Puppy & Dog Advice & Tips Blog - Elite K9 Training Centre | Loevenstein, Cape Town

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Training

Elite K9 - Keep Your Puppy Safe this Valentines Day from the dangers of chocolate. Puppy Safety Article: Puppy Love is in the Air this Valentine's Day - Chocolate Dangers & How to Keep Your Puppy Safe. Read Article

Puppy Love is in the Air this Valentine’s Day – Chocolate Dangers & How to Keep Your Puppy Safe

Puppy Safety Article: Puppy Love is in the Air this...

Elite K9 Training Center - hinking of Getting a Puppy for Christmas? Before bringing a furry friend home, consider these essential questions: - How much training will I need to do? Training a puppy requires time, effort, and patience. You'll need to attend training classes and practice consistently at home. This can take up to 18 months, so be prepared for a long-term commitment. - How often will I need to train my puppy? Training doesn't stop after a single class. You'll need to reinforce what you've learned at home, ideally 3-4 times a week. Consistency is key to developing good behavior. - Do I need professional training classes? Yes, professional training classes are highly recommended. A good trainer can help you address behavioral issues, provide personalized guidance, and ensure you're raising a well-behaved adult dog. - What breed is right for my family's lifestyle? Choosing the right breed is crucial. Consider factors like energy levels, grooming needs, and temperament. Some breeds require more attention, exercise, or training than others. Consult with a professional to find the perfect match. - Will my puppy get along with my kids? While puppies can bring immense joy to families, it's essential to consider compatibility. Some breeds are more suitable for families with children than others. Research, consult with a professional, and ensure your puppy receives proper socialization. - Should I crate-train my puppy? Crate training is highly recommended. It provides a safe space for your puppy to relax, reduces separation anxiety, and makes vet visits and travel less stressful. - How can I ensure a happy, safe relationship between my puppy and kids? Teach your children to respect your puppy's boundaries, provide adequate supervision, and ensure your puppy receives proper training and socialization. Remember, getting a puppy is a 10-15 year commitment! Make sure you're ready for the responsibility. #PuppyLove #ChristmasPuppy #DogParenting #ResponsiblePetOwnership #PuppyTraining #DogBreeds #FamilyPets #PetCareTips #frenchypuppy #frenchbulldog

Thinking of Getting a Puppy for Christmas?

Thinking of Getting a Puppy for Christmas? Before bringing a...

EliteK9 Training Center - Protect your pets from fireworks fright. Protect Your Pets from Fireworks Fright As Guy Fawkes approaches, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA reminds us to prioritize our furry friends' well-being. Why Fireworks Can Be Harmful: - Fireworks can cause stress, anxiety, and fear in animals. - They can also harm birds and wildlife. - Fireworks pollute the environment. Helpful Tips for Pet Owners: - Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. - Report fireworks use to the City's Emergency Control Centre (021 480 7700). - Stay home with your pets and provide a quiet space. - Offer distractions like toys, treats, or soothing music. - Ensure pets are microchipped. - Consider natural calming remedies (available at SPCA Vet Shops). Support and Resources: - Cape of Good Hope SPCA Helpline: 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 (after hours). - SPCA Vet Shops: Plumstead and Grassy Park. - Education and outreach programs: Together, Let's Keep Our Pets Safe! References: - Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Protect Your Pets from Fireworks Fright

Protect Your Pets from Fireworks Fright. Why Fireworks Can Be...

ELITE K9 - Protecting Your Furry Friend:Can Dogs Eat Candy? What to Know About Dogs & Sugar. Is Candy Safe for Dogs? Toxic Treats to Avoid. Keeping Your Dog Safe. Healthy Alternatives. Responsible Treat-Giving. Prioritize your dog's well-being. Choose safe treats and keep harmful substances out of reach.

Can Dogs Eat Candy? Protecting Your Furry Friend: The Facts About Dogs and Candy

Protecting Your Furry Friend:Can Dogs Eat Candy? What to Know...

ELITE K9 - Separation Anxiety, What is it & How to Deal with It? When dogs are overly attached or dependent on their family members. Read Article

What is Separation Anxiety & How to Deal with It?

