Out in the real world practicing some recalls away from each other and other distractions that appeared along the way!
Everyone did so well.
It is a really common thing for a dog trainer to hear 'it works in class and not anywhere else!' so it is really important to us that we try to get out and about and see what (if anything) the dog struggles with.
Sometimes we have people, other dogs, birds, cars, sirens - all things that could distract your dog from their training when you are out and about, but things they need to learn to deal with!
Well done Boris, Meg, and Rosie ❤
It’s real life distractions you’re after?
Please welcome to the H+H team, our pigeon flock! 🐦
Okay, they were unpaid and a complete coincidence…
But they circled over our heads a few times before flying off and the dogs (apart from some initial suprise!) were able to keep their cool.
Something like this could send a teenage dog wild - distractions, particularly unexpected ones, are often their nemesis. They often lack in impulse control and their brains are wired to respond quickly, meaning they react to stimuli before they have even registered what’s going on.
If you’re finding that is the case, our next batch of Teens classes start on the 15th of August at 6.30pm 🐾
Very proud of Gus, Blade, Rosie, and Rufus ❤️
Henstridge puppies you were AMAZING on recall week! A topic that often sends a shiver around the class, particularly when I say we will be out of the field and not in the hall. Everyone did SO well. We looked at… 🐾 auto check ins 🐾 charging up a recall word 🐾 how to reward efficiently for the dog in front of you 🐾 middle And much more!
Henstridge puppies doing wonderfully at their ‘send to bed’ exercise! Perfect for getting your pup out from under your feet, or starting a ‘when the doorbell goes’ routine. This class had to come inside from exciting recall practice and calm down enough to think about this, so they really did brilliantly. Well done to Rufus, Crumble, and Dexter ❤️ #sherborne #lovedogs #wincanton #puppy #gillingham #forcefreedogtraining #dogsofdorset #dorset #forcefreedogtrainer #somerset #puppiesofinstagram #puppies #dorsetdogs #dorsetdogs #sturminsternewton #dorchesteruk #puppyschool #instapuppy #harness #dogsofinstaworld
Pawsitive puppies you were Pawsitively PERFECT!
We ventured out onto the green (finally - thank you summer evenings!) to put our recall skills to the test… after an initial couple of minutes of madness, they all put their sensible brains on and did amazingly.
We worked up from focus with about 2m of freedom, to focus with 10m of long line, then dropped lines for some restrained recalls!
So proud of all of you, well done Rufus, Dexter, and Crumble ❤️
Training should be fun ❤️
At H+H we offer an inclusive and friendly atmosphere where you will learn in a way that suits you AND your dog.
We’ve had dogs with behavioural problems.
We’ve had dogs that head for the hills and you wonder if they will ever return.
We’ve cried and laughed and cried again over our dogs!
We’ve been where you are and we get it: we hear you and we will help you.
Upcoming classes linked below ⬇️ ⬇️⬇️
We can’t wait to meet your dogs 🐾
Rosie and Gus you are SUPERSTARS 🌟🌟
This may not look like anything super fancy but both these dogs can really struggle with dogs being nearby as they want to be best friends with everybody!
Last night we were able to focus on their disengagement and how to handle it when they do have a wobble and try to get to another dog.
You’ll notice we don’t stop the dogs being able to look at each other - for these guys particularly being told they can’t look would result in lots of frustration and isn’t replicable of how it happens in the real world.
Instead, they learned how to control themselves and look back to their owners once they’ve checked out a nearby distraction 🐾
Amazing work ❤️
Every now and then there is a bit of training that makes you feel all happy inside… this is one of those!
This is the cone game.
The idea is that we get puppies used to things going on and around their heads in preparation for muzzles, buster collars, harnesses, or coats.
The biggest rule with this training is that the dog gets CHOICE.
At no point do we take the cone and bung it on Trevor’s head. At no point do we put food at the end of the cone to lure them it. Even if our dog is confident and we are fairly sure they won’t mind, the key ingredient is getting them to choose to do it.
This means that they…
🐾 are more likely to be truly happy
🐾 learn the behaviour better than if they just blindly follow food
🐾 use their brain more - good for tiring puppies out!
Just look at Trevor working out that he needs to go fully in the cone to get the reward. And as for his Mum’s training skills 👌
Well done Trevor, you little legend!
Enrichment doesn't have to be fancy!
Sure, Kongs and Likkimats are fantastic...
But when you are short of time or money, what's wrong with a good old fashioned cardboard box?
My dogs get their breakfast from a box a couple of times a week, and from the grass in the garden nearly every day!
Feeding from weird (but not scary) objects can also be a great way to boost your dog's confidence with novel experiences.
Maybe that makes me the laziest dog trainer ever... but it works. The puppy particularly comes back in from his snuffle-y breakfast in the garden FAR more calm then when I turfed him out.
We LOVE talking about the benefits of enrichment and the benefits of snuffling around for your dog in our Puppy and Teen classes.
Check out the link in the comments below for more info ⬇⬇⬇
🚨 LAST CALL 🚨
For tomorrow nights Pawsitive puppy classes In Henstridge .
