DogScentric - Dog Training and Dog Walking Darlington

27/11/2024

Since completing the Pet Gundog Life Skills and Obedience course in June, Rosie and her mum have been coming to the training field for fortnightly 1-2-1 sessions. Not because there are big problems to overcome but because they just LOVE doing stuff together.

Rosie is a busy, drivey, working line Labrador who would be a real handful if she wasn’t getting the outlets her mum provides for her each day. It’s an absolute joy to see them each time, to see the massive progress they make after a couple of weeks of doing their homework, and mostly, to see them enjoying each other and the training activities they are doing together so much.

The biggest challenge with Rosie so far has been impulse control around retrieves and anything that moves. It was becoming difficult to allow her access to them on walks because she’d then play keep away from her mum.

After a few weeks of well-managed access and progressing through their training tasks, last week we were able to reintroduce Rosie’s favourite things back into her walks as she is now a fabulous little retriever and her impulse control around retrieves and movement is getting better all the time.

There is nothing better when you are chipping away at a training project than seeing all the individual pieces start to fall into place.

Playing keep away with possessions is very normal for Gundog breeds and there are trust-building training activities that can help to overcome this so they can have safe and enjoyable access to their favourite things.

Well done team Rosie for sticking to the plan and achieving so much 🥳🙌🤩

25/11/2024

1️⃣ Your attention might not be the motivator so withholding it will have zero impact.

2️⃣ Ignoring gives no information and leaves a behaviour void for them to fill with something else you probably won't like either.

3️⃣ Ignoring will build frustration and they'll try harder and escalate the existing behaviour before they think about giving up.

4️⃣ Practice makes permanent. Every time a behaviour is rehearsed it makes it an easier option for them in the future.


If you'd like to change an existing behaviour there are two things you need to do alongside each other.

One will not work without the other!


1️⃣ Prevent the existing behaviour from being rehearsed.

The most effective strategy will depend on the behaviour you're trying to change and the context it is happening in, but could involve things like using a lead, installing a baby gate, crate training, utilising Kongs and long-lasting chews, changing environments etc.

Whatever the behaviour, you need a reliable and realistic strategy to prevent it from being rehearsed.

2️⃣ Teach an alternative behaviour and reinforce the heck out of it.

Saying that you don't want your dog to do something isn't helpful. What DO you want them to do instead?

Choose a behaviour and teach it. Practice it over and over again in achievable situations giving your dog plenty of help and support until the behaviour becomes an easy choice for them in that context.


📲 Get in touch if you need help changing some unwanted behaviours.

20/11/2024

Ted is a young Vizsla and his mum is experiencing the very common
struggles that often come up during the adolescent development stage…

Our priorities with Ted during his 1-2-1 training programme are:

1. Off lead reliability around distractions

2. Settling in a pub / cafe

3. Heeling past distractions

4. Arousal management around other dogs

5. General focus and listening skills around distractions

1-2-1 Training Programmes are booked in 4-week blocks and include two in-person training sessions, a personalised Google Drive folder with videos and training notes uploaded after each session, unlimited feedback on training videos and unlimited support via WhatsApp.

Ted has started his programme at the secured training field where we’ve began building the skills he needs to be successful. Lottie will be helping as a calm dog distraction before we start taking his training out on the road to public places dealing with everyday distractions.

We’re only two sessions in but so far we have covered:

- Conditioning an emergency whistle recall cue

- Building engagement and connection outdoors

- Gundog games to provide an outlet for natural instincts

- Self-control and manners around toys

Lots more to do but we've made a great start!

I love working with this team. Ted is such a lovely sweet boy and his
mum is all in with the commitment to the programme and making the most of the WhatsApp support so we can keep pushing on in between sessions.

I’m excited to see where we are in a few weeks! 🤩

📲 Get in touch if you need help with your Pet Gundog.

18/11/2024

Your Spaniel has been bred to find and flush game for long periods of time.

They have been bred for persistence and stamina.

Depending on walking their socks off in an effort to tire, calm, and satisfy them is not realistic.

Here’s what your Spaniel, and any other Gundog breed actually needs👇

1️⃣ They NEED to be mentally challenged

I’m not talking about puzzle feeders or hiding treats in towels. I’m talking about giving them a job to do. A purpose. They need to learn and problem solve and they need to have outlets for their desire to hunt. This is why I wholeheartedly believe that if you don’t have an interest in learning about dog training and breed-specific activities, a working breed isn’t for you. Working breeds NEED to work, whether they are a pet or not. Including Gundog training and activities into your walks is the perfect way to meet these needs.

2️⃣ Low-energy independent activities at home

If their eyes are open they will be looking to “work” and gain access to things that make them feel good - attention, food, and your socks! Your constant attention and interactions are not helpful or sustainable. Guide their free time by making sure they have access to calm, independent activities such as high-value long-lasting chews like hooves, horns, antlers and marrow bones.

