As lovers of all things 4-legged and furry, it was only natural that support the RSPCA for their nationwide Million Paws Walk.

On Sunday 28 May 2023, we had a stall set-up at the up the Sydney Olympic Park location to support RSPCA’s work as well as raising awareness of our services. 

The stage was set for a fur-bulous day out, with the Sydney weather turned on for all who came.

With the pup-arazzi on hand to take photos, snacks at the ready, and the sun shining, it was a paw-fect day to walk to raise awareness for RSPCA and the amazing work they do for animals in need.

And, we were able to raise $1,901 to help RSPCA fight against animal cruelty. That equates to 52 dogs who can now access a warm bed, love and care for one day in an RSPCA shelter.

We loved every second of the sniffs, licks and cuddles with all the furry friends we met

Check out some happy snaps from the day:

What is the RSPCA Million Paws Walk?

Last year, 20,000 dogs turned to the RSPCA for help. Many were victims of cruelty, bred to turn a profit, or abandoned by the humans they loved unconditionally. Even one dog is too many. Each step taken at the Million Paws Walk helps in their fight to bring that number down. 

Fundraising to fight animal cruelty

The RSPCA Million Paws Walk:

• Helps fund crucial community outreach programs about the importance of responsible pet ownership. 
• Helps put an end to the ugly roots of animal cruelty at the source. 
• Helps to grow and maintain RSPCA’s shelters and care for more and more pups in need.

We’re thrilled to have been able to raise $1,901 to help the RSPCA fight animal cruelty  

Here’s a recap of how the donations from RSCPA Million Paws Walk help rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs in need.

Can’t get out to walk your fur friend as much as you’d like to?
Find a Mad Paws Dog Walker to take them!

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The post Mad Paws support the RSCPA Million Paws Walk appeared first on Mad Paws.

Whether they’re triggered by the sight of other dogs or spooked by loud noises, every outing can feel like you’ve got a ticking time bomb on the other end of the leash. What’s more, you might be limiting your dog’s outdoor time or hesitating to allow them to be walked by someone else because you’re worried about their behaviour. And that can make things even worse.

The good news is, you can work to lessen your dog’s reactivity with positive, humane training techniques. With the right reward system, intentional practice sessions, and lots of patience, you can convince your doggo that the world is a safe, inviting place to be. Here’s how to do it!

First, consider working with a certified dog trainer or animal behaviourist.

While reactivity is something that you can work on on your own, we highly recommend finding a professional who can help you through the process. Reactivity is stressful and potentially dangerous behaviour, so the safest and quickest route is to work with someone who has experience with reactive dogs! 

If you do decide to work with a Dog Trainer or animal behaviourist, take your time to find someone you enjoy working with and who is committed to positive reinforcement training.

Before starting any training with your reactive dog:

Find your dog’s preferred reward system

Part of your work with your pup will be rewriting their relationship with their trigger with the use of treats, positive praise, or play. Over time, they’ll learn that instead of barking, lunging or growling at a passing dog or stranger, they can look to you for something good! This is called counter-conditioning.

So, really take time to figure out what gets your dog’s tail wagging. It might be a high-reward treat like boiled chicken or a special toy that they only get to play with during your training sessions. 

Squeeze in a short exercise session before reactivity training

If possible, it’s a good idea to warm up your pup before training sessions with a little bit of play and exercise. This could mean a fun game of interactive tug or fetch in the backyard. Or, if you’re not able to dedicate time to both an exercise session and a training session, you might call in a friendly Dog Walker to take your doggo around the block a few times.

Keep in mind, of course, that you don’t want your dog to be exposed to their trigger right before your training session, as that could make them too stressed to continue. Instead, have the Dog Walker walk your pooch in an area without too many distractions.

Follow these tips with reactive dog training:

1. Work on desensitisation with plenty of distance

Once you’ve stocked up on your dog’s favourite treats, it will be time to start the desensitisation process. To do this, you’ll want to find your dog’s baseline for reactivity, or threshold. When your dog is under threshold, they will be able to see, hear or smell the trigger, but they’re still generally relaxed. You should be able to get their attention on you from time to time; in other words, they’re not fixated on the trigger. 

