Sam Humberstone - Dog Trainer

26/10/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google review
Received yesterday

"We contacted Sam after rehoming a 7yo Rottweiler from dogs trust, who was classified as a green dog, i.e. good in all areas. While he was very well behaved around the house, travelled well in the car, walking him was a challenge as very early on it was evident he was lunging, barking or growling at other dogs.

Concerned for the safety of other dogs, owners and him, we did engage with dogs trust who offered support and techniques via the phone or email. With both of us feeling that this was not suitable for us, we started researching dog trainers. It was this or the dog would have to be returned, which was very upsetting for us.

From the very first meeting, Sam came prepared and offered advice and guidance including the best harness type, lead and types of activities to help. After several months of working with Sam, we are starting to see the benefits when walking our dog, although this is something we will likely need to keep working on for a while.

We are committed to keeping our dog in his new home, thank you Sam!"

Changes can have a big affect on a dog's behaviour, it is not easy to assess a dog's true character in a kennel environment or foster, or know how well they will cope or respond to further changes.

Settling in, gaining confidence and building trust takes time!

As I recently emailed after receiving updates and the good news regarding their recent walks with 'Aitch' -
"Thank you very much for such a positive review!!! To see your progress and you feeling more optimistic, well that is probably the most rewarding bit! I’ve genuinely really enjoyed working with you both, and 'Aitch', well I think he is truly adorable."

I offer One to One Training and offer small classes too. my website with more information & contact details -
samhumberstone.co.uk

26/10/2025

Elsa update.
An extra hour, longer walks!
We're into week 4 of her being our new-to-us housemate!
She had her 1st wee on a walk on Thursday. Is choosing to spend more time indoors, Friday night she came and lay and slept by my feet in the living room & this morning mingled quite happily in passing with a group of 5 collies on a local walk...

My aim for those I work with is for them to learn what their dogs enjoy & help them to think how to make the best of their time together. This morning, mission accomplished, Elsa found a muddy puddle to stomp around in, found & ate apples, sniffed around small mammal homes in grass, rolled on a decomposing bird, made new doggy acquaintances & got to stretch her legs and enjoy off-lead time 🐾

25/10/2025

6 years ago today, Freya Golden thoroughly enjoyed her autumnal adventure.
The amazing photos were taken by the talented Shelley of Rhino & Co, who is now based in Suffolk.

I will always be grateful to Freya, gorgeous, entertaining, clever, a full-on adolescent, loving and a wonderful teacher 💝

25/10/2025

Session 5
Saturday morning class
Useful skills & training walk in the 'real world'
New class dates and walks workshop coming soon, held in & near Canterbury.
I also offer One to One training
I'm based in Barham, Kent
Thanks to Cath Harris, PACT student trainer, who's been great to work with for this group 💫
samhumberstone.co.uk

24/10/2025

For some dogs when they are focused on something specific, most other things at that time are irrelevant, which can work in our favour or can bring us challenges! They can switch that intensity on to something else too.

Earlier, when engaging Osh, as he headed of a ball to stop it gaining any distance, a young rabbit ran behind him through a fence to another field, not on his 'radar'.
Walking with Elsa, I was aware of two active dogs that were quite wired, we kept out of their eye-line by making a slowly paced detour, our presence didn't matter!

24/10/2025

I currently have 2 spaces for a class starting this weekend, just outside of Canterbury. The first session is on Sunday afternoon, suitable for puppies or dogs that may need refresher training. The following 5 sessions will be Saturdays at 12:45.

I have assistance from a dog training student, Cath Harris.

An overview:
Indoor & Outdoor training and activities your dog will enjoy to build stronger foundations and boost your confidence
Improve walks on lead for you & your dog
Learn about Canine Body Language
A great opportunity for your dog to be around other dogs, and to learn together in a safe environment
Exercises that will help with connection
Max 5 dogs per class
Fun, practical & wellbeing-focused learning for you & your dog
Wagtastic!
🐾
Starts 25 October at Littlebourne 14th Century Barn, a few of the these sessions will be held at different locations
6 weeks
Saturday afternoons 12:45 start
£180

[email protected]
07484 7676750

Photo from recent class, session 4, where everyone got involved in useful yet fun activities - using Scent, Balance & Body awareness, learning more about Focus & Partnership on a varied Handling skills course, some of what was included in our last Saturday morning class

24/10/2025

24/10/2025

Our fireworks set up started last night, later than planned, so that on the night I don't unintentionally have Osh pre-empt and cause him to become anxious in advance. A very helpful post ⬇️

We re very sorry but we are going to have to say the F word
….
Freaking Fireworks 😔🎆

Here in the UK the days are shortening rapidly and we move into one of the most dreaded times of the year for many animal carers -bonfire night / Guy Fawkes / November 5th …. But events and random fireworks just as likely for sometimes 2 weeks before and after.

So …. We highly recommend taking action now

We ll do a separate post on other animals, but here focus on dogs

- start shifting your evening walk if you do one, a bit earlier every day
- play some calm music when you arrive back, and as you close curtains / blinds earlier than normal and turn both TV and radio on if you have available
- use this as a signal to your dog you are about to do something together that is calm and fun … maybe a lickimat or similar with you say nearby, or some grooming whist you tell them a story, a massage or stroking session, some new odour / toy investigation
- at this time, practice giving a firm treat or piece of kibble wrapped in some pate (to mimic any medication giving)
- during the calm, connection session turn on some extra background music with a good beat (like rhythmic drumming or similar). Start quietly and over a few nights, increase the volume Leave this on every evening for an hour or more already so it is part of the routine

- if you think your dog might benefit from anti anxiety or anti anxiety and sedating medication on nights of anticipated noise, call your vets now to organise a weight and health check and get that prescribed
It can also be a good time to get their chip checked - is it working, are your details up to date ?

