Tactical Paws

18/06/2025

With hot weather arriving we thought we’d share how we keep our dogs safe ☀️

1. Changes in pace - dogs are allowed to freedom for short periods and return to heel to slow down their pace keeping them cooler

2. Forced settle - the dogs are put into a down/settle in the shade to prevent heat exhaustion from prolonged exposure to the sun.

3. The pool - the dogs love splashing in the pool and fresh water is available. This is controlled though - too much water + running around can cause bloat - be careful!

4. Early times. This walk started at 830 this morning and was finished by 1030 before the temperature hit 21.

5. All dogs are not fed two hours before their walks. Owners have been great at feeding extra early to prevent the risk of bloat during exercise.

This is a safer option for the dogs on hot days like today. We will be going even earlier over the next two days with temperatures reaching 24 by 10am.

Stay safe ☀️

15/06/2025

Thank you to everyone that came to our charity walk today with Pop’s 🙏🏼

We raised an amazing £180 for his continued chemo treatment and rehabilitation costs for his amputation. You’re all amazing 🩵

14/06/2025

Busy week @ Tactical Paws this week!

We’ve started our Puppy Life Skills - we have such a fab new bunch in 🌟

Structured pack walks with the team - our favourite time of the day ✅

We had a filming day with for our online training platform - release date coming soon 🙏🏼

Have a great weekend all ✨

12/06/2025

Let’s talk German Shepherds ✨

We have quite a few under our care that are training with us. These shepherds are loyal, intelligent and athletic. They need more than what majority of pet homes can offer.

German shepherds do not need hours and hours of exercise to be fulfilled / they need exercise yes but mental simulation is a priority. Without correct training and mental stimulation is where we see a lot of behavioural problems form. Obsessive behaviours, reactivity, aggression and anxiety.

Let me give you an example of a busy day for my working line shepherd. First thing is she has no routine - her days are different with rest days included. Recovery is very important.

Example:

730am - 20 minute training session working on trick training and retrievals

1100-1200 - structured walk - onlead/offlead focusing on recall, emergency downs and offlead heeling

1230-1300 - stooge for a client

1500-1530 - scentwork training - vehicle searches and open field key searches

1900/1930- onlead walk - focusing on lead walking and traffic exposure. Finish with 5 minute play session.

Guess what? She could still do more if she wanted to. These dogs are not for busy households with no time to input structure or training. They are amazing dogs and sadly this is similar to many other breeds.

Please do not get a dog if you believe walking them twice a day is fulfilling their basic needs. I promise you it’s not. From a behavioural point of view you can do all of this and your dog may still have behavioural problem - experiences and genetics should be hugely taken into account✨

11/06/2025

Our lovely client Pops is needing your help 🙏🏼

He has recently had an amputation due to cancer spread in his leg and is going through another round of chemotherapy now. His lovely owners need to support during his recovery as he’s got a very tough one ahead.

If you can help please do 💜

Hi my name is Anna and I’m fundraising for our beloved dog Pops Pops … Anna MarcinowskaFoster needs your support for Donate to help Pops for future treatment

11/06/2025

Tuesday Crew 🌟

Trusted social groups. Each day of the week the dogs have the same social groups where they form beautiful bonds. A lot of the dogs we take on are being rehabilitated for aggression, reactivity or even anxiety.

The first picture Roger & Billy - both used to be highly reactive to large males and very insecure. Both now are confident and interact with large males on a weekly basis without conflict!

The two small floofs - Teddy and Rio - were very fearful of large dogs and in our social group they are exposed to what I can only call gentle giants. They have learnt to interact and build confidence every session.

The pup with the orange lead on - Dante. He has been almost fully blind for the past 6 months. This increased his reactivity and anxiety towards dogs. Over the past two months he has been integrating with multiple dogs focusing on neutrality. Yesterday was the first day he chose to interact and offer play to another dog.

Our group sessions are full of such amazing and balanced dogs. Correct socialisation that incorporates training and neutrality is so very important. This is the best preventative for behavioural problems such as reactivity, barrier frustration and even aggression. Structure and safety.

All these dogs received training from our team members before they joined their packs. No training means no control. They are thriving with structure, correct exercise and the social fulfilment they are receiving!

09/06/2025

Upcoming events for Tactical Paws ✅

Bookable via our website or contact [email protected] 🌟

09/06/2025

03/06/2025

Let’s talk working lines 👇

Golden retrievers, Labradors and Spaniels

These breeds originally for retrieving and flushing game are now mostly in pet homes. You can still fulfill them without active game. Some ideas below for you ✨

- Ball Searches - working on impulse control and using their brains to find a scent. Ending in a perfect retrieve
- Retrievals - use fake dummies, their toys and even your plain household items. Tap into their genetics
- Scentwork - these breeds LOVE to use their noses. Tap into this and have fun

27/05/2025

Garden Centre trip for the boys today 🌟

Do you take your dogs to new environments? Exposing your dog at a steady pace is very important. Once or twice a week having positive experiences can create the well balanced and calm dog you’re looking for.

Important Tip 👇

Do not allow social interactions every time you go for exposure outings. We all love dogs/puppies but we do not want a oversocialised dog trying to jump at every person they see. Work on neutrality and impulse control too 🙏🏼

26/05/2025

Puppy Life Skills Reminder🌟

Weekly 50 minute sessions for 6 weeks
Secure field - Hughenden Valley

Start date: Wednesday 11th June

Check the booking link below for more details or contact [email protected] to find out more ✅

A fun-filled course for your puppy to start from 12 weeks old. We will cover essential skills, behavioural and health needs. Alongside our approach on problem solving and building our puppies the correct way!

26/05/2025

Canine Touch Coach Weekend and our lovely volunteers 🌟

We had our students from across the country do their assessments on Sunday for our canine touch programme. They helped our lovely clients build a better picture for touch aversion and difficult vet trips!