Just wanted to share this picture, and say that I love them with all my heart ❤️ 🫶🏼
#ilovethem #justwantedtoshare #doghumanrelationship #ilovemydog #ilovemydogs #goldenretrieverlove #goldenretrieverlovers #goldenretriever #rainbow #doglovers #dogownerslife #dogphoto #dogphotography #rainbows #justwantedtosay
This was pretty emotional to make, Stan is my boy and I’m so glad he ended up with me.
Those who really know us will see and comment on our bond, and yes he needs me, but I need him just as much. He changed the path of my life and been my rock at times too.
Our level of communication with each other is special, and I will never take that for granted, and I will always have his back.
As you’ve seen in the reel, collectively I was given some pretty sh*t and damaging advice before I was a dog trainer.
I trained so I could understand and help Stanley in a way that felt right to me, with kindness and compassion. It then ended up being a new career.
The reason I’ve made this is almost to get the knots out of my stomach, where I’m told about advice other people have been given when they first start to work with me, and to hopefully thought provoke those of you who may be considering such advice.
Anything that causes a dog pain, discomfort, intimidation or fear is not the answer.
Even if it ‘quick fixes’ the problem, there will be fallout emotionally elsewhere and quite simply it’s unkind.
I’m not overly political on here and tend to stay in my lane and ‘just do me’ but I will provide information I feel is important and ethical to my values.
If it feels wrong don’t do it.
If you want to discuss training, I’m here.
#positivereinforcementdogtraining #bekindtodogs #leastintrusiveminimallyaversive #gamesbaseddogtraining #ilovemydog #dogemotions #badadvice #treatdogswithkindness #dogowners
Did you spot this at the end of the last reel?
#insync #synchronised #dogbros #dogbrothers #cutedogs #goldenretrieverbrothers #goldens #dogreels
Hot one today 🥵 so only toilet breaks for the boys after this mornings walk.
We use the communal garden and pretty much play the floor is lava to get to shaded areas.
Aside from finding the right toilet break spots this is all we did, then we went back inside. Training sessions don’t need to be long.
Now I know it was warm today, but you can do this type of session in any weather, or indoors, it’s just low impact and energy whilst still working their brain 🧠
In this session we worked on sit, stay, down, stay, both with distractions and distance, impulse control, release cue and scent work.
Give it a go!
#sitstay #downstay #findit #scentwork #drainthebrain #staywithdistractions #dogimpulsecontrol #retrievers #dogtrainersdogs #dogtraininggames #dogtrainingideas #dogtraining #dogtrainingreel #goldenretrievertraining
Sometimes my lickimats are one flavour ….
But most of the time I feel like I’m a kid again ‘cooking’ with my nan. Which consisted of very random contents going in a huge bowl and getting stirred around 😂
I actually enjoy making these as random as possible, and the boys enjoy the variety of textures and flavours.
Ultimately if it’s safe for them to eat and I’m not overfeeding them anything goes! The boys are raw fed but you can substitute those bits of yours isn’t or even scrabble the egg in the microwave first.
On todays menu we have:
🔹Raw egg
🔹Egg shell
🔹Blueberry
🔹Greek yoghurt
🔹Raw beef chunk
🔹Frozen sprats
🔹Red pepper
What do you put on yours?
#lickimatideas #lickimatrecipes #dogenrichment #dogsnack #rawfeddogs #dogsnacks #goldenretrievers #dogowners #enrichmentideasfordogs #timelapse #dogmealprep
Please don’t make this very common mistake.
If you let your puppy meet everyone that gives off heart emojis ❤️, ahh’s and ooo’s as they approach you, it’s flattering, and you want people to love them, but your puppy will start to predict this fuss and this can go a few different ways.
They may think, all people ‘are for them’ getting excited and this excitement builds the closer they get. Expressed by barking, pulling, lunging, dancing on back legs.
They may get frustrated when the predicted greeting doesn’t take place. Expressed by barking and lunging to get to the person, or stopping to wait for the person to reach them.
They may also feel uncomfortable being handled by strangers, or the way in which they are handled, which can cause fear responses as they try to ask for and create and distance. Discomfort is expressed in range of different ways from turning their head away escalating up to growling, lip curling and biting.
All are forms of reactivity. Excitement, frustration and fear.
Walks should be calm, and walking past people calmly with a neutral dog who minds its own business should be your goal.
It is not rude to deny a stranger access to your dog, it is however rude for a stranger to assume a right to touch your dog!
