Horton Dogs

Horton Dogs Qualified Dog Trainer based in Epsom & Ewell and surrounding areas. Innovative games based training
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Are you planning a Dog-Friendly UK Holiday? Here’s How to Make It Pawsome! 🐾🧳 Pack Essentials and Comforts: Don’t forget...
22/08/2024

Are you planning a Dog-Friendly UK Holiday? Here’s How to Make It Pawsome! 🐾

🧳 Pack Essentials and Comforts: Don’t forget their bed, food, bowls, lead, p**p bags, and toys. A familiar blanket can help your dog feel at home.

✅ Bring a First Aid Kit & Towel: Pack a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. Bring a towel for drying off after rainy walks, plus wipes for quick clean-ups.

🚘 Travel Comfortably: Ensure your dog is secure during the journey. A secure crate allows them to move comfortably. Plan regular stops for leg stretches and toilet breaks.

👩‍⚕️ Health & Safety First: Before you go, find out the location of the local vets. Keep your vet’s contact info handy and ensure your dog’s microchip details are updated.

🍻 Practice Pub Garden Manners: Practice settling in a pub garden before the holiday. This makes dining out more relaxing for both you and your dog.

🚷 Respect Local Rules: Clean up after your dog and keep them on a lead where required. Check for any area-specific restrictions.

☀ Be Weather-Wise: The UK weather is unpredictable. Don’t walk your dog during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave them in a car during hot weather—both can be deadly.

⛹ Stick to Their Usual Exercise Level: Avoid overexertion or sprains by sticking to your dog’s normal exercise routine. Take regular breaks if they’re not used to long hikes.

❌ "Leave It" Training: Top up your "leave it" training to prevent your dog from picking up unwanted items like half-eaten ice cream cones or seaweed on the beach!

🐕 Recall Training: Reinforce your dog's recall cue for off-lead beach walks. Remember, dogs must be under control at all times.

🐾 Share your own tips below! Need help getting your dog holiday-ready? Get in touch!

Does your dog like to bounce out of bed first thing or enjoy lying in? 😴💤🐾
20/08/2024

Does your dog like to bounce out of bed first thing or enjoy lying in? 😴💤🐾

Looking for training options but have a busy weekday schedule? No worries—we've got you covered! We offer weekend Traini...
17/08/2024

Looking for training options but have a busy weekday schedule? No worries—we've got you covered! We offer weekend Training Sessions to fit your needs, including Group Classes, Puppy Head Start Sessions, and personalised One-to-One Training. Reach out to Cathy today to check availability and reserve your spot! 🐾

Do you have a puppy? Are you struggling with puppy biting, or toilet training? Maybe you want to make sure their trainin...
16/08/2024

Do you have a puppy? Are you struggling with puppy biting, or toilet training? Maybe you want to make sure their training gets off to a great start? Book our Puppy Head Start Training package to get in the home tailor made training that will help shape desirable behaviours and prevent bad habits forming.

If you wan to find out more, take a look at the training package options and get in touch with Cathy if you want to know what would be the best option for you.
https://www.hortondogs.co.uk/book-training/puppy-head-start/

🐾 Dog Safety Tips for Families with Kids 🐾Hey everyone! 🐶 Ensuring our kids interact safely with our furry friends is cr...
14/08/2024

🐾 Dog Safety Tips for Families with Kids 🐾

Hey everyone! 🐶 Ensuring our kids interact safely with our furry friends is crucial. Here are some tips to keep both your children and dogs happy:

Always supervise – Even friendly dogs can get overwhelmed. Keeping an eye on interactions helps everyone stay comfortable.

Let sleeping dogs lie – Teach kids to avoid dogs when they're sleeping or eating. It's their time to relax!

Respect their space – Never let kids take things from dogs; it can make them feel threatened or anxious.

Avoid hugging or holding – Most dogs find hugs and being held uncomfortable. Encourage gentle, supervised strokes on their side instead.

Give them breaks – Allow dogs and kids time apart to prevent overstimulation and maintain peace.