3️⃣ Regular breaks from stimulation for QUALITY SLEEP

They are genetically wired to be stimulated by changes in the environment and our homes are constantly changing. They NEED sleep. This is why I am a massive advocate for the responsible use of crates and other designated dog spaces. Don’t assume your Spaniel will sleep when they are tired - they won’t! Giving them time in their designated space each morning and afternoon will give their busy brains time to rest and recharge.

📲 Get in touch if you need help with your Pet Gundog.

15/11/2024

Let’s say it how it is…I’m mainly talking about the Spaniels right now!

Typically, the motivation behind stealing socks, tea towels, and anything else that isn’t bolted down, is NOT about the item itself.

The motivation for most dogs…is OUR RESPONSE.

A thrilling game of chase or a beeline straight to the treat jar are usually top of the list!

Either way, stealing items stops us being busy and ignoring them, and diverts ALL our attention to them and their special treasure.

The crazy thing is, when I chat to my clients about their dog’s stealing, they all know exactly WHY their dogs are doing it, but we just can’t help ourselves...we must respond to the stealing dog!

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” ...(Albert Einstein)

If you have an attention-driven thief in your home, here are some things to think about…

1️⃣ Why are they so desperate for your attention?

Are they getting the right amount and TYPE of physical AND mental exercise to satisfy them, or are they using stealing as a way of trying to fulfill some unmet needs?

2️⃣ Do they have alternative independent activities available to them?

One or two rubber toys are not what I’m talking about. I mean constant access to a massive box of body parts! Cows hooves, antlers, horns, coffee wood, marrow bones etc. Go see our good friends at the Heart of Raw to get stocked up! They need an attractive option available to them that isn’t dependent on us.

3️⃣ Are they getting enough sleep?

Just like we need our 8 hours, puppies need around 16-18 hours, and adults around 14-16 hours. A lack of sleep will turn their brains to mush.

4️⃣ Do they have too much unmanaged access around the home?

Remember what Einstein said! If we continue to put our dogs in the exact environment that triggers a behaviour, i.e. the sight of a tea towel = stealing = game of chase, then we’re going to continue to get the same response. Make some adjustments to their environment so they don't have access to things that will trigger stealing.

5️⃣ If your interactions are the thing maintaining and strengthening the behaviour, it makes sense to break this cycle and stop interacting with them!

When you clock your dog has pinched something, get up and make a cuppa, go hang the washing out, go do anything EXCEPT interact with them. If you stay in one place continuing with what you’re doing, they are more likely to lay down and chew. If you move around, chances are they’ll follow and wonder why you are no longer behaving like their stolen item is your biggest treasure!


​​Get EVERYONE at home on board, give it a try and let me know how you get on!

13/11/2024

1-2-1 work with Labradors, more often than not, is reactivity to people and/or dogs, and that’s what this big handsome lad was struggling with too.

Milo is a 3-year-old intact Labrador and would bark and lunge at strangers, with an even bigger reaction to children. He would run over to other dogs for a very inappropriate interaction, he wouldn’t recall quickly if distracted, and he’d pull on the lead, particularly somewhere new.

Milo did not want to be approached by strangers because they typically would touch him or try to interact with him which he was not comfortable with, and he definitely couldn't cope with kids, so he'd put on a big display the moment he saw or heard them to make sure they kept their distance!

Over a few months, we have worked on building Milo’s confidence and his humans have worked hard on developing both his and their skills for dealing with daily life and its unpredictability. Barking and lunging at people and children is now very rare and Milo is much more relaxed outdoors and even in cafes! He will typically ignore other dogs as long as they do not approach him, he has a super amazing recall around distractions, and they have strategies to help Milo connect quicker in new environments when all he wants to do is sniff and p*e on everything!

The only missing piece of the puzzle is for him to gain some stress-free and appropriate social experience with other dogs to help with his greeting skills and he'll hopefully be joining the Great Paws Day Train Academy in the New Year to help.

This team has been an absolute pleasure to work with. They have been completely dedicated to the process and have most certainly reaped the rewards!

Thank you and a massive well done to team Milo 🙌

02/11/2024

This fabulous lot completed their Pet Gundog Life Skills and Obedience course today!

A big thank you and congratulations to…

Paul, Emma & Charlie Cocker,
Lana, Simon & Mabel Springer
Terry & Morris Cocker
Hilary & Moss Lab

The last course of the year is fully booked so if you’d like to get started in the new year keep your eyes p*eled for January start dates that will be added to the website soon!

01/11/2024

Here are some do's and don'ts to help your puppy through their first firework season.

26/10/2024

The 26 gorgeous faces I've said goodbye to this week 💔

Everyone has had their final activity walk and after 7 fabulous years, the Gundog Activity Club is no more.

