Rovers Return Dog Training And Behaviour Consultant

15/09/2025

Is your dog lunging, barking, or pulling on the leash when they see another dog or person?

🤯 Our specialised behaviour assessment for reactive dogs is the solution you've been looking for.

We'll pinpoint the root cause of their reactivity and teach you the skills to manage and improve their behavior.

Stop managing the problem and start solving it. Book your assessment today!

💪

12/09/2025

Is your dog on a mission to greet every pup they see? 🐶

It's a common thought that all dogs want to be friends, but that's not always the case! Teaching your dog that they don't have to say hello to every dog they meet can prevent a lot of stress for everyone.

Some dogs need their space and find interactions challenging. This isn't just about barking or lunging—it can also show up as hiding, freezing, or lying down. Approaching a dog that doesn't want to interact can be intimidating for them.

Learn to read both your dog's and other dogs' body language, and only allow interactions when it's clear both dogs are happy to engage. If your dog doesn't have reliable recall, it's safer to keep them on a lead to prevent unwanted greetings.

I have some great recall programs to help you gain that control. DM me to find out more!

11/09/2025

11.9 lb down!

When you put the work in and be consistent you see results.

'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results' (apparently Einstein)

Same with your dog training

Doing nothing gets you nothing

10/09/2025

The arrogance and ignorance of the same people who won't put their dogs on lead and have zero control are the same telling us that certain breeds (generally Mali's, bullies, rottys etc) need a firm hand and rewards don't work, yet a wolf has been trained using rewards!

If a wolf, that has the instincts of a wild animal can be trained then I'm very sure a domesticated dog breed can!

🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👏

10/09/2025

Choice is something that is part of my classes, 1-2-1 and especially behaviour work

Our dogs don't get many choices.

We choose when they walk, what and when they eat (except when eating something they shouldn't 😂) and even when they can go to the toilet!

We tell them what to do and when to do it.

In some scenarios this is necessary, however, developing a dog that makes great choices helps their confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves their overall behaviour.

Take a look at this blog

As canine guardians, we often focus on teaching our dogs what we want them to do - sit, stay, walk nicely on the lead. While these are useful skills, one of the most powerful ways we can improve behaviour and wellbeing is by giving dogs more choice in their daily lives.The Power of ChoiceChoice redu...

09/09/2025

Building new habits for your reactive dog takes patience and consistency.

It's not about punishing unwanted behaviors, but about conditioning new, positive ones.

Instead of reacting to a trigger, we can teach our dogs to do something different, like looking at us for a treat or playing a game.

This process won't happen overnight. It takes time, repetition, and a lot of positive reinforcement to change your dog's emotional response.

Celebrate the small victories and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Every training session is a step forward.

Share your journey in the comments below!

What's one new behavior you're working on with your reactive dog?

08/09/2025

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴'𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲.

At Rovers Return Dog Training, we know that to fix a problem, you have to understand the cause.

That's why our behaviour modification process starts with a thorough assessment—it's the only way to get real, lasting results.

We'll talk through every aspect of your dog's life, from their health and safety to their emotional well-being and daily routine.

We'll listen to your concerns and get to the bottom of the "why" behind the behaviour.

This isn't just a quick chat; it's the first step toward a personalized plan that will make a real difference.

Let's find the solution together. Book your free consultation call today and take the first step toward a happier life for both of you.

07/09/2025

And the final piece of the pyramid of our assessment process is

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 - proven to be the safest, most effective and reliable form of dog training!

It places the dog's safety and emotional needs first, it manages to resolve problem behaviours in a kind way. It seeks to motivate the dog to behave differently in challenging situations such as reactivity and reduces stress and worry.

Think of it as adding a layer of kindness and effectiveness to your dog's entire life. When we talk about a dog's hierarchy of needs, ensuring they feel secure and capable during learning is paramount.

Here’s why force-free training is non-negotiable for their well-being:

✨ No pain, no fear, no intimidation.
✨ Learning becomes a positive, enriching experience.
✨ Builds a strong, trusting bond that lasts a lifetime.
✨ Your dog learns what to do, not just what not to do.

Force free dog training isn't an all-you-can-eat buffet.

It utilises

✨ Management
✨Redirection of behaviours
✨Classical conditioning
✨Positive reinforcement
✨Desensitisation & counter -conditioning
✨ Social learning

What positive training moments have you shared with your dog lately? We'd love to hear! 👇

05/09/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀.

This is a part that I look at as part of my behaviour assessments.

Let’s talk about their social needs—a vital part of their overall well-being! 🐾

Just like us, dogs are social creatures who thrive on interaction and connection. A dog's "social pyramid" looks a little different from ours, but the top layer is crucial:

🐶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂 A strong, loving bond with their human family is a dog's most important social need. This is built through training, play, cuddles, and consistent, positive interaction.

🐶 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 & 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Socialisation isn't just about meeting other dogs. It's about having positive experiences with new people, places, and other animals. Quality is always more important than quantity! This is difficult when you have a nervous or reactive dog

🐶 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Whether with you or a well-matched canine friend, play is essential for mental and physical health. It teaches them boundaries, communication, and is a great way to bond.

Prioritising your dog's social needs can prevent behavioural issues and lead to a happier, more confident companion.

What's your dog's favourite way to socialise? Let us know in the comments! 👇

03/09/2025

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀: 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴'𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀

Once your dog's biological needs are met (health, nutrition, safety), we move up Linda Michaels' Hierarchy of Dog Needs to the crucial layer of Emotional Needs. This is where your dog's mental well-being takes centre stage.

Your dog's emotions are directly linked to their behaviour, and this is a crucial stage of the assessment process.

𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

🐾 Security:Does your dog feel safe and protected in their environment and with their family? Predictable routines and a stable home life contribute greatly to this. This could mean their walks, car travel, people visiting the home.

🐾 Comfort: Do they have a cozy, quiet place to retreat to? Are their daily experiences generally positive and stress-free, or do they react adversely?

🐾 Love & Affection: Consistent, appropriate affection and positive interactions with their human family are vital for emotional health.

🐾 Freedom from Fear & Anxiety: Are we actively working to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in their daily lives?

A dog whose emotional needs are consistently met is more likely to be calm, confident, and resilient – qualities that make training far more effective and enjoyable for everyone in Leicestershire!

02/09/2025

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴'𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀

Part of my assessment process is to ensure that biological needs are met. If a trainer only seeks to address the behaviour, you will not achieve success at decreasing that behaviour.

Your dog's behavioural struggles aren't just about training, It is more fundamental.

According to Linda Michaels' Hierarchy of Dog Needs, we have to start at the bottom of the pyramid:

Understanding Your Dog's Foundation: 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀

This is the non-negotiable foundation for a happy, well-behaved dog.

It includes:

🐾 Physical Health: Is your dog in pain, feeling unwell, or dealing with an undiagnosed issue? Aches, allergies, or an upset stomach can all manifest as grumpy or reactive behaviour.
🐾 Nutrition: Are they on a balanced diet that meets all their needs? Poor nutrition can lead to low energy, poor focus, and even anxiety. Many dry foods contain poor ingredients and additives. Check out all about dog food to see your dog food score.
🐾 Safety - Does your dog feel safe and secure in their environment? This includes everything from having a comfortable bed to feeling protected from threats on walks.

Before we can even begin to teach a new cue or a tricky behaviour, we have to make sure these basic needs are met. A healthy, comfortable dog is a dog ready to learn.

01/09/2025

A massive shout out Fin Feather & Fur for your recommendation for puppy training ❤️

Check them out for doggy care