Lead and Listen

12/09/2025

New Blog Alert!

🐾 Training your gundog is the best investment you’ll ever make.

It’s not just about obedience, it’s about trust, safety, and unleashing their natural talent (with kindness and rewards, always).

From sharper retrieves to a deeper bond, training transforms everything.

👉 Read the blog here:

Whether you're a keen field sports enthusiast or a weekend countryside wanderer, owning a gundog is a privilege and a responsibility. These intelligent, driven dogs are more than just companions; they’re working partners with instincts that, when properly trained, can be honed into remarkable skil...

05/09/2025

🎯 “But He’s Just Being Stubborn!” — Or Is He? 🐕

We hear this a lot.
But here’s the truth: 9 times out of 10, your dog isn’t being stubborn; he’s confused, overwhelmed, or under-rewarded.

Let’s reframe it:
🔄 Stubborn = “I don’t understand what you want.”
🔄 Stubborn = “The environment is too distracting.”
🔄 Stubborn = “There’s nothing in it for me.”

💡 Good training isn’t about “making” a dog obey, it’s about motivating them to want to.

Start with:
✅ Clear cues
✅ Consistent rewards
✅ Calm environments (at first!)
✅ Loads of patience

And remember: your dog isn’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time.

🐾 Kind dogs. Clever dogs. Connected dogs. That’s what we’re about.

26/08/2025

🐾 Happy National Dog Day from all of us at Lead and Listen! 💛

Today’s not just about celebrating dogs (though let’s be honest, they deserve the world).

It’s about honouring the joy, trust, and quiet companionship they bring into our lives every single day.

Whether you’ve got a bouncy pup still learning the ropes, a wise old soul who’s seen you through it all, or a working dog who lives to share the field with you, thank you for showing up for them with kindness and patience.

We see the early mornings, the muddy boots, the moments of doubt, and we see the love that powers it all. 🐶✨

To our own dogs: thank you for teaching us more than we could ever teach you.
To yours: we’re honoured to be part of your journey.

📸 Drop a photo of your dog in the comments, we’d love to meet them!

24/08/2025

🧠💛 Training isn't a test, it's a conversation.

Your dog isn't being stubborn, naughty, or trying to take over the world...
They're just doing what makes sense to them.

At Lead and Listen, we help you decode the “why” behind the behaviour, so you can teach the “what now?” with clarity, kindness, and chicken (or cheese... we don’t judge 🧀).

💬 Let’s stop shouting commands and start having conversations.

Because a well-trained dog isn’t one who obeys out of fear but one who trusts you to guide them.

14/08/2025

Decompression Day: Skip the walk, not the needs 🛋️🐶

Busy weekend? Big feelings on yesterday’s walk? A rest day can help your dog’s brain and body reset. Think Netflix & Chews instead of laps around the block.

✅ Lick & chew: LickiMat, stuffed Kong, or a safe, long-lasting chew.
✅ Sniff box: Cardboard box + scrunched paper + a handful of kibble = treasure hunt.
✅ Micro-training: 3 × 2-minute sessions (name game, hand target, settle on a mat).
✅ Massage & mooch: Gentle stroking if your dog enjoys touch; slow garden sniff if you have one.
✅ Sleep sanctuary: Cosy, quiet space; let them choose when to rest.

You’ll often see softer eyes, easier settling, and a happier next walk. Rest is training too. 💚

Need a personalised decompression plan for an overexcited or reactive dog? Drop us a message. Lead & Listen can help.

01/08/2025

🐾 Ever feel like your dog has selective hearing?
You're not alone, and it's not disobedience; it's communication. 💬👂

At Lead and Listen, we believe training is a two-way conversation. Whether you're shaping your gun dog's steadiness or just trying to get a solid recall on a Sunday walk, the key is connection, not control.

✨ Ethical.
✨ Reward-based.
✨ Tailored to your dog, not the other way around.

Because training should never feel like a battle of wills, it should feel like a partnership.

💚 Ready to train with heart? Let’s go.

18/07/2025

🚨 Swollen ear flap? Your dog might have an ear hematoma! 🐾

I spotted a sudden lump on Woody’s ear after a few busy weeks of water training. He was uncomfortable and didn’t want me near it. A quick vet visit confirmed it: ear hematoma. 😞

👉 Ear hematomas are painful blood-filled swellings caused by trauma, often from head shaking or scratching due to infections, allergies, or even mites.

