Bespoke Dog Training & Walking

18/12/2023

This beautiful boy still needs a second chance. He's going to be spending his second Christmas in kennels 😞

18/12/2023

04/12/2023

There must be someone out there who can give this beautiful boy a home? He's an absolute sweetheart and just needs a home with someone who has Staffy/Bull breed experience 💙

He's been living in kennels in Worksop and is spending his 2nd Christmas in kennels this year 😞

☃️🎅🎄FESTIVE APPEAL. BRUNO STILL WAITING.....Christmas is coming and this handsome lad is still homeless. Eighteen months in waiting and a second Christmas in kennels. Bruno is playful and a character and looking for comforts. He loves toys. Possibly not for the faint of heart but definitely for the bull breed lovers hearts.❤️ Always, always overlooked. Bruno has so much to give. Calls are welcome everyday.

☃️🎅🎄Bruno's profile page https://www.goodlifedogrescue.co.uk/dog-7
www.goodlifedogrescue.co.uk SUPPORT AND SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS FOR OUR "LONELY HEARTS CLUB"☃️🎅🎄

02/12/2023

WHAT’S IN A NAME ?
Changing a rescued dogs name can be a good thing.

If a dog has come from an unpleasant or abusive background, or even an unknown background, they may associate their name with negative experiences.

A previous owner may have shouted their name just before doing something unpleasant to them.

Changing a dog’s name can be a fresh, new beginning and can provide an opportunity to rebuild broken trust and build new bonds.

There may be concern that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or may cause some form of emotional distress, but dogs really don’t see their names in the same way that we do.

Dogs really don’t care what we call them, as long as that name is associated with positive experiences it will be a good name.

A dog’s name is more important to us than it is to a dog. A name is really just a cue to get your dog’s attention so they respond.

The way a new name is introduced and taught is important. Care should be taken not to attach any negative associations with the new name.

The new name should always be paired with something positive whenever your dog hears the sound. Call the new name and every time your dog reacts, responds or looks at you, reward this with a treat, lots of praise, a game or a toy.

Keep repeating this and dogs will quickly begin to associate their new name with something good about to happen and will start responding to the new sound in a positive way.

“It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.” - W.C. Fields. This quote sums up the importance of pairing a name with something positive so that it will always be what a dog wants to answer to.

A previous name may always be linked to a traumatic past, but a new name can be the beginning of a happy ever after and forever home.

02/12/2023

Ethical dog training focuses on understanding and kindness towards dogs. It's about respecting their feelings and intelligence, using positive methods like rewards for good behaviour instead of punishment for bad. This approach builds trust and a loving bond between the dog and trainer. Empathy is key; it's about seeing things from the dog's perspective and avoiding harsh methods that can scare or hurt them. Ethical training is about patience, consistency, and really caring for the dog's overall well-being, both physically and emotionally. It's a humane way to help dogs learn and thrive in a loving environment.

25/11/2023

🐶🐾❤️

23/11/2023

15/11/2023

🍃🐾🍂

14/11/2023

You can now apply for a certificate of exemption if you own an XL Bully by following the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog?fbclid=IwAR3w5ckpJU-5gShK4REnZdg90LXaxWHLxgDCd8I_dC0SrXoEBjYXTF9kJ9E

Use this service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.

13/11/2023

In dog training, there are three commonly used methods: teaching through understanding, positive reinforcement, and kindness; discouraging unwanted behaviours through punishment; and an approach labelled 'balanced' that combines elements of both positive reinforcement and punishment.

However, it is crucial to recognise that the ethical and welfare concerns associated with aversive techniques make the skilful application of positive reinforcement the most effective and compassionate approach.

When trainers become highly skilled in the use of positive reinforcement, they can minimise or eliminate the need for punishment in their training methods. By creating a training environment based on trust, cooperation, and clear communication, trainers can shape and reinforce desired behaviours without relying on aversive measures. The strategic use of rewards, such as treats, praise, and play, establishes positive associations and motivates dogs to willingly repeat these behaviours.

Moreover, positive reinforcement promotes a positive emotional state in dogs, reducing stress, anxiety, and fear during training. By focusing on rewards rather than punishment, trainers create an enjoyable and engaging learning experience, increasing the dog's receptiveness to learning and their motivation to participate actively.

