Laws For Paws Fife

27/03/2025

So today I had a text from a former client Karen who has a Tibetan terrier Wilson. Wilson was a reactive dog who reacted towards other dogs by barking and lunging towards them. Karen was delighted to tell me that Wilson walked through the park without reacting to other dogs. She is so happy that all the effort she has put into getting Wilson to be calm is working. I showed Karen diversion techniques and she has used them. Great news and very happy to have helped her and Wilson.

26/03/2025

So if you have a dog that pulls attracted to scent marks stand still don’t move. Let your dog understand that lunging to scents is not acceptable. Wait for them to relax on the lead and look back at you. This is the moment to give a heal command and walk on. Repeat this again each time they do it. It may take a couple of days to get the message through or it may take longer but keep at it. It will work patience and practise is all you need. Make a huge fuss when your pal doesn’t pull. Good luck.

17/03/2025

Been helping a nice couple with their six year old staffie cross. He’s a powerful boy who pulls like a train. Getting him to walk nicely is hard work but after a good 45 minutes of changing direction changing the speed of walking and stopping when he lunged towards a scent to mark we finally started getting a change of behaviour. Passive lead control is hard work changing the behaviour of your canine friend is tough as they have come to behave in such a manner. Patience and perseverance is what you need being consistent and repeating the actions and commands is a must. Use rewards food , toy or praise whatever suits your pal. The reward being a dog that doesn’t pull you when on the lead.

27/02/2025

So I thought I would update on my previous post concerning reactive dog training. The dog I mentioned who was extremely reactive has improved considerably to the extent I walked him without the owner being present. Now when we first met he would not have tolerated that happening. Building trust calming influences and using distraction techniques have paid dividends. The owner has done incredible work being consistent and grown in confidence in her handling of her canine pal. We walked for an hour with minimal reaction to other dogs unthinkable four weeks ago. Be confident and consistent in your handling of your canine pal use distraction to alleviate anxiety in your dog it works. Y

10/02/2025

Focus training is important to obtain with your dog. Before we can move onto correctional training we need to get the dogs attention. Practising getting your dog’s attention before you venture out. Calling their name or using a command using a reward for their response. The more often you do it the better the response. I practise indoors in the garden where there are minimal distractions. When you venture out and try to get your digs attention it should help. Practice don’t get down if it’s not instant keep trying.

06/02/2025

Glorious morning walk Formonthills. A bit wet under foot in some places so make sure you have a good pair of boots or wellies on.

31/01/2025

My wee boy Bailey out and about in Crail. Part of the Fife costal path. Really nice walk.

30/01/2025

So I have been working with a big dog which is reactive to other dogs the past few weeks with its owner. We have worked on the importance of keeping moving when the dog reacts. By moving onwards or indeed about turning we take the dog away from the dog that is causing the anxiety. Also working on the importance of understanding triggers and distances. Taking your dog past and away from the trigger allows your dog to calm down again. Standing still means that your dog has no means of escape so it’s panicked. Knowing the distances your dog first reacts is important because it allows you to plan and use calming methods such as distracting your dog with food or a toy. You need to be calm and try to relax being confident that you can manage the situation by talking in a reassuring manner nice and light. It takes time there is no Harry Potter moment in dog training,practice and time.

23/01/2025

If your dog is reactive when out for a walk on a lead you could try allowing them to carry a favourite toy or ball. Carrying something can calm a dog so much that it relaxes them so they don’t react or it reduces their reaction greatly. Give it a go see if it works for your doggie pal.

21/01/2025

This is Beau I have been walking her for the past week as her m family have been on holiday and she had her Gran & Granda looking after her but neither of them could walk Beau. If you need short term help walking your dog give me a message I will always try to help.

16/01/2025

Reactive dogs don’t just react to other dogs or people they react to you. Triggers for them to react are you pulling on the lead to tighten them in closer to you. Standing still whilst what ever the cause of their anxiety approaches them. They have no means of avoidance so therefore will react to deter the on coming threat. Raising your voice at them only increases their anxiety. Training such dogs takes time and patience and being calm. A dog will always be reactive but you can manage that and reduce the impact using easy measures and common sense.

23/12/2024

If you have a nervous dog that reacts badly to different situations i.e strangers, noises, other dogs, vehicles, different locations then try and introduce them gradually for very short periods to what ever is causing them the anxiety. Use encouragement distractions food or could be a favourite toy. Be soft spoken calm and try to keep the focus of your canine pal on you. Over a period of time try to lengthen the time scale but don’t try to quickly as this may cause them to regress.

17/12/2024

So have been working with a dog in the past few weeks with aggression issues. A rescue dog was given a new home without knowing much background history. The dog is very aggressive to people entering the home. On assessment I knew the dog was frightened and so as there was little scope for flight it had learned that strangers backed off if it showed aggression. I showed the family how to change the dogs behaviour through reward using passive techniques. When introducing new people try when possible to meet them outside the house say a short walk and return to the house together keep the dog on the lead and have the new person keep their distance but give the dog treats. Keep doing this setting up such interactions looking for a de-escalation of behaviour as you progress. Reassuring the dog and praising good behaviour in order to change the dogs behaviour.

12/12/2024

Yesterday on East Lomond WOW.

28/10/2024

So it’s coming up for the worse time of year as far as I am concerned Bon fire night. Except it’s not just one night is it. One of my dogs Bramble is terrified by fire works going off. I have tried just about everything in his ten years. My advice is look for the events that are happening near where you live. Prepare for them get your dogs out early so they’re less likely to want out during the fireworks. Get some really tasty treats to distract them play with their toys. Comfort them plenty of cuddles. I actually get a mild sedative from my vet because my lad is so terrified I’ve tried all sorts of calming products but they never worked. I hope your pets are calm and don’t get upset.

23/10/2024

These guys Lui & Nevis very ball focussed which means exercise is easy as they chase and return the balls. Also means they are not distracted from the game which means they are focussed on you. Friendly dogs really chilled but almost disinterested in other dogs as they are enjoying chasing the ball . Distraction techniques are the best way to train dog.

18/10/2024

This is Beau she is 3 yrs old I walked her for her family to let them have a day out. A lot of dog walkers won’t do ad hoc walking I do. I will try and fit in walks to help you out. Get in touch and ask. I charge £14 for an hour walk.

17/10/2024

Need help with your canine pals training or behaviour. Obedience training walking on the lead, recall I use reward based training make it fun and your dog will respond. I charge £25 a session.

Fully insured, Canine First Aid qualified ex police dog handler. Diploma in canine behavioural training
Puppy and dog training & correction