Super-Nova Dog Training & Behaviour

16/01/2025

🐾 Why do we make sure we meet the genetic instinctual needs of our dogs before doing any training with them? 🐾

Every dog is a product of its breed, ancestry, and individual temperament, which can significantly influence its behaviour, energy levels, and how it interacts with the world. Understanding and meeting these needs will create a strong foundation for effective training and a healthier, happier dog.

It is important that dog owners have an understanding of their dogs breed specific traits in order to provide appropriate outlets for their instinctual needs. If these needs are not met behavioural problems such as frustration and destructive behaviour can arise.

Nova is genetically 25% cocker spaniel and 75% miniature poodle. Traditionally two very busy working breeds. By providing Nova with breed specific outlets that mimic her natural instincts we are setting her up for success with any training we do, creating a calmer, more focused dog that is more receptive to learning.

Nova is being given opportunities to use her nose to locate items to fulfil her instinctual needs. We are also incorporating some impulse control exercises with a release cue.

Ultimately, when we meet our dogs’ genetic needs, we build a stronger bond, improve their overall well-being, and create a more productive training environment.

Unsure of ways to incorporate outlets specific to your dogs breed/s? Message me for a chat! 🐶

16/01/2025

Very excited to have ticked another job off the to do list!

14/01/2025

Car repairs = coffee and study 📚🐶

12/01/2025

🐾 Why is it SO important to take rewards out on every walk? 🐾

When we take our dogs for a walk, we’re not just getting them out for exercise—we’re also creating opportunities for training and reinforcing positive behaviours. The more we reward our dogs for making good choices the more they will repeat them.

The environment will ALWAYS have something more exciting than us to throw into the mix.

Recall can be likened to a child being called back in for dinner whilst playing outside with their friends. Having fun with friends is probably way more exciting than going and having dinner with their parents.

So we need to tip the balance and reward well for this good choice.

Rewarding them strengthens the recall command, helping your dog understand that coming when called means something great, whether it’s a treat, praise, or a game.

Dogs thrive on consistency. By rewarding recall every time, you’re setting your dog up for success, ensuring they understand that coming back to you is always the right choice.

Safety always comes first. In an unpredictable environment, a solid recall can prevent dangerous situations. Whether they’re tempted by something on the ground, another dog, or an unfamiliar noise, having a reliable recall ensures your dog’s safety.

Using treats as a reward makes training more fun and motivating. It’s not about bribing—it's about making good behaviours pay off in a way that makes your dog eager to participate.

Most of the skills we teach our dogs will be rewarded very frequently whilst they are learning and we can then alter the frequency of reward once the skill is learned and generalised to different environments.

However, recall is a skill that I recommend is ALWAYS rewarded. Whether that’s a food reward or something else the dog finds enjoyable such as finding a hidden toy or a game of tug.

So, the next time you're heading out on a walk, don’t forget your treats! 🐶

11/01/2025

Behind the scenes when we have a spare few minutes 🐶

It is especially important to teach our anxious dogs to cope in certain situations such as the groomers and vets.

As Nova is an anxious dog we practice in a calm quiet environment so that she has the skills to be able to cope out in the real world.
This will avoid her becoming head shy and will minimise any stress for her as well as minimising stress for our amazing groomer and vets making everyone’s lives a little bit easier.

Note: Nova is free to sit, stand or lay down and she’s able to choose to leave if she is uncomfortable.

10/01/2025

Scentwork engages your dog's brain in ways that physical exercise alone can’t. When they’re sniffing, they’re using their natural scenting abilities, problem-solving, and learning to focus and make decisions. This mental exercise is incredibly taxing, as it requires sustained attention and concentration.

So, if you’re looking to tire out your dog without needing a long walk, try incorporating scentwork into your routine! It’s not only an excellent way to provide mental stimulation, but it also builds confidence, strengthens the bond between you and your dog, and can be a great way to work on impulse control.

06/01/2025

Training additional skills that can be used as alternatives to your usual recall cue.

When working on recall with your dog, it’s essential to have reliable alternatives that can help redirect their focus, especially when they may not come directly to you. One great alternative is teaching a “middle” behaviour!

What is “Middle”?

The “middle” behaviour involves your dog moving into the space between your legs, often positioned at your feet. It’s a great way to quickly and calmly regain control of your dog, especially in situations where a traditional recall might be too challenging or distracting.

Why train "Middle"?

🐾 Safety: If your dog’s recall isn’t perfect yet, having them move to a neutral, safe space (between your legs) can prevent undesirable behaviours, such as running away or approaching strangers.

🐾 Focus: It’s an excellent way to re-establish attention during walks, play, or in exciting environments.

🐾 Calming: It offers a chance to reset during high-energy situations, allowing your dog to calm down and refocus on you.

