Chill Paws dog trainer

22/06/2025

Hi. We’re back and ready to discuss more about the best ways to help an anxious dog and handler. Yesterday, I asked you to picture yourself and the dog on an outing when, suddenly, a dog or a pack of dogs comes walking or running your way. What do you do?
First, clear your mind of any panic or anxiety. You’ve got this. Second, take control of the situation. Indicate to the dog where you’d like them to move to (the side of the path) and calmly walk that way with the dog. Ask the dog to sit, if they can, or stand if they’re old or have limb issues, stand in front of the dog (as a barrier); grab the dog’s attention by moving your hand to your eye. Focus on the dog and get the dog’s focus on you. Nothing else matters. Don’t interact with the dog(s) coming your way, don’t talk, don’t move, don’t think. Keep your mind clear. Picturing yourself and your dog in similar situations helps you remain calm and take control when it eventually happens.

20/06/2025

When working with an anxious dog, it's important to observe their body language at all times. This helps us understand and assist the dog. Our role is to increase their self-confidence, which is often the underlying reason for the issue. In this role, we, the handler, MUST put the dog first. Our feelings are irrelevant. ONLY the dog’s are considered and managed. The way we manage those feelings will help or hinder the dog’s journey to self-confidence.
In these videos, I’m going to show the best way to deal with one or a pack of dogs. Before we go through them, though, I want you to picture yourself and your dog in this scenario. A dog or a pack of dogs is coming toward you, running or walking. What do you do?
Let me know in the comments and we'll discuss and watch the videos tomorrow.

10/06/2025

I want to tie this video in with the 2 days ago video https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdA6Esby/ for a better idea of what it means to watch the dog when doing training.
Here Buddy is struggling to execute what he's been asked. I appreciate his struggle. Buddy is a young dog, the walk has just started, he's still has a lot of pent up energy to get rid of, he loves water and swimming, and playing with the ball. All these 6 elements have to be considered when doing training because they undoubtedly affect the dog’s ability to perform. With this in mind, I adapt my instructions, body language, tone of voice, and eye contact accordingly. With such an excited dog, my eye contact and body language are heightened.
In the second video, Buddy and I have been practicing this training for a while now and his performance is improving. This is also thanks to Beau’s wonderful example which is a guidance for best behaviour to Buddy.
In the last video, I simply need to call the other dog’s name for Buddy to know that his turn is next.

09/06/2025

Training teaches a dog an activity, behaviour, game, or trick, but that is only part of it. Before we do anything, let’s take a moment to focus, break down the exercise, request after request. Is it all clear in your mind? It better be if you wish to teach another. Take deep breaths, focus, clear your mind, and start. Low, assertive voice, eye contact, clear message (both vocal and body language). Now, the dog. Are they clear on what we’re asking them to do? Any anxiety or insecurity? Before, during, and after training, the dog is communicating with us through their behaviour. It’s important to watch and modify our instructions and, if necessary, expectations, accordingly. Dogs have things to say during training. “You’re going too fast”, “I don’t get it”, “I don’t like this”, “I’m uncomfortable”, “Can we do this again? I didn’t quite get it the first time”, “I would like to do this instead”, or “I’m really not into this now”. Whatever the dog is saying, we have to pay attention as it might negatively affect the training session, detour, or fail it. Sometimes, it’s okay to change the session completely. If the dog is refusing to do what we’re asking and doing something else instead, let’s go with it, and turn THAT into a training session. Doing interactive activities with the dog is ALWAYS time well spent.
Training also teaches the dog about us. Our temper, conduct under stress, body movements, eye contact, and tone of voice. All these affect the way the dog pays attention and learns. For instance, a tone of voice too loud will distract a dog and a loss of temper might create anxiety or fear. A successful training session istrengthens a bond, trust, and understanding between the participants. A bond is built with time and patience. Trust is earned through activities and adventures. Understanding improves with all of the above.