Advocate for them, ensure they feel safe, and avoid future behaviour problems. They are not public property.
Think of a sentence that rolls off the tongue for you. It doesn’t have to be blunt e.g. ‘thank you, I know he/she is cute, but we’re training today’
If you are the dog lover, try smiling at the owner as you pass, instead of touching the dog. But always ask before you approach to touch a dog.
We live in apartments and can pass several people before we even reach the front door, then we have to get out of the garden. I made mistakes with Stan as a puppy and will be honest in saying it was a nightmare at times, person after person fussing him and winding him up on the way in and out 🫠. Never again
What does your dog love to do?
Also consider what your dog was bred to do?
The boys LOVE water 💦 and as golden retrievers they were bred to retrieve game. So they also love to retrieve.
They were originally bred from a dog called a Tweed Water Spaniel, which would explain the love of water and the double layer waterproof coat they have.
Have you researched your dogs ancestry, what they were bred for? Breed traits etc?
If not, I would advise it, as it will help you to understand their needs and desires better, and how to help fulfil them.
Sessions like this really make happy to see them so happy, and it strengthens our bond. I make time for them to swim as though it was hobby ☺️
Of course in this case learning to swim also requires safe practice and confidence, but other hobbies such as digging, would only require an appropriate place to rehearse that behaviour, such as a sand pit.
This was one of their 6:00 am walks this week and they loved it 🥰
#dogowners #dogbreeds #dogtraits #doghobbies #whatdogslove #doggenetics #dogsswimming #goldenretrievers #dogneeds #dogs #theyloveit #dogtrainersdogslife #dogtrainersdogs #maketime
What else is happening?
🔹Puppy and Adolescent classes are running in August & September.
🔹Recall & Lead walking workshops are running in September.
🔹121s are booking from September onwards.
Book all classes or a free consultation via the website or the link in my profile👆🏻
Or
Comment below 👇🏼 and I’ll send you the booking link 👍🏻
#whatson #dogowners #puppyowners #dogparents #puppyparents #dogclasses #puppyclasses #fundogtraining #121dogtraining #hitchin #letchworth #northherts #centralbeds #dogs #dogtivities #dogtraining #puppies #adolescentdogs #positivereinforcementdogtraining #havefunwithyourdog
So how did we get to this point?
The truth is, they have put in a LOT of hard work between classes!
We can’t just ‘work on reactivity’ as spot training will provide very limited results, and likely just trigger stack or frustrate the dog which is more damaging.
We need to make sure that the dog can actually manage the environment, if that in itself is too overstimulating for them, they are absolutely not ready to get closer to another dog.
They need to be capable of walking calmly, or they are not ready to get closer to another dog.
The handler and dog need a solid well oiled and rehearsed management plan, ready to go when needed. Because otherwise how do they get away from the other dog?
Can they/you manage their arousal? To help them disengage, move away, hear you and be able to respond? Rather than redirect frustration.
We need focus from the dog, but they also need to have fun, and the fun should come from the handler.
All the dogs in these classes have done a block of 121s which is a prerequisite to attending the classes, so they all have the above criteria.
We then put it into practice in a safe environment to help everyone build practical muscle memory, and for the handlers to build confidence.
Think of it like a first aid course, you do this in a safe environment with equipment such as a doll and a pretend defibrillator, and you refresh those skills regularly. This is so that when you are in the ‘real world’ and you suddenly need those skills, because you absorbed them in that safe environment that muscle memory kicks in to guide you through.
Today one of the handlers said that walks have been so much better since starting the course 4 weeks ago 💪🏼
If you have a reactive dog either fear or frustration based and want help, get in touch below 👇🏼
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#reactivedogtraining #reactivedogs #reactivedogclass #reactivedogowners #reactivedogjourney #dogtraining #hitchin #letchworth #luton #calmdogsmakebetterchoices #frustrate
Stan is honestly still smiling 😁
Our @pawstrading delivery arrived today, they both love playing tug, but the excitement for these toys is unmatchable.
We already have a ‘waggle’ which Stan absolutely loves, but this order I got ‘the creature’ and it’s blown his mind 😂
In this order we also have the:
Bambino waggle
MooGee
Bunny chaser
2 x dinosaur blankets
Fantastic products and it’s so lovely to see them so enthusiastic about their toys. It makes me so happy too ☺️
These toys are super high value to them and are made with sheep and rabbit faux. They are only used for play with me or as a reward, not left in a toy box as this would lower the value, being access is then unlimited, these are a very special treat!
