Kind, Ethical, Rewards based trainer and dog walker covering Shirehampton and surrounding areas.
(3)
The A403 Severn Road Roundabout is closed from today until 21st September.
As the bulk of my clients are between Severn beach and Shirehampton this road is a big part of my daily drive.
Please bear with me during this time as I will need to navigate quite an extensive detour to collect everyone so pick-ups may be affected.
Everyone will get their walks as normal I might just be a bit later.
Thank you for your understanding.
It's no secret I'm a serious addict when it comes to the Labrador. If Mark Kellaway brought another one home tomorrow I'd be delighted. I love them. Always have, always will.
Whilst my own Labrador journey is slightly unique (I think Kamal described it once as out of the frying pan into the fire) I've worked with enough of them to know one absolute certainty - Don't be fooled into thinking they are easy dogs, especially when young.
Yes they might not be as difficult as a busy worky collie but they still require plenty of guidance in those early stages and come with their own challenges.
Baby gundogs are like living with land sharks. Puppy biting on a completely new level. Remember we bred these dogs to carry things, in other words enjoy having things in their mouths. It's temporary and you'll survive, but it will feel pretty dramatic and stressful at the time.
Next we have the fact we bred this dog to be sociable and work well around others. Sounds great, but when your adolescent keeps disappearing to say hi, sometimes to the wrong person or dog, it's really not a pleasurable experience.
Finally there is a massive difference between a working lab and a show type. If you bring home a working lab be prepared to put in the extra exercise and brain work they will require.
Now this post isn't to scare you. Put in the work and you will have a really wonderful companion. Those of you that might be currently struggling, don't panic, it's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed sometimes so reach out to a good trainer who can support you. Labradors are brilliant, clever, affectionate, amazing family members but they still need you to invest in them.
New Scentwork Levels rosettes are looking great. 😊
Summer holiday's over and kids back to school?
Looking to to get back into training with your dog?
Don't forget our new pay as you go Scentwork sessions start this weds. Suitable for all breeds, ages and ability, we only ask that your dog is comfortable working around other people and dogs.
Only 2 spaces left on this week's session!
Come and join the fun. 😊
Please be advised that when enquiring about dog walking availability I need to know what days/times you require.
Whilst I appreciate all enquiries unfortunately I only have limited spaces and without knowing what you need it's impossible for me to give you an answer.
Thank you.
Have a fab weekend everyone 😊
Online bookings for dog training and training classes in Bristol
Betty is really starting to feel more comfortable with a trailing longline and is enjoying the freedom it brings to her walks.
Although her recall still has a long way to go, we are starting to see some really beautiful snippets, including this morning where she not only recalled from a dog chasing a ball, but did so joyfully at speed. A definite first and a huge win for us! ❤️
She still occasionally likes to sit and watch the other dogs but now has value for hanging around with me so doesn't show any signs of running off to greet them like she would of done previously.
I'm really pleased with how much she has achieved lately.
Lucy's family have done such an incredible job of building her confidence, the difference is amazing! ❤️ Today she met Duke and Mark to continue building positive experiences. We looked at recall, loose lead walking and leave it out and about. Lucy aced it, well done team Lucy!
A bit of an odd post for this time of year but that's British summertime for you!
Let's talk about wind and how it can affect our walks.
SMELL - I always talk in my Scentwork classes about how air temperature and movement can change the scent picture but it has an impact on walks too. When the wind is moving frantically in all different directions all those smells travel with it. For a species that is driven by their nose this can matter. For some dogs this adds to the level of excitement and can easily cause them to become overaroused, leading to poor choices and lack of impulse control. For others of a more sensitive nature this can be really overwhelming so you may see more anxious behaviour.
SOUND - There may be creaks, and unexpected bangs. Something to bear in mind for dogs that are more noise sensitive. Our own voice carries differently, so recall may become more challenging.
HAZARDS - With the driving rain I was really tempted to hide in the woods today. But there were lots of fallen trees and obstructions. The creaking of the trees overhead was enough for me to decide we were probably safer in the open fields. If road walking there could be hazards flying about. It's not unknown for recycling boxes or similar to move about, but even a simple carrier bag could spook a more sensitive dog.
GROUP WALKING - alot of my dogs who walk together regularly are very in tune with each other. It's not uncommon that if one is upset by the wind that the others are more unsettled too.
