Ruby, Betsy and Milo too

Home
United Kingdom
Leamington Spa
Ruby, Betsy and Milo too

How would we describe ourselves? A crazy, slightly unhinged (in a very positive way I promise) duo set to take over the world with .
(123)

� About Us �

Ruby Welsford is a openly Autistic Force Free Dog Trainer based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, UK. Despite not being legally required to do so, she believes in constantly updating her knowledge and practical skills and has successfully met the criteria as a IMDT (Distinction) , a Pet Professional Guild, Dog Training College and Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals trainer/

member. She is one of only 7 AABP members in the UK. More recently, she has become an Associate Member of The Professional Association of Canine Trainers. Despite effectively being medically drunk 24/7 due to having mild ataxic cerebral palsy, she has set up the UK Disc Dog Association and actively competes and judges for Disc Dog in the UK. She has trained teams to World Cup Qualifying level and was the first UFO World Cup Qualifier Judge in the UK. Betsy used to be severely dog reactive to dogs over 150 m away due to a catalogue of unfortunate incidents with irresponsible owners as a pup. Now she is a working canine performer and has done over 300+ stunt performances for many major events in the UK at international exhibition centres and showgrounds accross the UK, including the NEC, Earls Court, London EXcEL and Glasgow SEC Arenas. She has featured in adverts, magazines, social media campaigns and on the telly accross several major TV channels. She has been one of the first completely independently owner trained assistance dogs to fly in cabin with an international airline multiple times and has met several celebrity's! She also acts as a stooge dog for those dogs learning how to dog. Milo is looking to follow in his 'big sisters' footsteps and already has been invited to several events post lockdown to perform, and has done a little bit of media work. Both dogs love learning new things and have dabbled in other sports such as Agility, fun obedience, trick dog, gundog scurries, heelwork to music and Hoopers. Betsy LOVES trick training and in fact was selected for the semi finals for a major national trick dog competition 4 times in a row, presented by The Super Vet. In addition to this she was selected as a runner up for Crufts Factor (trick competition) at only 8 months old. Ruby teaches Disc Dog, Trick Dog and Clicker Training seminars accross the UK to help other people discover the fun they can have training their dogs whilst improving their relationship and understanding of each other. She also assists those in training their own assistance dogs completely independently, but also was headhunted to consult for a major ADUK charity to train their trainers and instructors in force free training for taskwork, public access needs, house manners and husbandry behaviours. In addition to this she has been approached by other charities and social services, production companies,Rescues, and even the MOD to advise, as well as assisting in writing an assistance dog policy for a local hospital. She has also been approached by the Pet Professional Guild (UK/US) , The Pet Professional Network, Dog Training College, IntoDogs, Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia and the International School of Canine Professionals and Naturally Happy Dogs to help deliver international CPD to members. Over the years she has done thousands of hours of CPD, including hosting four virtual dog training conferences between February and May over the third lockdown, attended Clicker Expo Kenilworth, Canine First Aid Courses and has completed several in person seminars from internationally renowned trainers. In addition to this, she also volunteered at a local dog training club for two years, and in her spare time loves to create free dog training resources, videos, and of course, training her own dogs! Ruby has worked with a huge range of people and dogs of varying backgrounds, ages, breeds and walks of life, with various different aspirations and issues. She is able to present seminars and perform with her dogs nationwide, please PM the page to find out more. Ruby does 121 training in Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kenilworth and surrounding areas. Depending on needs, she may also be able to travel out of area if required, if a virtual 121 is not feasible

www.rubybetsyandmilotoo.com

08/09/2024

Really special post today because our amazing trainer Ruby only went and won the Coventry and Warwickshire BBC make a difference animal award!!! I think I speak on behalf of all the handlers whether that be assistance dog or stunt dog that have had the privilege of working with Ruby that she really is incredible at what she does! It is clear that the welfare and happiness of our dogs is always at the forefront of every training session and you are guaranteed to have a good laugh too 😂 we are so proud to call you our trainer and so pleased you are getting the recognition you deserve!

