Dog Behaviour

In the old days, the time to start training a dog was no earlier than 6 months. The methods used were often harsh with little consideration given to the dog as an individual.

One of the big secrets is early socialization - the sooner puppies can get out safely into the big world the better.

                                  

Earlier vaccination means that puppies can be out and about as early as 11 weeks of age, rather than 16 weeks which the older vaccination programs promoted.

The quality of the socialization program is also important, taking the pup the same walk in the same area every day only gets them used to that one area, whereas a different walk meeting different people, sights, smells and noises is much more educational and increases that pups knowledge of the world.

For the last 15 years we at McKenzie, Bryson & Marshall have been running a Puppy Playgroup which allows puppies to learn to interact with other puppies of a similar age.
The playgroup is also helpful for the owners, as the trainers are well equipped to offer advice and help with puppy problems. Often a 'cute' puppy behaviour can develop into a nightmare adult behaviour and a few words of warning can ward off a potential problem.

                                  

Advice is also available on a variety of puppy issues like toilet training, mouthing and biting, suitable toys, nutrition, flea and worm control and general puppy education.
Many puppy owners come back with future generation pups as they have found the service helpful, interesting and enjoyable.

A well behaved dog is a pleasure to own, but it takes time, patience and understanding to achieve that goal.

With behavioural problems it is important to get a history of the pet, the problem, diet and any other information that may or may not be relevant to the case in hand.

                                       

It is important that all family members who are dealing with the animal or the problem are involved in the consultation. Because of the wide range of problems that can be presented, no single person can be an expert in all fields. With this in mind we may sometimes refer you on to someone who is a specialist in the particular field.