Out with the old and in with the new... positive reinforcement is always a winner over punishing bad behaviour when training your dog. It's all about "Do" rather than "Don't"and we're big fans of this over at PetBuddy. 

There are often very many different undesirable ways for a dog to behave.  Dog training through reinforcement enables us to be very selective, and to chose the exact behaviour that we want.

What exactly is reinforcement?  It simply means encouraging good behaviours to continue and not punishing the bad. Reinforcement is a great training tool if you purposefully reinforce good things your puppy does.

If something you do carries a benefit, then it makes sense to do it again, right?

Positive reinforcement enables you to train your dog while keeping the dog’s confidence and enthusiasm at an all time high. It is the only method of training suitable for young puppies, and the quickest and best way of nailing those good behaviours .

Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between you and your dog too, and there's not much better than that.

The importance of timing when reinforcing your dog!

We want our puppies to know that the positive reinforcement we are giving them is linked to their behaviour, we wouldn't tell our puppy to sit then reward them five minutes later and expect them to understand the correlation. 

If you are using training treats, you should have them to hand and reward your puppy quickly if you want his behaviours to be reinforced. High value training treats work best and our range of Pure Pates are perfect, they are totally pure and natural and trainer recommended. 

 We call this positive reinforcement, because it involves adding something positive to your pup's environment.

Types of rewards.  

There are many different types of reward for your dog which you can use when practicing their training. Not every dog is treat driven, some prefer retrieving a ball or a toy, some prefer having a fuss made of them or verbal reinforcement, a good enthusiastic "yes, good boy/girl" can go a long way. 

Your happy puppy! 

Positive reinforcement training is the future of puppy and dog training, it builds bonds, rewards your dog, makes them feel good, is amazing for building their confidence as well as yours and is perfect for enriching their lives. A well trained dog is a confident, social and enjoyable dog to have in your family.  

Did you know there's a way to keep your dogs joints nice and healthy from as young as 12 weeks old?  That's right, the miracle ingredient, Glucosamine is essential in cartilage building and keeping your pup's joints strong, healthy and flexible. 

Glucosamine is produced naturally in your dog's body, it forms the building blocks of cartilage, but it can also be found in lots of tasty foods like chicken feet, mussels, bone marrow, bones, beef and lamb! 

As dog's age, cartilage erodes (I know, sniff sniff) which means that bones will rub more closely together, causing pain and inflammation. Less Glucosamine is produced as dogs get older as it naturally becomes harder. 

That's why adding extra Glucosamine to your dog's diet is so important, to replace the cartilage building blocks that your dog can't make themselves.

Staying as happy and mobile as possible for as long as possible is the aim for our dogs right, so extra Glucosamine is a must! It reduces inflammation, maintains youthful energy and movement and helps with recovery, contributing to a quicker recovery. When dog's feel better, they are happier, that's what we want right?! 

How can we help at PetBuddy?

You can absolutely give you dog Glucosamine in the form of tablets, but as it's naturally produced in your dog's better, it's believed to keep it as natural as possible.  Chicken Feet are an amazing natural source of Glucosamine and they are one of our most popular cronchy treats. Beef Trachea are great too and we have plenty of these! 

If you know anything about us, you'll know that we believe that natural is best. So why not take a look at what we do and how we can help keep your dog as healthy as possible for as long as possible! 

If your dog is anything like mine, veggies are treated like an alien object never to be consumed.  I aways thought I would have dogs like the ones in the funny videos who gobble up broccoli, cronch down on a french bean and even snap up a sprout.  But alas no, my Mila and Enzo are veg dodgers through and through, eating around sweetcorn when I add it to their good, spitting out bits of peppers however small I chop them. 

But veggies are a crucial part of our dog's diets, they are an important source of fibre and contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidents that are not found in meat.  

Have you ever tried dehydrating vegetables?  Well I have and let me tell you, it's a game changer!  Dehydrating veg makes them chewy and some dogs are all about texture. This way you know exactly what you are giving your pup and know it's 100% natural. 

Also cooking veg changes the texture and also releases lots of yummy smells, dogs work things out through smell so filling the air with the scents of tasty veggies may work a treat! 

Sometimes it's a case of offering nothing else and waiting it out and other times, finding something that your dog will love that already contains lots of vegetables.  

