Podgy Pooches!
How to tell if your dog is overweight, three simple body checks for any breed, and how to pick a nutritious dog food that fits your budget.
The first question to ask yourself is: what does your dog need?
Trainer or behaviourist?
Are your problems obedience based? Is your dog failing to follow instructions for simple “dog” tasks? Then you most likely need a dog trainer, to help you and your dog speak the right language to understand each other.
Are your problems more around reactivity? Fear or anxiety? High instinct drives? Separation or destructive behaviours? Then you are more likely to need a dog behaviourist. Behaviourists look into why a behaviour happens.
What type of professional?
It’s important to consider the type of trainer or behaviourist you want to work with. Not all canine professionals are cut from the same cloth. Look at their areas of expertise, from puppies and classes to reactivity and aggression. Then consider how they train: rewards based, tools based, games based, aversive? You have to be comfortable replicating the training with your dog at home.
Talk to them
Speak to the trainers and behaviourists available and get a feel for them. You need to communicate openly and honestly throughout the training process, and you can’t do that if you can’t hold a conversation with them. Any reputable canine professional will happily discuss what they can offer.
Last but not least, trust your gut. You know your dog and you know what you’re comfortable with, so go with it.