Teach kids to read dog body language – Help them recognise signs of stress, like growling, showing teeth, or trying to move away. But as a parent you must step in if needed. The book Doggie Language by Lili Chin is a great resource with helpful illustrations.

No rough play – Ensure kids understand not to engage in rough play like pulling tails or ears or hitting. It can stress dogs and provoke negative reactions.

Create a safe space – Make sure your dog has a retreat area for breaks, and explain to kids that this space is off-limits when the dog is there.

By following these tips, we can create a safe and happy environment for both our kids and pets! 🐕👧👦 Feel free to share these with other dog-loving families. 😊

I absolutely love receiving messages like this from my clients! 🐾 Before Gillian contacted me, she couldn’t let Barney o...
13/08/2024

I absolutely love receiving messages like this from my clients! 🐾 Before Gillian contacted me, she couldn’t let Barney off the lead because he had no interest in listening during walks. But Gillian and Barney have put in the work on their recall training with a custom plan designed just for them, and their progress has been amazing. 🌟 Gillian found me through her friend Julie, who attended our group classes with her sweet pup, Daisy.

If you're looking for a tailor-made plan to help your dog thrive, or if you have a new puppy and want to join our fun and supportive classes, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to bring out the best in your furry friend! 🐶✨

On-lead greetings can be tricky. The tension in the lead can influence body language, and it can be challenging to step ...
11/08/2024

On-lead greetings can be tricky. The tension in the lead can influence body language, and it can be challenging to step away from a situation if things don’t go as planned. While sometimes unavoidable, we teach our puppy owners how to handle these interactions calmly and effectively. Our focus is on short, controlled greetings that encourage your puppy to recall and disengage when needed.

It's also important to remember that not every greeting is appropriate, and not every dog wants to greet others. Being able to read the body language of both dogs is crucial to ensure a positive experience.

A big part of socialisation isn’t about meeting every dog, but rather helping your puppy get used to the world around them. I often suggest to our puppy owners to only engage with 1 in 10 dogs, while learning to calmly ignore the others. This approach helps build a well-rounded dog that you can confidently take to a variety of places!

The next few days are going to be hot!! Please keep cool 😎 and do not walk your dogs in the heat. If you must go out the...
10/08/2024

The next few days are going to be hot!! Please keep cool 😎 and do not walk your dogs in the heat. If you must go out then do so first thing in the morning, take water, keep it short and stick to the shade.

It will not kill your dog to miss a walk but going for a walk in the heat could.

Keep your dogs safe 🐾


Rocket’s rocking his bed hair this morning 😂 share a photo of your dog that makes you smile 😊
10/08/2024

Rocket’s rocking his bed hair this morning 😂 share a photo of your dog that makes you smile 😊

Throwback Thursday! 🥰 Pixel from 8 years ago! She still loves to nap on my lap, just like she did back then. What’s one ...
08/08/2024

Throwback Thursday! 🥰 Pixel from 8 years ago! She still loves to nap on my lap, just like she did back then. What’s one thing your dog has always done that melts your heart?

🐾 Is your new puppy turning your home into a whirlwind of chaos? 🐾You brought your little one home, knowing it wouldn’t ...
06/08/2024

🐾 Is your new puppy turning your home into a whirlwind of chaos? 🐾

You brought your little one home, knowing it wouldn’t be easy, but now you’re dealing with more drama than you expected. From stolen shoes and chewed-up furniture to ankle-biting, overexcitement, and unexpected accidents on the rug—it can feel overwhelming! 😅

But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean your puppy is “bad.” They just need guidance to learn how to navigate their new world. That’s where our one-to-one sessions come in! 🐕✨

In these personalised sessions, we’ll focus on the specific issues your puppy is facing, such as:

🐶 Biting and nipping
🚽 House training and toileting
💤 Struggling to settle down
🧸 Chewing everything in sight
👟 Stealing your belongings
And much more!
With our expert guidance, we’ll help your puppy learn good habits from the start, making your life together more enjoyable and stress-free.