ELITE K9 - Separation Anxiety, What is it & How...

EliteK9 Training Centre are so proud of all those who participated in 2023! Our last classes for the year - It was a Christmas theme and well done to everyone that participated.

Year End 2023 Training Class

EliteK9 Training Centre are so proud of all those who...

Elite K9 - How To Cool Dogs Down in Summer

How To Cool Dogs Down in Summer?

How To Cool Dogs Down in Summer? Did you know...

Puppy and Dog Hydration Guide for Summer ELITE K9 - Puppy & Dog Hydration Guide for Summer! Puppy / Dog Hydration Guide and Tips for Adding Water to Their Food and Checking Hydration Levels Puppies require proper hydration to maintain their health and well-being. One way to ensure they stay hydrated is by incorporating water into their food. By adding water to their dry and wet food, you can help keep them hydrated throughout the day. This is especially important when it comes to canned food, as it typically contains less moisture than dry food. Adding water to canned food helps increase the moisture content, making it easier for puppies to consume and digest. Not only does adding water to your puppy's food help with hydration, it also has other benefits. For example, it can help prevent urinary tract infections and promote healthy kidney function. To check if your puppy is hydrated, you can perform a simple test called the "skin turgor test." This involves gently pinching and lifting the skin between the shoulder blades and then releasing it. If your puppy is well-hydrated, the skin should quickly return to its normal position. If your puppy is dehydrated, the skin will remain "tented" or take longer to return to its normal position. Adding water to your puppy's food is a great way to ensure they stay hydrated. Signs of Dehydration in Dogs - This may include excessive panting, dry nose and gums, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, and thick saliva. Additionally, it is important to note that special consideration should be given to maintaining proper hydration in working canines(EB, V. et al., 2016). They may require extra water intake due to increased physical activity and the potential for higher fecal scores. References EB, V. et al. (2016) Effects of Air Travel Stress on the Canine Microbiome: A Pilot Study. Available at: https://scite.ai/reports/10.19070/2332-2748-1600028

Puppy & Dog Hydration Guide for Summer!

Puppy & Dog Hydration Guide for Summer! Puppy & Dog...

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Puppy Training #1 Puppy Behavior Guide: Fear, Happiness, and Signs of Dominance Understanding puppy behavior is essential for effective training and communication between dogs and their owners. By observing key indicators of fear, happiness, and dominance, owners can better understand their puppy's emotions and respond accordingly. One important sign of fear or submission in puppies is when their ears are flat against the back of their head. This can indicate that the puppy is feeling scared or is trying to show submissiveness. "Fear or aggression towards people or other dogs is strongly influenced by the environment during the socialization period." (Source: Kutsumi et al., 2013). This indicates that the way a puppy is raised and socialized can greatly impact their behavior towards people and other dogs. ELITE K9 - The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Puppy Training #1 Puppy Behavior Guide: Fear, Happiness, and Signs of Dominance Understanding puppy behavior is essential for effective training and communication between dogs and their owners. By observing key indicators of fear, happiness, and dominance, owners can better understand their puppy's emotions and respond accordingly. One important sign of fear or submission in puppies is when their ears are flat against the back of their head. This can indicate that the puppy is feeling scared or is trying to show submissiveness. "Fear or aggression towards people or other dogs is strongly influenced by the environment during the socialization period." (Source: Kutsumi et al., 2013). This indicates that the way a puppy is raised and socialized can greatly impact their behavior towards people and other dogs. Furthermore, a partially open mouth with a lolling tongue is a sign of a happy and relaxed puppy. This behavior indicates that the puppy is content and at ease!

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Puppy Training

The Benefits of Positive Reinforcement Puppy Training Puppy Behavior Guide:...

Elite K9 - Puppy & Dog Article - Grooming why is it important

Grooming, Why is it Important?

Grooming, Why is it important? Grooming is important, some dogs...