Ruby would like to say that it’s an absolute privilege that she gets to do what she does and all of her partnerships are absolutely amazing 🤩 She’s so proud of Robin and Layla who attended the awards ceremony today as Robin did exceptionally, and it was wonderful to meet the other nominees at the event! She would also, of course, like to mention Betsy and Milo, the two dogs that made this all possible for her!!
-
-
ID: from left to right stands Ruby in black leggings and a red hoody, then Milo the black and white border collie is sat looking at the camera, then Layla is sat in a wheelchair wearing blue jeans and a purple and white patterned top, behind her stands Stevie wearing black and yellow sunflower dungarees with a black t-shirt underneath, and next to her is Robin a dark yellow cockerpoo looking to the right. They are in front of large white CWR letters with lights in the centre!
-
-

04/06/2024

🌟 Thorpe Park: Embracing Change for Assistance Dog Handlers 🌟

Infinity Dogs CIC is excited to share some great news for THORPE PARK Official! This much-loved theme park, known for its thrilling rides, is the first theme park in the UK to of earned our “Assistance Dog Educated” badge. 🏅🐾

Accessibility at Heart: Thorpe Park has taken significant steps to ensure everyone, including assistance dog handlers, can enjoy their visit. They’ve joined the “Assistance Dog Educated” initiative, leading the way for theme parks across the UK - this includes being extremely willing to listen and take on board staff feedback!

Focused Training:

Targeted Staff Training: Key teams at Thorpe Park, like security, admissions, and guest services, have received specialized training to better support assistance dog handlers.

Practical Learning: The training wasn’t just theory; it included real-life interactions with assistance dog handlers, giving the staff a true feel for these important partnerships.

Open to Feedback: What stands out is Thorpe Park’s openness to feedback. They’re not just listening; they’re making changes based on what assistance dog handlers tell them.

The Difference It Makes:

Recognizing the Real Deal: Thorpe Park’s crew can now spot the genuine assistance dog teams and understand the incredible work these dogs do.

Going for Gold: The park isn’t far away from achieving their “Assistance Dog Educated - Gold Standard,” which means even more staff training and acting on handler suggestions.

A Big Thank You: We’re giving a big shout-out to Thorpe Park for their commitment to making the park a place where everyone feels welcome.

This is a big win for assistance dog handlers and for all of us.

Let’s spread the word about how being open to learning and improving can make such a big difference.

Merlin Entertainments

30/05/2024

So erm, we have been kinda preoccupied at Infinity Dogs CIC 😂

24/05/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

UPDATE: LIMITED SPOTS REMAINING

🐾 Our very first Infinity Dogs CIC Disc Dog Workshop is here! 🥏

📅 Dates: £45 for 2 days or £25 for 1 day
⏱️ July 21st/22nd 10.30 -5.30 pm
🇬🇧 Near ettington, warkwickshire
🎯 Clinic-style format - focus on your specific training goals
🐶 Suitable for dogs aged 8 months and older
🔹 Special program for dogs under 18 months
🔄 Individual attention with constant rotation
🏠 Indoor venue
🚽 Toliet and kitchenette available
🍴 Please note: Food will not be provided to keep costs low
♾️ ND Handlers prioritized

Secure your spot now by emailing [email protected]

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to level up your disc dog skills! 🐾✨

16/05/2024

I’m not quite sure how this has happened but my big puppy is 12 today! Happy birthday Betsy Boo!

Absolute insanity.

Apart from being a bit grey around your mouth and occasionally overdoing things cos you have absolutely no idea that retirement is a thing and a concept you think is absolutely ridiculous, you still still challenge your brother to extreme biteyface, are blacklisted by the local squirrel population, work very part time being the best helpy doggo and teaching other dogs how to dog, and you still do a bit of low impact cheeky sports stuff (the less we say about the tunnel incident leaping off your bed to challenge to a race mid workshop the better) 😂😂

You are my fifth limb, my family, my best mate, my colleague, the bestest big sister and the best dog in existence.

