Let us help you with your training and behavioural issues Please get in touch via Email, messenger or give us a call or text message.
(6)
Down means Down. There is no need to add a stay, wait or leave command. If your dog understands that the command you have given is what you expect them to do until you break them from it, then you dont need to keep adding more words. The more we vocalise and add words for what we expect, the more confused they get. We add words for us not them. Down means Down, simple.
Little Donnie is showing everyone how it's done. All those distractions and he holds so beautifully ❤
Show off your food refusals in the comments!
Food refusal for your dog, is as important as teaching your children not to take sweets from strangers.
I love this video. Seeing my clients children playing with there dog like this, is just everything. Teaching kids how to properly interact with dogs is so important. It teaches both of them healthy boundaries and respect. This is how kids should be playing with dogs. What a healthy future for all involved. ❤ sound on.
These reviews are what I live for. Thanks Sam and Jack and well done on the hard work. 🤩
So so true. Adam has a way with words. Couldn't put it better.
PLEASE DONT APOLOGISE OR FEEL EMBARRASSED. When people reach out to me, its usually with the opening line...Hi, I hope your up for a challenge? Or Hi, I'm so embarrassed to have to ask this but...
Please know from my heart, if you have taken the initiative to care and vouch enough for your dog to seek help with a problem. You are one of the most caring and responsible owners. You want the best for that animal in your life, and that makes you one step above everyone else who ignores the regular problems they see in their dog. That shows the kind of integrity you have as a person to do the right thing. You have made the most positive step you can make, to be sure your dogs life is as wonderful as it should be. That deserves nothing but respect and admiration. Please do not let anyone make you feel differently about that.
Happy new year everyone! Here is Dennis. A beautiful working cocker pup. He is starting out on his training journey with me for the new year. This is a beautiful video of him learning stage one. The most important stage and the start of everything good coming his way. EYE CONTACT. Does your dog acknowledge you? If not today is the day to start. Message me for more details.
Happiness is? A family and group of friends full of beautiful people with beautiful dogs. ❤ These gorgeous souls are my everything.
A mid move stop is essential for impulse control and safety. Tilly trains so beautifully, I do love a cockapoo!
https://www.facebook.com/106076754792363/posts/264363765630327/
See if you're about to post of Facebook how traumatised your dog is and how everyone else is an a**hole for letting off fireworks?
Just don't unless you've spent the last year desensitising your dog and helping them learn ways to cope with them.
Preparation for fireworks tonight should have started 364 days ago.
Yes, fireworks should be banned and no, they're probably not going anywhere anytime soon. We know this, we know what's coming on the 5th of November, we can prepare, the dogs can't. They're oblivious until it happens. Its natural for them to be wary, confused or fearful. Its horrible what some animals go through on November 5th, but again, we KNOW it's going to happen. It's our responsibility to set our dogs up for success and provide information.
If you know your dog is petrified, don't leave it till the day and then take to Facebook moaning about how it's everyone else's fault. There's ALWAYS something you can do and ways to help.
If you're dog is scared, follow the below advice and tomorrow, set yourself up a plan to desensitise your dog for next year, starting now.
I literally couldn't even drop a teaspoon when Azuro first arrived or he would bolt and hide. For the past 2 years we have build up desensitisation to noises to the point we could play fireworks over a boom box in the house and he would comfortably accept treats (neighbours thought we were weird 😂), then started getting out there for very short periods at a distance from triggers even went to a super car racetrack to train and worked around a farmers gun.
The last few weeks as soon as there has been a fireworks we've got to work creating positive association to make them less of a big deal.
Note I hate that fireworks are sold to the public and fully support that they are banned or kept to licensed events. I hate that animals are scared by them. But until that happens.....
What have you done to help your dogs tonight?
What fireworks ? I hope all your dogs are as chilled as Chester, If your not reactive neither are they. Good luck.
Monday night should always have these vibes....hows your Monday going ?
Today's larger dog pack walk, we practiced keeping our dogs attention with us when another dog approaches, we looked at how to offer protection to your dog when this happens by keeping another dog (off lead) away from them using body blocking. We had some lovely focus and behaviour it was great to see.
Welcome Alfie ❤
Fireworks !
This is my advice for this time of year, I realise that to some, it may sound cold hearted. This is not the case at all. I understand it is a very difficult time and all dogs are different. But this is what I know works. I've never owned a dog yet that is frightened of fireworks and this is how to get there.
DO NOT PANDER TO YOUR DOGS REACTION...By pander I mean;
1. DONT Look at them for every bang.
2. stroke them after every noise.
3. Tell them 'it's OK...its alright' in a soft voice, this is very similar signals we give them when we are saying 'good boy/girl' ie...we like that behavior. This confirms there is something to be scared or afraid of and they become worse as they think that's the way we want them to act.
4. Don't allow them to bark constantly at the noise. Tell them 'enough' in a strong voice and reward them when they stop. This assures them you are not worried so they shouldn't be. If you need to put the lead on them (in doors) and ask them for a sit or a down and reward them for that.
DO.....
Reward the calm behavior. When they stop panting excessively or lay down to relax. (reward with a treat this is much clearer to them than verbal communication)
If you have an older dog that has already developed a fear of fireworks. You need to begin desensitisation to the noises. (Actually you need to begin this back in the summer) but for now....get a fireworks play list of some kind and a good speaker to play it through. Start by playing it softly and ask your dog to do some 'work' while listening...sit, stay, down, heal...etc reward them for this work with a treat....Slowly increasing the sound and base over a few days/weeks. Rewarding there focus on you.
