Mother Puppers Dog Training & Behaviour

10/09/2024

I'll be at Waterbeach Community Market this Sunday (15th) with a raffle to win a free 121 training session, treats for sale, games, and more! Come down and chat with me about you furry best friend 🐾

05/09/2024

Meet Riley 🐶

This beautiful girl had a bit of a rough start in life and so now finds the big wide world a bit of a scary place. We're working on building Riley's confidence and optimism using lots of fun games that involve searching or exploring in her environment. Being a mix of two gundog breeds, Riley LOVES using her nose! Alongside this, we are encouraging Riley to check in with her humans for reassurance when she's feeling worried.

Do you have a worried or anxious dog? Get in touch with us today ❤️

[Alt text: a reddish brown dog with long floppy ears is standing with all four paws on a wooden bench, looking just above the camera].

02/09/2024

🐾PUPPY CLASSES!🐾

Last few spaces left!!

🐾BOOK NOW🐾
We are now taking bookings for Puppy/Beginners Group Classes starting on Monday 9th September at 6.30pm and running for 6 weeks. Classes will be held at Chesterton Pavilion Community Room, Cambridge. Hurry, there are only 6 spaces available!!

These classes are perfect for young puppies, or older dogs including rescues that need a little more help with the basics. Our classes focus on training essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. We welcome all ages and abilities.

To book, or to find out more information, send us a DM, or email [email protected]

[Alt text: a woman is crouched next to a cute Cockapoo dog wearing a coat on a grassy surface with trees and blue sky in the background].

31/08/2024

Why "no" isn't in my vocabulary when it comes to my dog 🐕

Think about what the word "no" actually means to your dog. If he's lying on his bed chewing on your slipper and you come in and yell, "NO!" to get him to stop, is he supposed to:

A. Stop lying down
B. Get off his bed
C. Stop chewing the slipper

Of course, the answer is C, but that's only obvious to us, not him.

Dogs understand us much better if we tell them what we DO want them to do, not what we don't. This eliminates confusion and is a more positive way to communicate with our dogs.

So back to the scenario above - what could we do instead of saying "no":

🐾 Teach safe swaps with a toy or piece of food
🐾 Scatter food on the floor and ask our dog to "find it" while we retrieve the illegal item
🐾 Give our dog an appropriate outlet for chewing
🐾 Put the slippers somewhere where our dog can't access them

I challenge you to remove the word "no" from your vocabulary with your dog for ✨️1 week✨️ - do you think you could do it?! Let me know in the comments ⬇️

[Alt text: a scruffy, golden-coloured dog is bowing in front of a woman wearing a leopard print skirt. The camera is low to the ground, and you can only see the woman's legs. They are standing on a sandy beach, and there is a mixture of grey clouds and blue sky in the background].

29/08/2024

Such a fun workshop, and always a pleasure working with O'Donnell's School for Dogs! Keep your eyes peeled for more 👀

23/08/2024

Yesterday, our little family (and honorary member Peggy the Cockapoo) took a trip to the seaside. It was ridiculously windy, but we had a great day!

This guy was incredible. He walked off-lead for nearly 2 hours - his recall was good, his engagement with us was good, and his reactions to other dogs were minimal. He even relaxed and watched the world go by while we ate our chips. This would never have been possible a year ago.

Moral of the story: hard work pays off! Ozzy is proof. If you're feeling at a loss with your dog's behaviour, I can help. Get in touch today 💛🐾

[Alt text: a scruffy golden-coloured dog is lying on the sand. There is a cliff in the far distance]

17/08/2024

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting adorable Arlo and his family 😍 this handsome chap is a typical 6-month-old; a busy bee who wants to explore and get into everything!

Arlo is very lucky in that he gets plenty of off lead exercise and will do a beautiful recall for some sausage! However, he's been finding being on lead a bit frustrating.

We're working on engagement with his family when out on walks and teaching Arlo that it's just as fun being on lead as it is off lead. Alongside this, we're building more mental stimulation into his routine to keep that clever brain of his busy!

Do you and your dog need help with lead walking behaviours? Get in touch with us today 🐶

[Alt text: a beautiful young brown Cocker Spaniel with a white chest is sitting on the grass looking directly into the camera].

