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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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.
Jan 19, 2016 | Puppy Training
When training your puppy or dog, the tool you use should be efficient and effective. Just as importantly, the way you use that tool should be clear, consistent, and humane.
There are many different dog training collars and leash tools available, and each one provides information to the dog in a different way. The right tool can make training clearer, while the wrong tool can make communication confusing or ineffective.
Dog Training Collars: Choosing the Right One
This post is not about discussing one specific collar or tool. In training, different dogs may need different tools depending on their behaviour, size, sensitivity, goals, and the handler’s skill level.
At The Crunchy Canine, we may use a variety of training collars depending on the dog and the training plan. The point is not that one tool is perfect for every dog. The point is that the tool should help you communicate clearly and fairly.
Training Tools Should Provide Information
When training your dog, your leash and training collar should help provide information. They should help your dog understand what is being asked and how to respond.
How clear that information is depends on several things:
- The training tool being used
- The handler’s timing
- The handler’s skill level
- The dog’s understanding of the training
- The consistency of the communication
A training collar is not a magic solution. It only works well when it is introduced properly and used with good timing, clear expectations, and fair handling.
The Right Tool Can Make Training More Effective
Think about building a wooden box.
You could try to build it with a dull hand saw, some nails, and a rock. You may eventually get the job done, but it would likely be slow, messy, and frustrating.
Now imagine using a table saw and a drill. You can cut straighter lines, work more efficiently, and build something cleaner and stronger.
Dog training tools can be viewed the same way. The wrong tool may still get some results, but it may not be efficient, clear, or effective. The right tool, used properly, can make the training process smoother for both the dog and the owner.
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The Tool Is Only Part of the Equation
Some people can train a dog with very little equipment because they have years of experience, excellent timing, and strong handling skills. However, most dog owners benefit from using tools that help make communication clearer.
That does not mean a tool should be used harshly or carelessly. It means the tool should support the training, not replace good training.
Tools Can Be Used Correctly or Incorrectly
Some training collars may look intimidating to people who are unfamiliar with them. A common example is the prong collar.
Like many tools, a training collar can be used incorrectly or even with the intent to cause pain. But that comes down to the person holding the leash, not the tool itself.
A table saw and drill can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. But when used properly, they help build something strong, useful, and beautiful.
The same idea applies to dog training collars. When used properly, fairly, and humanely, the right tool can help create clearer communication and better training results.
Choosing the Right Dog Training Collar
The right training collar depends on the dog in front of you and the training goals you are working toward.
Before choosing a tool, consider:
- Your dog’s size and strength
- Your dog’s temperament and sensitivity
- Your dog’s current training level
- The behaviour you are trying to improve
- Your own handling skills
- Whether you have proper guidance on how to use the tool
If you are unsure what tool is appropriate for your dog, it is best to work with a knowledgeable trainer who can show you how to use it clearly and safely.
When Your Current Tool Is Not Working
If the tool you are using is giving you frustrating, unclear, or messy results, it may be time to reconsider your approach.
Sometimes the issue is the tool. Sometimes the issue is timing, consistency, or the training plan. Often, it is a combination of all three.
The goal should always be clear communication, better understanding, and humane training.
Need Help Choosing the Right Training Tool?
If you are struggling with leash manners, pulling, reactivity, obedience, or general behaviour, structured training can help you choose the right tool and learn how to use it properly.
Our dog training programs can help you find the right training option for your dog’s needs.
For dogs who need one-on-one support with leash skills, behaviour concerns, impulse control, or training tools, our Private Training programs may be the best fit.
If your dog is ready to learn around other dogs and people in a structured environment, our Group Classes can help improve focus and obedience around distractions.
For dogs who need healthy outlets for energy and confidence, Agility, Scent Detection, or structured Day Camp may also be helpful options.
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Dog training collars are tools. They are not good or bad on their own. What matters is how they are chosen, introduced, and used.
The right tool, used clearly and humanely, can help you communicate more effectively with your dog. The wrong tool, or the right tool used poorly, can create confusion and frustration.
If your current training tool is giving you dull-saw-and-rock results, it may be time to get professional help and find a clearer, more effective approach.
Contact us today if you would like help choosing the right training plan and tools for your dog.
Happy Training!
Katherine
FAQ:
What is the best dog training collar?
The best dog training collar depends on the dog, the behaviour being trained, the handler’s skill level, and the training goals. There is no single tool that is right for every dog.
Are dog training collars humane?
Dog training collars can be humane when they are chosen appropriately, introduced properly, and used clearly and fairly. Any tool can be misused, so proper guidance matters.
Can a training collar fix pulling?
A training collar may help provide clearer communication, but it does not replace training. Dogs still need to be taught leash manners, focus, and how to respond to pressure or guidance.
Should I use a training collar without professional help?
If you are unsure how to use a tool correctly, it is best to work with a qualified trainer. Proper timing, fit, and technique are important for safe and effective training.
Why does the right training tool matter?
The right tool can make communication clearer and training more efficient. The wrong tool may make training harder, slower, or more confusing for both the dog and owner.
