Rovers Return Dog Training And Behaviour Consultant

17/02/2025

That look from Wilber is him spotting another dog. Look how he is able to easily disengage!

Amazing, a few weeks ago he would bark and get frustrated. He is not 'reactive' but gets over excited & over whelmed.

We are working on calmness around other dogs and it's working!

14/02/2025

🤗 𝟱 𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆! 🤗

Let's get to know each other a little better shall we?

💕 I love going to the gym, but often am a little lazy and don't go - but that's OK!
💕 I have had dogs in my life in some degree for as long as I can remember
💕 I used to go to dog shows with my grandma who showed and raced whippets & greyhounds so they are breeds that I love
💕 I have 2 siblings Bert & Ernie the labradoodles and sometimes I get mad and frustrated with their behaviour (I am human, and they are dogs) but that's OK, as long as I don't take it out on them.
💕 I started my dog training career later in life, I was a beauty therapist, worked in retail and worked in the Ministry of Justice in previous careers.

I'm all about building connections with my community, so let's hear yours!

Share a fun fact about you in the comments below. 👇

13/02/2025

👇 THIS needs to change. 👇

I'm hugely passionate about what I do, but unfortunately, there's a darker side to the dog training industry.

It's rife with dog trainers using aversive methods and tools.

And it rips out my heart just thinking about it. 💔

Still, to this day, people are advocating jerking on the lead, the use of pet corrector sprays, choke chains and prong collars to name a few.

All of which are damaging to your dog's well -being, the human/dog relationship, and ultimately, the effectiveness of the results you're trying to achieve.

Studies show that the use of these tools increases frustration & aggressive behaviours.

The use of & teaching the use of these needs to stop.

It's inhumane and our pets deserve so much better from us, as their guardians and the people that brought them into this world.

You can't scare or harm a dog into behaving the way you want them to. Fear shatters the bond between you and your dog, and can escalate other behavioural problems.

Use Kindness always. 💖

' Positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dogs. In addition, while positive punishment can be effective, there is no evidence that it is more effective than positive reinforcement-based training. In fact, there is some evidence that the opposite is true

The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review 2017

12/02/2025

🥰 Here are my top 10 tools that I wouldn't be without. 🥰

An appropriate brush for my dog - A lifesaver for detangling matted dog fur.

A tick tool - getting rid of ticks quickly can reduce the risk of tick-born diseases

Training treats - I don't use treats all the time. It is important to reduce rewards, once the dog has been trained and behaviours proofed, but rewarding cements and continues to grow behaviours and relationships.

Toys! Getting out a toy and engaging your dog in play is a great, rewarding experience for you both

Enrichment toys - I always have a lick mat, Kong, or another form of enrichment wherever I go

Training pouch - popping on a training pouch can be a great way of communicating to your dog that it is training time.

Poo bags - Although it is not a training tool it is better to be safe than sorry!

Long line - for whatever reason you may have to put your dog on a lead from time to time. A long line is a great way to give your dog freedom, but still have control over your dog

Whistle - A whistle is a great training aid for recall and communication. Teaching the whistle can create an immediate ping back to you in all circumstances.

A clicker - A clicker is a great way to communicate to your dog that their behaviour is what you wanted and increases your training success (when used correctly).

A bag with a small first aid kit in - not a training aid but essential for when your dog might get into scrapes

Every single one of these tools i

11/02/2025

😀 Time to create more calmness on walks with your dog?]😀

I have just the thing!

Grab your free guide to understand your dog's behaviour and reduce stress and embarrassment-free walkies.

Did I mention it's free?! 🤗

👉 To download/watch immediately, click here: https://www.dogtrainingleicestershire.co.uk/dog-reactivity-free-resources

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆

10/02/2025

🐾 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁. 🐾

⭐ Only 2️⃣ spaces left ⭐

✨ Kind methods and tools that will have your puppy behaving well within days ❤️
✨ Finally put a stop to your pup's daily accidents that are ruining your expensive living room rug with the free resources you receive on booking the course
✨Six in-person classes with like-minded owners and other puppies with a full APDT member
✨ The exercises are sent to you in writing and video for you to refer back to.
✨ Learn how to use kind, force-free methods to create behaviours that last a lifetime

But not only that, puppy classes help you to leave behind all that stress and worry you're feeling right now, and transform your puppy into the loveable family dog you know they're meant to be.

Because that, right there, is priceless. 💖

We have 2 spaces available this week. To secure yours check the link in the comments

10/02/2025

Oh the barking!