For safety I keep dogs closer in windy weather and utilise my leads for those more sensitive. Think about where you walk, what you might encounter and how you can stay safe.
Don't forget Scentwork restarts in September 😁
From September our scentwork classes are changing.
Instead of long set courses and the expense that comes with them we will now be offering a more flexible scentwork skills class.
These will be able to be booked per session so you can pick the dates that suit your schedule.
Classes will still be small (3 max) so will be on a first come, first served basis. In order to make this a viable way of running, classes will only go ahead if at least 2 dogs are booked onto a session.
In addition we will also be releasing our new Skills Levels to give those of you who love training set criteria to work towards, with certificates and rosettes on completion of each level.
As always classes will be tailored to suit the individual teams to give you the best coaching possible, so whether you are an existing client or a complete beginner looking to try something new, we've got you covered.
This is an excellent opportunity for a bit of confidence building and exposing your young dog safely to new experiences.
** Fully booked **
We are holding a one hour session for young dogs in Pilning Village Hall next week.
With access to secure indoor and outdoor spaces, we will create opportunities for dogs to experience a range of different sights, sounds, textures, experiences and smells.
There will be a tunnel, hoops, water, poles, platforms, sniffing stations and much more.
There will also be opportunities to ask questions and train useful exercises.
Further details can be found here -
https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/young-dog-activity-session?referral=service_list_widget
We all have different ethics when it comes to our dogs, but when choosing a dog walker what should you look for?
🐾 Number of dogs - it sounds like fun for your dog to run about with lots of other dogs but large groups are really hard for any one person to watch properly. Smaller groups often mean your dog gets more care and attention with dogs that are likely choosen carefully to match your dogs personality.
🐾 How they conduct themselves when out and about - I try to be really respectful of other walkers. My dogs don't approach others unless both parties are happy and generally I don't walk a group towards a solo dog as even the most friendly dogs can find this intimidating. All to often I see walkers with multiple dogs running in multiple directions and distrupting others walks.
🐾 Safety - are dogs transported correctly, are they put back onlead near carparks and other dangers, are they kept under close control? You'd be surprised how many loose dogs I've rescued from being run over.
🐾 Education - do they understand dog body language, do they have first aid training?
🐾 Reputation - what do their existing clients think of the service?
🐾 Welfare - do they take care in extreme weather, do they accommodate for dogs emotional and physical needs. I absolutely hate seeing nervous dogs dressed in yellow and muzzled, being dragged through locations that are too busy, often with other dogs that they find too overwhelming to be around.
We have some really wonderful professionals in Bristol, and I also understand we are human and everyone makes mistakes, but please do your research before choosing. A good professional will care for your dog like they would care for their own.
Multi dog households are hard!
I absolutely adore my dogs, they make my life complete.
But it takes work managing everyone's needs, their individual personalities, making sure everyone gets 121 time for training, walks and having fun together.
Sometimes I feel like a full time mum ferrying my furry family to their various classes and activities.
Then add in the fact that one of my dogs is scared of other dogs.
It took time, effort and alot of management in the early stages.
But when I look at something as beautiful as this, it makes it all worth it. ❤️
How gorgeous is Lucy? 😍
Lucy is on our puppy package which combines her puppy classes with 121 sessions to set her up with really good foundations.
Today we looked at longline skills to help give Lucy more freedom on her walks and how we can manage interactions to ensure Lucy has really nice positive experiences that boost her confidence.
We explored how we can increase distance to help her feel safe and when we could give her more freedom of choice.
Great session, well done team Lucy.
The spaces are RARE! Emma's Hoopers classes are so good no-one ever leaves so if you are interested get in quick!
Hoopers class spaces -
I have the following spaces available -
11am Tuesday group starting on 13th August.
This class is suitable for complete beginners or those who have done a little hoopers.
9am Friday group starting from Friday 16th August. This class is suitable for those running sequences or small courses.
The cost is £60 for a 6 lesson block and lessons are held at The Dog Field at Pilning.
Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Thank you 🐾
I always encourage clients to practice in lots of different environments building distraction levels gradually to ensure the dog is always set up to succeed.
I also believe in practicing what I preach, so Duke and I travelled to Bridgwater today to train with the lovely Annie Swiftbewek Dogs and Hayley All for Woofs to take part in their skills for dog sports workshop.
