Author Archive
Stopping Fizz from Biting – Karen Phillips
My new border collie, Fizz, is now four months of age and very much the adolescent. All my training focus at the moment is on developing a well-adjusted adult. This period in her life is quite critical and the decisions I make now in how to deal with the behavioural challenges that she throws at […]
August Gardening – Sue McDougall
With spring only around the corner, Western Australia often experiences warm days throughout August. While the sunshine is enjoyable, it’s the wintry wet days that are needed. There may still be dry soil in certain areas in the garden despite the winter rains. WA soils can become extremely water repellent and will not absorb water […]
Fizz’s New Puppy Pen – Karen Phillips
Having an eight week old puppy in the house has taken me back to all the good and not so good times of first bringing home a new puppy. Puppies are quite an adventure but there are things that can be done that will certainly make things much easier and help to create a well-adjusted […]
July Gardening – Sue McDougall
Soaking rains throughout June have ensured that the soil is now damp through to the plant’s root zone and not just on the surface. Many mature trees were damaged from the storms and this is due to them having a compromised, weakened root system. Soaking rains are what is needed to replenish the ground water […]
June Gardening – Sue McDougall
Gardens all around are looking brilliant as a result of early soaking rains. The showers have come slow and steady which has meant that the water has had a chance to soak into the soil rather than running off. If you applied a wetting agent to the soil before the rains came it will be […]
Separation Anxiety is Tough for Everyone – Karen Phillips
A common question that arises during my live sessions on Better Pets and Gardens Facebook site is how to resolve issues with dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Research into this topic has provided some interesting findings with approximately 20% of dogs identified by their owners as suffering from signs of separation anxiety. This demonstrates […]
May Gardening – Sue McDougall
The rain has started tumbling down and there is no better news for a gardener after a very dry summer. Western Australian soils are still warm and plants, particularly natives, will put on new growth now the soil is damp. A top dressing of blood and bone will benefit the whole garden at this time […]
Socialising Dogs to be Good Friends – Karen Phillips
Recently Better Pets and Gardens ran a competition to win a dog training session with me. Many of the entries that were submitted came from people who are experiencing problems when taking their dog’s out on lead for walks. A typical behaviour described was excessive barking and lunging at unfamiliar dogs. Extensive research has shown […]
April Gardening – Sue McDougall
Autumn is my favourite time of the year. The days become shorter and the nights are cooler and more time can be spent in the garden. It is also nature’s natural planting time. The soil is still warm and the days are perfect for getting plants established. If you have a major planting or revamp […]
March Gardening – Sue McDougall
The days are getting shorter and there’s moisture in the air. Cool, damp mornings excite the gardener in us all. Autumn is truly nature’s planting time. If there are jobs that you have been putting off because it’s been too hot, now is the time to get stuck into finishing them off. Jobs to Do […]
