Expert
Advice
I have years of experience as a Dog Owner, Fosterer, Behaviourist, Agility and Obedience Competitor and Veterinary Assistant.
I can easily help you and your dog reach your goals.
Puppy Training
If you are looking for puppy training around Dublin, Meath or Kildare then you’ve come to the right place.
I approach my work with an open heart and the belief that you aren’t too far from living an amazing life with your new pup.
There is training and knowledge out there to help everyone to flourish.
No owner should ever feel they need to give up an amazing dog because they are nipping, or jumping up, too much for the kids or to deal with in general.
Let me help you get the right training and information so you can get your puppy on the right track.
Siobhan Owens
Dog Trainer & Behaviourist
Pet Psychologist
Big fan of dogs (little & large)
Why is puppy training important?
Dogs are amazing animals and it’s even more amazing how well they can fit in with our lives. That they’ve found their spot in our hearts and homes is no surprise watching their antics and loving natures. But it’s also good to be aware that they have behaviours that come from their nature that don’t always fit in so well in a human home and particularly where there are children involved.
Unfortunately some myths and habits have popped up over the years for us humans about dogs. People often “rough house” or play rough with a puppy, which can encourage them to bite and nip.
By understanding that is what happens when we play with a puppy in this way, we can understand to change
how we play together. This will help your pup to learn better habits and reduces the risk of nipping or other
behaviours like this.
Better knowledge and solid, practical training practices will make everyone’s life easier, your pup included!
Common issues/milestones for puppies
- Toilet training
- Jumping up
- Nipping
- Socialising – with other humans and dogs
- Safety around children inside & outside of the home
- Crate Training
- Leash manners
We know people with dogs that have all of this in place. They put the work in from the early days to make sure all the basics were in place and now they have a dog they can relax with and enjoy. From using good training techniques we give our puppies the best shot at learning how they should behave with no need for raised voices.
How to Train Your Puppy Not to Bite
- Pay attention
○ Learn to judge when your puppy doesn’t want to be bothered. Teach children to respect the puppy and handle them appropriately. Helping children to understand that pulling on ears or tails, or patting too hard, can mean they are hurting the puppy. Often the only way they can tell us that it hurts is by biting. In the same vein teasing a puppy can cause them to bite in response, understanding that dogs/puppies have a limited way to communicate pain, fear or frustration helps us to know better how to handle them.
- No playing rough
○ While it might seem like great fun if we play rough with a puppy we are actually training them to bite us. Some dogs are very gentle and seem to get a good grasp of how to do this gently but is it a risk you want to take? There are other ways to enjoy time with your puppy that will help them not to pick up bad habits such as these.
- Use toys, not hands
○ Or feet for that matter! We don’t want the puppy to associate hands or feet with biting or playing. Keep toys for this, this reduces the chance that they might nip when you go to give them a belly rub. And when you do give belly rubs, make sure they aren’t too rough. It should be enjoyable for your pup. All of this will help them to understand how play can be different from getting a rub.
- Ignore the bad
○ If your puppy starts to nip or bite stop the play and walk away! Even if it’s your clothes. We want them to understand that if they start this type of behaviour that play ends and that attention will be taken away. Once they are calmer you can return to playing and giving them attention. Over time they will learn that if they want to keep your attention and keep playing that certain behaviours won’t be accepted.
If you need help with your puppy, a new arrival or a young dog that needs some extra attention then please get in contact.
Happy Pup Time!
Call or Email me to learn more:
Siobhan@DublinPetSchool.com
0863218132