Four Paws Training Academy

Four Paws Training Academy Positive game based dog training to build both your confidence and your dogs. This was all pre-knowledge of Dog Training and being a Behaviourist!

Hello there, Im Maria Dent...
I know what it’s like to have an anxious rescue dog… or two! Previously we had an angel of a Black Labrador from eight weeks old, though this time we fell in love with an adolescent, nine-month-old, Chocolate Labrador, and knew he was the one! Apparently, he was very boisterous, needed the chop, and he would walk nicely with a facial harness – Sold! Can you see where

this is going? Tigger came to his forever home after being neutered, with issues with his eyes, ears, and tummy, fitted with a facial harness and either growling or lunging towards dogs or people! Does this sound familiar? We had advice coming from all different directions and it was very confusing. We went to different trainers, but that was to teach him how to sit and walk next to me! It got to the point that I was doing a lot of reading, courses and really enjoying working Tigger out! What did I learn? He was in pain! His previous diet had given him inflammatory bowel disease. His ears and eyes were uncomfortable and inflamed he needed medication. Eliminating many allergens from his diet certainly helped. Because he was in pain and uncomfortable, he was grumpy. Wouldn’t you be? Over a period of time, this had built up with being unhappy in his previous life, in the rescue, in a new life, with different people, and environments. He didn’t know what to do! He was uncomfortable with hash walking equipment. We hadn’t given him enough time to settle, decompress and get used to his new life. This doesn’t take minutes, hours, or days… it takes months. His hormones were everywhere! A ticking time bomb of a teenager, that had also been neutered much too early for him to cope with the consequences. He was overwalked at a period of time of growth. Not enough downtime and enrichment. Our relationship and bond needed building. Us both working each other out, observing each other’s body language, starting again with how we talked to each other, playing games instead of being yanked and pulled about into position and him knowing he was safe and there was unconditioned love. Many courses later, I started my Dog Walking business Four Paws and Trails in 2018, learning many lessons with challenging dogs along the way! Four Paws Training Academy was then formed, in 2020, when I qualified as a Trainer and Behaviourist. With the knowledge I gained from my experiences with Tigger, I help new guardians to give their puppies and dogs the best start they can have. To build a positive relationship and settle them into their new lives and give them the confidence and guidance to help them in the future. Now, Tigger lives life to the full! Most of the issues he had have gone or are working in progress and managed. He also has a sister whom we adopted a few years ago, a Border Terrier called Scooby. They both live a super life with their walking friends and they come to our training groups as stooge or demo dogs. We love a good old ramble through the countryside. Though not everything is dog related. I love mixed media textile art and creating it, a good rugby match, reading to calm the brain, and maybe a mud run or two throughout the year to get the adrenaline rush and covered in the good stuff! I love the path in life that Tigger gave me. One of which I feel at home with. I observe and learn, with each new dog I meet. They show us and I am there to listen and help.

🤔🐾Chronic barking at other dogs isn't a choice, it's a stress response.🐾🤔Have you wondered why your dog barks at other d...
01/01/2025

🤔🐾Chronic barking at other dogs isn't a choice, it's a stress response.🐾🤔

Have you wondered why your dog barks at other dogs on a walk? Or lunges, snarls, growls…

🤔 How do you feel when this happens?
Embarrassed? Annoyed? Confused?

🤔 What’s your initial reaction to this behaviour?
A sharp tug of the lead? Quick to apologise? Say they haven’t done that before? Tell them off?

🤔 This is them showing you a behaviour to say “I’m not happy with this situation!”

Please listen to your companion. This isn’t something that you can train. It’s understanding and observing their body language to be able to help them. You can do this by strengthening your connection, and trust with each other. Finding out the “WHY” first and strengthening your relationship is where you start!

This is where we can help you on Explore School. 💡

Follow the link to learn more: https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget (https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget)

✨🍾GOODBYE 2024 AND HELLO 2025🍾✨I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support in 2024. It has been a privilege t...
31/12/2024

✨🍾GOODBYE 2024 AND HELLO 2025🍾✨

I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support in 2024. It has been a privilege to be asked to guide you all to help your companions. Your dogs have been fabulous tutors and I have learn’t so much from them.

