People and Dogs. Dog Training and Behaviour

24/01/2025

🐾 Did You Know It’s Never Too Late to Start Training? 🐾

Maybe you’ve recently adopted a puppy or dog over 20 weeks old, or life simply got in the way of early training. Whatever the reason, our Junior Course is the perfect place to start!

This Level 1 foundation course is designed specifically for older puppies and dogs to help them build key life skills and confidence in a positive, supportive environment.

What Your Dog Will Learn:
🎯 Focus and attention in everyday situations.
🐾 Calm, loose lead walking (no more pulling!).
📣 Recall that works, even with distractions.
🤝 Polite greetings with people and other dogs.
🌟 Confidence-building for a happy, relaxed dog.

📚 Plus, you’ll have access to our bespoke online learning platform to support your progress at home!

🐕 Click here to join our Junior Course today and give your dog the foundation they deserve! https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/life-skills-junior

🌟 Make training a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

22/01/2025

🎉 Puppy Parents! Let’s Talk Socialisation 🐾

There’s so much confusion around what true socialisation really means for your pup! Many well-meaning efforts can actually do more harm than good. So, let’s break it down and make sure you’re on the right track to raising a calm, confident dog.

🔴 Socialisation is NOT:
• Throwing your pup into chaotic situations like dog parks or daycare.
• Letting them greet every single dog or person on walks.
• Allowing strangers to invade their space with unwanted pats or kisses.
• Forcing your untrained pup into noisy, overwhelming environments and hoping for the best.

✅ Socialisation IS about:
• Teaching your dog to interact calmly and appropriately in controlled settings.
• Showing them that ignoring other dogs on walks is perfectly fine (and actually better!).
• Advocating for your pup by telling strangers when it’s not okay to approach.
• Gently guiding them towards healthy behaviours instead of reacting with fear, aggression, or over-arousal.
• Building their focus so they see YOU as their most valuable resource.

True socialisation is about teaching your puppy how to exist calmly in the world—not pulling, panicking, barking, or lunging at every distraction. Exposure alone isn’t the magic key—guidance is everything!

The ultimate goal? A dog that stays calm, confident , and focused on you, no matter what the environment throws their way. 💕🐶

Ready to start on the right paw? Share your thoughts or questions below! 👇
Full details of all our courses here www.peopleanddogs.co.uk

20/01/2025

🌟 Your Puppy’s Future Starts Now! 🌟

Did you know that the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life are the most important for their development? 🐾 This is their socialisation window, a one-time opportunity to shape how they understand and interact with the world around them.

Here’s why early education is essential:
✅ It builds confidence and resilience.
✅ It prevents common issues like nipping, jumping, and barking.
✅ It helps your puppy develop important life skills, like walking calmly on a lead and greeting people politely.
✅ It makes everyday experiences—like trips to the vet or meeting new people—stress-free for you and your pup.

🎯 Don’t wait until problems arise. Start their learning journey as soon as they join your family! Early education isn’t just about obedience—it’s about helping your puppy grow into a happy, well-rounded dog.

💡 We’re here to help!
🐾 Puppy Home School: Start preparing before your puppy even comes home with our practical, easy-to-follow online programme. https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/puppy-foundations

🐾 In-Person Puppy Classes: Join our classes from 12 weeks to give your puppy the best start in a supportive, social environment.
https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/life-skills-puppy

📚 Both options are fully supported by our bespoke online learning platform, designed to help you succeed every step of the way.

📅 Check out our puppy training options or email us to learn more about how we can help.

🐕 Because every puppy deserves the best chance to succeed.

👉 Follow us for tips, advice, and inspiration to build the perfect partnership with your pup!

17/01/2025

Have you got a new puppy ?

Have you booked them into puppy school

No?! Why not??? 😱
Did you know that the first 5 months of your puppy’s development is when they form long lasting behaviours and when they are most receptive to learning and socialising?

Behaviour problems are highly preventable with early training and support from a qualified professional.
So don’t delay! Book your place NOW! 💻‼️

We’re here to help you and we’re waiting to meet you and your puppy! 🤗
Now taking bookings for our February courses
Venues: Unstone, Norton and Dronfield
Start dates: 25th 27th Feb and early March
Our class sizes are small and lessons are fully supported outside the classroom with access to our learning platform and private supportive community group https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/upcoming-classes

We also offer Puppy Home School Foundations to give you those first weeks of 1-1 support prior to starting Puppy School. Full details here https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/puppy-foundations
Previous students have said this service is invaluable to get them started off on the right paw with their new puppy. 🐾

So what are you waiting for?! Sign up now to our award 🥇 winning courses. You won’t regret it

13/01/2025

Adolescent Dog Behaviour: Navigating the Teenage Challenges with Positive Training!!

