Heeling Hounds

Why should I train my dog?

Owning a dog is a life-long committment

Puppies do not come pre-programmed to understand how to live with people. Like all young animals, they need an older and more experienced individual to show them how to behave appropriately and navigate the world.

As your dog's guardian, this is the role you must play to help your dog understand that toileting is an outdoor activity, that leash-pulling is not fun and that sticking by you when off-leash is the best choice. It's not about dominance but about working as a team.

Heeling Hounds Dog Training will show you how to get the most from your dog through reward-based, force-free, positive, games-based life-skills dog training. Heeling Hounds does not use correction collars, force or punishment-based training methods. All our dog training is scientifically proven to give life-long results and build a strong relationship with your dog.

Whether you have welcomed a puppy or an older dog into your life, contact Heeling Hounds today to become the best dog owner for your dog.

Heeling Hounds provides in-person or online dog training services to owners on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria and beyond.

Transform your dog's behaviour with Heeling Hounds

Barking

While barking is normal, excessive vocalisation is challenging and frustrating. In many instances, barking becomes a choice when your dog is excited or frightened. Let’s change the picture, teach calmness and bring back some much-needed silence.

I need help with barking

Jumping

Barking

Is your dog a jumping jack? Do they greet visitors by bouncing all over them? Does your dog think that counters or tables are the best place to find food? Let's keep those four paws on the floor and have a more controlled household and calmer dog.

I need help with jumping

Leash pulling

Is walking your dog not the experience you signed up for? Does your dog pull or continually stop to sniff the ground? Are your walks frustrating you both? There is a better way, and it doesn’t involve punishing your dog or buying extra equipment.

I need help with leash pulling

Reactivity

Separation anxiety

Does your dog find the world overwhelming? Do they bark and lunge at other dogs or people? Do you feel guilty that you have your dog? Rest assured, there are solutions to help your dog see the world as a calmer place without force or punishment.

I need help with reactivity

Separation anxiety

Being home alone can be challenging for social animals. Does your dog whine, bark or destroy things when you’re not home? Do you feel stressed leaving your dog at home? Return to basics and set up your dog for a successful, calm alone time..

I need help with separation anxiety

Recall

Separation anxiety

Can your dog walk off-leash and remain with you or come when called? Are they easily distracted by other dogs, people or moving objects? Are you their centre of attention or just second best? Let’s make recalls less stressful and automatic.

I need help with my dog's recall

Puppies

Toilet training

Puppies

Bringing a puppy into your home is exciting, but it requires planning and the ability to adapt to this new arrival’s needs to ensure a successful start to living with its new family. Discover how to set your puppy for life, from socialisation to calmness.

Biting

Toilet training

Puppies

Is your dog always biting and nipping at you during play or downtime? Is biting leading to destructive behaviours? While exploring the world with their mouths is normal for puppies and dogs, excessive biting needs to be redirected.

I need help with biting

Toilet training

Is your puppy or dog toileting in the house? Do you take them outside, and nothing happens, and then once back inside, they go to the toilet? Toilet training takes about three weeks to complete. Let me show you how to set them up for success.

I need help with toilet training

Adolescent dogs

Resource guarding

Toilet training

Has your puppy suddenly transformed from an angel to a devil? Has their behaviour changed completely? Welcome to owning an adolescent dog! This is a challenging life stage in which your puppy tests boundaries while becoming an adult.

Resource guarding

Does your dog growl or snap at you when near food, toys or other special objects? Do they worry about or find leaving those objects difficult? Resource guarding can be scary to live with, but there are solutions that don’t require force or punishment.

I need help with resource guarding

Senior dogs

Resource guarding

Has your older dog’s personality changed? Are they finding life more challenging or not participating in activities? As your dog ages, you need to adapt and make some changes to your dog’s life to ensure that they are still engaging with life to their fullest potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Why should I train my dog?

