When working with a dog who’s easily distracted or nervous around other dogs, it’s very important to understand that each dog has different comfort levels. Knowing the circumstances and environments that your dog is able to emotionally and mentally handle will give you a reliable starting point you can then build upon. The key to success when tackling reactivity and behaviour modification also lies in having patience, respect for your dog’s can and can'ts, and reinforcing calm responses. Let's take a look at how we can help your dog, or any dog who feels similarly to Chloe, stay calm outdoors and around other dogs, and how you can use positive reinforcement to encourage the desired choices that your dog makes. Managing Distractions and Social Interactions: Recognizing the Signs It’s essential to recognize when your dog is ready to engage with other dogs and when they need space. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of stress, feeling overly agitated or more distracted than usual—like sniffing around or focusing on something else—it’s important to respect those signs and not force your dog into an interaction. For instance, Chloe, a dog I’m working with, was more focused on what we were doing than the dog in the distance. While she did hear the other dog, she chose to stay focused on me. This was an excellent opportunity to reinforce calm responses on her part, keeping in mind the distance that she and I (as well as the other dog) were comfortable with. Reinforcing Calm Behavior In Chloe’s case, I more often than not will chose to reinforce her calm behaviours and decisions by offering her more space when we're outside. By allowing Chloe to stay at a distance where she feels comfortable, I rewarded her with what she and most sensitive or reactice dogs need most— time and space. This shows Chloe that she doesn’t have to engage with the dog if she’s not ready, and it helps her feel more at ease around other dogs, ultimately getting closer and closer to the idea and association that dogs = time and space, more so than pressure and discomfort. Using Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement isn’t just about giving treats and praising. It’s about reinforcing the decisions your dog makes that you want to see more of. For Chloe, I reinforced her calm choices by not forcing her to engage with the dog, but rather offering her space, which helped her feel more secure and maintain a state of mind that cared more about doing things with me, rather than worrying about the other dog present. This reinforcement teaches dogs that staying calm and focusing on you can lead to positive outcomes and that it's naturally reinforcing to leave their concerns behind, trusting that it'll pay off more if they choose to focus on what we're doing above all else. The Power of Distance For many dogs, distance is key. Not every dog will feel comfortable approaching or interacting with another dog, and that’s okay. And thus by respecting a dog's comfort level, you in turn help them learn how to interact with other dogs at their own pace. You can use this distance as a form of positive reinforcement, rewarding your dog with more space when they remain calm and focused. To sum it up, tackling dog reactivity and helping your dog stay calm around other dogs requires understanding and respecting their boundaries. By recognizing when your dog is ready to engage and when they need space, you create a positive experience that builds confidence and trust. Using positive reinforcement to reward calm reactions, and offering distance when needed, helps your dog learn how to remain calm in distracting and often stressful situations.

The Brick Food Puzzle is an enriching tool that every pet parent should consider. It combines mental stimulation with meal times, transforming the everyday task of feeding into an exciting activity for your dog. This interactive puzzle encourages dogs to problem-solve as they uncover food or treats hidden in compartments by lifting, nudging, and pushing pieces around. How to Use the Brick Food Puzzle The Brick Food Puzzle challenges your dog’s mind and instincts in a way that keeps them engaged. Here’s how the puzzle breaks down: Lifting: Your dog will need to lift the bone-shaped pieces first, which unlocks other compartments. This step might require a little guidance; try tying a small cord to make it easier for them to grab and lift. Sliding: After the bones are lifted, your dog will nudge the red pieces to access hidden treats. Uncovering: Lastly, they’ll lift lids to reveal the final pieces. Supervising is key when using any food puzzle, as young or curious dogs may need encouragement and guidance. Try using the puzzle in a crate or a safe area to create a positive association with that space. Best Foods to Use with the Puzzle The Brick Food Puzzle works well with various foods, that way it can be used for meal-time, snack time or at any moment you'd like to give your dog a specially yummy treat: Kibble: Start with larger quantities, in order for your dog to find it rather easy to begin with, before proceeding to smaller quantities of kibble, where your dog will need to put a bit more focus on where the scent of each piece of kibble is from. Treats: Low-calorie treats keep the puzzle fun without adding extra calories, you can also start with these, especially if you are not sure if your dog will feel motivated with their regular food alone. Raw or Wet Food: Freeze it for a longer challenge; simply wash it out afterward. Why the Brick Food Puzzle Works for All Dogs This puzzle is versatile enough for any dog, regardless of their size, from curious puppies to adult dogs, and even senior pups. It helps fulfill a dog's natural desire to sniff, search, and find food, all while burning mental energy. If your dog has already mastered the puzzle, don’t worry! Just try making it more challenging by hiding it in a box or covering it with towels. A little secret that many don't know is that the more you can come up with new and different ways to use your dog's food puzzle and any other interactive games, the more they'll get out of it. Got any feedback, questions, or concerns about this blog post, or interested in learning more? Send me an email at info@dignofurther.com!

