Lynda's Puzzled Puppers

25/05/2026

It's that time of the year where we worry about taking our dogs out in the heat.

14/05/2026

29/04/2026

Be careful where you order your pet's medication.

16/04/2026

It is that time of the year again.

04/04/2026

Impulse Control Game for Dogs

Want to build better focus and self-control in your dog? Try this simple but powerful game at home:

🐾 Gently hold your dog to begin with
🐾 Roll a ball across the floor
🐾 Ask for “Stay” or “Leave it”
🐾 Reward calm behaviour by releasing them to chase it

The key lesson? Calmness unlocks the reward.

Instead of reacting instantly, your dog learns to pause and wait for permission — a skill that carries over into real-life situations like walks, distractions, and recall.

29/03/2026

Hurrah. Only took 14 months.

19/03/2026

Try the Orientation Game:

​Throw a treat away from you for your dog to find.
​The moment they finish it and look back at you, yell "Chase me!" and run in the opposite direction.
​When they catch you, drop another treat.
This teaches them that chasing you is more fun than chasing the squirrel.
Try it, it's fun.

15/03/2026

Ever felt like your dog suddenly went DEAF the moment a squirrel, dog, cat or bird appeared?
​We’ve all been there. You’re waving the treats, squeaking the favorite toy, and shouting their name... but your dog is already 50 yards away, locked onto a target.

​It’s not defiance. It’s BIOLOGY.

​Here is the truth about the "Chase Mode" that most owners miss:

​1.
​When your dog locks onto something moving, their brain is instantly flooded with adrenaline and dopamine. They aren't "ignoring" you to be "bad"—their nervous system has literally switched from "Thinking Mode" to "Hunt Mode."

​2.
​Trying to give a command once the chase has started is not going to work. They physically cannot process your voice over the internal "noise" of their instincts.

​3.
​Treats and toys are amazing tools, but they are management, not a cure-all. If you wait until the chase has begun to use them, they’re just background noise. The secret? You have to catch them BEFORE they lock on.

Top-Tip:
​Stop trying to "distract" them mid-chase. Start training impulse control and prevention when things are calm.

​If you can catch that "stiff-body" look before the feet start moving, you win. Once the paws are flying, the brain is gone!

​Does your dog have a "high prey drive"? What’s the one thing they just CAN'T resist chasing?

27/02/2026

🐾 Fun & Enriching Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy
Keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated is key to their overall well-being. Here are some great ways to burn energy, build skills, and strengthen your bond:

🎾 Interactive Play
Games like fetch or tug are excellent for burning off energy while reinforcing your connection. These activities satisfy your dog’s natural chase and retrieve instincts.

🧩 Puzzle Toys
Food-dispensing toys or treat puzzles stimulate your dog’s brain and keep them engaged. Mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical activity!

🎓 Training Sessions
Teach new tricks or practice obedience. Short sessions help focus your dog’s energy productively and improve behavior.

🐕 Agility Activities
Set up a simple DIY agility course in your yard using cones, tunnels, or household items. Agility boosts coordination, confidence, and physical fitness.

👃 Sniffing Games
Hide treats or toys around your home or yard and encourage your dog to find them. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and provides excellent mental stimulation.

🚶 Long Walks or Runs
Combine physical exercise with mental enrichment by allowing time for sniffing during walks. “Sniff walks” are especially satisfying for dogs.

🐶 Playdates
Arrange safe, supervised interactions with other dogs. Social play provides both physical exercise and valuable socialization.

💡 Tip: Always tailor activities to your dog’s breed, age, personality, and energy level for maximum enjoyment and safety.