Pouncing paws

18/06/2025

😍

17/06/2025

😂I’m sure some you will understand entirely 😂

02/06/2025

27/05/2025

Hello there 👋

Thought I would introduce myself - I’m Leah (human) and I’m the trainer and educator at Hecate Training Academy and here next to me is my lovely assistant Gizmo who you may meet if you do any virtual sessions with us! I also have another dog called Dobby who is less likely to make an appearance often as she is a bit of a complex creature due to her rescue background, bless her! ❤️‍🩹

Incase you wanted to know a little bit about me - I originally worked within Mental Health and absolutely love human behaviour and retrained after covid by going to University of South Wales to complete my FdSc in Animal Welfare while working within a rehoming centre as an Animal Welfare Assistant for Blue Cross in Newport 💙

I then went to work as a trainer delivering classes and 121 sessions for puppy, adolescent, adult and rescue dogs and later dealing with reactive dogs, supporting owners in 121 sessions and group classes for Dogs Trust as a Dog School Coach in Bristol 💛

I decided to spread my wings and offer sessions outside of my organisation with welfare being my priority - I believe in force free training (kindness is scientifically proven to work) and I want to make support accessible and affordable by offering a variation of support to meet owners needs! 🤍

I am first aid qualified and insured - these certificates can be requested if you’re wanting some peace of mind also. Please do reach out with any questions and hopefully we can work as a team and get you where you want to be ❤️🐾

26/05/2025

Did You Know Monday!

Horses have incredible memory?
Horses don’t just live in the moment — they remember past experiences, especially those tied to emotion. A horse who’s been treated kindly will remember and trust you, even after a long gap. Similarly, negative experiences can lead to lasting fear or hesitation.

They can recall:
• Specific handlers (by voice, posture, and scent)
• Past locations and how they felt there
• Training cues or routines, even years later

This highlights the importance of calm, consistent, and patient interactions.
Routine, gentle handling, and a stress-free environment help horses feel secure. You’re not just training a response — you’re shaping a memory. And with horses, that memory really sticks.

19/05/2025

Did You Know Monday!

Cats have a unique “vocabulary” for their humans?
Cats rarely use vocalisations with each other past kittenhood — most of those meows, chirps, and trills are just for you! Over time, cats develop a “language” specific to their person, using distinct sounds to express wants, needs, or affection.

For example:
• A short, soft meow might mean “hello”
• A drawn-out “mraaaooow” might mean “feed me, human”
• Chirps and trills can be friendly greetings or cues to follow them

Tuning into your cat’s cues builds a better bond.
Combine what you hear with their body language — tail position, ear movement, pupil size — and you’ll be amazed at how much they’re trying to say. Respecting their communication helps create a more harmonious relationship

12/05/2025

Did You Know Monday!

I know we’ve touched on dogs sense of smell before, but did you know dogs can smell your emotions?

Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses — compared to about 6 million in humans — and their brains are built to process scent in incredible detail. That means they can literally smell changes in your body chemistry when you’re stressed, anxious, happy, or even excited.

This is one reason why dogs often seem to “know” when something is wrong before you’ve said a word. It’s also why your mood can impact their behavior — if you’re tense, they might become restless; if you’re calm, they’re more likely to relax.

Understanding this helps us be more mindful of our emotional state around our dogs.
By staying calm and consistent, offering positive reinforcement, and building a trusting relationship, we can help dogs feel safe, confident, and secure in our presence.

08/05/2025

We ran, we played, we zoomed — and then we passed out on the car ride home.
We also welcomed Milo to the Pouncing Paws family. 🐾🐶😴

05/05/2025

Did You Know Mondays! 🐶

Did You Know - Dogs communicate a LOT through body language?
It’s not just about barks and tail wags — dogs constantly use subtle signals to tell us how they’re feeling.

Yawning, lip licking, turning their head or body away — these are polite ways of saying “I’m unsure” or “Please give me some space.”

Learning to spot and respect these signals helps us:
• Build trust
• Avoid misunderstandings
• Create calmer, more confident dogs

They’re always talking — we just have to learn how to listen with our eyes.

02/05/2025

“A walk isn’t always what your dog needs — and that’s okay.”

While we love a good woodland adventure, especially in shaded, cooler spots, it’s not always about the mileage.

On warmer days — like today — your dog’s safety comes first. We take real-time readings (like the ones shown below) to decide what’s best.

But here’s the thing: dogs don’t need a walk every day.

What they do need is:
• Connection: A familiar, friendly face breaking up their day.
• Mental enrichment: Sniffing games, scatter feeding, puzzle play, or even a calm cuddle.
• Choice & calm: Time outside on their terms — to sniff, potter, or just relax in the shade.

For most of my regulars, I’m not just a walker — I’m a midday companion, a bringer of joy, and a gentle presence when their humans are out. And that matters.

Every visit is tailored to what your dog needs — walk or not.