MK9Plus Dog Training and Behaviour

Picture this scenario: your dog starts barking incessantly, guarding possessions with aggression, or showing signs of separation anxiety. But here's the twist - you're not at the beginning of a new problem; you're halfway through it. The key to resolving these issues permanently lies in a fundamental shift in mindset. This isn't just about fixing a barking problem; it's about recognising a deeper underlying issue. In our quest to solve these problems, we often seek quick fixes from various sources. Yet, the danger lies in finding unqualified individuals or relying on methods that only address the surface. Consider this: imagine a pond losing water. It's easy to find someone to refill it, temporarily resolving the issue. However, the root cause, the hole causing the water loss, remains unattended. Likewise, quick fixes may momentarily suppress the behaviour, but the real issue endures. To truly heal these behaviours, we need to approach them differently. Rather t

It's All About Your Dog's Window! This window is what ruins recall, creates obsession, and leads to hyperactivity in your dog. By "window," I mean their window of opportunity! Two hours a day is the most common duration I see people taking their dogs out for, and that's amazing, so keep it up. However, one thing you have to keep in mind is, if you aren't providing your dog with outlets or mental stimulation at home, you're training your dog to empty their energy reserve within those two hours every day, because that's their window of opportunity to live their life. Side Note: We also have to consider the nature of these walks. If we have a dog that isn't bred for exploring and hunting, like our sight hounds, scent hounds, or terriers, relying solely on walks for stimulation may not be enough. Many dogs are bred for specific tasks, and it's perfectly fine to fill most of their outdoor time with those tasks. Remember, that time is for them, and t

  As dog owners, it can be a distressing and frustrating experience when our furry companions exhibit behavioural issues.  It is essential to understand that just like humans, dogs also experience emotions like anxiety, fear, and stress, which can manifest as problematic behaviour. To effectively train and manage our dogs, identifying the root cause of the behaviour is crucial. For instance, if your dog is exhibiting destructive behaviour, they may be experiencing stress or anxiety. On the other hand, if your dog is growling or snapping at other dogs or people, they may be feeling fearful or in physical pain. Unfortunately, many dog parents tend to rely on punishment or food-based training methods without addressing the underlying cause of the behaviour. While these methods may produce short-term results, they do not provide a long-term solution. In fact, using punishment can even worsen the behaviour and increase the probability of different issues arising. Dogs do not misbehave out o

My dogs really enjoy spending time licking these mats. LickiMats are great for stimulating the senses, calming dogs down and making them feel good! Please note, lickimats will not stimulate your dog because something that is mentally stimulating is something that will work the dogs brain and tired them out, this means the task must be hard. For Example, doing maths and watching a movie are both classed as ways of mentally stimulating our brains, but only one is going to achieve a more tired person and it's just how dogs work too!   Stimulating the senses is a great way to make your dog feel happy, relaxed and drop arousal. LickiMats are perfect for this as they are microwave and freezer friendly. I love to crack an egg open on them and cook the egg in the microwave, or alternatively, I cover them in yoghurt and freeze them! I use these to help regulate my dogs' arousal levels, if we have just had a bit to much of a crazy fun time and sometimes I use them just as a treat, leavin

While calming dog toys can effectively decrease arousal in dogs, promote relaxation and boost their mood, it's important to note that they may not necessarily reduce anxiety. Anxiety is a complex condition characterised by a constant feeling of unease and worry, even in the absence of stimuli. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, past experiences, and lifestyle, and can manifest in many different ways. However, calming dog toys can be a helpful tool for decreasing arousal in dogs, which can be the leading cause of anxious behaviours and stress. If we can keep anxious dogs in a positive or calm state as often as possible, it can help tremendously in our journey to recovery. Our goal with anxious dogs should be to fill their days with activities that promote seeking, such as sniffing for food, exploring familiar environments, breaking through boxes to get food, and practicing their breed-specific behaviours. These activities might not be as calming, but they are bene