Training your dog using reward-based, force-free methods is essential for creating a harmonious and loving relationship between you and your canine companion. This approach emphasises positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding desired behaviours to encourage their repetition. Here are several compelling reasons to engage in this type of training:

Reward-based training enhances communication between you and your dog. By teaching your dog cues and rewarding them for great choices, you establish a clear and consistent way to interact. This reduces confusion and frustration for both parties, making daily life smoother and more enjoyable.
Training fosters trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Unlike aversive (punishment) methods, positive reinforcement builds confidence, which can cause fear and anxiety. Your dog learns to associate training sessions with pleasurable experiences, leading to a more cooperative and eager learner.
Force-free training contributes to your dog's overall well-being. Mental stimulation through training keeps your dog engaged and alert, which is especially important for their cognitive health. Additionally, the positive social interaction during training sessions contributes to emotional stability, reducing the likelihood of behavioural struggles such as aggression or anxiety.
Reward-based training also ensures your dog remains safe and well-behaved in various situations. Teaching calmness, optimism and disengagement using positive reinforcement helps manage your dog's behaviour in public spaces, preventing potential accidents or conflicts with other dogs or people.

Training your dog using reward-based, force-free methods enriches their life and yours. It promotes effective communication, strengthens your bond, enhances your dog's mental and emotional health, and ensures their safety. By investing time in positive training techniques, you set the foundation for a joyful and fulfilling partnership with your furry friend.

What is the best type of dog training?

Training a dog can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour, and selecting the best approach is crucial for your four-legged companion's well-being and successful development. Reward-based and force-free training stand out as the most effective and humane methods.

Reward-based training, or positive reinforcement, revolves around rewarding a dog for desirable behaviour. Rewards can take various forms, such as treats, praise, toys, or playtime. This method encourages dogs to repeat favourable actions to earn rewards, strengthening the bond between the dog and the owner. Positive reinforcement is grounded in the principle that dogs are more likely to learn and retain behaviours that result in something pleasant.

One significant advantage of reward-based training is its emphasis on positive experiences, which fosters trust and confidence in dogs. It also addresses one of the fundamental aspects of canine psychology—dogs thrive on consistency and positive interactions. By focusing on what the dog does right rather than punishing mistakes, this training method promotes a cooperative and enthusiastic attitude in dogs.

Force-free training complements reward-based techniques by eliminating aversive methods such as fear, intimidation, or physical punishment. This approach is particularly beneficial for building a dog's confidence, as it ensures that the training environment is stress-free and supportive. Force-free training relies on understanding a dog's natural behaviours and using them to guide the training process.

The primary goal of force-free training is to create a harmonious relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. It also minimises the risk of behavioural issues that can arise from fear or anxiety induced by harsh training methods. By adopting a compassionate approach, force-free training enhances the learning experience and ensures the dog's overall well-being.

Reward-based and force-free training methods are scientifically proven to be the best for training dogs. They promote positive behaviour, strengthen the human-animal bond, and ensure a happy and well-adjusted pet.

Why should I crate train my dog?

For me, crate training is essential to reward-based and force-free dog training, offering numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. This method utilises positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours, ensuring that training is a pleasant and stress-free experience for your furry friend. Here are four reasons why crate training can be beneficial for any dog.

Crate training provides a safe and comfortable space for your dog. Dogs instinctively seek out den-like environments where they can feel secure. A crate serves as a sanctuary where they can retreat when they need rest or want to escape any household chaos. Your dog will willingly use it as a safe space by associating the crate with positive experiences, such as treats, toys, and praise.
Crate training aids in toilet training. When a dog is confined to a crate, it is less likely to soil its sleeping area. This natural aversion helps establish a routine and encourages the dog to hold its bladder until taken outside. Reward-based training further supports this process by offering treats and praise when the dog successfully eliminates outdoors, reinforcing the behaviour you want to cultivate.
Crate training can prevent destructive behaviour. When left unsupervised, dogs may chew furniture, shoes, or other household items out of boredom or anxiety. A crate keeps them safe and secure while you are away, reducing the chances of damage and ensuring their well-being. Positive reinforcement techniques can be used to reward your dog for calmly staying in the crate, making it a positive experience.
Crate training can facilitate easier travel and vet visits. Dogs accustomed to crates are more likely to remain calm during car rides and are less stressed when placed in crates at veterinary clinics. This adaptability can make these experiences less traumatic for your dog and more manageable for you.

When approached with reward-based and force-free methods, crate training offers numerous advantages for your dog’s comfort, safety, and behaviour management. By creating positive associations with the crate, you can ensure your dog views it as a welcoming and secure space, leading to a happier and well-adjusted pet.

How do I stop my dog pulling on their leash?

Walking your dog can be challenging when it constantly pulls on the leash. This struggle arises when your dog moves ahead, exerts excessive pressure on the leash and causes discomfort for both the dog and you.

