Pawfully Clever Dog Training and Walking

08/03/2022

What should socialisation look like? Well. Hopefully with a well researched owner, the first part is easy. The first part is calculating what is possible. With thorough research and an experienced breeder this comes under ensuring the puppy is correct for the home. Who the puppy is gives you a clue as to what is possible and appropriate and ethical. A rural bred stock guarding Tibetan mastiff is unlikely to make a good candidate for an easy cafe/urban family pet to take to the dog park. For many individuals of this breed that reality would never be comfortable and shouldn’t be attempted.

If the owner has not had the benefit of plenty of research and a decent breeder whose given the right puppy for their lifestyle then we as professionals can helped work out the parameters of what is going to be realistic and appropriate for the puppy.

However, it’s not necessary for every dog to be socialised in every environment. Dog trainers often get stuck on this idea of blanket socialisation. I don’t put too much emphasis on taking my sports bred mondio malinois puppy to dog parks or to chill and watch kids playing unless I’m working her. I want to be able to work her around these things but I’d never expect her to relax around them or to play with strange kids or dogs. I don’t need that and she doesn’t need that. Countryside dogs don’t always require city training and vida versa.

Each socialisation is and should be different based on what’s possible and fair for that dog (genetics and early puppyhood dependant) as well as realistically what’s needed to help the puppy fit in with the life they’re going to have. The whole process choice should be about selecting the right hand for the glove and doing everything to enhance confort and longevity: choosing appropriate dogs and the creating resilience and training for comfort all based on the life they’re personally going to live.

24/01/2022

I had clients who needed this! What a great idea!

24/01/2022

Does your dog steal stuff?More than anything else, I get asked 'what do I do if my dog steals stuff and won't drop it?' This video shows you ways to help you...

30/11/2021

There’s a new shop in Leamington Spa called and it looks ace! There’s a rescue lurcher and everything! Charlie wants to go check out the snacks but we moved and also bed is comfy and mum is still sick sooo he suggested you go instead. Tell us about it?

27/11/2021

07/10/2021

BUYER BEWARE

Isn't this photo of Ribena and her pups adorable? You would never believe that she was living in the most appalling conditions with her puppies before she was rescued from an illegal breeder along with over 200 dogs and puppies.

But that's the point - a cute photo can hide a history of misery and sufferring. You will never see the true conditions that dogs from puppy farmers and backstreet breeders are kept in, even more so illegal breeders such as this one. Low welfare breeders will use staged, or even fake, photos in adverts to deceive puppy buyers. Despite good progress with new legislation, puppy farming is far from over in Wales and puppy buyers still have to be vigilant that they are not buying in to this cruel trade. If you are looking to purchase a puppy then please ensure you do your research and a good starting point is the RSPCA (England & Wales) Puppy Smart advice https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy

Thankfully Ribena and her little family are now receiving the very best care in their wonderful foster home. We've been blown away with the support shown for our puppy farm survivors. If you would like to support them and the other rescued dogs in our care our Wishlist can be found here: https://hope-rescue.myshopify.com/collections/hope-rescue-wishlist

04/10/2021

Big news for Pawfully Clever - we are still shut because of poor health, but we have moved to Pershore in Worcestershire! We will be shut for the foreseeable but one day I hope to reopen here. Much love to all my previous clients and cuddles to the dogs. I miss you 😘

23/04/2021

Dog training tip for the bedridden or long term ill... Keep treats in your bedside cabinet. If you are concerned about weight issues carrots or peas are a good choice. Use them to encourage good behaviour. My two love barking at anything which drives me nuts. Having these on hand means that I can reward them for being quiet- for example man talking outside, them not barking for a sec (probably drawing breath); me ‘good puppies! Have a reward!’ Am working on building this up- so now to get a bit of carrot they need to be quiet for a longer time when something is going on. Anyway, when your energy is at a premium preparation helps a lot.

