Dolittles Animal Training & Behaviour

Dolittles Animal Training & Behaviour Ex Zoo Keeper with over 15 years training experience & IMDTB Qualified Trainer/Behaviourist Hi! Even our rock, Simba Rhodesian Ridgeback wasn’t sure.

Dolittles Animal Training & Behaviour offers professional services including DAY CARE, 121s, Puppy Sessions, Puppy Classes & Specialised Cooperative Care Sessions. I’m Lisa and I would love to help you gain the confidence and understanding so you can begin enjoying the time spent with your beloved pet. Before you dive into the courses, let me tell you a little bit about my journey to becoming an a

nimal trainer and behaviour specialist. In 2017, the whirlwind that is Amber, a Rhodesian Ridgeback entered our lives. She was a rescue and despite being only 18 months old, sadly the start of her life was quite traumatic. It quickly became clear that she was going to need a lot of support and her addition to our family was going to be a challenge. I started attending lots of dog courses so I could hone my extensive animal training and behaviour experience to equip myself with the knowledge I needed to turn Amber’s sad start into a life she and I could enjoy. In 2018, I took the leap to leave my 12 year career as a Training and Husbandry Specialist at the longest running Zoo in the UK and became qualified to pursue a professional career in the dog training world. I had enjoyed the learning and seeing the impact my new skills had on Amber, that it inspired me to help others achieve the same. In addition to pet training, I am continuing my passion in Husbandry and Cooperative Care of Zoo Animals through the services of voluntary blood draws, x-rays and ultrasounds on Sea Lions, hand injecting Servals and Coatis, nail trimming Macaws and recall training Otters. Since commencing this new journey, I am proud to say that I have helped many dog owners rebuild their trust and relationship with their pets and now enjoy the time spent taking them for walks. I am privileged to have helped owners give their puppies the best possible start in life and watch their pups grow into confident, friendly pets. From what seems like the impossible tasks of cutting their dog’s nails, to building up confidence with vehicles or administering ear/eye drops, I always ensure everyone goes home with the ability to succeed. I am friendly and approachable. I will never judge you and will only use methods that improve your relationship with your pet. This is a learning experience for both you and your pet, and I promise I won’t use long, silly words that you have to google when you get home! 😊

If you have been nodding and smiling while you read this, then please do get in touch.

02/12/2025

The interactions we get from our dogs are a privilege.

A dog that doesn’t want to say hello, play, interact is not rude or antisocial. They are normal.

02/12/2025

Body language opens up a conversation, sometimes an invitation from one dog can be a request for space from another.

Some tactics work well for avoidance, jumping up stops people leaning over, licking moves children away and showing a belly might mean you can’t do something else, such as putting on a harness.

We aren’t supposed to be experts, but we can gather information, stay informed, open our minds and conversations.

Did you know I have free body language videos on the App? Find the links to Android and IOS in my bio.

02/12/2025
30/11/2025

There’s this idea floating around that if you want another dog, you should just go for it. Follow your heart. YOLO.
“Life is short. Follow your heart. Just get the puppy.”
I disagree.
Not because I don’t want people to have dogs (I absolutely do).
But because *YOLO also applies to the dog you already have*.
Your current dog only gets one life.
One chance at the daily walks they love.
One chance at the training, the attention, the enrichment you give them.
And adding another dog before they’re ready can make their world much smaller.
I see it all the time in my career ...
People add a second (or third) dog too early.
Their first dog is still reactive, still struggling, still learning basic skills…
And suddenly the household becomes harder to manage, not happier.
Walks become separate.
Training becomes doubled.
The original dog gets less attention, less exercise, less calm time with you.
And the human feels guilty - because they didn’t expect this to happen.
This is the part few consider:
Most dogs are not truly “done with training” in under two or three years.
Almost no professional trainers I know add dogs quickly.
Most pros wait three to five years between dogs.
Not because they don’t love having multiple dogs… but because they know what it takes to give each dog a full life.
I’m not trying to discourage anyone from having dogs.
I’m trying to discourage having so many that nobody in the family (including you) can live their most fulfilled, calm, happy life together.
If bringing in another dog makes your first dog’s world smaller, then it’s not the right time.
Not yet.
You only live once.
And so does the dog who is already counting on you.

Address

Doolittle Mill On DooLittle Lane
Totternhoe
LU61QX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm

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