I had to share this because…wow. This is a 10 week old puppy, and if you skip to around 30 seconds in the video, you’ll see why I’m absolutely in love with this little dog. 🥰
First off, apologies for the pj’s! Tonks and I had just been out for a little wander when we got caught in yet another downpour, so drenched and comfy attire it was! Training a family dog isn’t glamorous… it’s about squeezing in sessions wherever and whenever they fit around family life. While Tonks and I often train solo, the reality is that a lot of our sessions look like this - messy, real, and in the middle of everything else. 😅
Teaching “Place”.
I hadn’t planned to start training this until a few weeks down the line, but Tonks started offering the behaviour a couple of days ago, so we’ve just rolled with it!
Why is the “place” cue so handy?
✔️ Out and About: It’s great for situations like cafes or public spaces where your dog might struggle to settle. Having a familiar, portable mat can provide comfort and structure.
✔️ Managing Doorbell Chaos: If your dog tends to race to the front door, you can pair the sound of the doorbell with the mat, teaching them to go to their “place” instead.
Why It Matters to My Family
Stan (our older dog) was never much of a beggar, but when we started weaning Samson, the appearance of the high chair quickly became a signal for “food rain!” He’d plant himself under the high chair in hopes of scoring dropped snacks—not a behaviour I wanted to encourage. To help, I introduced the place cue during mealtime.
Dinner in our house can be a bit of a circus. With Samson’s Autism/ADHD, PDA profile, and sensory sensitivities, sitting at the table for more than a few minutes is often tough for him. I didn’t want to block the table off completely, as that would only manage the situation temporarily. Training Tonks to settle on her mat during meals was the long term solution we needed.
And honestly? She’s
As a dog trainer, I know preparation is key – especially when it comes to kids and a new puppy! Here are 3 simple steps I’ve used to get my kids ready for our big arrival. 🩵
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Dogs aren’t just our best friends… they’re amazing for our mental well-being too. Am I right?
Here are 5 reasons why dogs are great for nurturing our minds and hearts 🥰
1️⃣ Companionship – They’re always there for us, providing unconditional love and support. 💕
2️⃣ Encouraging exercise – Walks and playtime help keep us active and boost our mood. 🏃♀️
3️⃣ Stress relief – Stroking a dog has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. 🐶
4️⃣ Social connection – Dogs help us meet new people and build friendships. 🤝
5️⃣ Routine and purpose – Caring for them adds structure to our day and gives us a sense of purpose.
How has your dog helped your mental well-being? Share your story below! 👇
Getting a new puppy is so exciting, but it’s also a time to be mindful about their experiences! 🐾
Here are 3 things I won’t be rushing to do with my puppy when she arrives 👇
1️⃣ Overloading her with dogs – I’ll be careful about which dogs she interacts with, focusing on those who can teach her good body language and calm communication.
2️⃣ Passing her around – While she’ll meet plenty of people, I’ll let her set the pace to build her confidence without overwhelming her.
3️⃣ Keeping her indoors until vaccinated – She’ll be out and about in a puppy sling or trailer, experiencing the world safely without touching the ground.
It’s all about balance… letting her explore, learn, and build confidence while keeping her safe and supported. What are your must dos (or must-don’ts!) with a new puppy? Share below! 👇
Oh Dott dog we are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
H+H agility club attended Razgility’s steeplechase on Monday evening and everyone did so well ❤️ especially Dott who came away with a beautiful clear round in a time of 27.083…. First place!
Dott can struggle in close quarters to other dogs and managing her in the queue and waiting area can be tricky, so it is testament to Hannah’s great training skills and ownership that Dott can stay stress free enough so pull this out of the bag 🐾
Also attending were little zippy and lovely Maple - both dogs are doing so well so keep your eyes peeled for results from them soon, I have no doubt.
We have a waiting list running for beginners agility in the spring and a Young Dog Foundations (5m-12m) class starting on Friday the 31st of January. We would love your dog to join the club!
Struggling with puppy recall? Here are 5 simple tips to help your pup come back every time! ✨
Remember to share this post! 👀
Is your dog trying to tell you something? 🐾✨
Here are 3 quick ways to spot if your dog is feeling uncomfortable. Understanding their subtle signals helps you keep them happy, safe, and stress free! 🩵
Did you know these signs? Let us know below! 👇
You don’t always get the dog you wanted, but you get the dog you needed.
They’re here to teach you patience, love, and lessons you didn’t even know you needed. I truly believe that Stanley came into my life to teach me this. 🩵
Who else feels like their dog came into their life for a reason? Let us know below!
New Year’s Resolutions are great… but dog training isn’t about perfection… it’s about progress, patience, and showing up.
Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy the journey with your dog this year. 🩵
Who’s with us?
I have a confession….even dog trainers get puppy nerves!
Bringing home a new puppy is super exciting but also a little overwhelming… even for me as a dog trainer. But the thing is… it’s totally normal to feel anxious - we want to get it right and it’s only natural to feel the pressure!
So if you’re welcome a new puppy into your life, I want you to remember… you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Take it step by step, and enjoy those little wins. 🐾
Have you felt the puppy jitters too? Let me know below! ⬇️