Does your sassy pooch?
🐶 Bark when left home alone?
🐶 Bark at others when out on walks?
🐶 Bark the house down at night and disgruntle your neighbours?

It's tough, isn't it?

Especially when you've tried a million and one things to try and stop the problem and probably shouting at your dog!

But the thing is, barking is your dog's way of communicating with you. They're expressing themselves in the best way they know how.

We don't want to stop it altogether.

But we can give them alternative outlets and help them understand when it's OK, and when it's not.

And that's exactly what I help my customers achieve. Less barking, stress-free walks, happier neighbours and a happier you. 💖

I have a service that can help you understand and may help curb your dog's problem barking.

𝗔 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟯.𝟬𝟬
You can also check out my handy & informative blogs on my website

07/02/2025

It's time for change.

“We’ve always done it this way” has been used to justify harm for generations. But today, you have the chance to see it differently, to recognize the pattern and break the cycle.

Breaking that cycle isn’t about shame or blame. It starts with seeing the pattern for what it is. That’s all.

Let’s take a look at some commonalities between the justifications used in coercive parenting, controlling relationships, and aversive dog training:

🚩Downplaying harm while justifying control

Parent/Partner: “It’s not abuse, it’s discipline. If I don’t do this, they’ll walk all over me.”

Aversive Trainer: “It’s not punishment, it’s a correction. If I don’t establish dominance, the dog will take over.”

🚩Blaming the victim for the outcome

Parent/Partner: “They made me do it. If they just behaved, I wouldn’t have to punish them.”

Aversive Trainer: “The dog forced my hand. If they did what I trained them, I wouldn’t have to use the prong/shock/choke correction.”

🚩Discrediting alternatives to control

Parent/Partner: “Being soft doesn’t work. You have to be strict or they’ll never learn.”

Aversive Trainer: “Positive reinforcement doesn’t work. Some dogs need to be corrected with pain to understand.”

🚩Invalidating pain to justify control

Parent/Partner: “That didn’t even hurt, you’re just too sensitive.”

Aversive Trainer: “The e-collar is just a tickle. The prong is no worse than a mother ‘correcting’ her puppy.”

🚩Normalizing harm as tradition

Parent/Partner: “I was raised this way, and I turned out fine.”

Aversive Trainer: “We’ve trained dogs like this for decades. Why change now?”

The patterns are too similar to dismiss: fear masquerades as respect, and tradition is used to excuse harm.

By recognizing these parallels, we have a chance to break the cycle of coercion once and for all.

07/02/2025

🐕‍🦺𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲? 🐕‍🦺

You're not alone! And there is help available!

At Rovers Return we understand the challenges of living with a dog who barks, lunges, or is fearful.

Our specialised training programs help you and your dog build confidence, manage reactions, and enjoy walks together again.

Not all trainers are equal Sam specialises in adverse dog reaction she is a bite prevention educator and has succesfully completed several behaviour courses.

Contact us today for a free consultation call and let's work together towards a happier, calmer future for you and your furry friend!

We also have our FREE online session Decoding Dog Reactivity on the 21st February! Come and join us and understand your dogs behaviour!

07/02/2025

Here is the booking link for you to join the FREE session

04/02/2025

**𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁***

Clients often ask me which is the best food for their dogs. For some people dry foods maybe suit their lifestyle better, but, processed foods can adversly impact your dogs health and behaviour.

I am an avid raw feeder, but that does not mean that I promote it to everyone, it is one of the best diets, and studies have found raw fed dogs have the best gut microbiome, but there are limitations.

There are a few great alternative to raw, you can find these in my blog post, inckuded in the comments.
Here are some amazing benefits of feeding your dog a species-appropriate diet:

Improved Digestion: Say goodbye to tummy troubles! A natural diet is easier for dogs to digest, leading to fewer digestive issues and better nutrient absorption.
Shinier Coat & Healthier Skin: A diet rich in essential fatty acids promotes a healthy coat and can alleviate skin problems.
Stronger Immune System: A balanced, natural diet supports a robust immune system, making your dog less susceptible to illness. 💪
Increased Energy Levels: With optimal nutrition, your dog will have more energy for playtime and adventures!
Better Dental Health: Chewing on raw meaty bones, a component of many species-appropriate diets, helps keep teeth clean and gums healthy.🦷

What do you feed your dog? I will review the 1st 5 people to comment and give a general overview on the ingrredients

03/02/2025

🐾 When you sign up for our puppy class this is what you get... 🐾
✨ Kind methods and tools of the trade that will create a calm puppy and reduce mouthing and zoomies
✨ Finally learn how to develop behaviours that you want your puppy to grow into.
✨ Teach focus and engagement with you and not everyone else!
✨ Learn how to get your puppy to come back to you so you can enjoy off-lead freedom.
✨ Meet like-minded owners who are going through the stress that puppy owning brings! Plus you get the help of a qualified APDT member!

