour.
Try and avoid that area till the odour has dissipated.