Dog Training with Amanda

05/12/2025

This morning’s December reality before 8am looked a bit like this:

Trying to find my gloves for the dog walk & again for the school run.
Hot Ribena in hand because I don't drink coffee & I was cold.
Dogs staring at me like I’m late for breakfast.
Kids not wanting to get out of bed.
Me wondering how it’s still dark outside.

Nothing fancy, nothing staged, just a small slice of normal life in this house.

How did your morning start? Tell me below.

04/12/2025

Festive Tip Post , “Surviving Visitors with a Dog”

Visitors arriving at the door can feel like the knock of dread, loud, exciting, and full of mixed emotions (for you and your dog).

Here’s a simple strategy to help your dog stay calmer:

⭐ Give them a job.
Scatter some treats in the hallway or pop them behind a baby gate with something to chew. Give your visitor a handful of treats to come in with.

⭐ Keep greetings low-key.
Not every visitor needs to say hello. Your dog gets to decide who and when.

⭐ Short breaks.
Let them step away for a minute. It’s ok to tap out and reset.

A calm Christmas isn’t perfect behaviour, it’s just everyone feeling a bit more relaxed.

03/12/2025

One tiny training habit that makes everything easier.

If you pick just one training habit to focus on this December, let it be this: reward your dog for checking in with you.

It’s such a small thing but it changes so many things. When your dog looks back at you, even for a second, that’s the start of connection. It makes walks calmer, recall stronger and festive outings far less stressful.

Pop a few treats in your pocket, notice the moment they choose you and quietly reward it. No pressure, no perfect timing, just gentle encouragement.

It’s one of the simplest ways to build trust and teamwork, especially during a busy month like December.

Have you tried this before? Tell me how your dog responds.

02/12/2025

Three winter hazards most dog owners don’t even think about.

Winter is lovely, but it can bring a few sneaky risks for our dogs. Here are three worth keeping an eye on:

Grit and salt on pavements
It can irritate paws and be harmful if licked. A quick rinse after walks helps.

Frozen puddles and ice patches
They can be sharp if broken, not to mention slippery for your dog and yourself. Keep an eye out for cracked ice in parks or fields.

Low visibility
Dark mornings and evenings mean dogs can disappear into the gloom quickly. A reflective collar or light-up tag makes a big difference.

Save this for later and keep your dog safe this winter.

02/12/2025

Who put their tree up at the weekend?

Who can relate here?
You’ve just put the tree up.
You step back to admire your hard work.
Your dog comes toward you with that tail wagging like its going to fall off and its hitting the tree every. Single. Time!

Christmas with dogs is basically:
A negotiation between “please don’t eat that” and “you look adorable next to those fairy lights.”

How’s your house looking, festive perfection or festive chaos?

01/12/2025

Right… who has already put their dog in a Christmas jumper?”

It’s December now so officially that time of year where our dogs end up with more outfits than we do. Coats, jumpers, snoods, the lot.

Let’s have a bit of fun today.
Show me your dog’s best winter outfit. Cosy coats, Christmas jumpers, full-on festive wear, anything goes. (Only if your dog likes it though, please don't make them!)

Just for the record, the humans in my family chose a navy blue space themed jumper for Winnie here. However, sadly, the lady that made them accidentally sent a white leopard print and hot pink one instead! I couldn't send it back now could i!!!

Drop a photo in the comments and make us all smile.

(Extra points if your dog looks unimpressed and if your other half rolls their eyes at it!)

01/12/2025

Ever looked at your dog and thought: who trained you?! (I do with Winnie almost daily!)

Does your dog ever look like they've never had a days training in their life?

Ever wondered why your dog can look like a genius at home but turns into a wild, crazy thing the second you go outside?
You’re not doing anything wrong. The outside world is simply louder, brighter and far more exciting than your living room/garden.

Dogs need space to learn how to learn in new places. Just like you wouldn’t practise driving for the first time on a motorway, your dog needs gentle steps up in difficulty before you expect calm focus outdoors.

So if outside feels chaotic, you’re in very good company. Start small, keep it simple and celebrate the tiny wins. They matter more than you think.

What does your dog find the hardest outside? Let me know in the comments.

01/12/2025

Good Morning December!

Not long time go now till the man in red rocks up!

Keep being good and if you're being naughty, don't get caught! 🤣

30/11/2025

If walks feel like you’re playing “spot the trigger” before your dog does, then this one’s for you.

I’ve popped a little video below of some simple obedience work and send-arounds, not because reactivity training is all about perfect moves, but because these tiny skills help dogs feel safer, calmer, and more able to cope. It helps you outside on walks.

And if you’re watching this thinking:
“That’s me, my dog can focus at home but outside it all goes out the window.”
OR
“My dog can listen, until the world gets a bit too much.”
OR
“I just want calmer, easier walks without the panic.”

You’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong. Reactivity is overwhelming for both ends of the lead, but with the right space, support and small, achievable steps, things can get better.

My next reactivity class is a small group, max four dogs, with plenty of space, kindness, and zero judgement.

If you’re ready for calmer moments and more confidence, pop me a message and we’ll get you started.

Starting in January. Drop me a DM to find out more.

30/11/2025

Is your dog firmly on the Nice List? Or did they launch themselves into the Naughty List the moment they:

✨ Pretended they’d never heard the word “come”?

✨ Turned a simple walk into a sled-pulling championship?

✨ Shouted at the squirrels again?

✨ Stole the tea towel and legged it like it was a bank job?

No judgement here, I’ve met enough dogs to know most of them are living double lives (mine included)!

Drop a 😇 for Nice
Drop a 😈 for Naughty
Or, if they’re a perfect blend of both, drop a 🎄

If they're on the naughty list, can they make it to the nice list in time?
Let’s see where your pups really stand this year!

28/11/2025

Happy Friday!

I’m officially off-duty for the next, well, let’s say 10 minutes until someone needs a wee, a snack, or decides the Amazon driver knocking at the door is a threat!

For now, I’m claiming a tiny pocket of peace with a hot Ribena while Toast snores like an old engine and Winnie stares at me, judging my life choices and waiting to cause some chaos.

No training plans. No rushing. Just a bit of “we made it through the week” energy.

Tell me, are you in full chill mode, or has your dog already created Friday drama?

28/11/2025

Don't miss out!!!

Only 3 spaces left for this, starting in January.

Book it before they go.

Puppy parents a, little heads-up for January.

I’ve been quietly planning behind the scenes, and my January puppy classes are now organised and almost ready to book.
We start Sunday 11th January here in Crawley, and they’re suitable for pups from their first vaccinations up to 9 months old.

If you’re hoping to start the New Year with:

• Better recall

• Calmer walks

• A puppy who can learn to settle

• And confidence for both ends of the lead

Then these classes are a lovely way to get on the right track.

A little tip; January spaces usually fill before Christmas, and lots of people gift puppy classes as presents too. So if you want to be first in line when booking opens, pop your name on the waitlist below.

I can’t wait to meet the next wave of Crawley pups.