The closer the trigger is, the more likely that your dog will become stressed and reactive. 

Your goal will be to work just outside of your dog’s zone of reactivity and reduce that distance over time. 

2. Reward your pup for calm behaviour

No matter if your dog is able to be a few metres away from their trigger or an entire city block away, you always want to reward calm behaviour. If your dog is able to hold a relaxed position and even check in with you to do a trick, show them that this is the behaviour you want from them!

Offer lots of praise and their favourite reward, and don’t be afraid to just sit and wait. Your dog is busy at work taking in information about their trigger and learning how to be in the presence of something scary or anxiety-inducing without reacting. In fact, they’re learning that seeing their trigger brings rewards!

3. Take plenty of breaks

During the desensitisation process, it can feel like you and your pup aren’t really doing much. But the truth is, there’s a lot going on in your dog’s brain! Even when seeing their trigger from afar, your pupper is gathering information about the world around them, making decisions about whether to react or stay calm, and picking up on cues from their beloved human. If you could take a look in that brain of theirs, you’d be astounded by how many chemical reactions are happening at the mere sight of their trigger.

That’s why it’s incredibly important to give your dog brain breaks throughout the desensitisation process. You might remove them to a quiet area where they can focus on a chew toy, or scatter some treats in the grass to practice scent work. These calming tasks will help reset your pup before trying again. 

4. Gradually decrease (or increase!) distance

While it’s important to take time with this process, you’ll want to move your dog’s progress along by gradually nudging them closer to their trigger. Remember to always follow your dog’s lead. If they can only move a few centimetres closer before they start reacting, then that’s as slow as your progress needs to be.

On the flip side, there will be times when you need to increase the distance between your dog and their trigger. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re weeks into training! But it’s much better to take a few steps back proactively than risk flooding your dog. Remember also that you should never punish your dog for reacting to their trigger, as that could increase their anxiety and delay your training even longer.

In any training session with your reactive dog, remember:

Don’t overdo it

Your first reactivity training session can be short and sweet, only about fifteen to twenty minutes (or less depending on the severity of your dog’s reactivity) with a few breaks throughout. 

One thing that you want to avoid is flooding your dog, or pushing your dog past their threshold before they’re ready. So, keep sessions relatively short, take breaks, and make sure your pup gets a nice long sleep between sessions so that their brain has the chance to make new neural pathways.

Stay consistent

If there’s one thing you might have taken away from this guide, it’s that working with a reactive dog takes time! Some Dog Owners may need to dedicate months and even years to lessening their dog’s negative reactions to certain stimuli. Others may be able to help their pup overcome their reactivity in a matter of weeks.

No matter how long it takes, it’s incredibly important to be consistent. The more frequent your successful training sessions are, the easier the process will be.

Remember that progress isn’t linear

Finally, we need to talk about Dog Owner burn-out! Dealing with a reactive dog is stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes scary! And there will be days when you feel like your dog is regressing back to their old ways.

Try to remember that progress isn’t a straight line, and deep down, your dog is benefitting from the work you’ve put in together. Stick with it and stay hopeful. Your dog trainer, vet, and dog-loving friends are rooting for you both!

The post How to deal with a reactive dog appeared first on Mad Paws.

From introducing your dog to their new canine comrades to understanding how to deal with aggressive dogs, here’s the ultimate guide to dog parks.

Why is the dog park such a great place? The benefits of off-leash dog parks

We all know dogs need exercise, whether they’re compact Cavoodles or gargantuan Great Danes. Sure, a walk is an ideal way for them to get it. But the off-leash dog park is a whole new level of keeping your dog active.

First up, the activity provided by dog parks is great for preventing your dog from becoming overweight or obese. This can also help ward off the various health issues related to obesity, like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

There are behavioural benefits to the dog park, too, including receiving adequate mental stimulation. This can help your doggo avoid unwanted behaviours, like chewing, compulsive barking, and destroying things. 

Not only does your dog get to run free and burn off tonnes of energy, but they also get to do so alongside plenty of other canines. As naturally social creatures, it’s good for them to interact with their peers. Proper socialisation – such as that offered by the dog park – also provides benefits to their overall health and temperament. 

