Activate Dog Training

13/06/2025

🍗🥕 “What’s the best training treat?”

I get asked this all the time—and honestly? Whatever works for you and your dog is the best dog treat. It totally depends on your dog! Some pups go wild for chicken, while others think carrot sticks are top-tier cuisine. 😄

Instead of chasing the “perfect” treat, here’s what I focus on:

✨ Keep it healthy! We use a lot of treats during training, so I try to pick options that aren’t just tasty but also good for my dog.

✨ Mix it up! Just like us, dogs can get bored of the same snack. A little trail mix of 2–3 favourites keeps things exciting and tasty.

What’s your dog’s go-to reward right now? 🐶👇

10/06/2025

Ever thought about the amount of work that goes in to training an assistance dog? These dogs are allowed to be in public to support their humans but it takes an incredible amount of training. As well as being tasked with specific behaviours to assist their humans they must also be confident, calm in public and display excellent manners.

They have to work hard and be able to remain calm and well mannered when out and about, even on planes.

Remember, if you see one of these dogs in public, ignore them. They are busy working and your attention is likely to distract them.

06/06/2025

📩 This month’s Train & Tell just landed!

We’re talking everyday training made easy, tasty enrichment treats, and our upcoming Walk & Wag event! 🐾✨

Check your inbox—or sign up to get in on the fun 👉

https://www.activatedogtraining.com.au/sign-up/

19/05/2025

🌟 Distractions are everywhere—but you and your dog can handle them with the right tools! 🌟

Whether it’s other dogs, people, or wildlife, staying focused on walks can be tricky. But with a little planning, it gets easier.

1️⃣ Distance is your best friend!
Avoid diving straight into the chaos. Stepping off the path, even slightly, gives your dog room to breathe, lowers stress, and gives you time to respond—not react.

2️⃣ Bring high-value treats!
When you’ve got something your dog really wants, you’ll notice them walking closer, checking in more, and looking to you instead of the distraction.

3️⃣ Be proactive, not reactive!
Spot the distraction early and get ahead of it. The sooner you adjust your position or engage with your dog, the easier it will be to keep things on track.

4️⃣ Get attention first!
Before rattling off cues, check if your dog is even able to listen. Reinforce just for looking at you—it’s a simple but powerful way to re-establish connection.

✨ Remember: training in the real world takes time and patience. Small wins add up!

16/05/2025

✨ Loose leash walking isn't magic—it's training! ✨

Despite what clever marketing might suggest, there’s no single piece of equipment that will instantly fix leash pulling. Sure, the right gear can help—especially if you’ve got a strong dog—but a truly great loose lead walk comes from time, patience, and consistent practice. 🐾

Meet Kai! He’s been working on walking calmly on the left, even along busy, distraction-filled streets near home. It’s not always easy, but he’s making amazing progress!

💡 Want to enjoy peaceful walks with your pup too? My Basic Manners package is the perfect place to start. Let’s turn tug-of-war walks into enjoyable strolls!

07/05/2025

🌳🐾 Training in the Real World 🐾🌳

"Today’s calm park is tomorrow’s busy trail. Train for life, one step at a time."

You've been practicing at home, in your yard, maybe even on your street. That’s amazing! The next step? Taking those skills into a new, quiet environment—like an empty park on a beautiful day.

It might seem peaceful, but to your dog, it’s full of new sights, sounds, and smells. That’s just the right amount of challenge to stretch their focus while still setting them up for success.

🎯 Tip: Bring your treats, your cheerleader voice, and your training mindset. Start simple, stay patient, and celebrate every win!

This is how we turn training into real-life reliability—one step at a time.

✨ You've got this. And your dog? They're right there with you.

30/04/2025

Are you ready?!?!?!

And just like that the school holidays are almost over!
DOG SKILLS kicks off this week. Can't wait to see you all.

RETURNING clients register here (choose your day of the week/location): https://thedogproject.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Packages.aspx

NEW clients : if you've attended a class or private training with us previously, you don't need to attend a Welcome class. Click the link above to select your day & location.
If you haven't attended any classes with us then select a Welcome lesson first ($30), then choose the day/location package. Welcomes: https://thedogproject.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx

As always, reach out with any questions.

28/04/2025

Dog Skills Starts This Week! 🎉🐾

Dog Skills covers loads of "good dog" behaviours, skills and tricks to engage your dog for life.

