Muttley Crew Dog Training & Behaviour Ltd

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Muttley Crew Dog Training & Behaviour Ltd

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Helping you understand your dog's reactivity through kindness and compassion

Reactivity and Separation Anxiety Specialist
Trauma Rehabilitation
Scent work Specialist

07/07/2025

😎 Motivation Monday

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If your dog could talk, they’d say:
‘Thanks for not giving up on me.’ 🐾❤️

Behind every well-behaved dog is someone who showed up…..even when it felt frustrating..even when progress was slow..even when you needed more coffee than patience ☕🐶
(we have ALL been there)

You’re doing better than you think. Keep going.

💬 Double tap if you needed this reminder today. 💙

06/07/2025

Slow Down Sunday

Did you know dogs actually process and retain new training better after they sleep? 😴
Just like humans, their brains consolidate new skills during rest — so after you teach something new, let your pup nap it out 🐕🛏️

✅ Quick session
✅ Big praise
✅ Cozy nap
= Better results tomorrow!

So don’t worry if your dog seems to “forget” right after learning. Let them sleep on it — you might be surprised what they remember the next day 🧠🐾

📚✨ Learning isn’t just about repetition — it’s also about recovery.

💬 Ever notice your dog suddenly nailing something they struggled with yesterday? Tell us below 👇

05/07/2025

Recall? Never heard of her. 🧺🐕💨

💁‍♀️🐶My very first dog was a chocolate lab called Cookie - she was the absolute BEST. She really and truly broke the mold. HOWEVER, it wasnt always roses with her. lol

It was a long time ago, maybe 15 plus years, and it was before my dog training journey truly began so I'll hold my hand up and say she wasnt perfectly trained, but we got by.

One day we went for a lovely walk around our local nature reserve - she was off lead because her recall was pretty good and she did stay close... until she spotted a family enjoying a lovely picnic and took it upon herself to help them.

Oh the horror.

She absolutely ransaked this poor family's picnic and I received some strong words (understandably!)

We can laugh about it now, but at the time I was absolutely mortified.

What is the most embarrassing thing your dog has ever done in public? Tell us below! ⬇️

04/07/2025

🐒🤣Fun Friday!

Caption this picture!

Funniest caption wins eternal glory 🏆

I just love helping new puppy owners on the start of their journey - It really is one of the most rewarding things, and this little guy stole my heart! ❤️

03/07/2025

Training Tip Thursday
Hand Touch

Looking for a simple way to build focus, engagement, and confidence in your dog? Try the hand touch! 🐾
It's one of our favourite cues — and here’s why:

✅ Builds attention
✅ Easy way to recall your dog
✅ Great for shy or reactive dogs
✅ Foundation for so many tricks!

02/07/2025

🔍What does THIS mean Wednesday

“Your dog is yawning, licking their lips, and turning away from a child trying to pet them. What do these signs mean?”

🅐 They’re tired
🅑 They’re happy
🅒 They’re uncomfortable
🅓 They want attention

🛑

🐶Yawning, lip licking, and turning away are all calming signals or stress signals in dogs. These subtle behaviours are your dog’s way of saying:

“I’m feeling unsure or anxious. Please give me space.”

They are not signs of tiredness, happiness, or attention-seeking in this context—especially when a child is approaching. These behaviours are often missed or misunderstood, which can unfortunately lead to bites or growling when a dog’s earlier warnings are ignored.

💡 Trainer Tip:
Teach kids (and adults!) to always:

Ask permission before petting

Let the dog approach first

Respect a dog’s choice to walk away.

Our dogs can't speak up for themselves and so its up to us as responsible owners to LEARN how our dogs communicate and be their advocates, especialy around children who often misread the signs.

01/07/2025

Dog training tip of the day?

🎾🐕‍🦺 Get on the floor. Be a bit silly. Play with your dog.

No commands.
No cues.
No “fixing.”

Just you, your dog, and 5–10 minutes of joyful, goofy connection.
Roll a ball. Wrestle a tug toy. Let them zoom. Make funny sounds. Let loose.

This kind of unstructured play builds:
💙 Trust
🧠 Emotional regulation
🎯 Focus (yes, even later on!)
🌱 A secure bond that makes real training easier
🐕 Arousal regulation

Here’s what science says:
Dogs learn better when they feel safe, playful, and connected.
It’s called the “social engagement system” — and it lights up during moments like this.

