Avril Young Dog Trainer

07/11/2024

❓🐕 Q&A Time!

Got any questions about dog training? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll answer them. Let’s tackle those training challenges together! 🐾💬

05/11/2024

Quick training tips ⬇️

Know what you want to practice, have small yummy rewards ready before you start, and stop frequently to make sure it’s going to plan!

If it’s not going well, have a coffee instead! 😁

Top times to practice:

Waiting on the kettle boiling
Waiting on the oven heating up
And duration ad breaks!

What are you practicing at the moment let me know in the comments ⬇️

03/11/2024

Sunday trailing and what a mixed bag of trails.

The morning boys were put off by one thing or another, while the girls showed them how its done..

And our afternoon teams, 2 of whom are more nervous, absolutely nailed their trails, taking off lead dogs and little people in their strides.

Its all about building confidence and having fun, and these teams made me so proud today!

03/11/2024

Return of the Dash! This handsome lad has had a bit if a tough time of late and now has his pain managed by his care team, and his hooman who can read him like a book!

Knowing when your dog is behaving because of pain, as opposed to just being 'naughty' is a huge step towards stopping those unwanted behaviours.

Dogs behave differently when things are sore (just like us - who doesn't get grumpy with a toothache?) So knowing your dogs 'normal' will help you when something isn't normal. Then you can dig deeper into why these behaviours surface and get your vet or other health care professional involved quickly.

So back to Dash, who is now doing great with his pain managed but has forgotten how to walk nicely on a lead, loves to be jumping up, and needs some help to settle and not be looking for attention all the time.

Sleep is important for all our dogs, not just puppies, and having an off switch is something we need to teach.

So, plan in place and we will be working with Dash and his hooman to support them.

03/11/2024

More facts!

Did you know nosework increases a dog’s optimism?

We have 1 space left on my November Scentwork and Mantrailing workshops in Edinburgh and Midlothian if you want to put your dogs nose to good use! Click the link in my bio to find out more and book.

31/10/2024

🎃🐾 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs!

Keep your dog safe this Halloween by keeping them indoors, securing the sweeties, avoiding uncomfortable costumes, and providing a cosy space to relax amidst the festivities!

Remember to always give your dog choices! No forced containment in a den - your dog must be able to move around freely. The fight or flight response can be strong when a dog is scared.

30/10/2024

A wee video in the blog..check it out!

I just made a video for the Fun Not Fear® Club about Howl-o-ween and how to ensure your dogs have a safe and happy time!
Link in comments.

27/10/2024

Brilliant trailing from our teams in West Lothian today.

We introduced a new element to the teams depending on their own progression.

Some had walking finds, some had decoys and some worked on drive and motivation, while everyone continued to build their confidence.

Happy tails and smiling faces all round!

27/10/2024

Hod it and dod it! When you come through from the kitchen to find these two looking rather mischievous..but actually just waiting patiently for dinner!

I haven't restricted Argie's movement around the house, we are just consistent in how things go (how we prepare for walk times or meal times, or when leaving them alone (not set times as our life doesn't work like that).

They can follow us around the house as they wish, but Mika doesn't (and hasn't since she was a puppy) and now Argie is taking himself off when he realises its not one of these times. He does join me in my office as he has taken over oor Inca's resting place.

They can even come into the kitchen while I prepare food, Mika has her place, and Argie is choosing to join her, where he is rewarded. After only a few weeks with us, he no longer finds things in the house novel and has stopped sticking his nose in things.

I personally find the quicker I introduce things, the quicker they become boring,

We no longer contain him in his pen for settle time as he now knows 'up' to settle on his sofa. And unless he is hungry or needing out, he is pretty good at settling himself.

What a difference 4 and a half months make, but he is still our whizz pup and likes to do everything at 100mph!

27/10/2024

An extra hour in bed anyone?

That's a ✔️ from Imanje HQ! Now time for a morning snooze!

24/10/2024

A wee stretch of our legs, even if one of us forgot to pick our feet up! Cue lame dog: all checked on scene and everything still in its place with no drama on moving.

Got home, jumped out the car and all was forgotten!

People, cats and dogs as distractions tonight for good measure.

23/10/2024

Well done to Team Kilda and Team Vera and their hoomans on completing our Intro to Scentwork course.

These teams have really put in the practice and were doing some great searches tonight.

Looking forward to watching their skills grow at our Scent Club meetings.

23/10/2024

Pumpkins! They are everywhere, but please dispose of them safely ie NOT left in woodlands!

Attached is the reason why and there are some ways to use pumpkin safely..or, make soup! Cooked, you can even freeze it! Or put it in your food waste bin.

Keep our animal friends safe 🐿🐕🦔🦡

https://www.forestryengland.uk/news/dumping-pumpkins-the-woods-bad-wildlife-says-forestry-england-expert #:~:text=Pumpkins%20are%20not%20natural%20to,unwell%20and%20can%20spread%20disease.

Pumpkins are a Halloween staple, but what to do with your wonderful carved lantern once the spooky season is over? Research shows that around 8 million pumpkins could be part of this year’s Halloween fun.

23/10/2024

When was the last time you let your dog explore the world through their nose?

Scentwork is a fantastic way for dogs to engage with their environment, build confidence, and bond with you! Whether it’s a game at home or an adventure in the great outdoors, let those sniffs lead the way! 🐶

Share your favorite sniffing spots in the comments! 👇✨

Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know about Scentwork courses and clubs for 2025 : http://eepurl.com/h26sgb

21/10/2024

Today, we worked on those pesky sheep!

Seems pears are way more important!

Watch to the end....

Speeded up as this is a slow process but important to help Argento not find the sheep interesting.. we started with the ladies a half a field away and moving, I am sure they will get closer in time!

And after a weigh in at our vet, he is on a diet! 36.4kg indeed 🫣

20/10/2024

Stay safe through storm Ashley folks, Argie and Mika give not a jot!

I will be in touch with training clients as the days unfold and we see what the weather is like.

19/10/2024

Here’s another Scent Fact Saturday!

Which fact were you most surprised by?

Sign up to my mailing list to be the first to know about my Mantrailing and Scentwork classes- the perfect use for our dog’s amazing noses!