Ready to bring peace back to your home? 🏡

Learn more and book your session here: https://www.hortondogs.co.uk/book-training/puppy-head-start/

Good morning! 😜 😍😍😍Let’s see a picture of your dog this morning 😍🐶
06/08/2024

Good morning! 😜 😍😍😍

Let’s see a picture of your dog this morning 😍🐶

🐾 Got a new puppy? Ready to start training and build a strong bond with your furry friend? 🐾Join our Beginner Group Clas...
03/08/2024

🐾 Got a new puppy? Ready to start training and build a strong bond with your furry friend? 🐾

Join our Beginner Group Classes starting 7th September at 9:30 AM in Ewell! 🗓️

In our fun and supportive classes, you'll learn how to:

🐶 Get your puppy’s attention even in distracting environments.
🛎️ Build a reliable recall so your pup always comes when called.
🐾 Master lead training for enjoyable walks together.
🙌 Teach polite greetings without jumping up on people.
🚫 Help your puppy learn to leave things that aren’t theirs.
🎬 You'll get access to Video Tutorials to support your learning.

Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or just looking to refresh your training skills, our classes are the perfect place to start.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up soon!

https://www.hortondogs.co.uk/puppy-and-dog-group-classes/

📍 Location: Ewell
📅 Date: 7th September
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM

See you and your pup there! 🐕✨

https://www.hortondogs.co.uk/puppy-and-dog-group-classes/

Training your puppy starts with building strong foundations. Think of these as the brick and mortar of your dog’s behavi...
01/08/2024

Training your puppy starts with building strong foundations. Think of these as the brick and mortar of your dog’s behaviour—without them, achieving real-life results is nearly impossible.

Many people dream of leisurely walks with their dog or having them reliably come back when called, even with distractions like deer or squirrels. But these advanced behaviours don’t happen on their own; they require consistent training rooted in a solid connection between you and your dog.

Start with the Basics
Before expecting your dog to respond in challenging environments, focus on building that connection and mastering the basics. When you first bring your puppy home, concentrate on:

Recall: Teach your dog to come when called, starting in a controlled environment like your home or yard. Make it fun and rewarding.
Lead Walking: Practice good lead manners early. Teach your dog to walk beside you without pulling.
Leave It: A solid “leave it” cue can prevent your dog from engaging with things they shouldn’t, keeping them safe.

Manage Your Expectations, training takes time. Be patient, celebrate small victories, and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process for both you and your dog.

Enjoy the Journey
Training isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the journey you take with your dog. Building a strong foundation will not only lead to a well-behaved dog but also strengthen the bond between you two.

If you need guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re struggling with a specific behaviour or just want to ensure you’re on the right track, get in touch.

Remember, a well-trained dog starts with strong foundations—so take your time, enjoy the process, and watch your dog flourish!

“Thank you” 💜“Thank you for getting up earlier to walk me before the heat kicks in. 🌞 Thank you for finding all the shad...
29/07/2024

“Thank you” 💜

“Thank you for getting up earlier to walk me before the heat kicks in. 🌞

Thank you for finding all the shady areas. 🌳🌳🌳

Thank you for bringing me some water to drink 💦.

Thank you for not walking me in the heat of the day when the ground is so hot it burns my paws. 🔥

Thank you for playing some enrichment games with me instead, my favourite is searching for my toy! 🐶

Thank you for understanding that I don’t need to be walked every day but that there are plenty of other fun ways to exercise.🥳

Thank you! 💜 lots of love, Pixel and Rocket”

26/07/2024

Is your dog interested in playing with you, or do they prefer playing with other dogs? 🐶

Play is a fantastic way to strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. Some dogs have a natural drive and take to play easily, while others may need a bit more effort and motivation to find out what makes them tick! 🐇

Having a strong play relationship means you're more likely to maintain that connection when you're out and about, reducing the chances of your dog running off to greet everyone else.

