Can Dogs really understand us?

Your furry canine can often give the impression of being the best listener in the world. Sitting attentively as you spill your heart with nowhere else they would rather be… We take a look at just how true to reality this really is and the extent to which dogs interpret humans. Research has shown that dogs have the ability to […] Continue Reading

The Secret to training shy dogs…

It is all very well having strict training regimes for a dog but persuading a less outgoing animal to put themselves out there can be tough. There are a number of helpful tips to consider bringing your shy canine out of their shell: Gently does it Keeping patient and calm are great indicators for a dog that everything is ok. […] Continue Reading

The Truth about Canine Emotions

Scientists and dog lovers alike have long debated the extent of dog emotions. It is an interesting debate and recent research has suggested that dogs have a similar emotional state to that of a two year old. This is interesting on a number of levels, namely that infants of this age do not have a fully established range of emotions, […] Continue Reading

How to bring shy canines out their shells with training

Don’t let your dog sit in the corner any longer with simple training skills… It can be difficult to socialise and introduce particularly shy and nervous dogs to other people and canines. Extreme cases can be upsetting and cause ill health for pets so it is important to build their confidence from a young age. History If you have adopted […] Continue Reading

Is competition healthy?

Crufts is in show and millions of dog owners from around the country tune in. Given legendary status among many canine breeding circles, the competition is fierce but is it good for the dogs? The best trained dogs are often the most happy. Like people, they need routine and discipline. A solid combination of exercise, play and teaching makes for […] Continue Reading

Did you know…??

The world of dogs is incredible and there is so much that science is still learning about our furry friends. The more you know, the easier it is to train and understand them; as a result we have investigated some interesting facts: Dogs do not feel remorse even though they often look sheepish when they have done wrong. Bare this […] Continue Reading

Disobedience and your Dog…

One of the most delicate issues to deal with as a dog owner is bad behaviour. Many owners hate the thought of shouting or locking the dog away as they scratch for freedom. It is however an extremely necessary task. By disciplining your pet, it highlights appropriate behaviour and allows you to act as a pack leader. In the animal […] Continue Reading

Preventing Chewing Around the Home

One of the most irritating and frustrating parts of owning a dog, especially young dogs is the challenge of biting and chewing your possessions. This often includes furniture, clothes (often socks!) and just about anything they can get their teeth into. We have listed our solutions to such a problem to help look after your home: It is more than […] Continue Reading

The Decision to have a Dog

Introducing a dog to your home is a big step and one that should not be taken lightly. Dog Rescue Centres are inundated with unwanted and abandoned animals this time of year demonstrating the error many people (often parents) make. So what are the important things to consider before bring a furry friend home? At the end of the day, […] Continue Reading

‘Baby-frying’ Your Dog

Respecting the Boundary between human and dog… It is fair and well accepting a dog into your family but many owners take it to ridiculous extremes. Identifying the difference between a child and a dog can be surprisingly difficult for many and has a direct impact on training and behaviour. The below are common mistake made by dog owners that […] Continue Reading

More of the Human-Animal Bond in a Therapeutic Intervention

Applying the Human Animal Bond in a Therapeutic Intervention Part 6 The findings of Martin and Farnum’s study reflect previous research, suggesting that animals can encourage the growth of desired communication skills. However, it remains unknown whether the changes were as a result of the dog itself or whether they were due to the combination of all three conditions (live […] Continue Reading

Stimulating Your K9

Dogs and children have a lot in common… One of the biggest challenges is to keep your dog amused. A bored dog is a destructive dog and you will often find chewed slippers, scratched doors and severed carpets. So what are the best ways to keep them entertained even when you are not there? Treat Balls Dogs love a challenge, […] Continue Reading

Top Tips for Training at Home

Although it is always useful to seek training advice from the professionals, there are a number of concepts to consider for improving your canine’s behaviour. We examine the top tips: Listen to Your Dog Not everyone speaks ‘dog’ or can decode the tone of a canine ‘woof’. Learn to read the basic signs and work with your dog. If they […] Continue Reading

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Children with Autism

An Introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy – Autism Part 3 There are several techniques used in OT to treat autism, where the sensory integration technique is one which is most commonly used by occupational therapists (Pfeiffer et.al 2011). The treatment is designed to provide controlled sensory experiences so that an adaptive motor response is elicited (Baranek, 2002). There is research […] Continue Reading

Socialising Your Dog

Dogs don’t spend hours down the pub or attend music concerts with their mates; they do however interact on a unique level with other canines and people. It is essential to promote this interactive behaviour from a very young age. Training Classes Most top trainers offer classes for different puppy ages. It is an ideal place for your dog to […] Continue Reading