🧠During play, your dog’s brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals:

Dopamine: motivation, reward, and learning

Oxytocin: bonding, connection, trust

Endorphins: pain relief and emotional regulation

Play literally rewires the brain for learning, which means your dog is more receptive to training, redirection, and resilience during and after playful moments, and we can teach so many skills with play!

Your challenge for today is simply free style play! Grab a slection of different toys and just cut-loose with your dog.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing a dog with a big goofy grin, so post a picture of you and your pup playing below!

30/06/2025

🐶 Motivational Monday: Progress, Not Perfection - What Dog Training ACTUALLY Looks Like

If you’re waiting for your dog to “get it right every time” before you celebrate, you're missing the magic of what real training is all about. 💙

🎯 Dog training is never a straight line.
It’s loops, zigzags, mini wins, big setbacks, and beautiful “almosts.” (and sometimes moments of frustration for you - the owner too)

Your dog pausing for half a second before grabbing the treat?
👏 That’s impulse control in the making.

Your reactive pup barking twice instead of ten times at the passing dog?
💪 That’s emotional regulation being learned, in real-time.

Your anxious dog settling for three minutes while you shower?
🌱 That’s trust beginning to grow.

Neuroscience tells us that repetition and positive reinforcement are how brains learn best. Not through punishment. Not through perfection.

🧠 Learning is layered — especially when emotion is involved.

So what does that mean for you?

It means if today wasn’t perfect — if the walk was messy, if the tug session got over-excited, if your pup regressed on something you thought they had mastered —

👉 you’re still doing it right.

You’re showing up.
You’re playing.
You’re guiding your dog through the real world with patience and structure.
You ARE heading in the right direction. 💪

That’s not failure.
That’s real dog training.

If we strive for 1% progress each and every day, over the course of a few weeks you'll have measurable and tangible progress.

Celebrate the micro-wins. The big ones are built on them. 💙🐾

29/06/2025

⭐Superstar Sunday ⭐

Meet the gorgeous Rolo. Rolo was a rescue dog that had been in kennels for a little while. Separation anxiety is a big behaviour struggle that can take some time to work though, but its so very rewarding when I receive feedback like this!

"When I first reached out to Chrissy at Muttley Crew Dog Training, I was at my wit's end. My dog, Rolo had severe separation anxiety—barking nonstop when left alone, pacing, and even trying to escape the house- he's eaten his way out of his crate, and made a start on our kitchen door! I had tried other trainers and beaviourists (3 in fact!), but nothing seemed to work, or their methods weren't that nice. Chrissy changed everything.

Her approach is different— compassionate, built around trust and play and really thought about helping Rolo relax and feel more safe and secure. We had a customized training plan and daily exercises and Chrissy helped us rebuild Rolo’s emotional resilience. We started with simple, strategic games that focused on confidence, calmness, and independence. These weren’t just “tricks”—they were targeted skill-building exercises that made separation feel safe for him, not scary.

Chrissy’s understanding of canine behavior is exceptional. She didn’t offer quick fixes or outdated dominance-based methods. Instead, she gave me tools rooted in behavioral science—like growing independence, disengagement from us and our movements and optimism games, and knowing that when he's stressed his separation anxiety is worse! We never made that connection!

The progress has been incredible. Rolo can now stay home alone for an hour (which is still incredible becuase we couldnt even p*e without his scratching to come in) without distress—something I never thought possible. More importantly, he's a happier, more secure dog overall. I truly believe Chrissy gave us our lives back.

If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, do yourself—and your dog—a favor and call Chrissy. She’s not just a trainer; she’s a behavior specialist with heart, patience, and serious expertise"
-Shannon with Rolo

28/06/2025

🧠What IS Force Free Training?

Force-free training is a modern, ethical approach to animal training that prioritizes kindness, science, and consent. It means teaching animals—especially dogs—without using pain, fear, intimidation, or physical corrections.

📚Instead, it uses positive reinforcement (rewards like treats, praise, toys, or play) to encourage the behaviours we want and gentle, non-aversive strategies to manage or reduce behaviours we don’t want.

We focus on the WHY of the behaviour and understand whats driving it and then work on the methodology of 'what do I want instead'.

The methods of 'lead corrections' and yanking the lead to stop pulling, shock/prong collars or slip leads are outdated and barbaric - you won't find any of that here.

