Naughty Dog School

12/02/2025

With children spending more time at home with their four-legged friends during half term, it's important to be able to recognise the signs of stress in dogs 🚦

Kendal Shepherd's Canine Ladder of Communication is a useful guide, showing the different signals dogs show through their body language to communicate. As a dog gets more upset, their body language may change according to the steps on the ladder ⚠️

The quicker you notice the early signs of stress, the sooner you'll be able to remove your dog from the situation that is causing them stress and avoid them reaching the top of the ladder.

It’s important to note that context is KEY! Think about the situation that your dog is in to try and understand the signs. For example, if they're at home and relaxed as normal, an exposed belly is very different to a stiffened exposed belly in an unfamiliar environment. All dogs are different - not every dog will show every action on the ladder and they might not follow the same order.

Find out more here: https://pdsa.me/n2qx

[Visual description: Infographic showcasing signs of stress in dogs. The image features a ladder with a traffic light system of paw prints coloured green, yellow, orange and red. Red is at the top of the ladder and green is at the bottom. Next to the ladder is a list of actions a dog might present, starting with green (deemed as calm) and eventually reaching red (signalling stress).]

12/02/2025

And the lines I recommend are:

Good morning!

The line link:

The Petcare Factory 7.5 metre, 2.5 cm Polyester Long Line Training Lead with Rubber Non-Slip Thread (Black/Neon Green) https://amzn.eu/d/fhldyzy

Or

The Petcare Factory 7.5 metre, 1.5 cm Polyester Long Line Training Lead with Rubber Non-Slip Thread (Black & Neon Orange) https://amzn.eu/d/fe1uUyC

The Petcare Factory 7.5 metre, 1.5 cm Polyester Long Line Training Lead with Rubber Non-Slip Thread (Black & Neon Orange) AN ESSENTIAL TRAINING TOOL: The lead is perfect for teaching your dog recall, controlled socialisation, agility, BAT (Behaviour Adjustment Training) set-ups, and for safely ma...

12/02/2025

Good morning 🙂

This is the link to an allergy testing that does not cost the earth!

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06/02/2025

This makes for an interesting read … we always do our best to follow ‘A’ from the following … always choose to be kind and supportive your dog will reward you in kind 🦮🥰🎉🦮🐾

A Simple guide to choosing the right professional for your dog.

If you have a dog and want to either train them, or find solutions for challenging behaviours, it must be getting really confusing about what methods to use and who to employ to help. With so much information (and Misinformation) out there and with much of it being so contradictory, it must be hard to know where to turn for support. I know you love your dog and want the best for them, so to make it easier don’t worry about what others say about the best approaches – just have a think about how you would like to learn and be treated, or ideed how you would like your human children to learn and be treated.

To aid this further here are a few simple questions.

If you (or your children) were to be taught something new would you :

A. Want to be taught with patience and kindness, with praise when you got it right, support if you struggled to understand and the ability to feel safe to get it wrong and try again?
B. Get praised when you got it right, but punished when you got it wrong?
C. To be made to do it through physical force and intimidation?

If you (or your children) were in pain or feeling uncomfortable would you :

A. Want to feel you could communicate what you were feeling, be listened to and get relief for that pain or discomfort, especially from those you rely on?
B. Be ignored, dismissed and corrected for that communication, but praised when you stop communicating?
C. Get punished for trying to communicate, and for that to continue until you stop trying to communicate?

If you (or your children) felt emotionally or socially unsafe or uncomfortable would you :

A. Want to feel your attempts to communicate were being listened to and felt those around you would be there to help?
B. Be ignored, dismissed or corrected for what you were trying to communicate, but if you stopped you might get praise?
C. Be deliberately put into a situation that you felt emotionally or socially unsafe, tried to communicate that and then got punished for that communication?

