Abingdon Dog Training Club

21/01/2025

𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆

While flexi leads can offer your dog some extra freedom, they come with responsibilities—and risks.
Here’s why:

🔹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: A loose flexi lead can trip passersby, especially in busy areas. Imagine your dog wrapping the cord around someone’s legs—ouch, especially in summer shorts!

🔹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴: Dogs can suffer serious injuries from the sudden jerk when they reach the end of the lead. Also, if being walked next to traffic with the lead extended, there is nothing to stop them running sideways across the road into the path of an oncoming car.

🔹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂: Ever grabbed a flexi lead cord to stop your dog and burned your hand? That’s a
small glimpse of what could go wrong.

Key Tips:
✔️ Use flexi leads responsibly and only in suitable situations.
✔️ Practice strong recall with your dog—it’s not a replacement for proper training.
✔️ Lock the lead and keep control when near other walkers, cyclists, or traffic.

Remember, like any tool, a flexi lead is only as effective (and safe) as the person using it! 🐾

19/01/2025

Congratulations to Bulma and Maggie on passing your KC GCDS Bronze awards tonight 🌟🏆. Also well done to Fred, Basil and Truffle on completing the course 🐾👏

19/01/2025

Congratulations to Bramble and Beau on passing your KC GCDS puppy foundation awards this evening 🐾⭐️

08/01/2025

You can now book your spot for our February workshops on our website! Whether you want to find a new activity to do with your furry friend or enhance your training skills in a particular area, we have something for you. Check it out today and get ready for some fun learning sessions with your pup! 🐾

07/01/2025

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗹

It's natural to feel alarmed when your dog growls, but before you react, consider this: Growling is a crucial form of communication for dogs. It's their way of saying, "I'm uncomfortable," "I'm scared," or "I need space." Punishing your dog for growling doesn't address the underlying issue; instead, it can lead to more serious behaviour problems.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲: When a dog growls, it's giving you a warning. By acknowledging the growl, you can identify what's making your dog anxious and address it. Punishing the growl can suppress this warning signal, leading your dog to skip straight to more aggressive behaviours, like biting, without warning in the future.

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁: Positive reinforcement and training can help build trust and reduce anxiety. Reward calm behavior and work on desensitising your dog to the triggers that cause it to growl. This helps create a safe environment where your dog feels secure and understood.

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁: Always prioritise safety. If your dog growls, give it the space it needs and reassess the situation. Consult with a professional trainer or behaviourist if you're unsure how to proceed.

Remember, a growl is a valuable communication tool. Listen to your dog and respond with patience and understanding.

05/01/2025

Congratulations to Willow and Bandit on passing your KC GCDS puppy foundation awards this evening 🐾👏

31/12/2024

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝘀!

As we focus on our health, let’s not forget our furry friends. Is your pooch rocking a little extra fluff, or are they perfectly paw-some with curves in all the right places?

Take a moment to check your dog's shape with the Body Conditioning Tool to ensure they’re at their healthiest!

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being, as it can prevent a range of health issues such as joint problems, diabetes and heart disease. Just like us, our furry companions deserve to lead happy, active lives. Regularly checking their body condition ensures they stay fit, energetic and ready for all the adventures that lie ahead!

A healthy pup is a happy pup 🐾

24/12/2024

𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩!

A Christmas Gift for you!
Join us in one of our classes for your next tip! Save £2.00 on your next booking with us by using the discount code 𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄 at checkout on our booking website: https://www.abingdondogtraining.co.uk/


🌟 Details:
- Valid from 24th December 2024 until 31st December 2024.
- Only redeemable online.
- Code can only be used once.
- Available across all bookable classes and courses.
- Expires at 11:59pm on 31/12/24.

17/12/2024

🎄🐾 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 🐾🎄

The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also present some unique challenges for our four-legged family members. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dog has a safe and happy Christmas:

1. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: Tinsel, ornaments and Christmas lights can be tempting for dogs to chew on. Ensure these are placed higher up or securely fastened to prevent accidents.

2. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲: Make sure your Christmas tree is stable and secure. Consider using a pet gate to block off the area or anchoring the tree to the wall to prevent it from toppling over.

3. 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀: Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are common holiday plants that can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Keep these plants out of your dog's reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives.

4. 𝗕𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀: Many holiday foods are dangerous for dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and cooked bones. Stick to dog-friendly treats and keep human food away from your pup.

5. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿: Wrapping paper, ribbons and bows can pose choking hazards. Dispose of these items promptly after opening gifts to keep your dog safe.

6. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲: The hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for dogs. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your dog can retreat and relax if they feel stressed.

7. 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀: Lit candles and fireplaces can be hazards for curious dogs. Keep an eye on open flames and consider using flameless candles for a safer option.

8. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: With guests coming and going, doors may be left open. Make sure your dog doesn't slip out unnoticed by keeping them on a lead or in a secure area when guests arrive.

9. 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲: Maintain your dog's regular exercise and feeding routine to reduce stress and keep them happy and healthy throughout the festive season.

10. 𝗣𝗲𝘁-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝘀: Give your dog safe, pet-friendly toys to keep them entertained and distracted from potentially dangerous holiday items.

Enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing your dog is safe and happy. Merry Christmas to all our wonderful pups and their families! 🎅🐶🎁

16/12/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined in the Christmas raffle last night. We raised £77.00 for the Blue Cross UK, which has been donated today 🐾

15/12/2024

Christmas party 2024 🐾🎄🧑‍🎄

10/12/2024

🐶🚫 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗮𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 🚫🐶

We all want the best for our furry friends, but did you know that rawhide treats could pose serious risks to their health? 😲 Rawhide might seem like a fun chew toy, but it can lead to:

- 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: Large chunks can break off and block your dog’s airway.
- 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀: Rawhide can cause blockages in the digestive tract.
- 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲: Some rawhide treats are processed with harsh chemicals.

Let's keep our pups safe by opting for healthier alternatives like bully sticks, dental chews, or natural bones. 🦴❤️

Share this post to spread awareness and keep all our furry friends happy and healthy! 🐾💕

09/12/2024

As a successful year draws to a close for Abingdon Dog Training Club, we have made a donation to our chosen Charity; Battersea. Thank you to all the club members who have attended in 2024, your continued support means we've been able to donate £500.00
🐕🐈

Donate to Battersea and help us be here for every dog and cat. Your donation could give animals the warmth, safety and shelter they need.

09/12/2024

🎅🎄🐶 Heads up, pups! We're hitting 'paws' on training sessions for the holidays, but don't fret - we'll be back in action on Sunday 5th January 2025. Get ready to fetch some new skills and tricks in the new year! 🐾

08/12/2024

Congratulations to Pepper, Skadi and Theo on passing your KC GCDS silver awards tonight. What a great achievement! 🏆👌🐾

08/12/2024

Congratulations to Maddy on passing your KC GCDS puppy foundation award tonight 👏🐕🌟

03/12/2024

𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝

When you're walking your dog off-lead and see another dog owner with their dog on a lead,
sitting calmly waiting for you to pass, what goes through your mind?

Do you:
• Think nothing of it and let your dog approach because they're friendly?
• Assume the other owner can't control their dog and is avoiding a problem?
• Respect their choice, realizing they may not want their dog to interact and have things under
control?

What would you do?
• Recall your dog and put them on a lead to walk by?
• Let your dog carry on, assuming they'll ignore the other dog?
• Stop for a chat, thinking the other owner needs to "train their dog better"?

The answer is you have no idea why the owner has done this, but surely they are sending a message to respect their choice, if in doubt, no matter how good your dog is behaved, please make dog walking safe and recall your dog and put them on a lead to walk by.

02/12/2024