Nala's Trails

🐾 Tail-Wagging Tuesdays: Build the Bond 🐾 The Power of Talking to Your Dog: Why Your Voice Matters Did you know that dogs understand more than just our tone—they can also recognize words and emotions? 🐶💬 Research shows that dogs process language in a way similar to humans, using the left side of their brain for word recognition and the right side for tone interpretation (Andics et al., 2016). This means that what you say AND how you say it both matter! Why Talking to Your Dog Builds a Stronger Bond 🐾 Strengthens Communication & Understanding Dogs may not "speak human," but they pick up on patterns, tones, and facial expressions. The more you talk to them, the better they understand your voice and emotions. 🧠 Stimulates Their Brain Hearing words they recognize keeps your dog engaged and mentally enriched. Studies show that dogs can learn and remember up to 165 words on average, with some exceptional dogs knowing over 1,000! (Coren, 2009). ❤️ Makes Your Dog Feel Included & Loved Dogs thrive on attention and companionship. Talking to them throughout the day—whether it's during walks, training, or even household chores—reassures them that they’re part of your world. Ways to Talk to Your Dog to Strengthen Your Bond 🔹 Narrate Your Day: Chat with your dog like you would a friend. ("Let’s grab your lead—time for a walk!") 🔹 Use a Warm, Happy Tone: Dogs respond best to high-pitched, encouraging voices. 🔹 Teach Verbal Cues: Use consistent words for activities like “walk,” “dinner,” or “bedtime” so they associate meaning with words. 🔹 Ask Questions & Pause: Even though they won’t answer, watch their body language—dogs are great at responding to conversational energy! Dogs don’t need fancy words, just a voice that makes them feel safe, included, and loved. So go ahead—start chatting with your dog today! 🐾💖 🎥 Check out the reel to see how I talk to Nala throughout the day! 💬 Do you talk to

Spend the Day with Me: Saturday Edition 🐾✨ Saturdays are always non-stop, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s a little peek into how we spent our day: 🐕 Morning Walk – Nala’s Choice: These are the walks where Nala gets to lead the way, sniff all the best spots, and decide where we go. It’s her time to just be a dog, and I love watching her enjoy the adventure! 🚗 Car Clean-Up: With all the muddy trails we’ve been exploring lately, it was time to clear out the chaos and get the car looking fresh again. Got to stay on top of the mess before it takes over! 🐶 One-to-One Clients: My morning was filled with proud dog parents showing off how well their pups are progressing. It’s always so rewarding seeing the hard work pay off and watching the confidence grow! 🐾 Puppy Academy: This afternoon, I caught up with my puppy students, who were eager to show me how they’ve been getting on with last week’s task. Love seeing their excitement as they learn something new each week! 🧹 Saturday Reset: After a full-on day, we wrapped things up with our Saturday Reset routine—because Sundays are all about relaxing, and a clean space helps me switch off properly. 😴 Nala’s Post-Work Nap: Supervising me all day was clearly exhausting, so Nala finished the evening with a well-deserved snooze. She takes her role as my shadow very seriously! That’s another busy, fulfilling Saturday done! Does anyone else love a full-on day followed by a chilled-out Sunday? #SpendTheDayWithMe #DogMumLife #DogInspiredBusiness #PuppyAcademy #OneToOneTraining #SaturdayReset #LifeWithNala

🚫 Skip the Rawhide – Here’s Why! 🐾 Rawhide chews are everywhere, but did you know they can be dangerous for your dog? 🦴 Choking and Blockages Rawhide softens when chewed, breaking into large chunks that can block your dog’s airway or intestines – often leading to emergency surgery. ☠️ Toxic Chemicals Many rawhides are treated with harsh chemicals like bleach during production. Not exactly the healthy chew we’re led to believe! 🦠 Bacteria Risks Rawhide can carry bacteria like salmonella, posing risks to both your dog and your family. ❌ No Nutritional Value It’s just a processed by-product with no health benefits for your pup. ✨ Safer Alternatives? Choose natural options like dried fish skins, yak cheese chews, frozen carrots, or interactive toys like Kongs! Your dog’s health matters – skip the rawhide and go for safer, healthier chews. 🐾 Sources: British Veterinary Association, Animal Health Trust, American Kennel Club, The Scottish Sun #dogtraining #doghealth #saynotorawhide #dogchews #safedogchews #dogtraineruk #positivedogtraining #forcefreetraining #happydoghappyowner #doglover #dogmum #dogdad #dogwellness #dogtrainerlife #enrichmentfordogs