17/08/2024

Want something to do with the kids and the dog over the holidays? Come and join our trick training workshop and have some fun with your dog!

28th August 6.30-8pm in Thundridge. Only £30. Book via www.odsd.co.uk

17/08/2024

Exciting news!! We are running a promotion on our first block of Puppy/Beginners Classes - now just £125 for a 6 week course!

BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE! 🐕🐾

🐾BOOK NOW🐾
We are now taking bookings for Puppy/Beginners Group Classes starting on Monday 9th September at 6.30pm and running for 6 weeks. Classes will be held at Chesterton Pavilion Community Room, Cambridge. Hurry, there are only 6 spaces available!!

These classes are perfect for young puppies, or older dogs including rescues that need a little more help with the basics. Our classes focus on training essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. We welcome all ages and abilities.

To book, or to find out more information, send us a DM, or email [email protected]

[Alt text: a woman is crouched next to a cute Cockapoo dog wearing a coat on a grassy surface with trees and blue sky in the background].

15/08/2024

Another fantastic workshop with O'Donnell's School for Dogs ! Thanks for having me 🐶

13/08/2024

A pleasure working with O'Donnell's School for Dogs tonight, as always!

A fantastic loose lead walking workshop 🐕🐾

10/08/2024

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR DOG ✊️ A personal experience...

Yesterday, I was out walking Ozzy when we bumped into a neighbour and her dog, who Ozzy really likes. We stopped and chatted for a while. While we were chatting, the neighbour kept reaching their hand out to touch Ozzy's head. He was ducking away every time, clearly not comfortable with them touching him. I noticed his discomfort but didn't say anything.

Afterwards, I felt so icky about the whole situation. Why didn't I advocate for Ozzy in that moment? As humans, we feel a lot of societal pressure and don't want to be seen as being rude to our friends or neighbours; the conflict can be awkward and embarrassing.

Our dogs rely on us to speak up for them when they're unhappy in a situation, and if we don't, what is that teaching them? As much as we may find it difficult in those situations, we have to remember that our dogs need us more.

Recognising these feelings is the first step. For me, it's still a work in progress, and that's okay! Who's with me?! 😅

[Alt text: a scruffy golden-coloured dog is laying down in a shady area of grass. His tongue is out, and he's looking directly at the camera].

08/08/2024

This week, I've been out to visit lovely Leo the Border Collie and his family! 😍

Whilst Leo is fantastic when he's off lead, he has been getting frustrated when seeing other dogs while he's on lead and also needs a bit of help walking nicely on lead.

To make his on lead walks more enjoyable for both him and his family, we're working on building engagement using a foundation of eye contact with his people and teaching him that this is the key to everything! We're building in cues for moving away from distractions on walks and using delicious food to reward behaviours that we like. Leo is a super smart boy, and I can't wait to see how he progresses!

Do you need help with your canine companion? Send us a DM or email [email protected] to book your FREE 30-minute phone/video consultation 🐾

[Alt text: a beautiful grey and white Border Collie with different coloured eyes is standing in a grassy area with his tongue out, looking at the camera]

07/08/2024

Another lovely review! Thank you so much Laura & Peggy 🐾❤️

05/08/2024

🐾BOOK NOW🐾
We are now taking bookings for Puppy/Beginners Group Classes starting on Monday 9th September at 6.30pm and running for 6 weeks. Classes will be held at Chesterton Pavilion Community Room, Cambridge. Hurry, there are only 6 spaces available!!

These classes are perfect for young puppies, or older dogs including rescues that need a little more help with the basics. Our classes focus on training essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. We welcome all ages and abilities.

To book, or to find out more information, send us a DM, or email [email protected]

[Alt text: a woman is crouched next to a cute Cockapoo dog wearing a coat on a grassy surface with trees and blue sky in the background].

03/08/2024

Doggy Language: What might your dog be trying to tell you?

We all wish we could speak to our dogs (just me?), but instead, we have to rely on their body language as their clearest form of communication with us. Dogs can tell us a lot about how they're feeling just by the way they move their body, and it's so important that we listen so that we can help get them what they need.

This is a non-exhaustive list of behaviours we might see from our dogs when they're worried or need some space.