Not only that, the puppy class helps you to leave behind all that stress and worry you're feeling right now, and transform your puppy into the loveable family dog you know they're meant to be.

Because that right there, is priceless. 💖

We have 5 available spaces this week. To secure yours, click here https://www.dogtrainingleicestershire.co.uk/puppy-classes

31/01/2025

𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 - 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟳.𝟬𝟬
𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 - 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟴.𝟬𝟬

Studies show that puppies who engage in early training

🌠 Are more confident
🌠 Are less likely to develop behavioural problems later in life
🌠 Showed better behaviours overall
🌠 Have a stronger bond with you
🌠 Are more confident, with reduced anxiety and fear

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟯.𝟬𝟬
🌠 Stop dreading walks and start enjoying quality time with your dog! Stop dreading walks and start enjoying quality time with your dog!
Limited spots are available! Register now to secure your place:

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your dog's behaviour and your relationship!

This free session is perfect for:
Owners of dogs who bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs, people, or other stimuli.
Anyone struggling with reactive dog behaviours on walks or at home.
Dog lovers who want to build a stronger, more positive relationship with their furry friend.
Those seeking humane and effective training methods.

Limited spots are available! Register now to secure your place:
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your dog's behaviour and your relationship!

30/01/2025

👎Dog Training Is Expensive! 👎

My services are not expensive, but there are always people charging less, but they often offer alot less and get you even fewer results.

To some, It may seem like a lot of money to pay for dog training, but what you don't see is the years of effort and investment that's gone into bringing you an effective, professional service.

Not all dog trainers are equal, it is unregulated - a well-known and loved ‘trainer’ who has zero qualifications charges £875! And we dog trainers see through his poor training practises. I have seen posts offering sessions for £20 and the dogs being placed in e-collars and prongs which are harmful.

Expensive doesn’t always mean good, cheap often means a lack of value in your dog's training.

𝗥𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲

🐾 I care about dogs and want them to be happy and comfortable in their environment.
🐾 I am a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers having been thoroughly assessed by my peers. I am a registered animal trainer with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (you can only be part of this through a thorough assessment process). I do this to stand out from the crowded market of dog trainers, it shows that I am professional.
🐾 Investment in continued education I carry out regular CPD because dog training is ever-changing.
🐾 Thousands of pounds invested in equipment, insurance and maintenance.
🐾 Website and marketing costs
🐾 Pre-prep time before I see you, in-person sessions plus full reports and all exercises in writing plus filming videos.
🐾 Researching and writing e-books

Unquestionable time and commitment have lovingly gone into our services to bring you the best. So that every time your dog comes to us, they have a positive experience
That's our promise to you. 💖

If you're looking to give your dog the A+ treatment they deserve, head over to our website to book your free call or class

30/01/2025

I did say to myself that I wouldn't go to crufts again.

I found it quite stressful seeing a lot of the dogs in distress. I loved the variety of stands but the actual shows not so much.

Yes, there were lots of dogs experiencing high stress levels in and out of the ring.

But the opportunity has become available for.me to help out on the APDT Q&A session and if I can help people to train for dogs better than I will be there!

I could take Bert and Ernie, but neither would like it so they are staying at home.

Who is going? Bert says he would have loved to have seen you there but he has plans to sleep on the sofa

29/01/2025

🔥𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹], 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀🔥🔥.

🙌 Don’t just work on recall, work on focus & engagement 🙌
🙌Save your best treats for recall training. Anything your dog goes crazy for, like chicken, cheese or ham. Your dog will be far more likely to come back to you when there's a high reward at stake!🙌
🙌Don’t expect too much, effective recall takes time🙌
🙌Practise using a long line - it gives you control to prevent running away, but confidence in knowing how your training is going. 🙌

When Rhubarb came to class she was very dog focussed, I would see them out walking and the owner became frustrated as she kept running to other dogs, I reassured her with continued training it would change,

I saw Rhubarb last week and she went to run to us, but the owner called her and she went back straight away!
💖

The moral of the story, always use high-value treats when you're trying to solidify a new behaviour.

What's your dog's recall success rate? Let me know in the comments. 🤔