Four Happy Paws

Four Happy Paws Lisa is an APDTNZ endorsed trainer, CANZ-ATI (Accredited training instructor) & a RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse)

As summer starts to slow down, this is a great time to reflect.What has your dog learned?What still needs support?Skills...
26/02/2026

As summer starts to slow down, this is a great time to reflect.

What has your dog learned?
What still needs support?

Skills built now make the rest of the year easier - for both of you.

What is your dog struggling with?
21/02/2026

What is your dog struggling with?

Freedom vs SkillsA gentle reminder during summer adventures:Freedom comes from skills, not hope.Recall, check-ins, and s...
12/02/2026

Freedom vs Skills

A gentle reminder during summer adventures:

Freedom comes from skills, not hope.

Recall, check-ins, and settling are what keep dogs safe - especially at beaches, lakes and parks.

What funny things does your dog do?
07/02/2026

What funny things does your dog do?

Calm isn't something dogs are born with.It's a skill that's taught, practised, and supported - especially in busy househ...
04/02/2026

Calm isn't something dogs are born with.

It's a skill that's taught, practised, and supported - especially in busy households.

Lower expectations. Teach settling.
Celebrate small wins

Back-to-routine adjustmentAs routines return, some dogs struggle with sudden quiet.If you're seeing clinginess, restless...
29/01/2026

Back-to-routine adjustment

As routines return, some dogs struggle with sudden quiet.

If you're seeing clinginess, restlessness, or barking, your dog may just be adjusting.

Gradual transitions and predictable support make a big difference.

If your dog feels harder than usual right now, you may not be imagining it.After the holidays, excitement and disrupted ...
26/01/2026

If your dog feels harder than usual right now, you may not be imagining it.

After the holidays, excitement and disrupted routines, many dogs are still regulating their nervous systems.

This isn't training "failure" - it's recovery.

Go gently. Skills come back faster than you think!

What would you say about your dog?
24/01/2026

What would you say about your dog?

When it's too hot to walk or to wet! Work your dog's brain instead!Sniffing, food puzzles, training games, and scatter f...
21/01/2026

When it's too hot to walk or to wet! Work your dog's brain instead!

Sniffing, food puzzles, training games, and scatter feeding can all tire a dog out, even more than a walk!

Hot footpath check 🔥If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws.Walks are best on hot...
16/01/2026

Hot footpath check 🔥

If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws.

Walks are best on hot days in the early mornings, late evenings, or you can skip the walk entirely

What would your dog complain about?!
10/01/2026

What would your dog complain about?!

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