7-Day Challenge: Build a Better Bond for a Better Listener Strengthen your dog’s listening skills while building a meaningful bond! Our new 7-Day Challenge offers a simple yet effective roadmap to do just that! The Importance of Listening and Connection in Training Whether your dog is a playful puppy or a wise older companion, listening skills are essential for good behaviour and an overall happy relationship. However, listening is a two-way street, especially with our dogs. Often, when a dog doesn’t respond to us, they’re not being disobedient; they may be distracted, unsure, or simply not used to the setting. The Build a Better Bond for a Better Listener challenge emphasizes clear communication, mutual respect, and setting the stage for success—encouraging your dog to listen willingly because they genuinely feel heard. What Makes This Challenge Unique? Unlike basic obedience classes, this 7-day journey is designed to explore the “why” behind your dog’s responses. Instead of focusing only on telling a dog what to do, each day brings you closer to understanding your dog’s needs, creating a foundation that enhances your bond and builds their listening skills. By focusing on relationship-building and consistent attention, you’ll see improvements in how your dog responds in various environments, from quiet home settings to busier outdoor locations. Goals of the 7-Day Challenge Strengthen Trust and Communication Trust and communication are at the heart of any successful relationship. This challenge introduces exercises that encourage you to “listen” to your dog, responding to their body language. With each step, you’ll strengthen the trust that’s essential for good listening skills. Promote Consistency in Various Settings Dogs are creatures of habit and often respond differently depending on their environment. This challenge gives you tools to help your dog focus on you, even in new or more stimulating settings. By the end, your dog will be better equipped to listen and respond in familiar and unfamiliar places alike. Boost Focus and Reduce Distractions Our exercises include gentle ways to teach your dog to ignore distractions and focus on you. Whether it’s engaging activities or simply learning to wait patiently, each day’s tasks are designed to build mental engagement while making your dog feel more secure in any situation. Benefits You’ll Experience In just one week, you’ll start to see: Better focus from your dog, even in high-distraction environments. Improved responsiveness to your cues and commands. Reduced frustration as your bond deepens, encouraging a partnership built on mutual understanding. A happier dog who feels connected to you and confident in their day-to-day interactions. How to Start the Challenge All you need is about 10-15 minutes each day, a few treats, and a comfortable space to work in. The exercises are simple, fun, and adaptable for dogs of any age. As you progress, you’ll notice subtle shifts in your dog’s behaviour that make a world of difference. Are you ready to see your dog become a more attentive and engaged listener? Click here to start.

Helping Your Dog Feel More at Ease Around Men: Tips for Calming Barking and Building Confidence Is your dog uneasy or reactive around men, especially at home? This is a common behaviour that often reflects a dog’s discomfort with certain interactions. Understanding the why and creating safe, structured exposure can make a big difference. Here are some effective tips for helping your dog feel more secure around men, build confidence, and reduce barking. Please know that these suggestions are not specific to situations with men only, as they can be applied to scenarios involving your dog feeling unsure about different kinds of interactions. 1. Practice in Neutral Spaces Dogs are often more relaxed in open, neutral environments like a field or park, where they can observe people passing by from a comfortable distance, and where they don't display the same level of triggers. Find a spot where your dog can watch men walk by without feeling pressured to interact and note the distance that keeps your dog calm. This baseline distance can guide future practice. 2. Greet Guests Outside First When guests arrive, meet them outside in a neutral space first. Preferably, ask your guest to give your dog space and time, by avoiding going up to them or petting. Have the guest walk behind or ahead of you and your dog at a comfortable distance, allowing your dog to release some initial tension before entering the home. Practicing with friends or family first can make this process easier over time and put less pressure on you both. 3. Guide Your Dog with a Leash Indoors For times when a walk isn’t feasible, use a leash indoors to guide your dog from room to room. Walking with you in a controlled and pressure-free manner helps him manage his emotions without facing guests directly. Praise and reward him when he relaxes in his own designated space. You can think of this exercise as the closest thing to having a conversation with your dog where you're telling them how much they don't need to worry and that everything will be okay. 4. Encourage Calm Exits It’s essential to teach your dog to walk away calmly from situations that cause discomfort. With practice, your dog may begin choosing to remove himself from situations that feel overwhelming to them, reducing the need to bark. Consistently praise and reward any signs of calming behaviour or withdrawal. By practicing these methods consistently, you'll be able to help your dog gradually adjust to men and feel more comfortable after feeling uncomfortable. With time and patience, you’ll build your dog’s confidence and see fewer reactive responses.

