🥣 Enrichment Bowl for Nala – A Nutritious & Fun Mealtime Boost! 🐾
Enrichment isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about engaging our dogs’ senses in different ways, including mealtime! This colorful enrichment bowl is packed with nutrients, flavors, and textures to keep Nala interested while giving her a health boost.
Here’s what’s inside:
🥛 Goat’s Milk – A natural probiotic that supports gut health and digestion.
🐉 Dragon Fruit Powder – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C to support immunity.
🥭 Mango Powder – Full of fiber and vitamins A & C for skin and eye health.
🥚 Quail Egg Yolks – A nutrient powerhouse, great for coat health and muscle recovery.
🍎🍓 Apple & Strawberry Smoothie – A budget-friendly way to add fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
🍎🥭 Apple & Mango Smoothie – A tasty mix loaded with vitamin C and hydration benefits.
🍎🍐🍌 Apple, Pear & Banana Smoothie – A blend of fiber-rich fruits that aid digestion.
🍇 Dried Goji Berries – Packed with antioxidants and amino acids to support overall health.
🫐 Freeze-Dried Blueberry Crumbles – Great for brain function and heart health.
🍓 Freeze-Dried Strawberry Slices – A vitamin C boost to support the immune system.
🍌 Freeze-Dried Banana Cubes – Full of potassium to support muscle and nerve function.
🎃 Pumpkin Crumbles – A natural source of fiber to aid digestion and keep tummies happy.
We get all our freeze-dried goodies from @perfectpawsboutique, one of our go-to shops for high-quality, natural dog treats!
🌟 Why Use Enrichment Bowls? This type of feeding encourages dogs to slow down, explore different textures, and get extra hydration and nutrients in a fun, engaging way!
Would your dog enjoy this? Let me know in the comments! 🐶👇💜
#DogEnrichment #HealthyDogs #DogFriendlyTreats #CanineNutrition #ForceFreeTraining #DogMumLife #PositiveReinforcement #EnrichmentFeeding #PerfectPawsBoutique
🐾 DIY Enrichment Pots for Nala – Keeping Mealtime Fun & Nutritious! 🐾
Enrichment is such an important part of our dogs’ lives, and one of my favorite ways to keep Nala engaged at mealtime is by layering her food to encourage natural foraging behavior. This also ensures she eats all the good stuff—even the bits she’d normally leave behind!
Here’s what I used to create this enrichment pot for her:
🦴 Healthy Options Mixer Kibble – A great base to add crunch and support digestion.
🦌 Venison Cubes – High in protein and low in fat, perfect for lean muscle maintenance.
🐂 Buffalo Sausage – A delicious, iron-rich treat that’s easy on sensitive tummies.
🐟 Fish Cube – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin, coat, and brain function.
🧀 Squirty Cheese – A tasty motivator for picky eaters! I use plain, but sometimes go for cheese and ham for variety.
🍓 Organic Apple & Strawberry Baby Smoothie – A budget-friendly way to add natural fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. (Buying fruits in bulk or using these purees is a great cost-saving tip! Check out our post on dog-safe fruit & veg!)
🍌 Freeze-Dried Banana Cubes – A great source of potassium and fiber for digestion.
🥚 Quail Egg Yolks – A nutrient powerhouse, supporting coat health and immune function.
🍓 Freeze-Dried Strawberry Slices – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C for overall health.
We get all our freeze-dried bits and extras like quail eggs from @perfectpawsboutique—a great place to find high-quality, natural goodies for your pup!
🌟 Why Enrichment Matters: This type of feeding slows down eating, prevents boredom, and encourages problem-solving—all while providing a variety of textures and flavors!
Would your dog enjoy an enrichment pot like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇🐶💜
#DogEnrichment #DogTrainingTips #HealthyDogs #DogFriendlyTreats #CanineNutrition #EnrichmentFeeding #ForceFreeTraining #DogMumLife #PositiveReinforc
Sunrise Walk Around Ashworth Moor Reservoir & Cheesden Brook ☀️🐾
This morning, Nala and I set off early for a peaceful sunrise hike around Ashworth Moor Reservoir and Cheesden Brook, tracking our route via AllTrails. There’s nothing quite like watching the day begin while out in nature, and this trail didn’t disappoint!
We started at Ashworth Moor Reservoir, where the still waters reflected the soft morning light. The views from up here stretch across Rochdale, Manchester, and Oldham, making it a perfect way to wake up. After circling the reservoir, we followed Cheesden Brook downstream to explore the Cheesden Lumb Mill ruins.
This old cotton-spinning mill is a piece of history tucked away in the valley, with a small waterfall cascading beside it. The sound of the water and the sight of nature reclaiming the ruins made for a stunning rest stop before we continued along the trail.
💡 Trail Tip: If you’re heading here, I highly recommend starting with the reservoir if you’re walking early! The path around the mill gets boggy and muddy, with old buried stones that could easily cause an injury in the dark.
🐕 Parking is just outside Owd Betts, a historic pub dating back to 1796—perfect for a post-hike treat if you time it right!
As always, when I’m out solo hiking early, I make sure someone has my location for safety. I use an app, Isharing, and they are able to track me in real time. AllTrails was great for tracking the route and keeping me on track!
