It's All About The Dog

30/03/2024

Is your Dog ready to be a SEARCH DOG IN TRAINING? 🐾

🐾 Unleash the adventure with our Mantrailing Introduction Session! Teaching dogs to find people! 🐾

🌟 Is your furry friend eager to explore the world around them? Join us for this awesome experience where your dog takes the lead! 🌟🔍 Mantrailing is more than just a sport – it’s a journey of discovery, building confidence in dogs while strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion, as you work as a team 🐕👣

Let your dog’s natural instincts shine as they show us just how amazing those power sniffers really are 🐽🌿

✅ Your dog is reactive? No problem!
✅ Wary of strangers? No problem!
✅ Full of teenage hormones? No Problem!

Regardless of what issues you might be facing, Mantrailing welcomes it all. Don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity! Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot…. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=27635862

25/03/2024

My boy is definitely more comfortable in a trot than he is when walking...

I walk him on a long line to give him the freedom to trot, without me having to run to keep up with him (he's much faster than I am!)

As he gets to the end of his line, I call for him to slow down - just so he doesn't hit the end and stop sharply. I'm super conscience of jolting his body. Especially his legs.

Have you ever considered why your Dog may pull on lead?

23/03/2024

Tracking, Trailing and Scent Detection

Whichever Scent Work discipline you fancy getting involved in, we have the option

https://www.itsallaboutthedog.co.uk/keighley-sniffer-dogs

23/03/2024

Happy National Puppy Day! 💙

There really aren't many things better than a cute, snuggly warm Puppy 💙

Our March classes came to an end today, but hopefully I'll be seeing some of them again soon 🐾

Aprils group classes are due to begin on Saturday 6th, and most are already full - however, we do have just ONE place left on our Puppy Beginners course, and just ONE place left on our GunDog Games course! If you fancy joining us, you'll find Puppy classes under the 'group classes' heading and the GunDog Games under the 'Dog sports' heading of the link below...

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130

21/03/2024

Scent Work is the BEST way to tire out your Dog!

Utilising their own natural SUPER POWER to build the strongest of bonds between Dog and Handler is PRICELESS 💙

Whether it's SCENT DETECTION, TRACKING or MANTRAILING, we have a sniffy option for EVERY Dog and EVERY Handler- even those who need space.

Not sure which Scent Sport would benefit you and your Dog most?

Check out the options by following the link, or simply drop us a message to ask us!

https://www.itsallaboutthedog.co.uk/keighley-sniffer-dogs

20/03/2024

Did you know? 🐾

Did you know?

20/03/2024

Just look at those waggy tails!

April Scent Detection dates are now full, but there are still places available for May!

These dates get booked up QUICKLY, so if you fancy having a go with your Dog, don't hang about!

Grab your Dog a place via the link below:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=60373328

20/03/2024

It's National Dogs In Yellow Day!

A day to celebrate those lovely Dogs who simply need some space

💛💛💛

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you.
Today is for you, our dogs in yellow.
This day is for our wonderful friends.
A day where you can be celebrated from a distance, just the way you like it.
A day where we tell the world about how special you are and help others to understand your wonder.
A day where the stars shine bright yet silent, for we know how much you may hate sudden noises.
A day where we appreciate beauty in the still, for movement can make you wary.
A day where we just be and enjoy your presence.
A day where nobody will come anywhere near you, unless you want them to.
Happy day
We love you 💛

15/03/2024

"Physically punishing a dog in the name of teaching is unethical.

Physically punishing a dog in pain in the name of teaching is indefensible"

💔🐾

I shared these words just 6 months ago but I'm sharing them again because it's happened again. Two dogs in one week who have been been previously physically punished by 'trainers' who couldn't spot signs of potential pain.

If your dog is exhibiting sudden, negative changes in behaviour and your trainer hasn't discussed the possibility of pain with you find someone else. Physically punishing a dog in the name of teaching is unethical. Physically punishing a dog in pain in the name of teaching is indefensible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the last week I’ve worked with 3 dogs who I’ve referred to their vets for investigations into pain/discomfort.

❗️They had all displayed aggressive behaviours around handling.
❗️They all had obvious structural abnormalities in their back end.
❗️They all displayed abnormalities in their gait & movement which suggested something was ‘off’.

They had all been seen previously by other trainers who had advocated punishment based techniques and had not mentioned, discussed or observed any possible link between their behaviour and pain.

