Smart Mutts Dog Training

12/09/2024

Our summer Interclass Challenge results are out!

Donald and Bruce won a spot prize for there achievements over the summer. They were away for most of the summer so took part in the challenges remotely. It was fab to see them enjoying new places and public transport.

Well done Team Donald and Bruce

11/09/2024

Our summer Interclass Challenge results are out!

Nala won a spot prize for her achievements at home, successfully completing several challenges. Nala is coming up a year old, so some of these challenges were hard!

Well done Team Nala

10/09/2024

NEW INTAKE Monday 30th September at 7pm.
*ONE SPACE LEFT*

Also booking courses into October

Would you like to know how to teach your pup to be calm in different situations?

To not jump all over strangers?

To ignore strange dogs and to come back when called?

Do you wonder why your 4 -5 month old pup ignores you outside the home?

Would you like some alternative things to do with your dog away from park walking?

I can help!

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

An auto reply will give you initial information including course fees and venue. I will come back to you very quickly!

Video at Wick Street Festival

10/09/2024

Our summer Interclass Challenge results are out!

Bandit won a spot prize for continuing to do the challenges, despite some confidence issues. Bandit comes across as a big, super confident goofball. Despite his huge size, he isn't as confident as you think, and he struggles. His worst thing is walking on different surfaces. Confidence is a funny thing, we have good days and bad days. Bandit has empathetic humans, who encourage.him enough and back off before he loses his confidence. Bandit managed to go for a short wander in the Arndale Centre. This is a huge achievement.

Nice work Team Bandit.

09/09/2024

Our summer Interclass Challenge results are out!

Alana won a spot prize for attending lots of shows this summer, she won quite a lot of rosettes. Her humans have been incredibly dedicated to working with Alana and the results are just astounding.

Well done Team Alana.

08/09/2024

Our summer Interclass Challenge results are out!

Sophia, with the lovely puppy Martha won a spot prize for their achievements this summer.

Well done Team Martha

03/09/2024

I am back from a very lovely week off. I did lots of things both with and without the dogs, and now I'm refreshed and ready for the last few months of the year.

I have available INTRO LEVEL courses, a limited number of training 121s and some spaces in regular classes for those who have already done a course with myself or a colleague.

Come and join us now and you'll be ready for all the Christmas fun!

Lyn is contactable by WhatsApp or text on 07923289956.

Yes, I did take 4 dogs to the Wick Street Festival and yes, they do like ELO!!

15/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include taking your dog to novel places

Theo, (from Thursdays 7.45pm class) has been to Hilliers for a wander round. Theo came to me in 2020 as a very scared lockdown puppy. He is so confident now, although care still needs to be taken that he isn't put into a situation which causes him to worry. He is a credit to his humans hard work and dedication. Well done team Theo.

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

14/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include taking your dog to novel places

Spanish Jack (from Thursdays 6.50pm class) has been for an explore in the Eastbourne Arndale Centre. It's taken time for Jack to settle into English life and build his confidence. He looks right at home going shopping. Nice work team Jack.

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

13/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include taking your dog on public transport.

Biscoff (from Thursdays 6pm class) has been on an epic holiday, in 2 different locations. During her holiday she achieved so many things, first time off the lead, beach visit, play in the sea ... Here she is enjoying a boat trip. Nice work team Biscoff

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

12/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include taking part in fun dog shows.

Alana (from Wednesdays 7pm class) has been to several shows now, and has a lovely collection of rosettes. This photo show her Canine Concern CIO fun dog show winnings. Nice work team Alana 👏👏

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

11/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include novel tasks.

Pixie (from Wednesdays 6pm class) is completing the challenge of jumping 3 novel items. Pixie originally came for a 6 week course about 5½ years ago, and loves classes so much she never left!

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

10/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include novel tasks.

Rolo (from Tuesdays 7pm class) is jumping into an item smaller than he is. He is showing some lovely backend awareness and willingness to work with his junior handler Jamie.

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

09/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include experiencing novel environments.

Fletch (from Tuesdays 5pm class) is showing some lovely control in a new environment. Fletch has come a long way since joining our Intro Level course, and is a credit to his human.

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

08/08/2024

All our classes are busy this summer completing challenges to see who wins the title of best class! Challenges include novel environments and skills using every day objects.

Mabel (from Mondays 5pm class) is showing a perfect send round using the rubbish bin.

I have group training spaces in September and 121 training slots available now.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

07/08/2024

**SEPTEMBER COURSES**

Update 13/8 spaces filling fast!

TUESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER.
10.30am. Confident in the Countryside, held Hailsham, outside on private farmland.

This course works on basic skills in the real world. Over the 4 weeks we will look at focus around livestock, recalls and loose lead walking in fields and woodland, and more

Maximum 4 dogs on this course.

