Dog Training with Amanda

30/06/2025

🚫 What I won’t do during a session — and why 👇

❌ I won’t use punishment, intimidation, force or fear.

❌ I won’t yank leads, use ecollars, prong collars or slip leads, or “correct” your dog with harsh handling. (I won't be a yanker!)

❌ I won’t shame you for if you’ve used these before.

❌ I won’t push your dog beyond what they can cope with.

Why? Because I train dogs with kindness, and I coach humans the same way.

Your dog deserves to feel safe while they learn.
You deserve to feel supported while you guide them.

Training should feel like a relationship. A bond - not something stressful. It’s not about “fixing” your dog—it’s about building trust, communication and understanding that actually lasts.

💛 Force free. Dog led. Judgement free.

That’s how we do things at Dog Training with Amanda.

29/06/2025

So, we’ve chatted about:

🐶 Including your dog in your day

💍 What a dog chaperone actually does

🧠 Handling excitable dogs with care

📆 And why now’s a great time to plan ahead

If you’ve been reading these thinking “Yes… I’d love that for my dog,” then let’s have a proper chat.

No pressure. No hard sell. Just a chance to talk through what your day looks like and how I could help make it extra special—with your dog by your side.

Drop me a message or pop a comment below and I’ll be in touch 💛

Because your wedding day is special. And so is your dog.

27/06/2025

📅 Booked your 1st session? Here’s what to expect with me 👇

First of all—yes! 🎉 You’ve taken a brilliant step towards better behaviour and a happier life with your dog.

Here’s how our first session will go:

🐾 We chat first – I’ll ask a few questions to understand what’s going on, what you’d like help with, and your dog’s routine.

🐾 All the while I'll observe – I’ll watch how your dog moves, behaves and responds. This helps me tailor everything to your dog. I'll do some quiet shaping if your dog is over excited.

🐾 You get clear, kind coaching – I’ll show you simple, positive techniques that build trust and results. No overwhelm. No judgement.

🐾 We make a plan – You’ll leave with realistic next steps and feel more confident about what’s ahead.

Expect practical help, plenty of support, and a few “ohhh that makes sense!” moments too.

💬 Got questions before we meet? Pop them below or message me anytime!

26/06/2025

Hands up, Who's coming along??

eeekkk a little sneak peak of the summer fair 🐶

The wonderful Amanda will be joining us for the third time running at our annual summer fair.
Amanda owns and runs
She will be holding a 6 category event which includes:
Prettiest Bitch
Handsomest Male
Cutest Pup
Best Golden Oldie
Best rescue
Best Treat catcher

Sign up will be on the day, so get them doggies down for a fun family day out on July 13th 11am-3pm

26/06/2025

I also get asked this a lot…
“Is it too early to book you for our wedding?”

The answer?

Not at all. Especially if your date’s in 2025. (I still have some limited spaces)

Weddings take planning—and so does involving your dog!
The earlier we chat, the more I can tailor things just for you. And we will have time to train if needed.

That might mean:

🐾 Getting your dog used to the idea

🐾 Helping them feel comfortable in a busy space

🐾 Planning the perfect moment for them to shine.

And, of course, I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each one the time and care it deserves.

If you’re even thinking about including your dog… get in touch. We can talk through what’s possible and see if it feels like the right fit 💌

25/06/2025

📣 I hate to break it to you, but…

If your dog only listens at home, they don’t actually know the cue yet. 😬

Here’s the thing: dogs don’t generalise like we do. Just because they’ve nailed “sit” in the kitchen, doesn’t mean they understand it means the same thing in the park, at the vets, or when a squirrel darts past. 🐿️

Training in lots of places with lots of distractions is the key to real-life results.

👉 Start small: your garden, your front path, the car park.
👉 Then build it up: quiet walks, busier parks, dog-friendly cafes.
👉 And keep your expectations realistic—your dog isn’t being “stubborn,” they’re still learning!

💬 Tell me—where does your dog forget their training the most? I’d love to hear!

24/06/2025

3 Things to Practise Before You Even Start Formal Dog Training classes 🐾

You don’t need to wait until your first class to start building good habits. In fact, a few simple things can make all the difference when training does begin.

Here are 3 things to practise now that will give you a head start:

🐶 1. Engagement – Teach your dog that you’re worth watching!
Before asking for sits or stays, start by rewarding your dog just for checking in with you. If they look at you—yes! and treat. Engagement is the foundation for all training.

