Time for Dogs

10/09/2024

29/08/2024

I’ve spoken to many of you with dogs not only chewing but also ingesting their bed.

This girl was at the more severe end of the spectrum in terms of eating (actually eating) her bed and the humans won’t mind me saying how hard they were finding things.

Fast forward and I’ve being working with her owner for a few months (the review was from a while back) and alongside increased engagement, reduced anxiety and a much stronger bond, here we have a girl on her bed with a blanket. Amazingly, she wasn’t asleep all the time. She was also just relaxing which really is an achievement 🙌❤️

11/08/2024

A 3rd Birthday post 🎂

There are lots of new people here so I thought I’d use Ember’s Birthday as an excuse to tell you all about her.

She is my 8th spaniel. I met her breeder while they were attending puppy classes I was teaching. She was worried about one of the puppies in the litter as the new home seemed to be struggling the her.

This seemed to be happening for a reason as I’d had a sad experience with another of my dogs and felt that I could help this little puppy.

‘The puppy won’t settle.’ - the words from the owners - and I swear no truer word had been spoken, she has struggled with settling. However, just after her 1st birthday she went lame on one leg, after a trip to the vets we discovered she had luxating patella which explains the hyperarousal (dogs are weird).

First op was done in Jan 23 and the 2nd leg Feb 24. It’s been a journey of frustration, anxiety and pain. It’s been a whirl wind.

She has taught me so much. Particularly about the connection between pain and behaviour.

The plan this year is to take her out on her first shoot now we have dealt with the pain 🤞🤞

29/07/2024

Would you like 30 free dog training tips?

It would be silly not to have a nosey… they are ready to screen shot.

All I ask is that you give me a follow and drop a ❤️ in the comments.

01/07/2024

I’ve been thinking about how to write this post, part of me wanted to skirt over the situation and hope no one would ask questions but obviously that’s not me, I believe in being whole heartedly honest.

My friend was Quinn’s second home, the situation arose without warning and at speed, he collected her impulsively with much persuasion, with the caveat she could go back to the original owner. She has gone back. It was a lovely week to spend with a super little puppy, however, that is all it was.

The original owner is responsible, had had his name down on a waiting list for over a year and being a trialing man, is fully aware, capable and invested in this puppy. The reasons for decisions made by either him or my friend are of no concern to you or me. The puppy is safe, loved and will remain in the home most suited to her.

Let’s use this as a reminder that things are never black and white, life happens and love is the best way of responding to people.

26/06/2024

Play with your puppies.

Before you get all into ‘socialisation’ there needs to be a bond and some trust otherwise they have no support during these mildly stressful times.

Play is an amazing way to build self esteem, confidence, bonds and use up some of that destructive energy.

These toys are amazing and is the only company I have a referral code for, because I consistently use them and they last ages. Remember not to leave them unattended with the toys as they aren’t designed for independent play.

Also, last thing, get two of the same if you can.
The code is TIMEFORDOGS and gets you 10% off

23/06/2024

There’s a new kid on the block 🥰❤️

Meet Quinn.

She’s a 10.5 week old English Springer and I am so excited to be able to share her puppyhood with you 🥰

She isn’t mine, she belongs to a close friend, she’s essentially a niece.

While she’s a tiny baby puppy she will be with me most days so get ready for lots of puppy tips.

Tag any friends with puppies! Or anyone with a big puppy soft spot because she is so so sweet.

21/05/2024

There’s a lot of pressure on owners to have well behaved dogs and this can be passed down onto the dog.

Generally people become increasingly frustrated and embarrassed that their dog won’t listen to them, they become stricter and the demands pile up.

Some dogs respond to this by disengaging, becoming more hyperactive and less ‘obedient’. If you think I can help please do book a call - I hate this request but it means that I can attempt to organise myself and the children so I can listen to you.

11/02/2024

Have you tried training gently?

I’ve spent my Sunday afternoon learning more about Animal Centred Education 👌

The nervous system is an incredible thing and it impacts our training and dogs journey so deeply.

When dogs are tense they can’t feel they pressure they are using when taking treats or jumping up for example.

So instead of spending time teaching gentle it’s worth habituating them the the environment, checking for discomfort and taking the pressure right off.

17/01/2024

If there isn’t a study yet, someone please step up.

🐾 🐶

22/12/2023

They’ll pick things up far quicker in little everyday moment than if you push the to the point of tiredness and frustration.

18/12/2023

I find I’m more likely to want total obedience when i’m already stressed from something totally irrelevant.

Or if I need to do a reel, anyone else? 🤣

The problem is, dogs will vibe all of this, and it leads to pressure. Then everything unravels.

Regulation is so important when living with and training dogs, remember you can’t train and behaviour when you need it.

13/12/2023

Never been one for convention…

But seriously. I have no encountered one argument which changes my mind on this.