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TUESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
6pm, Intro Level course, held at our hall on Kingsmere. This 6 week course is suitable for puppies up to about 5 months on the start date

Maximum of 5 dogs on this course

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MONDAY 16th SEPTEMBER
6pm, intro Level course, held at our hall on Kingsmere. This 6 week course is suitable for juveniles from about 4½ months of age on the start date.

Maximum of 5 dogs on this course.

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I have a few spaces across the board in my Mainstream classes. If you have done a course with myself or another trainer, and would like to join us for on going classes and socials, please get in touch.

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I have a few 121 training slots available

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

02/08/2024

Is your dog CONFIDENT IN THE COUNTYSIDE?

Lyn is contactable on 07923289956

Would you like your new pup to experience novel environments, sights, sounds and smells, without getting fearful?

Learn how to recognize when your dog is struggling.

Teach a good recall and loose lead walking in this environment.

Working around ponies, donkeys, goats, chickens and small tractors and using fields and woodland we will work on the basics of a happy confident dog.

This course is open to all sociable dogs, of any age.

Running every Tuesday morning at 10.30, this 4 week course starts Tuesday 3rd September, and is limited to ONLY 4 DOGS.

CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG??

I am pleased to offer 2 one off sessions.

Tuesday 13th August at 10.30am recalls and focus

Tuesday 20th August at 10.30am loose lead walking and focus

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

Photo of my dogs, by our lake.

25/07/2024

We had a fab fun class working on simple tricks, engagement and enrichment.

We proved that no dog is too young, too old, too small or too quirky to use their brain and problem solve.

20/07/2024

Why do we use settle mats in class?

Why do we teach our dogs to relax?

Have you ever been caught out by circumstances? Gone to the vets? Wanted a quiet drink/lunch in a pub?

I had to take my van to Eastbourne Tyre Company Ltd yesterday, to get a minor fault dealt with. I knew we were going to be there an hour, if not a little longer ....

The younger dogs had a swimming appointment after the garage visit, leaving at home in this instance was not going to work.

They all know to lie quietly in a mat. Josie at one point decided she wanted to lie flat out on the cool floor, that's ok by me. They all settled nicely, although the younger 3 did a more watchful settle.

Education is an on going thing, teaching an off switch WITHOUT your dog staring at you/begging for food is an invaluable skill. You never know when you'll need it.

19/07/2024

It was Jacks turn to swim today. He resource guards the pool, and gets incredibly stressed if he has to take turns with one of the others.

He enjoys getting out of the pool, just to jump back in again!

Just a few minutes swimming is equal to an hours walking.

Too much time in the water can lead to water intoxication, which can be fatal, so please exercise caution when allowing your dog to swim.

Jack is a full whippet.

Whippets love water!

17/07/2024

NEW EQUIPMENT ALERT!

I've splurged, and bought us all a new toy!

This is a hoopers chute (a tunnel/hoop). I love the colours! It's big enough to encourage the most skeptical of dogs, suitable for puppies and veterans, pet dogs and those doing agility.

It will feature in puppy classes, as well as obstacles based classes, optimism exercises and just for lots of fun for dogs of all ages.

Big THANK YOU to HOOPERS EQUIPMENT https://www.facebook.com/hoopersequipment for their help and super speedy delivery.

For information about classes and summer specials please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

16/07/2024

**A. SUMMER SPECIAL**
JUNIOR HANDLER COURSE - 2 more spaces available. Aimed at juniors from about 7 years old and work on appropriate dog/child interaction.

This course runs for 4 weeks, starting Tuesday 30th July, and the class is at 6pm at the Conqueror Hall Kingsmere.

I'll be covering sits, downs, recalls, loose lead walking, and looking at how best for your child to safely deliver treats to your dog.

There'll be lots of fun too, including obstacles and nose work. Each child will complete the course with a rosette.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

15/07/2024

I'm delighted to tell you that Yogi has, today, passed his Kennel Club Good Citizens bronze test.

That means now that ALL 7 OF MY DOGS all have a Good Citizens award of one level or another. (3 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze)

While I don't offer GC courses and testing, I do offer my own in house training awards, and can help you with the skills needed to complete any of the 3 levels.

Covid and reactivity issues put me a bit behind with getting my own dogs assessed. Their confidence and bond with me is essential, and not pushing them out of their comfort zone paramount.

Enrichment skills and working with me makes for a confident dog happy to offer to perform tasks for me.

Lyn is contactable on 07923289956

Yogi passed his Bronze Good Citizens test this morning!

It's been a while coming, he has had the skills for Bronze and Silver for sometime now, but not the confidence.

I'm often told small dogs can't work, small dogs always bark, small dogs can't learn ........