And the other great thing is that even if you don’t have time to regularly take your pupper to the dog park, they can still reap all the rewards. Simply engage a local Dog Walker who can accompany your pooch!

Can all dogs go to the dog park?

While the dog park is usually home to all kinds of doggos, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all kinds of doggos should go there. There are certain dogs that shouldn’t head to the dog park until they’re ready.

If you’ve got a puppy, wait until they’re desexed and have received all of their immunisations before introducing them to other dogs. You’ll also want to ensure they’ve been adequately socialised so that they’re able to handle a large number of pooches.

Regardless of their age, your dog should have a firm grip on basic commands like “come”, “heel”, “down”, and “stay”. This means you’ll be able to control them at the dog park, should any hairy situations arise.

If your dog suffers from anxiety or fearfulness (particularly around other dogs), has had a traumatic experience with another dog, or isn’t properly socialised, you might want to heed the dog park with caution. When they’re suddenly faced with an onslaught of active dogs, your doggo doesn’t really have anywhere to hide. This can be overwhelming for them. And, if they have another negative interaction with a dog, it can perpetuate existing issues. 

Wait until your pupper has had a series of healthy, positive interactions with other dogs before introducing them to the dog park. You could meet up with a buddy who has a friendly dog, or sign up your pooch for training sessions.

How-to: off-leash dog parks

Now that we’ve gotten a few dog park basics out of the way, let’s get into the how to: off-leash dog parks. 

First things first: Your inaugural trip to the dog park

Your first trip to a new dog park is probably the most critical. This is your and your dog’s chance to suss out other dogs, Owners, and the park itself.

It’s best to keep your dog on their leash during your initial visit. Doing so will mean they can explore the dog park and meet other dogs much more safely. If they appear comfortable and excited to roam, though, you can certainly remove it. 

You might also want to visit during a quieter time. This’ll make the experience less overwhelming for your pupper – especially if it’s their very first journey to a dog park. Evenings after work and weekends are typically very busy.

If you want, you can even tour the dog park on your own before taking your pupper. This’ll allow you to freely gauge the rules, safety features, fun additions such as ramps or tunnels, and the types of dogs that go there. 

Things to look out for include proper fencing or a decent distance from the road, ensuring the dog park is well-maintained, and the size of the dog park. If you have a small dog, you’ll probably want to take them to a dog park that’s equally small in size so they don’t get intimidated.

Lastly, remember to have fun! Feel free to introduce yourself to other Dog Owners at the park and revel in watching your dog let loose with other pooches. This isn’t just a chance for your doggo to have a good time, but for you to enjoy yourself, too!

Other handy dog park tips

We’ve put together a few more dog park tips so you and your pooch can enjoy a safe, positive, and, most of all, fun experience at the dog park.

Follow the rules

Many dog parks have rules you’ll need to follow while you’re there. Some have designated on and off-leash areas, so make sure to pay attention to these. As well, know that dogs cannot enter playgrounds. So, ensure you keep an eye on your doggo if there are any nearby.

As well, try to clean up after your dog. Not only does this help prevent icky accidents, but it also means you can avoid potential fines. Some dog parks have rangers who keep watch for stray doggy doos!

Check your dog’s ID is up-to-date

You’re probably already all over this, but you want to ensure your dog’s microchip and council registration are totally up-to-date. This means that if they run off and get lost, they can be easily identified and returned to you safely.

Keep an eye on your dog at all times

The dog park is most often a fun and positive experience for doggos, but sometimes things can go awry. Your dog might get in a scuffle with another dog, or they may wander off. Always make sure you’re watching your dog at the dog park so you can step in if you need to.

And if you have a young or small dog, you’ll want to keep a particularly close eye. They’re more likely to become unnerved or dominated by other dogs, and you may need to intervene. Luckily, some dog parks have designated sections for small dogs.

Stock up on water

With all that running around, it’s only natural that your dog will get thirsty. Sometimes, there are communal water bowls at the dog park, but this isn’t a given. Plus, sharing water with other dogs means an increased risk of contracting parasites. Instead, come prepared with a portable water bowl or bottle so they can easily quench their thirst.

What to do if…

• …your dog is shy. If your dog gets a little nervous around other dogs, take your dog park experience slowly. You could try visiting at quieter times or opt for a smaller dog park with fewer dogs.