Would you give this trail a go? Let me know in the comments! ⛰️🐶 #SoloHiking #SunriseWalk #CheesdenBrook #AshworthMoor #AllTrails
🥣 Enrichment Bowl for Nala – A Nutritious & Fun Mealtime Boost! 🐾
Enrichment isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about engaging our dogs’ senses in different ways, including mealtime! This colorful enrichment bowl is packed with nutrients, flavors, and textures to keep Nala interested while giving her a health boost.
Here’s what’s inside:
🥛 Goat’s Milk – A natural probiotic that supports gut health and digestion.
🐉 Dragon Fruit Powder – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C to support immunity.
🥭 Mango Powder – Full of fiber and vitamins A & C for skin and eye health.
🥚 Quail Egg Yolks – A nutrient powerhouse, great for coat health and muscle recovery.
🍎🍓 Apple & Strawberry Smoothie – A budget-friendly way to add fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
🍎🥭 Apple & Mango Smoothie – A tasty mix loaded with vitamin C and hydration benefits.
🍎🍐🍌 Apple, Pear & Banana Smoothie – A blend of fiber-rich fruits that aid digestion.
🍇 Dried Goji Berries – Packed with antioxidants and amino acids to support overall health.
🫐 Freeze-Dried Blueberry Crumbles – Great for brain function and heart health.
🍓 Freeze-Dried Strawberry Slices – A vitamin C boost to support the immune system.
🍌 Freeze-Dried Banana Cubes – Full of potassium to support muscle and nerve function.
🎃 Pumpkin Crumbles – A natural source of fiber to aid digestion and keep tummies happy.
We get all our freeze-dried goodies from @perfectpawsboutique, one of our go-to shops for high-quality, natural dog treats!
🌟 Why Use Enrichment Bowls? This type of feeding encourages dogs to slow down, explore different textures, and get extra hydration and nutrients in a fun, engaging way!
Would your dog enjoy this? Let me know in the comments! 🐶👇💜
#DogEnrichment #HealthyDogs #DogFriendlyTreats #CanineNutrition #ForceFreeTraining #DogMumLife #PositiveReinforcement #EnrichmentFeeding #PerfectPawsBoutique
🐾 DIY Enrichment Pots for Nala – Keeping Mealtime Fun & Nutritious! 🐾
Enrichment is such an important part of our dogs’ lives, and one of my favorite ways to keep Nala engaged at mealtime is by layering her food to encourage natural foraging behavior. This also ensures she eats all the good stuff—even the bits she’d normally leave behind!
Here’s what I used to create this enrichment pot for her:
🦴 Healthy Options Mixer Kibble – A great base to add crunch and support digestion.
🦌 Venison Cubes – High in protein and low in fat, perfect for lean muscle maintenance.
🐂 Buffalo Sausage – A delicious, iron-rich treat that’s easy on sensitive tummies.
🐟 Fish Cube – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin, coat, and brain function.
🧀 Squirty Cheese – A tasty motivator for picky eaters! I use plain, but sometimes go for cheese and ham for variety.
🍓 Organic Apple & Strawberry Baby Smoothie – A budget-friendly way to add natural fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. (Buying fruits in bulk or using these purees is a great cost-saving tip! Check out our post on dog-safe fruit & veg!)
🍌 Freeze-Dried Banana Cubes – A great source of potassium and fiber for digestion.
🥚 Quail Egg Yolks – A nutrient powerhouse, supporting coat health and immune function.
🍓 Freeze-Dried Strawberry Slices – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C for overall health.
We get all our freeze-dried bits and extras like quail eggs from @perfectpawsboutique—a great place to find high-quality, natural goodies for your pup!
🌟 Why Enrichment Matters: This type of feeding slows down eating, prevents boredom, and encourages problem-solving—all while providing a variety of textures and flavors!
Would your dog enjoy an enrichment pot like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇🐶💜
#DogEnrichment #DogTrainingTips #HealthyDogs #DogFriendlyTreats #CanineNutrition #EnrichmentFeeding #ForceFreeTraining #DogMumLife #PositiveReinforc
Chasing Sunrises & Singing Trees 🌅🐾
There’s something magical about an early morning hike—watching the world wake up, the sky shifting through soft pastels, and the quiet stillness before the day begins. This morning, Nala and I set off to the Singing Ringing Tree, a unique wind-powered sculpture standing proudly over Burnley. When the wind rushes through its metal pipes, it produces an eerie yet beautiful tune, making it feel like nature itself is singing. 🎶🌬️
While we often go on solo hikes, exploring an unfamiliar area in the early hours meant taking extra precautions. Thankfully, Craig (Martha’s dad) was up for an adventure and knew the route well, so we had a knowledgeable hiking buddy—and Nala got to hang out with Martha for a bit! 🐕🐕🦺
As an extra safety measure, since we drove separately, I shared my live location with a friend who could track me. I love spending time in nature with Nala, but being prepared and staying safe is just as important.
Sunrise hikes like this reminds me why I love what I do—moving, exploring, and sharing these moments with my best girl. 💜
Have you ever been to the Singing Ringing Tree? If not, it’s definitely worth the trip! 🌳
#SunriseHike #SingingRingingTree #AdventureWithDogs #StaySafeExploreMore
🐾 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
🐾 Unleash Wagging Tails! 🚶♂️🐕