Ah, adolescence—the stage where your adorable puppy transforms into a cheeky, independent teenager! It’s a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally, and often the moment many owners start to feel the strain of behavioural challenges.

From selective hearing (where “sit” becomes optional!) to bursts of energy and even reactivity, adolescence can feel overwhelming to some dog owners.
But don’t worry—this phase is completely normal, and with the right guidance and support from a professional, it can actually be a great opportunity to shape your dog’s future behaviour.

During adolescence (typically between 6-18 months), dogs experience sensitive fear periods as part of their psychological development. These are times when they may suddenly seem nervous of things they were previously fine with. This is their brain working overtime, assessing what’s safe and what’s not. Understanding and supporting them through these stages can have a lasting impact on their confidence.

This is why ongoing training and socialisation are absolutely vital. Here’s how they help:
✔️ Reinforce good habits: Adolescents test those boundaries, but consistent training keeps those foundations strong.
✔️ Build resilience: Positive experiences during fear periods create a confident adult dog.
✔️ Strengthen your bond: Training provides structure and deepens trust between you and your dog.
✔️ Improve focus: Fun, force-free training keeps their busy teenage brain engaged, reducing frustration and unwanted behaviours.
✔️ Encourage appropriate socialisation: Teaching your dog to navigate the world calmly and positively avoids bad experiences that could develop into reactivity, fear or even aggression.

Remember, this stage won’t last forever, but the skills and confidence your dog gains now will set them up for life. With modern, force-free methods, you can guide them with patience and understanding, building a dog who trusts you and thrives in any situation.

💡 Ready to get started? I can help!
Book your training session or check out our courses via my website. Together, we’ll turn those adolescent antics into achievements!

👉 https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/

Have a question about your dog’s behaviour?
Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to help!

13/01/2025

These dogs are NOT enjoying this forced and rough contact. These people are mauling and even tormenting the dogs. The dogs are trying to avoid the contact. They are turning their heads away, trying to escape, showing the whites of the eyes, panting.
These are all signs of stress and anxiety

The issue with this type of interaction is that it’s one sided, it’s not consenting, it’s not mutual, it’s not fun and it’s totally unfair on the dogs pictured. When dogs are forced to growl and snap at people then they might listen, but then they blame the dog instead of changing their behaviour

Please don’t be this person who has no compassion or care for a dog.

10/01/2025

Snow and Ice Paw Care for Dogs: Essential Tips

❄ Protect Your Dog’s Paws This Winter! ❄

🐾 Trim Paw Fur
Keep the fur between your dog’s paw pads neatly trimmed. This prevents ice balls from forming, which can be painful and uncomfortable.

🐾 Paw Balm
Apply a pet-safe paw balm before walks to create a protective barrier against ice, grit, and salt. Reapply as needed after walks. This is a good one https://www.northumberlandhoney.co.uk/shop/nose-and-paw-balm-dog-paw-balm

🐾 Wipe Down After Walks
Always rinse or wipe your dog’s paws with warm water after a walk to remove salt, grit, or de-icing chemicals that can irritate or damage their pads.

🐾 Avoid Rock Salt and De-icers
Watch out for areas treated with salt or chemical de-icers, as these can harm your dog’s paws and are toxic if ingested. Use pet-safe alternatives for your home.

🐾 Invest in Dog Boots
Boots are a great option to protect your dog’s paws. Choose a pair that fits well and give your dog time to get used to them before heading out.

🐾 Check for Cracks
Regularly inspect your dog’s paw pads for cracks, redness, or dryness. Use a dog-friendly moisturiser or paw wax to keep their pads healthy.

🐾 Shorter Walks, More Often
In extreme cold, opt for shorter, more frequent walks to reduce exposure to freezing conditions. Smaller dogs might be prone to frost bite.

🐾 Carry Essentials
Bring a small towel and paw balm on winter walks to handle any issues that may come up.

Pro Tip: Keeping your dog’s paws clean and protected will make winter walks more enjoyable for both of you!

🐾How do you keep your dog’s paws safe in winter? Share your tips below! 🐾

09/01/2025

🐾Hi 👋🏻 I’m Jenny - Principal Instructor at People and Dogs
Did you know January is Train Your Dog Month!?🐾

New year, new opportunities to build a stronger bond with your dog! January is Train Your Dog Month here in the UK, and there’s no better time to set training goals, address those tricky behaviours, or simply have fun teaching your dog something new.

