http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz en-us Mon, 11 May 2026 20:02:27 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/163327/the-importance-of-connecting-with-your-dog/ Most people think training is about control.But the truth is? The strongest, most well-behaved dogs aren’t controlled — they’re connected.What does connection actually meanConnection isn’t just affection or cuddles.It’s when your dog:Looks to you for guidanceFeels safe around youWants to engage with you over distractionsIt’s a two-way relationship, not just obedience.Signs you might be lacking connectionYour dog ignores you outsidePulls on the lead constantlyDoesn’t respond unless ... Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:08:06 +1200 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post163327 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/162512/what-does-leadership-mean-to-me-when-i-am-using-positive-methods-for-dog-training/ For years, dog training was built around one idea:“Your dog needs to know who’s boss.”But modern dog training has evolved.  And so has leadership.Today, strong leadership with our dogs isn’t about dominance.It’s about clarity, safety, and guidance.What does this mean1. Leadership Is Clarity, Not ControlDogs don’t misbehave because they’re trying to take over the household.They misbehave because:They’re confusedThey’re over-arousedThey haven’t been taught yetThe envi... Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:24:35 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post162512 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/160605/mental-stimulation-games/ If your adult dog seems restless, destructive, or constantly demanding attention, they might not need more exercise.They might need more mental work.Here are five simple mental stimulation exercises you can start today. 1. Scatter Feeding Instead of feeding from a bowl, toss kibble across the lawn or floor.Sniffing engages your dog’s brain and taps into natural instincts. 2. Short Trick Sessions Spend 3–5 minutes refreshing basic cues or teaching a new one like “spin” or “touch.”Keep... Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:17:22 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post160605 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/160603/calming-your-puppy/ Bringing home a puppy is exciting… and exhausting.One minute they’re curled up like an angel. The next, they’re biting your ankles, chewing the coffee table, or ignoring you completely.If you want a calmer puppy, it doesn’t start with “more control.” It starts with foundations. Here are five essential calm puppy foundations that will help you build a better relationship and a more relaxed dog — without shouting, frustration, or constant correction. 1.Calm Starts With You Your puppy... Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:06:09 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post160603 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/158486/you-are-not-behind-your-dogs-pace-is-the-right-one/ ... Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:40:09 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post158486 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/158381/planning-for-2026/ As the year winds down, it’s easy to start thinking about everything you should work on with your dog next year.Better recall.Loose-lead walking.Calm guests.No barking. No jumping. No chaos.I am doing this too- what do i want to achieve with my older dogs what do I want to achieve with my pup. so many ideas and things to doBut before you make a long list of things your dog needs to “fix” in 2026, let’s pause for a moment.Because pressure — on you or your dog — rarely leads to good tr... Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:32:40 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post158381 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/151210/travelling-with-your-dogs/ Taking your dogs on holiday with you can be alot of fun. I am currently away with three of my dogs.I am lucky that my dogs are used to travelling in their crates in the ute and the crates are their home away from home. It is important that your dogs are secured in the vehicle- whether that is in crates, via the seat belt or alternative connections.Plan where you will stop to toliet your dogs- older or younger dogsmay need extra stops. Check out where you can give your dogs a decent run or go exp... Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:19:04 +1200 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post151210 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/142459/what-do-we-mean-by-positive-training/ Positive training is the buzz word around at the moment but it means different things to different people.Positive training means rewarding the dog for the behaviours that you ask for. Reward can be praise, food treats, toys, environmental (swimming, digging, running, sniffing). But it needs to be what the dog considers rewarding- if your dog doesnt like swimming it is not very rewarding.Positive training means not punishing the dog. This one seems obvious in that you shouldnt hit your dog. Howe... Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:06:40 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post142459 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/139584/new-years-resolutions/ At this time of the year I like many others make a pile of resolutions around my business, my lifestyle block, my dogs and my family.This year my main resolution is that each goal will be accompanied by a plan to follow to achieve it. So i have set out my plan and like my business plan will document my progress. But one of the big things I have learnt is that it is hard to achieve these things on your own esecially when you your course varies from the standard. For example with dog agility ... Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:21:09 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post139584 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/137143/fireworks/ Fireworks- what can you doSome of our dogs are sensitive to noisy things like fireworks. While it is too late to solve the problem for this year there are a few things that can help1. Try to stick to your rountine as much as possible – although make sure you have walked them before dark2. Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself- so hard I know but if you are stressing it will makeyour dog stress even more.3. Make sure they are inside and settled before dark. If you have to take them out to ... Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:34:43 +1300 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post137143