This year has been a year of changing the way I teach caregivers and their companions. I have been privileged to be guided by many new tutors with skills I am fascinated with. I continue to absorb what our companions are telling me and continue my learning into 2025.

May you all have a super 2025! I look forward to continue working with present and new caregivers in the new year.

✨🐾GOT TO LOVE A REVIEW 🐾✨Thank you!
31/12/2024

✨🐾GOT TO LOVE A REVIEW 🐾✨

Thank you!

🐾💡 MY DOGS HAVE FORGOTTEN THEIR PUPPY TRAINING! 💡🐾You've completed puppy training, and everything seems perfect. Your bo...
29/12/2024

🐾💡 MY DOGS HAVE FORGOTTEN THEIR PUPPY TRAINING! 💡🐾

You've completed puppy training, and everything seems perfect. Your bond is strong, recalls improve, lead walking is a work in progress, biting has subsided, toilet training is successful, and they sleep through the night. But suddenly, around 7-9 months old, everything changes! 😤

Out of nowhere, your dog dislikes their harness, seeks out every other dog, stops to sniff every blade of grass, bites the lead, and exhibits unwanted behaviours like hu***ng and destructive chewing. Your once-adorable puppy transforms into a little raptor! 🦖😱

This is when many owners reach out for help or resort to various internet solutions, often involving harsh methods—like figure-of-eight collars, slip leads, or even water pistols. These methods may provide temporary relief but can lead to fear and aggression.😔

💡So, what do we need to ask ourselves?

🐾 WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO MY DOG?
🐾 HOW CAN I HELP THEM?
🐾 WHAT STRATEGIES SHOULD I IMPLEMENT?

Your learning journey doesn't end after puppy class. I'm here to guide you through these challenging adolescent years.

💡 Explore School is designed for adolescent dogs. Is well as dogs that pull like freight trains and those who refuse to come back! 🚂

Follow the link to learn more: https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget (https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget)

💡🐩 STAY WITH ME! COME BACK! 🦮💡🐾✨ Is your furry friend more excited about saying hello to other dogs than returning to yo...
28/12/2024

💡🐩 STAY WITH ME! COME BACK! 🦮💡

🐾✨ Is your furry friend more excited about saying hello to other dogs than returning to you? It might be time to get some help and start to rethink your approach! 🐶💚

🦮🐩Dogs are social animals like us, and it’s perfectly natural for them to want to make new friends on their walks, on or off lead! But what if you could learn the skills to become a more interesting and rewarding choice for your dog!👍🏻

This is what Explore School is all about! 💡Incorporating fun activities during your walks!
💡Learn to keep things engaging.
💡Practice new cues, rewards and when they respond.
💡Strengthen your bond and relationship.
💡Understand what your dog needs to help them be more responsive out and about!
💡Practice what you’ve learnt out and about under the watchful eye of qualified trainers and behaviourist.

Remember, the goal is to be the ultimate adventure companion, not just a one foot in-front of the other!

By making small changes, knowing “Why” your dog do what they do and apply new skills, you’ll soon find that your dog is just as eager to come back and walk by your side. 🥳🐕

💡Explore School… for troublesome adolescent dogs, dogs that pull like a freight train and the won’t come back dogs!! Follow the 🔗 https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget

You both have been working on Relationships and Bond, and it's time to Strengthen, Grow and Explore, with Confidence and Focus. We concentrate on the following in Explore School: - Dog and human greeting - Walking with a loose lead - Staying close and coming - Back Settling Focus Making good choices...

26/12/2024

🏞️🌳 Out and About! 🌳🏞️

One of my favourite parts of our groups sessions, is the out and abouts! Why? Seeing everyone in a natural environment and putting what we’ve learnt into practice.

Most importantly we are on hand to help, give advice and see the improvements. We will always advise next steps continue your learning with your companions.

We do our and about sessions with all our groups and I also do them in my one to ones.
It’s important for me to know that everyone has the skills that’s needed to help their companions.

For more information on our next available group, please follow this link 🔗 https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget

✨🎁 Wishing you all a super dooper Christmas! 🎄🎅🏻
25/12/2024

✨🎁 Wishing you all a super dooper Christmas! 🎄🎅🏻

24/12/2024

Statistics released in 2022 by The Kennel Club showed that dogs are 53% more likely to be treated for eating human food that is poisonous to them, or ingesting ‘foreign bodies’, in December, compared to any other month of the year.

