Happy Paws Dog Behaviour

26/05/2026

We are taking bookings for June, inquire now to book your dogs spot with us 🐶

Nurturing a happy, stress-free dog and a harmonious household for all.

08/05/2026

www.happypawsdogbehaviour.co.za

05/05/2026

It’s with great excitement that we welcome Staci to the Happy Paws team. A student with COAPE pursuing her studies in the dog training field, and a love for all dogs, Staci is a valuable asset to our team to keep providing our clients and their dogs with the best service possible. Staci is available for dog walking throughout the Southern Suburbs. Enquire now to book your dogs spot with us 🐾

30/04/2026

Nurturing a happy, stress-free dog and a harmonious household for all.

21/04/2026

What you allow, you teach.

09/04/2026

Jargon Buster – What is "Arousal"? 🐾🧠
Today, we’re busting a word that is often mistaken for "just having fun."

If you have a multi-dog household, you’ve probably seen it: the non-stop wrestling, the chasing through the garden and that high-energy frenzy that seems to never end. We often call this "playing," but trainers call it High Arousal.

The Jargon: Arousal (specifically Chronic Arousal).

The Bust: Think of Arousal as the "Volume Dial" of your dog’s nervous system. It isn't just about being "naughty" or "excited." It’s a physiological state where the body is flooded with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the dog to react.

Why it matters: When dogs are constantly encouraged to engage in high-energy play, their nervous systems rarely get a chance to "down-regulate" (turn the volume back down). Over time, this "Chronic Arousal" can lead to:

🧨 Increased reactivity.
🙅‍♂️ Poor impulse control.
🐕 Conflict between dogs who usually get along.

We often assume that a "good" multi-dog home is one where dogs are constantly playing. But actually, the most harmonious homes are built on Calm Coexistence. Success is when your dogs can settle in the same room without needing to interact. Calm isn't boring, it’s sustainable!

Do your dogs have a "settle" mode, or are they constantly at "Volume Level 10"? Let’s talk about finding the peace in the comments! 👇🧡

I'll leave link for the April magazine in the comments. Read the article by Keelan Stanley Nel of Happy Paws Dog Behaviour "Calm Coexistence over Constant Chaos"

09/04/2026

Typically between 6-18 months (can vary by breed), this is when your sweet puppy suddenly seems to "forget everything."
Listening? Gone.
Recall? Questionable.
Attitude? Peak chaos.

It's not disobedience - it's biology.
During adolescence, your dog's brain is undergoing a major remodel.
The prefrontal cortex (decision-making and impulse control) is still developing, while the emotional centre is in overdrive.

Hormones are running the show. Just like in human teens, there is increased testosterone / estrogen, heightened arousal and reactivity, and greater interest in the environment.
This = more impulsive, distracted
behaviour.

It's a "risk-taking" phase.
Adolescent dogs are wired to explore more, push boundaries, and take risks.
From a survival perspective, this helps them become independent.
But in modern life? It looks like chaos.

Your dog hasn't forgotten their training.
Their brain just can't access it reliably under distraction yet.
Impulse control is still under construction.

There is increased sensitivity & fear periods!
This is linked to changes in the brain's emotional processing systems.

Your dog's brain is more sensitive to dopamine (reward chemical).
New smells > you
Other dogs › you
Literally anything exciting › you
They're not choosing to ignore you, you're competing with biology.

Why this phase is so tough on owners:
• Expectations vs reality clash
• Frustration builds
• It feels like you're going backwards
This is the stage where many dogs are unfortunately given up.

What your dog actually needs from you:
• Consistency over perfection
• Patience over punishment
• Guidance, not pressure
They're not giving you a hard time...They're having a hard time.

This phase doesn't last forever.
With the right support, your chaotic teen becomes a stable adult.

02/04/2026

Working with reactivity can look very boring, but these are the skills that will matter for a lifetime. From a dog who could not even tolerate seeing another dog, to this. An understanding, patient, committed owner is everything! We aren't finished yet, this is only the beginning.

01/04/2026

Calm Coexistence Over Constant Chaos.

26/03/2026

Relationship first, always.