Whether you’re raising a playful puppy, managing a reactive dog, or just want to fine-tune those skills, consistent, kind and force-free training can transform your dog’s confidence—and yours too!

✨ This month, I’ll be sharing tips, resources, and success stories to inspire your training journey. Stay tuned for:
✔️ Simple training exercises you can try today
✔️ Advice for handling challenging behaviours
✔️ The secret to making training fun and rewarding for both of you

Let’s make 2025 the year of understanding, communication, and connection with your furry friend. 🐕💖

What training goals are you setting this month? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear about your plans! 💬

Need help with your dog? Get in touch using the button below or check the website ⬇️
💻 https://peopleanddogs.co.uk

07/01/2025

🌟 Limited Spaces Available for Our Loose Lead Walking and Recall Workshops! 🌟

📅 Date: Sunday, 19th January
🕒 Duration: 1.5 hours per workshop
📍 Location: Our training fields in Dronfield
🐾 For Dogs comfortable around other dogs

Do you want to:
✔️ Walk your dog without pulling?
✔️ Build a reliable recall, even with distractions?

Our workshops are designed to focus entirely on these essential skills, with small class sizes to ensure personalised attention for you and your dog. Plus, you’ll gain free access to our online learning platform to reinforce what you’ve learned at home.

💡 Why join?
✅ Force-free training tailored to you and your dog
✅ Step-by-step guidance on key techniques
✅ A supportive environment on our spacious training fields

📣 Spaces are limited and filling fast—don't miss your chance to transform your walks!

👉 Book now: www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/workshops

Let’s make 2025 the year of stress-free, enjoyable walks! 🐕✨

07/01/2025

So true 😢

Dogs have it rough in the human dominated World.

In fact all animals do, including humans.

What have we done?

What on earth have we created.

On earth.

Dogs.

We use their bodies for money.

There are so many dogs in rescue.

So many bewildered, sad, sweet dogs in rescue.

There are more bull breeds than there could ever be homes for.

In rescue.

More Collies.

More Malis

Dying.

With nowhere to go.

Equal and above numbers of puppies in free-ads.

In farms.

Even in houses.

We create lives and dispose of them.

Every dog is our responsibility.

Yours and mine.

Every dog.

A litter, even to good homes, even from a good breeder, takes the space of a dog who already exists.

What if we all rescued for a while?

Just until the numbers are down.

What if we all just did that?

05/01/2025

We can’t promise sunshine (yet!) but we can promise you’ll have SO much fun learning with your puppy. 🐶

📌We’ll be teaching all the basic life skills including :
Coming when called
Loose lead walking
Settling on a mat in public
Ignoring distractions
Focus and engagement with you
Being groomed and handled

And also we’ll be teaching you about your puppy’s behavioural needs:

✅How to feel confident
How to socialise safely
How to meet and greet people and dogs
How to reduce and manage common puppy behaviour milestones such as puppy biting, barking, jumping up etc.

📚All of our courses are fully supported in our online learning portal with access to dozens of video tutorials and handouts , and a private secure Facebook group where you can ask questions

💖Our methods are always kind, gentle, positive with your puppies wellbeing at the centre of our ethos.
Our Instructors are qualified accredited and experienced in all things puppy!

Ready to dive in and learn more with your puppy?
Check out the website for full details of all our courses
💻 https://peopleanddogs.co.uk
📧: [email protected]
Or drop us a message below ⬇️

03/01/2025

🐾 Practical Help for New Puppy Parents 🐾

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it’s also a big adjustment. That’s why our Puppy Home School Course is here to provide the expert support and practical advice you need to start your journey on the right paw.

What’s Included?
✅ Three 1-Hour Personalised Lessons
Delivered at or around your home for maximum convenience.
Tailored to your puppy’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

✅ Free Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy Book
A clear and practical guide packed with tips and step-by-step advice to support you between lessons.

✅ Exclusive Access to Our Online Learning Portal
A treasure trove of expert resources, including:
* Guidance on preparing for your puppy’s arrival.
* Step-by-step advice on crate and toilet training.
* Solutions for puppy challenges like biting and jumping up.
* Training videos demonstrating key techniques.
* Socialisation tips and confidence-building exercises.
* & Much much more!

✅ Practical Training & Guidance
Focused on key areas such as:
* Toilet training.
* Crate training.
* Managing puppy biting.
* Early socialisation.
* Foundation training skills (sit, recall, and more).

✅ Ongoing Support Between Sessions
Have your questions answered and receive expert advice to keep you on track.