Our Veggie Bakes contain no fewer than 10 different types of fruit and vegetables, including sweet potato, apple, coconut and courgette! These have been a sure fire hit with Mila and Enzo. It gets lots of the right fibres, vitamins and minerals in them and they don't turn their little brown noses up at them! 

Try these tips above and let me know how you get on! 

What are probiotics and why are they so good for your dog's health? 

 Essentially probiotics contribute to the good bacteria in your pup's stomach, the ones that are great for enabling proper digestion, boosting immune systems and promoting a happy tum. 

When your pup has a bad stomach, their bacterias, good and bad, can be off wack, imbalanced, a bit all over the shop... that's where probiotics come in to help re-address that balance and get your pups tum all harmonious and lovely again! 

The main function of probiotics is that they add to a nice healthy gut. But... the good news is that the gut is the home of all things health-related. From a soft and shiny coat, a boosted immune system, better energy levels to better poop and less of those love puffs (farts), probiotics have so many added health benefits.  

Probiotics come in many different types, from powders such as VitaFlora to treats such as our delicious Pooch & Mutt Turkey & Hemp Treats. Why not give them a go today?

Many dogs do not enjoy walking in the rain (I mean who does??). However, making sure your dog gets their daily exercise is also extremely important. We thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of rainy-day dog walk essentials, to make your dog’s rainy-day walk as comfortable as possible.

Raincoat

Just like humans, most dogs also like to be covered up and kept dry and warm when they go for walks in the rain. Buying your dog a raincoat can prevent them from getting sick, which means that you will not have to pay a ridiculous amount at the vet in order to treat them. Raincoats are perfect for dogs who are not keen on walking in the rain, with a raincoat they will feel that bit more protected and ready for their walk.

Use a Safe and Secure Harness

During harsh weather, dogs can become quite stressed and anxious. Convincing them to go on a walk in harsh weather can be quite the task. Once you are on the walk, a lot of dogs can still feel this anxiety that they felt before they left which can make walking extremely difficult and sometimes it can be dangerous. To avoid any of this happening you will want to purchase a safe and secure harness. Having a harness will ensure that you and your dog will remain safe whilst walking in the miserable weather.

Shorter Walks

To ensure that your dog gets enough exercise while the weather is bad, you can do some indoor activities with them such as nose work games or hide and seek. Try some games that will require them to use their brains and need them to move to really tire them out. 

Visible Lead and Harness

When the weather is bad. our visibility can get quite bad and it can be hard for us to see into the distance. Drivers will also have their visibility obscured which means it is important for you and your dog to wear bright clothing, collars, harnesses, and leads in order to stand out in the rain. If you are putting a raincoat on yourself or your dog, make sure to look for one that has reflective stripes on them. Anything that helps you to be seen in the bad weather helps you and your dog to keep safe while on your walk.

Dry Towel

Once you have finally made it home from your walk in the rain, make sure that you have left a dry towel by the door, so you can wipe your dog down and give them a good dry. Drying your dog as soon as you get through the door, lessens the chance of them making a mess of your house, which is the last thing you want after being out in the rain.

These are 5 of our rainy dog walk essentials. At PetBuddy, we offer a range of dog essentials including dog treats, dog harnesses, dog toys and so much more. Visit our website to view our range of pet essentials.

When you are a dog owner it is important to keep your dogs fit and healthy, this means that they need plenty of exercise. It is crucial for dogs, like humans to have an exercise routine. A lot of the time, dogs tend to be quite enthusiastic when it comes to exercising, however, there may still be times when they need that extra push. Below I have provided some tips on how you can get your dog to exercise.

Play Some Fetch

Most dogs love a game of fetch and this game is a fantastic form of exercise. You can play a game of fetch literally anywhere as long as you have the space (and nothing breakable is nearby). Grab a ball, a stick, or one of your dog’s favourite toys and ask them to go and get it for you. This could take a bit of training at first, so in order to train them, each time they bring their fetch item back to you, you could give them one of their favourite dog treats in order to encourage them at to begin with. Once your dog learns the skill and listens to the command, it will become a fun game for them to enjoy.