This was a new environment for Duke with different people and dogs. Despite being a little excited at first we worked through it and Duke worked his little socks off.
Thank you ladies for a lovely morning.
If any of my followers are that way I highly recommend checking out their workshops and training.
And picture, well this result is just another perk of training dogs 😂
What cute thing does your dog do that makes you go weak at the knees every time?
For me I love a head tilt. ❤️
Starting September.
Pay as you go sessions available online to book now.
Create an account on the website to view our new scentwork skills levels in the members section.
An enduring myth surrounding dogs is that playing tug will increase the likelihood of aggression. This really is not true.
Many dogs love a good game of tug. They are getting to carry out natural behaviours and interacting with their people, both things that they consider very good things!
What can happen sometimes when playing dog is that the dog becomes over-excited and they may grab at the toy to start the game again and accidentally catch our skin with their teeth.
To avoid this happening, keep a close eye on their excitement levels and make sure to build in breaks if they start to get a bit hyper. That will prevent the boiling over and grabbiness.
And let them win - where is the fun in always losing? Let them get the tug toy off you and parade their victory spoils. Much of the time you may find they come straight back to you to carry on having fun!
Keeping safe in the shade. Lots of calm pottering and sniffing with plenty of water today.
Progress looks different for every dog.
Is this a perfect recall - no
Does she take a moment to think about it - yes
Would I drop the line around distractions - no
But just a few months ago this dog was scared of a dropped trailing lead, let alone a long line.
Her trust and engagement with me was so low I struggled to get her to come to me at all in an enclosed safe space when offlead.
This is massive progress!
It doesn't look like it to most but every journey is different.
Celebrate your wins!
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Betty is really starting to feel more comfortable with a trailing longline and is enjoying the freedom it brings to her walks. Although her recall still has a long way to go, we are starting to see some really beautiful snippets, including this morning where she not only recalled from a dog chasing a ball, but did so joyfully at speed. A definite first and a huge win for us! ❤️ She still occasionally likes to sit and watch the other dogs but now has value for hanging around with me so doesn't show any signs of running off to greet them like she would of done previously. I'm really pleased with how much she has achieved lately.
Starting September. Pay as you go sessions available online to book now. Create an account on the website to view our new scentwork skills levels in the members section.
Progress looks different for every dog. Is this a perfect recall - no Does she take a moment to think about it - yes Would I drop the line around distractions - no But just a few months ago this dog was scared of a dropped trailing lead, let alone a long line. Her trust and engagement with me was so low I struggled to get her to come to me at all in an enclosed safe space when offlead. This is massive progress! It doesn't look like it to most but every journey is different. Celebrate your wins!
This lovely boy has really put a smile on my face today. When I first met Beinn he was incredibly environmentally aware. Although the most affectionate dog indoors, outside he was very unaware there was a human attached to his lead. His humans have been incredibly dedicated and it's been a real labour of love for everyone who adores him. It's finally coming together and he's worlds apart from when we first met. We've had amazing recall and check ins today, but mostly Look at this lovely engagement ❤️
I'm sharing this now as I'm likely to be tearful enough tomorrow. Tomorrow will be Daisy's last walk with her friends for the foreseeable as she retires from group walks. Unfortunately as much as we all love her to pieces she's aging gracefully and unable to keep up with the rest of the dogs anymore. As gutted as I am to say goodbye, I will always put a dogs needs and welfare first. Daisy has been with me right from when I opened for business. In fact the first dog I walked. She's always an absolute delight and a firm favourite with the other dogs, often acting as a buffer when newbies join and has even won over and befriended several very nervous worried dogs, including Bugsey. That is despite the fact that when she joined she genuinely thought labradors were rude idiots. 🤣 Always a calm presence she has some of the best dog to dog skills I've ever seen. Daisy has been by my side 5 days a week and she will be greatly missed. We love you Daisy ❤️
Calling all Dobermann owners! Do you struggle to commit to a 6 week training course? Longer courses too expensive on a budget? Would've loved to come but couldn't make the Friday classes? We will be offering a shorter version of our Delightful Dobermann course at 5:30PM on Weds starting 31st July. Still packed with lots of useful training tips and advice to help you on your way to success. It can be hard to motivate yourself to train when there is lovely light dry evenings to enjoy, but summer classes are perfect for pushing your training to the next level as we are able to practice skills outside aswell as in the classroom. Booking available on the website.
