Four Happy Paws

30/06/2025

Do you struggle with walking your dog?

There is a better way! Taking the time to train your dog to walk on a loose lead is worth your time. You'll both go on more walks if you both enjoy it!
Read my latest blog for some tips to get you started.

Going for a walk should be one of the highlights of your dog’s day—but if your arm feels like it’s being yanked out of its socket, you’re not alone! I am often contacted by clients with similar problems.The good news is: with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can teach your dog...

26/06/2025

🐾 ZIGGY 🐾
Say hello to Ziggy! 🐾💕
Isn't she a beautiful girl! I love those ears! Ziggy was adopted from Pound Paws Rescue and is living her best life 🥰

But Ziggy's owner has found that her recall needs some work, as well as some tools to help keeping her focused and engaged. We worked on introducing an emergency recall, and some fun pattern games to help Ziggy refocus on her owner. Her owner reports Ziggy is enjoying the games and they are currently working on long distance recall.

Thank you to Ziggy's owner for letting me share her story 🐾💖🐶💕

22/05/2025

Say hello to Sarge🐾
Look at that cute expressive face!

Sarge is 18 weeks old & loves people ❤️

Unfortunately.... he loves them a little too much, so will jump all over them to say hello when they visit his home.
He is also very excited to see them when he is out for a walk too!

Sarge will be learning how to sit for greetings over the coming weeks.
Best of luck Sarge! We know you can do it!

25/04/2025

That's a wrap! My last group of beginner Scent Class attendees had their last class on Wednesday. I love these classes, it's so cool watching the progress they all make and the teamwork between owner and dog 🤩

I couldn't resist sharing this selfie from Annie taken during the class - so cute! 🥰

I'll post some videos up of them in action over the next few days.

03/04/2025

⚠️ PARVO ⚠️

Recently there has been a Parvo outbreak in Christchurch. There has now been a case in Ashburton.
Stay vigilant! Check your dogs vaccines are up to date.

25/03/2025

TUESDAY TIP!
To get the right dog for you, first consider your lifestyle. Do you run seven miles every morning or enjoy the occasional Sunday stroll? Do you want a dog that can come along when you kayak? Camp? Fish? Ski? What level of training and mental exercise do you want to provide your dog with? Is competitive agility on the agenda, or would you be happier with a couch buddy?
These are all important things to consider!

If you are thinking about getting a new dog, get in touch, I am happy to guide you.

18/03/2025

TUESDAY TIP
Active dogs need active people! As it happens, dogs living in cities often get more exercise than dogs living in suburbs, probably because
people with a yard tend to let their dogs out and hope they will self-exercise. They don’t. They
stalk birds, bark at passersby, or snooze in a sunny spot, waiting for entertainment!

11/03/2025

It's time to start another Scent Work Class!
As the days are drawing in, how about finding a fun new skill to teach your dog?!

Introducing:
Beginners Scent Work Class 🎉🐶🐾

📅 Estimated Start Date 19th March or 26th of March.
⏰️ 6.30 - 7.30 pm Wednesdays
📝 6 weeks
🐶 Dogs over 6 months old
💰 $70
📧 [email protected] to book your place (or DM).

*Dogs need to be fully vaccinated and be okay around other dogs. (This class is held indoors).

11/03/2025

TUESDAY TIP
Selecting a dog myth two -
Big dogs sometimes have lower activity levels and do better in small sections rather than small, very active dogs. They take up more space, that’s all.
Do your research! Sometimes a small dog may require more exercise than you think.

04/03/2025

TUESDAY TIP
This Month I am going to give you tips on selecting a new dog.
The first myth is that certain breeds are terrible with children. Almost any breed can be either great or problematic with children, depending on how well the dog in question has been socialized to children as a puppy.
If you are particularly worried about a puppy with children, choose a puppy that has been raised in a family home.

25/02/2025

Did you know there are many different types of barking?
For example
• Communication
• Excitement
• Warning
• Boredom
• Frustration
• Fear
• Learned behaviour
• Anxiety
• Stereotypic behaviour
• Medical and/or age-related

Working out what type of barking your dog is doing can help find a solution for barking problems.

18/02/2025

TUESDAY TIP!
Dogs don’t do things we dislike to get back at us or be stubborn or naughty. Even though sometimes it might feel like that, with our human brain, this is a myth.

To dogs the world is either safe or dangerous and things either work or they don’t. Right or wrong never enters into it, because dogs do not have the capacity for abstract thought. Dogs do what is safe and what works. That’s all.