• …your dog gets aggressive. Rough play between dogs is pretty common, but sometimes the situation can escalate. If your dog is the aggressor, remove them from the situation immediately, ideally by using a command to control them. Then, move to a different part of the dog park, or, if there’s nowhere to go, head home.

• …another dog gets aggressive. Alert the Owner of the other dog and work together to break up the situation. You can both try using commands to separate your dogs. But if this doesn’t work, make a heavy clapping sound or throw some water on the dogs. Just never grab their collars, as they may bite. And if the other Owner won’t step in? Well, that might be a sign you need to avoid their dog in future, or even that dog park entirely.

• …your dog is sick. If your doggo is under the weather, they shouldn’t really be visiting the dog park. This is because illnesses are easily spread there, given how much interaction is going on. Once your dog is on the mend, wait 48 hours or so until their symptoms cease before heading back.

The post How-To: Off-Leash Dog Parks appeared first on Mad Paws.

To be sure, the stakes are high. After all, you would much rather your pupper’s pet insurance cover things like regular check ups than emergency stitches. But, you also don’t want to overly limit your dog’s play or make them fearful of all interactions with other dogs.

Don’t worry, there is a way to find a middle ground that you and your pup can be happy with. In this article, we’ll give you the tools you need to be a brilliant dog park referee!

First, what does normal dog play look like?

As long as your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and not suffering from any injuries that could make play unsafe, they can benefit from regular play sessions with other dogs. The first step in setting your dog up for success is to familiarise yourself with appropriate play. Here are a few common elements of happy play, identified through dog body language:

• Play bows. The play bow is a universal sign that dogs use to initiate a play session. It’s an adorable and obvious signal in which your dog drops their front forearms to the ground and sticks their wagging tail in the air. If you see the play bow, you can be sure that your pupper is having a good time with their playmate.

• Physical contact. Shouldering, pushing, jumping, pawing, hip bumping and even rolling each other over are all common play practices. 

• Running and chasing behaviour. Some dogs absolutely adore being chased or chasing their furry friends. It can be a bit off-putting, since it can look like a hunting behaviour, but in a healthy play session, all dogs are having fun.

• Biting. Play biting or nipping around the legs, ears, neck and face is a very normal part of pupper playtime, although it often raises our red flags when we see it. In reality, though, these bites should be controlled and non-aggressive so that no one gets hurt.

• Growling and barking. Some dogs make a whole lot of noise when they play, especially if they’re very invested in the game or are full of energy. Playing is a great outlet for vocal dogs, and the more time you spend with your pup, you’ll learn to recognise the sounds they make when they’re having fun.

• Taking turns. Some dogs always want to play the role of being chased at the dog park (we’re looking at you Shiba Inus!) but most will reverse roles at various times throughout the session. It’s not always a 50/50 split, but you should notice at least some back and forth. This is a good sign that the dogs are evenly confident in the game.

• Looping back. Now, this is one of the most important elements of a positive, equally-matched play session. If your dog is enjoying the game, they may break away for a moment to rest or do a quick check in with their beloved Owner before diving back into the play session. Short breaks are a way for dogs to manage their excitement levels and keep play from going too far. 

Keep in mind that every dog has their own play style and not all of the elements of normal play will apply to them. But in general, you should be able to identify at least some of these signs that your doggo is having a good time.

In the next section, we’ll cover some of the signals that your pupper’s play is not all tail wags and smiles.

What are the signs of overly rough play between dogs?

As you might have noticed when reading the elements of normal play, roughhousing between dogs is really a form of friendly fighting. And that’s exactly why we humans might struggle to find the line between what’s appropriate and what’s dangerous. Here are a few red flags that could indicate that a pair is mis-matched and requires intervention:

• There is no role reversal. Again, some playful pairs won’t reverse roles, but the majority do. If one dog is consistently the top dog or initiator, it could overwhelm the other.

• One dog is actively trying to escape. Remember, normal play has an occasional break so that both pups can catch their breath and manage the excitement level of the game. In an overly rough play session, there will be no breaks and one dog may be looking for an escape route.

• Fearful or aggressive body language. Tucked tails, ears flat on the head, lip curling, and stiff body movements are all indications that an interaction is boiling over into aggression.