Roll on many more years of chaos, cuddles, and you are still the loudest dog possibly that has ever lived.

I love you in amounts that there isn’t a number for 😍😍

Bestest doggo ❤️❤️❤️❤️

03/05/2024

01/04/2024

Prepare to be enchanted by the forthcoming litter of exceptional pedigree that is set to redefine the standard of canine excellence!

These extraordinary pups, a unique blend of purebred Collie and purebred Labradoodle, are not only destined to excel as top-tier medical alert dogs from the moment they enter the world, but they also possess a remarkable calmness that sets them apart in a league of their own.

From the very beginning, these future companions exhibit a serene demeanor that speaks volumes about their exceptional temperament. Whilst possessing the speed and power reminiscent of a Concorde jet, are accompanied by an innate sense of tranquility that is truly unparalleled in the world of canine companions.

What sets these remarkable pups apart is not just their impressive abilities but also their extraordinary level of composure. Their calmness in the face of any situation is a testament to their exceptional breeding and the care they have received since birth. This unique blend of intelligence, loyalty, predictability, and unrivaled calmness makes them the epitome of the perfect companion.

Prepare to be captivated by their impeccable behavior, unwavering charm, and the sense of peace they bring into any environment. Stay tuned for more updates on this exceptional litter, as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of these remarkable canine companions who are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of meeting them.

26/02/2024

Since Christmas I have felt I have really hit the ground running with the start of my new not for profit, Infinity Dogs CIC.

It has been a very intense couple of months with lots going on that will benefit all Assistance Dog handlers in a myriad of sectors, and though it has been nerve wracking, overwhelming but most of all extremely exciting, it has been amazing to get back to doing trick/stunt workshops at Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour who are amazing hosts!

We got to work with so many amazing people and dogs, most who have attended multiple times that miraculously keep coming back for more craziness 😂

Proper video montage and post to come soon but for now I will leave you with this ❤️😂

21/01/2024

If you think dog training should look like this….

Then get yourselves booked in for our next Trick/Stunt Dog workshop at Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour next month!

24th/25th Feb

21/01/2024

Caption this:

21/01/2024

🤣 How would you describe my workshop teaching style?

So, for those of you on the fence about whether or not to brave our Trick/Stunt workshop at Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour next month…

Take note 😂

21/01/2024

Come to my trick training workshops and you too can also be roped into doing inappropriate poses in the name of dog training 😂

Tracey Pilsbury from Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour said I should warn people what the poor souls are signing up for our next trick workshop 😂

If you aren’t put off, then you are the type of person that might actually find it hilarious 😂

14/01/2024

I can’t WAIT for this!

We have the fantastic coming back to Houndspeak for a weekend of trick training!

These weekends fill up super quickly - be fast to grab a space 🐾🐾

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th February 2024

Handler and spectator spaces available for both days.

Plenty of fun can be guaranteed 🤣

22/12/2023

Thought some of you might be interested in this 😍

🐾 Join us at Infinity Dogs CIC Dog School for an exciting Stunt Dog Workshop! 🌟

📅 Date: 11th-12th May 2024
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM each day
💰 Price: £80 for 2 days

Get ready for two action-packed days of learning and fun in Stratford Upon Avon! Our Stunt Dog Workshop is not only an incredible opportunity to bond with your furry friend but also a chance to support a great cause. This workshop is a fundraiser for Infinity Dogs CIC, an organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of neurodivergent and disabled individuals.

Led by our director and head trainer, Ruby Welsford, you and your dog will learn a variety of impressive stunts, tricks, and audience participation moves. Ruby brings years of experience and expertise to the workshop, ensuring that you and your dog receive top-notch training and guidance.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly request that all participating dogs be dog neutral or dog social.

Priority will be given to those that are disabled/neurodivergent.