Walk or Run

This is the easiest exercise to train your dog to do. When you first begin to walk them, keep the walks down to around 20 minutes and then gradually increase the time. Once your dog is comfortable walking, you can try to increase the pace by going on a light jog or a run. If your dog isn’t doing any other physical activity, you will want to make sure that they are walking for around 45-60 minutes a day.

Nose Work Games

This is a great way to keep your dog active and entertained. Nose work games are fun, versatile, and mentally stimulating for your dog. A great nose work game is chopping up some small treats such as apples and hiding them throughout the house. If your dog hasn’t played this game before, you might want to begin with treats that have a strong smell so they can get the hang of it. To begin the game, have your dog start off in the stay position while you hide treats around the house, again if this is your dog’s first time, start off with some easy hiding spots like in one of our Snuffle Mats or Snuffle Balls.

Once you have hidden the treats, release your dog, and keep the game as fun, engaging, and encouraging as you can. Once they get the hang of the game, you can begin to hide the treats in harder spots. This will teach your dog to start relying on their natural smelling abilities to find the treats rather than just relying on their visual ability.

Take Your Dog Swimming

Swimming is a fantastic exercise for dogs. Swimming is more low impact compared to walking or jogging and it is great for their mobility. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that can help to increase your dog’s range of motion and help to build muscle mass. Have a look online and see if there are any dog-friendly hydrotherapy centres that can help your dog with their swimming. If your dog is new to swimming, remember to take it slow as they may find it overwhelming at first, they need to ease into it.

Agility Training

This is perfect for dogs that are overactive. There are yoga classes that are designed for dogs. This is a great form of exercise for those dogs that are overly active. Have a look around your local area for these types of classes and get your dog registered. These classes can help your dog to remain fit, whilst you are also working out with them. It is a win-win situation.

These are all the ways that you can help your dog stay more active and get more daily exercise. If you are interested in any dog training treats, then visit us here at Pet Buddy. We have a range of treats and toppers that your dog will love. Visit our website to view our range.

Small dogs have different nutritional needs compared to larger breeds. When you are buying treats for your dogs, there are some questions that you will need to ask yourself:

• Will it be too big for my dog’s mouth?
• Will my dog be able to chew through it?
• Will it upset my dog’s diet?

Here are 5 tips that can help you to choose the right dog treats for your smaller dog.

Check The Calorie Content

Smaller dogs need fewer calories than larger ones, so one of the first things that you need to do is to check the nutritional label to ensure that you don’t choose treats that exceed the recommended calorie intake for your dog’s size. You want to make sure that you are not overfeeding your dog as this isn’t healthy either.

Look For Natural Ingredients

When selecting dog treats for your dog, it is always better to choose treats that contain natural ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Try and avoid treats with artificial ingredients and preservatives. However it is important to note that just because some treats have good nutritional value, you still cannot feed your dog too many of them as this can be bad for their stomachs. Only feed your dog the recommended amount that is on the back of the packaging.

Choose Treats That Provide Essential Nutrients

You will want to look for treats that offer essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. These can help to support your pup’s overall health. Similar to humans dogs also need their share of vitamins and minerals to help maintain good health, so yes give them treats but also make sure they are getting their nutritional value for the day.

Keep Treats Small

Small dog treats are the key to keeping a training session moving along. For small dogs use tiny pieces or cut larger ones into small pieces. The smaller treats are also kinder to your dog’s waistline, as we mentioned previously you do not want to overfeed your dog as this is extremely unhealthy. Keeping your treats small means that fewer calories are being consumed and your dog will not get too full over their training session.

Pay Attention To The Treats That Your Dog Likes

Whatever treats that you are feeding to your dog it is important to take notice of what treats they do and do not like. A well-fed dog is a happy dog and just because a certain treat works for one dog doesn’t mean that it will for another. Figuring out what treats your dog likes and what is suited to your dog all comes down to trial and error. Dogs rely on us to know what works best for them so make sure to pay attention!

As we have said it is so important to choose treats that are right for your small dog. Just remember to do all of the research that you possibly can. If you are interested in buying some new dog treats for your dog. At PetBuddy we have a great range of treats including Pure Sticks, Training Treats, a great Longer Lasting range, and so much more. If you are interested in shopping with us then feel free to visit our website.

