Paws & Effect

03/12/2025

Paws and Effect Dog Training will not be running any classes in the new year. We are, however, available for private consultations, in the new year, for any behaviour issues that you need help with.

15/11/2025

This is so true. Give it time and work through it.
There is never a bad puppy! They are just being puppies.

Every breeder knows this feeling. Your phone buzzes a few days after a puppy goes home, and the message starts out sweet.

“We love him, but…”

And you can already guess the rest.
He barks. He nips. He cries at night. He’s “a lot.”

The thing is… that isn’t a problem.
That’s a puppy.

They’re babies trying to figure out life without their mum and littermates. They’re confused, overstimulated, excited, scared, and curious all at the same time. That’s completely normal.

But a lot of people today want the easy version. The one they see online. The perfectly calm eight week old who never chews anything and somehow already knows every command.

They forget that behind every well trained, well mannered adult dog is someone who put in the work. Someone who showed up every day with patience, structure, and consistency.

So when someone says, “He’s adorable, but I don’t think we’re a good fit,” what they usually mean is that they wanted the love without the learning curve.

No puppy comes pre programmed. Even the best raised babies need time to adjust. They need guidance, calm energy, and someone willing to put in the effort.

People confuse an easy puppy with a good one.
The truth is every puppy is good. They’re just new.
And anything new is messy before it becomes magical.

As breeders, we see it all. We comfort the ones who come back scared and confused. We remind them gently, “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Because it’s never their fault when someone wasn’t ready for the tough parts that lead to the best parts.

Puppies aren’t a trend, or a trial run, or something to “see if it works out.”

They’re a commitment. A little piece of your heart on four legs.

If you’re not ready for the messy parts of puppyhood, that’s okay. Just wait until you can give your whole heart.

These little souls deserve nothing less. 💜🐾

Shared from another breeder.

12/11/2025

Elaine and I are retiring from dog classes at the end of the year. We have been working with Broome dogs for over 15 years and it has been a pure pleasure.
We are hanging up our treat bags and putting our feet up on Sunday’s. We are still doing our private consulting if you need us.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

09/08/2025

T-T

12/04/2025

Does your dog have the skills to be off leash?

All dogs would benefit being off their leashes so they could sniff and move freely. However, too many dogs here in Broome, do not have the skills to cope with for this kind of freedom. Freedom skills are a must so our dogs don’t become a danger or nuisance to others.

Before the lead comes off, first get calm behaviour and work on some focus skills. A nice sit and stay before unleashed. Then a calm “off you go”.

SO HOW CAN WE DO THIS

1. Engage
Because things can go pear shaped very quickly, especially in a dog park or beach, we as owners must have our attention ON our dog at all times. You need to be able to assess situations before they escalate. Get off the phone, talk with your mates while watching your dog, make sure your dog is not being a pest. What’s a pest? A dog bullying for play, rounding up dogs not wanting to play, play that is too rough for the other dog, pinning other dogs down are a few examples.

2. Risk Assessment
Is this the best environment for your dog? You are the carer of your dog. If they can’t cope with too many dogs this is not the place to be. They are likely to become reactive in this situation. Get them to a quieter place with less dogs. Too many bully breed ratios? Dogs have different play styles. Make sure the match is right for your dog.

3. Equipment
By law, we must have control over our dogs at all times and this means being able to call your dog back from any situation. Long leads are great if you have not got a reliable recall yet. Recalls are only reliable if they are trained and practiced in all situations not just at home.

4. Focus
Reward your dog for checking in with you ALWAYS. Checking in is dog looking at you or coming back to your side. ALWAYS reward your dog for coming back to you. REWARD=something great to eat!!!! I would not leave something I loved to do and come to you with out expecting something a whole lot better. Plain and simple, WHATS IN IT FOR ME!

Not all dogs are ready for this experience. It might be too challenging for them to cope. If they are snapping at other dogs, cowering around you or dogs it is best not to go. Look for private beach areas, quiet park areas and use long lines so your dog doesn’t run away. Then you and your dog will have a great experience together.

19/03/2025

K9 Kindy is now 27th of April. Please contact us for information and registration forms.

09/03/2025

It’s a Dogs World
DITCH THE DOMINANCE THEORY
We have come along way in this world of ours and need to keep up to date with new methods of working with our dogs.
Dominance is such an outdated concept in dog training and is associated with using aversive techniques in training. Why do we need to scare our dogs to do what we ask of them. Why do we need prong collars, choke chains, electrical zappers when we can use no force, high reward training. Ditch this outdated theory and enjoy your dog.

28/01/2025

I was walking my dog Tonka in the park when a small dog approached on a lead. We knew that this dog did not like close encounters with dogs so we made a large arc around it. This made the owner and the dog more comfortable. I have seen, in the past, owners being judged verbally for their dogs anxiety reaction of lunging, snarling and barking at a person or dog walking by.
This judgement can make the owner feel ashamed and very embarrassed.

You can certainly tell these people that pass verbal and non verbal comments have never experienced ownership of a dog who is reactive. They have never had to wake up at the crack of dawn or late at night to walk their dog to avoid meeting people. Never felt hopelessness and frustration when it all goes pear shaped again. Never felt the dread of hearing AGAIN, it’s okay my dog is friendly when it comes charging in to meet you. Never had the pressure to correct the dog for just being fearful so it looks like you are doing something.

Owning a fearful dog is very stressful on the person at the other end of the leash. For those in that situation, take a deep breath, move on, never compare dogs, they are all individuals. Forget shame! You own a beautiful being that needs you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

19/01/2025

DID YOU KNOW

Some dogs just don’t want to be touched by strangers. Pushing the dog to meet someone can backfire and create too much pressure that causes your dog to be very uncomfortable, feel unsafe and unsecured.
If pushed, anxiety and fear is the result and can lead to defensive behaviours like lunging, biting or at the very least just avoidance.

Every single time your dog says “NO” it is a very valid choice made by them. Reinforce their right to feel secure. If any dog shows signs they do not want to interact, walk away.

21/12/2024

Merry Christmas to all our friends. Keep healthy and happy. We will see you in the new year.🐾🐾

27/10/2024