Pouncing paws

07/04/2025

🐾 Did You Know? Monday! 🐾

Did you know that force-free training isn’t just kinder, it’s actually more effective in the long run?

Using positive reinforcement – like treats, praise, or toys – helps your dog learn in a way that builds trust, confidence, and a stronger bond between you. Dogs trained with kindness are more likely to enjoy learning, feel safe trying new things, and develop into well-rounded companions.

No fear. No punishment. Just good vibes, waggy tails, and lots of “yes, good dog!” moments!

Have you tried force-free training with your pup? Or are you getting a new pup? Why not contact hecatetrainingacademy for force free training advise.

05/04/2025

Edit: he has returned home safely 🥹

Can anyone in the Sedbury, tutshill area, please keep an eye out for little one. He’s only been in the area a couple of weeks, and has got out and gone missing.

31/03/2025

🐾 Did You Know? Monday! 🐾

Did you know that some dogs can tell when you’re coming home before you even step through the door? 🚪🐕

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and hearing, which means they might recognize the sound of your car from a distance or even pick up on subtle scent changes in the air as you get closer. Some studies even suggest they can predict routines based on their internal clock!

So, if your dog is already at the door wagging their tail before you’ve even turned the key… they’re not psychic, just really in tune with you! 💛

Does your dog do this? Let me know! 🐶👇

24/03/2025

🧐 Did You Know? Monday! 🧐

Did you know that a group of cats is called a clowder? 🐱✨

That’s right—while you might just call them a bunch of cats, the official term is a clowder! You can also call them a glaring if they’re unfamiliar with each other.

Bonus fact: A group of kittens is called a kindle! 🐾

What other unusual animal group names do you know? Drop them in the comments! 👇

17/03/2025

🦆 Did You Know? Monday! 🦆

Did you know that ducks can sleep with one eye open? 👀 They have an amazing ability called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, meaning one half of their brain rests while the other stays alert for danger!

✅ Ducks have waterproof feathers! They produce a special oil that keeps their feathers dry, even when they dive underwater.

✅ They have excellent memories. Ducks can remember faces and even recognize their favorite humans!

✅ A group of ducks on water is called a “paddling,” but on land, they’re called a “brace.”

Have you ever had a duck follow you around like a pet? 🦆👇

12/03/2025

❌ Dominance-based training is outdated.
✅ Dogs thrive on trust, communication, and positive interactions—not force.

Your dog isn’t trying to “dominate” you—they’re just trying to understand what works! Let’s train with kindness and science. 🧠💡

What’s a dog training myth you once believed? Let’s debunk it together! 👇

10/03/2025

🐐 Goats: The Mischievous, Intelligent Companions 🐐

Goats are more than just farm animals—they’re playful, intelligent, and full of personality! These curious creatures love to explore, climb, and even form strong bonds with their humans.

✅ Fun Fact: Goats have rectangular pupils, which give them incredible peripheral vision to watch out for predators! 👀

✅ Did You Know? Some breeds, like Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats, make fantastic pets due to their friendly nature and small size.

✅ Goat Care Tip: Goats are herd animals, so they should never be kept alone. A lonely goat is an unhappy goat!

Would you ever consider having goats? 🐐👇

03/03/2025

Did You Know Monday – Greyhounds

Did you know that Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph? Despite their speed, they are actually couch potatoes and love to lounge around!

To keep a Greyhound happy:
• They still need daily exercise, but short bursts of sprinting in a secure area are better than long endurance runs.
• Due to their low body fat, they can get cold easily—so coats in winter are a must!
• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, scent work, or even short training sessions help keep their minds active.
• Their thin skin makes them prone to scrapes, so soft bedding is essential for comfort.

Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate dogs who thrive in a calm and loving home—perfect for anyone wanting a mix of speed and snuggles!

Are there any Greyhound fans here? Share your stories! Or let us know what other pets you’d love to learn about next week?

24/02/2025

Did You Know Mondays: The Lhasa Apso Edition!

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’ve forgotten to do Did You Know Mondays for the past two weeks… but we’re back! And this week, we’re talking about the Lhasa Apso!