Our first week we look at socialisation. is something we are passionate about at Hounds & Hooves. It’s something that a lot of guardians worry about and it’s vital we get a good balance of quality interactions with new things-not just dogs and people.
What you will get from the sessions;
✅ Qualified force free trainer accredited with the DTC-ADT, APDT-MAPDT 01490 and a BSc in canine behaviour and management
✅ Information on how to understand your puppies body language-this will help you support them and know when to intervene if they are becoming uncomfortable.
✅ How to understand appropriate puppy play.
✅ Fish4dogs puppy pack
✅ acess to our whole digital library for puppies-over 100+ videos/pdfs to help you maintain training through the week between classes.
✅ Opportunity to meet fellow puppy owners.
Hounds & Hooves has been established since 2013 and we are based in Dorchester. due to demand we are now offering sessions in Henstridge Village Hall.
These sessions are for 12 weeks plus. However, we often have clients that have younger dogs who are happy to bring them in a sling. If you have any questions give us a call or clarify with your vet regarding vaccinations.
The link to book the sessions is in the comments and we hope you can join us.
What can you expect from Pawsitive Puppies?
If you are wondering what we get up to in our Pawsitive puppies class. We’ve put together a little video to explain.
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On joining our classes you get access to our video vault with over 100 videos on various trainings and puppy challenges.
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Our socialisation Ebook
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Puppy manual
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Toilet training timetable
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Puppy good bag from FISH4Dogs
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One free visit to the gallops to have your first off lead experience.
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You can even pay in installments.
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Want to know more just click the link in the comments.
❓Do you know what one of the biggest common misconceptions are regarding puppy training? I’ve made a short video below to explain. .📚At Hounds & Hooves you can be sure that all our trainers are qualified with recognised forcefree member bodies and we strive to maintain our CPD. .👋🏻 Our Henstridge (Somerset) classes are restarting on January 25th we have availability for both puppies at 5.30pm and Teens at 6.30pm. .💻🐾Not only do you get access to six weeks of in person classes you also get access to a variety of extra support including access to our video training vault and manual-so you can start training your puppy right away. .🏫 Henstridge village hall is a beautiful inside venue-perfect for this miserable weather. .✏️ Check out the comments for more information on costs, dates and times. We look forward to meeting you all. . #puppytraining #somerset #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingclasses #puppytrainingtips
Not long till our new intake of puppies start their Hounds & Hooves training journey. If you would like to join us our Henstridge classes are starting on the 11th of January-puppies & teens. Head to the comments to see booking links.
Merry Christmas to all at our Henstridge venue. We have loved meeting everyone and can’t wait to see what 2024 brings. But for now look at what beautiful Bertie & Fabuloys Finn have been working on. Link to book classes in comments. #dogtrainingclasses #dogtrainer#dogtraining #henstridge #southsomerset #somersetdogs #dogsofsomerset #borderterrier #borderterrierpuppy #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #christmas #christmasdog #hapoychristmas
We would like to thank everyone who has given us a warm waggy welcome in Henstridge. We have loved meeting everyone and can’t wait to see what 2024 brings. But for now look at what beautiful Bertie & Fabuloys Finn have been working on. Link to book classes in comments. #dogtrainingclasses #dogtrainer#dogtraining #henstridge #southsomerset #somersetdogs #dogsofsomerset #borderterrier #borderterrierpuppy #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #christmas #christmasdog #hapoychristmas
Henstridge puppies we are coming for you ❤️
Here is a great gift idea for the dog in your life that loves to chew.
Or perhaps the family member that has just gotten a new puppy and they are pulling their hair out with puppies constant chewing.
Or for the puppy whos teeth hurt like hell, but there is nothing appropriate to chew other than mums Jimmy Choo’s ...
Let do everyone a favour here and invest in some safe (not rawhide), legal (not mums designer shoes) chews.
And give everyone the Cristmas they deserve.
We offer a variety of chew boxes for a variety of budgets and we are always happy to mix and match if you have anything specific in mind.
Black Friday deals are still running but finish at midnight tonight. Link in comments!
🐾🐾
If you are struggling with loose lead walking and want to get it cracked before Christmas now is your chance.
Our one off loose lead walking workshop still has a couple of spaces for tomorrow evening.
What will you get?
🐾 in person group class-Henstridge
📕 Lifetime access to our loose lead walking master class packed with all the activities you did in class so you can go back and practise at home.
🐕 FREE visit to the gallops (Dorchester) where you can go and practise your skills.
Link in comments to book 🐾🐾
What can you expect from classes at H&H?
We are so excited to be bringing our training classes to Henstridge.
Training should be fun. You and your dog should be excited to come each week.
You should walk away from each session feeling like you have learnt something.
You should look forward to the next session.
You should feel supported.
You should feel comfortable to ask questions.
You should feel comfortable to speak up when things don’t feel like they are going well.
Below is a sneak peek of what we get up to in classes. Even if you don’t want to come to training classes you will LOVE the video of cute dogs doing cute things.
For a full list of classes please visit the website-link in comments 🐾🐾
A little snippet of what we get up to in our socialisation classes and puppy classes. Booking now being taken for upcoming classes in Henstridge #somerset