Express your interest in joining the Stunt Dog Workshop by sending an email to [email protected]. Our team will provide you with all the necessary information and assist you with the registration process.

Please note that food will not be provided during the workshop, so we kindly ask you to bring your own refreshments.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to have a blast while supporting a fantastic cause. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now!

🐶🌟 Join us for the Stunt Dog Workshop at Infinity Dogs CIC Dog School, led by our director and head trainer Ruby Welsford, and unleash the extraordinary potential in your furry friend! 🌟🐾

12/12/2023

This with bells on.

One for the dog trainers out that and I will say this over and over and over again, as many times as I need to.

It is absolutely ok to have moral and ethical bounderies in dog training!

If you don't want to see dogs being trained using aversive methods because it upsets you, you have the right to not engage or see those methods or accept them in your training.

It is not your job to fawn to people because they will get upset with you if you don't agree with the way they train.

It is your job to ensure people have the facts about training dogs and ensure they can make an informed choice about training.

It is not your job to provide free education to other professional dog trainers and also have to deliver it to them in a such a way so they don’t get upset.

You are not a bad person for safeguarding your mental wellbeing and not collaborating with people who train with methods you feel are abusive.

You do not have to engage with and learn from trainers you don’t agree with. Your education and CPD in dog training is not going to be better if you are uncomfortable or ruin your physical and mental health while doing it.

It is not your job to babysit other trainers, take their feelings and views into consideration and tailor everything you do to make sure they never ever experience an aversive event in the industry.

Your welfare comes first. You hold those moral and ethical bounderies if that's what you need to do to safeguard your mental and physical health.

Other professional dog trainers and their feelings are not your concern. If they can't stand the heat of a scientfic industry that is on them to upskill and not on you to ensure their feelings never get hurt because they are not up to date on the latest scientific findings.

You look after yourselves out there

Love to you all!!

[a black dog has her paws up on a red agility dog walk]

01/12/2023

I will no longer be taking new partnerships under the Assistance Dog Partnership Programme, but I have decided to start something better that will help more people and give some incredible opportunities to those that probably wouldn’t otherwise get them.

If you are neurodivergent, disabled or have a mental health condition and also interested in dog sports- this is where its at!

I will continue to post here and run workshops under this name, but rather than further moaning about the lack of accessibility in dog sports and activities I’ve decided to do my bit to try and change things.

The idea has been in the works for about a decade but I’ve decided to have an early mid life crisis and somehow make it work 😂

🎉 Calling all dog lovers! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Infinity Dogs CIC, an incredible organization based in the UK that is dedicated to supporting individuals who train their own dogs to be assistance dogs. What sets them apart is their focus on those who are neurodivergent, have invisible disabilities, and multiple disabilities/medical zebras. 🌟

💪 Infinity Dogs CIC runs the only dog training school in the UK that prioritizes accessibility, specifically designed for handlers and trainers with neurodivergent and mental health needs. If you’re interested in dog sports and activities, this is the place to be! They offer a range of services tailored to your needs, all aimed at helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships through force-free training methods. 🐕‍🦺

🌟 Their mission is simple yet powerful - to ensure that dogs and their owners thrive together, using force-free training methods that prioritize the well-being of both. Infinity Dogs CIC believes in creating a supportive and inclusive community, founded by Ruby Welsford, a passionate advocate of force-free training methods. 🙌

✨ If you’re ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with your furry friend, I encourage you to discover more about Infinity Dogs CIC. Visit their website at infinitydogs.org.uk to learn about the range of services they offer and how they can support you and your dog. ✨

🐾 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unleash the infinite potential of your dog and experience the transformative power of Infinity Dogs CIC’s training and support. Join them today and be a part of something truly special! 🐾

28/11/2023

🎂🎉🥳 Happy 4th Birthday Milo!

You are officially a proper adult collie boy!

I am so proud of the dog you have turned out to be!

