PRICING

We aim to provide the best training advice & information for you & your furry friend.

Dog Training

Q1: How long will it take to train my dog?
A: How long is a piece of string? Training is a life long commitment of your dog.. like anything it requires ongoing  repetition and consistency. If we learn a new language as we are asking our dogs to do, it takes ongoing practice to help retain the information. English isn’t their first language.

Q2: Do you use positive reinforcement methods?
A: Yes — when and where its most useful. But it should never be a bribe.

Q3: Can older dogs still be trained?
A: Absolutely. Dogs of any age can learn new skills and behaviors. Training is about consistency and communication, not age.

Q4: What issues can training help with?
A: Training can improve leash manners, recall, barking, jumping, anxiety, and general obedience.

Q5: How many training sessions will I need?
A: It varies. Some owners see results after 1–2 sessions, while more complex behavior issues may require ongoing support.

Getting a New Puppy

Q1: What should I do the first night with my new puppy?
A: Keep things calm, use a crate for safety, and expect some whining as they adjust. Stay consistent and patient.

Q2: When can I take my puppy outside?
A: Wait until vaccinations are up-to-date before public outings, but you can start safe exposure at home right away.

Q3: How often should my puppy eat?
A: Most puppies need 3–4 small meals a day until around 6 months old, then transition to 2 meals.

Q4: How much exercise does a puppy need?
A: Short play sessions several times a day. Avoid over-exercising young joints — mental games are just as important as physical.

Q5: How do I start socializing my puppy?
A: Expose them safely to new people, sounds, and experiences in a positive way from a young age. Desensitizing puppies is a critical phase for development.

Puppy Training

Q1: When should I start training my puppy?
A: Right away — puppies can begin learning basic cues as early as 8 weeks old.

Q2: What are the first commands I should teach?
A: Start with simple commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it.

Q3: How long should training sessions be?
A: Keep sessions short and fun — 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day is perfect.

Q4: How do I stop my puppy from biting?
A: Redirect biting to toys, use firm “no” or “ouch,” and praise when they choose appropriate behavior. Remember they will be teething too so give them appropriate natural chews and soft toys.

Q5: Why does my puppy forget what I taught yesterday?
A: Puppies need repetition. Consistency and patience help turn lessons into lasting habits.

Puppy Teething

Q1: When do puppies start teething?
A: Around 3–4 months old, lasting until 6–7 months.

Q2: What are signs my puppy is teething?
A: Chewing on everything, drooling, red gums, and small teeth falling out.

Q3: How can I help soothe my teething puppy?
A: Provide puppy-safe chew toys, frozen washcloths, or chilled rubber toys.

Q4: How do I stop destructive chewing?
A: Supervise closely, redirect to soft toys, and puppy-proof your home during this stage. Keeping their brain engaged will also help them rest better.

Q5: Is it normal for my puppy to lose teeth?
A: Yes — just like children, puppies lose baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in.

Best Training Toys

Q1: What are the best toys for training recall?
A: Tug toys, balls, and long-line fetch toys are great for rewarding a fast return.

Q2: Are puzzle toys good for training?
A: Yes — they keep your dog’s mind engaged and teach problem-solving.

Q3: Can toys replace treats in training?
A: For many dogs, yes. Toys can be used as high-value rewards for good behavior. Keep 1 or 2 favorites aside for this to keep the novelty value high.

Q4: Which toys are safe for puppies?
A: Soft rubber toys (like puppy KONGs) and soft plush toys are best — avoid anything too hard. Cow hooves and other natural long lasting chews can be helpful too.

Q5: How do toys help with separation anxiety?
A: Enrichment toys filled with food can keep your puppy busy and comforted when left alone.

Best Training Equipment

Q1: Should I use a collar or a harness?
A: A well-fitted easily adjustable collar is best for puppies learning to understand collar pressure and how to walk nicely on leash.

Q2: What length lead is best for training?
A: A standard 160cm (5ft) lead for everyday walks, and a long line (5–10m) for recall training.

Q3: Do I need a crate for my puppy?
A: Yes — crates provide a safe space and are invaluable for toilet training and routine. Avoid using puppy pads in the house. Put toilet on cue.

Q4: What treats work best for training?
A: Small, soft, and tasty treats that can be given quickly during training.

Q5: Is specialized training equipment necessary?
A: Not always. A good collar, lead, crate, and a few toys are enough for most puppies. We dont use harnesses as it can often promote pulling.

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kat@dogsareus.co.nz

0274711332