Rovers Return Dog Training And Behaviour Consultant

31/10/2025

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴'𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁! 🏃‍♀️🐕

It's common for dog owners to wonder how long it will take, and the honest answer is: it varies significantly, often taking months to a year or more of consistent, dedicated work.

📈 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

The process isn't a straight line—it's full of ups and downs:

✅Initial Progress: You might see wonderful, fast improvements when you first start training and management. Celebrate those small wins! 🎉

✅The Plateau: Progress often slows down or seems to stall. This is normal! Stick with the plan and trust the process.

✅"Setbacks" or "Extinction Bursts": It's common for a dog to suddenly return to reactive behaviour even after a period of calm. This can be due to a particularly stressful event, new triggers, or just the nature of learning. This doesn't mean you failed! It means you need to re-evaluate the environment and training level.

🔑 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

✅ Consistency is King: Daily management and training are crucial.

✅ Be Patient: Focus on long-term change, not quick fixes.

Support is Essential: Don't go it alone! Working with a certified force-free trainer or behaviourist can make all the difference.

You've got this! Every day you train is a step forward. 💪

31/10/2025

**𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀! 🌿🐶

We offer delicious natural treat boxes for all dogs!

Tired of mystery ingredients?

Level up your treat game with our all-new 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗲𝘀!

Each box is packed with high-quality, single-ingredient chews and wholesome goodies—think ethically sourced jerkies, nutrient-rich dental chews, and delicious training bites. No fillers, no artificial nonsense, just 100% natural goodness for a happy, healthy pup.

✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲?

🐶 No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.
🐶Single-ingredient transparency.
🐶 Boosts dental health and promotes a shiny coat!

Give your dog a box they'll go absolutely wild for, and feel good knowing you’re fuelling them with the best nature has to offer.

👉 Grab your first box and use code TREATLOVE for 15% off! Or put in the comments below! Free local delivery

31/10/2025

Some lovely people Amy Rudkin Becky Shellard are walking 33 miles in aid of angel small paws rescue.

If you have a few pennies or better ££ spare please donate for this great cause.

Hi! We’re just a group of work friends who’ve decided to … Rebecca Shellard-Clarke needs your support for 33 Mile Sponsored Walk - Helping Paws, Healing Hearts.

30/10/2025

🐶🚶‍♀️ Reactive Dog Training Tip: Setting Up Successful Walks! 🚶‍♂️🐶

Following up on our last post, let's talk about making walks less stressful and more positive for your reactive dog! The key? Setting them up for success!

Walking a reactive dog isn't about powering through triggers; it's about strategic management and gradual, positive exposure.

Here’s how to set up successful walks:

✅ Understand Their Threshold: This is crucial! A threshold is the point at which your dog can still see a trigger (another dog, person, bike, etc.) but remain calm, take treats, and respond to you. If they're already barking or lunging, they're over threshold, and learning isn't happening.

✅ Action: Observe your dog. How far away does a trigger need to be for them to notice but not react intensely? That's your starting point!

✅ Choose Your Environment Wisely: Initially: Opt for quiet times and locations. Think early mornings, late evenings, or less-trafficked routes. Avoid dog parks or busy main streets at peak hours.

✅ Explore: Discover hidden paths, industrial areas on weekends, or even large empty car parks where you can have space.

✅ The "Operated Walk": You are the director!

✅ Scan Ahead: Constantly look for potential triggers.

✅ Create Distance: If you spot a trigger, before your dog reacts, calmly change direction, cross the street, or duck behind a car/bush. Your goal is to keep them under threshold.

✅ Reward Calmness: Every time your dog notices a trigger but stays calm (even if you had to create distance), mark that moment (with a "yes!" or clicker) and generously reward them with high-value treats! This teaches them, "trigger = good things happen."

✅ Gear Up for Safety & Control: A well-fitting harness (like a front-clip harness), a comfortable leash, and a treat pouch full of your dog's favourite high-value treats are your essential tools.

Remember: Every successful walk, even a short one where you avoided all triggers, builds confidence for both you and your dog. Don't aim for perfection, aim for progress and positive experiences!

What are your go-to strategies for successful reactive dog walks? Share in the comments!

29/10/2025

🐶❤️ 𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀! ❤️🐶

If you share your life with a reactive dog, you know the struggle is real. Every walk can feel like a high-stakes mission. You're constantly scanning the environment, managing distance, and trying to predict what might trigger an outburst—whether it's barking, lunging, or freezing.

It's vital to remember that a reactive dog isn't being "naughty" or "aggressive" for no reason. They are overwhelmed, scared, or frustrated, and their reactions are simply their way of trying to cope with a world that feels too loud, too close, or too fast. Their brain is wired to feel the need to defend itself or create space. Life is genuinely harder for them.

To all the dedicated owners: You are doing a fantastic job.

🐶 You are their advocate.

🐶 You are their protector.

You are the one putting in the hard work, the training, the patience, and the thousands of little adjustments every single day.

The small victories—a walk without a meltdown, a moment of calm focus, taking a treat near a trigger—are massive achievements.

We see you. We know the exhaustion, the worry, and the occasional feeling of isolation. Keep celebrating those wins, keep being patient, and remember: you are your dog's best chance at a calmer life.

Keep up the amazing work! You've got this. 💪

28/10/2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another Awesome Review For Rovers Return Dog Training

28/10/2025

🐶 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲: 𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Let’s talk about nose halters (like Halti or Gentle Leader). If you've ever used one, you know they offer immediate, powerful control over a dog that pulls. And honestly, We get it.

When you have a large, strong dog, or a reactive dog that lunges, these tools can feel like the only thing standing between a peaceful walk and a painful shoulder injury. The goal is understandable: safety and control.