Why Choose Our Course?
✔️ Perfect for new puppy parents—even before your puppy comes home.
✔️ Learn practical skills to manage the challenges of puppyhood.
✔️ Create a positive, force-free foundation for training.
✔️ Access expert resources anytime through our online portal.
✔️ Prepare for the next step: group classes to continue your puppy’s learning journey.

💷 All this for just £160!
🎁 Includes a free copy of Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy and EXCLUSIVE portal access.

How to Book
📅 For new puppy parents in South Sheffield and North Chesterfield, spaces are available to book now! Visit our website to learn more and book your Puppy Home School Course.

https://www.peopleanddogs.co.uk/puppy-foundations

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29/12/2024

🐾 Give Your Puppy the Best Start in Life! 🐾

Did you know the first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are crucial for shaping their future behaviour and confidence? Attending a puppy training class during this vital socialisation period can make all the difference. Here’s why:

🐾 Build Confidence:
Puppy classes introduce your pup to new people, dogs, and environments in a safe, controlled way. This helps them grow into confident, well-rounded dogs who are comfortable in the world around them.

🐾 Prevent Problem Behaviours:
Early training sets your puppy up for success, teaching essential life skills like recall, loose lead walking, and polite greetings. Starting young makes training easier and reduces the chance of unwanted behaviours developing.

🐾 Boost Social Skills:
Your puppy will learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs, improving their communication skills and helping them avoid fear or reactivity later in life.

🐾 Strengthen Your Bond:
Training together strengthens the bond between you and your puppy, creating trust and understanding. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly and work as a team.

🐾 Expert Guidance:
With professional support, you’ll receive personalised advice and troubleshooting to tackle challenges unique to your puppy.

Our force-free, fun, and supportive puppy classes are designed to set you and your furry friend up for a lifetime of success. Places fill quickly, so don’t miss out!

👉 Book your puppy’s place today on our website: https://peopleanddogs.co.uk/upcoming-classes

Your puppy deserves the best start – let’s make it happen together! 🐾

25/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from People and Dogs! ✨🎄

To all our wonderful students—past, present, and future:

As we wrap up another amazing year, we want to take a moment to thank each of you for being part of the People and Dogs family. Your dedication to your dogs, your patience, and your commitment to kind, force-free training truly inspires us every day.

Whether you’ve joined us for puppy classes, 1 to 1 training or attended our workshops, it’s been a privilege to see your progress and the beautiful bonds you’ve built with your dogs.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and wagging tails. May your New Year be full of exciting adventures, new skills, and lots of cuddles with your four-legged friends.

Here’s to 2025—another year of training, learning, and building trust with our furry companions.

With love and gratitude,
Jenny & the People and Dogs Team 🐾

P.S. Got a festive dog photo to share? Pop it in the comments below—we’d love to see them! 🎅🐶

23/12/2024

🐾 Give Your Puppy the Best Start in Life! 🐾

Did you know the first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are crucial for shaping their future behaviour and confidence? Attending a puppy training class during this vital socialisation period can make all the difference. Here’s why:

🐾 Build Confidence:
Puppy classes introduce your pup to new people, dogs, and environments in a safe, controlled way. This helps them grow into confident, well-rounded dogs who are comfortable in the world around them.

🐾 Prevent Problem Behaviours:
Early training sets your puppy up for success, teaching essential life skills like recall, loose lead walking, and polite greetings. Starting young makes training easier and reduces the chance of unwanted behaviours developing.

🐾 Boost Social Skills:
Your puppy will learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs, improving their communication skills and helping them avoid fear or reactivity later in life.

🐾 Strengthen Your Bond:
Training together strengthens the bond between you and your puppy, creating trust and understanding. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly and work as a team.

🐾 Expert Guidance:
With professional support, you’ll receive personalised advice and troubleshooting to tackle challenges unique to your puppy.

Our force-free, fun, and supportive puppy classes are designed to set you and your furry friend up for a lifetime of success. Places fill quickly, so don’t miss out!

👉 Book your puppy’s place today on our website:
💻https://peopleanddogs.co.uk/upcoming-classes

Your puppy deserves the best start – let’s make it happen together! 🐾

20/12/2024

Oh yes! We see this a lot . People think that “socialisation” means meeting and playing with every dog a puppy sees.
It’s not!!

If you let your puppy interact with every dog they meet it will develop into a frustrated greeter and become lead reactive !

Teach your puppy to ignore some dogs and interact with selected ones. The 1 in 3 or 1 in 5 guideline is good advice.

Socialisation is NOT about playing with every dog they see