Hillside Puppy School

27/12/2024

New Christmas Addition?

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding puppy social skills sessions at Moorland Vets in Bratton Fleming very soon…

Message me for more details😄

15/12/2024

15/10/2024

BANG💥💥💥💥

A brilliant post by The Mutty Professor on how to approach the season of fireworks and bangs. Noise sensitivity can strike at any age, so take the time to read it.
Prevention of sensitivity isn’t always possible, but we can do our very best by bringing up our pups to be confident and optimistic with novelty.
My current dogs haven’t reacted and I am lucky to now live so rurally that we are unlikely to hear any, however if there are unusual sounds eg shooting nearby, up goes the volume on the electronic dance music and on goes the noise machine!
Please don’t rely on herbal/natural remedies unless they really do work for you x

Firework advice for dog owners In this blog post, you’ll learn practical steps to prepare and support your dog during fireworks. Whether your dog is typic

05/10/2024

We have baby dogs on the way! Check out my other page for news updates on the new arrivals!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554943486187

Dog Trainer

03/09/2024

Exciting news!

Keeva is expecting puppies. By the look of the scan this will be quite a large litter too! This has been long awaited, but first had to be postponed due to our house move, and then due to bad timing. It will be our first litter for 8 years when baby Orla was born.

We are very excited and I will be following the pregnancy and puppy progress mainly on my other page for those who are interested
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554943486187

Seeing as this is looking like being a large litter I potentially have a place left on Keeva’s waiting list for a v special puppy

12/08/2024

Very funny! What catagory is your dog in?

29/07/2024

A weekend with The Mutty Professor

Just back from a great weekend learning about building social confidence in dogs that exhibit reactive behaviours.

A new approach that I am excited to put into practice😃

13/06/2024

So, you would never believe it, but it’s actually raining here in sunny Devon, so I am taking a few minutes to throw this question out to you all:

What is it that puppies really need to learn?

Although I have run successful puppy training classes for many years my views are changing..

Tell me what you would like, or, would have liked, your dog to learn as a puppy..

03/06/2024

This is a timely post!
At the weekend we had lunch at the nearby Quince Honey Farm and there was a dog positioned right next to the main route in and out. Every time another dog walked past this poor dog went into a frenzy of barking. Something as simple as choosing your table carefully can make all the difference..

01/06/2024

If anyone knows someone in the Essex area who might benefit from this please spread the word. Roz is a great behaviourist and I think this is a really good opportunity…

ESSEX AREA: CASE STUDIES NEEDED

We are still looking for two case studies to take part in our seminar on 13th & 14th of July (linked in the comments).

- The problem behaviours each case exhibits much be limited to over reactive and/or aggressive behaviour towards dogs. We cannot accept cases that are over-reactive to a broader range of triggers (traffic, people) nor those who have other problem behaviours, such as separation anxiety.

- Each case has to work through my full assessment process.
I don't think it's entirely ethical for dogs to be taken to events and be put in practical sessions working on over-reactive behaviour without ensuring all the background work has been delved into and addressed. I don't think owners/handlers will be at their best not having some initial handling coaching too.

Therefor the structure for Essex cases are;

1. Online assessment (as i do not live in Essex!)
2. In person practical to address your local/preferred walks. I will be travelling down to see my case studies in person prior to the event.
3. Helper dog practical at the seminar. This is planned to be on one day, potentially two (should one case not be able to attend and we have a practical slot to fill).

If you're not sure what a helper dog session looks like, please look in our video history for examples of many of our cases getting their first sniffs and enjoying walks with our team of helper dogs.

A significant discount of £250 is given off my usual assessment + 2 x follow up costs and you get given attendence to the two day event also (value £130).

To apply, please email [email protected]

09/05/2024

Slow it Down

Just a reminder to think about what your dog’s needs are when you go for a walk

Dogs do not naturally travel in straight lines at a human pace, so this can cause a build up of frustration and a habit of pulling on the lead. I am definitely guilty of making the walk about my desires eg to do a beautiful circular walk, rather than what my dog NEEDS

By spending the same amount of time outside, but just mixing it up you can both still have a great time.

Orla does tend to pull on the lead and gets over aroused by wildlife and other dogs, so yesterday I took her to the beautiful grounds of Arlington Court (close to us) and re thought The Walk

This is what we did:

Parked in a quiet area
Opened the boot and watched the world
Did some food searches in the carpark
Walked in a zig zag and occasionally doubled back following scent trails for food I had dropped unseen (bacon and lambs lung)
Did a few Parcour moves
Sniffed
Watched the Red Ruby Devon cattle
Paddled in streams
Sniffed
Said Hi to a couple of people
Saw a dog at a distance

Was it enjoyable for me?

Yes
I also switched on my senses and was much more aware of the plants, natural features, textures, aromas and sounds of the woods

Much better than racing round thinking about exercise and feeling guilty about not letting my dog run off lead.

Sniffing uses up more energy than running!!

She was very tired afterwards💤💤💤

21/04/2024

This isn’t a moan. I am lucky enough to have some wonderful clients, BUT I also experience a lot of potential clients who aren’t prepared.able to pay for dog training advice. I think Roz explains why trainers charge what they do very clearly here. I would also add that in this industry you are having to think of funding your own sick leave, holidays and retirement too..

18/04/2024

Hi everyone
The weeks are filling up, but I would love to see more of you guys here in Devon heaven.
Don’t forget there is a 30% DISCOUNT for previous clients (10% for others who quote HILLPUP)
This is my first attempt at a reel so please be kind!
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/8EobR2xb8xY8QJ8V/?mibextid=WC7FNe