✔️ Serves as an additional treat and reward that you provide for your dog ✔️ Provides you with an extra opportunity to engage with your dog while monitoring their water intake There are never too many instances where you can take a moment to reconnect with your dog and share a treat together. This treat in this instance is water and if you have a puppy, you can use this water bottle to keep track of their daily intake, to better prevent unwanted potty training accidents. Must-have! 10/10

✔️ Darkens crate area & minimizes noise, helping your dog sleep better/for longer ✔️ Similar to a den-like environment Crate covers are amazing for dogs to be able to have their own den-like room that will encourage better and longer sleep! Puppies will have an easier time sleeping in a setup that is darker and cooler, so a crate cover can be a great tool to help encourage your puppy to want to spend time in it! Must-have! 10/10

Separation anxiety can be a real challenge for both dogs and their owners. Whether it’s mild stress or more severe behaviours like destructive chewing or nonstop barking, separation anxiety requires careful training and the right tools to manage. One tool that you might want to consider to help you keep an eye on Fido is the Furbo Dog Camera . 1. Monitor and Reward Calm Behavior at a Distance The Furbo Dog Camera isn’t just a pet camera; it’s also a valuable training tool. It allows pet parents to observe their dog’s behaviour while they're away and reward calm, relaxed behaviour with treats. This ability to remotely reward positive behaviour helps reinforce calmness and confidence in dogs, reducing the likelihood of anxiety-based behaviours. 2. Supervise While Creating Distance One of the best ways to combat separation anxiety (whether experienced by your dog or by how much you miss your pooch) is by gradually desensitizing your dog to your absence. This camera lets you see how your dog is reacting in real time while you're not home. If you happen to notice any early signs of anxiety or any other symptoms such as barking, crying or chewing, you can reassure them or even play a treat-tossing game from afar, giving your dog a positive experience associated with being alone. 3. Ideal for Dogs Left Alone for Long Periods The Furbo Dog Camera is especially useful for households where dogs are alone for extended periods. By offering a means to check in, provide treats, and stay aware of your dog’s reactions, the Furbo gives peace of mind to pet parents and comfort to their dogs. Please know that it ultimately depends on your dog's comfort levels and their limits. Preventing and managing separation anxiety can be challenging, but tools like the Furbo Dog Camera can make a significant difference. Especially if you're working on preventing separation anxiousness with a new puppy or dog, and going at it with only small amounts of time being left without you. By reinforcing calm behaviors, catching early signs of stress, and building positive experiences with alone time, you can help your dog feel more secure and relaxed in your absence.