The statistics, collected by the dog welfare organisation’s insurance partner, Agria Pet Insurance, show that December has consistently been the highest month for intoxication claims since 2015, with the highest claim reaching over £1,600 following a dog eating a mince pie.

Every Christmas there are thousands of cases of dogs needing veterinary treatment after consuming chocolate and other unsuitable festive foods like mince pies, stollen, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake. Try and keep any food out of reach from your dog – this includes advent calendars, chocolate coins and edible tree decorations.

Remember:

⛔️CHOCOLATE⛔️ is poisonous to dogs so it’s vital to keep any away from your dog and make sure any visitors do the same – don’t forget decorations or gifts under the tree

⛔️CHRISTMAS DINNER⛔️ involves a large amount of dangerous foods for your dog, either through being toxic, too salty or too fatty. Be wary of feeding them traditional turkey, goose and chicken as bones can easily splinter, particularly when cooked, causing an obstruction and possibly even piercing your dog’s tummy

⛔️CHRISTMAS CAKE, MINCE PIES & CHRISTMAS PUDDING⛔️ all contain dried fruits such as raisins, currants or sultanas which are toxic to dogs

Other festive foods to avoid include: MACADAMIA NUTS, BLUE CHEESE, ALCOHOL and MOULDY FOOD.

If you think your dog may have eaten something that they shouldn’t or they have symptoms including sickness and diarrhoea, speak to your vet straight away.

📸 Photo - Please can I have some?? 🎄 Look at those eyes?? How can you say no? 🎄 It’s just a little bit, a one off! 🎄 A C...
24/12/2024

📸 Photo - Please can I have some??

🎄 Look at those eyes?? How can you say no?

🎄 It’s just a little bit, a one off!

🎄 A Christmas dinner won’t hurt them!

Actually if you dog isn’t used to different foods, apart from their usual diet, then it can be fatal!

Dogs don’t digest foods like we do and when things are to rich, allergenic, toxic they can make them very poorly, or uncomfortable.

How do you feel when you’ve eaten to much, get acid reflux, feel sick, be sick, have an irritated bowel or diarrhoea! Does this change how you feel? Cause your mood to change?
Well, it certainly will change your dogs behaviour if they don’t feel well.

How about, sticking to their normal diet and help them have a comfortable festive time.

Please do take a look at the following pictures to help you make good choices for your companions.

❓How do you feel when your dogs pulling you like a freight train? 🚂 🐾 Walking a dog can be challenging! Here are some fe...
23/12/2024

❓How do you feel when your dogs pulling you like a freight train? 🚂

🐾 Walking a dog can be challenging! Here are some feelings that caregivers say they feel:

🤔 Frustration: It can be difficult to enjoy our walks.
🤔 Concern: The lead slipping out of your hand. Being pulled over leading to injury.
🤔 Understanding: Dogs supposed to be restrained? They are naturally curious and energetic.
🤔 Embarrassed and Failure: Others look at you gone out!
🤔 Want to give up: Not wanting to walk them as you don’t enjoy the experience.
🤔 Want to try anything: You seek equipment that should stop them pulling, but it doesn’t!

All the above makes any caregiver feel dread, asking yourself why doesn’t my dog walk nicely?

Explore School is where we help you as a caregiver understand why pulling happens. We help you and your dog enjoy spending time together. Giving you the knowledge that makes sense!✨🐕

Give your dog the best start in 2025…. For more information please follow this link 🔗

https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget

🐾 New Furry Member! 🐾One thing I’ve noticed is that there are quite a few new puppies walking around, and many rescue ch...
22/12/2024

🐾 New Furry Member! 🐾

One thing I’ve noticed is that there are quite a few new puppies walking around, and many rescue charities are posting pictures of adoptions. This is an exciting time for families with a new companion in their homes.

Here are a few tips for settling your new companions into your homes…

🐾 Be prepared to change your plans! Dogs don’t adapt straight away to new environments! Everything is new to them - sounds, smells, sights, touches, and tastes. Give them time… days and months for this process.

🐾 Keep their world small! Start with one room and the garden. Let them acclimatise to one area for a few days, and then add another area. This will help reduce anxiety in the home.