WHY IS SNIFFING ON A WALK SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DOG: It is spring time and it is time to enjoy the flowers. Everywhere you go you see fruit trees making pink flowers, you see plenty of different colour flowers next to the road, new leaves growing and this making you stop and enjoy the moment. Makes you feel you want to smell the roses as they say. One of my favourite seasons of the year. As you may notice, I asked why is it important for a dog to sniff on a walk? Here is a couple of reasons: - They learn their world through their noses, almost ‘seeing’ through their noses. - By sniffing on walks, your dog absorbs and process all the smells. - By smelling on their walks, it is mentally and physically stimulating for them. - Sniffing calm their heart rate as well as their stress levels. - By smelling, it improves their behavior. (https://za.pinterest.com/pin/dog-training-tipslet-them-sniff-in-2022--946741152889401302/). Remember, sniffing is a natural behavior for a dog and it should be allowed. It is very stimulating for your dog to take him or her every day to a different walk where they can have new smells. Like we do we stop and smell the roses, dogs also need to smell their environment. You will notice, your dog will be better behaved if they go on ‘sniffaries’ on their walks, as oppose to a straight fast walk just to get the energy out of them. Keep in mind, not all sniffing areas are safe, so know your area and keep those eyes peeled for bones, poison etc. that may be along the route. If you see something dangerous, rather don’t let your dog sniff there. (https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/let-them-sniff/). If you need more info, feel free to contact us.

WHY IS SNIFFING ON A WALK SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DOG?

WHY IS SNIFFING ON A WALK SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR...

Elite K9 - Puppy & Dog Safety Tips Article - Why does my sterilised dog hump

WHY DOES MY STERILIZED DOG HUMP?

I’ve recently encountered a few incidents where a neutered male...

Elite K9 - Positive Puppy Trainer Cape Town - Blog Article - Do your pets have medical aid2

Do You Have Medical Aid For Your Pets?

If your answer is no, here are a few reasons...

Elite-K9-Happy-New-Year-Positive-Puppy-Training-Centre-Cape-Town-Choosing-a-Puppy-Day-Care What to look for in dog day care centres? Don’t we all love to come home to an exhausted dog who has spent the day in the day care after a long day at work? We think that the dog/s are having a ball there and it is all about the fun, socialization and play. The reality often is this is also very stressful for dogs as well as they are basically forced to spend long periods of time together, conflict personalities can cause tension between dogs (and this can lead to fights). Often, day cares pop up, with staff that has no knowledge or qualifications about animal behaviour, and when or how to separate the dogs if necessary. Another factor is spreading of contagious diseases such as Parvo, and Distemper is problematic. If you want to enrol your dog in a day care, I suggest you do in only once or twice a week. The reason is that if the dog is more than 2 – 3days a week in a day care, he or she can become potentially dog obsessed, in other words, he or she will be more interested in other dogs, instead having a relationship with you as the owner. Check out the property first, to see how it is run, if staff have the knowledge and qualifications. How do they separate fighting dogs, do they put compactable dogs together, shy ones separate? What are their training methods, positive or negative training? Insist on what protocols are in place if a disease like Parvo or Distemper breaks out in the facility. Also make sure that it is a reputable company as well. Important to remember that not all dogs love the company of other dogs. As in humans, we find introverts and extroverts. If your dog is introverted, keep him or her at home, and make sure someone comes in to give him her attention, etc. during the day if you do work long hours. Feel free to contact me if you need more information.

What to look for in dog day care centres?

What to look for in dog day care centres? Don’t...

Elite K9 Training Centre Bellville Parow Loevenstein Cape Town - Dog Behaviour Safety Article Let’s chat this week about resource guarding in dogs. What is resource guarding: resource guarding is when a dog exhibit aggression behaviours over food or a toy by growling, lunging or biting. This occur in any breed of dog and this can be preventative or discouraged if trained properly as a young pup. Certain things to consider when you feed your dog or pup, never bother him/her while he/she is eating food, i.e. put your hand in the food bowl, or just take the food bowl away while eating. This is actually rude, and I am sure that while you busy eating, you don’t want to be disrupted while eating, right! If you do this, you are encouraging resource guarding, as the dog thinks: ‘oh, my food is been taken away, I have to do something to prevent this.” In certain situations, like a walk, the streets and parks are usually lots of bones lying around for the dog to eat while he or she is on a walk. In this circumstance, teach your dog to drop the bone or whatever he or she got hold of, and if she or he drops it, always reward with something equally good like a piece of biltong, or his/her favourite treats. If you have issues with resource guarding, feel free to contact me. www.elitek9.co.za

Let’s chat this week about resource guarding in dogs

Elite K9 Training Centre Bellville Parow Loevenstein Cape Town -...

