Dogaholics - Dog Training

Dogaholics - Dog Training Dogaholics is a Dog Training and Behaviour consultancy servicing the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie ar

Dog Training and Behaviour services in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area

28/05/2026

After running around and trampolining this week, I completely understood why dogs zoom around the house after being cooped up all day.

The difference afterwards in focus, emotions and energy regulation was huge (although my knees may disagree tomorrow). Dogs are no different. Appropriate exercise, enrichment and opportunities to use their bodies can have a massive impact on behaviour, arousal and learning.

Sometimes the goal isn’t to create a ‘tired dog’… it’s to help create a dog whose brain isn’t bouncing around like I was on the trampoline.

What do you think of my trampolining skills? lol!

26/05/2026

At our puppy classes, we don’t just focus on sit, down and stay — we focus on helping puppies learn how to relax, decompress and feel safe in the world around them .

Here you can see these gorgeous puppies enjoying one of our favourite decompression activities… a calming chew! Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps puppies regulate emotions, lower stress levels and learn to settle calmly around other dogs and people.

Our puppy classes are all about building confident, emotionally healthy puppies while giving caregivers practical, real-life skills that work.

If you want a puppy class that understands behaviour, emotions and the importance of calmness — we’d love to help!

Why social media can actually be bad for you AND your dog!There is so much dog training advice online now that it can be...
23/05/2026

Why social media can actually be bad for you AND your dog!

There is so much dog training advice online now that it can become completely overwhelming. One reel says to ignore your dog, another says correct them, another says give treats, another says your dog is “dominant”… and suddenly your left confused, stressed and feeling like your failing.

The reality is that social media rewards quick fixes, dramatic transformations and emotionally charged content — not nuanced, evidence-based information.
Dogs are individuals, behaviour is complex, and issues cannot be solved in a 30 second video.

Constantly comparing your dog to perfectly edited “before and after” videos can also create unrealistic expectations.

Training takes time, consistency, management and understanding. Progress is rarely linear.

For dogs, social media trends can also be harmful when people try techniques without understanding learning theory, body language or the emotional state behind behaviour. What looks “fixed” on camera is usually suppression, fear or shutdown behaviour.

It’s okay to take a step back from the noise.

It’s okay if your dog isn’t perfect.

And it’s okay to seek qualified, evidence-based help from a qualified, force free professional rather than relying on viral advice.

Your relationship with your dog matters far more than social media trends.

21/05/2026

Is there a magic wand in Dog Training?

Many caregivers hope their dog’s behaviour problems will magically be solved, but real behaviour change takes time, patience, consistency and treating the cause.

Every dog is different, and lasting results come from a thorough wholistic approach.

Changing behaviour is possible with the right approach.

Struggling with your dog’s behaviour?

Send me a message and let’s create a wholistic plan that works for you and your dog.

19/05/2026

If you are not in a designated off-leash area, please keep your dog on lead.

Even if your dog is friendly, allowing them to run up to unfamiliar dogs can be incredibly overwhelming for dogs that are reactive, nervous, or currently in training.

These unexpected interactions can create stressful and frightening experiences for both the dog and their caregiver.

Many caregivers are working incredibly hard to help their dogs feel safe and confident out in the world. Giving space and respecting boundaries makes a huge difference.

Keeping your dog on lead in public areas is not only responsible — it helps create a safer and more positive environment for everyone.

Need help with your dog’s training or behaviour?

🌐 Visit our website: https://dogaholicsdogtraining.com.au/dog-training-and-behaviour/
📩 Or send us a message to learn more about our training services.

What would you like to see more of on our socials?🐾I would love to make sure the content I share is genuinely helpful, i...
16/05/2026

What would you like to see more of on our socials?🐾

I would love to make sure the content I share is genuinely helpful, interesting, and relevant to you and your animals.

What are you currently struggling with?
What questions do you have about your dog or cat?
What topics are you curious about or want to learn more about?

Drop your ideas, questions, or challenges in the comments

14/05/2026

Puppy socialization isn’t just about face-to-face playtime.

At ourPuppy Pre-School, we focus on helping puppies feel safe, confident, and comfortable in new environments, and scent introductions are a huge part of that process.

