Cleaver Dog Training

24/03/2025

Happy National Puppy Day!

Lets see all your cuties!

24/03/2025

Well done to this gorgeous bunch of puppies that have all done so well in their Puppy Foundation Manners Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon to learn more skills!

18/03/2025

FANCY TRYING AGILITY?

We have various beginners courses starting as well as classes available for those dogs who have already done some elsewhere. You may have seen it recently at Crufts, but don't worry, we won't be expecting that standard! We specialise in normal people and normal people training together and having fun.
Classes are small with only 4 dogs per session to ensure maximum attention and are only suitable for dogs over 12 months old. If you like to know more, feel free to get in touch on 07773 784402 or to book see https://app.softwarefordogtrainers.co.uk/v2/preview/zE25VyGUET1TGdS1tVG6

If you would prefer weekday classes to the times on the website, please get in touch as these will be timetabled according to demand and there are others currently waiting to join you!

04/03/2025

ITS CRUFTSMAS TIME

If this weekend is in your diary for the first time, here are a few of my top tips to make the most out of your trip

🐾 It is absolutely huge so you will do LOTS of walking and standing around so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
🐾 Regreshments are expensive so bring your own or expect to spend lots! There are water refill stations near the main arena but I don’t recall seeing them elsewhere but there may be others
🐾 The only dogs allowed entry are assistance dogs and dogs with a valid entry pass (eg competing or part of a demo etc)
🐾 It is very busy, especially on Saturday and Sunday so there can be long queues
🐾 Saturday tickets usually sell out so best to pre order and you will need a separate ticket for the final on Sunday evening and you always used to need separate tickets to have seats to watch the obedience ring (sorry not sure if this is still the case)
🐾 There are loads of different trade stands (not just for dogs) so plan your shopping requirements before you go….amd then expect to double your budget 😂
🐾 Car parking is not included in the ticket price but NEC parking can be pre booked for slightly cheaper than paying on the day (around £18 I think pre booked), or the railway station parking always used to cost slightly less too (check details via BR). There is also a leisure park next door which in the past has offered discount parking as long as you spend money there so sometimes with eating there to get the cheaper parking!
🐾 Events in the main ring are worth seeing but at peak times queues can be very long
🐾 Raw food suppliers usually sell off their remaining stock at up to 50% price on Sunday afternoon
🐾 You will mainly need to carry everything with you so be prepared to look like a pack horse at the end of it 😂
🐾 Showing takes place on all 4 days throughout the halls but is split into breed groups so make sure you go on the right day if you are specifically after seeing this. Remember that whilst owners will usually be delighted to tell you about their gorgeous dogs, bear in mind this should be on their terms and if they are about to go into the ring, or have not had the best day after years of preparation, they may be grumpy if you pester them!
🐾 Discover Dogs takes place on all 4 days and there are over 200 breeds being showcased so it is a great place to go and meet breeders and choose your next breed
🐾 There is television coverage on all 4 days so don’t worry if you cannot get there in person, you can still enjoy it, whilst saving your pennies!

Have an amazing time everyone.

Picture for cuteness only!

02/02/2025

I can recommend this course with Anna which takes place at our training centre

24th February and 24th March workshops now available to book here:

https://bookwhen.com/kangarook9

March 3.30 group now full. spaces in others available

Old Amersham HP7
Indoors. Max 4 dogs per class.

23/01/2025

Change of plan this morning- none of us were enjoying the walk in this miserable weather so rain check in order!

18/01/2025

LOOSE LEAD WALKING
Don’t beat yourself up if you are struggling, for some dogs it really doesn’t come naturally.
Of course there are ways to help train it, but it will be a lot harder than for other dogs.
Take a step back and assess what you are both going to enjoy.
You will rarely see me taking Pixie along a pavement as she really doesn’t not like it. If she is not enjoying her walk, then I probably won’t be either!
Look outside the box and work out what you will both enjoy.
Good luck 😁

10/01/2025

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO WALK YOUR DOG TODAY?
There are lots of keyboard warriors ready to victimise anyone seen with a dog out in the summer and of course, it is extremely important to be mindful of this, but consideration should also be given in cold temperatures too. Within 10 minutes of leaving my house today, I saw someone slip and fall on the black ice; an old blind dog struggling with the ground and dogs being walked on very salty pavements.

I am not saying that no one should walk their dog when it is freezing; but do assess the risk vs benefits. After all, if you fall and break your leg today, you won’t be walking for weeks or months 😢

Hazards to consider in the cold include
🐾 Risk of injury to handler due to slipping on ice
🐾 Potential injuries to dogs caused by slipping
🐾 Increased chance of injury due to cold muscles
🐾 Discomfort/frostbite to paws on extremely cold surfaces
🐾 Irritation to paws caused by walking on salted pavements
🐾 Gastric issues caused by ingestion of salt from dogs self cleaning paws/legs
🐾 Threat of broken/strained toes/legs/tendons etc from running and tripping on frozen uneven ground
🐾 Possibility of hypothermia from cold temperatures

Consider if other forms of exercise and enrichment will meet your and your dogs needs instead. These can include scentwork exercises (finding a single target scent, scatter feeding, tracking a scent trial etc); training different postures, behaviours and positions (sit, down, twist, fetch, wait etc); indoor home based mind games (proprietary brain games, rummage boxes, KONG Wobblers etc); taking your dog to indoor alternatives if appropriate and practicing settling as well as exploring the different smells and experiences (shopping centres, garden centres, cafes etc).