Did you know that the Lhasa Apso was originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries? Despite their small size, these little watchdogs have a big personality and a sharp instinct for detecting intruders!

Here are some cool facts about them:
🐶 Ancient Breed: The Lhasa Apso is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back over 1,000 years! They were considered sacred and believed to bring good luck.
🐾 Loyal & Independent: While affectionate with their families, Lhasa Apsos are known for their independent streak. They were bred to think for themselves while guarding monasteries.
👀 Great Watchdogs: Don’t be fooled by their fluffy appearance! These little lions have a keen sense of hearing and will alert their owners to anything unusual.
🦁 A Royal Past: In ancient Tibet, Lhasa Apsos were so highly valued that they were only given as gifts from the Dalai Lama to esteemed guests.
🛁 High Maintenance Coats: Their long, luxurious coats require regular grooming, but some owners opt for a shorter, more manageable trim.

Do you know a Lhasa Apso? Tell us about them in the comments! ⬇️

19/02/2025

13/02/2025

Still learning the new camera, but loving some of these pics from today.

12/02/2025

Had to share the photos of the day today. 😂

10/02/2025

Oops, I missed Did You Know Monday!

Sorry for the delay, but I was busy learning myself! I spent the evening expanding my knowledge with Paws & Progress, attending their Professional Dog Walking: Reactivity & Beyond course. It was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of dog reactivity and how to better support the dogs I work with. Thanks Ally.

I’ll be back next Monday with a new Did You Know post – in the meantime, if you have any questions about dog reactivity or handling reactive dogs, drop me a message!

03/02/2025

Did You Know Monday: Boxers & Their Goofy Brains!

Did you know that Boxers are basically the class clowns of the dog world? These lovable goofballs are full of energy, endlessly playful, and often seem to have no idea how big they are (cue the full-speed zoomies into furniture). But behind their silly antics, they’re also highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy!

Here are some fun ways to keep their brains as busy as their bodies:

🧩 Puzzle Toys & Snuffle Mats – Watching a Boxer try to solve a puzzle is both impressive and hilarious—especially when they give you that “HELP ME” look.

⚽ Interactive Play – Boxers love a challenge! Try hide-and-seek, a mini agility course, or simply throwing a ball and watching them miss the catch (but recover with a dramatic save).

🐾 Scent Work – Hide treats around the house and let them sniff them out. Just be prepared for a little furniture rearranging in the process.

🦴 Chew Toys & Lick Mats – Great for keeping them occupied… until they realize licking peanut butter off a mat is the perfect time to make deep eye contact with you.

🐕 Structured Walks & Training – Mixing in training on walks helps work their brains—but don’t be surprised if they randomly throw in a “Boxer Bounce” mid-lesson.

💡 Teach a New Trick – Boxers are smart! They learn quickly but also love to add their own flair—like sitting almost all the way down just to see if you’ll still give them a treat.

What’s the goofiest thing your Boxer does? Let us know in the comments! 🐶✨

31/01/2025

What a beautiful way to end the week. Suns out, birds chirping and the woodpeckers drumming. Spring is approaching us 🌼🌱☀️ 🐶

20/01/2025

🐾 Did You Know Monday 🐾
Did you know that Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Staffies, are often called “nanny dogs”? 🐶 This nickname comes from their reputation for being incredibly loving and gentle with children.

Despite their tough appearance, Staffies are naturally affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. They thrive on human companionship and are known for their goofy, playful personalities. However, like all dogs, they benefit from proper training and socialization to ensure they’re happy and well-adjusted.

Have a question about Staffies or another dog breed you’d love to know more about? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll feature it in a future post! 🐕✨

13/01/2025

🐇 Did You Know Monday 🐇
Did you know that rabbits communicate with each other using body language? One of the cutest ways they do this is by binkying—a joyful leap into the air with a twist! This is a rabbit’s way of expressing pure happiness and excitement.

They also thump their back legs when they sense danger or feel annoyed. So, whether your bunny is binkying or thumping, they’re always finding ways to tell you how they feel! 🥰

Keep an eye on their adorable moves—it’s their own little language.

Have a question about rabbits or another pet? Or is there a specific animal you’d like to learn about? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll feature it in a future post! 🐾