Can you think of any others? Let us know in the comments 🐕

[Alt text: a series of cartoons depicting dog body language]

29/07/2024

What a lovely review! 🤩 Thank you Katie & Buster

28/07/2024

DID YOU KNOW?
We offer a ✨️free✨️ 30-minute phone/Zoom consultation to all our new customers. You don't even have to get off your sofa! Unless your dog wants to sit there, in which case, yes you do 🐶

If you're struggling with a particular issue and don't know where to start or if you just want some general advice, contact us today to book your slot - [email protected]

[Alt text: a golden-haired puppy is sat on a dark green velvet sofa looking directly at the camera].

25/07/2024

Thank you for all of the support! Couldn't have done it without you O'Donnell's School for Dogs Nicola O'Donnell 🥹❤️

24/07/2024

I am over the moon to announce that I am now officially a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and a fully accredited dog trainer. What a privilege! This is just the beginning...🐾❤️

[Alt text: image shows a certificate of membership to the IMDT awarded to Claire Martin].

21/07/2024

Exciting news! Our website is now live 🥳🥳
Please visit www.motherpuppersdogtraining.co.uk for all your dog training needs 🐾

[Alt text: a scruffy golden-haired dog is standing on a field looking happy. The words "we're live" surround him in bold letters].

19/07/2024

So excited to be partnering with Fetch Cambridge 🐾❤️

We have recently had a new company join our Fetch Cambridge Members Benefits program ‘Mother Puppers’ who are offering all our Fetch Cambridge clients a 15% Discount off any of their services.

MOTHER PUPPERS
Mother Puppers is a positive, reward-based dog training business that covers Cambridge and the surrounding areas. We are passionate about helping people strengthen their relationship and have the best life possible with their dogs. Our services include, tailored 1-2-1 training sessions, group classes and workshops (coming soon!), and training walks.

page link = https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562149630062

(Please PM me for your Fetch Cambridge discount codes)

Other local UK businesses who are apart of our Fetch Cambridge Members Benefits program:
- Barker & Barker Treats
- Tug-E-Nuff Dog Gear
- Ruff and Tumble
- PitPat
- Johanna Owen – Finger Paint Artist (Dog Portraits)
- Laura Galbraith Pet Photography

Happy Shopping for your Pooches 😊 Remember to PM me to get your discount codes.

From the Fetch Cambridge team

15/07/2024

I am happy to announce I am now a member of The Dog Trainer School. As a member, I adhere to the guidelines of the Professional Standard and work with kindness, care, and empathy to all.

If you want to read more about The Professional Standard, please visit www.thedogtrainerschool.co.uk

[Alt text: logo for The Dog Trainer School].

12/07/2024

I have been squirrelling away on a brand new website that I'm hoping to share with you really soon! Keep your eyes peeled 👀 ...
In the meantime, please send any enquiries to [email protected], or drop us a DM!

[Alt text: a fluffy white and tan dog wearing glasses is sat at a laptop with the words "coming soon" underneath].

11/07/2024

11/07/2024

Thrilled to have completed my Level 3 OCN with The IMDT !

11/07/2024

👋 I'm Claire, the founder of Mother Puppers, and the scruffy-haired beauty on the left is my boy Ozzy; the one that started it all.
Ozzy came into my life in August 2021 as a gangly, worried, little 5 month old puppy from Romania. Since then, we've been on quite the ride! Because of Ozzy's struggles, including stranger danger, noise sensitivity, and dog reactivity, I threw myself into training and behaviour, trying desperately to make this boy's life as fun and worry-free as possible.
I found success and support within the Positive Reinforcement training community and started my journey to becoming a dog trainer myself with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, who promote force-free, positive dog training.
I started Mother Puppers because I love dogs (of course!), but also because I want to help people strengthen their relationship and have the best life possible with their dogs. Thank you for joining me! ❤️

[Alt text: a woman and her scruffy golden-coloured dog are posing in front of a bridge].

11/07/2024

Hello! Welcome to Mother Puppers. We are a positive, reward-based dog training business that covers Cambridge and the surrounding areas. We offer tailored 1-2-1 training sessions for you and your puppers! Contact us to book a FREE 30 minute online or phone consultation 🐾