🔍 Symptoms include:
✔️ Puffy or deformed ear flap
✔️ Redness or warmth
✔️ Aversion to touch
✔️ Excessive head shaking or scratching

💡Treatment varies but often includes draining or surgery.

Underlying issues like infections must be addressed to prevent recurrence. Post-care? Think no-flap ear wraps, meds, and lots of TLC.

💧 Lesson learned: after muddy swims and field days, clean and check those ears!

🧼 Prevention = clean ears, allergy management & fast response to infections.

🐶 Want the full scoop (plus a real-life account with Woody)?

📖 Read the full blog: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/post/treating-a-dog-ear-hematoma

I noticed a swelling on one of the ear flaps of my German Wirehaired Pointer, Woody, and he didn’t want me to touch his ear. It was obvious that he was in pain and uncomfortable. I called our vet for an appointment, and my vet very quickly diagnosed an ear hematoma. What Is A Dog Ear Hematoma? Ear...

16/07/2025

🌟 Last Call! Join Us This Sunday for a Truly Special Cause 🌟

There are still a few tickets left for our charity event this Sunday, in support of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 💜 – and we’d love for you and your dog to join us!

We’re teaming up with Kassie Woods of Surrey Dog Behaviour for a day of connection, learning, and community – all while raising funds to help families make every moment count.

🐾 Expect wagging tails, kind-hearted people and the warm feeling of doing something amazing together.

📅 Date: Sunday, 20th July 2025
📍 Where: Oakhurst Farm in Loxwood
🤝 In collaboration with: Surrey Dog Behaviour
🎟️ Book your spot now: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/event-list

💜 Let’s make every moment matter. See you there!

11/07/2025

☀️ 🐶 Sun’s out, tongues out! 🐾 🏖️

Beach days and summer strolls are brilliant fun, but our dogs rely on us to keep them safe in the sun.

Here are a few quick seaside survival tips:

🌊 Always offer plenty of fresh water (saltwater is a no-no for doggy tummies!).
🏖️ Give your dog shady spots to chill, a beach umbrella or pop-up tent works wonders.
🐾 Hot sand can burn paws! If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog.
⚠️ Watch for strong currents, even strong swimmers can get into trouble.

Most importantly? Keep it positive and stress-free. Bring tasty treats, reward calm check-ins, and make those beach recalls worth their weight in sausages! 🌭🐕

Here’s to safe, sandy sniffs and happy dogs all summer long.

03/07/2025

🌟 Making Every Moment Count – Together! 🌟

We’re so excited to team up with Kassie Woods of Surrey Dog Behaviour for a very special charity event on 20th July 2025, supporting Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 🧡✨

This incredible charity provides 24/7, specialist care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions – helping families make every moment count, however long or short.

🐾 Expect a day of connection, inspiration and a few wagging tails too!

💜 Only 20 spaces available – so don’t miss out!

📅 Date: 20th July 2025
🤝 With: Kassie Woods, Surrey Dog Behaviour
🎯 Cause: Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
🎟️ Book Now: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/event-list

Let’s come together, raise funds and make a real difference.

23/06/2025

🐾 Welcoming a new pup into a household with multiple dogs?
It's an exciting time—full of wagging tails and new friendships! But introductions can be tricky if not handled thoughtfully. 🐶🧡

In our latest blog post, we dive into:

🏡 Proven step-by-step strategies for smooth, stress-free introductions

🦴 How to set boundaries and build bonds with non-coercive techniques

🎉 Expert insights for both puppy newbies and seasoned pack members

Whether you’re bringing in a rescue or welcoming a playful puppy, this guide helps everyone feel comfortable, confident, and loved.

👉 Read more and let the pawsitive reinforcement begin:
📖 https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/post/introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-multi-dog-household

Let us know in the comments: what’s been your biggest challenge (or joy) when adding a new pup to your pack? 💬

13/06/2025

🌞 Weekend Vibes Incoming! 🌿⁠

This weekend might be your last chance for a cooler-weather training session before the real summer heat sets in next week!⁠
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☁️ Cooler temps = perfect conditions for longer retrieves, steadiness drills, or a bit of scentwork without the risk of overheating. ⁠
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💧 As we head into the warmer days, remember:⁠
🐾 Train early or late in the day⁠
🐾 Always have fresh water on hand⁠
🐾 Watch for signs of heat stress⁠
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Make the most of this weekend—your dog will thank you for it! 🐕💚⁠
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📸 We'd love to see what you're up to—tag us in your training snaps or countryside rambles!