But here’s the crucial conversation: Nose halters work by applying pressure over a very sensitive area—the dog’s muzzle (and sometimes the back of their head, which can physically turn their face and make for an uncomfortable posture).

This constant pressure and physical redirection is highly aversive (unpleasant/punishing).

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲: 𝗔 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴.

What the dog might feel: Frustration, anxiety, and a suppression of their natural behaviour, which doesn't actually teach them how to walk nicely or change their emotional state. In reactive dogs, this stress can actually worsen underlying fear!

💡 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We believe in moving past management tools that rely on discomfort. We teach dogs that walking next to you, without tension, is the most rewarding choice through positive reinforcement and comfortable gear like a Y-Front Harness.

We want to hear from you: Have you transitioned away from a nose halter? What was the biggest game-changer in your loose-leash training journey?

Share your experience or your go-to force-free gear in the comments! 👇

27/10/2025

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 🙋‍♀️

That lunging, barking, and pulling when another dog appears can be heartbreaking and stressful. You’re not a bad dog owner—your dog is just reacting to feeling overwhelmed.

Rovers Return Dog Training specialise in force-free behaviour modification to bring you the skills, turning those chaotic walks into calm, enjoyable outings.

❓ Tell us the #1 thing you wish you could change about your reactive dog's walks!

Comment below 👇 Let's start the conversation and give you some hope!

25/10/2025

Let's Talk Dog Bites: What YOU Can Do to Prevent Them! 🤝🐾

Most bites are preventable with education, understanding. Responsible dog ownership has a role to play in keeping our communities safe and our dogs happy.

Here's how we can make a difference:

Learn Dog Body Language (The Golden Rule!):

The Whispers Before the Shout: Dogs communicate constantly! Learn to recognize subtle signs of stress or discomfort: lip-licking, yawning, head turns, a stiff body, whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes), or ears pinned back.

Respect Their Space: If a dog is showing these signs, give them space. A wagging tail doesn't always mean "friendly"; it can indicate arousal, which isn't always positive.
Socialize Thoughtfully & Train Effectively: Early, Positive Socialization:** Expose puppies to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and friendly dogs in a **positive, controlled way** during their critical socialization window (before 16 weeks).

Positive Reinforcement Training: Build a strong relationship with your dog based on trust. Teach them manners, impulse control, and reliable recall using rewards, not fear or punishment.

Avoid "Forcing" Interactions: Never force a dog to "say hello" if they're hesitant. A friendly dog will approach on their own terms.

Supervise & Manage Responsibly:

Active Supervision: Always supervise interactions between dogs and children. Teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with dogs.

Lead Laws: Keep your dog on a lead in public areas unless you are in a designated off-lead park and have reliable recall.
Safe Spaces: Provide your dog with a safe, quiet space (like a crate or bed) where they can retreat and be undisturbed.

Never Leave Unattended: Do not leave dogs unsupervised, especially with children or other animals, if you are unsure of their dynamic.

Consult a Professional for Concerns: Don't Wait! If your dog is showing signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression, contact a qualified behaviourist.
Every interaction is an opportunity for safety. Let's work together to create a safer, happier world for both people and pups!

What's one thing you do to ensure safe interactions with dogs? Share your tips below! 👇

23/10/2025

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆" 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁
The surge in dog adoptions during lockdown had consequences that are still playing out:

𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 acquired during lockdowns missed crucial exposure to new people, sounds, environments, and other dogs during their key developmental window (before 16 weeks). This lack of early exposure can lead to higher anxiety and fear-based aggression as adults.

𝗜𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: Many first-time owners adopted dogs without fully understanding the necessary commitment to training, mental enrichment, and daily routine that prevents behavioural issues.

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆: Dogs that spent their critical early months with their owners constantly home often developed severe separation anxiety once routines returned to normal, leading to destructive or frantic behaviour.

2. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Many people simply don't know how to "read" a dog, and this miscommunication can lead to bites:

𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀: Bites rarely happen "out of nowhere." Dogs almost always give subtle warnings like lip-licking, yawning, turning away, or a tense/frozen body. If these are ignored, the dog is forced to escalate to a growl or a snap.

𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Viral trends often encourage people to interact with dogs in ways that dogs find stressful (like staring contests or hugging tightly), mistakenly viewing the dog's sign of discomfort (a "stress smile" or avoidance) as a cute human-like reaction.

3. 𝗜𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The rush to breed puppies often meant dogs with fearful or reactive temperaments were used for breeding, passing on potential behavioural issues to their offspring.

𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲: Puppies sourced from unethical breeders (like puppy mills) often start life with inadequate care, which makes them far more susceptible to health issues and behavioural issues.

Find out more tomorrow

20/10/2025

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱? 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽! 💔

Walking a reactive, anxious, or fearful dog can feel isolating, stressful, and even embarrassing. You love your dog, but you might feel confused or frustrated by their lunging, barking, or constant worry.

𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁

We've designed an intensive 8-Week Transformation Program specifically for owners like you.

This isn't basic obedience—it's about understanding the emotions driving your dog's behaviour and giving you the tools to create lasting change.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝟴 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀:

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗪𝗵𝘆" Learn the science behind your dog's fear, anxiety, and reactivity. We'll demystify their stress signals so you can finally understand why they act the way they do.

🧘 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Master simple, effective counter-conditioning exercises to change your dog's emotional response to triggers (like other dogs or strangers). Replace panic with pause.

🤝 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗱: Move past the stress and focus on rebuilding a relationship based on trust and predictability. Grow calmness together, strengthening the bond you share.

This program provides you with a clear, step-by-step plan to move from chaos to calm, ensuring you and your dog can finally enjoy your life together.
Stop managing the reactions and start changing the emotions. Your dog deserves peace, and so do you.

➡️ Ready to understand your dog and build a calmer future?

Book a free call via the webiste