31/05/2025

Hi. Today, I want to talk about dog training.
Millions of online trainers are telling us what to say, do, and how to do it to get the best and fastest results.( good) In the meantime, more dogs are prone to anxiety, destructive, aggressive, or reactive behaviour that lands them in shelters or on death row. ( good) That's because dog training is way more than sit, stay, and stop, a lot more. It's ongoing communication and consistency; socialization, activities together, and day-to-day basics. ( good) With this in mind, let’s ask ourselves whether it’s time to rethink how we live ( with dogs,)[cut] communicate []and] behave [with them]. We claim to love them but subject them to a way of life that alienates their senses and instincts. This is a fact. Dogs live in the human world.
What can we do to improve this situation and create a more hospitable environment for those dogs we so overtly claim to love?
First, let’s acknowledge that any dog issue is 99.999% us. [We are their problem]basically says same as first sentence). We look at a dog’s world through our eyes and create issues. Dogs are a different species from us with their own abilities and skills. Let's break it down. Speed. (video of dogs sprinting) Greyhounds can reach 45 mph (72km/h) while Usain Bolt, the fastest sprinter, 27.8 mph. 17.2 mph difference for the dog. (dog’s ears hearing) As for our auditory capacity, ours ranges between 20 and 20.000 Hz; dogs’ vary from 40 to 60.000 Hz. They can hear high-frequency sounds, including ultrasonic.](; either this or first part both says same) We cannot! (dogs doing scent work) Now, let's discuss one of the most powerful tools in the human and technological world. The nose. Five million scent receptors for us. Three hundred million for dogs!!!! They can extract historic and current information, the health, past locations, mood and much more of the source. We can barely detect whether the dinner in the oven is cooked or burnt. For these simple variances, dogs view the world differently.
(Let's be AWARE of this and modify our behaviour accordingly. This can help us understand and correct, if necessary, a dog’s conduct and resolve the issue quickly. If we love them for who they are, the least we can do is to respect and acknowledge those differences, and work with them because, when we intermingle our view of the world with theirs, we confuse them and create issues.)

In conclusion, we can apply the usual run-of-the-mill training and get our dogs to conform to OUR way of living and perception of the world, ignorant of their ways, or we can reach out a hand to learn and live with our dog in harmony. With the right interaction, communication, physical and mental exercise, and activities we can have a balanced dog with the understanding that dogs are sentient beings who can learn to increase the tools in their arsenal, become more independent, and confident. This is what Chill Paws, dog training, believe in and embrace. (20 mins)

This is the first of a series of posts and videos that give insight into the dog; the way they see and perceive the world, learn, play, interact, build trust and self-confidence, and so much more. It’s also a window into your experience and discoveries to learn about and appreciate the dog more, their likes, dislikes, fears, insecurities, strengths, and weaknesses.

28/04/2025

Testing your dog, yourself, and the relationship you share, it's an important factor between handler and dog. This is a test you need to do at every available opportunity.
In this instance, we had 2 hours of Parkour, water and ball games, and "search". The dogs were physically and mentally tired. This reduces the risk of them disregarding the handler's request or going after things, animals, or people they should avoid.
It's also important to be honest about the relationship you have with your dog. If you know they're going to distress the ponies (in this instance) in any way, increase the distance or test yourself and your dog with a different target. It's also important to be honest about your pack of dogs. If one of them breaks free, barks, starts running after the ponies then you have a big issue. It's therefore important to be honest about your management skills of the pack (if unsure, do more training and do an easier test that ALL dogs and the handler are able to bring to a successful completion).
Similar tests give an idea of the level of training YOU, your dog, and your pack management skills are at that point. It will give you an idea of what YOU need to work on and what you and your dog(s) need to work on. It will give ideas on different (training) games you two can practice together and work on.
This is based on my belief that dogs are ancient beings and need to be treated as such. This means that they can learn, improve, and succeed in the day to day activities in their world and our (human) one. This will give them the skills to be confident, autonomous, and happy.

22/02/2025

Please, sign the petition. Let's stop testing on animals.

We demand that the Government bans the use of animal testing/experiments for human medicines and products. This means that animal testing could not be used for new drugs, and other scientific methods would need to be used. We believe modern science can replace animal experiments.

20/02/2025

ADOPTION

Loki
Male
4 yrs-old (19/20/2020)
Neutered
Up to date vaccinations
Good with dogs and children
Issue: anxiety

If rehomed in the Surrey/Hampshire area I will be able to do training/behaviour work with him.