• Ganging up. In some cases, it might be appropriate for one dog to lead a rambunctious game of chase. But more often than not, big groups ganging up on one dog is an indication of an unsafe escalation. 
• Yelping or crying. If you hear your dog crying, whimpering, or yelping, take that as a clear sign that one dog is not happy with the play session. It’s time to step in.

What can you do if your dog is on the receiving end of overly rough play between dogs?

Now that you know the difference between normal play and overly rough play between dogs, you’re in a much better position to decide when to intervene. 

In most cases, the roughness will dissipate when you interrupt the play session. And there are a couple of ways to do this. In the early stages of overly aggressive play, you might be able to call off your dog and have them come to you. This will give the other dog a chance to take a break and maybe even find a more appropriate play partner.

If your dog is not responsive to your calls because the play has gone over the line, you can physically step in and remove your dog from the play session. Now, we want to be very clear that this is not an appropriate move for dogs in the middle of a fight, as that could result in serious injury. Only physically intervene if the overly rough dog is still in play mode, otherwise, you’ll want to rely on other tactics to break the dogs away from each other, such as using loud noises.

Ideally, you’ll be able to involve the Owner of the overly rough dog in this situation. If they can harness the attention of their pup, you’ll be able to safely leash up your dog and remove them.

After a situation like this, you might find that your dog shows signs of anxiety around the dog park. It will be extremely important to give them more opportunities to play with dogs who share their energy levels so that they don’t develop an aversion to dogs in general. If the dog park is full of overly rough puppers, try scheduling one-on-one playdates with dogs who are a little less assertive.

Is your dog the one to up the ante? Here’s how to encourage them to play nicer

Let’s say that your doggo is the one who is constantly causing chaos at the dog park. If this is the case, there are solutions, such as:

• Work on basic training. On the one hand, obedience training will be necessary when you need to regain your dog’s focus while they’re playing. But, it’s also a great opportunity for mental stimulation. If they get regular interaction with their beloved Owner, they may have less pent-up energy when they get into contact with other dogs. Make sure to have lots of dog treats on hand so that your pup associates you with delicious rewards for good behaviour.
• Exercise your dog before they interact with other dogs. Speaking of pent-up energy, exercising your dog immediately before a play session is a fantastic way to avoid overly rough play. It may seem counterintuitive, but it will only be temporary until your dog has learned proper doggy manners.
• Schedule one-on-one training sessions with other dogs. Until you know that your dog has learned to dial it down when it comes to play, you’ll want to press pause on high energy environments like dog parks and dog beaches. Instead, schedule a playdate with a well-socialised dog who can teach them about appropriate play. Make sure to supervise the entire time and remove your dog when they get overly excited. 
• Be proactive with breaks. As we’ve mentioned, playtime breaks are a great way to reset the energy level of a play session so that things don’t get out of hand. If your dog struggles with pumping the breaks, you can step in periodically and call them away from their play session. When they’re calm, allow them to continue playing.
• If your dog struggles with reactivity or aggression, call in an expert. The previous steps are fine for a playful dog who is a bit too rambunctious at the dog park. If, on the other hand, your dog is acting out aggressively, then another approach will be necessary for their safety and the safety of other dogs. A professional dog trainer or behaviourist can help, but in the meantime, use extreme caution around other dogs.

Your doggo is ready to romp around with their furry friends!

So, we’ve covered everything you need to know about safe versus overly rough play. Whether your dog has been on the receiving end of a rough & tumble encounter or is the one with the not-so-friendly play style, there are steps you can take to make each doggy encounter successful.

Have you dealt with overly rough play between dogs with your pooch? We’d love to hear your tips for keeping those tails wagging at the dog park!

Need the help of a Dog Trainer?

Need help identifying rough play in dogs and just down right aggressive behaviour? Or need an expert to give your four-legged friend some obedience classes? Find a Dog Trainer near you that can help teach your dog a range of commands, including helping with socialisation – so the next trip to the dog park is more enjoyable for everyone!

The post Is rough play between dogs safe? appeared first on Mad Paws.