If you ignore what's happening outside and reward them for doing the same they will relax. Its not going to be an easy night for sure and it's alot of communication (WITH TREATS at the correct times.)
The fact is they don't need to be frightened. If they were born and raised around this noise or other noises similar (like working gun dogs for example) they take absolutely no notice. Its all about desensitisation before the time and during the time. DO NOT PANDER. They don't understand your sympathy they feed from your strength. Remove your emotions from the situation because I promise you it is not helping. Good luck. My thoughts are with you, you got this!
Welcome to the pack Tilly.
(Tilly tinkels as I call her)
Tilly has had her 1st birthday today, love the cake ! Tilly had a terrible experience as a pup being attacked by an OFF LEAD dog! This has caused her to be reactive out of fear, were going to work on her confidence and get her back to relaxing and pleasant walks.
This is a fantastic example of 'leave' can your dog do this ? This is an essential command for all dogs to know. In this case the reward for the dog is the play re engaging it's fun for them and teaches a valuable skill all in one! Play time = training time.
Welcome Rex ❤
Welcoming Poppy to our family ❤🤩 Eddie has a sister with an attitude he has his work cut out for him with this one !
Welcome to the pack, Big Bad (bloody soppy) Bear. We love you already ❤
Nervous dogs. Like Oscar here...he wouldn't leave his bed when people came in the house. His body language is jumpy, his tail is low. The rule is: No talk, No touch and No eye contact. Throw food away from you to the floor, removing social pressure and allowing him to use his nose. Letting his confidence in you build into trust.
It takes a very brave person to mess with a bruiser like Chester, especially when he is dressed as a shark and wearing Ham googles ! Approach if you dare ! It also takes a great deal of time practicing your 'Leave' training.
Poo pack!
We love our puppy pack walks ! Play, train, play, train.
Work out warriors! Love this video ❤
Welcome Oscar ❤ an ex Romainian street dog with a very big fear of people, particularly men. The cheese lady managed to get a cuddle. I cant wait to bring out this gorgeous boys confidence.
Down means Down! Show me yours !
Lead walking requires some bonding to begin with. It should be a relationship between you and your dog, like holding hands with your partner. Yes he is looking up for a treat but over time we go longer and longer without giving the treat just with our voice reminding him he is good and we like this behaviour. Until it becomes second nature to walk next to us and keep checking in (eye contact) Watch how in the second video the lead is dropped and he continues to hold his position even though the front door is in his sights. Excellent bond work!
Chelmsford
CM26
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Top of the Pups posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Top of the Pups:
Down means Down. There is no need to add a stay, wait or leave command. If your dog understands that the command you have given is what you expect them to do until you break them from it, then you dont need to keep adding more words. The more we vocalise and add words for what we expect, the more confused they get. We add words for us not them. Down means Down, simple. #totpdt #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainerwickford #dogtrainerchelmsford #dogsofinstagram #cockerspaniel
Little Donnie is showing everyone how it's done. All those distractions and he holds so beautifully ❤
Show off your food refusals in the comments! #totpdt Food refusal for your dog, is as important as teaching your children not to take sweets from strangers.
I love this video. Seeing my clients children playing with there dog like this, is just everything. Teaching kids how to properly interact with dogs is so important. It teaches both of them healthy boundaries and respect. This is how kids should be playing with dogs. What a healthy future for all involved. ❤ sound on.
Happy new year everyone! Here is Dennis. A beautiful working cocker pup. He is starting out on his training journey with me for the new year. This is a beautiful video of him learning stage one. The most important stage and the start of everything good coming his way. EYE CONTACT. Does your dog acknowledge you? If not today is the day to start. Message me for more details.
A mid move stop is essential for impulse control and safety. Tilly trains so beautifully, I do love a cockapoo!
What fireworks ? I hope all your dogs are as chilled as Chester, If your not reactive neither are they. Good luck.
Monday night should always have these vibes....hows your Monday going ?
This is a fantastic example of 'leave' can your dog do this ? This is an essential command for all dogs to know. In this case the reward for the dog is the play re engaging it's fun for them and teaches a valuable skill all in one! Play time = training time.
Nervous dogs. Like Oscar here...he wouldn't leave his bed when people came in the house. His body language is jumpy, his tail is low. The rule is: No talk, No touch and No eye contact. Throw food away from you to the floor, removing social pressure and allowing him to use his nose. Letting his confidence in you build into trust. #totpdt
We love our puppy pack walks ! Play, train, play, train. #totpdt #allthepoos
Work out warriors! Love this video ❤
Down means Down! Show me yours !
DURATION! Building duration into your training is essential. I see lots of clients that say my dog can sit and lay down, give a paw and roll over etc etc.... but can they really sit? Or do they touch bum to floor, then jump straight back up? Can they remain laying down if you walk away ? Sit means sit....down means down...not touch down and run. This is Cody building his duration in a down...I've removed the sound as it's really muffled. But you will get the idea.
So proud of reggie, he couldn't quite grasp what we were asking with 'sit' but today he finally got it. Well done guys ! Hard work pays off.
Using toys to train 'leave' is great. There are a few things that need to be in place. Firstly does your dog always have his toys around ? If so, then they have no value. Secondly have you trained eye contact ? If not, why should he give you his toy? We have no connection. Third and final essential...have you trained the 'leave' by returning the item when they do? If you only 'play' leave when you genuinely need the item back why would it be any fun to leave it. Play = training...for when you really need them to 'leave it'.
Farcroft Puppy & Obedience Training
Farcroft Kennels & Cattery