Excessive pulling disrupts the pace and enjoyment of the walk but also poses serious safety risks. Your dog's behaviour may lead to erratic movements or sudden lunges, making it difficult to maintain control, especially in busy or unfamiliar environments.

Leash pulling is often the result of your dog's instinct to explore and investigate its surroundings or a lack of proper leash training. Understanding these motivations can help you address the issue more effectively. Excitement or distractions, such as other animals or scents, can exacerbate the problem.

Addressing this problem requires understanding your dog’s motivations and using reward-based, force-free dog training techniques. Playing proximity games rewards your dog for walking calmly beside you. Growing calmness means your dog is less excited when you leave the front door, and teaching disengagement means it can mind its own business. These skills will enhance the walking experience and strengthen the dog–guardian bond, fostering better communication and mutual understanding during outdoor activities.

The Proximity Game, a simple yet effective training technique, can be played with your dog’s daily food allowance. For example, throw one piece of food away from you, and when your dog turns back to you, throw several pieces around you. This game shows your dog that the environment is less valuable than being around you. In time, your dog will see the value of staying close than pulling away from you.

How do I stop my dog from excessive barking?

Barking is normal dog behaviour but can be frustrating, especially when it becomes incessant.

Barking can quickly become a nuisance, and when excited, your dog will bark for unrelated reasons. Let’s choose calmness over excitement to ensure your dog doesn’t start barking at everything.

Excessive barking is a significant concern for dog owners and their neighbours. This behaviour stems from various reasons, such as loneliness, territorial instincts, or boredom. When left unchecked, persistent barking can disrupt the peace of a neighbourhood, causing annoyance and tension among residents.

Understanding the root cause of barking is crucial. It may indicate underlying issues with the dog's well-being or environment that require attention. Addressing excessive barking typically involves careful observation and possibly seeking guidance from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.

Owners are key in managing their dogs’ barking habits. By providing proper training and stimulation, such as exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, and the development of the skill of calmness, they can prevent excessive vocalisation.

Creating a calm, secure environment for the dog is crucial. It can significantly reduce the frequency of barking episodes. By taking proactive steps and fostering a supportive environment, owners can effectively address and mitigate the issue of problem dog barking.

How do I stop my dog from jumping up?

Whether your dog is small or large, dealing with a dog that enthusiastically jumps up to greet you when you return home, jumps on your guests, or lunges at people can be highly stressful. However, you can control and transform this chaotic situation with a positive training approach.

Dogs jumping up on people is a common issue that can be disruptive and potentially harmful. Many dogs exhibit this behaviour as a form of greeting or excitement, but it can lead to discomfort or injury for the person being jumped on.

This behaviour is often reinforced unintentionally when dogs receive attention or affection for jumping, which they interpret as a positive reward. Your goal is to always have all four paws on the ground when interacting with people and other dogs.

Addressing the problem involves understanding its root cause and implementing effective training techniques. Guardians can teach dogs alternative behaviours, such as sitting, offering a paw to greet people or learning to go to their bed or crate when visitors arrive. Consistency in training, positive reinforcement, and redirecting this behaviour are crucial.

A simple game to play is to scatter some food on the ground away from you as your dog approaches. When your dog finishes, observe their body language and if they want to jump throw a few more pieces of food on the floor. Eventually your dog will stand or even sit down. Reward them for that choice. Pretty soon your dog will see the value in having its paws on the ground rather than leaping at you.

Encouraging calmness and redirecting jumping behaviours will diminish the habit. By taking proactive steps, guardians can ensure that their dogs greet people calmly, politely and respectfully, fostering better interactions for both pets and humans.

How long does dog training last?

Owning a dog involves many responsibilities, including providing adequate food and shelter, exercise, love and respect. One major part of dog ownership includes training your dog to become a good canine citizen and navigate the human world without fear or stress.

Many people believe all their dog needs is puppy training, and they will be set for life. While this training is essential and will help develop the building blocks of good habits, it doesn’t take into account the next life stage a dog will enter between six months and two years—the very challenging adolescent or teenage phase.

Yes! A teenager will be in your home. Interestingly enough, recent studies have shown that puppies going into adolescence can develop a reduced attachment (relationship) with their owner. If you reflect on your teenage years, this may sound familiar. In addition, they show an increased responsiveness and attachment (relationship) to other people and dogs.

