Siggy loves her toys so much that sometimes she just won’t let go, not even for a treat!
To work with her possessiveness, I’ve taught her to take treats in a different way - like balancing kibble on her nose. This gives me a chance to reward her without always needing to swap for the toy. I also throw kibble on the ground for her to find because lowering her head, engaging her olfactory system (scent work), and finding are calming behaviours.
When I do need to take the toy, usually because we’re almost back at the van, I try to wait until she’s put it down naturally, like when she’s off sniffing and has forgotten about it (which happens more than you’d think!). But sometimes, a well timed treat trade does the trick!
Working with dogs rather than against them is so important and little solutions like this helps keep our walks fun, positive and stress-free!
What a surprise in the maternity ward today 🤩 meet our unexpected little arrival! Irene welcomed a gorgeous ram lamb this week, despite being one of the ewes we thought were barren. Turns out, she, Patch, and Mildred had some fun before joining us in September when the farmer brought in around 16 new ewes (I think!). So who knows what other surprises we’re in for before the rest are due in mid-March?!
The farmer says I’m like a mother hen, and honestly… he’s not wrong 🤣 I’m absolutely gushing 🥰😍😘❤️🐑 These mums and babies will come home to our fields once they’re strong enough to handle all weathers 🤩 and then I can cuddle Georgina (Mildred’s ewe lamb) every single day! 🥰😍❤️🐑
I LOVE lambing season because I get all the best bits! Feeling like the luckiest woman alive right now ❤️🐑🥰
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#lambingseason #surpriselamb #happyshepherd #sheepofinstagram #farmlife #sheepcoach
There’ll be no sense out of me for the next few months 🤣 Georgina and 3 boys were born on Sunday. Georgina’s mum is Mildred, Patch has also lambed and when I called into maternity ward this afternoon another boy lamb, Irene is his mum. ❤️😍🐑
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We’re not a romantic household, but I thought today would be the perfect time to share what’s in my heart. Why I love what I do and what makes me a great dog walker, especially for reactive and anxious dogs.
I know how much trust it takes to let someone walk your dog, especially when they struggle with the world around them. I take the time to understand their fears, respect their boundaries, and help them feel safe so they can enjoy their walks. Watching anxious dogs grow in confidence, make choices, and feel secure with me is what makes my job so rewarding.
I’ve put together a little reel to show you what’s inside my heart. I’d love to hear your thoughts, let’s talk about your dog, their happiness, and what you love the most about them!
#reactivedogs #anxiousdogs #dogwalker #forcefree #positivereinforcement #fearfree #doghappiness #dogbehaviour #bekindtoanimals #understandingdogs
What a moment! Nata saw something in the hedge, no idea what. I saw movement, but I thought it was just a bird taking off.
Things to like:
✔️ Curiosity
✔️ Courage to investigate
Things to be wary of:
⚠️ Prey drive as those terrier instincts come alive.
Nata’s body language shifted dramatically:
➡️ From a cramped posture, tucked tail, stiff neck, low head carriage, flat ears, and shaking...
➡️ To a stiff, upright tail, legs poised and ready to move, ears pricked, body posture open, and full through her shoulders.
We were on a farmer friend’s land and I’d already scanned the area and knew there were no livestock, deer or rabbits etc, and I know Nata doesn’t chase deer or sheep, we’ve encountered them many times before, so that’s been proofed but I’ll consistently monitor as her behaviours may change as her confidence grows.
Would you recognise when your dog’s body language shifts? Would you know when to recall them?
I was chatting to a client about proofing recall on Wednesday, and then yesterday, I ended up telling someone off for allowing their dog to run at a fence, scaring sheep. They didn’t even have a lead with them because “the dog is normally fine with sheep!”
But had this “fine with sheep” been proofed in different contexts? Different situations? Different levels of excitement or distraction?
I had five calm, well-behaved, on lead dogs with me. I know they don’t chase sheep, I’ve walked them for 3 to 8 years. But I wasn’t willing to risk a momentary lapse because no dog is 100% in every situation. Just as humans aren’t!
Do you “proof” your dog’s recall in different contexts and situations?
Let’s get the internet talking about this! Drop your thoughts in the comments, have you ever seen a situation where recall or behaviour proofing was the difference between safety and disaster? How do you make sure your dog is reliable in different situations? Feel free to share this post to keep the dis
Climbing! So good for their mind, body and confidence!
We went years without finding a single ball (or what’s left of one), and now—two in two days! And apparently, this one is highly desirable. Everyone wants it!
I say “ball” very loosely… you’ll see why! 🤣
Don’t forget to like this post if you want more episodes of It’s Not A Ball!
Watch this a couple of times, firstly to watch Buddy try to convince me it’s a ball, then watch again to see Maggie try to convince me it’s the most exciting ball ever 🤣 Enjoy!
I love watching these two play! Joni & Treacle are so perfectly matched, and their play is full of all the signs of emotionally healthy dog interactions. You’ll see play bows, turn-taking, and self-handicapping (where the stronger or faster dog adjusts to keep it fair). They also use role reversals, where one chases, then the other takes a turn, showing trust and mutual enjoyment.
Good play is loose, bouncy, and full of pauses, a bit like a dance where both partners check in and make sure the game is still fun. It’s a sign of great social skills and emotional wellbeing!
Does your dog have a favourite playmate? Tell me about them in the comments! ⬇️ #healthydogplay
Come and meet my incredible flock! These guys are with us for life! ❤️ They love cuddles, scratches, eating my hair, and following us around, “supervising” chores! But somehow slow me down! 😆
Sheep are far more intelligent and individual than many people realise. Minty loves some agility - jumping, weaving, and standing on podiums! Freckles is keen on jumping too, but Babs thinks it’s utterly pointless 🤣 Sheila has only just become touchable in the last 10 days, while Bessie has mastered the art of asking for “secret breakfast & dinner” (I’m not sure who’s training who at this point!). 😆
Every one of them has their own unique personality, and I wouldn’t have it any other way ❤️
Do you have a favourite? Or are you team Babs, thinking jumping is a ridiculous idea? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️
#meettheflock
