Dec 17, 2023 | TESTIMONIALS
“I highly recommend Katherine and her team at The Crunchy Canine. Training is tactful and effective, for both humans and doggies. Big bonus if you can also tap into puppy socialization.
As a first-time dog owner, I gained confidence in how to handle all sorts of dog situations, and can take Benji with me to many places now. He walks beside me nicely, doesn’t snarl at other dogs across the street and has even grown to like the cat.
All through the guidance and education from The Crunchy Canine. Thank you.”
Karen with Benji in Hamilton, Ontario
Nov 30, 2023 | Puppy Training
Did you know that every dog breed was originally developed for a specific purpose?
From herding livestock to guarding property or retrieving game, dogs weren’t bred randomly—they were designed to perform specific jobs. And those instincts don’t just disappear because a dog becomes a pet.
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is choosing a dog based on looks or a limited experience with the breed, without understanding what that dog was bred to do.
The result? Frustration—when the dog starts displaying completely natural behaviors that the owner wasn’t prepared for.
Why Breed Purpose Matters
Many of the behavior issues people struggle with are not “bad behavior”—they are simply natural instincts.
For example:
- A dog that pulls on leash may be bred to cover long distances
- A dog that chases everything may have strong prey drive
- A dog that is wary of strangers may be a natural guardian
These behaviors are not random—they are deeply rooted in genetics.
It is not the dog’s responsibility to suppress those instincts. It is the owner’s responsibility to understand them and provide proper guidance, structure, and outlets.
It’s Not Too Late to Learn
If you already have a dog and didn’t research the breed beforehand, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
We see owners learn, adapt, and completely transform their relationship with their dog all the time.
The key question is: Are you willing to understand your dog and meet their needs?
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Common Dog Breeds and What They Were Bred For
Here are some of the most common breeds (and breed groups) we see in pet homes, along with the behaviors they were bred for:
1. German Shepherds
Bred for herding and guarding sheep. Highly athletic and intelligent, with natural protective instincts. Often wary of strangers.
2. Retrievers (Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles)
Bred to retrieve game for hunters. Love water, enjoy carrying objects, and have a strong desire to work.
3. Hounds (Beagles, Dachshunds, Coonhounds)
Bred to follow scent trails. Their nose often overrides commands. Independent and driven to track.
4. Mastiffs (Cane Corso, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino)
Bred to guard property and protect against large threats. Strong protective instincts and territorial behavior.
5. Rottweilers
Bred to guard livestock and property. Naturally confident and often reserved with strangers.
6. Dobermans
Bred specifically for protection work. Loyal, alert, and naturally suspicious of unfamiliar people.
7. Terriers (Jack Russell, Yorkshire, Wheaten)
Bred to hunt and kill small animals. High prey drive, intense energy, and persistent behavior.
8. Boxers
Bred for guarding and hunting. Energetic, playful, and protective.
9. Pointers (Weimaraner, Vizsla, German Shorthaired Pointer)
Bred to locate and point game. High energy, strong hunting drive, and need for activity.
10. Border Collies & Australian Shepherds
Bred for herding livestock. Strong instinct to control movement—often seen as chasing, nipping, or herding people.
11. Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bred for pulling carts and working livestock. Strong, steady, and capable working dogs.
12. Doodles
A mix of retriever and another breed. Behavior can vary widely—sometimes combining traits from both parents.
13. Spaniels (Cocker, Springer, Brittany)
Bred to flush out game. Energetic, social, and often love water and retrieving.
14. Schnauzers
Bred to hunt vermin and guard property. Alert, energetic, and protective.
15. Huskies & Malamutes
Bred to pull sleds over long distances. Extremely energetic, independent, and driven to run.
16. Understanding Your Dog Changes Everything
When you understand what your dog was bred to do, their behavior starts to make sense.
Instead of trying to “stop” natural instincts, you can redirect them in a healthy and productive way.
This leads to:
- Less frustration
- Better communication
- A calmer, more balanced dog
Need Help With Your Dog’s Behavior?
If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, professional guidance can make all the difference.
We offer dog training in Hamilton and puppy training in Hamilton to help you better understand and manage your dog.
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Jan 17, 2022 | Puppy Training
If you’re thinking about adding a dog to your family, choosing the right breed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Many people select a dog based on appearance or because they once met a friendly dog of that breed. However, every breed has unique traits, energy levels, and instincts that can significantly impact family life.
The best family dogs for kids are typically friendly, adaptable, trainable, and comfortable around new people and everyday activity.
Before bringing home a puppy, take time to consider your family’s lifestyle, activity level, and experience with dogs.
Golden retriever puppy lying down on grass
What Makes a Great Family Dog?
