How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Clicker Training Your Dog

Dr Jess Beer - Pet Behaviourist

BVSc MANZCVS

Dr Jess is a fully qualified Veterinarian with more than 17 years of experience in companion animal clinical practice. She has worked in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, as well as donating her time to charities in India, Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Panama, Mexico, Romania, Rarotonga and Gibraltar.

Clicker Training your Dog

Clicker training is one of the easiest ways to train most types of pets. It is most commonly used for dogs, but you can also use clicker training for dogs, cats, chickens and even horses.

What you want to do, is introduce that the click means good things are coming. So start with several repetitions of click then treat. Click then treat. Click then treat. And what this does, is that the click means good job and well done.

The next stage is asking your pet for a behaviour and then rewarding them for it. Watch Dr Jess Beer giving tips on clicker training your dog in this short video.

Step-by-step Clicker Points

Step 1: Set yourself up holding your clicker in one hand, your pet in front of you, and some training treats in your other hand.

Step 2: Click the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat and then repeat this several times. What this is doing is teaching your dog that the click means good job and well done.

Step 3: Now it's time to ask your dog for a behaviour and then rewarding them for it. For example, asking your dog to touch your hand with their nose. Or asking your dog to sit or to stay (more info on these here). And then clicking and rewarding for it.

Try to do your clicker training for 5-10 minutes a day (as opposed to longer sessions) for the best results. Good luck!