Toilet training your puppy is one of the first big challenges of life together, but with a positive reinforcement approach, it can be a rewarding bonding experience. This method focuses on rewarding your puppy for doing the right thing, rather than punishing mistakes. Here’s how to do it.

1. Understand Your Puppy’s Needs Puppies have small bladders and need to go often—usually after waking up, playing, eating, or drinking. In the early weeks, expect to take them out every 1–2 hours during the day.

2. Choose a Toilet Spot Select a specific outdoor location where you’d like your puppy to go. Consistently taking them to the same spot helps them associate that area with toileting.

3. Watch for Signs Sniffing the ground, circling, or suddenly stopping play are clues your puppy might need to go. Promptly guide them outside when you notice these signals.

4. Reward Immediately The key to positive reinforcement is timing. Have treats ready in your pocket or treat pouch so you can reward your puppy the second they finish toileting in the right place. Pair the treat with enthusiastic praise like, “Good toilet!”

5. Use a Cue Word Once your puppy is consistently going in the right spot, introduce a cue like “toilet” or “go potty” as they start to go. This will help them understand the word and eventually go on cue.

6. Manage the Environment Until your puppy is fully trained, supervise them indoors to prevent accidents. When you can’t watch closely, use a puppy pen or crate to encourage them to hold on until you can take them outside.

7. Handle Accidents Calmly If your puppy has an accident, avoid scolding. Instead, clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. Scolding can cause fear or confusion, which may slow training and may encourage your puppy to hide from you when toileting.

8. Be Consistent Positive reinforcement works best with routine. Keep mealtimes, play sessions, and toilet breaks consistent to help your puppy learn faster.

9. Celebrate Progress Some days will be better than others, but every success is a step toward a fully house-trained dog. Celebrate small wins, and remember—patience is key.

By focusing on rewarding the right behaviour and preventing mistakes through supervision and routine, you’ll not only teach your puppy where to go, but you’ll also build trust and a stronger bond. With consistency, most puppies can be reliably toilet trained within a few weeks to a few months.

Managing Puppy Biting with Positive Reinforcement

Puppy biting is a completely natural part of canine development. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, play with their littermates using gentle nips, and learn important social skills through this behaviour. However, when those sharp little teeth sink into human skin, it can quickly become a painful, and sometimes frustrating, experience. The good news is that you can teach your puppy to bite more softly (or not at all) without using punishment, by focusing on positive reinforcement techniques.

Why Puppies Bite

Understanding why puppies bite is the first step. Biting can be due to:

• Teething discomfort (usually between 3–6 months old)

• Play behaviour learned from interacting with littermates

• Exploration of new environments

• Overstimulation or tiredness Recognising the cause in each situation will help you respond in the most effective way.

Stay Calm and Consistent

When your puppy bites, it’s important not to react with shouting, smacking, or rough handling. These responses can frighten your puppy, damage your bond, or even encourage more biting as a defensive reaction. Instead, stay calm and aim for consistency, with every member of the household responding to biting in the same way.

Redirect to an Appropriate Item

If your puppy bites your hand during play, immediately stop moving your hand and calmly offer an appropriate chew toy. Praise and reward when they take the toy instead of your skin. Over time, your puppy will learn that chewing toys brings good things, but chewing people ends the fun.

Reinforce Gentle Play

Teach your puppy that gentle play keeps the game going. If they bite too hard, let out a short, calm “Ouch” or “Too bad,” then pause the play for a few seconds by turning away or putting your hands behind your back. This mimics the way puppies learn bite inhibition with their littermates: if one pup bites too hard, the other walks away.

When your puppy resumes gentle play, reward with praise, pats, or continuing the game. This teaches them the difference between acceptable and unacceptable pressure.

Meet Their Chewing Needs

A teething puppy needs plenty of appropriate outlets for chewing. Stock up on safe chew toys, rubber bones, or stuffed Kongs, and rotate them to keep things interesting. Providing frozen carrots or chilled puppy teething toys can soothe sore gums while preventing them from finding their own (less appropriate) targets.

Reinforce Calm Behaviour

Positive reinforcement doesn’t just mean rewarding them when they stop biting — it means proactively rewarding calm behaviour before biting starts. If your puppy is lying quietly or playing nicely, offer a treat, a toy, or gentle praise. This reinforces the idea that calm, controlled behaviour earns rewards.