The socialisation process can be applied to older dogs, rescues, and dogs who have had negative experiences in the past—and it can be done at any life stage.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to socialise an adult dog step-by-step, so that you can start to change your dog’s behaviour safely. This can be a slow process, but it will help your dog feel more comfortable and confident in their everyday life.

Step one: Think about safety

The fact is, as you start socialising an adult dog, there are some risks. A fearful or anxious dog can lash out, often because they feel they need to protect themselves or their favourite human. So, safety needs to be a top priority for your dog and anyone they’ll come into contact with.

One way to ensure safety during socialisation is with training equipment. A muzzle, for instance, can be useful as you introduce your dog to environments where they might feel stressed. Not only will a muzzle keep other dogs and humans safe, but it will also give you a better chance of de-escalating if your dog does lose self-control.

Another helpful tool is a training harness, collar, or bandana. These harnesses are typically brightly coloured and say “Do not pet” or “Please stay away” in big letters. We’ve even seen some that say “anxious” or “shy.” And they do a great job of letting people know that your dog shouldn’t be approached. The goal here isn’t to keep your dog far away from people and pets forever! But, it will prevent unexpected encounters so that you can be more intentional in the socialisation process. 

One final thing we’ll note about safety measures is that they’re not going to cure your dog’s anti-social behaviour. Instead, these tools can help keep your pup and others safe as you go through the work of socialisation. 

Step two: Work on basic training with positive reinforcement

It might seem odd to start the process of socialisation without, well, socialisation! But reinforcing basic training before exposing your dog to others has a few advantages.

One, training builds confidence, both in your pupper and in your relationship. When a dog is unsocialised, they may see the world as a chaotic place. In contrast, training gives them a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and expectation. 

What’s more, training allows you and your pup to feel confident in your relationship. After establishing a training relationship, your dog will look to you for guidance and reassurance. And, you’ll feel more comfortable in their ability to follow instructions.

Two, positive reinforcement training allows you to be intentional with treats. Whether you’re giving your dog a treat for following a command or to reward them for staying calm, reward-based training will teach your pup that treats have meaning. This will lay a solid foundation for the next step, exposure therapy, which is all about building positive associations.   

And three, training will be necessary as you start exposure therapy. When you start bringing your pup into situations that might be stressful for them, training will be another way to keep them safe. A simple “sit” command, for instance, can interrupt your dog’s fixation on another dog and diffuse tensions.

Step three: Begin exposure therapy

The first part of exposure therapy is quite simple. You’re going to walk your dog, a lot! The key is to walk your dog in different neighbourhoods so that they have a chance to become comfortable with new experiences. 

Make sure that these areas are relatively quiet and that your pup won’t come across unleashed dogs. Always keep your dog on a leash and have a stash of training dog treats accessible so that you can give them a reward for staying calm around other dogs or people.

As we’ve mentioned, this is going to be a slow, deliberate process. You want to walk your dog with a calm demeanour, even talking to your pup to offer them reassurance. When you come across another dog, person, or noise that makes your dog tense, have them stop and sit for a treat. Continue your walk when they are calm.

If your dog can’t calm down, walk away from the situation that triggered them. As soon as they’re calm, give them plenty of praise and a treat. 

From there, you might try looping back to the area where they were anxious, again, or try on another day. But the goal is to gently and consistently expose them to the trigger until they can remain calm.

Step four: Set up some playdates

One way to socialise an adult dog is to walk with them in unfamiliar areas, but eventually, you want your pupper to be able to interact with other dogs and humans.

Let’s start with exposure to new people. With the help of a dog-loving friend (or trusty Mad Paws Dog Trainer/Dog Walker/Pet Sitter), you’re going to set up a meet-and-greet with your pup. Again, you want your dog to be on-leash, and if they’re at risk for biting, muzzled. And, arrange the meet-up to take place in a neutral area where your dog is calm and comfortable, such as the sidewalk near your home.

With treats in hand, you’ll have your human helper approach your dog slowly and calmly. You can help set the tone by greeting your friend and giving your pup verbal praise and reassurance. 

If your dog’s body language remains relaxed, your friend may be able to approach and offer your dog a treat in their outstretched palm. But, if you notice your dog becoming stressed or agitated, don’t push it. Progress can still be made if your friend is standing a safe distance away and tossing treats to your dog.