If you’re using all your time and energy worrying about this, we can find a different way.

Yes, they may need to be crated for numerous obscure reasons, and we can deal with that then. We can take it slowly when they’re more developmentally capable of dealing with it, right now, if it’s a battle, you can try something different.

07/12/2023

It’s chaotic evening after a damp winters day. This is the best I can do for the algorithm.

01/12/2023

I always think if you’re going to follow someone it’s good to get to know them a little first.

I’ve tried to condense my life into a mini autobiography so you can see the journey that’s made me who I am so far.

It’s a lot longer than I wanted it to be but I wanted you to have a good insight and clearly fitting 34 years into a paragraph isn’t possible!

22/11/2023

This is such a common concern and it’s a legitimate question.

Think about is like this, they are already picking things up, it’s in their DNA. Lean into it, get the behaviour on cue, this usually has the effect of stopping it unless you ask for it.

…and if it doesn’t, we’ll at least you’ve done you’re best to prevent guarding.

12/11/2023

You’re not going crazy, your teenage dog is responding to other people more reliably.

They’re also like to be taking bigger risks and be distracted by other dogs more easily, making training them harder. They feel conflicted more often and the more pressure we pile on them the worse things become.

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/may/13/dogs-endure-emotional-difficulties-puberty-like-humans-says-study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7280042/

05/11/2023

Now why am I not surprised 🤣

Here’s the study:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037663572200170X

02/11/2023

Christmas is drought with challenges for our dogs.

I’ve written a short course which will consist of 4 live zooms with a Q and A plus group FB support for just £33.

There’s an option to upgrade to private support over the Christmas period.

We will look at settling, jumping up, stealing, visitors and dog dog introductions.

Link is in Bio, 1st one on linktree.

31/10/2023

Honestly, training is out the window.
Godspeed.
Give them space.

28/10/2023

It sounds obvious right?

It’s so simple but not everyone realises how important it is to have a decent pair of shoes on.

Trainers are so popular now and a lot lack grip - speaking from sliding experience.

Following your dog around or being pulled around reaches your dog their strength, it teaches them they can dog what they want and you’ll follow blindly, it also increases arousal - anxiety and excitement.

Being confident you won’t slip increases you’re overall confidence, therefore, your communication and patience with your dog improves.

22/10/2023

Thank you ❤️

15/10/2023

Our bodies are constantly seeking balance, using intricate systems to keep everything in check, like a thermostat but for everything.

Dogs are no different.

If their body is out of balance this can lead to problem behaviours, including increased frustration around other dogs, food or any valued resource they are unable to access.

Some dogs have narrow margins and we need to be more proactive in meeting these biological needs, others can manage being slightly out of kilter without batting an eyelid.

When training these easily frustrated dogs it’s important to get the basics ticked off before engaging in a complex training plan.

02/10/2023

Genetics - we need to work with them if we are going to live together in harmony.

Hunting is a spaniels sole purpose and the benefits of scent work in all breeds has been proven time and time again.

I’ll show you how to use it to your benefit throughout this week.

19/09/2023

Stop bribing.

Once an animal loses trust in you it’s hard to recover.

Bribing may also lead to them rejecting certain treats through fear of being deceived.

Commonly used in error when trying to:
- swap an object
- get in the car
- put the lead/harness on
- Groom

Find out how to train the right way, book a free consultation - link in bio.

17/09/2023

I’ve moved to solely training on a one to one basis, either in person or online, because the results are far superior.

The relationships between the dog and their handlers are less fraught as frustration is lowered and connection fostered.

To book a free consultation the link is in my bio, or you can pm me.

10/09/2023

If they don’t want to interact with you it doesn’t make you less of a person.

It doesn’t make your dog rude.

We need to remember they are animals first and foremost. They will interact when they’re ready, giving them space is the safest, kindest option.

The relationship will be more genuine and you will feel a greater joy if you just wait.

If we feel awkward because our dog is barking or not interacting with another dog or person, that is our problem, not theirs.

07/09/2023

I’ve remembered to post the other throwback I found when we found when we were staying with my mum over the summer holidays!

Our lovely little Westie called Teddy ❤️

04/09/2023

Aside from my love of spaniels and all things gundog I have also given a large amount of myself to Control Unleashed, I have been mentored and certified by the world renown training Leslie McDevitt.

Control Unleashed, based on scientific principles, is a training program which has been fantastically thought through, each exercise can be adapted and linked into another. It works by increasing connection and communication with you and your dog.

It's a paradigm shift and if you are struggling with your dog I cannot recommend it more.

29/08/2023

Happy Seventh Birthday to the boy who catapulted me into a completely different life.

So full of beans, willing to try pretty much anything (no matter what I think) and talk to anyone along the way.

I am excited for our next adventures together ❤️🎂