Marley & Me 121 Dog Training

02/02/2025

Thank you to all the parents and children listening on how to keep Marley safe and comfortable while he visited Ava’s Play Cafe.He loves this type of work but it is exhausting for him. Today we decompress.

Why is it so important for our dogs to decompress?

Just like us, dogs need time to unwind and process their experiences. Decompression is essential for their well-being, especially after a stimulating or stressful event. Whether it’s a busy walk in a new environment, a visit to the vet, or a long day of social interactions, dogs benefit from quiet time to relax and reset.

Allowing them to decompress can reduce anxiety, prevent behavioural issues, and improve their overall happiness. This could be a calm sniffy walk in a quiet area, some gentle enrichment at home, or simply time to rest undisturbed.

If your dog seems overstimulated or unsettled, consider giving them space to relax and observe how they respond. Supporting their need for downtime is just as important as providing exercise and mental stimulation.

01/02/2025

Teaching children how to interact safely with dogs is so important, and Marley is here to help! He will be spending time this afternoon at Ava’s Play Cafe.

Many children love dogs, but not all know how to approach them in a way that makes the dog feel comfortable and safe. With Marley’s calm and friendly nature, we help children learn the right way to say hello, read a dog’s body language, and understand when a dog needs space.

This session isn’t just about safety—it’s about building confidence and respect. Whether your child is nervous around dogs or just wants to learn more, this is a great opportunity to develop lifelong skills.

26/01/2025

Building a strong bond with your dog through training is one of the most rewarding experiences for both of you. Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s an opportunity to strengthen trust, improve communication, and create a deeper understanding.

Positive reinforcement is key. Rewarding your dog for the behaviours you want to see encourages them to engage with you and enjoy the training process. Whether it’s using treats, praise, or play, making training enjoyable helps to build confidence and enthusiasm.

Consistency is also important. Using the same cues and expectations helps your dog feel secure and understand what’s expected of them. Short, regular training sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones and help keep things fun and engaging.

Training should be a two-way conversation. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and responses to ensure they’re comfortable and engaged. Being patient and understanding their learning pace will help to foster a positive relationship.

Spending quality time together, whether through training, walks, or interactive games, reinforces the connection you share. The more positive experiences you create, the stronger your bond will become.

If you’re looking for guidance on strengthening your bond through training, I’m here to help. Get in touch to learn more about tailored training sessions that suit you and your dog.

I am a Professional Behavioural, force free Dog Trainer based in Fleet, Hampshire. My passion is helping dog owners to train and socialise their beloved family member in order to keep all the family happy and safe in and out of the home.

21/01/2025

Happy National Hugging Day!

While our dogs may not understand the concept of a hug in the same way we do, they have their own special ways of showing and receiving affection. Some dogs enjoy gentle cuddles, while others prefer a belly rub, a game of tug, or simply being close to their favourite person.

Respecting your dog’s comfort levels is important—always watch their body language to ensure they’re happy and relaxed. Remember, affection should always be on their terms.

Today is a great reminder to show your dog love in the way they enjoy most, whether it’s extra playtime, a long walk, or some quiet bonding time.

How does your dog like to be shown affection? Let us know!p

19/01/2025

Serotonin plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall well-being. It’s a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, behaviour, and even digestion in dogs. Higher levels of serotonin contribute to feelings of calmness, happiness, and emotional balance, which is why it’s sometimes called the “feel-good” chemical.

Activities like regular exercise, mental stimulation, and positive interactions (such as reward-based training) can help boost your dog’s serotonin levels. A balanced diet with sufficient nutrients also supports healthy serotonin production.

17/01/2025

🐾 January is Dog Training Awareness Month! 🐾
Your furry best friend deserves the best! Training isn’t just about teaching tricks – it’s about building trust, communication, and a lifelong bond with your pup. Whether you’re tackling basic commands, curbing bad habits, or learning fun new skills, here’s why training matters:
✅ Enhances your dog’s safety and confidence.
✅ Strengthens the connection between you and your dog.
✅ Promotes positive behavior and reduces stress.
💡 Training Tip: Keep sessions short, consistent, and fun! Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime.
📅 This month, commit to investing in your pup’s happiness and well-being. Share your training progress and stories with us!