Manage the Environment

If your puppy is getting overstimulated, biting more, or showing signs of being overtired, give them a break in a calm, safe space such as a crate or puppy pen. This isn’t a punishment — it’s an opportunity to rest and reset. Make sure your puppy has opportunities to sleep uninterrupted during day time as well.

Patience Pays Off

Puppy biting won’t disappear overnight, but it should get better by the time your puppy is 7 - 9 months of age. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most puppies learn to control their mouths within a few months. You’re not just stopping unwanted behaviour — you’re building a foundation of trust, communication, and good manners that will last a lifetime.

For a puppy, being left home alone can feel strange, even scary. After all, they’ve just joined your family and are used to being around you almost all the time. Teaching your puppy to be relaxed and confident when you’re away is an important life skill, and positive reinforcement makes the process kind, effective, and stress-free.

Why Start Early? Separation-related issues often begin when a puppy has never been taught that being alone is safe. Starting early helps prevent future anxiety, sets your puppy up for independence, and gives you peace of mind.

Step 1: Create a Safe, Comfortable Space Before starting alone-time training, set up a secure area such as a playpen, crate, or puppy-proofed room. This space should have their bed, toys, water, and perhaps a safe chew or food puzzle. The goal is to create a place your puppy associates with comfort and good things happening.

Step 2: Introduce Alone Time Gradually Begin when your puppy is calm and tired from a play session or walk. Close the gate or crate door, step away for just a few seconds, then return before your puppy has a chance to worry. Pair your absence with something enjoyable, like a stuffed Kong or a scatter of treats. This way, your departure predicts good things.

Step 3: Build Duration Slowly Increase the time you’re away in very small increments—seconds at first, then minutes. Watch your puppy’s body language closely. If they remain relaxed, you can slowly extend the time. If they show signs of distress (whining, pacing, barking), go back to an easier step. Success comes from progressing at your puppy’s pace, not rushing the process.

Step 4: Use Positive Associations Every absence should feel like a positive event. Give your puppy a high-value treat or special toy that they only get when alone. This creates a powerful association: “When my human leaves, my favourite things appear!” Once you return, remove the item so it stays exciting and exclusive.

Step 5: Vary Departures and Returns Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or coming home. Calm, low-key departures and greetings prevent your puppy from thinking these moments are a big deal. Practise short “fake” departures—pick up your keys, step outside for a few seconds, then return without fanfare.

Step 6: Include Alone Time When You’re Home Your puppy doesn’t need to be alone only when you go out. Let them spend time in their safe space while you’re home, too. This teaches them that being apart is normal and safe, even if you’re nearby.

Step 7: Keep It Positive and Patient The key to success is consistency, patience, and never forcing your puppy to “tough it out.” Positive reinforcement builds trust and helps your puppy feel secure, making home-alone time just another part of their happy routine.

With gentle, rewarding steps, your puppy will learn that alone time isn’t scary—it’s an opportunity for treats, toys, and a well-earned nap.

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of helping them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. One of the most important parts of this journey is socialisation: introducing your puppy to new experiences, people, animals, and environments in a safe, positive way. Done correctly, it can prevent fear-based behaviours later in life. The most effective and humane method for socialisation is positive reinforcement.

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is a training approach that rewards your puppy for desired behaviours, making them more likely to repeat them. Rewards can be treats, praise, play, or anything your puppy finds motivating. When used during socialisation, it helps your puppy form pleasant associations with new experiences, ensuring they approach the world with curiosity rather than fear.

Start Early and Go Slow

The prime socialisation period is between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This is when puppies are most open to new experiences, but also sensitive. The goal is to expose them to a wide variety of sights, sounds, smells, and textures—but at a pace that’s comfortable for them. Rushing can overwhelm your puppy and create negative associations.

Begin in a calm, controlled environment before moving to busier places. For example, introduce your puppy to one or two friendly visitors at home before taking them to a busy park.

Make Every Encounter Positive

Each new situation should be paired with something your puppy loves. If your puppy meets a friendly stranger, pair the experience with a treat and offer praise. If they hear a loud noise, such as a vacuum or passing truck, reward them immediately for staying calm. Over time, your puppy will learn that new things predict good experiences.

Examples of positive reinforcement during socialisation:

• Meeting people: Treat your puppy when they calmly greet someone.

• Hearing noises: Pair unfamiliar sounds with a treat scatter.

• Exploring textures: Offer praise and treats when they walk over grass, gravel, or sand.

• Seeing other dogs: pair the experience with treats using a barrier or frome a safe distance before moving closer.