While every dog is an individual, certain breed characteristics can make family life easier.
Look for dogs that are:
- Friendly and social with people
- Patient with children
- Adaptable to busy households
- Eager to learn and easy to train
- Comfortable with visitors and new experiences
It’s also important to choose a breed whose exercise and grooming needs match your family’s routine.
Best Dogs for Active Families With Young Children
If your family enjoys outdoor activities, regular walks, and weekend adventures, these breeds can be excellent companions.
- Labrador Retriever: Friendly, outgoing, and eager to please. Labs typically thrive in active households and enjoy spending time with children.
- Beagle: Curious, social, and full of personality. Beagles love being part of family activities and generally enjoy meeting new people.
- Golden Retriever: Gentle, intelligent, and highly trainable. Goldens are a popular choice for families who can meet their exercise needs.
Remember that even family-friendly breeds need early socialization, training, and daily physical activity.
Best Dogs for Less Active Families
If your family prefers a quieter lifestyle, consider breeds with lower exercise requirements.
- Havanese: Affectionate, adaptable, and typically happy to spend time close to their family.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Friendly and easygoing, these small dogs often fit well into relaxed households.
- Show-line Labrador Retriever: Some show-bred lines may have lower energy levels than working lines.
- English Mastiff: Gentle giants that generally enjoy calm family environments.
- Leonberger: Large, affectionate dogs that thrive with families who can provide space and training.
Even lower-energy dogs still require daily walks, mental enrichment, and regular training.
Thinking About a Doodle?
Doodle mixes have become increasingly popular, but it’s important to understand that mixed breeds can inherit traits from either parent breed.
Energy level, grooming needs, temperament, and trainability can vary significantly.
If you like the low-shedding coat and appearance often associated with doodles, you may also want to consider:
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Barbet
- Standard Poodle
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
If you’re considering a doodle mix, research breeders carefully and ask questions about health testing, temperament, and socialization practices.
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Should You Choose a Dog for Protection?
Many families assume they need a protective breed when they have young children. However, most families are better served by choosing a well-socialized, family-friendly dog rather than selecting a breed specifically for protection.
Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Cane Corso can be wonderful companions in experienced homes, but they often require extensive training, socialization, and a clear understanding of breed-specific traits.
Before choosing any breed, consider your experience level, available time, and willingness to invest in ongoing training.
Our Top Family Dog Recommendations
If you’re looking for a great family companion, these breeds consistently stand out:
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Havanese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Mastiff
- Leonberger
The best family dog is the one whose temperament, exercise needs, and personality fit your family’s lifestyle.
Take your time, do your research, and choose a responsible breeder or rescue organization that prioritizes health and temperament.
The right match can bring years of companionship, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Happy training!
Oct 11, 2020 | Puppy Training
Is Obedience Training Enough for Your Dog?
Obedience is one of the most common focuses in dog training. Sit, stay, down—many owners believe that if their dog listens well enough, most problems will disappear.
But here’s the reality: obedience alone is not the solution to most behaviour issues.
Dogs are not robots. They are sentient beings with emotions, experiences, and reactions. If we focus only on control, we often ignore how the dog actually feels in a situation.
Why Obedience Alone Isn’t Enough
1. Obedience Does Not Change Emotions
Take a leash-reactive dog driven by fear. You may ask for eye contact or a “sit” when another dog passes. The dog may comply—but internally, nothing has changed.
The dog is still anxious or afraid. You’ve simply redirected the behaviour, not addressed the emotion behind it.
This is often called teaching an “incompatible behaviour”—asking the dog to do something else so it cannot perform the unwanted behaviour. While useful for management, it does not solve the root issue.
2. Control Should Not Be the Only Goal
There’s nothing wrong with teaching commands like sit or down. The real question is: why does the dog need to perform them?
Commands should serve a purpose—safety, clarity, or communication—not just control for the sake of control.
For example, cues like “come” or “wait” can be life-saving. But requiring obedience in every situation without purpose can create unnecessary pressure and confusion.
3. Obedience Can Replace Choice With Compliance
When dogs rely entirely on commands, they may struggle to make good decisions on their own. If a dog only behaves when told what to do, what happens when guidance isn’t there?
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True training should help dogs develop the ability to remain calm, make better choices, and adapt to situations without constant direction.
Otherwise, we risk micromanaging behaviour instead of actually teaching it.
What Matters More Than Obedience
Instead of focusing only on obedience, effective training should include:
- Building a strong relationship with your dog
- Improving emotional responses to triggers
- Encouraging calm and neutral behaviour
- Reinforcing good choices, not just commands
Obedience still has its place—but it should support training, not define it.