By understanding the dog's individual needs and motivations, skilled trainers can address underlying causes of unwanted behaviours and promote alternative, more desirable behaviours without resorting to punishment. This approach builds a strong bond, enhances cooperation, and fosters a harmonious training relationship between the dog and the trainer.

It is important to note that all aversive approaches, including punishment-based techniques, carry inherent welfare and ethical concerns. The use of punishment can induce fear, anxiety, and distress in dogs, potentially compromising their overall well-being. By prioritising positive reinforcement and avoiding punitive measures, trainers demonstrate their commitment to promoting the welfare and ethical treatment of dogs.

By emphasising the skilful application of positive reinforcement, trainers can achieve effective results while maintaining a compassionate and respectful approach to training. This approach creates a positive and enriching training experience that prioritises the well-being and happiness of the dog, while fostering a strong bond and cooperative partnership between the dog and the trainer.

Skilled positive dog trainers go beyond blindly training a dog and question the necessity of the training itself for every dog they help. They are educated in recognising signs of pain, stress, anxiety, and environmental triggers, understanding that it would be unfair to solely focus on changing a dog's responses without addressing their underlying needs.

Unfortunately, dog trainers with less education and skill are more likely to rely on forceful methods and be less capable of recognising and addressing the dog's needs in an ethical manner.

NICE exists to be a safe space for people who want to be excellent , ethical dog professionals, talk to us about joining today.

https://www.nicemembership.com/

13/11/2023

Unfortunately due to personal reasons and a change in circumstances, my walks/play & stay availability is going to reduce over the next few weeks. I'm not going to stop my current walks that are already booked in so don't worry. But if you haven't already agreed a set slot with me each week then moving forward I won't be as flexible as I have been previously. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions about this. Thank you

12/11/2023

Lest we forget.

I was pulled from my field, from my work, from my play,
Ne'er again to see England, in lands far away,
Through death and destruction, through blood sweat and tears,
I carried my master, along with my peers,
So I ask you to remember a while,
Along with the soldiers, in smart rank and file,
Remember our beauty, the strength of our kind,
As we galloped through danger, without care to mind,
For we were the horses thrust into war,
And we gave up our lives for your peace evermore.

The War Horse, 1914 - 1918

11/11/2023

💜

10/11/2023

Few more pics from this week 🐾 including my girl Kali the Mali and my little lad Zeke 💚

08/11/2023

Lots of pics from this week, so far! 🐾🐕

05/11/2023

This👇

No dog needs corrections.

There is never a reason to correct a dog.

When corrections "work" they do so by scaring, startling or otherwise interrupting behavior. They do not teach the dog anything other than potentially to be afraid of us.

So what do we do instead? We as guardians need to do a better job at understanding the motivation behind why dogs do what they do and we need to do a much better job at reading body language, managing their environments and teaching them alternate behaviors when they do something we would prefer them not to.

All of these things are on US, not the dog.

04/11/2023

Some dogs might not have the same level of sociability as others, and that's perfectly acceptable.

Each dog has a unique personality, and much like people, they have their own preferences for social interaction. It's important to recognise and respect these differences.

A dog who seems more reserved or less inclined to engage with strangers isn't necessarily unfriendly or ill-tempered; they may simply prefer a more solitary environment or choose to interact primarily with their familiar companions.

When you encounter a dog whose interest in socialising isn't immediately evident, it's courteous to give them space.

Forcing interaction can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for them. By respecting their preference to keep to themselves, you demonstrate understanding and kindness towards their individual temperament.

Recognising and honouring each dog's personality not only contributes to their sense of security but also fosters a more respectful and trusting relationship between humans and dogs.

02/11/2023

This and beyond, look out for signs that your dog could be stressed so you can keep your pooch and other people happy and safe 💛

Lots more helpful info here 👉 https://bit.ly/3KBhsWK

Image description: Signs a dog could be stressed. Lowered body posture, tail tucked. Ears back, tail lowered, paw lifted. Yawning, leaning away. These are just some of the signs to look for when reading your dog's body language. Go to dogstrust.org.uk for more advice.