Suddenly, their responses to cues and excellent behaviour during their puppy phase will start dwindling. This isn’t because they’re being difficult or disobedient. In fact, they can hardly help themselves as their body and brains change. Hormones and areas of the brain that are now active affect your dog’s perception of the world.

With games-based training, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of playing games compared to traditional training methods. Games allow you to create a no-pressure solution for your teenager, growing them through games that focus on concepts rather than behaviours.

Rather than focusing on growing obedience (sit, drop, stay), this is the time to focus on the relationship and having fun while still providing clear expectations and boundaries through management, targeted games that encourage the growth of specific concepts, and support when they need it during any “blips” that might occur.

The teenage years can also be when your dog experiences fear periods—things in the environment that they didn’t respond to as a puppy are now suddenly important. Barking at neighbours and other dogs is often a typical response during a fear period. Rather than punishing your dog, you need to support them with optimism and disengagement activities rather than punishing them.

After the teenage phase, your dog still needs help navigating our world. New experiences can challenge your dog; thus, growing optimism and rewarding calmness are lifelong activities that all dog owners should pursue daily.

As your dog ages, you must support their cognitive decline and reduced mobility. Games-based training can maintain mental acuity and enrich your dog through their senior years.

This doesn't mean you need to regularly employ a dog trainer, but there will be times when you need a trainer's advice to guide you through your dog-training journey.

What should I teach my dog first?

Embarking on your dog’s training journey is a joyous adventure. It’s essential to start with the basics using reward-based, force-free techniques. These methods create a positive association with training and build a strong bond between you and your canine companion, making the journey even more enjoyable.

Owners of young dogs will, of course, start with toilet training as their first go-to skill. You can learn more about toilet training in the free Puppy Resource section. Don’t forget to download the success tracker to monitor your progress.

Teaching your dog to sit is an excellent starting point. It is straightforward and serves as the foundation for more complex commands. This process is known as ‘shaping’, where you gradually guide your dog into the desired behaviour. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly move it upwards. As your dog follows the treat with their nose, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position. Once in this position, MARK the moment when their bottom hits the ground with your clicker or use the word “YES”, and then reward them with the food treat. Repeat this process until your dog associates the cue “sit” with the action and the reward.

After mastering sit, progress to teaching a recall. This cue is a crucial life skill for your dog’s safety. To get your dog’s attention, use an excited noise such as a kissing sound or calling pup, pup, pup enthusiastically. When your dog arrives to you, MARK that moment and reward your dog with a treat. Always reward successful recall attempts to reinforce this positive behaviour.

Reward-based, force-free training relies on positive reinforcement. Treats, praise, and play are effective rewards that encourage your dog to learn and follow cues. It is vital to be patient and consistent, ensuring that training sessions are short and fun. Remember, patience is key, and avoiding punishment will keep your dog’s training environment calm and reassuring.

Remember to reward your dog throughout the day for making great choices, like going to the toilet outside, lying quietly on their bed or not jumping up on you. The more you reward your dog for your desired behaviour, the more your dog will repeat those actions and behaviours.

What type of equipment do I need to train a dog?

Training a dog using reward-based, force-free techniques is both effective and humane. This approach emphasises positive reinforcement, where desired behaviours are encouraged through rewards rather than punishment. Certain equipment is essential to ensure success in this training method.

Treats and rewards are fundamental in reward-based training. Choose high-value treats that your dog finds irresistible. These can be small pieces of meat, cheese, or specially designed dog training treats. Depending on your dog's motivation, rewards can also include toys, verbal praise, and petting.

A clicker is a small, handheld device that makes a distinct clicking sound. It's used to mark the moment your dog performs the desired behaviour. The clicker helps your dog understand exactly what action earned them a reward, making training more efficient. Using your voice to mark training moments is as easy as saying “YES” at the moment your dog does what you want it to.

A treat pouch is a convenient accessory for training sessions. It allows you to keep treats easily accessible so you can quickly reward your dog without fumbling around. This helps maintain the flow of the training and keeps your dog engaged.

A comfortable collar, harness, and sturdy leash are essential for outdoor training and walks. This equipment is an attachment point between you and your dog. Avoid equipment sold as no-pull harnesses that often applies some force or makes walking uncomfortable.

A training mat or dog bed can be helpful when teaching your dog to settle or stay in one place. It provides a visual and tactile cue that helps your dog understand where they should be during specific exercises.