20/04/2021

Staffy are brilliant dogs: this clever boy works as a motion capture dog for a games studio- fun article for dog lovers here https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/319105/The_story_behind_Remedys_viral_dog_mocap_star.php

12/03/2021

Meal prep 2 in 1: a bu**er about this illness is that what I eat really affects how I feel but that I don’t have enough energy to cook well. One of my work arounds is meal prep- I cook rice and use veg (often frozen and cut!) and tofu as the basis for most lunches- it takes me the same amount of time to set up 4/5 meals as one lunch. Now- thing is I can use this to get enrichment for for dogs at the same time! Now pay attention this is super complicated. I take a handful of the veg (if I’m actually preparing veg I use the offcuts and peelings) and I throw it on the floor. I know tough right? Let me tell you a trainer secret- scatter feeding is actually a really great way to let your dogs use their sense of smell and it engages the part of their brain that enjoys searching for food. Sniffing also encourages calmness and relaxation. Scentwork of any sort engages a lot of their brain and the mental effort makes then tired just like physical effort. If you are a fussier housekeeper than me you can use snuffle matts instead of the floor.

11/03/2021

11/03/2021

I thought I’d do a few posts on how my illness is affecting my dogs behaviour. It’s led to me being both more available- I’m not going out nearly at all and spending a lot of that time lying in bed with them- and less so- mentally I get tired and withdraw from everyone. For Charlie this has increased his dysfunctional attachment to me. He loves lying next to me all the time but he’s because more resource guardy about it- he guards me and the ‘best’ spots to lie. He isn’t even that fond of Tim being in between us. Thing is, I manage it and it’s not dangerous but it’s not ideal. How do I manage it? Probably not in the best way. But I make sure he has time away from me, I don’t let him shout at Boo, I don’t let him come between me and Tim. But it’s something I will have to deal with at some point when I’ve got more of a handle on how to live with my own health issues. Oh and he barks more at outside noises: that is a function of him getting less mental stimulation. He was going for walks with a dog Walker which helped that considerably. I have a new tag! what do you think? Thanks to for that suggestion!

10/03/2021

This illness has affected my dogs too- I physically can’t do what they need in terms of exercise and mental stimulation right now. So I’m using a lot of low energy ways of keeping them happy- and even then I don’t manage it all the time. I want to put more content based on this with a tag- myownerisillimnot? Lowenergydogtraining? Help me here I’m terrible! This is one of the low effort high return enrichment things- kong with peanut butter and frozen veg. I use all sorts of frozen veg- anything I have lying around- and I just put it in with some peanut butter to bind it. You could use yoghurt or cream cheese but I always have peanut butter. The veg makes it last longer and also reduces the calories- and gives it a lot more interest. Dogs love it and I can do it even on a bad day. I’m going to share a few of these games and tips on here- so if you have or know someone with dogs and a chronic condition do pass it onto them- this is what I’ll be focusing on for a while as I don’t have the energy to do much else! Please comment with suggestions for tags!

06/03/2021

Moving today! Dogs have known something weird was going on all week. I am having a cup of ta and making time to reassure them. Both are in their safe places- spot the Charlie nose! You cannot reinforce fear- never be afraid to reassure your dogs.

05/03/2021

Went to see my retired horse today. He has moved recently and I wanted to check he’s settled in. He’s the huge black and white one! He’s very well and with a new pair of youngsters (to him!): he’s already clearly, quietly and happily established himself as the boss of the little herd. Now, what does that mean? For zando it’s not a shouty/ angry/ rigid boss. It’s more of a confidence in himself both physically but also mentally- zando knows that he is best placed to assess threat to his little group, to make decisions that keep them comfortable (such as where to stand to avoid weather and how to get the resources they need) and that he is patient enough to teach them to be polite to him, other horses and me- no one wants to live with annoying kids! So the babies have already learned to look to zando to see if it’s safe and also for cues how to behave. Zando can say hello to me and tell them with an ear twitch or a look (once a short squeal) that I am there to see him and that they should be polite to me. I know him well enough that I’m happy turning my back on two inquisive yearlings because I can read zando and know when I need to pay attention to them. I would never have turned my back on the youngsters he has last time because they were older, different breed and more likely to be agressive or knock me over because they were flighty. It wasn’t just my own judgement I trusted though - it was zandos!
What’s the point of this long post about horses in a dog training page? Firstly it made me realise that I really would love a dog version of zando- large enough to be physically imposing to other dogs, calm enough not to overreact, wise enough to be able to judge situations better than I can, and kind enough to teach. If you have such a dog (or horse!) treasure them because they are both born AND made.I also thought that I aim to be this sort of leader for my dogs, and to teach my clients how to provide that. On my best day I’m not as good as zando is!.

04/03/2021

Please read Patricia McConnells words as well- she has been a well respected behaviourist since before I was alive.