I've been truly spoilt by everyone and feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have met the most amazing people. Thank you 🙏

Now that the worst bit is over with, I'm excited to start a new chapter with the business and push on with growing the training side of the business even more!

19/10/2024

Next week I’m going to be saying goodbye to 26 dogs and their wonderful humans 💔

After sadly saying goodbye to Rachel who has been running the dog walking side of the business since January, I have made the very devastating decision to discontinue the Gundog Activity Club.

Three years ago, I knew I needed to take the plunge into ending the service or hiring someone to take over it. The thought of it coming to an end made my heart hurt so I knew I had to give employment a good go. It's been the biggest challenge of my business so far and unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be.

The Gundog Activity Club is where it all started 7 years ago - small group walks packed with training games and breed-specific activities. A service I am so proud of. Some of the dogs I’ll be saying goodbye to have been with me from the very beginning and watching them grow into the amazing adults they are today has been an absolute pleasure.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had the support of my wonderful clients, particularly over the last couple of years while I’ve been riding the very rough rollercoaster of employment!

I know this is an exciting new chapter for the business as I get to open up more availability for training clients and focus all my time and energy on continuing to grow that side of the business, but at the moment, it just feels like a huge loss.

Thank you to all you wonderful people for the continued support, the laughs, and most importantly, the trust ❤️

15/10/2024

This fabulous group of puppies and their humans completed the Pet Gundog Life Skills course on Saturday 🤩

A big thank you and congratulations to:

Julie, Chris & Isla Lab
Will & Chester Cocker
Rachael & Nova Cocker
Jane, Paul & Lyra Lab
Joe, Alyx & Bruno Lab

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, we only have one more Pet Gundog Life Skills & Obedience course with availability left for 2024!

08/10/2024

26/09/2024

Part 1 of avoiding firework phobias developing with your young dog.

19/09/2024

Eve has been a challenging dog since her mum got her as a puppy 5 years ago.

She had zero ability to switch off and relax and she’s grown into a stressed and anxious adult. Outside she is a hunting machine and loses her marbles easily so giving her the exercise she needs has been difficult.

Our priorities with Eve are to help her relax more at home and to ensure we are meeting her physical and mental needs by building outdoor skills to work towards off lead reliability.

Eve’s mum is an amazing human who has done nothing but educate herself over the last few years so she can give Eve the best life possible. She’s worked with five other trainers, some helpful, some not, and some causing more harm than good.

We are two sessions into a training programme which includes in-person 1-2-1 sessions, follow up videos and plans, and unlimited WhatsApp support in between.

So far we’ve looked at structuring Eve’s time at home so she has more clarity and guidance, and less options available to her. Loads of choices, freedom, and stimulation is often more harmful than helpful for dog’s who are unable to switch off and relax.

We’ve switched up her exercise to structured activity walks to include the outlets Eve needs as a Working Cocker Spaniel, to challenge her mentally, and to manage her arousal levels better.

We’ve started building some important outdoor skills such as heelwork and recall, and this week we’ll be getting started with stopping at a distance and turning on a whistle for better off lead control.

We’ve got a big project ahead of us but Eve’s mum is up for the challenge and I am so much enjoying watching this fabulous team progress together 🥰

17/09/2024

NEW BLOG POST!

4 steps to an awesome recall!

The recall cue is THE most important cue you can teach your dog. Here are 4 steps to an awesome recall!

08/09/2024

We’ve had a brilliant little adventure day in Ulverston! Thanks so much to Chelsea at LakeSUP for making our first paddleboarding experience an awesome one! All of the dogs did us proud and not one of us fell in 🎉

28/08/2024

Devastated to be saying goodbye to Dexter and Lottie for a few days for my annual dog-less holiday 🥹

I'll be back to it on Thursday 5th September and will get back to all messages then. I've got some social media posts scheduled while I'm away but it is most definitely a phone-less break!

27/08/2024

This delicious ball of cuteness is 13 weeks old. He’s a bold and confident boy who is already showing a keen desire to learn and “do”…aka…he’s going to keep his humans on their toes!

Bruno and his humans started the Puppy Pre-School Programme at 11 weeks old and will soon be starting the Pet Gundog Puppy Life Skills course alongside their 1-2-1 support.

He has an awesome future ahead of him filled with adventures and van life which means he and his humans have lots to learn for Bruno - a high-energy Gundog breed - to grow into a dog that can go everywhere with them and it be a pleasure for them all!

He is super confident with people and dogs so our focus for his socialisation is definitely NOT to introduce him to every dog and person he sees. We’ll be focusing on building his self-control skills around unfamiliar dogs and people and creating a neutral response to them. The goal is to reduce the value he has in external distractions which ultimately we’ll want him to learn to ignore, whilst increasing the value he has in his humans outdoors.

I love working with this fabulous team and I’m excited to watch them grow together 🥰