Is your dog a gold star canine citizen? Check out these four tips for helping your dog to feel cool, calm and collected in and out of the house!

Early socialisation and regular training

You can set your dog up for success early on by ensuring they are well-socialised. This involves exposing them to a variety of new people, pets, places and handling techniques in a positive and gentle manner so that they learn that there is nothing to fear. Attending a well-run puppy school can be a great start.

As your dog grows, attending an obedience training course that utilises positive reinforcement techniques (rather than any type of punishment) can really build your dog’s confidence and teach them lovely manners!

Calm control

When bringing your dog out in public, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they’re always under control. Even if your dog is friendly, not everyone will want to meet them, e.g. rescue dogs who are highly fearful or unpredictable with other dogs approaching them. Unless your pet is friendly and in a designated off-lead area, they should be kept on-lead.

Regular mental and physical exercise

A tired dog is generally a calm dog! Ensure that your dog receives daily physical exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to their breed. Otherwise, you may find that they “blow off steam” in less desirable ways, such as hyperactivity or problem barking.

Veterinary assessment

If your dog is showing undesirable behaviours such as anxiety or aggression, it’s best to book an appointment with one of our vets for further assessment. With the correct diagnosis, we can recommend an effective treatment plan to help your pet to feel their best!

Ask our knowledgeable team if you have any further questions about encouraging the best behaviour in your canine family member!