Activate Dog Training

Activate Dog Training Activating your dogs potential through positive training. Private training based in the Illawarra

🌩️❄️ A little taste of Christmas magic, right in the middle of a hailstorm. ❄️💛Last week’s hailstorm was wild — honestly...
03/12/2025

🌩️❄️ A little taste of Christmas magic, right in the middle of a hailstorm. ❄️💛
Last week’s hailstorm was wild — honestly one of the most intense I’ve ever seen. The whole yard looked like it had been dusted with snow, and for a second it felt like we were celebrating a white Christmas in November.

The best part?
All the work I’ve put into helping Atlas feel safe during storms really paid off. While I was standing there going “oh wow this is a lot,” he wasn’t the least bit concerned. I picked up a tennis ball for a quick game, and he jumped straight into silly play without hesitation.

💛 I love using play as a little check-in.
Most dogs won’t engage if they’re feeling unsure, so when Atlas bounces into a game, it’s my cue that he’s genuinely okay.

No need for a silver lining — I love storms — but I did get some magical photos of him after the hail had passed. My sweet goldie posing for a white Christmas photo, Aussie edition… and that definitely feels like a win. 🌨️✨

Every Dog Has a SuperpowerI swear every dog has a superpower — that one behaviour they just get without much (or any!) t...
29/11/2025

Every Dog Has a Superpower

I swear every dog has a superpower — that one behaviour they just get without much (or any!) training.

My last dog’s superpower was an incredible voluntary “leave it.” You could walk away from a plate of sausages on the table and he wouldn’t touch it.
Atlas’ superpower? His boundary skills. He’ll hang out in the front yard off lead while I clean the car and never step past the gate. Total trust. 💛

What’s your dog’s superpower? ⬇️

27/11/2025

🍀 Let them earn it!

Dogs are wired to work for what they need — to sniff, search, and solve little puzzles. When they have to find their food instead of getting it in a bowl, their brain releases dopamine — the same chemical that fuels curiosity and focus.

It’s called contrafreeloading — and it’s the reason a scatter-feed or puzzle feels more satisfying than a full bowl.

So next mealtime, skip the bowl and let your dog hunt for happiness! 🐾💛

22/11/2025

🐾 Training can be pure FUN! 💛

This session was nothing serious — just Atlas hopping up, balancing, sitting, and showing off his “paws up” on the foam block. No goal, no plan… just vibes. 😄

And honestly? He had the best time.
A few treats, a wobbly prop, and a chance to try something silly — that’s enrichment too! 🧠✨🐶

Your reminder for today:
Grab a favourite trick, pull out a random object, and have a quick play with your dog.
No rules, no pressure… just joy. 💛🌟

🐾 Love what your dog’s learned with Activate? Tell a friend!When someone you refer books a class, consult, or package, t...
20/11/2025

🐾 Love what your dog’s learned with Activate? Tell a friend!

When someone you refer books a class, consult, or package, they’ll get 10% off their first session — and you’ll get 10% off your next booking as a thank-you! 💛

Simply reach out and I’ll provide the code they need to claim their discount.

✨ Because great training (and great dogs!) deserve to be shared.

🎥 Training Tip – The “Under the Chair” SettleTeaching your dog to rest under your chair, legs, or table is all about saf...
18/11/2025

🎥 Training Tip – The “Under the Chair” Settle

Teaching your dog to rest under your chair, legs, or table is all about safety and convenience.
🐾 They’re less likely to be stepped on, startled, or in anyone’s way — and you can relax knowing they have a calm, predictable spot to rest.

To build the behaviour:
1️⃣ Start with solid mat training — it gives your dog a clear target.
2️⃣ Practise at home first: place the mat where you’d like your dog to settle (under your chair, at the dining table, or beside your legs).
3️⃣ Lure your dog onto the mat and reward calmness.
4️⃣ Gradually move to new settings like quiet parks or cafés.

💡 Once it’s reliable, you can add a cue — so even without the mat, your dog knows exactly where to go when you sit down.

What’s in your Adventure Bag?Whether we’re heading to the beach, bush, or café, I always keep a few essentials packed fo...
16/11/2025

What’s in your Adventure Bag?

Whether we’re heading to the beach, bush, or café, I always keep a few essentials packed for success — treats (of course), a long line, water, towel, favourite toy and a “settle mat.”

Having a go-bag ready makes it so much easier to say yes to spontaneous adventures 🌿

What’s one thing you always bring when you head out with your dog?

🐾 Social Walk Alert! 🐾Join us Saturday, November 15 at 9:00 AM for our next social walk.📍 Meeting point: Port Kembla Sai...
12/11/2025

🐾 Social Walk Alert! 🐾

Join us Saturday, November 15 at 9:00 AM for our next social walk.
📍 Meeting point: Port Kembla Sailing Club

A lovely chance for the dogs to stretch their legs, enjoy some company, and for us humans to connect too. 💛

I couldn’t resist sharing this year’s little side project — the 2026 Atlas Calendar!Each month features a favourite phot...
10/11/2025

I couldn’t resist sharing this year’s little side project — the 2026 Atlas Calendar!
Each month features a favourite photo taken in that same month the year before — so January shows something we did last January, and so on through the seasons.

It’s become a lovely tradition and a fun reminder of just how many adventures we’ve had together. From beach days to training wins (and a few classic “Atlas being Atlas” moments 😆), every page tells a little story.

💛 Here’s to another year of paws, play, and plenty of photos!

Frozen Fun Ahead! ❄️It’s about to get hot across the Illawarra ☀️ — so now’s the time to prep some frozen enrichment tre...
08/11/2025

Frozen Fun Ahead! ❄️
It’s about to get hot across the Illawarra ☀️ — so now’s the time to prep some frozen enrichment treats before the real heat hits!

Blend a mix of banana, natural yogurt, and a spoon of peanut butter, then pour it into ice cube trays, Kongs, or LickiMats and pop them in the freezer.
These cooling snacks are perfect for keeping dogs calm, content, and out of the kitchen while you’re busy this summer. 🌿🐶

✅ Trainer tip: Make a batch now and store them in a container so you’re always ready when the temperature spikes.

A lot of great bits in her from “if behaviour pays, behaviour stays” to “pogo stick with fur”. Definitely worth the read...
06/11/2025

A lot of great bits in her from “if behaviour pays, behaviour stays” to “pogo stick with fur”. Definitely worth the read and the chuckle

Rewarding Doesn’t Mean SpoilingI hear it often: “If I reward my dog too much, won’t they just expect treats?”Here’s the ...
06/11/2025

Rewarding Doesn’t Mean Spoiling

I hear it often: “If I reward my dog too much, won’t they just expect treats?”
Here’s the truth — rewards don’t spoil behaviour, they build it.

Reinforcement tells your dog what works. Once they understand that “listening pays,” the food becomes part of the learning, not the reason for it. Over time, behaviour becomes habit — and the reward shifts from treat to teamwork.

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