We have hooks in our under stairs cupboard to store all ‘special’ toys.
Tug is a fantastic way to provide your dog with an energy outlet, increase confidence, build your bond and meet genetic needs (prey drive), plus so much more.
They had a lickimat just prior to the delivery so we did that bit backwards 😂 and repeated the lickimat after all the excitement to calm down.
My customers get discount see your info pack or message me for the code 👍🏻
#dogtoys #tugtoysfordogs #livingtheirbestlife #goldenretrieverlife #recommended #dogrewards #dogtrainingtoys #makeyourdoghappy #dogsdelivery #dogpresents #pawstrading #thewaggle
I took Woody on a new walk today and for the first 5 minutes he found it really difficult, as he was overstimulated.
This is fine.
We have worked through this issue on street walks and green space areas in previous sessions, so we just stripped it back, did some of his initial training to ease him into the environment and slowly expanded it, and within 5 minutes we were off.
I always say to customers with dogs working on overstimulation on walks, to think of their walks like a top 5.
Number 1 is your bullet proof walk, really good focus there and you are now transferring skills you have proofed at home to this environment.
You should always be working on other walks to bring them up to that standard, and this will be your 2-5 ranking.
I structure walks to rotate the 1-5 environments and ensure the dog has enriching walks, so they are not always be ‘working’ and so that we avoid frustration for both dog and handler and ensure walks are being enjoyed.
It’s also not a 1 size fits all kind of approach and will be tailored to the dogs stage in training, personality/tolerance of frustration.
Do you need help with your dogs walks? Comment or get in touch.
#overstimulated #leadwalking #leadwalkingtraining #dogtrainingwalks #hitchin #looseleadwalkingtraining #dogtrainingtip #frustrateddog #dogownerstruggles #cockerspaniels #dogownertips #dogtraining101
Car chat, so I’m clearly wearing my serious face 😂
Sometimes I can meet resilience to a request to stop walks, but when people trust the process they always understand why it was important once they see the results.
When I first start working with a reactive or overstimulated dog, I sometimes ask that the dog is not walked for usually about a week.
This allows the dog to reset, and for the impact of continuous trigger stacking and overwhelm to dissipate. Specifically cortisol the stress hormone.
This puts the dog in a better position to deal with the outside world when we get back out there.
It’s also a perfect opportunity for us to practice management skills so we are all fully prepared and implement the immediate parts of any action plan I’ve provided.
We still need to ensure the dog’s needs are met whilst they reset, and how we do this will differ for each case.
If you have a reactive/anxious/overstimulated dog and need help, book a free consultation call.
#dogtrainerhitchin #hitchindogtrainer #hitchin #hitchindogs #reactivedogs #anxiousdogs #dogtraining #dogrest #dogtrainingplan #trusttheprocess #reactivedogowners #reactivedogtraining
Affection, we all want to give dogs affection, but do we know what each individual dog finds acceptable?
Do we know and accept when they have had enough?
We need to, as this is very important!
Ange just filmed this clip, as she thought it was cute, as Vinnie invited himself for a hug. I thought, this is actually a good reel!
First he got into position with what we call a ‘flop’ he sits by me facing away, looks back at me and then throws himself back for me to catch him. He’s asking for affection/attention. (I get this on video another time).
In parts I altered the speed, but I’m stroking him for 10 seconds and removing my hand to see if he wants me to carry on, or if he wants to move away. This is massively important.
Knowing what your dog wants from affection with you is also very important, otherwise they end up trapped in an uncomfortable situation.
I’ve worked with people reactive dogs, who were not given this choice as pups, and because they are ‘cute’ have been hugged by every passing human, causing reactivity to ask for space.
Examples of individual personalities would be that Vinnie is also quite licky, Stan is absolutely not.
Stan does not like your face near his.
Vinnie licks your face with his paws on your shoulders, and will sleep on your head 😂
Stan’s preferred affection is belly rubs and to be the little spoon 🥄 he will be vocal and roll about to invite me for a hug. When I rub his chest he makes content noises 🥰 (he’s a great communicator).
They are all different, get to know your dog and give them regular opportunities to leave.
You’ll strengthen your relationship with understanding ❤️
* For some dogs you may also want to build in an end or unavailable cue to signal you are finished.
#givingdogschoice #dogschoice #dogaffection #doghugs #dogsareindividuals #dogowners #puppyowners #dogtrainertips #respectdogs #dogs #doglove #dogtrainingadvice
Really fun class again tonight, thank you all for giving it your all!
