Perfectly Canine Dog Training

Perfectly Canine Dog Training Rosy Skilton | Dog Trainer and Clinical Dog Behaviourist in Warwickshire
Bespoke programmes for your unique dog
Compassionate, non-judgmental support

When I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon last weekend, I realised something unexpected…training for a lo...
17/09/2025

When I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon last weekend, I realised something unexpected…training for a long-distance run has a lot in common with training a dog! 🏃‍♀️🐾

Here are just some of the parallels:

✅ Lay the groundwork first – success on race day comes from the consistent training miles, not one big push at the end. In dog training, the same is true: those calm walks, recall practice sessions and moments of connection build the foundation for facing harder challenges.

✅ Small steps lead to big gains – I didn’t start my training block with 13 miles. I built up gradually, and that’s exactly how we help dogs with issues like separation anxiety or reactivity – tiny steps that build confidence.

✅ Progress over perfection – some runs were tough, but looking at the bigger picture kept me motivated. It’s the same with dogs: setbacks happen, but the overall journey matters far more than any single bad day.

✅ Rest and recovery matter – my body needed fuel and sleep to adapt and improve. Dogs are no different – rest, good diet and downtime are all essential for their learning and resilience.

The biggest lesson, though? Everyone’s journey looks different. Whether you’re a runner or a dog guardian, success doesn’t happen overnight – it comes from patience, consistency and celebrating those little wins along the way.

🐾 If it feels like you and your dog are struggling to reach that finish line – I can help. My 1:1 behaviour support is designed to guide you and your individual dog step by step, with compassion and not picture-perfect expectations: www.perfectly-canine.com/behaviour-support

👉 If you’d like to read more about what half marathons taught me about dog training, you can find the full blog here: https://www.perfectly-canine.com/post/why-training-your-dog-is-like-running-a-half-marathon

I ran my first ever half marathon last weekend, and along the way I realised something surprising – training for a long ...
15/09/2025

I ran my first ever half marathon last weekend, and along the way I realised something surprising – training for a long race has a lot in common with helping a dog overcome behavioural challenges.

From building foundations and taking small steps, to embracing setbacks and celebrating progress, the lessons I learned as a runner can help you see your dog’s journey in a whole new way.

Read the full blog here: https://www.perfectly-canine.com/post/why-training-your-dog-is-like-running-a-half-marathon

Adopting a rescue dog? Here are three small but powerful ways to help them feel safe in their new home:🛏 Create a safe, ...
11/09/2025

Adopting a rescue dog? Here are three small but powerful ways to help them feel safe in their new home:

🛏 Create a safe, quiet space they can retreat to when they need to rest
⏰ Stick to a gentle, predictable routine
🍖 Focus on rewarding behaviours you like, not correcting ones you don't like

These simple steps can make a big difference in building trust and confidence.

If your dog finds settling in tough to cope with, you’re not alone. I offer 1:1 behaviour support designed to help you understand and support your individual dog – with compassion, not picture-perfect expectations. Head to my website to find out how I can help: www.perfectly-canine.com

You can also read my full guide to helping your rescue dog settle in here 👉 https://www.perfectly-canine.com/post/adopting-a-rescue-dog-key-steps-to-a-successful-start

When we first adopted Lyra, her separation anxiety was intense. She couldn’t even stay on the other side of a door from ...
10/09/2025

When we first adopted Lyra, her separation anxiety was intense. She couldn’t even stay on the other side of a door from us at night.

Because we wanted the bedroom to stay dog-free so we could all get an undisturbed sleep, we had to find a gradual way to help her feel safe on her own. We started by placing her bed just outside our room with a baby gate across the door. After a couple of attempts at vaulting the gate (!), she eventually settled – and from there, we slowly moved her bed further away until she was comfortable downstairs.

During the day, we practised tiny separations too, so being apart didn’t only predict the challenge of night-time. Over time, Lyra learned that being alone was safe, not scary.

Every rescue dog has their own unique journey when it comes to settling in, and it’s important to go at their pace.

I’ve written more about helping rescue dogs feel safe in those first days and weeks in my latest blog – you can read it here 👉 https://www.perfectly-canine.com/post/adopting-a-rescue-dog-key-steps-to-a-successful-start

Bringing a rescue dog home is such a rewarding moment – but it can also be a big adjustment, for both you and your new c...
09/09/2025

Bringing a rescue dog home is such a rewarding moment – but it can also be a big adjustment, for both you and your new companion.

Some dogs slip into their new life with ease. Others may need time to build trust, adjust to routines or overcome past experiences. Wherever your dog falls on that spectrum, they'll need compassion, patience, and support.

In this blog post, I share key steps to help your new rescue feel safe and understood – from creating a calm welcome space to gently building their confidence day by day.

You can read it here 👉 https://www.perfectly-canine.com/post/adopting-a-rescue-dog-key-steps-to-a-successful-start

A few weeks ago Crash and I took part in a fun scent detection competition – and he came home with a 4th place rosette! ...
04/09/2025

A few weeks ago Crash and I took part in a fun scent detection competition – and he came home with a 4th place rosette! 🏆

Now, I’ve got 1st place rosettes tucked away from other sports and competitions I’ve done together with Lyra…but this one feels extra special. It's a symbol of all the hard work we've put in to get to this point, and I'm so proud!