🐾 Limit interactions to your immediate family. Please don’t invite everyone around to meet them straight away! Avoid taking them everywhere to immediately meet other dogs and people. Gradually invite people to meet your new companion over the course of weeks, not minutes!

🐾 There’s no rush to socialise your new companion! You are the most important person in their life, and it's your job to help them feel safe and loved.

🐾 Remember, socialisation is about helping your companion remain calm in the presence of others - humans, felines, and dogs. It’s not about them being bounced on or bouncing on others! Don’t set your dog up to fail, feel scared, hurt, or anxious! This part is crucial to get right and will be an important factor for the rest of their lives!

🐾 Don’t immediately change their food. Let them settle first! A dog can have an upset stomach due to anxiety, so don’t add to the problem.

🐾 Toileting indoors… 🤔
Give them time to adapt and learn where to toilet, and for you to recognise their signs!

🐾 Don’t immediately place items on their body that they aren’t used to! Do they really need a harness on yet, as they certainly don’t need to be walked? Place the harness near them, on their bed, to transfer scent, and introduce your dog to the equipment gradually.

🐾 They’re not eating! Don’t panic! Sometimes a dog’s anxiety can block their desire to eat. They will eventually eat, so give them time!

🐾 Let sleeping dogs lie! Allow them to sleep as much as they need to process what’s happening. Sleep is when a dog absorbs what they have learned.

🐾 Give them the love they need and crave. They have been taken away from everything they know. They are scared, anxious, and terrified, and this is a fine line before your new companion might show behaviours that they really don’t want to display.

🐾 If they show behaviours you don’t understand, ask yourself, “Why are they doing that?” Think about it before saying “No!” or doing anything else!

🐾 If you don’t like what they’re doing, ignore it and redirect them! Offer them something else to do. For example, if they wee indoors, it’s happened; ignore it, take them outside, stay with them, praise them when they do it outside, and then clean up the mess indoors!

🐾 Don’t rush — enjoy the time and process!

If in doubt, you know where to find me!

🎅🏻Dogs at family occasions 🥳Family and friends get togethers can be the best part of Christmas. Every year I have messag...
22/12/2024

🎅🏻Dogs at family occasions 🥳

Family and friends get togethers can be the best part of Christmas.

Every year I have messages or phone calls explaining that their dogs behaviour has changed and they don’t know what to do. Let’s take a few moments to prepare to help our dogs, before they get to the point of showing us they’re stressed. (Lip licking, chewing their feet, hiding, barking, growling, snarling, nipping, stop eating, stop listening, stop tolieting, or toliet in the house… etc)

Prepare a room that they are comfortable in for them to have time out. Place their bed in there, a few enrichment items that their used too, some music or pop the tv on.

If your dog gets excited when people enter the house, either pop them in a secure room or place them on a lead. Distract them whilst people settle in your home. Ask people to calmly greet them and keep contact to the bare minimum.

Don’t dress them in things they aren’t used to!
Keep them away from children they aren’t used to.

Watch your dogs body language! Look at their ears, tail, mouths. Are they trying to hide, be on their own, want comfort? Please don’t ignore these signs, your dog is communicating! Please be aware that your dogs behaviour will escalate if they are ignored. They have short fuses…

If your dogs show behaviours showing that they are uncomfortable, use that prepared room and let them decompress. Sit with them and take sometime out yourself. Let them rest and sleep!

If your dog was to get aggressive, let them rest for a few days. No walks, family occasions, or excited play etc. Use calming games and enrichment to help them decompress further.

If in doubt… Decompress!

✨2024… What a year! 💡I must say that my learning has evolved considerably this year after completing my Distinctive Dog ...
21/12/2024

✨2024… What a year! 💡

I must say that my learning has evolved considerably this year after completing my Distinctive Dog Training and ACE Module One. I’m no longer just "training". I want to empower caregivers with the knowledge of why their dogs behave the way they do.

The primary focus of all my observations is analysing the relationship between caregivers and their companions. It's about fostering calmness, enhancing connection, and building confidence on both sides.

Once this foundation is established, the training truly begins…

Let's embark on this journey together in 2025! 🐾❤️

💡Training in 2025💡

❓Do you enjoy walking your dog?
❓Are you embarrassed?
❓Are you feeling ignored?
❓Do they prefer other dogs and people to you?

