Tag: puppy-training

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Loose Lead Walking: How to Stop Pulling and Enjoy Stress-Free Walks

Do your walks feel more like a tug-of-war than a relaxing stroll? If your dog pulls on the lead, you’re not alone! Many owners struggle with loose lead walking, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can transform your walks into an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Gem loose lead walking past a jogger

In this guide, we’ll break down:

✔ Why dogs pull on the lead

✔ How to stop your dog from pulling on walks

✔ Positive reinforcement techniques that make loose lead walking fun and rewarding

Plus, we’ll share how The Canine Hub’s in-person and online Loose Lead Walking courses can help you master this essential skill! 🐶✨

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?

Before we dive into the solution, let’s look at why pulling happens in the first place:

1. Excitement and Lack of Impulse Control

Dogs love exploring the world, and when they step outside, their senses go into overdrive! If they haven’t learned impulse control, they naturally pull towards exciting sights and smells.

2. Reinforcement of Pulling

If your dog pulls and still gets to move forward, they’re being rewarded for pulling—so they keep doing it! This becomes a self-reinforcing behaviour.

3. Discomfort from Equipment

Tight leads, uncomfortable harnesses, or collars that cause tension can actually increase pulling due to pressure and frustration.

4. Lack of Understanding

Many dogs simply don’t know that staying near you is the best choice because they haven’t been taught in a way that makes sense to them.

The good news?

Loose lead walking is a skill that can be taught using positive reinforcement! 🎉

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on Walks

Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment

The right gear can make a huge difference in training success.

🐾 Harness: A well-fitted Y-front harness allows free movement and comfort.

🐾 Lead: A longer lead (1.5m – 2m) gives your dog room to walk without tension.

🐾 Treat Pouch: Keep rewards easily accessible to reinforce good behaviour.

Step 2: Reinforce Calm Walking Indoors First

Before heading into a high-distraction environment, practise at home or in the garden. Reward your dog for:

✔ Checking in with you

✔ Walking calmly beside you

✔ Responding to movement cues

✨ Pro Tip: Reward before the lead tightens to prevent pulling from happening in the first place!

Step 3: Teach the “Reinforcement Zone”

The Reinforcement Zone is the area next to your leg where rewards happen.🐶 How to teach it:

1️⃣ Stand still and reward your dog for being by your side.

2️⃣ Take a step forward—reward when they stay near you.

3️⃣ Gradually increase steps, keeping rewards frequent at first.

🎯 Goal: Your dog learns that staying near you = treats, praise, and fun!

Step 4: Use a “Be a Tree” Technique (The Right Way!)

If your dog pulls, stop moving—but don’t just stand still for too long!

🐶 Instead:Pause briefly (1-2 seconds).When your dog reorients to you, mark and reward.Encourage them back to your side and resume walking.This teaches your dog that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere, but walking calmly does!

Step 5: Reward Engagement on Walks

Many owners only reward their dogs when they are already pulling—instead, focus on rewarding attention before pulling starts!

💡 Ways to reinforce engagement:

Call your dog’s name and reward when they check in.

Change direction often to keep them focused on you.

Practise “Find It” (toss a treat on the ground) to keep their nose busy without pulling.

Want Expert Help?

Join The Canine Hub’s Loose Lead Walking Course!

Walking your dog shouldn’t be a battle—it should be fun, stress-free, and rewarding for both of you!

🐶 Join our Loose Lead Walking Course to learn:

✅ Step-by-step training techniques that actually work

✅ How to stop pulling using positive reinforcement

✅ Real-life strategies for high-distraction environments

✅ Personalised coaching from expert trainers

🌟 Choose from:

📍 In-Person Course – Train with expert guidance in real-life settings.

Book In person Loose Lead Walking course

💻 Online Course – Learn from home with step-by-step video lessons.

Enroll on online Loose Lead WalKIng course

🚀 Start your journey to better walks today! Click here to enrol!

Final Thoughts

Loose lead walking is an essential life skill that can turn stressful walks into enjoyable bonding time. With patience, the right techniques, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn that walking calmly = rewards and fun!

