This blog features advice, faq’s and tips and tricks for dog and puppy owners that we come across in the dog training and behaviour field based on actual cases and consultations.
Dog Resource Guarding: What It Is, Why It Happens & How We Can Help If your dog growls, snaps, or stiffens when someone approaches their food, toys, or even a favourite spot on the couch, you may be dealing with resource guarding. This behaviour can be worrying—but the good news is that with the right…
Rawhide chews and toys are bad for Dogs. Learn about the Dangers + Safe Alternatives (Vet & Trainer Advice) If you’ve ever walked down a pet store aisle, you’ve seen rawhide chews everywhere. They’re marketed as long-lasting, satisfying treats that keep dogs busy and help clean teeth. But here’s the truth: rawhide can pose serious…
Plants and Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs A Must-Know Guide for Every Dog Owner As loving dog owners, we want to keep our pups safe—but many everyday foods and common garden or household plants can pose serious health risks to dogs. At FurBuddies, we often see behavioural and health issues linked to accidental ingestion…
Understanding the “Vagus Nerve Reset” in Dogs Understanding the “Vagus Nerve Reset” in DogsWhat It Means, What It Doesn’t, and How It Relates to BehaviourWhat Is the Vagus Nerve?What Is a “Vagus Nerve Reset”?Signs Your Dog May Struggle to Self-RegulateHow to Support Your Dog’s Nervous System1. Calm, Structured Routines2. Sniffing & Enrichment Activities3. Gentle, Positive…
The Toughest Stage of Puppy Development (And How to Get Through It) Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences—but what many owners don’t realise is that the real challenge often comes later. Just when you think you’ve got things under control, your sweet, well-behaved puppy seems to… change.…
Why Dogs Jump Up – And How to Stop It (The Right Way)Why Do Dogs Jump Up?The Biggest Mistake Owners MakeWhat Should You Do Instead?1. Ignore the Jumping Completely2. Reward Calm Behaviour3. Teach an Alternative Behaviour4. Manage Excitement LevelsWhy This MattersHow FurBuddies Can HelpFinal ThoughtsNeed help with a jumping dog? Why Dogs Jump Up –…
Learn how to toilet train your puppy with simple, effective techniques. FurBuddies offers expert puppy training support in Cape Town.
What Your Dog Is Telling You: Understanding Tail CommunicationWhy Tail Language MattersCommon Tail Positions and What They Mean🐕 High and Stiff Tail🐕 Tail Wagging High and Fast🐕 Neutral, Relaxed Wag🐕 Low Tail Wag🐕 Tucked Tail🐕 Slow WagIt’s Not Just the Tail — Look at the Whole DogHow Understanding Tail Language Helps TrainingReal-Life ExampleFinal ThoughtsNeed Help…
🐾 Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: Building Better Behaviour Through Trust and Reward 🐾 Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: Building Better Behaviour Through Trust and RewardWhat is Positive Reinforcement Training?Types of Rewards You Can Use🍖 Food Rewards🧸 Toy Rewards🙌 Praise & Affection🌍 Life Rewards (Real-World Rewards)Timing is Everything ⏱️Why Positive Reinforcement WorksCommon Mistakes to AvoidHow FurBuddies Can…
Why Do Dogs Dig — and How You Can Stop It (The Right Way)Why Do Dogs Dig?1. Boredom and Excess Energy2. Instinct3. Temperature Regulation4. Anxiety or Stress5. Seeking AttentionWhy Punishment Doesn’t WorkHow to Stop Digging — The Right Way1. Increase Exercise and Enrichment2. Create a Designated Digging Area3. Manage the Environment4. Address Emotional TriggersHow FurBuddies…