27/10/2023

25/10/2023

Prong collars are not ethical, kind or nice to put on dogs. There is absolutely nothing that can be taught using a prong collar that can't be taught using ethical dog training. Don't let anyone ever convince you that any dog ever needs a prong collar on. Dogs deserve our kindness and understanding, not people who want to stick metal spikes on their beautiful tender necks and throats.

22/10/2023

Just to let everyone know, our house and land has flooded so until our land dries up I can't offer our own fields for "Stay & Play". I can still offer dog walks in the countryside for anyone who would like me to do this but if you could give me a couple days to get my dogs, cats, horses and farm animals properly sorted first please.

Thank you

Carly x

17/10/2023

With firework season fast approaching, here are a few tips from Dogs Trust. 🎆 If your dog gets extremely nervous we suggest asking your vet for advice as they may be able to prescribe medication if they feel it will help. 🏥 Plug in diffusers and collars such as Adaptil and Pet Remedy are worth trying too.

If you have a young pup that you'd like to prepare for firework season, it's best to very slowly desensitise them to the loud bangs by playing them on your phone daily. Start off by playing firework sounds very quietly and gradually increase the volume over time, at a level your pet is comfortable with. For more tips feel free to send us a message.

Stay safe everyone! 🐾

16/10/2023

Adorable little Jack Russells Sammy and Ella 💙🩷

15/10/2023

Just a post to say thank you to all of my clients, friends and followers on here! I wasn't sure whether to get back into training after such a tough start to the year losing my mum. But I found a lovely job as Kennel Senior at a small rescue and made it my own - rehabilitating and rehoming so many beautiful dogs who would've otherwise not been given a second chance. It was actually whilst working here that it reignited my passion for training & behaviour and having met other fellow behaviourists and being able to deal with some very challenging cases where others had failed, it brought my confidence back too.

I honestly didn't expect to become this busy so quickly again and it's all thanks to those of you who regularly recommend me to your friends & family! I cannot thank you enough for your support this year. I still have many clients from Northampton who are now good friends too, even though I left Northampton 5 years ago! ☺️

I am fully booked in regards to 1-2-1 training until next year now which is absolutely amazing! But of course I still have my walking, dog sitting, stay & plays and classes but these are also booking up fast!

So thank you, to everyone for your support and encouragement. It means the world to me.

Carly 🐾

12/10/2023

A few pics from this week 🐶🧡

12/10/2023

Not an easy read but very interesting if you're a Mali geek like me ⬇️

Background The Belgian Malinois dog breed (MAL) is frequently used in law enforcement and military environments. Owners have reported seizures and unpredictable behavioral changes including dogs’ eyes “glazing over,” dogs’ lack of response to environmental stimuli, and loss of behavioral inh...

09/10/2023

This!👇🏽

Can we please stop expecting that EVERY dog wants to go to dog parks, daycares, patio parties and have birthday parties with other dogs! Nobody loves dogs more than me, but I’m here to tell you that dogs aren’t human children. They don’t want to do everything a human child does. Breed can matter when deciding what is fun for your best friend. Your Husky may have the energy to run, your Retriever may want to retrieve and your terrier may want to chase and grab. So yes, raising them with kindness is paramount, but paying attention to their needs is too. I said it.

This mentality that every dog has to be “social” with other people and dogs is keeping my shelter full, my days long and my heart broken, because I see the best dogs passed over, because they wouldn’t do well at a dog park or daycare. Not every dog needs to like your friends. I keep my dog in his room when people come over, because he isn’t comfortable around everyone, and I don’t want to set him up for failure. Love your dog enough to respect her boundaries.

Your dog doesn’t want to meet every dog. The reality show you watched about dog training and dog adoption is fake, I’ve worked in television, it’s edited to create a good story, not necessarily a real story. Let’s stop these narratives on dog ownership that are SOLD to us and based on making money. Dogs aren’t a business they are our best friends. Remember that.

Your dog can be perfectly safe and happy without overstimulating daycare or doggy birthday parties. Those things are fun for some dogs, but not for all. I want to take my dog everywhere, I want to give my dog the things I would want, but for the love of dogs in shelters everywhere, let’s ask dogs what do they REALLY want?

Dogs want more sniffs, waterlogged sticks, a quiet place to decompress, a space to stretch their legs and you to respect their body language and boundaries. They are talking to you…listen.