🌟 Ready to say goodbye to pulling?

📅 Join The Canine Hub’s Loose Lead Walking Course today! Sign up Today

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Why Do Puppies Bite? A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Bite Manners

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of those tiny, razor-sharp puppy teeth, you know just how persistent and painful puppy biting can be! But don’t worry—it’s completely normal. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a natural part of their development.

In this blog, we’ll break down why puppies bite, how to teach your puppy not to bite, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you stop those playful nips—without harming your bond. Plus, we’ll show you how The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes can turn your pup into a well-mannered superstar!🚀

Want a step-by-step guide you can keep handy? Download our FREE ebook: ‘The Puppy Biting Survival Guide’ for expert tips and solutions! Click here to get your free copy.

Why Do Puppies Bite?

Puppies bite for several reasons, including:

1. Teething Troubles

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their gums feel sore, and chewing relieves discomfort. This typically happens between 3 to 6 months of age.

2. Playfulness and Exploration

Puppies learn about the world by mouthing and biting everything—including you! In a litter, they bite their siblings, and when one stops playing, they learn that biting too hard ends the fun. Without littermates, they rely on us to teach them.

3. Overstimulation or Frustration

When puppies get too excited or frustrated, they may bite as a way to release energy. This is common during playtime or when they’re trying to get your attention.

4. Learning Social Skills

Puppies need to learn bite inhibition, which means controlling the force of their bite. This skill helps prevent accidental injuries when they grow into adults.

How Do I Teach My Puppy Not to Bite Me?

The key to stopping puppy biting is consistent, positive training. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you teach bite manners effectively.

Step 1: Redirect to a Toy

If your puppy bites your hand, immediately redirect them to a chew toy or tug toy. This teaches them that biting hands is not acceptable, but biting toys is.

Step 2: Reward Gentle Behaviour

Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement! When your puppy licks or plays gently, reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. This encourages them to repeat good behaviour.

Step 3: Avoid Rough Play

Games like wrestling or letting your puppy chase your hands encourage biting. Instead, use structured play like fetch or tug-of-war with clear rules.

Step 4: Teach “Leave It” and “Gentle” Cues

At The Canine Hub PupStar classes, puppies learn impulse control through cues like “Leave it” and “Gentle”. These cues teach them to be more mindful of their mouths.

Step 5: Give Plenty of Chew Toys

If your puppy is teething, provide safe chew toys like frozen Kongs, rubber chews, or soft teething toys. This prevents them from using your hands as a chew toy!

Step 6: Use a Calm Timeout if Needed

If your puppy is overly excited and biting excessively, calmly remove your attention. Stop playing, stand up, and give them a moment to settle. Once they are calm, resume interaction.

Step 7: Be Consistent

Everyone in the household should respond the same way to biting. If one person lets it slide, your puppy will get mixed signals and keep biting.

✨ Need more help? Our free ebook, ‘Understanding and Managing Puppy Biting’ has everything you need to stop those sharp little teeth in their tracks!

Grab your Free E-book on Puppy Biting

Why The Canine Hub PupStar Classes Are a Game-Changer

If you’re struggling with puppy biting, The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes can help! These classes provide:

✅ Expert guidance on stopping biting and teaching impulse control

✅ Socialisation with other puppies to improve bite inhibition

✅ Fun, reward-based training that builds confidence and manners

✅ Personalised support from professional trainers

✨ Want a step-by-step guide you can refer to anytime?

Download our FREE ebook: ‘Understanding and Managing Puppy Biting’ for expert tips and easy-to-follow solutions!

DowLoad your Free Puppy Biting E-book Here

Final Thoughts

Puppy biting is a normal part of growing up, but with patience, consistency, and the right training techniques, your puppy will learn to use their mouth appropriately.

Remember to redirect, reward good behaviour, and stay consistent—and if you need extra help, The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes are here for you!

Ready to turn your pup into a well-mannered star?

📅 Book a PupStar class today and say goodbye to sharp little teeth!