Need help understanding your dog and what motivates them? Get in touch! Let's build that connection and strengthen that recall!

🐶 What Interaction is Best for Your Puppy? 🐶Are you wondering whether a playdate with other puppies or a calmer older do...
25/07/2024

🐶 What Interaction is Best for Your Puppy? 🐶

Are you wondering whether a playdate with other puppies or a calmer older dog is better for your puppy's development?

For your puppy, a calmer older dog with a lovely temperament and good manners can be a fantastic role model! Here's why:

Learning from the Best: Older dogs can teach your puppy important social cues and manners, helping them understand how to behave appropriately around other dogs and people.

Better Training: A well-mannered older dog can significantly aid in your puppy's training, especially when it comes to recall and listening to you amidst distractions.

Balanced Play: While play fighting with other puppies is fun, it can lead to habits of running off towards other dogs for playdates, which might not always be well-received, especially as they grow older and bigger.

Avoiding Trouble: Puppies who only learn to play with other excitable young pups might face challenges as they become teenagers, potentially getting into trouble with other dogs and people.

Choosing interactions with calmer older dogs can set your puppy up for success, ensuring they grow into well-behaved and attentive companions. 🐾

This is so well said, it’s something I recommend to my clients and puppy owners. A calmer older dog with good general ma...
22/07/2024

This is so well said, it’s something I recommend to my clients and puppy owners. A calmer older dog with good general manners and temperament is a great role model for your puppy 🐶.
Be mindful of what your puppy is learning in every interaction and not all interactions will be suitable for your puppy.

Educational Post
A polite meet and greet...
(What is it, and how to train it)

When Rose was a puppy I purposely met up with a few friends (one at a time) with dogs I knew were well mannered and went for short walks with them, we began walking in parallel on lead and once Rose was settled we would let them off lead to mooch, during this time I would frequently recall Rose away reward her and then release her to mooch again. If she started getting over aroused I would step in so she wasn't becoming a pest to the other dog. We would then pop the lead on both dogs and practice simply sitting Rose alongside or opposite the dog and reward her for calm behaviour or for focusing on me.

If I was out with Rose and there was dogs I didn't know around then I would shout over to the owner that she was a puppy in training and deliberately start doing some obedience with her (sit stays, loose lead walking, follow me) and make it very obvious we were very busy, 90% of people respected this and kept their dogs close whilst passing.

Of course, there was the odd time when we were bombed by dogs out of control, where the owners couldn't recall their dogs. In a situation like this I find it useful and effective to very deliberately walk the other way, paying no interest in the other dog, most dogs stop following, or the owner will make an effort to catch up to get their dog. If its a really persistent dog and the owner isn't coming this is how I deal with the situation:

If the dog gets right up to us and is clearly going to pester my dog I will block it with my body, and speak to it in a stern voice whilst shooing it away, this is quite effective with over friendly dogs, plus I'm helping the owner by educating the dog that not everyone appreciates it running over and jumping up them or over their dog. If I'm concerned it's getting too much, and my dog is getting stressed, depending on what I believe the dogs temperament seems like I may hold it by the collar and take it back to the owner, or use a pet corrector spray to warn it off if I am genuinely concerned for my dogs safety.
If you don't have a pet corrector spray on you making a sudden loud noise, or a pop up umbrella can be effective.

If I met another sensible looking dog (on or off lead) and the owner seems to have control I would ask if it was friendly, and if so I would ask if Rose could say a brief and polite hello (that description usually helps the other owner understand you aren't looking for a dog for your dog to run riot with)

I never let my puppies meet dogs that are lunging on the lead, pulling to get to her, or barking. That's usually an indication that the meet won't be polite or controlled.

For me, a polite meet and greet is both dogs relaxed, neither straining on the lead to meet the other dog, maybe even a pause and a sit before meeting which is rewarded before allowing them to approach and have a sniff.
I watch both dogs body language during the interaction and if either dog looks uncomfortable or is beginning to get way too over excited or over aroused it's time to move on. I then call Rose away and reward her.