Watch Your Puppy’s Body Language

Socialisation is not about flooding your puppy with experiences—it’s about building confidence. Watch for signs of stress such as tucked tails, ears back, lip licking, yawning, or trying to move away. If you see these signs, give your puppy space and try again later with a gentler approach.

Variety is Key

Expose your puppy to a range of experiences:

• Different people (various ages, appearances, clothing styles)

• Other vaccinated, puppy friendly dogs and animals

• Household noises and outdoor sounds

• Car rides, vet visits, and grooming

• Different weather, surfaces, and environments

Consistency and Patience Pay Off

Socialisation is ongoing, not a one-time checklist. Continue rewarding your puppy for calm and confident behaviour as they grow. Positive reinforcement ensures they develop trust in you and feel safe in the world.

With patience, consistency, and plenty of treats, you’ll help your puppy become a happy, adaptable dog ready to enjoy life to the fullest.

If your adolescent dog barks and lunges when they see another dog, you’re not alone. This behaviour, often called reactivity, is common during the teenage phase (around 6–18 months of age). Hormonal changes, increased confidence, and new fears can all contribute to this sudden change in behaviour. While it can feel frustrating or embarrassing, the good news is that with patience, management, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel calmer and respond more appropriately.

Understand the ‘Why’ Behind the Barking Dogs bark and lunge for different reasons: excitement, frustration at not being able to greet, fear of other dogs, or a mix of both. In adolescence, impulse control is still developing, so big emotions can spill over into noisy, dramatic reactions. Identifying your dog’s triggers and emotional state is key to helping them.

Step 1: Manage the Environment Before training can be effective, prevent your dog from practising the unwanted behaviour. This might mean walking at quieter times, crossing the street when another dog is approaching, or using hedges, cars, or other barriers for visual blocks. Every time your dog rehearses barking and lunging, the behaviour can become more ingrained—so management is your best friend in the early stages.

Step 2: Build Positive Associations The heart of positive reinforcement training is changing how your dog feels about seeing other dogs. Start at a distance where your dog notices the other dog but is still able to focus on you—this is called the threshold. The moment your dog spots another dog, say “Yes!” or click (if using a clicker), and offer a high-value treat. The appearance of another dog should predict something wonderful. Over time, this can change your dog’s emotional response from “Oh no!” or “I must get to them!” to “Yay! Good things happen when I see dogs.”

Step 3: Teach an Alternative Behaviour Once your dog starts to feel calmer at a safe distance, you can teach a replacement behaviour—something incompatible with barking and lunging. Common choices include:

• Look at me: Teach your dog to make eye contact on cue.

• This way: Encourage them to turn and walk with you away from the trigger.

• Hand target: Touching their nose to your palm gives them a clear job to do.

These cues give your dog a constructive outlet for their energy and focus.

Step 4: Practise Gradual Exposure Progress slowly. As your dog succeeds at one distance, decrease it slightly. Keep sessions short, and end on a positive note before your dog becomes overwhelmed. Progress isn’t always linear. There may be good and bad days so patience is essential.

Step 5: Reinforce Calm Everywhere Don’t just reward calmness around other dogs. Treat your dog for calm behaviour at home, in the garden, and during walks. The more your dog learns that calm behaviour pays off, the more it will become their default.

With consistent management, positive associations, and clear communication, most adolescent dogs improve greatly over time. Keep sessions fun, celebrate small wins, and remember: you’re building a lifetime of trust and teamwork.

If you’ve ever felt like your arm is being yanked out of its socket on a walk, you’re not alone. Pulling on lead is one of the most common challenges dog owners face. Fortunately, with positive reinforcement training, you can turn those tug-of-war walks into relaxed, enjoyable strolls for both you and your dog.

Why Dogs Pull Before addressing the behaviour, it’s important to understand why dogs pull. Dogs naturally walk faster than humans, and their sense of smell leads them from one interesting scent to another. If pulling gets them where they want to go, they quickly learn that it “works.” The goal of training is to show your dog that walking politely by your side is what earns rewards.

Start with the Right Tools Choose a comfortable, well-fitted harness that allows free movement but discourages pulling. A front-clip harness can help redirect your dog’s attention back to you without causing pain or discomfort. Pair it with a standard lead (about 1.5–2 metres) to give enough slack for comfort but not so much that your dog can bolt ahead.