Click to book The Canine Hub PupStar course
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Why Won’t My Dog Listen When I Call Them Back? Common Mistakes in Reliable Recall Training

Picture this: You’re at the park, your dog is off-leash, and it’s time to head home. You call their name, expecting them to run back enthusiastically… but instead, they sniff the grass, chase a butterfly, or—worst of all—bolt in the opposite direction. Frustrating, right?

Reliable recall is one of the most important skills your dog can learn, yet it’s also one of the trickiest to master. If your dog isn’t coming when called, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many dog owners unintentionally make mistakes that weaken their dog’s recall response. Let’s break down why your dog might be ignoring you and how to fix it.

1. Calling Your Dog for the “Wrong” Reasons

Think about the last few times you called your dog. Did it lead to something they love (like treats or playtime)? Or did it mean the fun was over (like going home, bath time, or leaving the park)?

Try This Instead:

Make sure your dog associates coming back to you with positive experiences! Instead of always calling them for things they dislike, call them randomly for praise, treats, or a quick game of tug before letting them go back to playing. This builds trust and enthusiasm for recall.

2. Using Recall Only in Emergencies

If the only time your dog hears their recall cue is when they’re about to be leashed up or pulled away from something exciting, they’ll quickly learn that “Come!” = “Fun is over.”

Try This Instead:

Use your recall cue throughout the day in different situations, not just in high-stakes moments. Call your dog when you’re in the kitchen, in the yard, or even just moving to another room—then reward them!

3. Repeating the Cue Over and Over

If you find yourself saying, “Come! …Come! …COME HERE!!” with no response, your dog has likely learned that the word is optional.

Try This Instead:

Say the recall cue once in a happy, upbeat tone. If your dog doesn’t respond, use movement—run away playfully or crouch down with open arms to make coming to you more appealing. Reward them big time when they get it right.

4. Not Making Recall Rewarding Enough

Would you drop everything to run to someone offering you a stale cracker? Probably not. Your dog feels the same way about boring rewards.

Try This Instead:

Make your recall rewards irresistible! Use high-value treats (like chicken or cheese), a favorite toy, or excited praise to reinforce their good decision. The better the reward, the stronger their recall will become.

5. Expecting Too Much, Too Soon

Recall takes consistent training. If your dog is struggling, they may not fully understand the cue yet—especially in distracting environments.

Try This Instead:

Start in low-distraction areas (like your home) before practicing in busier places (like the park). Gradually increase the challenge while keeping the experience fun and rewarding.

Want a Rock-Solid Recall?

Join The Canine Hub Really Reliable Recall Classes!

If you’re struggling with recall training, The Canine Hub Recall Classes are here to help! Our expert trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to turn your dog’s recall into a reliable, automatic response—no more frustration or embarrassing park chases.

Ready to build a recall you can trust?

Sign up for The Canine Hub Recall Classes today!

Final Thoughts

Reliable recall isn’t about being lucky—it’s about consistent training, positive reinforcement, and making yourself more exciting than the environment. Avoid these common mistakes, and soon enough, your dog will come running every time you call!

Check our our Training Courses now
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Indoor Games for Dogs: Tips for Keeping Dogs Happy Indoors During Bad Weather

When the weather outside is dreadful, keeping your dog active and entertained indoors is essential. Whether it’s freezing temperatures, heavy rain, or sweltering heat, indoor activities ensure your pup stays mentally and physically stimulated. At The Canine Hub, we know that a happy, engaged dog leads to better behaviour and a stronger bond with their human.

Watch Laura & Colin in Action!

On Tuesday, when we had to cancel lessons due to the wet weather, our trainer Laura made the most of the time indoors by filming this incredible video with her dog. Watch below for inspiration on the kind of fun, advanced tricks you can teach at home—even when the weather is against you!

Whether your dog is a beginner or already knows a few tricks, indoor training is a fantastic way to keep them engaged and learning. Below, we’ve put together a list of our favourite indoor activities to help keep your dog happy and active when heading outside isn’t an option

Let’s explore some fun indoor dog activities for winter months that will keep tails wagging no matter what’s happening outside!

