Caz and Co Dog Training

16/07/2025

This!!

🐕 FOREIGN RESCUES PART 7 …. FORGET THE “RULE OF 3”!!!

❓What even is the Rule of 3? You’re asking me to forget it and I don’t even know what it is…😂

⬇️ Have a look at this image. It says that if you are bringing home a new rescue, you should allow the dog 3 days to decompress/de-stress; 3 weeks to learn your routine; 3 months to feel completely comfortable in their new home. It is something that is widely cited on social media by other dog guardians who are trying to be helpful and it is often something said by rescue centres to new guardians as they prepare to take their new family member home.

🙄 Let me tell you now… when Behaviourists hear this they are, at the least, rolling their eyes and, at the most, throwing valuable devices out of windows. Somewhere in the middle there’s a lot of sighing and swearing. Why? Because this sets the most unrealistic expectations for new guardians.

🙈 Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bashing anyone here - this advice is only ever handed out with the very best of intentions - a plea to allow your new dog some time, to not rush them, to not expect too much to begin with. But it is just SO unhelpful. It often comes with a little disclaimer (like below) that says something like ‘every dog is unique and will adjust differently’ but if you are simultaneously handing out the mantra of 3 x 3 x 3, THAT is what the new guardians listen to - “I just need to stick it out for 3 months and then it will all be fine.”

😔 And then when it isn’t fine after three months, doubts start to set in. You haven’t got the dog you thought you were going to get. You’re not sure you can cope with this dog - it’s too hard, it’s inconvenient, they’re too disruptive, you can’t do the things you thought you’d be able to do etc etc. Thoughts start to creep in about rehoming the dog (or worse).

🐕 Now, I know we’ve been mainly talking about foreign rescues over the last few weeks and I’m sure that you can start to see why this Rule of 3 might be such an epic fail when it comes to these sensitive dogs (and if you want a GREAT example of why the Rule of 3 is such a huge bugbear of mine, stay tuned for my next post where I’ll be discussing a foreign rescue case study of mine), BUT BUT BUT I don’t just want to get rid of this rule for foreign rescues, I want to get rid of it full stop….

‼️ Even our UK rescues who may not have experienced the same type of trauma as our free-ranging/street dogs and instead came from a loving home and weren’t mistreated in any way, but have now found themselves a victim of circumstance - divorce, house move, death etc - they may still need more than 3 months! Their whole world has just been turned upside down. Everyone that they knew and loved has gone. Their home with all its familiar sounds and smells has gone. They might find this event alone traumatising. They move into their new home but they don’t know they’re safe. They don’t know that they can trust you. They don’t know that they’re not going to be moved again. They don’t know that the branch always taps against the window in the wind or that the pipes make weird noises. They don’t know that you are going to protect them, care for them and love them. They don’t know they’re in their new forever home.

🛑 You just can’t rush any of this stuff and if you take on a rescue with the idea in your head that in 3 months life will be hunky dory, you may well be sorely disappointed. Going slowly, at the dog’s pace, being guided by them is what works. They will tell you what they are comfortable with and what they’re not, what they can do and what they can’t - your job is just to listen to them and let them take their time - however long that may be. And, yes, there are cases where a dog has moved into their new home and slotted right in from the get-go as if they’ve always been there - amazing, fantastic. Does it mean we should dismiss letting them take it slowly? Nope. You are never going to do a dog harm by taking it slowly, keeping the pressure off, and your expectations low but you could do a whole load of damage by doing the opposite.

🔂 So, I repeat… FORGET THE RULE OF 3. It doesn’t help anyone.

👍 ❤️ ✍🏻 ✅ Like, Love, Comment and Share my posts to keep me high up in your feed so you don’t miss out on hearing about my amazing case study, Misty.

15/07/2025

Fake reviews!

Let me tell you a little story. When I was away last week, we visited Lulworth Cove. You may know it!

Whilst there we bought some food from the Lulworth Cove Kiosk. The guy who owned it was unbelievably rude to us, completely unprovoked, and I was shocked. I left a review to warn others.

Turns out I wasn’t the only one! (Swipe to see reviews!)

Anyway, this guy has now decided to try and sabotage my business by leaving fake reviews on my Google page.

I’ve worked so hard to build up my reputation over the past couple of years so I’m absolutely fuming and really upset.

Reported to Google but pretty sure they won’t do anything about it.

13/07/2025

LONG LINE

Why is Rolo on the long line? He’s 13 and well trained 🤷‍♀️

1. So I can manage his food intake. Due to his tummy issues, I need to make sure he doesn’t pick anything up

2. He’s pretty deaf so won’t hear me when I call him. Generally he stays close and responds to my hand signals but the long line is an extra safety measure

Long lines can be a really useful management tool, regardless of your dogs age or where you are on your training journey.

