Training is essential to the health and wellbeing of puppies and dogs…

During this Pandemic more puppies are being purchased than ever before.  And people are spending, in some instances, 24/7 with their puppies given so many people have been working from home during the Pandemic.  This in itself creates so many problems because a puppy needs to be independant and not dependant and so they need to be confident and outgoing and able to be left on their own too because eventually life will return to normal and people will return to their place of work.

The most crucial learning period for a puppy is 8-20wks of age, puppies during this stage are maturing by the day and learning good or bad behaviour.

Puppy owners generally have absolutely no idea on how to rear and train their puppies, resorting to Google /Zoom training during Lockdown periods is absolutely useless.

Every puppy is an individual, it’s not one size fits all, their temperament and breed all need to be considered and this is why training needs to be provided directly and not via a computer screen.   And training can be provided in a COVID Safe way - safe distancing is easy, masks worn, all safety aspects are simple to implement and it is all contactless with the owner. The handling is between the Trainer and the puppy / dog.

It is essential to a puppy’s health and well being that early training is introduced.  People spend a small fortune on puppies and with 15 or so years ahead of them it is imperative that these owners are shown how to correctly interact with their puppies.  Rules, guidelines and boundaries need to be set during this crucial learning period so that the puppy is a valued member of the family and household and not a liability.

Unruly behaviour from a puppy soon turns into an adolescent dog that can be such a bad experience for the owner that many dogs are simply given up and left at a shelter because the owner has no idea how to contend with the behavioural issues and cannot access any training during the Lockdown periods.  During Lockdowns training is not deemed essential however it is absolutely essential to ensure that people and their dogs can live harmoniously and safely together.

A snapshot of client enquiries about domestic dog behavioural issues.

Adult dog enquiry
We need help with excessive barking when people come to the house, and when we go out on walks whenever he sees another dog - and let me tell you there are a LOT of dogs on the bay trail in Parkdale! And over time then barking has now become more aggressive, pulling on the lead and not interacting nicely with other dogs. Help!

14.5wk old puppy enquiry
Hi Ian, Overall she's pretty good, sits and comes when asked to. Recognizes the word No, redirects attention easily if biting, although every now and then she just goes wild and pulls my jumper sleeve, biting and shaking it like she's killing it and nothing I seem to do helps her understand to stop, she just thinks its a game... This is causing me more stress to be honest: Every time I leave the room she screams and yelps as if she's been hurt! I need to return to my workplace, just not sure how to handle this, its so loud! I do not approach or engage with her at this time but it's just making me reluctant to leave the room really. I'm not sure if I need to be ignoring this or using a command or distraction, I just don't know... Thanks

3mth old puppy enquiry
Hello, my pup was sent down from a shelter in NSW last week, she was starved when she was young but is doing better now. I'm working on building trust, toilet training and crate training at the moment, but would love some help with establishing good routines, rules and behaviours from early on. I'm wondering if it's possible to book in for an initial consult once Melbourne lockdown restrictions ease? Look forward to hearing from you!

8wk old puppy enquiry
We would love to properly train Otis to fit into our life. He has shown signs of trying to bite/nip the kids and is very jumpy. Also seems to follow me around the house ALL day and doesn’t like to be alone much. (I know he is little but I don’t want to create bad habits) would love tips / training!! Thank you

6year adult dog enquiry
Hi – my dog has always had slight separation anxiety. This has heightened since COVID (WFH) and having a new baby. When left in our backyard alone we return home to destroyed flyscreens and damage to our back doors. Moose also has issues with heavy rain and thunder - unsure if they are linked

An article written by Ian Bradnock at Ian the Dog Trainer