These new classes will now run fortnightly see the link in my profile to book.
Work your dogs brain whilst having fun together in a relaxed and fun environment ☺️
#fundogtraining #dogclass #dogbraintraining #doghobbies #doghumanbonding #dogtrainingfun #dogowners #hitchindogs
SUPER chilled walk with Molly today.
I love her bouncy walk, so I had to make a little compilation ☺️
In these clips she is on a 5 metre line and is attached to my waist, but I’m still feeding the slack in/out.
Molly is in her adolescent stage and can get excited by other dogs when she initially sees them. So as much as we are working on this, we still need to take time out, decompress, let her be a dog and not ask for much from her.
This walk today was perfect for that, she accepted the length of line, was happily trotting along or sniffing on route, checking in regularly, and volunteering occasional recalls ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
These are all desirable behaviours and will also help her manage other training walks, because she’s had some free time.
Ultimately the line (which isn’t actually that long) helped to set the pace and tone of the walk.
Use of the line avoided any chance of her darting after prey, needing to recall her from other dogs or just generally being too excited by the walk and environment.
It’s also a good idea to include lead walks in green spaces into your dog’s activities. Aside from the example above this can also help a dog to:
Accept being on lead in green spaces, such as national trust areas, near cattle, passing other dogs, and many other reasons when it is not appropriate to be off lead.
To avoid expectation to be off lead through rehearsal of this, and an expectation of being off lead which can create a spike in excitement on arrival and then subsequently frustration if the walk is on lead.
Even if you don’t do the whole walk on lead, consider clipping on a few times throughout the walk to build some duration. If clipping on or recall are an issue then I’d stick with the long line!
A chilled walk like this is so beneficial 🧘🏽♀️
#calmdogsmakebetterchoices #calmdogwalks #dogtrainertips #dogtraining #labradoodle #dogtrainingwalk #dogtimeout #adolecentdog #excitabledog #excitablepuppy #d
It’s that time of year.
Please make sure that you check your dog over for grass seeds after walks this summer.
These things are pretty evil, and can cause awful damage if not found and removed.
They can pierce the skin and work their way under the skin anywhere on the dog’s body, especially the paws.
They can lodge in the dog’s ear or gum and have even been inhaled as far as a dog’s lung.
Sometimes you can’t avoid them and Stan has even picked them up on a street walk before.
If you do suspect a seed in your dog’s ear or gum or one that has started to work under the skin, see your vet don’t try to remove it yourself.
I’ll do a further reel on how I check the boys over and remove any I find with a flea comb.
#dogsandgrass #foxtailgrass #grassseedsindogs #doghealthcare #doghealthtips #summerdogtips #summerdogwalks #dogownertips #checkyourdog #dogspaws #dogsafetytips
I recorded this about a week ago and have had to condense it a few times before I could post it!
It’s concerning that people in positions of power and trust can so easily plant seeds of doubt in our minds, with very untrue or outdated advice and personal opinions.
That’s why it’s played on my mind and why I’ve made this reel. I want to try to reassure those who may have been given similar advice that ….
Muzzles are not cruel, if they are introduced correctly.
The need for a muzzle can include but is not limited to:
To travel on public transport in Europe
To prevent a dog getting to a wound
To prevent scavenging behaviour
To comply with the law and allow the dog access to the outside world.
To support a reactive dog, their owner, other dogs and the public by lowering stress, removing risk and supporting their training and management.
To help anxious or excitable dogs who struggle with grooming or examinations etc, alongside training or behaviourist support.
The list goes on.
My dogs are muzzle trained and I teach the basics in puppy classes and 121s. It’s a skill you want in your back pocket.
Stan was stung on the paw by a wasp last year, collapsed and went into shock. I rushed him to the vet and asked for a muzzle before they looked at him.
When being told the second situation my face likely had WTF written all over my expressions.
If a dog is excited, let’s help them calm down.
If a dog is fearful or conflicted, let’s help them feel more at ease and calm.
Can we slow things down?
Do we need time out?
Do we need to build a more positive association with the environment?
Do we need to do some training or get a behavioural referral and come back to this another time?
Ask yourself these questions.
Certainly don’t shout at the dog, suppress their emotions, and escalate the behaviour by covering their eyes!
#dogowners #dogparents #dogguardian
#muzzletraining #postivereinforcement #dogtraining #petprofessionals #muzzlemovement #