Explore School is there to help you feel more confident, listened too, valued and proud of your dog. Let’s help you connect again and enjoy being with each other.

For more details follow the 🔗 https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget

17/12/2024

Your friend (and mine) they’re awesome! Save their number incase you have a little naughty doggy who eats a cheeky Christmas no no. Or anything that isn’t dog friendly!

https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/

🕵️ What’s Wrong with This Photo?💡This was Tigger’s first snow experience with us, just four months after we adopted him....
11/12/2024

🕵️ What’s Wrong with This Photo?💡

This was Tigger’s first snow experience with us, just four months after we adopted him. We had a wonderful time playing in the snow, creating cherished memories. However, looking at the photo now, I see something that I would never use again: the figure of eight lead recommended by the adoption place.

At the time, I believed the advice was right due to Tigger's size, he pulled on lead, and wasn’t too keen on other dogs or people. But instead it caused discomfort, confusion and anxiety! On top of that he was adapting to a new environment, home and life! We walked miles, went to different places and I wanted to “socialise” him (Which was not the correct way)! This lead to causing him more stress and he presented more undesirable behaviours.

Realising that the figure of eight was not the solution, I decided to remove it and focus on improving mine and Tigs relationship, comfort and well-being. I researched a lot… Concentrated on our communication, building a stronger bond. I investigated his tummy issues, allergies and changed his diet to alleviate his stomach issues.

Now, after eight years together, Tigs is a big part of our family. I know how he ticks and I’m kind to his quirks.

If you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour, please reach out. Let’s explore the underlying issues together. Positive reinforcement might take time, but it's vital for building a trusting relationship and ensuring your dog's happiness.

If you would like to learn non aversive, positive reinforcing techniques for lead walking, come along to our Explore School group! 🔗👇🏻
https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/explore-school-4?referral=service_list_widget

🎅🏻Festive Time🎄✨Christmas Club party time! 🥳 A yummy Christmas meal bullsheadcountesthorpe and some fun antics and prize...
09/12/2024

🎅🏻Festive Time🎄

✨Christmas Club party time! 🥳
A yummy Christmas meal bullsheadcountesthorpe and some fun antics and prizes afterwards. A super Sunday afternoon with fab people!

💡Dog Training without Dogs! 🦮Storm Darragh gave the Discovery School group an opportunity to grab a coffee, trouble shoo...
08/12/2024

💡Dog Training without Dogs! 🦮

Storm Darragh gave the Discovery School group an opportunity to grab a coffee, trouble shoot, and recap on the training games that we have already done.

Nice and cozy instead of wet and blown away!

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Videos

✨🦮Are you getting a new dog soon? 🐾✨ 👉🏻 We have one place left on the Discovery School that starts on Sunday 5th Jan at 11:15am. ❓Who will be the last lucky new caregivers to join us with their companion on our first 2025 Discovery School group. 💡Why choose Discovery School? To form a strong bond and relationship with your new dog. 🗺️ Begin your new journey with a positive and informative start, understanding what your dog is telling you and why they can’t do certain things. With this knowledge you will have a firm foundation to teach the first steps of training. Want to know more? https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/discovery-school-3?referral=service_list_widget Only five dogs per group, learning to socialise and be calm with each other. Indoor and outdoor facilities. Out and about sessions in the real world. All under the watchful eye of two qualified trainers and a behaviourist. All the training and equipment is non aversive. All dogs have a choice and will not be put into situations that they’re uncomfortable with. #DogsAreIndividuals #discoveryschool #achieveyourgoals #calmnessiskey #knowledgeiskey #gettoknowyourdog #puppytrainingclass #rescuedogtraining

🎄✨ Christmas Events✨🎁 😁 I’m excited to say we will be returning to these Christmas Light Switch On Events again this year.✨ 🐶 We will have all our Natural Treats, Enrichment Items and Christmas Gift Boxes on the stall. 🎁 🐕‍🦺 If you’re bringing your dog along, bring them to our Enrichment Taster! 🦴 🎄Plus, everyone that books on one of our New Year Groups (Starting on Sunday 5th Jan) will receive 10% off when booking at the event.👌🏻 🎄✨ Hope to see you there… #christmasevent #lightswitchon #dogtraininggoals #fourpawstrainingacademy #christmasshopping #christmasmarket