If you answered A to all three, this shows you really care about your own experience, and that of your loved ones, so choosing a science led, positive trainer/behaviourist is the natural choice for you as why wouldn’t we offer the same to our beloved dogs? Ignore all the rhetoric and false narratives being put out by those who don’t know better, and do the best for you, your dog, and your relationship with them. Even if you have started out trialling other ways, it is never too late to get it right for your dog – we are all learning and growing 😊

If you didn’t answer A to these –I am sorry if your own life experience has meant you have not been afforded the kindness and support of those around you to realise that A really is the only answer. However, if looking at it this way inspires you to do things differently (for yourself, your children or your dog !), it is never too late to recognise that :

1. Learning happens best when the student feels safe and are focussed, positively motivated and engaged.
2. Challenging behaviour is often the communication of underlying need: Identify and support that need and things really do start to improve, especially your relationship with your dog.

When we know more, feel more and grow more - we can do better. Not just for our dogs, but for ourselves and those around us 🙂

The best news is, despite what others may try to tell you, it is NOT a matter of opinion, it is about choice ! The science and the evidence is out there - and there is a lot of it. And as our dog's don't get to choose how they are treated, it is even more important we make the right choice for them 🙂

For reference : A = A positive approach B = A 'balanced approach' C = A punishment/aversive only approach

For more check out my Dog Centred Care FB group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc

06/02/2025

🌟 Brilliant Boris – Recall Superstar! 🌟

Meet Boris, our wonderful Romanian rescue, who has been working so hard to learn new skills—and one of the biggest challenges has been RECALL! 🐕💨

In this clip, you’ll see just how successful our recall games have been at getting Boris’s attention. The moment his mum calls, he turns on a dime and comes straight to her! 🙌🐶 Watching his confidence grow and his response sharpen has been an absolute joy, and his mum is thrilled with his progress.

At Naughty Dog School, we LOVE celebrating the successes of our incredible teams, and we could not be prouder of Boris and his mum for their hard work and dedication. 🎉👏

Training is all about building trust, having fun, and setting our dogs up for success—and Boris is proof that with the right approach, anything is possible!

Drop a 🐾 in the comments to cheer Boris on! 🥰

30/01/2025

🚶‍♂️🐾 Is Your Dog Pulling & Unmanageable on Walks? Start Here! 🐾🚶‍♀️

If your dog is dragging you down the street, lunging at everything in sight, or just completely unmanageable on walks, take a moment to think about how they’re feeling before you even step outside.

Many dogs are already pumped up before the walk even begins—either from excitement ("Yay, it’s walk time! Let’s go!") or anxiety ("Oh no, what am I going to face out there?"). If your dog is in an amped-up state before the walk, it’s almost guaranteed that the walk itself won’t go smoothly.

💡 Set Your Dog Up for Success 💡

Before heading out, take a few minutes to calm your dog’s mind so they’re in the right headspace for a peaceful, enjoyable walk. Here’s how:

✅ Prevent Door Bolting – If your dog tries to launch out the door, gently close it to stop them. Be careful to watch for paws and noses—this isn’t about scaring them, just showing that bolting won’t work. Keep repeating this until your dog waits calmly with the door fully open, and then you both step out together in a relaxed manner.

✅ Reward Calmness – If your dog is bouncing off the walls at the sight of the lead, wait. Don’t put the lead on until they’re calm. Reward them for sitting or lying quietly.

✅ Do Some Thinking Games – Play a short game like Pot Game, £2 Coin Game, or Hand Targeting to engage their brain and slow them down before heading out.

✅ Give Them Something to Chew – Chewing naturally helps dogs relax. A short chew session before a walk can help take the edge off.

✅ Short Training Session Indoors – A few minutes of focus work, like simple sit/down cues or boundary games, can help settle an overexcited mind.

✅ Skip the Walk if Needed – If your dog is too stressed before the walk, consider skipping it altogether and doing some mental enrichment instead. A relaxed dog at home is better than a stressed, reactive one on the street.

Remember—a calm start leads to a calmer walk! Give it a try and see the difference. Let us know how it goes in the comments! 👇🐾

28/01/2025

🚀 Paxton is Flying High! 🐾

We’ve celebrated Paxton’s incredible progress before, and today we’re doing it again—because this boy just keeps getting better and better! 🌟

In this latest clip, you'll see Paxton calmly walking through a group of five other dogs. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶 The dogs are at a distance and stationary to set Paxton up for success, but make no mistake—this is a huge achievement for him! Instead of feeling overwhelmed or reactive, Paxton makes the brilliant choice to disengage and stay composed. 💪

Not so long ago, this situation would have been too much for Paxton, but thanks to consistent training and the unwavering support of his amazing mum and our superstar instructor Elsie, he is now feeling so much better about life. He’s proving that with patience, the right techniques, and a supportive team, anything is possible! 🙌

Way to go, Team Paxton! 🎉 Keep flying high, buddy!