We love our Hooper's classes with Halcyon Hounds. They've honestly kept me sane through Duke's tricky adolescence. But its been tough. No-one likes to feel like their dog is unsettling the rest of a class. It's especially embarrassing when you are a trainer and your over friendly Dobermann just bombs off whenever he feels like it mid run to say hi to everyone. But with Emma's help setting his exercises up so he can succeed, some management in the form of a grab line and upping his reinforcement when focusing on me, not to mention the patience of my fellow classmates we have seen steady improvement. Today we removed his line for the first time in months! It often feels worse as the owner, others often have their own things to worry about, but if you are struggling talk to your trainer so you can work together for a solution to get back on track.
Group walks are really quiet this week due to holidays and poorly dogs. Archie and I loved our quality time together but we hope everyone is feeling better soon.
I am so proud of these boys today. Matching dogs for group walks is not easy. I put a lot of thought into it, considering all the variables. It's not just as simple as if a dog is social. It's are their exercise requirements similar, are the play styles compatible, who has recall, who needs to be on lead. Factor in a more sensitive dog and it's even more important to set them up for success. Max was introduced to Archie today and all three boys had a really successful calm walk together. They are going to be a lovely little group. ❤️
Thank you to everyone who attended the Dobermann workshop today. You all did amazing and it was a joy to see so many beautiful dobes having fun with their humans. £40 from the proceeds has been donated to DRUE.
Look at this awesome team rocking their loose lead walking in our 121! ❤️ Loose lead walking is hard. Especially in breeds like spaniels that were bred to move quickly and easily from side to side. It takes alot of time and consistency but it will result in much more enjoyable walks together.
When introducing your verbal cue it's really important to pause between saying the word and doing the hand signal. Dogs are experts as reading our body language and if we do both at the same time they only look at what we are doing and don't process what we are saying. Lots of people think they are pausing, when in fact they aren't, even me! Try filming your training and watching it back. Betty is absolutely smashing this on a verbal cue now. ❤️
Scentwork teams, remember it's important to tell our dogs how amazing and clever they are for finding the articles. Play with them, let them have a tug and a fuss without being in too much of a hurry for the next find. I know it's intimidating acting silly infront of other people but my classes are safe spaces, we are all dog people here to have fun. If we are in too much of a hurry our dogs can lose motivation for the search or worse start to show guarding behaviour. They go to all the hard work to find it, let them enjoy it! Bugsey and I are still working on our out, but as he enjoys the search I can use the next find as his reward for letting go. Swapping for food is not suitable for every dog, but Bugsey prefers toys to food so I don't have to worry about him losing enthusiasm. By sniffing for treats at the end we manage his arousal and help bring him back down as he really loves this game.
Today we continued working on helping Betty feel more comfortable with a trailing longline. I love longlines. I have a vast array of lengths and materials for walking and training. BUT any equipment we use must be comfortable for the dog and for some dogs like Betty the weight from a trailing line can be a bit of a scary sensation. Now that Betty is starting to associate it with good things I am able to give her more freedom on her walks whilst still keeping her safe and under control. This now gives me more opportunities to reward her for good choices and choosing to hang around with me. Here's a little clip of us working on her disengaging from distractions - this is really hard as Digby is having alot of fun in the tennis court with his ball. I don't use her recall cue here as I'm pretty certain it won't work and I don't want to poison the cue. But I can still use my voice to get her attention and praise her for good decisions.
One of the most important things I've learnt from having socially sensitive dogs is finding the time to have fun together. It doesn't need to be flashy or expensive, just spending some time 1 on 1 enjoying each others company. There is no better way to build your bond, improve optimism and just feel good! Finding scentwork revolutionised my relationship with Bugsey. It was a breath of fresh air leaving behind the pressures of all the anxiety and stress. Today I've started teaching him some hoopers. He will never compete at a show but we had so much fun. Learning new things also helps keep his mind active and engaged. Just because he's nearly 10, it doesn't mean he's too old to learn new skills. What fun thing have you done with your dog today?
Today I was really brave and ran to the front door to greet Amy. I even let her put the lead on. Amy is teaching me a new word. I'm not sure I understood it yet but it's fun and I get treats so I'm trying really hard. I also did some lovely loose lead walking back to the house alongside my friend Reggie the cockapoo. ❤️
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