🟢 Tip: Practise in the house, garden, and on walks—make it a fun game!

👂 2. Marker Words (or a clicker) – Teach them what “yes” means
A marker word like “yes” or a click of the clicker tells your dog the exact moment they got it right. Start by saying your marker and then immediately giving a treat.
Do this 10 times in a row. Your dog will start to light up when they hear it!

🟢 Tip: Use the same tone each time to keep it clear (this is why clicker are awesome)

🏡 3. Reward Skills – Practise giving treats calmly
If your dog snatches, jumps, or gets overexcited, reward delivery becomes tricky. Practise hand-feeding in a gentle way—treats come when paws stay on the floor.

🟢 Tip: Use soft treats and reward low to the ground to avoid jumping.

💬 Want training that builds confidence and connection, not all the chaos and confusion? These simple pre-training games set the stage for success—whatever age your dog is.

If you'd like to work with me, send me a DM.

23/06/2025

Worried your dog might be a bit too bouncy or excitable for a wedding? 🐾

You’re not alone—so many people say this to me! 🥰

Here’s how it is....

I work with dogs every day. From cheeky puppies to big soppy ones who haven’t quite got the hang of “sit”.

The secret? I get to know your dog before the big day. We build a little bond, I learn what they like, and I figure out what helps them stay calm and settled. I'm not then a stranger to them.

And if being part of the ceremony isn’t right for them? That’s totally fine. We can work around it so they’re still included in a way that suits them, and you.

Every dog’s different—and that’s absolutely okay. That's what makes it special to you 💛

Have you got questions about how it could work for your dog?
Drop me a message—I’m always happy to chat it through.

22/06/2025

So, what exactly does a dog chaperone do at a wedding?

Well… think of me as your dog’s plus-one.

✨ I bring them to your venue (I'm fully insured)

✨ Make sure they’ve had a walk and a wee (so we don't have to pop out mid ceremony)

✨ Keep them calm and happy (with plenty of treats)

✨ Step in for photos, the ceremony or just cuddles

✨ Then take them safely home or to a trusted sitter

In short, I’m there so you don’t have to worry about leads, toilet breaks, muddy paws, barking during vows or who’s on dog duty.

Every wedding is different, so I work around your day. There will be two of us, so your dog is never left unattended and no one else has to worry about looking after yoir dog or missing out on wedding essentials.

If you’re thinking… “Ooh, that sounds like something we’d love”—drop me a message. Even if it’s just to chat about what’s possible.

19/06/2025

One top tip that would help all my training clients? Take a good look at what’s in your dog’s bowl 🥣

So many dog foods – even the pricey ones – are packed with fillers and carbs that can send behaviour haywire (think e-numbers for kids!).

Switching to raw food can be a total game-changer – steadier energy, calmer behaviour, and a happier dog all round 🐾💚

Ps, I know it's not for everyone, so please don't think you have to feed raw 💜

18/06/2025

Here’s how I ended up doing what I do....

It started with two dogs who completely changed the course of my life — Marmite and Toast (brilliant names, even if I do say so myself!) 😂

Marmite’s sadly no longer with us, but she gave me calm. She gave me trust. She was my soft place to land.

Toast… well, shevwas a whole different story! She was chaos on four legs. Barking, lunging, shutting down. For a long time, I thought she was being “naughty” — until I realised she was just absolutely terrified of people and dogs. And that realisation changed absolutely everything.

Once I saw her fear for what it really was, I learned how to help her feel safe. And in helping her, I found my purpose.

That’s why I do what I do today. I’ve been the confused, overwhelmed, emotional wreck of a dog mum, desperate to understand what was going on. Even embarrassed some days.

And now, I get to walk alongside other dog parents — helping them build trust, bond, communication and calm.

Because when we see our dogs for who they really are, the bond becomes unbreakable 💜

17/06/2025

Why shouldn't you have your dog at your wedding? 🐾

Picture this…
Your dog walking down the aisle, wearing a little bow tie or flowers.
Mingling with the bridal party while you’re getting ready.

Or just being there for those quiet moments in between all the excitement.

It’s honestly one of the loveliest things to include your dog in your day—but it can be a lot to manage without help. And that’s where I come in.

My job is to take the stress out of it so you can just enjoy the moment (and get the photos you’ll treasure forever).

Would you want your dog there on your big day? 🐾

Pop a ❤️ in the comments if the thought makes you smile.