Hillside Puppy School

Hillside Puppy School Puppy and young dog specialist offering reward-based training in North West Devon Hi, I am Vanessa.
(10)

I have just moved from Buckinghamshire to Devon and am excited to be offering training in a new and beautiful location on the edge of Exmoor! I am passionate about all aspects of puppy training and development and love to help new puppy carers find happiness and harmony with their new family members. Maybe you would like advice on what sort of puppy, or adult dog, would fit in best into your life?

Perhaps you would like some realistic advice on what having a dog is really like, or what to look out for when choosing a breeder. Maybe you are expecting the arrival of your new puppy, or adult dog, soon and would like some practical advice beforehand. Perhaps you have your puppy already and have some questions, or would like simply like to do some training. If so, do get in touch with me for a friendly chat

I started Hillside Puppy School running puppy classes as a Puppy School UK tutor and soon realised that my puppy clients were keen to keep training with me. This led to me developing a series courses aimed at older puppies and adolescent dogs which have proved to be very popular. This has also led to me developing a Gundog Games Course, and no doubt more courses will follow! I am a member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and am a full member of the APDT (no. 01523)
I also have an accreditation in games-based, concept teaching techniques with Absolute Dogs. In addition I am a Dynamic Dog Practitioner, specialising in hands off, functional assessments which can help identify discomfort in dogs (very important if there are behavioural concerns)

I love what I do, and spend a lot of time keeping my learning up to date learning new skills which I then enjoy sharing with my clients! I am currently available for 1:2:1 advice and training, and hope to be offering some group opportunities soon

BANG💥💥💥💥A brilliant post by The Mutty Professor on how to approach the season of fireworks and bangs. Noise sensitivity ...
15/10/2024

BANG💥💥💥💥

A brilliant post by The Mutty Professor on how to approach the season of fireworks and bangs. Noise sensitivity can strike at any age, so take the time to read it.
Prevention of sensitivity isn’t always possible, but we can do our very best by bringing up our pups to be confident and optimistic with novelty.
My current dogs haven’t reacted and I am lucky to now live so rurally that we are unlikely to hear any, however if there are unusual sounds eg shooting nearby, up goes the volume on the electronic dance music and on goes the noise machine!
Please don’t rely on herbal/natural remedies unless they really do work for you x

Firework advice for dog owners In this blog post, you’ll learn practical steps to prepare and support your dog during fireworks. Whether your dog is typic

Exciting news!Keeva is expecting puppies. By the look of the scan this will be quite a large litter too! This has been l...
03/09/2024

Exciting news!

Keeva is expecting puppies. By the look of the scan this will be quite a large litter too! This has been long awaited, but first had to be postponed due to our house move, and then due to bad timing. It will be our first litter for 8 years when baby Orla was born.

We are very excited and I will be following the pregnancy and puppy progress mainly on my other page for those who are interested
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554943486187

Seeing as this is looking like being a large litter I potentially have a place left on Keeva’s waiting list for a v special puppy

Very funny! What catagory is your dog in?
12/08/2024

Very funny! What catagory is your dog in?

A weekend with The Mutty ProfessorJust back from a great weekend learning about building social confidence in dogs that ...
29/07/2024

A weekend with The Mutty Professor

Just back from a great weekend learning about building social confidence in dogs that exhibit reactive behaviours.

A new approach that I am excited to put into practice😃

So, you would never believe it, but it’s actually raining here in sunny Devon, so I am taking a few minutes to throw thi...
13/06/2024

So, you would never believe it, but it’s actually raining here in sunny Devon, so I am taking a few minutes to throw this question out to you all:

What is it that puppies really need to learn?

Although I have run successful puppy training classes for many years my views are changing..

Tell me what you would like, or, would have liked, your dog to learn as a puppy..

This is a timely post!At the weekend we had lunch at the nearby Quince Honey Farm and there was a dog positioned right n...
03/06/2024

This is a timely post!
At the weekend we had lunch at the nearby Quince Honey Farm and there was a dog positioned right next to the main route in and out. Every time another dog walked past this poor dog went into a frenzy of barking. Something as simple as choosing your table carefully can make all the difference..