14/02/2025

Kingston is still in foster looking for his forever home. Can anyone help 🙏
Age 3 ish
Neutered
Crate trainer
Muzzle training on going
Cats 🐈 or small furries 🐇🐀 :Not a hope
Children: Older only (very bouncy)
Dogs:has lived with them but can also be unpredictable
(Dog walker is the Current foster)
Currently in New forest area of Hampshire but could go anywhere with the right home
As everyone is aware kennels, rescues, pounds are over full and we would not want to put even more pressure on them so we are looking for a home
Please share

11/02/2025

* anxiety * confidence * fear * reactivity * recall

Recall is an important aspect of being a dog in the human world. It keeps the dog out of trouble and danger, but it requires a foundation and lots of practice.

Reactivity can happen for a variety of reasons: bad experiences, lack of socialization, or ignorance of a way out. However, with time, patience, and socialization, even the most reactive dogs can enjoy playtime with their dog friends.

Fear/anxiety both require time, patience, and understanding.

Confidence is part of the solution. It also makes for exciting and interesting walks. Parkour, swimming, and games all play a part in building a happy, confident dog.

"Dogs need a certain amount of social interaction, running, chewing, digging, and other doglike things each day, and if they do not get the chance to exercise these basic instincts in a natural way they will create ways to exercise them in an unnatural way." (The Truth About Dogs by Stephen Budiansky, High Anxiety) With Chill Paws, dog trainer and behaviorist, dogs and their humans learn to enjoy their time together in a constructive manner with games, plays, and activities that are instructive and fun.

All training sessions come with follow-up videos (to show where the dog and you can improve and doing great already), calls, and/or face-to-face.

A training session comes in the following options:
* VIRTUAL - Zoom/WhatsApp training
* FACE-TO-FACE
* COMPUTER - prepared training lessons to learn at one’s pace
* GROUP LEARNING

I would also like to draw attention to the plight of more and more dogs. The shelters are overcrowded. Often this is due to a lack of education. If you're experiencing issues with your dog or are thinking of adopting/getting one please, consider dog education training before making a big decision.
They are donation-funded and provided in a dog shelter near you.
The training session comes similar to the options above but with some alterations:
VIRTUAL - Zoom/WhatsApp training (Level 3 are welcome)
FACE-TO-FACE - a. At a suitable place of your choice; b. At a dog shelter near you
COMPUTER - prepared training lessons to learn at your pace (* within a reasonable time limit; * to complete BEFORE the adoption of the befriended dog; * levels 1 & 2 might need face-to-face as well)
GROUP LEARNING - a. Suitable place of my choice; b. At a dog shelter near you
(Level 1 - 3, beginners, Level 4, good dog education, Level 5, always like to learn)

PRICES

* recall and stop. £25.00 per session.

* Training, 1-2-1, £65.00; aggression/behaviour/anxiety, £70.00

24/01/2025

THE WELFARE OF DOGS BILL
"A code of practice for getting a dog is to be drawn up in Scotland under a new law passed by MSPs.

The Welfare of Dogs Bill aims to promote responsible ownership by making sure people understand the commitment required before they take on a pet.

Within 12 months the government will need to draw up a code, effectively a checklist of questions about whether the new owner has considered whether they have the time, space and money needed.

That would then inform a certificate, to be signed by the new owner and the person they are acquiring the dog from, to underline that both sides understand the commitment involved.

The new law is a member's bill introduced by SNP MSP Christine Graham, who has been pushing for changes for more than seven years." (BBC.co.uk)

Something similar should be passed here in England. It would dogs better protection from irresponsible guardians.

10/01/2025

"Since you had the more intense training with him, I do “with me” and “behind” every walk - when we arrive at the park we do it and he manages even though he’s excited to arrive - we are working on building it up more but on the way out is impressive because he used to run away or try to play a bit to avoid me putting him on the lead but now he follows behind religiously. He loves the ball game too he asks me to play it with him when we get to “the ball field” in the park. Also his ability to disengage and follow me if play with other dogs is escalating has improved. Thanks Lae." (Sarah, H.)