🐾 Why Choose Force-Free?
It supports mental well-being and reduces stress

It creates dogs that are confident and eager to learn

It’s safer for reactive, fearful, or traumatized dogs

It promotes lifelong learning and communication, not just obedience

When you treat an animal with respect, you build a better relationship, and when you have a better relationship you become a TEAM!

27/06/2025

🐾✨ Crate Training the Force-Free Way ✨🐾

A crate can be a safe haven for your puppy—not a punishment zone. When done right, crate training teaches your pup to love their little den ❤️🐶

We absolutely LOVE crates, and our dogs do too! ❤️

Here’s how to crate train using positive reinforcement and force-free methods 👇

🔑 The Goal:
We want your puppy to choose the crate because it feels good, not because they’re forced into it. That’s how we build trust and confidence. 💪

🔁 Step-by-Step Crate Love:

Create a Cozy Space 🛏️
Soft bedding, favorite toys, and maybe a worn t-shirt that smells like you = comforting environment.

Crate = Treat Dispenser 🍗
Toss high-value treats into the crate, no pressure! Let your pup go in and out freely. Make it a game!

Feed Meals Inside 🥣
Use their food for the day to reward and encourage 'time in' - this could look like drip-feedng them once they're inside with the door open still. Mealtime becomes crate-time = win-win!

Short Stays with Rewards ⏱️
Close the door for just a few seconds, give a treat, open again. Build duration slowly—never rush!

Pair with Calm Activities 🎾
Give long-lasting chews or frozen KONGs in the crate. This builds positive associations AND promotes calmness.

❌ Never Use the Crate For:

Time-outs or punishment

Extended isolation

Forceful confinement when the pup is distressed

🧠 Remember: Crate training is a process, not a race.
Go at your puppy’s pace, celebrate tiny wins, and keep it positive every step of the way!

A well-trained crate is a powerful tool for settling, safety, travel, and toilet training—but it should always feel like a happy place 🐾💤

⚠️ Crates have so many uses and have a bit of a bad reputation. When crate training is done RIGHT, your dog cannot wait to get in because they know its a really good deal when they do!
If you have a dog with separation anxiety, crate training your dog might need some extra support. If you need any help, please do reach out!

26/06/2025

🧠🐾 Puppy Destruction: It’s Not Naughty—It’s Normal! 🐾🧠

If your puppy is chewing, tearing, digging, or destroying things… you're not alone. This behaviour is completely normal—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it! 💥🐶

From a behaviourist’s perspective, here’s what’s REALLY going on 👇

🔍 Why Puppies Destroy Things:

Teething pain (especially between 3–6 months)

Exploring the world with their mouths

Boredom and under-stimulation

Lack of appropriate outlets

Unmet physical or mental needs

Stress or frustration (yes, puppies get stressed too!)

Too much FREEDOM - If your puppy isnt making good choices, keep them where you can watch them!

💡 Management Is Key
We don’t "train out" destruction—we manage and prevent it to stop the behaviour before it becomes a habit.

🔑 Top Management Strategies:

Puppy-proof your home – remove temptation! Keep shoes, wires, remotes, and bins out of reach. Anything you don't want pup to get hold of - move out of the way!

Safe confinement – use pens, crates, or baby gates to limit access when unsupervised. Puppies and adolescent dogs DO NOT make good choices.

Growing more calmness will absolutely help! (We have a class called Peaceful Pups that starts very soon!)

Rotate enrichment – frozen KONGs, snuffle mats, puzzle toys = mental gold 💎

Offer appropriate chew items – different textures for teething pups. Frozen carrots are our favourite!

✅ Prevention Starts Early:
Teaching your puppy what to chew is just as important as stopping what not to chew. Reinforce good choices. Supervise. Redirect. Repeat. This incudes nipping and chewing on people too - redirect!

🚫 Punishment doesn’t work—it just damages trust. Instead, set your pup up to succeed by controlling their environment. We do not endorse punishments of any kind here - if our pup is doing something wrong, it's on US to show them another way.

🐶✨ Behaviour is communication. If your puppy is destructive, they’re not being “bad”—they’re telling you what they need.

Let’s meet them halfway. 💛

’tPunish

Address

Cwmbran
NP447LT

Website

http://muttleycrewdogtraining.co.uk/

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