If anyone knows someone in the Essex area who might benefit from this please spread the word. Roz is a great behaviouris...
01/06/2024

If anyone knows someone in the Essex area who might benefit from this please spread the word. Roz is a great behaviourist and I think this is a really good opportunity…

ESSEX AREA: CASE STUDIES NEEDED

We are still looking for two case studies to take part in our seminar on 13th & 14th of July (linked in the comments).

- The problem behaviours each case exhibits much be limited to over reactive and/or aggressive behaviour towards dogs. We cannot accept cases that are over-reactive to a broader range of triggers (traffic, people) nor those who have other problem behaviours, such as separation anxiety.

- Each case has to work through my full assessment process.
I don't think it's entirely ethical for dogs to be taken to events and be put in practical sessions working on over-reactive behaviour without ensuring all the background work has been delved into and addressed. I don't think owners/handlers will be at their best not having some initial handling coaching too.

Therefor the structure for Essex cases are;

1. Online assessment (as i do not live in Essex!)
2. In person practical to address your local/preferred walks. I will be travelling down to see my case studies in person prior to the event.
3. Helper dog practical at the seminar. This is planned to be on one day, potentially two (should one case not be able to attend and we have a practical slot to fill).

If you're not sure what a helper dog session looks like, please look in our video history for examples of many of our cases getting their first sniffs and enjoying walks with our team of helper dogs.

A significant discount of £250 is given off my usual assessment + 2 x follow up costs and you get given attendence to the two day event also (value £130).

To apply, please email [email protected]

Slow it DownJust a reminder to think about what your dog’s needs are when you go for a walkDogs do not naturally travel ...
09/05/2024

Slow it Down

Just a reminder to think about what your dog’s needs are when you go for a walk

Dogs do not naturally travel in straight lines at a human pace, so this can cause a build up of frustration and a habit of pulling on the lead. I am definitely guilty of making the walk about my desires eg to do a beautiful circular walk, rather than what my dog NEEDS

By spending the same amount of time outside, but just mixing it up you can both still have a great time.

Orla does tend to pull on the lead and gets over aroused by wildlife and other dogs, so yesterday I took her to the beautiful grounds of Arlington Court (close to us) and re thought The Walk

This is what we did:

Parked in a quiet area
Opened the boot and watched the world
Did some food searches in the carpark
Walked in a zig zag and occasionally doubled back following scent trails for food I had dropped unseen (bacon and lambs lung)
Did a few Parcour moves
Sniffed
Watched the Red Ruby Devon cattle
Paddled in streams
Sniffed
Said Hi to a couple of people
Saw a dog at a distance

Was it enjoyable for me?

Yes
I also switched on my senses and was much more aware of the plants, natural features, textures, aromas and sounds of the woods

Much better than racing round thinking about exercise and feeling guilty about not letting my dog run off lead.

Sniffing uses up more energy than running!!

She was very tired afterwards💤💤💤

21/04/2024

This isn’t a moan. I am lucky enough to have some wonderful clients, BUT I also experience a lot of potential clients who aren’t prepared.able to pay for dog training advice. I think Roz explains why trainers charge what they do very clearly here. I would also add that in this industry you are having to think of funding your own sick leave, holidays and retirement too..

13/04/2024

Harnesses

Which one is best?

When choosing a harness try to find one that is lightweight and has a minimal impact on the way your dog or puppy would move ‘naked’.

Pressure on the joints and restriction around the shoulders is going to be uncomfortable. It can change the way your dog moves and eventually cause damage. Another often overlooked side effect of an uncomfortable harness is increased pulling on the lead. The dog pulls to try to escape the discomfort.

Below is a great video illustrating the effects of different harness styles on natural movement

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/4DkEnmchkoWJLAbj/?mibextid=UalRPS

Make my day and book NOW!Seriously, this is a really nice cottage, even if I say it myself😂. There is no obligation to d...
06/04/2024

Make my day and book NOW!

Seriously, this is a really nice cottage, even if I say it myself😂. There is no obligation to do any dog training, in fact you can come without your dog if that works for you

Living here is like being on holiday every day.

Don’t forget, previous clients get a whopping 30% DISCOUNT this year, so grab yourselves a piece of Devon Heaven.

If you would like to come on your own we will look after you, show you the local walks, cafes and pubs, and even play pool with you😂

PLEASE SHARE!!

Address

Bratton Fleming
Long Marston

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