Interactive toys can be used as rewards and for mental stimulation. Puzzle toys that dispense treats can keep your dog engaged and reinforce positive behaviour even when you're not actively training. Puzzle toys can also be made from many household items that you’ll find in your recycle bin, such as small plastic bottles and cardboard tubes and boxes.

Using these tools, you can effectively train your dog using reward-based, force-free techniques, fostering a positive relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Why shouldn't I punish my dog when they do something wrong?

Punishing your dog when they do something wrong can lead to various negative consequences that can harm your relationship with your pet and hinder their progress in training. Instead, reward-based, force-free dog training techniques are much more effective in fostering a positive and trusting relationship between dogs and their owners.

Punishment can cause fear and anxiety in dogs, which may lead to more behavioural problems. When a dog is punished, they may not understand why they are being disciplined and can become confused and fearful. This fear can result in aggressive behaviour, withdrawal, or other negative responses. In contrast, reward-based training reinforces positive behaviours by offering treats, praise, and affection when the dog performs the desired action. This method encourages the dog to repeat the behaviour in the future, creating a positive learning environment.

Punishment can damage the bond between you and your dog. Trust is crucial in any relationship, and punishing your dog can erode that trust. Dogs are social animals and thrive on positive interactions with their owners. Reward-based training strengthens this bond by making training sessions enjoyable and rewarding for the dog and the owner. This approach builds mutual respect and understanding, key components of a successful training process.

Scientific research backs reward-based, force-free training techniques. Studies have shown that positive reinforcement is more effective in modifying behaviour and ensuring long-term success. Dogs trained using reward-based methods learn faster and are more likely to retain what they have learned. Force-free training eliminates the need for harsh corrections, making the training process more humane and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Punishing your dog can lead to fear, anxiety, and a weakened bond between you and your pet. Reward-based, force-free training techniques offer a more effective, humane, and enjoyable way to train your dog, fostering a positive relationship and encouraging long-term behavioural success.

How can I get my dog to listen to me?

Reward-based, force-free training techniques are highly effective in fostering a strong bond between you and your dog while ensuring a positive and enjoyable learning experience for both. Here are some steps to help your dog listen to you using these methods:

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for desired behaviours and encouraging them to repeat them. Rewards can include treats, toy play, praise and physical contact. The key is immediately rewarding the behaviour you want to reinforce and making it clear to your dog what is expected.
Consistency is crucial in dog training. Use the same commands and cues each time you train your dog, and ensure that all household members follow the same training approach. Inconsistent signals can confuse your dog and hinder their learning process.
Patience is essential when training your dog. Dogs learn at their own pace; some may take longer to grasp specific commands. It's important to remain calm and patient, avoiding frustration or punishment. Timing is also critical—reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behaviour to reinforce the connection between the command and the action.
To keep your dog interested, keep training sessions short and engaging. Aim for 3–5 minutes of training several times a day rather than prolonged sessions that may lead to boredom or frustration.
Use clear, concise cues and avoid using multiple words for the same action. For example, stick to "sit" instead of "sit down" or "please sit." This clarity helps your dog understand exactly what you expect.
Start with simple commands and gradually introduce more complex tasks as your dog becomes more proficient. Building on success keeps your dog motivated and encourages continuous learning.

Following these reward-based, force-free techniques can help your dog listen to you effectively while nurturing a loving and trusting relationship.

Personalised Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions

Personalised Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions

Why should I train my dog?

Owning a dog is a life-long committment

Transform your dog's behaviour with Heeling Hounds

Barking

Barking

Jumping

Barking

Leash pulling

Reactivity

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Recall

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Puppies

Toilet training

Puppies

Biting

Toilet training

Puppies

Toilet training

Toilet training

Toilet training

Adolescent dogs

Resource guarding

Toilet training

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Senior dogs

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Certifications and associations

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Personalised Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions

Personalised Dog Training and Behaviour Solutions

Why should I train my dog?

Owning a dog is a life-long committment

Transform your dog's behaviour with Heeling Hounds

Barking

Barking

Jumping

Barking

Leash pulling

Reactivity

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Recall

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety

Puppies

Toilet training

Puppies

Biting

Toilet training

Puppies

Toilet training

Toilet training

Toilet training

Adolescent dogs

Resource guarding

Toilet training

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Senior dogs

Resource guarding

Resource guarding

Certifications and associations

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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