Join the fun! Find full details & register via the Dog Project website https://thedogproject.com.au/dog-skills/

21/04/2025

Happy Easter Everyone!

18/04/2025

Dot 2 Dot: A Game for Leash Walking Success

Dot 2 Dot is a fantastic game to kick off your leash walking training. Walking in a straight line at our pace isn’t a natural behaviour for dogs—they naturally move faster, curve, and zigzag as they explore the world through scent.

This game starts with simple markers just a few steps apart. Sidewalk lines are perfect for this! At each marker, I stop and reward my dog. Whether you choose the left or right side doesn't matter—just be consistent. Rewarding in the same place each time helps build a clear picture for your dog.

At this early stage, I’m not worried about what the dog is doing. As you’ll see in the video, just by stopping at each marker and offering a reward, she begins to check in more and starts walking with us. It’s a simple, encouraging way to begin building connection and focus on walks.

The markers help me keep a consistent rate of reinforcement, which is so important early on. And the best part? They make it easy to gradually scale things back. Once my dog is engaged and moving with me, I start increasing the distance between rewards—stopping at every second marker, then every third, and so on. This way, we’re slowly building focus and fluency without overwhelming them.

If my dog is struggling to engage with me, it’s a sign I may need to take a step back. A quieter space—like my backyard or a calm park—can make a big difference. They simply might not be ready for all the sights, sounds, and smells of the street just yet.

And if they start pulling ahead, chances are I’m increasing the distance between markers too quickly. Go back to stopping more often to keep the game fun and rewarding. Building loose leash skills is all about setting your dog up for success, one dot at a time!

15/04/2025

The Truth About Changing Behavior: Why Management Matters

When we’re working to change our dog’s behavior, the reality is—we can’t be on them 24/7. It’s simply not realistic, and honestly, it’s not fair to us or our dogs. Many of the behaviors we try to change aren’t "bad" in and of themselves—but they can lead to problems. Take jumping up, for example. It might seem harmless (if a little annoying), but what if someone gets knocked over and hurt? Now it’s a safety concern.

This is where management comes in.

Management means setting up the environment to make unwanted behaviors more difficult or less rewarding for your dog. Think baby gates to block access when guests arrive, so your dog can’t practice jumping. Or a visual barrier near a window to help reduce barking at passersby.

The beauty of management is that it keeps things consistent—even when you’re not actively training. Your dog can’t keep practicing the behavior you’re trying to change, which means they’re not strengthening that habit. It’s a powerful and essential piece of your behavior change plan.

Struggling with your dog’s behavior? I’d love to help. Reach out and let’s chat about how we can set your dog up for success!

12/04/2025

Planning a Getaway? Let’s Talk Dog Boarding 🐾🏡

Leaving your dog behind while you travel can feel like a big step—but with a little prep, you can set your pup up for a happy, safe experience.

Here are my top tips for arranging boarding that works for you and your dog:

✨ 1. Choose the right fit
Whether it’s a boarding facility, a home-based sitter, or a trusted friend, think about your dog’s personality. Do they thrive in a bustling social setting, or do they need quiet time? There’s no one-size-fits-all—just what works best for your dog.

❓ 2. Ask the important questions
Before booking, find out:
➡️ Where will your dog sleep?
➡️ How much exercise is offered, and what type? (Be sure to ask about duration and intensity.)
➡️ How much one-on-one time will they spend with caregivers?
➡️ Are staff trained in dog behavior and body language?
➡️ How are dogs supervised and grouped?
A good facility or sitter will happily walk you through these details.

🧭 3. Do a trial run
If possible, book a one-night stay or daycare visit before your trip. It helps your dog get familiar with the space, routine, and people—so the longer stay feels like a return, not a brand-new experience.

📋 4. Share the little details
Inform your sitter about your dog’s routines, feeding schedule, medications, and even quirky habits—like that extra love for a quick belly rub. The more they know, the more they can make your dog feel at home.

🧳 5. Pack familiar comforts
Bring your dog’s regular food (plus a little extra), any medications, and comfort items like a favorite blanket, toy, or an item that carries your scent. These touches make a big difference in easing the transition.

💬 Have you found a boarding setup that works great for your dog? Or is your pup more of a travel buddy? I’d love to hear what works for your family!