Thing is..... positive dog training and behaviour change makes bad tv. If there is drama, you’re doing it wrong. If there is confrontation, you’re doing it wrong. If someone gets bitten, you made a mistake. I like a young good looking confident man as much as any straight woman, but I like my dog trainers / behaviourists to be boring on tv. (Sorry Chirag!) Please don’t do what you see on tv and take YouTube with a huge pinch of salt.

Cancel Netflix's soon released show: Canine Intervention - due to inhumane animal training

03/03/2021

Normal... they’ve been doing this for like 10 minutes 😂

01/03/2021

Emma is brilliant and one of a very short list of people I trust with my two dogs- Walker or trainer!

Please share if you speak to anyone looking for a dog walker 😘

Run With Wolves Dog Walking 🐾
I'm on the look out for one or two new dogs to join the pack 🐺❤️ spaces are usually limited, but due to two dogs relocating last week, a few spaces have opened up!

Do you have a dog that would love a group walk, full of fun and scrummy treats?? If so take a look at my page 👇

https://m.facebook.com/runwithwolves.co.uk/?locale2=en_GB

or contact [email protected]

Areas covered :
Barford ° Wasperton ° Wellesbourne ° Moreton Morrell ° Bishops Tachbrook

Important info: Fully insured, 3years of experience, first aid trained, crated transport, £10 per walk each dog (£15 for two same home) 45minute walk, collection and drop off to homes

❤️ Emma, Run with Wolves 🐺
Please do not message me via my private profile, please use my business page link or email above, thank you!

22/02/2021

Non dog training post- we’ve sold our house and are looking for somewhere to rent. It’s not easy with two dogs! If anyone Warwickshire based has a lead on a house with parking and garden- please let me know! We are responsible people, and my husband works full time :) thank you!

16/02/2021

06/02/2021

Channel 4’s Dogs Behaviour Badly with Graeme Hall

In the opening driving shots the self proclaimed ‘dog father’ insists that people think he is a maverick. A maverick is someone who is unorthodox in their field - unorthodox meaning untraditional. To the contrary,Graeme Hall is actually quite the opposite of a maverick - instead approaching behaviour science from an incredibly traditional place: pre science-based training and from a time when we didn't have the ability to read dogs or the compassion to give them choices.

Hall’s wisdom is based on the idea that dogs, like wolves, are pack animals and that they have a dominance hierarchy structure, much like wolves except that people are in that structure as well. As such Hall continually explains problems by suggested the owner needs to be Top Dog. David Mech’s book, The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species was the book, in the 80s, that started this. In the 90s thankfully he realised he made a mistake. As technology and advancements in our own ideas allowed us to study dogs more scientifically Mech himself changed his mind. He corrected these ideas in 1999 in his paper Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs. We moved on from this and changed our ideas - realising that dogs are cooperative animals who desire for peace with the humans who they depend upon,

And it isn't just the wisdom that is a step back in time. Poor ignorant wisdom from the 80’s is actually something I can forgive - the thing that I found most disturbing about Dog’s Behaving Badly was the methods. The methods I cannot forgive.

OK - so punishment works. It is one of those things that as trainers who use Least Intrusive minimally aversive methods, don't rush out to tell people. But it does. Often checking and shouting at dogs actually suppresses behaviour far quicker that it would take us to train it out. Ill be honest, Addy the poodle who, on the show, was fearful towards the male in the house - his behaviour would have taken a few weeks at the least, for me to train out. Hall did it in 40 minutes - a quick ‘fix’ indeed. However, what he did in 40 minutes was to identify an animal as scared and then frighten it into a state of learnt helplessness. Then bully the dog for looking at the man he was frightened of. And give the man the confidence to shout at the dog - and his girlfriend - for trying to reassure the dog, for trying to warn the man. If the top dog meme was correct then Addy will be killing the boyfriend in his sleep tonight, more than likely though the biting will return at an ill timed gathering or party and someone other than the boyfriend will suffer the damage from a dog who has been punished out of warning; a dog with no stable relationships from which to seek comfort.

