How to Train a Dog

09/09/2026

Here is Golden Retriever puppy Maple at 12 weeks old.
Maple has an autoimmune disease of the bones. Side effects of the medications required for treatment made her cranky/agitated, more easily excitable and difficult to calm.
Running and jumping had to be limited due to potential damage to the bones, and thus she had to spend more time in a pen than she would like. Managing frustration behaviours around confinement, meeting socialisation and exercise needs – while working within medical restrictions – is a real balancing act, and 5 weeks later it’s wonderful to see how well she is developing.
Go Maple!

17/06/2026

Things Your Pet Shouldn’t Eat or Drink. Check out the Fear Free Pets blog for details. https://tinyurl.com/p94jnhj4

08/05/2026

Is your dog acting "bad," or are they actually in pain? Sudden behaviour changes—like aggression, irritability, or reluctance to walk—are often the first sign of underlying pain. Research shows that up to 80% of behavioural cases involve undetected physical discomfort. Before wondering what to do about the behaviour, rule out the pain.

New research suggests that many dog owners are not skilled in recognising pain in their pets.

28/04/2026

Jessie’s mum came to me because of difficulties with barking at home and reactivity towards dogs on walks.

“Never in a million years did i think i could sit and have a drink while Jessie is with me and there is a dog at the next table. I credit this to you giving me the skills.”

Truly a pleasure working with these guys. Hope to sit next to them in a café soon 🤗

10/04/2026

Murphy has been working through some reactivity around dogs and bikes, and he’s doing the work!
Lately, we’ve been focusing on his off-lead skills—building a stronger recall and helping him stay connected with his humans out in the park (where it really counts).
Safe to say… he gave it his all today. Fast asleep in the car on the way to his next adventure.
If you’re dealing with similar challenges, it can get better with the right plan and consistency. Feel free to reach out if you’d like a hand getting started.

19/02/2026

Don't ignore your pet's teeth. Ignoring will lead to a hefty dental bill and potentially even a shorter lifespan for your pet.
From a Fear Free handling perspective, smart dental care is not about tolerating restraint — it’s about building voluntary participation.
Aim to:
• Reduce fear, anxiety and stress
• Teach a cooperative behaviour (e.g., chin rest)
• Progress gradually and predictably
• Stop at the first sign of withdrawal

Dental care should strengthen trust, not test it.

16/02/2026

It is important to reduce expectations of ourselves as we grieve.

Our world is not set up to honour the bond between pet and human, but we can reduce expectations of ourselves as we grieve

07/01/2026

Kids driving you mad? There’s some great holiday programs running at the RSPCA.

Make the next school holidays the best ever! Come and meet our friendly farm animals and playful pets or join us online for a virtual session.

04/12/2025

It takes forethought to introduce a cat to a doggie-dominated household. Follow a strict game plan to ensure that pets will accept one another and, ideally, become firm friends.

Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onPicture this. You work in an open-plan office, but you simply don’t get along with the person in the desk alongside yours. Or someone in the office insists on wearing perfume that gives you a headache. Once you leave that office environment and go home, it’s fine,...

03/12/2025

Please take 2 minutes to sign this official Australian petition that asks our Government to officially recognise animals as sentient beings.

Because there are still people in the world who think animals don't feel pain, and as our current laws don't recognise otherwise - this enables such people to inflict paln in horrific and frightening ways. It needs to change. This petition ends Christmas eve.

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN8660?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOct_xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe_3Y9KATNvVpcpWm2fbgbXz36GCfU_B6oNAVbh98GlNE4AZ3wVTDQxC_xD5I_aem_djDtOf6XCq9XfXvpxggWJg

e-petitions