If your dog struggles with reactivity and needs guidance, get in touch—we’d love to help you achieve the same success.

28/01/2025

🐶 Meet Freddie – The Puppy with No Off Switch! 🔋

Freddie is a lively 9-month-old pup who just doesn’t stop! 🌀 His boundless energy has made it incredibly difficult for his owners to teach him anything. Sound familiar? Many dogs, like Freddie, struggle to regulate their emotions and energy levels, which results in an unruly, excitable dog that finds it impossible to follow even simple instructions.

At Naughty Dog School, we tackle this challenge head-on by:

✅ Reviewing Freddie’s diet—the wrong food can fuel hyperactivity and make learning even harder.
✅ Ensuring he gets regular exercise—but not too much, as overtired dogs struggle to settle.
✅ Teaching calmness strategies using our boundary games, helping him to rest and sleep more.

We also introduce focus games like £2 coin, pot, and hand target games, which are designed to slow down the whirlwind inside Freddie's mind and teach him how to focus and engage positively.

In this clip, you’ll see our wonderful instructor Elsie guiding Freddie through the £2 coin and pot game. Watch closely as Freddie's mind starts to settle—proof that with the right approach, even the busiest of puppies can learn to calm down and engage! 🐾

If you have a pup like Freddie and need help bringing some calm into your life, get in touch! We can help you transform your dog with our life-changing games. 🎯

26/01/2025

💤 The Importance of Sleep for Your Dog! 🐶💤

Did you know that adult dogs need 16-18 hours of sleep per day? 😲 That’s a lot of snoozing! While most dogs sleep around 8 hours overnight, they often stay active throughout the day—leaving them sleep-deprived without their owners even realizing it.

Just like us, when dogs don’t get enough rest, they can become grumpy, emotionally unbalanced, unable to make good decisions, and struggle to learn new things. Many unwanted behaviors can stem from something as simple as lack of sleep! If your dog is struggling to follow instructions, acting out, or just seems off, sleep deprivation could be the root cause.

So, what’s the solution? ✅

👉 Teach your dog to LOVE their bed with our fantastic boundary game—making it their go-to place for rest.
👉 Provide a safe, quiet space with something to chew or gnaw on, helping them to settle and unwind.
👉 Encourage rest after walks, training, or playtime when your dog naturally needs to recharge.

By ensuring your dog gets the sleep they need, you’ll notice a happier, calmer, and more responsive companion! 🐾❤️

How does your dog like to relax? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

17/01/2025

🌟 Celebrating Smudge! 🐾

Today we’re shining the spotlight on the delightful Smudge! When Smudge first joined Naughty Dog School, she was a foreign rescue with zero skills. Fast forward to now, and look at her go! 🐶✨

Here she is, walking in a busy outdoor area on a long line (just for safety), fully engaged with her dad and loving every second of it! The secret? Our powerful games that build trust, focus, and connection. It’s a beautiful sight to see the bond they’ve created and the confidence Smudge has gained.

We’re so proud of the hard work Smudge and her dad have put in—you can see the incredible results for yourself! If you have a foreign rescue with zero skills and want to transform your dog into a focused and happy companion, get in touch with us. With our fun, engaging games, your dog will want to play and learn with you!

Way to go, Smudge and Dad! 🎉👏

15/01/2025

Rarely do I agree with a post but I know this to be absolutely true …

Tonight's the night!

Join us at 8PM EST for 'What Trainers Get Wrong About Reactivity' - our first Bark about Behavior discussion.

Haven't registered yet? There's still time!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xyaoBtUjRfy2MHPd_aEb5w

See you tonight!