16/01/2025

Did you know January is Walk Your Dog Month? It’s the perfect reminder to get out and about with your dog, even during the chillier days of winter. Regular walks aren’t just great for your dog’s physical health—they help to keep their mind stimulated, reduce boredom, and can even improve behaviour.

Winter walks come with their own challenges, so remember to:
• Check your dog’s paws for grit, ice, or salt after each walk.
• Keep your dog visible with a reflective or LED collar and lead.
• Stick to a pace and route that suits your dog’s age and fitness level.

Whether you take a brisk 10-minute walk or a longer stroll, every step helps your dog stay happy and healthy. So, bundle up, grab the lead, and enjoy some fresh air with your dog this month!

What’s your dog’s favourite walking spot? Let me know in the comments!

13/01/2025

Why Pick a force free dog trainer? What does force free mean?

Choosing a force free trainer is one of the best decisions you can make for your dog's well-being and your relationship with them. Here's why:

Force free methods focuses on positive reinforcement, using rewards like treats, toys and praise to encourage good behaviour. This approach is backed by science and promotes trust, rather than fear or intimidation.

Force-free methods are gentle and respectful, ensuring your dog feels safe while learning. They avoid punishment or tools that cause discomfort, which can lead to stress or anxiety in dogs. Instead, the focus is on understanding your dogs needs and motivations, making training enjoyable for both of you.

This approach also builds a stronger bond. When your dog feels confident and trusts you, they're more likely to learn quickly and respond reliably. It's not just about training behaviours - it's about creating a happy, balanced dog.

13/01/2025

Don’t give up

They will be your best teacher

Learn from them 🐶 ❤️

12/01/2025

Anyone who has worked with me, knows how passionate I am about canine enrichment. Canine enrichment is essential for a dog’s overall well-being because it keeps their minds active, prevents boredom, and helps them engage in natural behaviours. Dogs are intelligent animals that thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so providing enrichment isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Enrichment activities, such as sniffing games, puzzle feeders, or exploring new environments, reduce stress and frustration, which can lead to behavioural problems if left unaddressed. They also help build confidence and provide an outlet for excess energy, making for a happier, calmer dog.

Incorporating enrichment into a dog’s routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Even simple activities like hiding treats for a “find it” game or rotating toys regularly can make a big difference.

By meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs, you’re not just improving their day-to-day quality of life—you’re also strengthening your bond with them. Try adding some enrichment to their routine and see the difference it makes!

12/01/2025

Consistency is key when it comes to dog training. Dogs thrive on routine, so use the same commands, tone, and expectations every time. For example, if you’re teaching “sit,” ensure everyone in the household uses the same word and gesture. Mixed messages can confuse your dog and slow down progress. Keep training sessions short and positive, ending on a high note to keep your dog motivated. Patience and practice will build trust and understanding over time!

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

Are you ready to tackle your dog's training challenges but not sure where to start? We are offering a FREE discovery call to guide you in the right direction.

This informal chat is a chance for us to discuss your dogs behaviour, your goals, and specific struggles you are facing.

There's no obligation - just a friendly conversation to help you understand your next steps. Book today via website marleyandme121.com

03/01/2025

Fact Vs Myth Dominance in Dog Training.

Myth
You need to establish dominance over your dog to ensure they behave.

Fact
Modern science-based training shows that the idea of dominance is outdated and often harmful. Dogs are not trying to take over or challenge your authority - they are simply behaving in ways that make sense to them based on their instincts, environment, and past experiences.

01/01/2025

Happy New year from Marley and Me!! Thank you for all our clients that have trusted us with your precious pups, it has been a privilege. Love making a difference.Looking forward to helping more doggos in 2025 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️

14/10/2024

Trauma informed care, training and guardianship is the opportunity to form an even deeper bond with our dogs.

When we meet them with empathy, patience, and love, we’re creating a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding.

For dogs who have experienced fear or abandonment, this bond becomes a powerful source of security. The connection we build becomes a safe place for them to thrive, ensuring that their emotional health is nurtured in the long term.

Learn more about canine trauma here: https://www.sallygutteridge.com/challenge-page/canine-trauma?programId=8721ec84-cac1-4bf2-b95c-b146eee8b48b