Three dogs in one week who have been physically punished by supposed professionals who didn’t see (or chose to ignore) obvious and clear indicators of potential pain. That’s not only heartbreaking it’s also a dereliction of duty and the prioritisation of ego over empathy.

Every trainer (of any ‘flavour’) should consider a dog’s health & wellbeing as the very first step in any training plan before they even consider attempting to change behaviour. If they don’t they are displaying their lack of experience & education.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵. Does your prospective trainer ever discuss pain? Do they acknowledge the limitations of training if pain is left unaddressed? Do they talk about the dog’s experience or only the humans? Your dog needs you to choose wisely.

12/03/2024

Just TWO places left for the April Scent Detection dates!

Do not let your Doggo miss out!

Grab your place by following the link below:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=55906283

10/03/2024

**MANTRAILING SUNDAY!

FIVE new super-duper Mantrailing teams were introduced to this PHENOMINAL sport today - and they were BRILLIANT!

To watch each Dog go from 'Whoa, what on earth' to 'Whoa, this is fab!' is the BEST thing in the world to witness 💙

Every Dog guardian who joined us today was brilliant fun, and they were all exactly the right measure of crazy to fit in perfectly with our established crowd of Sniffer Dog people! 😆

Please welcome:

Team Maisy
Team Cooper
Team Alfie
Team Luna
Team Roxy

We look forward to seeing you all on the trail again soon! 💙🐾

Ready to join us? Jump in via the link below:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=27635862

06/03/2024

Scent Detection in (Beagle style) action!

March dates are now full, but there are still two places left on the beginners April course!

If you're ready to let your Doggo join our lovely Sniffer Dog crew, grab your place by following the link below:

Schedule your appointment online It's All About The Dog

05/03/2024

Just devastating. And needless.

Please DO NOT sign anything if you find yourself in this terrible and tragic situation

14/02/2024

Happy Valentines Day! 💙🐾

13/02/2024

Advocate for all wordless creatures, not just Dogs 💙🐾

13/02/2024

BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

The challenges of teenage dogs

The saying - "Parents with teenagers understand why some animals eat their young" is something that many parents of teenagers will relate to.

Many people are unaware that dogs also go through a teenage stage and are frustrated and unprepared for the changes it may bring.
Statistics show that many dogs are surrendered or re homed during this phase as their owners no longer “like” the way their dogs behave, can’t handle them and just give up on them.

The teenage brain is going through many changes. Think of it as being “rewired”. The rewiring process can cause some parts not to work at all, work sporadically or have too much current. The re wiring process often causes new, out of character or unexpected behaviour.

There are many similarities to the changing human teenage brain. There’s a valid scientific reason why car insurance premiums for young adults under 25 are more expensive. The brain is not fully matured – irrational decisions, risk taking, poor choices and accidents are more likely to happen.

Be patient, understanding and most of all consistent with your teenage dog.

Don’t give up on them. They are feeling just as frustrated as we are.

Being aware of what is happening in their brain as it develops to full maturity helps us to be more accepting.

Remember that this is just a phase and it will get better.

12/02/2024

Team Bailey

When we talk of exceptional Dogs, they are rare. They aren't the norm.

We have many exceptional Dogs who enjoy scent work with us, but the vast majority of those Dog grow their skills over time.
Bailey was exceptional at Tracking from the off.

We very quickly reduced Bailey's reinforcement by placing his food further apart on the track and laid longer tracks sooner rather than later.

Bailey smashed it all 💙

Bailey's handler was just along for the ride. Bailey needed no help at all - even when introducing twists and turns on the track, and her line handling skills were what dreams are made of - absolutely minimal and not in any way obtrusive to Bailey just getting on and doing his own wonderful thing - and just look at how quickly they completed some long and complicated tracks! 🥰

Keep your eyes peeled for more super work for this phenomenal team soon!

Mind blowing Tracking Team Bailey! 💙

If you think that your Dog would make a good tracking Dog, join us for our next intake by following the link below:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=57336495

11/02/2024

It's Mantrailing Sunday!

Today we added another FIVE new Mantrailing teams to our ever growing super sniffer ranks!

And what a fab bunch of Dogs and people they were!

Please welcome:

Team Dodger
Team Bailey
Team Maisie
Team Otto
Team Floss

If you're looking for a fun sport for your Dog - and a highly social crowd for you - look no further! Mantrailing has it all!

Ready to jump on board?

Simply grab a place by following the link below!