🐾 Tail-Wagging Tuesdays: Build the Bond 🐾 The Magic of Slow, Mindful Walks: Walk Together, Not Just Next to Each Other Did you know that slowing down on your walks can actually strengthen your bond with your dog? Many of us think of walks as exercise or a quick trip to the toilet—but for our dogs, walks are a world of smells, sights, and experiences that fulfill essential mental and emotional needs. Why Slow, Mindful Walks Are Powerful 🐶 Strengthens Your Connection When you slow down and walk with your dog—rather than just taking your dog for a walk—you become part of their world. Research shows that dogs rely heavily on scent for information, with their noses capable of identifying scents 10,000 to 100,000 times more accurately than humans (Horowitz, 2016). 🧠 Provides Mental Enrichment Slow walks let your dog use their nose, which isn’t just fun—it’s mentally exhausting! Sniffing activates parts of their brain that help them process information and decompress. In fact, scent work has been found to lower a dog’s heart rate and reduce stress (Duranton & Horowitz, 2019). 💬 Improves Communication When you walk mindfully, you’ll start noticing more of your dog’s signals—where they pause, how they react to new smells, and what excites or concerns them. In turn, your dog will feel more seen, heard, and understood. How to Enjoy a Slow, Mindful Walk Together 🔹 Let Them Lead (Within Reason) – Follow your dog’s nose occasionally and let them choose the direction. 🔹 Pause for Sniff Breaks – Stand still for a minute and let your dog explore that lamppost or bush. 🔹 Engage in Their World – Comment on what they’re doing in a happy tone (yes, talking to your dog builds your bond!). 🔹 Breathe & Observe – Take a deep breath, slow your steps, and enjoy the moment together. Walking together isn’t just exercise—it’s quality time. So, on your next walk, slow down, breathe, and experience the world alongside your

Saturday Refresh: Clean House, Happy Pup 🧹🐾 Today’s Saturday Refresh came after a busy morning with training clients and an afternoon at Puppy Academy—so there were a few extra supplies to put away this time! While I tackled the post-training tidy-up, Nala was all about those chill vibes. She kept a close eye on me (and her toys and chews, of course) from the comfort of her favourite spot. Supervising is hard work, after all! 🐾👀 Once everything was sorted and the house was feeling fresh, she decided it was time for a well-earned nap. Watching me work all day must be exhausting, right? 😂 There’s nothing quite like a clean space to reset after a busy week—and no better company than my little shadow by my side. 🩷 Anyone else have a four-legged cleaning supervisor? #SaturdayRefresh #CleanHouseCleanMind #DogMumLife #LifeWithNala #DogInspiredBusiness #PuppyAcademy #WeekendVibes

🐾 Tail-Wagging Tuesdays: Build the Bond 🐾 The Power of Hand-Feeding: More Than Just a Meal Did you know that hand-feeding your dog can significantly strengthen your bond, build trust, and even improve their behavior? Studies show that dogs form stronger connections with their owners through positive interactions, and something as simple as feeding by hand can make a big impact! Why Hand-Feeding Works 🐶 Boosts Trust & Confidence – Dogs associate their food source with safety and security. When they take food directly from your hand, they build positive reinforcement-based trust, especially for nervous or rescue dogs. 🧠 Encourages Focus & Engagement – Hand-feeding makes mealtime more interactive and teaches your dog to pay attention to you, rather than inhaling food from a bowl. This is great for dogs who struggle with impulse control. ⚖️ Helps Prevent Food Guarding – Regular hand-feeding can reduce food aggression by reinforcing that human hands near food are safe and positive. A 2019 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs who experienced more handling around food as puppies were less likely to show resource guarding behaviors. 🎓 Makes Training More Effective – Turning meals into training sessions strengthens your communication. Instead of feeding from a bowl, use their daily kibble as rewards for practicing recall, eye contact, or calm behaviors. How to Start Hand-Feeding 🔹 Begin by offering a few pieces of kibble from your hand while sitting calmly. Let your dog take them gently. 🔹 Gradually incorporate training cues like “sit,” “watch me,” or “gentle” before giving food. 🔹 You don’t have to hand-feed every meal—just a portion! Even a few minutes of this practice per day can reinforce your bond. Hand-feeding isn’t just about giving food—it’s about creating moments of connection with your dog. Try it out and see how it transforms your relationship! ❤️🐕 ✨ Do you hand-feed

A Dog Lives Here… and She’s My Whole World 🏡🐾 This house isn’t just mine—it’s Nala’s home too. Every pawprint on the floor, every toy scattered around, every cosy spot claimed as hers… it all tells the story of a life we share. She’s more than just a dog—she’s my family, my shadow, my heart. My home wouldn’t be the same without her unconditional love, her wagging tail, or the way she just knows when I need her most. Everything I do—from my business to the way I live—is built around the love and respect I have for dogs like Nala. She’s the reason I do what I do. She’s my greatest teacher, my adventure buddy, and the soul behind my business. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just a house. It’s a home. And a dog lives here. 🏡🐾❤️ #ADogLivesHere #DogMumLife #NalaIsHome #DogInspiredBusiness #DogsAreFamily #LifeWithNala #HeartAndHome #Nala