In this session, we rotated the puppies through each other’s seating areas so they could explore and learn about one another through scent first.

Why is this important?

Because jumping straight into face-to-face greetings can sometimes feel overwhelming or scary for young puppies. Through scent, puppies gather valuable information about each other in a calm, low-pressure way before direct interactions happen.

This helps create:

✔️ More positive social experiences
✔️ Better confidence
✔️ Reduced stress and fear
✔️ Healthier puppy communication skills

Sometimes the best introductions happen before the puppies even meet.

Looking for help with your Puppy?

We’d love to support you and your pup on their training journey.

🌐 Visit our website: https://dogaholicsdogtraining.com.au/puppy-preschool-and-training/

📩 Or send us a message directly to learn more about our Puppy Pre-School program and training services.

12/05/2026

If you’re caring for a reactive dog, please know this:

You are doing an incredible job.

The walks that feel stressful…
The constant vigilance…
The judgment from strangers…
The emotional ups and downs…

It’s not easy.

But your patience, love, and commitment mean everything to your dog. They may have big emotions, but they also have big hearts. And having someone who understands them changes their whole world.

This video is for every dog parent navigating reactivity with compassion and care. You are seen, appreciated, and supported.

Need help? Feel free to message us.

I thought Something Was Wrong With My Dog…I don’t understand… she’s started growling at me.You could hear the worry in h...
10/05/2026

I thought Something Was Wrong With My Dog…

I don’t understand… she’s started growling at me.

You could hear the worry in her voice. The confusion. The heartbreak.
This was a loved family dog — and suddenly things felt different.

She told me her dog had been:

💔 Growling when being brushed
💔 Growling if startled while sleeping
💔 Chewing more than usual

And like so many caregivers, her first thought was…

“Is this a behaviour problem?”
“Have I done something wrong?”
“Is my dog becoming aggressive?”

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone

When I met them, I took the time to really look deeper.

Not just at the behaviour… but at the whole dog.

And that’s when I noticed it — a very slight limp in the back leg. So subtle it could easily be missed.

I suggested a vet check.
The result? Hip dysplasia… and surgery required.
Suddenly, everything made sense.

The growling wasn’t a “bad dog” — it was a dog in pain.

The reactions weren’t “aggression” — they were self-protection.

The chewing wasn’t “naughty” — it was a response to discomfort and stress.

We are so quick to assume behaviour is about training.

But sometimes, it’s physical.
And the truth is — our dogs can’t tell us with words.

They rely on us to notice the small changes.

Just like us… when we’re in pain, tired, or uncomfortable, we’re not at our best either.

You didn’t miss something because you don’t care.
You just didn’t have all the information yet.
That’s where guidance matters.

If your dog’s behaviour has changed or something feels “off”…
Trust that instinct.

At Dogaholics Dog Training & Behaviour Services, we look beyond the behaviour to understand the 'why'!

Need help with your dog?

Reach out here:
www.dogaholicsdogtraining.com.au

07/05/2026

Puppy having accidents inside the house?
Don’t worry - they’re still learning (they are not being naughty!).

With the right training, consistency, and timing, your puppy can learn where to go to the toilet!

Need help with toilet training?
Message us 🐾

05/05/2026

These two cute foster kitties are currently in our care!

Have you ever noticed kittens grooming each other?

That sweet little behaviour is called allogrooming — and it’s so much more than just keeping clean.

When kittens groom one another, they’re building social bonds, reducing tension, and creating a sense of safety within their group. It’s a behaviour rooted in trust.

You’ll often see it between siblings or kittens who feel comfortable and secure with each other.

It can also be a calming strategy. Grooming releases feel-good chemicals, helping kittens regulate their emotions and cope with their environment.

But like many behaviours, context matters. If grooming becomes intense, one-sided, or leads to avoidance, it can sometimes indicate underlying stress rather than pure affection.

So next time you see kittens grooming each other, take a moment to watch closely — you’re witnessing their communication, relationships, and emotional world in action.

Behaviour is always telling a story… we just need to know how to read it.

By the way, these two are available for adoption now!
https://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/1180973

Address

Adamstown, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm

Website

https://www.instagram.com/dogaholics.dog.training/

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