keepin It Canine

Cooperative play Cooperative play is one of my favourite things that I've done with Reeva. It's been crucial in our relationship building and training. It's made training fun and flow nicely and has provided a great outlet for Reeva's energy. Take 5 minutes out of your day with your own dog to practice this and you'll see the benefits. It'll help to reduce the chances of unwanted behaviours like resource guarding as well as bringing you and your dog closer together. A big thanks to @azurahaus_working_dogs and for telling me to start work on cooperative play as soon as I got Reeva. #dogtraining #germanshepherd #dogbehaviour #workingdogsuk #dogs #dogsofinstagram (Disclaimer: Reeva is not an actual missile)

Reeva's 2nd protection session at 7 months old. Big improvements, absolutely love watching her progress. Thanks to @lewis_hartleydogsport_ for working her and @azurahaus_working_dogs #germanshepherd #workingdogsuk

Reeva's first protection session after teething. It was great to see what she's got in the locker. Super happy with her progress today. The big lad did well! Thanks @lewis_hartleydogsport_ @azuracanine @azurahaus_working_dogs #germanshepherd #gsd #workingdogsuk

Bertie's day train I really enjoyed working with this happy lad🐕 Spending a bit of time to create foundations is the best thing you can do when starting training. Dogs need clear communication in order to understand what we want from them and without that we can forget about adding anything challenging into our training. We created a clearer understanding of the lead and what it communicates, loaded a new recall cue as the previous was lacking in value. We also strived for consistency the whole day, even if this meant going slower. Bertie struggle even at just the scent of dogs, causing him to get over excited, pull and vocalise. Today he managed to keep calm in the situations I put him in. #dogtraining #cavapoo

2023 Done and Dusted! I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has supported me. Whether that be encouragement, choosing me and a trainer, sharing a post or teaching me something new. I cannot tell you all enough, how much I appreciate it. I started this year helping rescue dogs find homes, then helping dogs stay out of rescues and now helping dogs and owners with any problems they may have and helping them to achieve their potential. I've never had a job that allows me to work with such passion and enjoyment as I do now. 2024 is going to be a massive year. I've got many goals set for next year, ready to achieve. I look foward to see where I am this time next year. Once again, thank you all!

A clear difference. Same place, same trigger. With different methods and a different attitude💪 Rex and his mum have been doing brilliant with their training and doing great in each and every new environment I put them in. I'll post all their work soon but for now have a look at them tackling the most challenging part of their walk. Rex had some previous work with other trainers which provided some decent foundations, we just introduced different handling and made a huge focus on engagement and being exciting. Giving Rex motivation to work with us.

High motivation has to be aimed in the right direction in order to get the best outcome. I could put countless hours into this dog but if I didn't know what I was aiming for or the right guidance by my mentor then I wouldn't be getting anywhere near the level of results I'm getting currently. It makes sense to ask for help if you're not sure about something, especially if the person you're asking know what you're missing. Putting in hard work gets you far but putting in the right work gets you even further. I see this in the behaviour work I do. Owners put in lots of work putting in great foundations but lack a few components. With a few tweaks and a push in the right direction you can get a lot further than than you think is possible. Ask for help if you think you need it. Don't worry about getting judged, the right people will support you and your dog will thank you more than enough.

Snow day ❄️🥶 Lots of owners struggle with their dogs not wanting to go out when the weather is bad. This is partially due to the individual dog but the owner also has a huge part in developing this behaviour. If you don't want to go out in the cold or rain and never do with your dog, you give no desire for the dog to want to too. I want Reeva to be unbothered in all weather so I have to be unbothered in all weather. This means playing and training whatever the weather and having fun doing so Bad weather doesnt exist, just unsuitable clothing😉 #dogsofinstagram #dogtraining #germanshepherdpuppy #germanshepherd #workinglinegsd #snowday