Socialising an adult dog with other dogs can follow a similar formula. With the help of a well-socialised dog of the same size as your pup, you can set up meet-and-greets in a neutral area. Both dogs should be on-leash and both Owners should be calm and ready to give treats for good behaviour.

Again, you’ll want to follow your dog’s lead. If your pup is calm, the dogs can approach each other. Should your pupper feel agitated, focus on calming them by having them complete a task for a treat. If your dog is overly upset, have both dogs walk away from each other and try again after they’ve had a chance to cool off.

Eventually, the dogs will be able to make contact. Allow the dogs to sniff each other for a few moments, then walk your pup away while giving them plenty of praise and treats. 

These meetings with new people and dogs should be short and frequent. If a friend can come over and repeat this process a few times per week, your dog will start to learn that newcomers are predictable and may even have treats for them! 

Other ways to help socialise an adult dog

As you can see, the basic idea of socialising an adult dog is simple: you expose your dog to the trigger until they no longer react strongly, and you give them treats for remaining calm. But, there’s no denying that it takes a lot of work! Here are a few final tips that can make the process a bit easier for you and your dog:

• Stay consistent. While the process will take time, it will take significantly less time when you socialise an adult dog consistently. Get your pupper out for walks daily, calling on an experienced Dog Walker if you need some help, and schedule regular meet-ups with trusted friends and mellow dogs.

• Give your dog a brain boost. It takes a lot of mental energy for a dog to restructure their world view! You can help them with a well-balanced dog diet filled with fresh protein and veggies to boost brain power. And, plenty of rest after each session is key to consolidate memories and prep your pup for faster progress. 

• Remember that progress isn’t always linear. You might notice that some days your dog is more open to letting their guard down than other days, and that’s okay. Do your best to stay calm and don’t give up hope. 
• Don’t be afraid to call in the pros. A professional Dog Trainer can be a huge help when trying to socialise an adult dog. 

Learning to socialise an adult dog takes time, but your furry friend will be better for it!

Socialisation is essential for a dog to be confident, comfortable, and happy in their daily life. And while it is easier to socialise a puppy, there’s still hope for dogs who missed that crucial life phase.

The time and effort it takes to socialise an adult dog are absolutely worth it when you see your beloved pooch make new friends! 

The post How to socialise an adult dog appeared first on Mad Paws.

Even so, many pet lovers are still unsure of the best time to walk their dogs. That’s why we’ve sifted through the research to find you the perfect time to take your pup for a stroll. Want to leave it to an expert? Book an on-demand Dog Walker!

“First thing” isn’t always the best thing for walking your dog

For the early birds among us, mornings often serve as the ideal window for lengthy Dog Walks. Not only do they start our pups’ day on a healthy note, they also give them a chance to *ahem* do their business after several hours of slumber. Just as crucially, they allow full-time workers to care for their furbabies before heading to work for the day.

However, while “first thing” may be convenient for Dog Owners, the time slot doesn’t always align with our canines’ needs. In fact, studies suggest that 10am is the magic hour to walk your dog.

Here are the four reasons why!

1. They’ve had time to digest their breakfast

Much like humans, dogs often need to relieve themselves in the morning. As such, if you want to keep your floors clean, you should take them outside when you first wake up. However, until they’ve digested their breakfast, they’re not going to make the most of a morning constitutional.

According to the Australian Sleep Health Foundation, the average Aussie wakes up at 6.32am. On the basis of this finding, we can assume the average dog receives their breakfast between 6.30 and 7am. By walking your pooch at 10am, you’re granting them a few hours to digest those sunrise munchies before pounding the pavement.

2. The streets aren’t as crowded 

If you’ve ever tried walking your pup at 7.30am, you’ll know what it feels like to be on high alert. With countless cars racing to work, your furry friend faces more threats than they would at a more tranquil time of day. After all, it only takes one errant driver for disaster to strike. 

In contrast, by 10am, most peak hour vehicles and pedestrians have cleared from the road. Beyond reducing the threat to your pooch, a 10am walk also gives them the footpath all to themselves! 