You are a fabulous teacher, have kept me on my toes as a trainer, are such a softie of a collie so much I wonder if you were meant to be a golden retriever sometimes, are super smart, the biggest wind up merchant to Betsy but you utterly adore her, the biggest cuddle bug that has turned out to be my fabulous Assistance Dog and now we well in to starting our next crazy adventure as a stunt dog team with some amazing people taking part in a project I have always dreamed of but I never thought in a million years we would get to do or bring to life!

You are my bestest boy dog. You have the most incredible sense of humour and are so emotionally intelligent. You aren’t just a dog. Not just a family member, but a sixth limb.

You are an incredible dog in your own right and I love you to bits and wouldn’t change you for the world 😍😍😍

20/11/2023

“If you act like that you will push people away to train aversively”

Who in the force free training community has heard this extremely manipulative codswallop?

Now, before I get further into this, I will say very clearly I am a crossover trainer. I didn’t fall out the womb a force free trainer- I grew up around seeing harsh methods being used on police dogs and gun dogs normalised.

When I look back to what I did to my first dog, I utterly cringe. I thought because I was surrounded by police dog handlers and gundog trainers that openly used choke chains, ecollars, slip leads, rattle cans, alpha rolls, dominance downs - as a 12 year old kid, your brain says, well, if xyz do it, then that must be the way to train dogs.

This was further reinforced by the likes of tv shows and general popular culture, and every dog book I owned at the time.

Using aversive was totally normalised and no one batted an eye.

The thing that changed that was when a vet very clearly spelled out to me as a teenager it was likely that the collar corrections I used had very likely contributed to a serious condition that Archie had developed around age 10 that he needed a very invasive operation for to stop him from essentially falling into respiratory distress.

That conversation haunts me to this day. The vet wasn’t mean about it, purely factual.

At first there was an element of cognitive dissonance- how could I of hurt my best friend? The dog that meant so much to me and had got me through hell at school. It was too much to bear.

It was a bumpy journey and I have many many many people that helped me along the way. I will always be extremely grateful for these professionals that helped and supported me and called me out when I started my force free journey. They were extremely supportive and generous with their time - but they were also extremely black and white about how methods and tools worked that I had no idea about, and essentially when I got Betsy, made me go cold turkey and corrected my bad habits.

If I was to say it was easy - I would be lying. Some things at the time I had no clue about (tightening harnesses) and I still spouted pack theory and I was a nightmare probably to handle when I found one of the amazing professionals that took me under her wing.

The truth was I was finding it frustrating as not because FF doesn’t work - but because I had not developed the mechanics.

Going force free isn’t just aversive training without the aversives. It requires a total mindset change about staying accountable and taking responsibility for your dogs emotions and needs as a sentient being and taking the responsibility off your dog to question yourself to see if you need to meet a particular need first or break it down in a way that your dog understands and enjoys.

That is on you. Not anyone else, and certainly not your dog.

I remember one of the best videos I watched was a satire video made by a very well known force free dog trainer about pack theory, and another titled “what not to do to your best friend”.

Our dogs need us to do better for them. To enjoy lives as a sentient being with real needs and emotions, not to use their chance of experiencing pain, fear or intimidation as a pawn to insight guilt and emotional blackmail against force free trainers.

It stinks of a bank robber situation- hand over the cash otherwise a member of staff gets it.

Or even a abusive relationship - “yes im sorry to of done BUT if you hadn’t of done “.

Its really manipulative and not ok.

I will say that I have all the time in the world for those that truly are 100% committed to crossing over. I have spent many hours giving advice for free online, over the phone and in person.

Crossing over to force free is a fu***ng brave thing to do and anyone taking full responsibility to do this even amongst peers who might not be have my upmost respect.

Trainers that charge money for training with aversive methods and tools shown to be harmful by all the leading clinical animal behaviour organisations worldwide have 0 respect from me.

Dog owners that have been given all the education on a plate but still use aversive methods have 0 respect from me.

I don’t work with people that aren’t ready for 100% commitment from force free training - yet I have worked with clients and trainers that have dropped shock, prong, chokes, slips, pet correctors, bonkers, rattle cans etc.