15/01/2025

🐾 Maddie’s Amazing Recall Progress! 🌟

Here’s Maddie, our fabulous Romanian rescue, showing off her impressive recall skills! In this clip, you’ll see her running out confidently on her walk and then bam!—she hits her recall boundary and immediately returns to her mum at full speed! 🐕💨

What’s the secret? Choice-led training and a very clever mum who’s been consistently rewarding Maddie for her good decisions! By employing our rule of immediately recalling Maddie as she hits her recall boundary and looks back and always rewarding her for returning, her mum has created a pattern Maddie loves to follow. The result? A dog who willingly makes the right choice over and over again because it’s fun and rewarding!

This is what we mean by the power of consistent, positive reinforcement. Well done, Maddie, and high five to your superstar mum for sticking with it and getting the results she wanted! 👏🐶

14/01/2025

🐾 Let’s Talk Recall Distances! 🌟

A little while ago, I posted about how important it is to recall your dog when they look back at you. Remember—they’re not just “checking in”; they’re asking for permission to go further! This concept is so crucial to mastering off-lead control that I thought it would be great for us to share examples of our own dogs' recall boundaries.

Here’s Simba TJ on one of our walks. 🐕 As you can see, he ventures about 30 feet away from me, pauses to look back, then hesitates as his recall boundary kicks in. At that moment, I do the right thing—I call him back and reward him with one of his favourite games: our catch game! 🎾 This reinforces his recall and makes coming back to me a fun and rewarding experience.

Now it’s your turn—show me your dog’s recall boundary! How far do they venture before checking back? Let’s celebrate those moments where we make the right call (literally 😉) to strengthen our bond and control with our furry friends.

11/01/2025

Brrrrrr good morning!!

Top tips for cold weather!!

Keep warm!! Layers rather than bulky clothes! Lots of pairs of socks!! Remember gloves, scarf and hat!!! And … a coat for your dog!

To avoid ice clusters on your dogs paws put oil in your hand and rub over their paws and lower legs!!

See you all soon!!

10/01/2025

Even if your dog is solid, always stays by you and has a perfect recall when you an enter an area where it says dogs on lead there is usually a good reason 🤩

Clever words from Mrs Ewe. Take Heid🫡🐑🤰🏼

08/01/2025

💙 Farewell and Best Wishes to Joe! 🐾

Today, we share bittersweet news as we say goodbye to someone who has been an integral part of Naughty Dog School for the past four years—Joe.

Joe started with us as a completely green trainer, embarking on a mentoring journey with me to learn everything needed to become the fantastic dog trainer he is today. From day one, Joe poured his heart and soul into helping the dogs (and their humans!) who came through our doors, making an incredible difference in so many lives.

Last year, Joe took the brave step of starting his own behavioural practice—a venture that has flourished, as we knew it would. Now, with the demands of his thriving business, Joe has made the decision to pursue his path full-time.

While I am incredibly sad to see Joe leave Naughty Dog School, I couldn’t be prouder of the trainer, professional, and person he has become. Joe, your passion, dedication, and presence will be deeply missed, but I know you’ll continue to do amazing work in the world of dog training.

Please join me in wishing Joe every success in the future. Joe, thank you for everything you’ve done for NDS and the families we’ve helped together. You will always be part of the Naughty Dog School family. Good luck to you! 💙🐾



Joe Wright

06/01/2025

🐾 Understanding Recall Distances: Is Your Dog Really Checking In? 🐕

Have you ever noticed your dog running ahead, stopping, and looking back at you? Many owners believe their dog is “checking in.” But here’s the truth: that look isn’t about checking in—it’s your dog asking, “Can I go further?”

Dogs have what we call a recall distance—the maximum distance they can travel away from you before they struggle to respond to a recall. When your dog looks back, they’re essentially at the edge of that distance, deciding whether to stay connected with you or venture further away.

If you don’t recall your dog in that moment, they may push past their recall distance, making it much harder for them to come back when called. This is why many owners experience their dog “ignoring” a recall—it’s not disobedience; it’s distance!

🐾 The Solution:
Always recall your dog when they stop and look back.
Reward them for returning to you, reinforcing the connection.
Gradually extend their recall distance with training, so they learn to stay within a manageable range.

By recognizing this moment and acting on it, you can improve your dog’s responsiveness and keep them safe on walks. Remember, they’re asking a question—give them the answer that keeps your bond strong! ❤️

Video credit: Elsie Perrin