3. The sun isn’t as severe

Of course, if off-peak traffic is the goal, you could walk your dog at any time during school hours. However, to quote music icons GANGgajang: “This is Australia”. The longer an Aussie day spans, the hotter it becomes, and the more our doggos will suffer under the sun. This is doubly true during a long walk, in which their bodies are more likely to overheat. 

To keep them cool while they squeeze in their workout, stick to the 10am time slot. That way, you can address points 1 and 2 without letting your dog cook under the southern skies.  

4. They’ll be more relaxed in the evening

Picture this: you’ve just returned home from a 10-hour day at work. You’re tired, your hungry, and all you want to do is curl up on the couch with your dog. There’s only one problem: your pooch still needs to take a looooooooong walk.

Even if you walked them before leaving for work, they’ve spent the last 10 hours cooped up at home. What’s more, they digested their breakfast hours ago, and they’ve had nothing to do with all that energy. At this stage, you pretty much have no choice over the matter. Your furry friend needs their walk, and you’re going to have to give it to them. 

Now, compare this to a world in which your dog enjoyed a proper walk while you were out for the day. While they still may need a quick stroll when you arrive home, they will have already quenched their thirst for a lengthy jaunt. In other words, you’ll be free to cuddle up and unwind with your furry friend. 

“Welcome home, human! I sure enjoyed my Dog Walk while you were away. Let’s retire to the couch!”

One big problem exists with this plan…

Needless to say, a 10am walk schedule may pose a problem for many Pet Owners. ABS data shows us that 80% of Australians work more than 35 hours per week; for those amongst them who work 9am to 5pm, they simply won’t be home at 10am to walk their pooch.  

…but that doesn’t mean someone can’t be walking your dog at the right time!

Fortunately, you can still do what’s best for your dog without racking up your sick leave. With Mad Paws, you can connect with a trusted, local Dog Walker at a time that suits you (and your pet) best. 

Find & book a trusted Dog Walker near you >

The post Are you walking your dog at the right time? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Remind Your Dog Who’s Boss

In an unleashed dog park, your pooch is going to meet other canines. This is great, and one of the highlights of a park visit. However, if you don’t remind your dog that you’re in charge, they might replace you with any alphas they meet. Before you know it, your pet and their new friends will be barrelling around with no regard for your authority. Suffice to say, you can count this as a park etiquette breach. 

To combat their urge to rebel, remind them you’re the boss by using the verbal commands you’ve trained them to obey. Simply yell “heel”, “sit”, or any unique phrase you’ve taught to them, and you’ll prompt them to be subservient to you. This will remind them they’re a member of your pack, while also showing other dogs that you’re to be respected. 

Finally, remember to reward your pooch with a treat when they follow your lead.  

Are You Telling Me This Ain’t a Sign?

In the past we’ve written on learning to read the warning signs of your pup’s stress. When you visit a dog park, you should apply the same principles to every dog you see. This way, you can know when your (or another) dog is feeling upset, and separate them before it’s too late. 

If your dog does start fighting with another pooch, you should give them time to resolve it on their own. Canine feuds can be quick to start, but even quicker to finish. Wait for a few seconds before stepping in – at which point you and the other dog’s Owner should approach from behind, grab your dogs high on their hind legs, and pull them back.  

Make sure your doggo has up-to-date parasite protection

A crucial one for all seasons, but particularly in warmer months when harmful fleas, ticks and intestinal worms are rife!

Dogs need up-to-date parasite control treatment when going to the dog park because it helps protect them from parasites that can be easily transmitted in a social environment. Regular treatment not only ensures the well-being of the individual dog but also helps prevent the spread of these parasites to other pets and reduces the risk of infestations in the park itself.

Accept that Not Everyone Has the Same Idea of “Park Etiquette”

Some people love being approached by dogs in the park. Others find it to be daunting and invasive. Whatever your preference might be, don’t assume everyone in the park feels the same way. When your dog starts bounding towards a stranger, be sure to call them back. If the stranger likes dogs, they might say “It’s okay” or “Don’t worry, I love meeting new dogs!” If they don’t, you’ve just avoided a major park etiquette breach.    

If taking your pupper to the park seems a bit stressful, consider booking some dog training sessions…or just outsource the job to a dog walker!

The post The low down on park etiquette for dogs appeared first on Mad Paws.