I am proud of them for doing the right thing and have oodles of respect for them.

Those that are truly committed to bettering their training keep themselves accountable and take the burden of responsibility off their dog rather than using it as a threat to justify their use of aversives.

19/11/2023

🫠 Accreditations and Accessibility

I have been chatting to several people recently about the lack of accessibility for neurodivergent people to access certain dog behaviour and training qualifications.

I know this has been a major issue for some time. I remembered last year I did a post on this, but sadly nothing has changed and people are still getting shouted down for pointing out in 2023 we are still experiencing this predicament.

Do you think its fair for neurodivergent people to have to pay circa £300 more to even be able to access an assessment process?

I don’t.

19/11/2023

An aversive trainer glossary

Lots of people keep saying I need to make a glossary to understand dog training terms so I thought I would split it into two parts - warning…only read if you have a sense of humour…feel free to comment below - I will add the best ones 😂

Open minded - willingness to tolerate abusive practices in dog behaviour modification and training

Non judgmental- lack of healthy ethical boundaries

Closed minded - disagrees with me

Qualified - never seen a dog in their life. Only exam papers

Ecollar - therapeutic tickling device that whispers thoughts into the dog mind

Research - biased drivel that has been created to deliberately target your way of training because the researchers don’t like you personally. Unless is supports my training then it’s 100% accurate and can be presented as facts

Treats - very inconvenient to carry around. Much better to have a large clunky e collar remotes

Clicker - more aversive to most dogs than the 23 shock collars round your malinois testicles

Place - a location of great therapeutic tranquility for the dog

Choke chains - therapeutic tranquility initiating device via an intensive throat massage. Totally nothing to do with lack of oxygen

Bite sports. The elite. Only trainers who matter do bite sports. No trainer who does any other sports is real

Prongs - magically stop dogs pulling. Well it must be magic cos they don’t hurt

University of Bitesports - white cis males with overcompensation issues attitude outweighs the standard of research from both russel group and ivy league universities

Aversive fallout - some sort of made up thing those purely positive types spout on about, as real as santa claus, you can totally shock out a medical issue

Medication - a sign of weakness

Beh euth - The step after cheese not working

Shelters - places filled with fat, aggressive dogs who have been failed by liver paté, in need of as many prongs, choke chains and shock collars before they are all euthanised by the namby-pamby animal mafia

Emotions in dogs - simultaneously don't exist as dogs are just animals following animal instincts but can also be reinforced by coddling dogs

Veterinary behaviourists - vets who clearly know less than we do, but with extra letters after their name which means they know nothing about behaviour and should wind their necks in.

Rehab/boot camp - complete turnaround for your dog, guaranteed in 20 minutes if on camera for social media or with two weeks behind closed doors if paid for by credit card

Neutrality walks/pack walks - Like 'BirdBox for Dogs' without blindfolds. If your dog looks at anything, they won't have to kill themselves because they'll get a friendly yank on a choke lead or a little zap to remind them not to look in the first place. If your dog goes insane when they look at stuff, just take them on a neutrality walk where they'll learn not to bother.

Big thanks to Pawfectly Behaved and Lighten Up Dog Training for helping to construct this 😂

Address

Leamington Spa

Website

http://www.rubybetsyandmilotoo.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ruby, Betsy and Milo too posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ruby, Betsy and Milo too:

Videos

😍🥹 “Just a normal day at the office”

Since Christmas I have felt I have really hit the ground running with the start of my new not for profit, Infinity Dogs CIC. It has been a very intense couple of months with lots going on that will benefit all Assistance Dog handlers in a myriad of sectors, and though it has been nerve wracking, overwhelming but most of all extremely exciting, it has been amazing to get back to doing trick/stunt workshops at Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour who are amazing hosts! We got to work with so many amazing people and dogs, most who have attended multiple times that miraculously keep coming back for more craziness 😂 Proper video montage and post to come soon but for now I will leave you with this ❤️😂 #ffofo