Stay warm and safe everyone.

06/01/2025

LIFE SKILLS PROGRESSIONS CLASSES ARE BACK ON!

If you are looking to polish up your training this new year, this is the course for you.

After a short break for my surgery, I am pleased to confirm this course is restarting this weekend. We will generally be training outside unless the weather is bad, in which case, we will go into the training hall.

Groups are kept small to ensure maximum attention.

For more information, or to discuss if this course is right for you, please get in touch with Vikki Cleaver on 07773 784402 or to book, see https://cleaverdogtraining.upshotbookings.co.uk/face-to-face/silver-improvers-training/

05/01/2025

LOCAL ROAD CLOSURE WARNING
Rectory Hill will be closed from tomorrow for the next 6 weeks to do the work finally to stop the flooding on the bridge….but do not use today as a last opportunity to go that was as st least 4 cars broken down in the flood today already!
Obviously other local roads are likely to be busier as a result so allow plenty of time to get down to Old Amersham.

28/12/2024

MY TOP TIP FOR WINTER- Fishing gloves, you will not regret it!
If anyone finds any that are more girlie and still affordable then please let me know!

28/12/2024

PUPPY CLASSES ARE BACK 😁😁
I am thrilled to report that I am now cancer free, fighting fit and ready to get back to normal life
…..albeit feel free to tell me off if you see me heavy lifting as the head and body is willing but my surgeon is not so keen! 😁
Classes will start again on Sunday 5th January and are run on a rolling programme so you can start as soon as you are ready.
To reserve your space see https://cleaverdogtraining.upshotbookings.co.uk/face-to-face/puppy-foundation-manners/

After a few pretty horrible scary months, I am even more excited than ever to welcome you and your puppies again 😁🙌🐾🐶

26/12/2024

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas Day.
This is Hettie enjoying the Christmas toy I gave her today - not killed it after 5 minutes so I take that as a win!
Let’s see pictures of your dogs this Christmas

16/12/2024

Currently sitting on a tree trunk ‘walking the dog’! It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it 😂😂😂
Well the surgeon did tell me I need to take it easy! 🤣

15/12/2024

CHRISTMAS HAZARDS
When enjoying the build up to Christmas, don’t spoil it by overlooking some of the seasonal hazards for dogs

🍫 Chocolate is toxic to dogs so keep well out of reach even if wrapped

🎄 Baubles and other decorations can look very appealing to dogs but may splinter or cause blockages and cuts

🥧 Grapes and raisins can be fatal even in small quantities so be careful when eating mince pies etc that your guests do not drop any

💡 Cables to Christmas lights can be very tempting to chew, especially to puppies

🍀 Poisonous plants - holly, holly berries, poinsettia, pine trees and mistletoe are all toxic to dogs so be careful where you display them in your home (clover is ok but I couldn’t find a holly or mistletoe emoji😂)

🥂 Alcohol - as well as the risk of us loosing our guard when enjoying a drink (or 12!) at Christmas, dogs can be tempted to help themselves to unsupervised alcoholic beverages, which can make them very ill and you still need to be able to get them to the vets if necessary

🚮 Much of our Christmas rubbish can be tempting to our pets (cooked bones, fat covered foil, plate scrapings etc) so make sure all rubbish is well out of reach

🍗 Cooked chicken and turkey bones are especially hazardous to dogs as they can splinter, causing damage and obstruction to the gut

🚪 Safe place - many dogs are not used to, or comfortable with, the hustle bustle at Christmas so it is important to have somewhere they can safely go when they need down time. A stressed dog is far more likely to bite than a relaxed one

💰 Vets charges can be significantly higher during for emergency holiday appointments. It may be worth checking if your vet has their own cover or if this is externally sourced, and if so, what the charges are as well as where they are based

Have an amazing (and safe) Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year 🍾

11/12/2024

If anyone saw anything suspicious please get in touch with Kew Little Pigs Farm Ltd - these are my neighbours at the training centre. It is the second time it has happened. Wtaf is wrong with people 😡😢

Our hearts are shattered as we share the news that our beloved goats have been stolen once again. We can't believe this has happened to us for the second time. Last night, they were taken from our farm. We are reaching out to ask for your help in spreading the word throughout our local area. Any information or support would mean the world to us during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your kindness.

https://kewlittlepigs.com/blogs/news/devastation-as-our-beloved-goats-are-stolen-overnight