Get in touch if you’d like help introducing one or choosing the right long line for your dog/circumstances.

Already using a long line with your dog? Drop a message in the comments and tell us what for ⬇️

11/07/2025

HOT WEATHER & AN INCREASE IN BITE RISK 🥵

We've had some very hot weather recently in the UK, and for many parts of the UK- the next three days are going to be scorchio!

It's important to be aware that being too hot can lower thresholds for tolerance and overt reactions- and not just in 'reactive' dogs.

And not just in dogs!

There's a correlation between human riots and an increase in crime during a significant rise in temperature (27 to 32 degrees).
It is well established that in people, heat stress causes irritability and an increased likelihood of aggressive behaviour.

Being hot and bothered is a physical stressor - the body works hard to return to homeostasis.

Cognitive processes can be negatively affected. So if your dog is not responding to as they would normally, consider the effects of heat.

Furthermore- being too hot can interfere with a dog's ability to rest and sleep. During rest and sleep, stress is lowered, and subsequently compromised rest and sleep affects behaviour.

This can affect (lower) the dog's threshold for emotional stress.


🐕 Two unfamiliar dogs meeting while both are hot and bothered is less likely going to result in a healthy interaction. Now is the time to largely keep yourselves to yourselves on walks, or monitor the body language of both dogs very carefully.

🏡 Extra caution should be taken in situations that your dog may struggle with, such as around visitors to the home.

🧒 But the greatest caution of all should be taken around up-close interactions in ALL dogs, especially those who live children.

Remember these basic safeguarding rules;

1. No faces near faces.

2. Let sleeping dogs lie.

3. Do not forcefully take resources (toys, food or anything the dog has found/picked up) off a dog.
Children should never take things off a dog.

4. Do not 'box dogs in' with your interaction.

- Always ensure they can easily move away by not blocking a dog's ability to move forward/away (for example, wrapping your arms around to hug a dog front on makes it near impossible for them to easily disengage).

- The safest way to interact is to invite a dog to come to you.
Alternatively, if you do approach then do so when they are awake and instead of swooping straight in with strokes- wait for them to signal to you they are keen for an interaction.

- Stop stroking after 2-3 seconds, and see if your dog communicates to you they would like more, or if they are done.
This is called the consent test, and it's something all children (and adults) should be aware of.


Most people who get bitten by a dog know the dog well, didn't think their dog would ever bite someone and didn't see the bite coming.

Most dog bites are on faces and hands of someone close to the dog, and this tells us a lot about what the person was LIKELY doing (Note, there are always exceptions).


As I always say to my clients ......

🗣️ Never take your dog's current level of tolerance for granted.

02/07/2025

Some recent reviews 💚

I am very grateful for each and every one of my clients. I will forever be learning from you and your dogs.

I know how precious everyone’s time is but any feedback you can provide is extremely valuable. If you don’t want to leave a review, just drop me and an email or a WhatsApp and let me know how it’s going!

01/07/2025

It’s true though isn’t it. This heat is not enjoyable. FACT.

Who else is feeling sleep deprived and irritable? 🙋‍♀️

Now imagine coping in this heat with a fur coat on. Tolerance levels would become even lower right?

Dogs suffer with irritability when they are hot and tired just like we do.

So let’s help them by:

🟢 Giving them extra space
🟢 Keeping children away
🟢 Lowering our expectations
🟢 Keeping them enriched at home

You dog doesn’t need a walk in this weather. They need you to understand! 💚

30/06/2025

NEW 6-week puppy foundation course starting 14th July 6pm. Book online now!

NEW Level 1 class starting 14th July 7.15pm for puppies/dogs who have already completed foundation level training. DM me to enquire!

Classes are held at Park Hill recreation ground in Kidlington.

From your first set of puppy classes to group workshops focusing on specific skills. Please check out our classes and book your place online today see our other services Puppies Click Here Over 6 Months Click Here Family Services Click Here Puppies Over 6 Months Family Services

27/06/2025

Natural treats and chews - DM to order Free delivery to Kidlington & Yarnton & for existing clients
Or Collection from Kidlington

27/06/2025

Natural treats and chews - DM to order
Free delivery in Kidlington & Yarnton & to existing clients
Or collection from Kidlington

26/06/2025

I have seen several people recently out with young dogs on paths and near roads without a lead.

When pups are young they tend to stay close because you are all they know but this soon changes as they become more curious. Even with training, no recall is ever 100% especially with a high level of distractions. Something could spook them and cause them to bolt or a smell could lead them into oncoming traffic.

If you teach your dog to walk on a loose lead, there is no need to ever take the risk.

If you want to know more about loose lead walking, enquire now and find out how I can help!

20/06/2025

Check out this discount code for DogFest at Blenheim Palace! I will be there both days running dog training classes for kids!