Hilarious 😂

Some people: Dog training is a very serious affair, we should discourage people from smiling as it could be considered an extended cue… Me: #ffofo

What a weekend! 😂

This weekend I was invited to be hosted for a trick/stunt dog workshop by Tracey Pilsbury and Beatrix Benton at Houndspeak - Dog Training & Behaviour It. Was. Incredible! We had a huge variation of people and their dogs come (who were absolutely epic!) from all sorts of different dog sport related backgrounds! We had people who had worked to a high level in obedience, agility, flyball, canicross, hoopers, scentwork, disc and a variety of other sports come together with several assistance dog and therapy dog handlers and even enthusiastic pet owners! The atmosphere was absolutely magical- everyone was so supportive of each others achievements and really rooting for each other 😍 Thank you everyone for making it an amazing laugh and being your awesome selves! More photos and videos to come soon! #ffofo

🐕‍🦺 Assistance Dog in Training Robin and Layla! I am SO proud of these guys. They have really knocked it out the park this week. Unfortunately they have been targeted by online trolls which has caused lots of anxiety for the family - something I really admire about Stevie (Laylas mum) and Layla is that they were so willing to share the good, bad and the ugly about their journey of training an Assistance Dog. As a result they have been able to help multiple disabled people start their Assistance Dog journey and even medical condition disgnosis journey. I reassured them that most people that were causing trouble are literally kids themselves and it probably stems from insecurities about their relationships with their own dogs. Not only this- this is the first time Layla has introduced Robin properly to her new wheelchair on a big day out - so I think that took proper guts, grit and determination from them they were going to crack loose lead walking. This is a little trailer - we will properly share their amazing progress and exciting news at the end of the week 🙂 #ffofo

Aimee Gardiner from Pawfectly Behaved on BBC One “My Life Saving Dog” explaining rate of reinforcement with food to the nation in the easiest to understand way 😂 We hope you like it 😂 #hamhamhamhamham #ffofo

Workshop prep is taken exceedingly seriously before you all arrive, as Maddie Ashe demonstrates at TLC Dog Academy & Walking 😂😂😂😂 #ffofo

😍😍🦮 Did anyone spot our fabulous Assistance Dog partnership Skye and Lois at Star Wars Celebration 2023 | London? We are SO proud of them for being such fabulous role models (Skye was given permission to say Hi for anyone comes for them!). #skyethestardog #ffofo

😂😂😂 What a legend Jupiter is 😂😂😂 #ffofo

Conclusion…Pluto at Walt Disney World is a slight frustrated greeter 😂😂😂😂 #ffofo

Not too much further now… #ffofo

Next clue: Preparing for take off soon… People: Non ADI dogs aren’t as highly trained Jupiter: Hold my ball 😂😂😂 #ffofo

Memories 🤪🤪🤪 #ffofo

Who knows what Milo is doing here and why? 🐕‍🦺 #ffofo

🥹😍 Picking your battles! One thing I say to my partnerships when training - if they are struggling to choose one thing to work on each week. It gives them a focus and a very real sense of progression- and I use it often with my own dogs! With Betsy, I am extremely proud of her LLW. I know if I needed to, I could walk through any major shopping center with her on one finger for hours at a time or off lead. People who know us well will know I don’t routinely grip on to her lead in public access - i just stuff it in my hoodie pocket and put my hands in! This took years to perfect and I have as close to 100% trust as you can get that she won’t just wonder off. For a long time I put having this level of skill with Milo on the back burner because other things were more important skills wise. He also got really bored with me using food as reinforcement- nothing to do with his environment being over arousing as I previously thought, but its the delivery and the length of the reward that matters. Betsy can have really quick rewards and will continue giving it her all - Milo needs the reassurance he has got the right end of the stick by having a big party somehow! This isn’t precision heeling by any means but fairly focused loose lead walking in birmingham. You will notice in this context I use his marker word “yes” as a ”keep going you are getting there” marker rather than a “perfect - reward”. We have found working on a variable schedule of reinforcement has worked better - with him “winning” when going past really hard distractions. If he gets it wrong - or rather I choose to reinforce too late, I will either change direction or use a positive interrupter “ready” to stop him and ask him to do something else. I am so proud of his progress with this! #ffofo