Step-by-Step Training

1. Reward Position Begin in a quiet, low-distraction environment such as your backyard or inside your home. Hold the lead in one hand and treats in the other. Each time your dog is beside you with a loose lead, mark the moment with a clicker or a cheerful “Yes!” and reward. This teaches your dog that being next to you is the best place to be.

2. Take One Step at a Time Start walking slowly. If your dog stays by your side without pulling, reward frequently—at first, every few steps. If your dog forges ahead and creates tension on the lead, stop immediately and wait. Don’t yank them back; simply stand still until the lead slackens or call them back, then resume walking and reward for returning to position.

3. Change Direction To keep your dog’s focus, randomly change direction when they start to pull. This encourages them to pay attention to where you’re going, rather than charging ahead. Reward when they follow and keep the lead loose.

4. Gradually Add Distractions Once your dog reliably walks with a loose lead in a quiet space, move to slightly busier areas. Keep rewards high-value: chicken, cheese, or other favourites, especially in challenging environments.

Consistency Is Key Everyone who walks your dog should follow the same rules. If pulling sometimes gets your dog where they want to go, they’ll keep trying it. Consistency teaches that polite walking is the only successful option.

Patience Pays Off Loose-lead walking isn’t mastered overnight, but with consistent positive reinforcement, you’ll see steady improvement. Over time, your dog will learn that staying near you not only feels good but also makes walks more rewarding.

Happy, relaxed walks are within your reach—and they start with a pocket full of treats and a commitment to rewarding good choices.

Welcoming a new baby is a joyful milestone, but if you share your home with dogs, it’s also a time for thoughtful preparation. By using positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel secure, included, and confident during the transition. The goal is to set everyone up for success, so your dog sees the baby as a cue for good things, not stress.

Start Early: Preparing Before Baby Arrives

If possible, begin training and adjustments weeks or months before the baby comes home. Gradual change is easier for dogs to process. Introduce any new rules or routines now, such as staying off certain furniture or waiting at doorways, so they don’t associate these changes with the baby’s arrival.

Expose your dog to baby-related sights and sounds in a controlled way. Play recordings of baby noises at a low volume while offering treats, gradually increasing the volume as your dog stays relaxed. Let them explore baby gear like prams, cots, and swings at their own pace, rewarding calm behaviour with praise and high-value treats. This builds a positive emotional link.

Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Good Associations

Positive reinforcement means rewarding behaviours you want to see more of. The reward can be food, praise, toys, or play—whatever your dog finds motivating. Before the baby comes home, practise behaviours that will be especially useful:

• Settle on a mat or bed: A safe “go-to” spot where they can relax.

• Loose-lead walking near a pram: Introduce the pram during practice walks.

• Gentle greetings: Reward 4 paws on the floor and calmness instead of jumping up.

When your dog performs these behaviours, reward immediately so they make the connection.

Binging your baby home

When you arrive home, it’s best to greet your dog without the baby at first. This allows them to release their excitement and reconnect with you. Once they’re calm, have a helper hold your or place them behind a baby gate to avoid your dog jumping up on you if they show interest in the baby. For the first 3 months, there's no need for dog-baby contact, just gradual familiarization with your baby from a safe distance.

Give your Dog Attention

While your attention will naturally be divided, make a conscious effort to give your dog one-on-one time each day. Short, focused interactions help prevent feelings of exclusion.

Manage the Environment

Baby gates, playpens, and safe zones are invaluable. They give your dog space to retreat if the baby is crying or visitors are over. Just as importantly, they prevent unplanned close contact between dog and baby. Always supervise and ook for common signs of stress, like lip licks, yawns, head turns, whale eye, pinned ears, etc.

Celebrate Progress, Stay Patient

Remember, this is a big adjustment for your dog. Progress may be gradual, and that’s okay. Consistency, patience, and plenty of rewards for calm, desired behaviour will help your dog form a lifelong positive association with the newest member of the family.

With the right preparation and positive reinforcement, your dog can transition smoothly into life with a baby.

Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate. They bark to alert, greet, play, or express excitement, but sometimes barking can become excessive and stressful for both the dog and their human. The key to addressing unwanted barking is understanding why it’s happening and then teaching an alternative behaviour using positive reinforcement.

1. Identify the Cause: Before you can reduce barking, you need to know what triggers it. Is your dog barking because of boredom, fear, attention-seeking, or reacting to noises or passers-by? Each cause may require a slightly different training approach. For example:

• Alert barking: triggered by sights or sounds.

• Attention-seeking barking: often learned because it works (you respond).