- for some dog / caregiver combos, you might find that heading off on a drive with the radio on whilst you head somewhere away from events is a helpful avoidance. Just ensure you set off early to avoid trying to get in your vehicle when bangs may go off, and always make sure your dog is wearing a secure collar / harness / lead with all your contact details.

I know many of us would really prefer there were no such events or loud noises, not just for our animals but for wildlife too (and many humans) but as that still isn’t the case, prepared is preferred

24/10/2025

Hormonal changes & our pheromones, what does the dog nose know!
There are at least 3 families I have worked with & one of my besties that I hope will see this post...

𝗗𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆?

A new peer-reviewed study in Anthrozoös found that almost two-thirds of owners noticed changes in their dog’s behaviour during pregnancy, with many reporting these shifts before they even knew they were expecting.

The findings echo my 2018 research on the dog–owner relationship pre- and post-birth, where attachment often changed as families adapted to life with a baby.

So what does this mean for owners/guardians, professionals, and the dogs themselves?

Read my full article here 👇
https://www.hannegrice.com/walk-the-dog/do-dogs-sense-pregnancy-what-the-science-tells-us-about-behaviour-changes-before-and-after-birth/

[Image: me - preggers with Howard, catching my breath on a dog walk]

23/10/2025

Emotional states & foundations matter... .. whether it's learning to stay in position until released or learning to use the ramp at the groomers, how our dog feels at the time, especially if it's a new situation with distinctive scents and unusual underfoot surfaces, things that are specific to that context impact on how our dogs feel & respond, not only there and then, but for following occasions and similar environments too!

I am fortunate to share clients and discuss all things dog with a few other professionals, who prioritise recognising and respecting feedback from dogs. Genevieve of My Rural Dog Grooming is wonderful at what she does, knowledgeable and she's also one of the best to collaborate with too!

Today Genevieve trimmed the fur around Nelly Golden's pads and gave her a little bit of a tidy-up. The not too 'overly-groomed' look had been requested. It was visit no 3.

23/10/2025

Adolescent dogs and 'busier' dogs are more likely to be re-homed and more than once!!! Also they are much more likely to be euthanized.
I am being reminded every day by young Elsa that young dogs take a lot more time & patience.

Two paraphrased lines I have recently seen:

If you are considering to apply to re-home one of our dogs -
'Do not apply if you are planning any holiday within the 6 months'
'Do not apply if you're planning on starting a new family in the next 2 years'
'Not suitable for first time dog owners. Breed experience required'

The really good news is a change of home to a suitable environment is often the fresh start needed. New training and behaviour can be easier to establish with a fresh start - this is partly dependent on the advice followed being sound & not detrimental to the dog's emotions, health or overall wellbeing.

I have enjoyed and know lots & lots of people who have shared & share many happy years with dogs new-to-them!

Some rescues do amazingly well at finding homes with people who are willing to prioritise the dog and his/her needs, who will change their routines, show kindness & patience.

Spaniel Aid have plenty of experience and the wellbeing of the dogs is at the heart of everything they do!

"I find it baffling how hard it is to rehome from a rescue… Why do you make it so hard, I could offer an amazing home… I’ve just adopted two puppies because it’s so difficult to rehome from you… "
All comments we’ve had in the last couple of days, but it could be any week of the year. So let us try to explain.

Last week, a busy week, 14 dogs went up for adoption. In the same period we had 306 adoption applications, meaning, with the best will in the world, and assuming people hadn’t applied for several dogs (which of course they do), 292 people were going to be disappointed. Let’s assume they were all brilliant applications, totally matching the requirements for the dog in every respect, that’s still an average of almost 22 applications per dog. We can’t clone them, each dog can only go to one home.

Of course, it isn’t that simple. Puppies will get dozens of applications. Our long stayers, the dogs like Blake (above), Polly and Nell, may not have had a single application last week.

So why not relax the requirements for these hard to rehome dogs? Make it easier to adopt them? Because our number one priority, in every single case, is to find the right home for the dog. It isn’t the right home if we relax the rules on children, and the dog ends up biting a young child or being locked away from the family. It isn’t the right home if an active working cocker goes to a home with no idea how to stimulate the brain of a busy working breed – and has no intention of learning. It isn’t the right home if a dog is going to pull a person with limited mobility off their feet. As much as dogs are our priority, we care about people too, and want to keep them safe.

We consider all applications, but let us be honest, we’re always going to prioritise people with previous experience of spaniels, or of the issues the dog has, or with the right companion dog. We’re going to prioritise applications that spell out how they could match the needs of the dog, that have spent time reading their profile and carefully considering their suitability. We aren’t looking for big homes with huge gardens for every dog, but we are looking for people with time, compassion, patience, resourcefulness and flexibility. That’s what spaniels need.

This isn’t a raffle. You don’t get to stick in an application and hope you win the dog. We are nearly always lucky enough to be able to pick and choose, and we find some amazing, loving, caring homes where people are willing to make real changes to their lives to help a dog settle and thrive. We make no apologies for continuing to seek those homes. We’ve been doing this for ten years, we’ve rehomed more than 5,000 dogs. We don’t get it right every time, but we’ll keep trying as hard as we can to find the right home. So that means, yes: the adoption application form asks for a lot of detail; yes: we have stringent requirements for interviews, meet and greets and home checks; and, yes: there is an adoption fee for every dog. And no, it isn’t our fault if we can’t provide a dog for everyone who wants one, and they buy a puppy instead.
Photo: Blake SA4664, in foster for 10 months