By training a reliable “middle” behaviour, you add another tool to your dog’s recall toolbox, making you both more confident in any situation!

05/01/2025

04/01/2025

Jets mums main goal is to have fun.

So we are working on fun skills involving being in close proximity to Jets lovely mum, improving their already strong bond even more and increasing Jets skill set of alternative behaviours that we can use in real life situations.

Jet has mastered the hand touch and is fab at doing an emergency stop and we are working on a ‘middle’ alongside scent work 💜

03/01/2025

⚠️Canine body language⚠️

Something I’m very passionate about‼️

Something that I believe everyone owning or working with dogs should have a good knowledge base of.

Something that can prevent many dog fights and behavioural problems occurring.

It is important to me that any client working with me feels comfortable and safe during our training sessions.

Safe in the knowledge that I have appropriately educated myself on this important topic, safe that I can notice subtle changes in body language in order to make adaptations to sessions to alleviate stress and anxiety and safe that I can help them communicate better with their dogs.

When we truly understand our dogs body language, we are able to speak their language, we are better able to respond to our dogs needs and emotions which creates the feeling of safety, a trusting relationship and a stronger bond.

Unsure if you have an anxious dog?
Struggling to read your dogs body language?

Drop me a message or comment below and we can have a chat ⬇️

02/01/2025

Scentwork Classes Now Available!

Unlock your dog’s natural abilities with our Scentwork Classes! This fun and engaging activity taps into your dog’s incredible sense of smell, building confidence, focus, and teamwork. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our classes are designed for all levels.

What We Offer:

Introduction to scent detection
Building search skills in different environments
Problem-solving exercises to keep your dog engaged
Positive reinforcement training

Why Scentwork?

Scentwork is not only mentally stimulating but also a great way to bond with your dog. It’s perfect for dogs of all ages, breeds, and energy levels!

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today and let your dog’s nose lead the way.

01/01/2025

Hope you all had a great Christmas! 🎅
January is another fresh start, message me to see what we can work on with your lovely dogs 🤍

31/12/2024

What would you like to achieve in 2025? Comment below ⬇️💜

30/12/2024

🕵️‍♂️🐾 Exciting News! Scentwork Class Starting in the New Year! 🐾🕵️‍♀️

Looking for a fun and mentally stimulating way to bond with your dog in 2025? We’re thrilled to announce our brand new Scentwork Class starting soon!

This class is all about tapping into your dog’s natural instincts and giving them the chance to use their incredible sense of smell to solve puzzles and find hidden scents. It’s perfect for dogs of all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to burn off energy while building focus, confidence, and problem-solving skills!

✨ What to Expect:

Introduction to the basics of scent detection

Fun, easy-to-follow exercises

Positive reinforcement and reward-based training

A great bonding experience for you and your dog!

Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or just want to give your dog a fun new hobby, scentwork is a fantastic way to engage your pup’s mind and strengthen your connection.

Spots are limited – don’t miss out! Get ready to start the year with an exciting new adventure for you and your dog. 🐾🧩

27/12/2024

Many dog owners worry that using a harness might encourage their dog to pull more on walks—but harnesses themselves don’t cause pulling. In fact, they can be an important tool in teaching your dog better walking habits!

Here's why:

Harnesses promote comfort and safety: A well-fitted harness distributes pressure more evenly across your dog’s chest and back, reducing strain on the dogs delicate neck (especially important for dogs with respiratory issues or small breeds).

Pulling is a behaviour, not caused by equipment: Pulling is typically a result of the dog’s desire to explore, excitement, or lack of lead training. It’s a learned behavior, not something triggered by the harness itself.

Better control for training: Many harnesses (especially front-clip harnesses) allow you to gently guide your dog’s direction, which makes it easier to redirect them when they pull. Over time, this helps teach them to walk calmly beside you.

Positive reinforcement for better behaviour: Harnesses can be paired with positive reinforcement to reward your dog for walking calmly. By focusing on rewarding the right behavior (like walking nicely), you’ll see better results than just relying on the equipment alone.

Comfort over choking collars: Unlike traditional collars, which can put pressure on the neck and cause discomfort or even injury, harnesses provide a more comfortable and humane alternative for daily walks.

The key to reducing pulling is consistent training, regardless of the equipment you use. If you're struggling with lead pulling, consider a professional trainer to help teach your dog how to walk nicely on lead.

We are all about training important life skills in the kindest way possible. There is absolutely no need to be unkind to our companions.

Safe, kind and effective wins hands down every time!

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas to our wonderful clients and lovely doggos 🐶

Your support this year has been hugely appreciated, thank you! 💜

We hope you have a restful time and can’t wait to be back working with you all in January!