One of the most common questions I hear from pet parents is, “How can I get my dog to listen to me?” Whether they have puppies or older dogs, the struggle to get a dog’s attention and cooperation can be frustrating. But what if the real question should be, “Why doesn’t my dog hear me?” "Why doesn't my dog feel heard?" The short answer? Your dog doesn’t feel heard, yet . Understanding your dog’s behaviour often starts with ensuring they feel listened to first. Communication, after all, is a two-way street, yes, especially with our lovely pets. And exactly like in any relationship, meeting both sides' needs is essential. Many pet parents expect their dogs to respond instantly to cues in any and all situations, but this expectation misses a core truth: dogs are natural pleasers. When they don’t listen, it’s often because something is off balance in their world. 1. Enrichment: Meeting Their Daily Physical, Mental, and Social Needs Think about the context in which you’re asking your dog to listen. Has your dog practiced the behaviour in this environment before? Are there more and newer distractions today? Dogs are creatures of habit and can sometimes struggle with new settings. Start with easier and familiar environments before moving to more challenging ones, and check in with them often to ensure they feel comfortable and connected with you. 2. Set the Stage: Check Your Environment In most training cases, my first step is always checking whether a dog’s basic needs are being met. Dogs need regular outlets for physical energy, mental engagement, and social connection. If a dog isn’t listening, they may be lacking one or more of these types of enrichment, leading to pent-up energy, boredom, or frustration. Before any training, ensure your dog’s daily routine includes activities to engage their body and mind. 3. Reflect on Your Relationship: Are You Providing Space to “Hear” Your Dog? Think of your dog’s attention and willingness to listen as a reflection of your relationship. Dogs depend on us for almost every aspect of their lives—from food and exercise to social opportunities to learn from and grow. If we take the time to “listen” to them by carefully observing their body language, acknowledging their needs, and responding to their cues, we create a foundation of trust. The more your dog feels they have a say, the more eager they’ll be to listen when you ask something of them. Doesn't this sound familiar to other relationships in your life? Key Questions to Consider The next time you’re a little puzzled by your dog’s behaviour, take a step back and ask yourself: Is the environment right for this training? Have we practiced here before? Did my dog seem connected to me earlier today? Or has their attention been elsewhere? Is there something about this situation that might make them unsure? Am I consistently meeting my dog’s enrichment needs? Has anything in their routine changed? How does my dog seem physically and emotionally? Are they extra energetic, tired, or out of sorts today? Reinforcing Behaviors, Even Unintentionally Dogs are masters at reading their environment (they have nothing else to go by) and responding based on what works for them to achieve the dseireable outcome. Such as feeling safe, comfortable, not stressed. And so, if we consistently react to unwanted behaviours—whether by scolding or calling their name repeatedly in a not so encouraging tone—we might actually be reinforcing those behaviours, even without meaning to. Much like young toddlers, dogs easily focus on what catches their attention in the moment, and even negative attention can encourage them to repeat an action. Instead of reacting and confronting a situation, try pausing and understanding what might be driving the behaviour. Is your dog asking for more playtime? Or are they bored because they need more mental stimulation? Are they feeling frustrated, unsure or even scared in that particular situation? A little investigation can reveal why they’re feeling the need to act in the way they are, and help you respond in a way that prevents the behaviour from repeating while also leaving your dog feeling heard and supported. Building a Positive, Lasting Bond When you take a moment to understand your dog’s world and ensure their needs are met, you’re building a foundation of trust and communication. Rather than focusing on how to get them to listen, shift to thinking about how you can listen to them first and foremost. This approach strengthens your relationship and naturally encourages them to respond positively to you. Above All, Don't Forget that It’s a Two-Sided Partnership, Not Just Training Ultimately, your relationship with your dog isn’t too different from any close bond you have in your life. When you make an effort to meet their needs, they’ll be more inclined to meet yours and find fulfillment doing so. So next time, rather than reacting to “bad” behaviour, start by asking yourself, “Why doesn’t my dog feel heard?”. The answer might surprise you—and lead to a happier, more attentive dog.