Scent detection isn’t about being the fastest or the flashiest. For Crash, it’s about using his brain, working with me as a team, and enjoying himself without pressure. Less than a year ago, competing in a new environment like this would have been incredibly difficult for him. He struggled to relax and could easily become overwhelmed.

So this rosette isn’t just about 4th place – it’s about watching him search confidently, tail wagging, and knowing he felt comfortable enough to focus and enjoy himself. That’s the kind of progress I’m most proud of.

It’s a reminder that success with our dogs doesn’t always look like perfection or winning first prize. Sometimes it’s those quiet, steady steps forward that mean the most. Huge thanks to the wonderful Sniff Happens - we couldn't have done it without you!

💬 I’d love to know – what’s a recent win with your dog that makes you proud? Big or small, let’s celebrate them together!

Feeling stuck with your dog’s behaviour? You’re not alone.It can feel like everyone else’s dog is making fast, effortles...
01/09/2025

Feeling stuck with your dog’s behaviour? You’re not alone.

It can feel like everyone else’s dog is making fast, effortless progress. But social media rarely shows the slow days, the setbacks or the real-life messiness – and that’s perfectly normal!

Progress in dog training and behaviour is rarely a straight line. Small, meaningful steps make all the difference – especially for rescue dogs like Sasha, where even tiny wins have a huge impact on their well-being.

What’s a small win your dog has had this week? Share in the comments so we can cheer each other on! 🐾

When I adopted Crash, I quickly realised he found the outside world overwhelming. In typical Collie fashion, the smalles...
28/08/2025

When I adopted Crash, I quickly realised he found the outside world overwhelming. In typical Collie fashion, the smallest change – a rustle in the grass, a sudden movement – would make him freeze and stare. He’s also an anxious soul who prefers a small circle of people he trusts, and the idea of being stroked or stared at by strangers would be his worst nightmare.

I could have put hours into training him to settle on a mat in a pub garden…but then I asked myself: do I actually need to take him?

The answer was no. Crash would much rather curl up for a snooze at home, and I’d much rather enjoy my pint knowing he’s relaxed and content.

It’s absolutely okay to leave your dog at home when you go out – sometimes, it’s the better option for everyone. I’ve written more about why cafés and pub gardens can be tricky for some dogs, and how to figure out what’s right for your dog, in my latest blog: www.perfectly-canine.com/post/my-dog-wont-settle-in-cafes

🐾 If your dog struggles with cafés, pubs or other busy spaces, you’re not alone. I offer 1:1 behaviour support to help you work out what’s right for your individual dog – whether that’s building new skills or finding stress-free alternatives. Get in touch to find out how I can help: www.perfectly-canine.com/contact

Not every dog is cut out to be a ‘café regular’ – and that’s okay.Some dogs are perfectly content to snooze under a pub ...
27/08/2025

Not every dog is cut out to be a ‘café regular’ – and that’s okay.

Some dogs are perfectly content to snooze under a pub garden table while life bustles around them. Others find the noise, movement and constant activity overwhelming. Even a short outing can leave them stressed and unsettled, which in turn can leave us feeling frustrated too.

The important thing to remember is this: it’s not about what other people’s dogs can do – it’s about what’s realistic and enjoyable for your dog.

In my latest blog, I explore:
🐾 Why cafés and pub gardens can be challenging for some dogs
🐾 Questions to ask yourself before taking your dog to a busy space
🐾 Ways to make outings calmer and more positive – or to rethink whether your dog even needs to be there at all

If you’ve ever wished your dog could just relax in a café or pub garden, this post is for you. You can read the full blog here: www.perfectly-canine.com/post/my-dog-wont-settle-in-cafes

Does your dog struggle to settle in cafés or pub gardens? 🐾You’re not alone – this is super common! Some dogs thrive in ...
26/08/2025

Does your dog struggle to settle in cafés or pub gardens? 🐾

You’re not alone – this is super common! Some dogs thrive in busy public spaces, but for others, the noise, movement and bustle can be overwhelming. Even a short visit can feel stressful, leaving both dog and guardian frustrated.

Tomorrow I’m sharing a new blog all about why cafés can be tricky for some dogs, what’s normal, and how to figure out what’s really right for your dog. Whether your dog needs extra support or you just want to understand their needs better, this post could help make outings with (or without) your dog calmer and more enjoyable.

Keep an eye out 👀

🐾 New blog alert! 🐾If you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog or have an anxious pup at home, you’ll know how important it ...
20/08/2025

🐾 New blog alert! 🐾

If you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog or have an anxious pup at home, you’ll know how important it is to help them feel safe and secure. My latest blog dives into how routine and predictable responses can be game-changers for building your dog’s confidence and trust.

Inside you’ll find:
– Why routine matters so much for rescue dogs
– How your calm, consistent behaviour helps your dog feel safe
– A real-life case study with Jojo, a rescue dog overcoming her fears

Read the blog here 👉 www.perfectly-canine.com/post/i-have-an-anxious-rescue-dog

If your dog finds change or anxiety tough to cope with, you’re not alone. I offer 1:1 behaviour support designed to help you understand and support your individual dog – with compassion, not picture-perfect expectations. Get in touch to find out how I can help: www.perfectly-canine.com/contact

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