☀️ SPEND THE DAY WITH ME 🐾💜 From early gym sessions to morning coffee & breakfast with Nala, my days are always full—but I wouldn’t have it any other way! 🚶‍♀️🐶 🌿 Dog walks & pop-ins fill my schedule, each one tailored to the needs of my amazing clients. It’s not just about exercise—it’s about enrichment, understanding, and giving every dog the best care possible. As the day winds down, it’s all about recharging with Nala—because at the heart of everything I do, she’s my biggest inspiration. 💕 Watching the sunset together is the perfect way to end the day. 📍 If you’re looking for a dog trainer who understands your dog’s needs, I’ve got you covered! Drop me a message—let’s chat! 💬🐕 #DayInTheLife #DogTrainerLife #DogWalkingDiaries #EnrichmentMatters #DogsAreFamily #WorkLifeBalance

🐶✨ Nala’s Favorite Delivery Day! ✨🐶 Every month, Nala gets so excited when her special bag from @thenaturaldogtreatscompany arrives—and honestly, I can’t blame her! 🐾💜 I love knowing that I’m giving her high-quality, natural treats that support her health, digestion, and overall well-being. Unlike heavily processed alternatives, these treats are free from unnecessary additives and full of real ingredients—exactly what our dogs deserve! Supporting local businesses is also a huge plus! @thenaturaldogtreatscompany is passionate about providing wholesome, UK-made treats, and it feels great knowing I’m investing in a company that truly cares about our furry friends. 🐕🌿 If you want to spoil your pup with healthy, natural treats, check them out—you won’t regret it! 💕 #NaturalDogTreats #HealthyDogsHappyDogs #SupportLocalBusiness #DogsDeserveTheBest #DogTrainerApproved #Nalaapproved

Reset Sunday: Clean House, Clean Mind 🧼✨ Happy Reset Sunday, everyone! Sundays are my only full day off, and I make the most of the morning by giving the house a good tidy-up. There’s just something about starting the week with a clean, organised space that feels so refreshing—don’t you think? They say “clean house, clean mind”, and I couldn’t agree more. While I keep on top of things during the week, Sunday mornings are when I really give it my all. It’s not just about the cleaning—it’s about setting myself up for a focused and productive week ahead. Of course, Nala doesn’t let me do it alone. She’s my little supervisor, keeping a watchful eye on me as I potter about. (Or maybe she’s just waiting for me to drop a snack!) 🐾💖 Do you have a reset day? Or any Sunday routines that help you prepare for the week ahead? Let me know below! #ResetSunday #CleanHouseCleanMind #DogMumLife #OrganisedLiving #DogTrainingJourney #DogInspiredBusiness #LifeWithNala

Goodbye 2024 👋✨ What a year it’s been! 2024 has been incredible for Nala, the business, and me. We’ve grown in so many ways—welcoming more walking clients into the family, expanding our one-to-one training sessions, and even launching our puppy training classes! 🐶🎉 We’ve tested the durability of our products, paving the way for exciting new projects in 2025. We’ve also made sure to prioritise quality time, recharging each month with long hikes and beautiful memories together. From hiking in Summerseat to taking a holiday and even attending the Eras Tour (making memories I’ll cherish forever!), 2024 has been packed with adventures and unforgettable moments. With fresh goals in mind for the year ahead, we’re excited to keep growing—both as a business, as individuals, and of course, as a dog mum and her beloved furry CEO. Here’s to more pawsitive progress, new challenges, and a year full of joy and growth. Wishing you all an amazing New Year—thank you for being part of our journey, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store! 🐾💖 What are your goals for 2025? Share them with us in the comments below! #Goodbye2024 #NewYearGoals #NalasTrails #DogWalkingAdventures #GrowingTogether #FurryCEO #DogMumLife #NewYearNewGoals #CheersTo2025

Happy Birthday to Our Furry CEO, Nala! 🎉🐾 Today is a very special day—it’s Nala’s birthday! 🎂 We made sure to celebrate in true Nala style with all her favourite things. The day kicked off with some free run time, splashing in the water, and lots of sniffing adventures. Breakfast was an extra-special treat of bacon and salmon—her absolute favourites! To spoil her even more, Nala got a brand-new bed from @thelancashiredogcompany and an adorable Highland cow teddy. The celebrations didn’t stop there, though. We took a trip to the local pet shop, where she picked out some new toys and treats to add to her stash (because one can never have too many toys, right?). Nala is the heart and soul of this business—the inspiration behind it all. She’s special to me in more ways than I could ever list, and the bond we share is something I treasure deeply. Dogs truly are the only mammal that love you more than themselves, and on her special day, I made sure she felt that unconditional love right back. Dogs grace our lives for such a short time, but their impact is immeasurable. Every day, I strive to make Nala feel loved, cherished, and as special as she is. Here’s to many more years of adventures, cuddles, and unconditional love. 💕 Let’s show Nala some birthday love in the comments! What’s your favourite way to spoil your furry friend? 🐶🎁 #HappyBirthdayNala #FurryCEO #NalasTrails #DogLoversUK #DogBirthdayCelebrations #UnconditionalLove #SpoiledPup #BestFriendForLife #Nalatime #qualitytimewithnala