Every Dog is welcome and Mantrailing is particularly beneficial for those Dogs who need space 🐾

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=27635862

29/01/2024

Please don't wait to exempt.

If you're not sure whether your Dog fits 'type', exempt anyway.

It's not about whether YOU know what breed your Dog is, it's whether the general public and the untrained legislation officers know.

It's not worth the risk.

DNA tests will not be accepted.

I have no paperwork to prove that my Boy ISN'T an XL (even though I KNOW that he isn't) I will not risk him being caught up in this mess. He is now exempt and wears a muzzle and remains on lead every time he leaves home.

If you have to ask whether you should exempt, you clearly know that you have an extra large Bully - regardless of actual breed.

Please don't risk it.

Time is now running out.

Please stand up for your Dog and keep them safe 💙

07/01/2024

Starting 2024 with a bang!

Is there a better way to get back to work after the Christmas Holidays, than meeting the brand new January Puppy Beginners Group?

In my usual 'forgetting to take photos during class' tradition, I had to send out a plea to each Puppy guardian to provide these shots!
Some things just never change 🥴

There is one Puppo missing from the collection, who I will endeavour to capture on film next week 😆

What a beautiful way to start 2024!

We still have places for our February Puppy Beginners Group, but it is starting to fill up! If you have a Puppo and fancy joining us, have a look at what we offer and grab a place on the course directly by following the link below:

https://its-all-about-the-dog-training-academy.newzenler.com/puppy-beginners-group-training-class

(Why is it that BOTH Daxi's look rather put out on their pictures! There's a definite theme there 😆)

06/01/2024

If you don't like Chicken pies, and you don't want missed payments on your bills, please don't risk letting your Dog walk ahead of you 😆🤣

Sound on for this one. It's a corker 🤣🤣

04/01/2024

💙

31/12/2023

I just want to clarify our current position regarding the proposed XL Bully 'type' ban

As it stands today: 31st December 2023:

XL Bully 'type' Dogs are welcome to continue to use our facilities, but MUST remain on lead (as is requested for all visiting Dogs) and remain muzzled until the are safely enclosed in our field.

XL Bully 'type' Dogs are still welcome to attend training with us during January 2024, whether in a group setting or privately, but they must remain on lead and muzzled during the training session.

From 1st February 2024:

* Sadly, we are still UNCLEAR on what our insurance will require from this date, as it stands today.
* We MAY need to see a copy of your exemption documents. Please don't be offended by this
* We will provide further updates as soon as we have them

For now, nothing changes EXCEPT that your Dog needs to be muzzled and remain on lead UNTIL they are secured in the field.
As always, it is completely your responsibility to ensure that the gate is closed behind you before releasing your Dog and removing their muzzle.
It would be wise to lock the gate behind you in order to make sure that no one else can enter the field while you're using it.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you feel that you need more clarification.

We hope that this is only a temporary measure, and that we can all celebrate a successful outcome once the judicial review goes ahead in January.

29/12/2023

If your Dog is already exempt, please MUZZLE them and keep them ON LEAD in public

This carnage is only the beginning.

My heart breaks for every person and every Dog who has found themselves caught up in this chaos 💔

‼️ IMPORTANT PLEASE SHARE ‼️

A dog has been seized because the owner applied for exemption but thought the muzzle and lead conditions started on January 1st.

If you have received an exemption certificate you must comply with all the conditions immediately.

29/12/2023

If you haven't jumped on to this FREE course already, just a reminder that enrolment will close at midnight on Sunday 31st December.

You don't have to complete the course by the 31st, as once signed up, you'll have access forever - including any upgrades we may make along the way!

Regardless of where you are on your training journey with your Dog, there is something for everyone in this course.
It's relevant for Puppies, Adolescents & Oldies alike

Grab it quick before the doors close 🐾

Teach your Dog TWELVE cool new behaviours for real life situations!

27/12/2023

Please complete this survey if you have a Dog which fits the description of the XL Bully 'type'

Even if they are NOT an actual XL, but fit the measurements/characteristics set out by the government and so will be affected by the upcoming ban.

Thank you

We need your help - www.tinyurl.com/xlbullycount
(Link is also in the bio and on our website)

The government have drastically under-estimated how many dogs will be affected by the XL Bully ban.

Please fill in the very short form and tell us how many dogs you own that fall under ‘type’. We have a limited window to collect this information before we need to submit it to the Court.

Please share far and wide! Rescue Centres are also able to complete the form. 💙

22/12/2023

And so this is Christmas...