How to Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety: Practical Steps and Support Separation anxiety in dogs can be one of the most challenging behaviours to manage. When your dog feels anxious in your absence, addressing the issue can feel overwhelming and daunting because you're not present to help them through it. However, with patience, consistency, and a good understanding of the roots of separation anxiety, you can help your dog learn to be alone in a positive and healthy way. Understanding Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety arises from your dog's emotional distress when left alone. Now this response can be influenced by a few different factors (the dog's past experience, age, demeanour and energy level), but it’s essential to recognize that dogs are social animals overall, much like humans. Some dogs naturally crave constant companionship more than others. Just as some people thrive in solitude, some dogs are comfortable with short periods of being alone, while others may find it more challenging. Here’s a three-step approach to help your dog manage their anxiety when left alone: 1. Assess Your Dog's Natural Inclination Start by evaluating your dog’s general attitude and feelings regarding being alone/far apart from you. Some dogs may naturally struggle with separation or boredom, while others may be a bit more independent in their behaviour, and in response to separation. Consider these key questions to help assess your dog’s comfort level: Can your dog be in another room without you, or do they always feel need to be nearby? How does your dog behave during doggie playdates? Are they focused on you, or do they fully engage in play with others? Has your dog had opportunities for fun activities away from you, like group classes, where they can enjoy themselves with other dogs? Understanding your dog’s social needs and inclinations is crucial because it can help you understand that even if you do everything right and carefully, that your dog naturally enjoys being with you no matter what. And so if your dog unconditionally thrives on companionship, consider options like hiring a dog sitter or a dog walker. In situations where your dog feels anxious about being away from you, look for organized meetups or supervised group play sessions. These environments can help your dog gradually gain confidence by encouraging them to engage with other dogs while still feeling secure knowing that you're not too far away. 2. Create Positive Associations with Separation Timing is key when addressing separation anxiety. If your dog has learned to associate being left alone with stress or anxiety, you will want to try changing that perception. You can begin by creating short, positive moments of separation when your dog is calm and relaxed (potentially also randomly during the day, depending on your dog). For instance, after a fun day filled with exercise and fun activities, you can encourage your dog to rest in a different, distant from yours for brief periods. Gradually increase the duration and distance, rewarding calm behaviour with treats or soothing toys like a Kong or a licky mat . Interactive toys, like frozen Kongs or puzzle feeders , can also keep your dog mentally engaged and help them associate your absence with enjoyable activities, but you will want to use the mostly when they feel calm and relaxed with you at home, or at least at first. Because you want to avoid your dog associating a toy or reward of any kind with the first signal that you're going to be leaving them. Practice using toys and praise to reward calmness when you're at home, and when your dog has shown you improvement in giving you space and time apart. 3. Gradually Increase Time Apart One of the most important factors in overcoming separation anxiety is to avoid pushing your dog too far past their comfort zone too quickly. If your dog can only handle a few minutes alone, don’t jump to hours right away. Start with brief separations and gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Always return before they show signs of anxiety to build their confidence. If you have to be away for extended periods, consider asking a friend to stay with your dog or hiring a dog sitter who can provide companionship and care. Final Thoughts on Tackling Separation Anxiety Overcoming separation anxiety takes time, consistency, and effort. By understanding your dog’s natural tendencies, creating positive experiences around separation, and gradually increasing the time apart, you can help your dog feel more secure when they are alone. Remember that every dog is unique. Tailor your approach to their individual needs, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if you need additional support. By taking these steps, you’re not only addressing separation anxiety but also building a more confident, well-adjusted dog.

Let's go over three ways I recommend you practice regularly with your dog to help him or her feel more mellow, relaxed, and tired! 1. Provide physical stimulation by playing fetch, using a flirt pole, tugging and pulling, and even digging. These physical outlets provide activities that will feel pretty natural to most dogs. You can use the flirt pole both indoors or outdoors, to help encourage your dog to direct any prey drive towards it (probably the fastest way to get your dog to focus their energy on you). Just make sure that you keep that game, in particular, short in duration, as dogs can easily overexert themselves and not know how to take a break from it on their own. But it's definitely a game you can try incorporating into your walks to get even more out of them, depending on your dog's comfort level. Tugging and pulling are also fantastic ways to engage with your dog more, especially on walks, and have them burn even more physical energy quickly, in a fun way. Lastly digging - if your dog loves to dig, there is no harm in taking them to a park or area where there's sad and your dog can dig to his heart's content! Even better if you try hiding a toy of theirs in the sand, for some extra searching fun. Your dog will be sure to go back home tired. 2. Provide mental stimulation through problem-solving exercises like puzzles, snuffle mats, and busy boxes. It's easy to create games and activities where your dog gets to use their nose and mind to figure out how to get to each piece of their treats or even their kibble! Doing so through problem-solving games like puzzles and snuffle mats, and even better busy boxes (DIY cardboard boxes where you hide within it other smaller boxes, empty toilet roll papers, towels, and toys) for your dog to have to search through and get to each delicious treat! 3. Try 1 and 2 on your walks! Yes, bring the flirt pole, the snuffle mats, the toys, balls, and any other toys you have with you that'll be sure to transform your walk into the most engaging and stimulating activity. Follow that with some additional mental stimulation outlets once you're back from your walk for your dog to continue having fun with, to ensure that you're left with a happy, tired pooch!