The goal isn’t to control your dog—it’s to guide them. When we shift our focus from obedience alone to understanding behaviour and emotion, we create dogs that are not just compliant, but confident and balanced.
In the end, better behaviour comes from better understanding—not just better commands.
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How to Fix Leash Reactivity
Jun 8, 2016 | Dog Training
What you feed your dog matters.
Before you begin training, it is important to make sure your dog is eating a healthy, balanced diet. Dogs learn best when they feel their best, and good nutrition can make training easier.
When we talk about dog food and training, we are not saying food will magically fix every behaviour problem. However, diet can affect your dog’s energy, focus, digestion, coat health, and overall well-being. A dog who feels better is often in a better position to learn.
Dog Training Tip #2: Food Matters
Training is not only about commands, leash skills, and behaviour work. Your dog’s daily health also matters.
Think about a child going to school after eating only fast food. They may struggle to focus, feel sluggish, or lack the energy they need to learn well. Dogs are no different. They need quality nutrition to thrive.
Why Diet Can Affect Dog Training
A healthy diet can support your dog’s ability to learn and participate in training. If your dog is uncomfortable, itchy, low-energy, or not feeling their best, training may be harder than it needs to be.
Good nutrition may help support:
- Better focus during training
- More balanced energy levels
- Healthier skin and coat
- Better digestion
- Improved overall well-being
- A more comfortable and motivated dog
Of course, every dog is different. If your dog has allergies, digestive issues, medical concerns, or sudden behaviour changes, it is always best to speak with your veterinarian.
Check the Quality of Your Dog’s Food
Many pet owners assume that big-name dog food brands are always the best choice, but it is worth doing your research.
We suggest reviewing your dog’s current food and learning more about the ingredients, quality, and rating. One helpful resource many dog owners use is Dog Food Advisor.
If your dog’s food ranks poorly, you may want to consider switching to a higher-quality option that better supports your dog’s health and training goals.
Choosing a Better Dog Food
There are many different ways to feed a dog, and the best choice can depend on your dog’s age, health, activity level, allergies, and individual needs.
Some dog owners choose higher-quality kibble. Others choose fresh food, gently cooked food, or a complete raw diet. The most important thing is to choose a food that is appropriate, balanced, and works well for your dog.
Some brands that are often discussed by dog owners looking for higher-quality food include Acana, Orijen, Nature’s Variety, and Carna4.
Raw Feeding and Dog Health
We feed our own dogs a complete raw diet and strongly suggest looking into it if you are interested in learning more.
Many raw-fed dog owners report benefits such as shinier coats, cleaner ears and eyes, less shedding, and fewer allergy-related concerns. However, raw feeding must be done properly and safely to ensure the dog receives a complete and balanced diet.
If you are considering raw feeding, do your research and speak with a knowledgeable professional or veterinarian so you can make an informed decision for your dog.
Food Is Only One Part of Training
Food matters, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.
Your dog also needs structure, exercise, clear communication, consistency, and proper training. A healthy diet can help your dog feel better, but training still requires time and effort.
If your dog struggles with behaviour, leash manners, puppy issues, or obedience, our dog training programs can help you choose the right path.
For dogs who need one-on-one support, our Private Training programs can help with behaviour, structure, and training goals at home.
If your dog is ready to learn around other dogs and people, our Group Classes can help build focus and obedience in a structured environment.
For dogs who need more physical and mental outlets, activities like Agility, Scent Detection, or structured Day Camp may also be helpful options.
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Before you begin training, take a look at what your dog is eating.
A healthy, balanced diet can help your dog feel better, focus better, and participate more successfully in training. Food will not replace training, but it can support the process.
If you want better results, start with the whole dog: nutrition, exercise, structure, and consistent training.
Contact us today if you would like help building a training plan that supports your dog’s behaviour, health, and daily routine.
FAQ:
Does dog food affect training?
Yes, food can affect training because nutrition can influence energy, comfort, focus, digestion, and overall well-being. A dog who feels better may be more ready to learn.
Should I change my dog’s food before starting training?
If your dog is doing well on their current food, a change may not be necessary. However, if your dog has poor digestion, low energy, skin issues, or other concerns, it may be worth reviewing their diet and speaking with a professional.
What is the best food for dog training?
The best food depends on your dog’s individual needs. Choose a balanced, quality diet that supports your dog’s health, energy, and digestion.
Can I feed raw food to my dog?
Some owners choose a complete raw diet for their dogs. Raw feeding must be properly balanced and handled safely, so it is important to research carefully and speak with a knowledgeable professional.
Is food enough to fix dog behaviour problems?
No. Food can support health and training, but behaviour change still requires structure, exercise, consistency, and proper training.