Puppies are a cute bundle of energy but they do require quite a bit of guidance, discipline, and training. This is to ensure that they develop into well-behaved, happy and obedient dogs. Early interactions in a puppy’s life are extremely important for their development. Here are 5 ways in which you can encourage good behaviour in your puppy.

Establish A Routine

Establishing a routine for your puppy will help them to understand what is expected of them and when. This can include their regular meals, toilet breaks, walking times, playtime, etc. Establishing a routine is especially great if you have quite an anxious puppy, try and keep things as normal as possible in their day-to-day life. Creating a routine and a nurturing, safe environment for your puppy is the best way to get them to trust you. Once they trust you they will be more open to engaging in good behaviour.

Reward Good Behaviour

Rewarding your puppy when they do something good will help you to reinforce good behaviour. You can reward their good behaviour by giving them healthy and natural treats or verbal praise. When it comes to rewarding their good behaviour, do not just limit it to treats that they can eat based on their age.  Our Pure Training Treats are perfect for puppies over 4-weeks. Be sure to reward their good behaviour with positive verbal praise, cuddles, petting them etc. If you reward your puppy every time they do good behaviour then they will repeat this behaviour, dogs are very intelligent animals and can pick up on things and routines quite quickly.

Encourage Relaxation Time

Similar to humans, releasing energy is important so try and encourage your puppy to relax. If your dog gets enough exercise then the relaxation time afterwards should come naturally to them. However if your dog has excess energy, reward the times that they stay calm in order to reinforce this behaviour. Schedule relaxation time into their routine so they know what to expect everyday. Getting your dog into a regular relaxation routine ensures that they can be adaptable in any situation.

Redirect Bad Behaviour

If your puppy is exhibiting bad behaviour, then it is important to redirect their attention to something that is more appropriate. This can be done by providing an alternative activity or by redirecting their focus to something else. If they are behaving badly try and ignore this behaviour, for example, if they are barking too much or they nip at you then turn and walk away. If your dog is chewing on something that they shouldn’t be, do not yell at them instead replace the thing that they are chewing on with a long lasting treat or a toy. If you do this then you are showing them that you don’t want them to chew on something but you are also redirecting their attention to something else instead.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is essential for puppies and dogs. Exercise helps to keep them healthy, and helps to tire them out. Regular exercise can help to keep their minds active and curb bad behaviour. Exercise and training is so important for your puppy in order to keep them in a positive state of mind. If your dog has some pent up energy and isn’t able to release that energy this could result in some destructive and bad behaviour which is something that we do not want as dogs can get bored and restless very easily. Thus it is important to occupy your dog by taking them out for regular walks and playtimes.

Encouraging good behaviour in your puppy does take time and work, however if you execute these tips you will have a well behaved pup in no time. At PetBuddy we sell a lot of dog supplies such as dog treats, leads, harnesses, toys, etc. If you are interested in treating your new pup then please feel free to visit our website.

Did you know that January is National Dog Walking Month? A month to set a new walking routine, find new paces to walk, new games to play on walkies and a chance to practice some new training. 

Why is walking your dog so important? Walking has so many benefits to both you and your pup, from health benefits for you both, socialisation, a chance for training and bonding and a way to discover new areas. I really love nothing more than getting out with Mila and Enzo, finding a new forest, beach, woods or walking route, and off we go.  They love it as much as I do! 

What's really important is to make sure that we have all the right gear, poo bags, water bowl, treats and the right apparel for your dog. Whether your dog likes to walk on the collar or a harness, we have it all. 

Not only can a good collar be used as away to keep your dog with you, it can also give you confidence when walking your pup

It gives you control over your dog's movements and prevents them from darting away from you. a well fitting collar controls your dog by exerting pressure behind the neck rather than pulling against the trachea.  

If you prefer a harness, there are heaps of benefits to this too.  

A well designed harness evenly distributes pressure across your dog's chest and torso so that no one area of their body takes the full strain of any force when they're on lead. A well fitting harness can also prevent high impact jolts to the neck if your dog is on a long line or jogging with you on a leash.  

Whatever you choose, we have it all, and they are at 50% off, what a bargain!  Collars or Harnesses, we have both! 

Why not take a look now and make sure your dog is the best dressed in the park!