We hope you find this useful

Buy our puppy book here
https://www.familydogservices.co.uk/shop/p/a-life-of-rose

What sort of day are you having with your dogs? These two are having a relaxing day 💕
21/07/2024

What sort of day are you having with your dogs? These two are having a relaxing day 💕

Favourite Puppy Memory: Share your favourite memory of your puppy when they were younger. It could be a funny incident, ...
18/07/2024

Favourite Puppy Memory: Share your favourite memory of your puppy when they were younger. It could be a funny incident, a milestone, or a cute habit they had. I still remember the first time Pixel did a sit on cue 😍


17/07/2024

Fantastic recall tips from Family Dog Services

Tongue Out Tuesday! 😜 Don't you just love those goofy smiles? 😁 Let's flood the feed with those adorable, goofy, tongue-...
16/07/2024

Tongue Out Tuesday! 😜 Don't you just love those goofy smiles? 😁 Let's flood the feed with those adorable, goofy, tongue-out selfies of our furry friends. Share your photos here and send hearts!

Good morning ☀️🐶 💕 Theo loves to take the dogs out for a walk.We would love to know what you’re up to with your dog this...
14/07/2024

Good morning ☀️🐶 💕 Theo loves to take the dogs out for a walk.
We would love to know what you’re up to with your dog this morning ☺️

Thank you to The Canine Instructor Academy Robert Alleyne, Family Dog Services and the team for a fantastic practical tr...
13/07/2024

Thank you to The Canine Instructor Academy Robert Alleyne, Family Dog Services and the team for a fantastic practical training course.

Really like no other and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Throwback Thursday! Show us a picture of your dog when you first brought them home 🥰
11/07/2024

Throwback Thursday! Show us a picture of your dog when you first brought them home 🥰

Discover the Benefits of Our Online Lifeskills Training LibraryAre you looking to enhance your dog training experience? ...
31/05/2024

Discover the Benefits of Our Online Lifeskills Training Library

Are you looking to enhance your dog training experience? Don’t miss out on our Online Lifeskills Training Library! Available to everyone who books our classes or 1:1 sessions, this comprehensive resource is designed to make your training journey smoother and more effective.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

🐾 Extensive Content: Access over 30 video tutorials that cover everything you need to train your puppy or dog. Our tutorials help you raise a happy, confident, and well-behaved companion.

📚 Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced trainers. Our resources include step-by-step guides, practical tips, and proven strategies to ensure successful training outcomes.

💻 Convenient Access: Train on your own schedule with 24/7 access to the library. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can easily integrate training into your daily routine.

🔄 Reinforcement and Support: Complement your in-person classes with on-demand videos. Review key lessons and reinforce training to achieve consistent results.

🎯 Focused Learning: Address specific training goals and behavioral issues with targeted tutorials. From basic commands such as recall, stay, to more advanced skills such as disengagement from distractions, our library has you covered.

Make the most of your training experience with our Online Lifeskills Training Library. Book your class or 1:1 session today and unlock a wealth of knowledge and tools to strengthen the bond with your pet!

For more details or to book a session, visit our website or get in touch with Cathy. Let’s train smarter, together! 😄

Hey puppy parents! We have something special just for you! 🎉Are you ready to give your new furry friend the best start i...
30/05/2024

Hey puppy parents! We have something special just for you! 🎉

Are you ready to give your new furry friend the best start in life? Download our FREE Puppy Guide today! 📖✨ Packed with essential tips, this guide is your go-to resource to help you raise a happy, well-behaved puppy.

Why wait? Click the link below to grab your free copy now. Let’s make your puppy’s journey paw-some together! 🐾❤️

🔗 Download Your Free Puppy Guide Now!
https://www.hortondogs.co.uk/download-free-puppy-guide-ebook/

And if you’re coming to group classes or having puppy 121 sessions I can’t wait to see you and your adorable pups soon! 🐕💫


19/05/2024

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Horton Crescent
Epsom
KT198AA

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