http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz en-us Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:29:44 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/165799/over-arousal-in-high-energy-dogs-part-1/ The bucket is full and there is no more band width: Understanding and Managing Over-Arousal in Sports and High Energy Dogs Your dog isn't being naughty. They've run out of bandwidth. Here's what's actually happening — and what to do about it. You've done the training. Your dog knows the course, the obstacles, the cues. And then you get to the trial, or the ring, or even just a high-excitement training session — and a completely different animal shows up. They blast past obstacles. They bark... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:36:49 +1200 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post165799 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/post/164644/puppy/ There is so much to do with puppies where do you start. Socialisation isn't just exposureMany people think socialisation means taking their puppy everywhere and letting them meet everyone. But quality matters more than quantity. What we want is for a puppy to have positive, calm experiences — not overwhelming or scary ones. A puppy who is flooded with too much too soon will become more anxious not less. So the goal is gentle, gradual exposure to as many things as possible: different people, so... Sun, 17 May 2026 16:53:30 +1200 http://www.lifestylesolutionschb.co.nz/blog/#post164644 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