It’s a common product that gets recommended, but is there any value in bitter sprays as a deterrent to chewing? If you’re here, you’re probably a new puppy parent (Congrats!) wondering whether bitter sprays will work to help you solve your chewing problem, right? Great! I’m glad to have found you (lovely when the internet does what it’s meant to, right?). As a professional dog trainer, I see the frustration often “He chews everything! I even tried the anti-chew sprays and (insert issue from frustrated puppy parent here)” Personally? I never advise my puppy parents to use them – and I know that’s the same for most other professional dog trainers. So why…

Two puppies, or one? It’s a big question, right? I know it’s something most of my clients talk about, debate and discuss with me. I know what you’re saying, well, honestly, how much more work can a second dog or puppy be, if I’m already getting one? The allure of bringing not just one, but two puppies into your home is undeniably strong – it’s something my husband got suckered into too (before me!). The image of twin bundles of joy, with their soft pink puppy pads and that irresistible puppy breath, playing and growing together, can capture the heart of any person looking at puppies! However, I want to…

Playpens are one of those things that’s becoming a pivotal tool for the success in raising a pup. Trust me – I know what it’s like. Your puppy asleep, peaceful and content, so you get up to do a thing (maybe even just go for a shower) and you come back, there’s a pee, two poops and they’re muzzle deep in something they shouldn’t be. cue panic, stress, exhaustion and frustration. Well, you know, if you had a play pen? It might just make that easier. Ensuring puppy safety is paramount in creating a secure and nurturing environment for our furry companions. Introducing a puppy playpen to your furry friend’s…

Is there much worse than sitting down for a family meal and getting a dog or puppy jumping all over you, or whining for table scraps? Personally, it’s something I hate, but that boundary is a challenge and really frustrating to train.  It’s a hole I noticed in my own dog’s training – and as a professional dog trainer, I immediately got really embarrassed when my dog’s couldn’t just chill whilst we ate at the table. Now, admittedly, like most families the Rebarkable household doesn’t spend a lot of time at the table – certainly less than I’d like. But hey, we’re a home where we’re eating on the sofa,…

Seperation anxiety is a term we tend to jump to very quickly, however, I really want to dig into it, and help you decide if your puppy really has it. Welcoming a new furry friend into our lives is an exciting moment, filled with the prospect of joy, companionship, and a few inevitable challenges. Amid common misunderstandings is the idea that puppies experience separation anxiety. In reality, what may seem like symptoms of puppy separation anxiety are typically normal puppy behaviors that occur when they’re learning to cope with alone time. Without appropriate guidance, your young pup might exhibit behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive vocalization, leading pet parents to…

Socialization is one of the big buzzwords in puppy training, and closely followed by “Critical socialization period” is usually the term used. When you bring home a new puppy, it’s really hard! There’s a lot of information (and misinformation) out there, and it’s hard to know what to do, but then you find out about the “critical socialization period” and for some puppy parents, it can create some panic that they may have missed it, or a pressure to get it all done now!  As a dog trainer, I try to bust a lot of myths, and this is one of them!  Because the good news is that you can…

You’re just about to rush pup out the door, and those anchors go down, you look out at the rainy weather and realise what the problem is… Rain. First, let me tell you, this is really normal.  Welcoming the patter of rain can be a cozy experience for humans, but for our furry friends, the wet outdoors could mean discomfort and a reluctance to venture out for necessary bathroom breaks. Dog owners know all too well that a young puppy or an apprehensive older dog might balk at the sensation of rain, wet grass, or even cold pavement under their paws. If you find yourself in the cold weather of,…

Considering a new addition to your family? Explore the world of little dogs, where personality shines in tiny packages. Choosing the perfect tiny breed means finding a companion that suits your lifestyle. From the charming Brussels Griffon to the silky-coated Yorkshire Terrier, and the playful Boston Terrier, tiny dog breeds offer diverse options. Whether it’s the alert Toy Fox Terrier or spirited Miniature Pinscher, these little pals excel as watchdogs. Recognized by the American Kennel Club, Miniature Poodles and French Bulldogs boast unique traits and small statures. For big-hearted small dogs, the American Eskimo Dog and friendly Miniature Schnauzer fit the bill. From the lap dog Italian Greyhound to the…

A core part of raising your puppy right, is your team, and your veterinarian is the key part of that team.  This is something that I’m not only passionate about, but something I’ve struggled with personally, as a vet who… isn’t great, is a real burden in your journey of raising a dog (and I’ve sadly had a few of them!). So, as a trainer, I try to also help my clients find the right vet, and wanted to share what we do to find that person. Ensuring your pet’s well-being involves finding a new veterinarian who’s a good fit for their needs. In the United States, where options are abundant, the…

When you’re bringing home a new dog or puppy to introduce them to your older dog, it’s easy to feel anxious as to how it will go.  I felt the exact same way when I brought “home” Indie, my german shepherd, to my now-husbands two coonhounds – after a long day and an 8hr flight? My anxiety was definitely up there too – so I definitely understand your anxiety here.  Luckily, I am a professional dog trainer and have experience with this – so I can absolutely help you navigate this. Bringing a new puppy into your home is exciting, but ensuring they get along with your current dog, whether an adult…