Chill Paws dog trainer

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.)

09/01/2025

Snow can hinder scent making it harder for a dog to sniff it out

05/01/2025

SWINLEY FOREST
Friday I was given the terrible news that from the end of January 2025, Swinley Forest will require a dog walking permit. I discovered Swinley in 2019 and have used it for training walks and sessions.
The ranger told me the permit would be placed due to the many dog incidents from uninsured dog-walking businesses. Once again the animals are going to be the scapegoats and victims of human stupidity.
During our conversation, the ranger said, "It isn't like we can stop people from getting dogs." Yes, actually yes. We could, should, and ought to. Let's ask the government to place a temporary ban on all breeders, enroll every POTENTIAL dog guardian in a dog education training course, and place ALL dogs in shelters with SUITABLE families.
If animals had a voice, they would SCREAM at the top of their lungs, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH". Enough blaming them for OUR stupidity. Let's take CONSTRUCTIVE action.

WRITE TO YOUR MP.

01/01/2025

Happy 2025 everyone.

31/12/2024

Meyers spends 2 years in the Sardinia mountains and on Bucharest's streets to follow the lives of sheep and street dogs. A bit slow going, but interesting to watch, esp. the street dogs part.
As every behaviourist know it reveals some truths. "We never felt in danger from any of the sttreet dogs. The majority of attacks come from domesticated ones who are crammed into apartments, unable to fulfil their instincts and needs."
Have a look.

1h 9m

29/12/2024

I'm replying to all those users who reacted to my post with disdain. I'll stick by it.
"In 2022–2023, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) euthanized 2,875 dogs and puppies, which was 15.31% of the dogs and puppies in their care." (RSPCA)
This statistic is ONLY by the RSPCA. Think of all the other dogs who are being KILLED (let's not mince words here with "put to sleep" or "put down" to make YOU feel better). The majority of this is because of YOUR incompetence, ignorance, stupidity, arrogance, and selfishness. YOU are causing these dogs to die and suffer.
There are a bunch of questions that EVERYONE should ask themselves (and be honest about it) before getting (adopting or purchasing) a dog. They are:
1. Can I provide the dog with the basics, i.e. food, and shelter?
2. Can I match the dog's NEEDS, i.e. breed, temperament, and individual needs?
3. Can I afford a dog trainer/behaviourist?
4. Do I have the ability/willingness to LEARN/practice/work with the dog trainer/behaviourist?
5. If you answer NO to ANY of these questions, then get a budgie or a guinea pig and if you REALLY wish to help, assist the shelter in finding a SUITABLE family who could answer YES to all of the above and make a SUCCESS of the adoption.
Let's stop patting our back for offering a dog food and shelter. A dog needs way more than that to be happy. Adequate enrichment, suitable physical and mental exercise, and the opportunity to SATISFY the work they were born to do. If these needs aren't met, the dog has a higher chance of developing issues like destruction, anxiety, and aggression. These are the most likely issues that lead to ABANDONMENT, KILLING, RETURNING to a shelter, or GIVING to a shelter.
This family could only answer YES to 1 question; therefore, they are UNSUITABLE for a SUCCESSFUL adoption and if this still offends you, deal with it.

28/12/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Dawn Cornell

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

27/12/2024

Patrick Galbraith writes in The Telegraph, "There is a reason hunters sing songs about foxes and write poems about them. It is not about them. It is almost a form of fox worship." What the f...are you talking about? Fox hunting is a despicable activity and most folks dislike it for what it is: appalling. So, I ask again, what the f...are you talking about?

15/12/2024

"Huge thanks for looking after Charlie this year and giving him the best walks. He always looks forward to his Fridays!" (Stephanie, G)

30/11/2024

Richard James thinks that dogs should be kept on lead the whole time. This is the opinion of an ignorant, entitled individual. Humans should be on lead. They are way more destructive and stupid than a dog I have ever worked with.
We humans are here to share the earth with others. We DO NOT own it. Let's stop behaving like we do and start sharing like we should. ..and then f you think there are too many dogs. Humans CREATED that problem too. Let's put BANS on humans NOT on animals.
***le

The cutest thing a dog can do is be under control

06/11/2024

Pay heed to your dog growling, they're speaking. Step back, take five, and start all over.

02/11/2024

"One more sausage, please."

30/10/2024

Managing a pack of dogs

30/10/2024

Found this, rubber, in a tin of Country Hunter

30/10/2024