Tails of Adventure

05/11/2025

⚠️ What Are Prong Collars?

Prong (or pinch) collars are metal collars with inward-facing prongs that tighten around the dog’s neck when tension is applied to the lead. They’re designed to cause discomfort or pain to stop unwanted behaviour usually pulling but can be used to correct any unwanted behaviour.

🚫 Why I Don’t Use Them:

While they may seem to “work,” that’s only because the dog learns to avoid pain, not because they’ve learned what to do instead.
Research shows aversive tools like prong collars can cause:
❌ Increased anxiety and fear
❌ Higher risk of aggression
❌ Damaged trust between dog and handler

Studies have found that dogs trained with aversive methods show more stress-related behaviours and are less likely to show relaxed, happy body language compared to those trained with reward-based methods.

✅ What I Use Instead:

Positive reinforcement. It teaches dogs what to do, not what to fear.
A well-fitted harness, clear communication, and consistency build confidence and cooperation, not fear and avoidance.

29/10/2025

Do Harnesses Cause Pulling?

You’ve probably heard it... “Harnesses make dogs pull more.”

🙅🏼‍♀️Harnesses don’t cause pulling. 🙅🏼‍♀️

Dogs pull because pulling works, it gets them where they want to go which is rewarding, so they do it all the more. It can also happen because they have not been taught or do not understand what you'd rather they do.

✅ The Real Fix:
Teach loose lead walking through reward-based training, patience and consistency.

Why Harnesses Help:

✅Protect the neck and throat

✅Suitable for all breeds - even those slinky sighthounds!

✅Offer better control and safety

✅Reduce pressure-related injuries

✅Support behaviour training without pain

A harness doesn’t teach pulling, but it does make training safer and kinder. 💚

27/10/2025

🌟 Progress isn’t always huge. 🌟

Sometimes it’s:

🧡 Taking one slow step without pulling
🧡 Focusing for a split second, rather than not at all
🧡 Coping with distractions, rather than jumping up

It might look kind of boring on camera but it’s everything in your training journey.

Because ‘boring’ is better for your nervous system (and your sanity!) and it’s better for your dog’s too. 🙌

Progress isn’t about flashy behaviours or promising quick results.

It’s about building trust and connection, one small progress at a time. 💛

What’s your dog’s version of quiet progress lately?

26/10/2025

Is your dog giving you the Christmas Blues?

Are you worried about them jumping up at guests?

Or that your Roast you've spent so long on is going to end up on the floor or in the dog?

Or that you'll end up like a sleigh behind your dog as they drag you across the ice until you finally deck it?

Training can help you have a less stressful Christmas.

Contact Tails of Adventure to see how training can help you have a peaceful Christmas. - Slots are limited.

17/10/2025

15/10/2025

Why Choose a Solo Walk? 🐕

Let’s talk about why solo walks are such an important option for many dogs

Not every dog thrives in a group setting and that’s completely okay.
Solo walks aren’t “boring” or “anti-social”, in fact, quite the opposite! On solo walks your dogs will get to experience new places, new trails and new friends!

1. Not just for nervous/reactive dogs, social dogs love 1:1 walks too!
From nervous/reactive dogs building confidence to your social buddy getting a much needed break from being the life and soul of the party.

2. Pacing that suits your dog.
Whether they love to sniff every leaf or prefer a brisk walk, the pace matches them.

3. Quality over quantity.
It’s not about how many dogs they’re with, it’s about how much they get out of it.

4. A chance to see the world.
Solo walks give your chance to see and experience the world. Building confidence and making memories.

👉 Sometimes the wisest choice is the quiet one.

Tails of Adventure has availability and can provide your dog whether nervous or friendly with an amazing walk that they'll want to come again and again!

11/10/2025

How could I not post this??

This amazing boy has walks with me and being a terrier, he has loads! He loves to go for a trot off lead and explore, taking in all the scents and sounds! We have so much fun!

If you want your dog to come and have fun with me, drop me a message!

10/10/2025

All you need to brighten your day is some kisses!

This wonderful boy has been having a mixture of home visits and walks which he is absolutely loving. On his walks he has a job of carrying his stick or Gundog Dummy and in the house he gets enrichment to further tire out his brain and help him settle!

If this sounds like something you'd want for your dog, drop me a message!

01/10/2025

Harnesses that I won't use as a Dog Trainer

As a positive reinforcement trainer, I avoid harnesses that cause pain, discomfort, or restrict movement:

❌ Harnesses which are designed to squeeze the dog when they pull
❌ Harnesses which come too high on the throat
❌ Harnesses which seem to restrict movement for the dog
❌ Harnesses which fit poorly and rub the dog
❌ Harnesses which are damaged or not sturdy

I choose harnesses that are:

✅ Comfortable and padded
✅ Correctly fitted for each dog
✅ Allow full range of movement
✅ Do not rub or ride high on the dog

Walks should be safe, fun, and enjoyable for both dogs and owners!

17/09/2025

The Benefits of Long Lines in Training

Different from a retractable, a long line is a super long lead that is useful and in some cases safer than a retractable.

Why use a long line?

✅ Safe freedom - Your dog can explore, sniff, and run while you keep control. Unlike a retractable you can grab the lead and reel them in manually (if necessary), with a retractable grabbing the lead will lead to painful consequences.
✅ Recall practice - Perfect for teaching a reliable recall without the risk of your dog running off.
✅ Confidence builder - Great for nervous or rescue dogs who need gradual freedom.
✅ Controlled adventures - Ideal in open spaces where off-lead isn’t safe or allowed.
✅ Good long lines are not at risk of snapping - retractables can and
do snap turning into a high speed whip that slices through flesh like butter.

💡 Top Tip: Use a harness, not a collar. If your dog runs to the end of the line it could cause injury to the neck.

I get my long lines from Golden Unleashed, get yours here https://buff.ly/w8R4eVp and get yourself a 10% discount with code: tailsofadventure