Happy White Cruftsmas everyone!! 😂😂 ❄️❄️❄️🌨🐾🐾🐾🐾 #ffofo

“People who have serious physical disabilities NEED to use pain/fear/intimidation on their Assistance Dogs to get them to walk nicely”. Claire and Teddy: Hold our beers 🍻 Epic partnership 😍😍😍 #ffofo

I love this clip of Claire and Teddy practicing their passive absence! 😍 (Teddy is wearing a Y style harness but we tucked his traffic handle in as he kept on getting his paw stuck 😂😂😍) Who knows what a passive absence might be used for and why would you need it to happen off lead? #ffofo

We think Evelyn, Jasmines daughter and Assistance Dog Wilmas little hooman sister narrated Aimees interview perfectly 😂😂😂 🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺 #ffofo

🐩 Marvellous Assistance Dog Prospect Martini! Well, what a few days! Martini came for a training weekend on Friday - and was supposed to finish today. Martinis hooman is super keyed in, much more well read about behaviour mod than your average assistance dog owner, and had done an impressive amount of webinars designed mainly for cpd for dog trainers and behaviourists! Martini is a gorgeous standard poodle who came for an assessment all the way from London as to whether she would make good assistance dog material: ✅ She has a very enthusiastic handler that cares a hell of a lot about her and is 100% committed to training FF and super open to learning more and takes everything on board - which is amazing. I wish all Assistance Dog handlers were this committed to learning about their dogs 😍 ✅ She has a great all round attitude to learning and you can really see she wants to try her hardest and has a good level of tenacity - we love to see this in Assistance Dogs! ✅ Shes a proper cuddle bug and does the most intense DPT i think I have ever recieved 😂 So no difficulties there 😂 HOWEVER! I ended the weekend yesterday as it was extremely clear she was struggling a lot more than usual with frustrated greeting, tactile sensitivity, noise sensitivity, visual sensitivity and having huge issues with mental stamina. In addition to this, this behaviour change was causing her lovely handler a significant amount of distress - despite us attempting to use various management strategies to mitigate them including: - Using an old hoodie of mine to cover her exposed bum thats sore from a recent cut (it seemed to worsen in sensitivity outside) - Using a sensory friendly adjustable long pull strap as a shorter double clip lead with a over the shoulder set up. - Me handling Martini on the first day to allow some respite.* * I have a strict I train you to train your dog policy on training days. I explained that despite us managing to get a little more

It was lovely to see the fantastic Jasmine and Wilma at the weekend! Can you guess what foundations of a new task they are learning? (Clue: it isn’t as simple as it looks!) #ffofo

Shortcuts

Who we are.

How would we describe ourselves? A crazy, slightly unhinged (in a very positive way I promise) duo set to take over the world with #JOYFULDOGTRAINING. We travel the UK and beyond teaching seminars, performing and even media work (ok, well Betsy does, no one wants to see my ugly mug on telly ;) ).

We also run our exclusive Partnership Tuition Programme - with the outlook that every partnership is a potential honor roll student. This is based in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and places are extremely limited.

Our specialisms are Disc Dog - hooman is described as one of the leading trainers in the UK for Dog Frisbee, Tricks and well, much more. The possibilities are endless.

Whether you are interested in hosting us for a seminar, need us to perform at your event, need a trained canine stunt dog for media work (Betsy is the bitch for the job!) or simply someone in Warwickshire who needs to get their pup on the #JOYFULDOGTRAINING waiting list pronto - whatever their age or ability, we suggest you contact us ASAP and we would be delighted to assist you :)