Happy Easter - Easter Chocolate Foods Pups Dogs Should Avoid Here are few food articles that your dog/s should avoid getting hold of: 1. Chocolate – this is harmful for dogs as it contains methylxanthines which are stimulants that release the ‘feel good’ chemicals in humans, but they result diarrhea, vomiting, seizures irregular heart beat and even death. 2. Caffeine - just like chocolate, caffeine contains methylxanthines which can cause hyperactivity, increased thirst, excessive urination, tremors, coma and death. Rather just give your dog water to drink while you having your coffee. 3. Garlic, onions and chives – while we find this food yummy and enjoying the aromas while cooking, this food is of no beneficial value for your dog. These food form part of the Allium family, garlic is the most toxic for your dogs. Should they get any of these in by accident, it can harm red blood cells which results in anemia, pungent properties can upset your dog’s stomach and symptoms takes a couple of days to appear. 4. Xylitol – This artificial sweetener are found in many low calorie food such as candies and gum. This cause your dog, if digested, to lower glucose blood sugar, which then can cause liver failure, seizures and brain damage. 5. Alcohol – You may find it funny to watch a cartoon with a drunken dog in it, but in reality this is no laughing matter. If alcohol is consumed by dogs, it has the same affect as in humans by depressing the central nervous system, stressing the liver. A very small amount may make your dog ill. There are a few more toxic food for your dogs. If you wish to read more, go to: https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-foods-to-never-feed-your-dog/10/?da=true&daInit=1.

Are you celebrating Easter this weekend by Easter Egg Hunting, Hot Cross Buns, Curry Fish, etc.?

Are you celebrating Easter this weekend by Easter Egg Hunting,...

Elite K9 Training Centre Bellville Parow Loevenstein Cape Town - Puppy Training Classes

Let’s Chat About Car Safety

Let’s Chat About Car Safety. Often we have to travel...

Elite K9 Fireworks Are ‘Weapons Of Terror’ Says Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Fireworks Are ‘Weapons Of Terror’ Says Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Fireworks Are ‘Weapons Of Terror’ Says Cape of Good Hope...

Dog vs Snake: A Confrontation Pet Owners Want to Avoid https://elitek9.co.za/dog-vs-snake-a-confrontation-pet.../ FOR FURTHER DETAILS, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. VISIT: WWW.ELITEK9.CO.ZA OR FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: ELITE K9 TRAINING CENTRE Book Today - Your Pup Deserves It! IMPORTANT NUMBERS IN THE EVENT OF A SNAKE BITE TO YOUR DOG: **AFRICAN SNAKE BITE INSTITUTE: **082 494 2039 **TAH BELLVILLE: **021 91 911 91 **TAH KENILWORTH (Cape Animal Medical Centre): **021 674 0034 A LIST OF SNAKE REMOVERS: https://www.pethealthcare.co.za/.../reptile-rescuers-list... Article Credit: https://tah.co.za/.../dog-vs-snake-a-confrontation-pet.../ . . . #puppytrainingtips #puppyclass #puppytrainer #puppy #puppylove #puppies #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #doglover #doglife #dogstagram #capetownsouthafrica #capetown #dogbehavior #dogbehaviourist #dogbestfriend #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainingisfun #elitek9 #elitek9trainingcentr

Dog vs Snake: A Confrontation Pet Owners Want to Avoid

The warmer weather being experienced in South Africa means the...

Elite-K9-Training-Centre-Bellville-Parow-Loevenstein-Cape-Town-Puppy-Safety-Tips - Foods to Avoid this Festive Season

Puppy Safety – Foods to Avoid

Puppy & Dog Poisonous food to avoid this festive season....