Small dogs can, they are the same on the inside as big dogs!

Well done Yogi. Thank you to Pet Potential for giving us what we needed to work on his confidence, and thank you as well to Linda Morley https://www.facebook.com/Pawslindamorley for assessing us.

14/07/2024

SUPER SUNNY SUMMER FUN!

While our class teams are busy fulfilling challenges and scoring points, I have spaces for various fun activities for new teams.

Would you like to try your paw at:
SCENTWORK (Sunday 28th July) 1 SPACE
OBSTACLES (Sunday 4th August) FULL
TRICKS (Sunday 11th August) FULL

SCENTWORK is suitable for everyone who has never done scentwork, or who has done it once or twice in class. The target scent is catnip.

OBSTACLES is suitable for all dogs, from puppies to agility hopefuls. Held indoors, we will work on your dogs confidence and problem-solving skills. All equipment is puppy friendly.

TRICKS is suitable for all dogs who would like to learn a new trick or 2. What tricks I pick will depend on who joins the class, and the dogs age and training level. It will be fun!

I have a few 121 training spaces available during August and September.

The JUNIOR HANDLER course starting Tuesday 30th July has one space left!

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp on 07923289956

Photo is Donald and Bruce completing their public transport challenge.

11/07/2024

All our mainstream classes are trying to complete challenges this summer - challenges mean points, and points mean PRIZES!

One challenge is to complete a journey on public transport.

Look at our lovely juvenile cavapoo Martha absolutely acing it!

I have spaces in the new puppy class starting this Monday.

I have taster spaces in my mainstream classes for teams who have completed a course elsewhere.

For more information please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

11/07/2024

I have a few 121 slots available over the summer.

These are training sessions, so if you need to talk about puppy issues, walking issues, or work on some basic skills, I can help. I can also help with pre competition skills, and Good Citizens test skills.

Please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

09/07/2024

**SUPER SUMMER SUNDAY SPECIALS**

Three one off sessions, come and have a go at something different with your dog.

These one hour sessions include tea/coffee on arrival

EARLY BOOKING ADVISED.

SUNDAY 28th JULY 10.30am
*SCENTWORK*. 1 space left
Have you ever wondered how we train our operational search dogs? This search class is suitable for all pet dogs, from pugs to bull breeds. We will show you some simple skills so you can go away and tech your dog to be a super sniffer.

SUNDAY 4th AUGUST 10.30am
*FUN OBSTACLES*. FULL
Based on pre agility skills and equipment as well as canine parkour, we will set up some fun obstacles for your dog to go over, under, through and on. This is suitable for all pet dogs.

SUNDAY 11th AUGUST 10.30am
*TRICK CLASS*. FULL
Would you like to teach a new trick, but are stuck on paw/high five? I'll teach you the basics of a trick or 2, so you can stun friends and family or wow in the show ring.

For more information and to book please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956.

09/07/2024

**SUMMER SPECIALS**

Here is the first of our super summer specials.

Starting Tuesday 30th July at 6pm, I will be running a 4 week JUNIOR HANDLER course.

This is open to young people from about the age of 7 to teenagers. A parent or guardian MUST be in class and able to help where necessary.

We will be covering sits, downs, loose lead walking, AND, I'll be making sure there's lots of fun, both for dog and human. Over the 4 weeks we'll have obstacles, scentwork and maybe even a cheeky fun competition. Everyone will go home with a rosette at the end.

Spaces are limited, for more information and to book, please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

08/07/2024

**WHAT'S ON AT SMART MUTTS**

Normal lessons take a bit of a back seat for the summer, but we're still busy! Regular classes are working as teams to earn as many points as possible for our annual Interclass Challenge. This is the first time we've been able to run this since Covid, and it's so much fun.

We have a summer of activities, including TD Rally, Scentwork, socialisation walks, and more. Dates will be posted soon.

I have some 121 spaces, and while classes are not so busy, taster sessions are available too (not available for puppies).

Puppy classes (Intro Level courses) and puppy socials are still running. Our socials work on environmental socialisation skills, working as a team with your pup as well as optimism games.

For more information please drop me a WhatsApp or text on 07923289956

Photo from last week's socialisation walk. The phone break was to take photos for the class challenge!

03/07/2024

Dog of the Month for July went to our lovely Fletch with his human Amanda Bickley .

Fletch is still a baby, and I remember him in his first few puppy classes, when he had to sit outside and have some 121 help from assistant trainer David

I didn't think they'd stay on after puppy classes, but I didn't allow for this teams determination!

Wow, is all I can say!

From being on the edge of classes to being a valued member of the Smart Mutts family in a few short months.

Fletch is a credit to his family.

Well done team Fletch