🏞️Mr F’s challenge🏞️ What’s new for Mr F today? A different environment and a ride in the van. ❓Why is this a big deal? It’s been a long time since he’s been in my van and especially with other dogs present.💡This is one of Mr F’s wind ups! His anxiety can hit the roof when in close proximity of other dogs. I’m glad to say he settled straight the way! 💡Then we went to a different park! Big time sensory overload. We started with some games in and out of the van to get him to focus, then off we went! ✋🏻BUT… as you can tell my walks are rather different. I wanted to keep his focus and engagement with me as this wasn’t our normally walk! This can be really had to do for an anxious dog! I kept the games the same to what he would normally do with me and as you can tell I still had the engagement. It was an absolute delight. ☺️Think about what you are doing with your companion! It’s not about putting g a lead on them and walking! It’s knowing how they think and what their limits are. Let us help you gain the knowledge that you need! 💡Discovery School and Explore School🗺️ Start Sun 5th Jan at Littlethorpe Scouts Building, Narborough, LE19 2HR. https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online

✨ Relationship✨ 💡Check ins, close lead walking, you dog staying near, dropping an item, and recall. These are all major behaviours what most care givers would like their dogs to do. 💡If you have a dog that doesn’t do any of the above, my question would be “Why?”🤔 A relationship is the bond in between caregiver and companion. Even though you are keeping them safe, feeding them and giving them a home, doesn’t mean there is a relationship. This is the part that helps your companion choose you and not the environment, other people, dogs, and in some case anything that moves. 🐿️🐕‍🦺🐦‍⬛🐇🐑🐄🐅 Let us help you with the relationship bit! 💡Discovery School and Explore School🗺️ Start Sun 5th Jan at Littlethorpe Scouts Building, Narborough, LE19 2HR. https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online

🤔 That’s a first! 💡 Has your companion done anything out the blue? Have you ever said they’ve not done that before? This morning, Tigs decided to rip up some cardboard. You may thinking… so what! This was a first for him. He doesn’t rip things up, not even his toys. He tends to carry them in his mouth, like any other gun dog, Labrador retriever would do. 🦮 So why has he decided to rip up this cardboard? Could he be copying Miss O? Could there be a smell or a taste to the cardboard that he likes? This would be what any person would say that observed this video. As you know I’m a dog behaviourist and this is really unusual behaviour for him. So I want to look into it a little bit more. It’s not necessarily what is happening in the moment. It’s more than likely what is happened previous to the behaviour. What is different for Tigs? -Theres more people are in the house. -We have a young home boarding dog at the moment. -We’ve had interrupted Sleep overnight. -He’s not had the normal amount of rest he would normally have had. All of the above can trigger different behaviours. I know shredding can be a very relaxing behaviour for a dog. It can produce happy and calm hormones to help them relax, switching off his anxiety and allowing him to decompress. It doesn’t matter about the mess. It’s about knowing why your dog is doing the unusual behaviour. So what happened after? A lot of snoring by both of them! So when your dog does something out of the blue, put a question mark on it and ask yourself why… #caninedecompression #caninechoice #DogsAreIndividuals #calmnessiskey #knowledgeiskey #knowledgeiskeytosuccess

🐕‍🦺✨Superstar Mr F!✨🐕‍🦺 At the start of the year Mr F’s caregivers were a little concerned with the behaviours he was showing. Change was needed, management was put in place and a plan was made. I rarely walk solo walks and I definitely didn’t walk and train, but this boy reminds me of a young Tigs (My companion) and I wasn’t going to let him down. I have given him time and patience. Allowed him to make mistakes and not reprimanded him! And I certainly haven’t used any punishing equipment or actions. Now he walks by my side most of the time, he has a loose leash when walking, I can’t shake him off when he has length of the leash and he wants to be with me! I see him with his guardians and he listens and enjoys being close to them. There is no switch I can click that will make this happen instantly, it takes time!! You need knowledge and patience. #dogsarecompanions #LEARNINGtoBeKIND #knowledgeiskey #dogbehaviormodification #achieveyourgoals