And that got me thinking: surely what he is doing is illegal? I mean it wasn't in Barbara Woodhouse’s day - but surely it is now? To my knowledge the Animal Welfare Act 2006 Section 4(1) under prevention of harm states unnecessary suffering is when a person (in this case Hall) causes an animal to suffer - knowingly or having reasonably to have known. You only have to look at the conformation of a Great Dane to know that continued short, sharp yanks to his head via a head collar will be putting pressure on his thyroid gland and also causing tissue damage. This is, without a doubt, suffering and and harm surely? And surely as one of the “UK’s top dog experts” he has reasonably to have known this would cause this damage. And that isn't even considering the clear psychological welfare issues.

Really - thats the thing about this show that has people (myself included) shouting at the TV and up in arms once again. Its not a funny ‘love to hate him’ type affair with irritating celebrities living and arguing about cleaning in the big brother house. This show has wide implications. It has taken a decade of careful scientific studies and newspapers covering these studies to finally put the likes of confusing pseudo science to bed. When we did Super Dog to rescue Dog it felt exciting to finally be TV training using methods that don't upset the dog - and have channel 4 interested and invested in taking the time. With our knowledge of where dogs stands cognitively and emotionally (yes, they are actually a bit like us - see Gregory Berns FMRI scans and his other studies about love and the canine brain) people are finally realising that training - is just teaching. And that it is about trust and enjoyment and engagement. What Hall is doing is muddying those waters for owners - suggesting dogs are like us when it comes to needing consequence but not like us when it comes to feelings of trust or love. And he fails to recognise that dogs don't have a moral compass. His TED video is frustratingly misquoting science with a poor understanding of basic learning theory. Annoyingly this will not put owners off listening to this fool whose been given a platform. I'm sure we have months of him explaining how it's still ok to bully and shout and check dogs on a lead because it will produce a quick fix. It will cause a huge spike in ignorance-based cruelty and reduce the welfare of many, many dogs in this country. What is most confusing is that the researchers for this show and the Series Producers too decided this was OK - to ignore the science. Perhaps they were brainwashed into believing it was just another point of view or that people would love to hate it and it would be popular via controversy. What they failed to recognise was that this sort of high profile cruelty won’t just effect the poor, poor dogs who have been physically hurt on TV and who have also had their stability, trusted relationships and comfort pulled out from under the, - but this will also have a knock on effect to dog owners nationwide. Winter is coming.

Make sure you’re not ignorant like Greame https://caninescience.online

06/02/2021

This is why I don’t use Charlie as a stooge dog offlead very often.. love him but his body language is so odd... luckily he’s made a few friends in Emma’s walk and it’s been so good for him. Well run group walks are really great for dogs. What does well run mean? someone needs to step in if it goes too far and who is thoughtful about the characters to put together. Watching the videos always makes me want a pack of dogs of my own!

20/01/2021

Clever dog Charlie has taken to heart the advice dress for the role you want. He wants to be a wizard. Never stop dreaming, Charlie...

19/01/2021

Just wanna say - my clients are so so lovely :) my health sucks right now yet they message me with vids of what they dog is doing or offers of support. 😍 you all. I have no real idea of when I will be able to work again but your messages of support really cheer me up!

16/01/2021

What a brilliant new resource! I haven’t been to the dog walking but I used to take my horse there (for lessons and dressage competitions) and it’s lovely. We are lucky round here to have so many great places to book for dog walking.

05/01/2021

Charlie went on a walk with Emma’s gang this morning. He was on his best behaviour and had a great time! Boo now thinks she is the queen without Charlie trying to boss her all the time. (He doesn’t manage it but he tried bless him) Emma from .warwickshire is an amazing dog Walker- knowledge, kind and reliable- and top of the very short list of people I trust with my sometimes difficult dogs. She’s a life saver right now!

04/01/2021

I am not taking on new clients right now thanks to combination of the Current covid situation and some personal health issues. Existing clients I am happy to direct you to other trainers or support for your dog if you need it, but I need to take a break and look after myself. I hope to be back in business in a few months! Thank you for all of your support.

31/12/2020

If you are waiting to hear from me what moving into tier 4 means for dog training with me.... answer is right now I’m not sure! I am getting conflicting information from government sources right now and knowing how this has been this year it usually takes them a few days to work through exactly what it means for us. I promise to update my clients and future clients as soon as I have more information. If you would like a zoom call instead then I’m happy to set that up for you but I must say that I personally don’t feel that I am as much value over screens- it’s so easy to miss things from my end! This photo is Charlie being very confused- he was wrooooing and my wroooooing back was confusing 😭 stay safe and happy New Year’s Eve!