Balanced Behaviour

Sometimes training sessions dont always go to plan! 🤣 Ps. Im doing a ball on string order soon if anyone looses theirs as frequently as I do!

After a clean out long weekend and finding some agility equipment I had lost, I thought Id see how the Wednesday crew go using it... (Cookie the staffy got it in the end just not on film). Also a stay and then search game....(not suitable all dogs but these dogs are good at sharing and I supervise closely). Its interesting to see who the bright sparks are...the ones who work out that the foods on the discs and look straight for the other discs.... Kaya and Franki win that award!

What a rewarding morning! Kobe feeling relaxed enough to freely explore with Franki and a client sends me a video of her positive progress at home. Love this job! Some days are tough and make you question yourself but others are so rewarding!

Today we introduced Po to the pack. Po is a dog friendly and politely playful dog but is generally very fearful and resorts to fight rather than flight to get himself out of scary situations such as passing cars, buses, noises, some men, or anything he is unsure of etc. I spent many sessions making sure that he would be comfortable in my car, in the crate, with a couple of the dogs who need slow introductions, and it really paid off today. As you can see he fitted in perfectly, all the dogs welcomed him with open arms and he had no issues in and out of the car. He brought new life to the team today. Cant wait to have you back Po!

Happy Easter everyone!

ANOTHER HOT DAY BREAKTHROUGH! (x2 speed) Milo and the vacuum....ever since a young pup Milo has HATED the vacuum and his owners never really tried to work on the issue so he had to be put away when vacuuming. I REALLY wish I took a before video...his owners couldnt touch the vacuum without him biting and growling at it. This took half an hour from start to fully vacuuming the whole floor. Milo already knew PLACE so that helped. This video was the first time I got that close to him. I had to start with showing him what I wanted when I touched the vacuum and then build up to lifting it, rolling it, turning it on and off, then vacuuming. He did so well!! Afterwards, I released him from his bed and I vacuumed the mat with him freely running around and he even let me do that!!

Its been a week of swimming this week! Penny already loved water but had never tried swimming before, this was her first. She was a natural!!

We have had so much interest in group training this term, I dont want anyone to miss out so please return forms asap to secure your place. (Video of Halo showing you how to return your form....i havent taught her how to email...yet 🤣)

Check out this change after 1 lesson! Some clients have a natural ability to train and put in the work. It makes me very excited to continue working with them! I had little availability for the year so I squeezed as much as I could into 1 session and followed up with a weekday train where I train the dog myself.... I was very surprised by what I returned to....a lovely heel. Bella is a dog reactive rescue dog and her new owners are committed to her progress. Stay tuned for her reactivity progress! Well done team Bella!

Was lucky enough to get a training session on my own with Cooper today...Ive been working with his owners since he was a tiny pup, now hes a giant pup but has come along way and has clarity and understanding of many behaviours/words.

Riley was to be an assistant dog for his owner however his personality has made that difficult. He is extremely bright, knows many commands and is eager to learn but lacks balance. He becomes over aroused too easily with things he loves, is a very timid/ anxious dog with things he fears and can be reactive, lacks self control and has the energy of a working line border collie. Today we reminded him how to walk next to the wheelchair around strangers (one of his triggers). Well done Riley!!

Quick video of our last pack walk...msg me if interested in this Sundays! :)

Its been months since Ive worked with Busta and Mack and their owner has had life get in the way of training but they snapped back amazingly because the clarity was there...make HEEL clear...its the reason many fail...lack of clarity and consistency. Check them out!!!

Stays were focus of the day on Monday night! Very happy to see the puppies completing their 20m stays with enthusiasm and gotta love little Milos love for the tunnel...racing to get back in it before Mum can work out her turning technique 😆.

HALLOWEEN SNIFFER DOG HUNT WITH AGENT HALO!! 🤣 (Because Im always looking for new items to hide my chilli scent in). Can any one pick her indication behaviour?

Random recall while out on a walk....why? -Because the more you practise something the more it becomes a reflex action -The more you practise armed with rewards and prepared with a suitable consequence if needed the more likely they are to do it in any situation as they assume you are always "armed and prepared". -If you ever need to use it because you have seen another dog or horse etc your dogs wont think you are panicing because its something you usually do anyway (Note: recall practise is a balance....you also dont want to call them too much and they get sick of it!)

Cookie the "brother" of Sherbie...when I first met Cookie I thought theres no way he will ever work for food...couldnt get him eating outside of the house let alone around distractions...and I noticed his toy play was unhealthy with guarding signs showing...Ive been working on a more controlled play style where he waits for the toy and gets and leaves it on command, not just when someone goes to pick it up and he now happily works for food even around his toys!!

If you asked me a couple of months ago if Sherbie could ever use toys as a reward system I would have said no....now hes luring with a ball!! Food was everything, toys were nothing and now he loves them both! His brother (staffy in next post as Facebook wont let me post 2 videos together for some reason)...is the complete opposite! Apologies for video skills!

My school holiday helper made this video on Wednesday for all my daytrain pups...he nicknamed the dogs for you (excuse the lack of capitals). 🥰