Hide-and-Seek: A Brain-Boosting Adventure

Dogs love using their noses, so why not turn a simple game into an exciting mental workout? Hide somewhere in your home and call your dog’s name. When they find you, reward them with treats and praise.

Drift loves this game—especially when treats are involved! She takes her search mission very seriously and always looks so proud when she finds me hiding behind the sofa.

Bonus Challenge: Hide treats or toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out for an added enrichment boost!

DIY Agility Course

Transform your living room into a mini agility course with household items! Use chairs for weaving, pillows for jumping over, and tunnels made from blankets or boxes. This is a great way to provide indoor dog exercise while reinforcing basic cues like “jump” and “crawl.”

Skip, being the little speedster he is, absolutely flies through our homemade obstacle courses. He especially loves jumping over cushions and weaving through chair legs—it’s hard to keep up with him sometimes!

Pro Tip: Use your dog’s favourite toy or treat as motivation to navigate the course.

Tug-of-War: A Classic Energy Burner

A simple game of tug-of-war can be an excellent way to keep your dog active indoors. It’s a great muscle workout and can also reinforce impulse control—just teach them a solid “drop it” cue for safe play.

Gem has an impressive tug grip and doesn’t back down easily. She takes this game very seriously, but she’s also fantastic at responding to the “drop it” cue when it’s time to reset.

Safety Tip: Always let your dog “win” sometimes to keep the game enjoyable and build their confidence!

Puzzle Toys and Food Games

Dogs love to work for their food! Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or even DIY snuffle mats can provide hours of entertainment. These activities tap into their natural foraging instincts and prevent boredom.

DIY Idea: Place kibble inside a muffin tin and cover it with tennis balls—your dog will have to figure out how to move the balls to get their food!

Indoor Fetch with a Soft Toy

If space allows, a gentle game of fetch with a soft toy or rolled-up sock can help burn energy. Hallways or long, open spaces work great for this game. Just be mindful of breakables!

Skip lives for a game of fetch, especially when it involves his favourite squeaky toy. We’ve had some very competitive games down the hallway—he’s always ready for “just one more throw!”

Get Creative with Our Free Style Workshops

Winter is the perfect time to explore Free Style—a fun and creative way to bond with your dog through movement and tricks. Our monthly Free Style Workshops at The Canine Hub provide a fantastic opportunity to try something new, challenge your dog’s mind, and boost their confidence—all in a positive and supportive environment.

Drift loves learning new moves, especially spins and leg weaves. Watching her figure out a new routine is always a highlight—she’s such a natural performer!

Try This at Home: Teach your dog to weave between your legs or spin in a circle to get a taste of Free Style training!

Variety Club: Keeping Training Fun All Year Round

Looking for a way to keep your dog engaged indoors and outdoors? Our Variety Club is perfect for exploring different training styles, games, and activities each month, ensuring your dog stays mentally and physically stimulated. Whether it’s scent work, recall games, or confidence-building exercises, there’s always something exciting to try!

Recall Training Indoors

Limited outdoor time doesn’t mean you can’t work on recall! Practise calling your dog from one room to another, rewarding them generously when they come to you. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding distractions or using a longer distance.

Want to take your recall training to the next level? Our recall course at The Canine Hub is designed to build a reliable response, setting your dog up for success both indoors and outdoors.

What’s Your Dog’s Favourite Winter Activity?

We’d love to hear from you! What’s your go-to indoor activity when the weather is bad? Share your favourite winter game or training tip in the comments!

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Happy Indoors

Bad weather doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored! By incorporating these fun indoor dog activities for winter months, you’ll keep them mentally stimulated, physically active, and happy year-round.

For expert training, join our Free Style Workshops, Variety Club, or recall course at The Canine Hub—all fantastic ways to keep your dog engaged and learning, no matter the season!

Book online today

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Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Happy Puppies

When it comes to raising a well-behaved, happy puppy, the training method you choose can make all the difference. From teaching basic cues to stopping unwanted behaviors like biting, a solid approach sets the foundation for a lifetime of good habits. At The Canine Hub, we know the joys and challenges of training puppies firsthand—especially since my own puppy, Drift, taught me a thing or two about persistence and patience!