As we wrap up another year, I just want to thank you all for being wonderful - AGAIN!

It's been another brilliant year and we're looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings us!

I want to thank everyone who has been a part of 2023, whether that was through training with us, or using our field.
I'm am always grateful that you're here supporting us.
It's All About The Dog would not exist without you 💙

Thank you also to each and every person who has liked, commented on, recommended us or shared Facebook posts.
You are appreciated more than you could ever possibly know 💙

A special THANK YOU to our exceptional Sniffer Dog group!
You make us laugh & you make us cry. We share each others joy & we share each others sorrow. You are there with us, week in and week out in the name of having fun with your Dogs and you've become fabulous friends - not just with us, but with each other too!
When the going gets tough, you are who keep us going 💙

Of course, I'll be working over Christmas. Maybe not in a face-to-face capacity, but most certainly in a 'creative' capacity.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm FULL of new ideas.
Mostly though, I just need a lottery win to see them through... 😆

You can expect replies and responses during the Holiday period - just not as quickly as normal!
I'll be spending some much needed time with those lovely faces on the video, as quite simply, they are the Dogs who it's all about.
My own perfect and patient Pooches 💙

I wish each and every one of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS & a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I'm looking forward to seeing you again, or meeting you for the first time, in 2024!

Jo Xx

20/12/2023

I ADORE watching Dogs work things out, almost as much as I ADORE watching them sniff 💙

When dogs work things out independently, they're exercising autonomy and building resilience - critical components of their psychological well-being.

Such experiences hone their problem-solving skills and foster confidence.

It's vital to not underestimate their understanding.

Often, they comprehend us better than we might believe.

Recognising and respecting their intelligence and emotional complexity forms the bedrock of a mutually fulfilling human-dog relationship.

So, let's celebrate their insights, their inquisitive nature, and their aptitude for understanding us, their human companions.

Learn more about how dogs learn with the Canine Principles Skill-Hub.
https://www.canineprinciples.com/subscription/skill-hub-membership

19/12/2023

Team Arthur

Arthur is one of our Tracking Dogs.
As Tracking is relatively new to us, all of our Tracking Dogs are still at an early stage in their learning

On the first part of the video (apologies for the quality!) Arthur begins by trying to find the correct direction of the track.
He swings around multiple times until he locates the track we want him to follow, but find it, he does! 😍

Arthur briefly get's sucked in to the ground disturbance of where I've pulled the Agility tunnel across the ground, and upon following that track, he decides that he wants to come over to say hello to me... 😂

Getting back down to business, Arthur picks up the track once again.

The poles in the ground are for Human reference. They indicate to us where there has been a chance in direction, or where we've left an article (piece of evidence) that we want Arthur to indicate on. Watch when Arthur reaches such a point. Does he change direction, does he lay down (his indication) to let us know that he's located some evidence, or does he do both?

The 'articles' or pieces of 'evidence' that we used on this track with Arthur were tiny metal washers. Arthur had no visual cue at all in following his track.

On the second part of this track, we introduced obstacles in to the equation. This time in the shape of an Agility tunnel, which Arthur desperately wanted to go through 😂

After a good 'shake off', Arthur gets back down to business and locates his direction of travel, gives us a beautiful 'down' indication when he locates his washer and smashes the track 😍

The third part of the track was Arthurs very first 'high article find'

A prompt from his handler gets Arthur moving forward when he becomes 'stuck' in a good sniff. and Arthur soon finds the direction of ground disturbance that he's required to follow. 💙
At the bench, he knows that the scent of his article is strong and he searches for it like a super star! All Arthurs 'finds' have been at ground level up until this point, but Arthur, like the true pro that he is, offers us a lovely 'down' indication as soon as he pin points the 'evidence' 🤩

The last part of Arthurs track took us across contaminated ground.
We had already tracked across this part of the field, and there was A LOT of recent scent disturbance to work through.
Arthurs mission was to find the most fresh scent in the difficult zig-zag pattern that had been laid for him.

Just look at his determination in finding the right path!

Arthurs handler does a brilliant job of simply letting Arthur search and work things out for himself, and once Arthur is sure, he follows. This team really are dancing together! 💙

A beautiful down indication at the end is well rewarded with Arthurs preferred bite dummy, followed by a good game of tuggy! 💕

Just how bloody clever are our Dogs! 🤯

Join us for your introduction to Tracking by following the link below:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14900130&appointmentType=55821076