• Boredom barking: happens when a dog has nothing else to do.

• Fear-based barking: in response to something scary or unfamiliar.

2. Avoid Punishment: Shouting “Quiet!” or using aversive tools like bark collars might stop barking temporarily, but they can increase fear or anxiety and damage your bond. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding the behaviour you want instead of punishing what you don’t.

3. Teach a ‘Quiet’ Cue You can teach your dog a “Quiet” cue by first letting them bark once or twice, then calmly say “Quiet” in a cheerful tone. The moment they stop barking, even briefly, mark the moment with a clicker or a verbal marker like “Yes!” and reward with a high-value treat. Start with very short periods of silence and gradually build up. The key is timing: your dog should clearly associate the quiet moment with getting a reward.

4. Reinforce an Incompatible Behaviour It’s always easier to teach a dog what to do instead of barking. For example, if your dog barks when someone comes to the door, train them to go to a mat and lie down when the doorbell rings. Reward generously for performing this calm behaviour. Since they can’t bark and lie quietly at the same time, you replace the barking with something incompatible.

5. Enrich Their Environment A mentally and physically satisfied dog is less likely to bark out of boredom. Use puzzle toys, scent games, long lasting chews and daily walks to provide stimulation. Chewing and foraging activities are especially good at keeping dogs calm..

6. Manage the Triggers If your dog barks at people walking past the window, try blocking the view or using white noise to muffle outside sounds. Management prevents your dog from rehearsing the barking habit while you work on training.

7. Be Consistent and Patient Consistency is crucial so everyone in the household should respond to barking in the same way. Avoid giving in to barking by giving attention or treats unless the dog is quiet. Progress may take days or weeks, depending on the dog and the reason for barking.

By using positive reinforcement, you teach your dog that quiet behaviour is more rewarding than barking. Over time, this creates a calmer, happier household for both two-legged and four-legged family members.

A dog growling at a child can be alarming for any parent or dog guardian. But it’s important to remember that a growl is not “bad behaviour” — it’s communication. Your dog is saying, “I’m uncomfortable.” Rather than punishing the growl, which can teach your dog to skip this warning and go straight to a snap or bite, the safest and most effective approach is to listen, manage the situation, and help your dog feel more comfortable.

1. Stay Calm and Keep Everyone Safe

If your dog growls at a child, your first step is to calmly remove either the dog or the child from the situation. Avoid yelling, scolding, or grabbing the dog as this can increase fear and escalate behaviour. Your aim in that moment is safety: create space so the dog can relax, and ensure the child is not at risk.

2. Understand the Why

Dogs don't growl “out of nowhere.” Common reasons include feeling threatened, being in pain, guarding food or toys, or being startled. Children, especially younger ones, can behave unpredictably: sudden movements, high-pitched voices, or unsteady touches can overwhelm some dogs. Identifying what triggered the growl helps you address the root cause rather than just the symptom.

3. Avoid Punishment

Punishing a dog for growling may suppress the sound but won’t remove the discomfort or fear. Without this warning signal, you risk a sudden bite with no warning next time. Instead, see the growl as valuable feedback that tells you about how your dog's feeling so you can use management to prevent it from happening again.

4. Create Positive Associations with Kids

Once your dog is at a safe distance, start working on building positive feelings towards children. This is where positive reinforcement shines. For example:

• When your dog sees a child (at a safe distance), toss them a favourite treat.

• Gradually decrease the distance only if your dog remains relaxed.

• Always let the dog choose whether to approach.

The goal is for your dog to start thinking, “Kids appear = good things happen.” This method changes your dog's emotional response over time.

5. Teach the Child Appropriate Behaviour Around Dogs

Children need guidance on safe, respectful interactions. Teach them to:

• Avoid hugging, climbing on, or pulling at the dog.

• Let the dog be the one that approaches, not the kids.

• Pet gently on the chest or side rather than over the head. When children interact calmly and predictably, it’s easier for dogs to feel safe.

6. Give your dog a break from children

Providing your dog with a quiet area where they can rest or sleep away from the noisy, busy family environment helps dogs take a break if they needed.

7. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If your dog continues to growl or shows other signs of aggression, work with a qualified, force-free dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist. They can create a tailored plan and ensure progress is safe for both your dog and your family.

Bottom line: A growl is not a reason for punishment: it’s an opportunity to understand and help your dog. By using positive reinforcement, managing interactions, and teaching both dog and child how to be comfortable around each other, you’re building a safer, happier home for everyone.