In this post, we’ll explore the best ways to train your puppy, share effective strategies, and show how our classes at The Canine Hub can help.

Why Positive Reinforcement is the Best Puppy Training Method

The cornerstone of effective puppy training is positive reinforcement—a reward-based method that encourages your puppy to repeat good behavior. This approach is not only humane but also helps build a trusting bond between you and your furry friend.

For example, when Drift learned to sit for the first time, we used tiny treats and plenty of enthusiastic praise. The result? Drift was eager to sit whenever asked because it meant good things would follow!

How Positive Reinforcement Works:

Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play.

Avoid punishment, as it can create fear and confusion.

Stay consistent, so your puppy knows exactly what is expected.

Pro Tip: Use high-value rewards, like small pieces of chicken, during early training sessions to grab your puppy’s attention.

Best Ways to Teach a Puppy Basic Cues

Teaching basic cues like “sit,” “come,” and release cues (e.g., “OK,” “Break,” or “Free”) is the foundation of good puppy behavior. These cues help your puppy understand expectations and build trust between you both.

Here’s how you can teach these essential cues:

  1. Start with “Sit”:

Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.

Slowly move it upward, encouraging them to follow the treat with their head.

As their bottom touches the ground, mark with “OK” and reward immediately. Once Pup can do this start to introduce the cue with verbal “sit”

  1. Introduce a Release Cue (e.g., “OK,” “Break,” or “Free”):

Once your puppy is sitting, wait a moment and then say your chosen release word (“OK,” “Break,” or “Free”) in a cheerful tone.

Encourage your puppy to move by stepping back or tossing a treat. This teaches them that the release cue means they’re free to move again.

  1. Practice “Come”:

Use a happy, excited voice to call your puppy’s name, followed by “come.”

Reward generously when they respond! Puppies learn best when coming to you is always a positive experience.

Keep your training sessions short—around 5-10 minutes—and fun. Drift loved practicing these cues because we made every session feel like a game!

How to Train a Puppy to Stop Biting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so it’s normal for them to nip and bite during play. However, teaching them what’s acceptable early on is key to curbing this behavior.

Here are some effective steps to stop puppy biting:

  1. Redirect to a Toy or Chew:

When your puppy starts biting, calmly offer a durable chew toy or a tasty chew. This helps teach them what they can bite instead of your hands or clothing.

  1. Time-Out with a Chew:

If your puppy gets too excited or bites too hard, give them a short time-out. Lead them to a calm space with their chew toy and allow them to settle down. This teaches them that biting ends playtime but provides an appropriate outlet for their natural chewing instincts.

  1. Reward Gentle Behavior:

Be sure to praise and reward your puppy when they play gently or use their toys appropriately. Positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat this good behavior.

At The Canine Hub, we teach fun and effective ways to manage common puppy behaviors like biting. By using reward-based strategies, we ensure your puppy learns in a way that’s both enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

Why Choose Puppy Classes at The Canine Hub?

Training your puppy on your own can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! At The Canine Hub, we specialize in reward-based training that’s fun and effective for both puppies and their owners.

Here’s what you can expect:

Small Class Sizes: Individual attention for you and your puppy.

Expert Trainers: Professionals who understand puppy behavior inside and out.

Support for Every Step: From basic cues to advanced skills, we’re here to help.

Drift and I have experienced the joys (and challenges) of puppy training, which is why I’m passionate about helping other dog owners succeed. Whether it’s teaching your puppy to sit or addressing tricky behaviors like biting, The Canine Hub is your go-to resource.

Conclusion: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success

The best puppy training method combines positive reinforcement, consistency, and plenty of patience. With the right approach—and perhaps a little help from The Canine Hub—your puppy will grow into a confident, well-mannered companion.

If you’re ready to start your puppy’s training journey, check out our classes at The Canine Hub. Let’s work together to make training fun and rewarding for both you and your pup!