🐾👏🏻 Oh Mr B! 🥳🐾 Something very special happened in this session! One which myself and Heidi were privileged to be apart of and witness. It’s will be a session that I won’t forget and this is why… Mr B is a shy boy, anxious and will only take food (Only chicken, cheese and liver pate) from his caregiver. He gets very nervous, verbalises towards other dogs and when his caregiver isn’t near he panic’s. He doesn’t stray far. This session was a opportunity to help him relax. There were no other dogs around and we left him to initiate contact and do what he wanted. We saw a happy relaxed boy, loving life and enjoying the good feelings! He interacted beautifully with his caregiver and then something special…. For the first time Mr B interacted with me and Heidi. He took food… which wasn’t his favourites! Offered behaviours and actions with both of us and even walked by my side with no leash or prompting, as cool as a cucumber. His caregiver was totally amazed, as were me and Heidi. It goes to show what anxiety does to a dogs brain and body, but given the opportunity, magic can happen and grow into something amazing! This is something that will grow with time and we’re so happy to be apart of it! #gratefuldogtrainer #dogsarecompanions #dogbehaviormodification #knowledgeiskey #SkillsForLife #learningtobekind #gettoknowyourdog

🗺️🐕‍🦺 How’s are Discovery School Companions Doing? 🐕‍🦺🗺️ What a delight it’s been to meet these super companions! I can’t believe they’re on the fourth week! 🤯 We introduce the dogs to their new training environment, giving them easy win tasks too boost not only the companions confidence, but also their caregivers! 🧰 Second week we got their caregivers to become more independent in their learning and start building their toolbox of knowledge and to manage situations. 👃👂🏻👅 Third week (My favourite week!) Novelty and Enrichment!! The most powerful part of building a dog’s confidence and optimism. 🤫 Other words, Maria making a big mess of the field with meaningful junk and letting the dogs investigate and use their senses! 👏🏻 Relationships and bonds being forged! Watching the dogs enjoy their time with their care givers. Listening and building confidence with each other. Are you getting a puppy or a rescue dog? Do you have a dog that doesn’t listen? Struggling to get your dog to do what you ask? Do you want to know more about your dog? Why not join us on our next Discovery School, starting on Sun 5th Jan. More details can be found here… https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/service-page/discovery-school-4?referral=service_list_widget #dogsarecompanions #discoveryschool #achieveyourgoals #calmnessiskey #knowledgeiskey

Dog Training
Dog Training

🐾🌟 DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOUR 🌟 🐾 ☺️ Only kind methods are taught, allowing both guardian and dog to grow confidence together. 🐩🧍🏻 ✨ We listen and give you up to date, scientific knowledge to understand why your dog does what it does, and teach you the skills to help and rectify your dog's behavior. 💡🐾 📅 New group sessions starting on Sunday 20th October. At Littlethorpe Scouts Building, LE19 2HR 🐾🐶 For Puppies, Rescues, or dogs that don't listen! 🏫 Discovery School is for you… 🌐 More details are on the website: Click here to book online (https://www.fourpawsandtrails.co.uk/book-online) 🐾💻

🎓 Discovery School Graduates 🎓 👏🏻 Congratulations to our latest Discovery School Group! For our last session we headed over to Fosse Meadows. A big challenge for all the dogs present, though all the guardians did brilliantly and helped their dogs with what they have been taught. Some of the Skills for Life Club members came along too to add more variety. The Discovery School guardians could talk to them and see the pros in action with their dogs. At the end we had big reflections on how far their dogs had come. Cracking work all 👏🏻👏🏻

🐾LOSS🐾 Dogs are social animals like us. When a love one, in this case Mr S’s companion Mr B floated across the rainbow, his behaviour started to change. He became withdrawn and not himself. Even though he’s gradually started to come round, his guardians have asked for some help to grow a stronger relationship and to be able to support him to grow his confidence. Loss can affect dogs in different ways. Don’t forget your dog has feelings too, they just can’t verbalise them. #dogsarecompanions #DogsAreIndividuals #knowledgeiskey

💡Got to love Dog Parkour!🐾 Slowing your dog down to be able to do behaviours and actions precisely… Helping your dog think be aware of their body and most importantly have fun!! This is what we do on a rainy day!! #dogparkour #funwhilsttraining #knowledgeiskey #funwithyourdogs #dogtraininggroupsession #havefundogtraining

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