New Forest Dog Training Academy

20/11/2024

Small in stature - big in heart! 💙 Peanut 🥜

This little dude is really worried about people and other dogs- He lives in London with lots of busyness around him. He heads into the office with a small team of people who he likes to guard against delivery men.. It's a hard job that Peanut feels he needs to be the CEO!

At the age of six, this behaviour has been going on for a little while - No one is taking the CEO seriously 😆 So his owner feels it time to give him a more laid back role....

Life being small has it's challenging- everyone sees the cuteness in Peanut and wants to invade his bubble and say hello! Peanut doesn't really care less about people, he is happy just doing his own thing!

We have begun addressing the emotions fuelling his behaviour and learning about respecting Peanuts need for space and security - He is loving his crate training which will become his new office!

Being the CEO sucks! Time sit back and enjoy retirement 🥜🤎

18/11/2024

Cassie 🐾

Half cocker and half Kangaroo! She has the most impressive jump up with an added twist in mid air - she is one very happy girlie! Sometimes doing nothing is actually the reinforcement that some dogs need to keep repeating the behaviour of jumping up!

Have you ever been told to stand and act like a tree🌳 to stop the jumping up? In all likelihood, your dog jumped up more! They do love to target a "sitting duck"! Often dogs jump up, then they are asked to sit followed swiftly with a biscuit!

Dogs learn quickly the sequence, jump up, sit and biscuit! Breaking this sequence is so much fun! Cassie has been busy learning how to great people without lifting her feet off the floor- Easy!

We have begun a training journey to develop her dynamic, reliable recall too....She is one clever cookie! 🍪

26/10/2024

What is acceptable?

So, this week while walking my dogs, we witnessed and then assisted an incident on the forest, a very reactive dogs, muzzled, wearing high visibility “coat” to warn others of their dog’s temperament, on a lead walking on the forest in a really “dog” busy locations- The equivalent of the doggy M25!

The owners “socialising” their dogs in environments that are just so full of triggers that resulted the dog pulling over the owner, dropping the lead and then the dog pins down another a dog- muzzle punching the dog on the neck…. NOT acceptable!!
I totally understand the training process and have helped so may reactive dogs develop the skills of acceptance over months, the process is long with lifelong management of situations and triggers – Thankfully, we managed to pick up the lead and extract the aggressor from the victim – after a heated exchange between two parties about the incident, the question was raised about who was in the wrong, the off lead dog too close? The reactive dog in the wrong location? What is the right location? Just an accident waiting to happen? The outcome, the owner has now been referred to a behaviourist for expert advice- Sometimes you need to realise when you are out of your depth and need help…
Annoyingly, I am seeing more and more dogs exhibiting undesirable behaviours on the forest- The trigger for me yesterday - My broken treat box. Destroyed by a Labrador, no recall response, owner merrily chatting and walking, as always miles away from their dogs, her dog simply did what it pleased. The treat box was closed while I trained the boys, the box was picked up chewed, while I foolishly attempted to keep foot was on the box – calling to the owner fell on deaf ears, the dog ate everything… The owner eventually walked back, “what did you expect, it’s a Labrador” no apology, no sorry, no accountability…. Just walked way….

Sometimes we do need to take accountability of our dog’s behaviour, understand that training is a lifelong process to live in this modern world…

09/10/2024

Who are we really to teach a dog how to “use their nose” in scent work?! ❓❓

I’m good at maths… I use this skill daily, it can cause anxiety when the pressure is in to calculate a drug dose on the spot and quickly! It’s a skill that is kept current by repetition- I don’t go home and then practise again for “fun” - it’s a cognitive workout! I feel the same for scent work training in dogs…

Dogs continually use their noses - absorbing smells, olfactory information about the world and it’s continuous and for some dogs it can be over whelming and intensive… what happens when we add a degree of “formality” - go and play olfactory “snap”.

Is it really a calming exercise for dogs? In my experience, from training my dogs, observing and training other dogs their body language and their drive seems very different- is this a good thing? Plodding along sniffing lamp posts, food searches in the garden and general foraging is more “natural” but when we add in an odour, do we add in additional pressure? (Like the stress associated with my mental maths in comparison to using a calculator! 😂)

Here is Moss… training match to sample- which means, he is given a particular human scent to find… laid out are twelve clothes.. all smelling of human scent…he plays “snap” - remember the odour that he smells and go and find the same odour and return the cloth to me…this is an exercise required for competing in a dog sport…

What do you see? calmness or a higher level of arousal? His determination and discrimination is incredible along with his accuracy…. SNAP! He find the cloth!

So….. it has been shown that scent work can shift the brain into a positive bias and improve mood… so not necessarily calming but offers a different state of mind and very much depends upon the dog!! Calming versus tiring when we add in formality?

Wow! That’s a big mid week question! 😂

08/10/2024

Let’s talk about the “walk”…

Natural enrichment is everywhere… the sights,smells, textures, the freedom to make choices - just be a dog..

What do these “walks” really mean to you and your relationship with your dog?

Time to bond or an extension of the “office” replying to emails, phone calls or simply a quick “spin” round the block?

Humans create habits, comfortable in the same patterns and routines… add some adventures into your walks… change one thing about your dog “walk” that will really make your dog smile ❤️

07/10/2024

OUR LAST KENNEL CLUB PUPPY FOUNDATION AWARD CLASS FOR 2024!!!

Our next term begins on the 3rd of November - We have moved to Sundays! Classes begin at 11am in a warm snug hall ( St Marks in Pennington) for five weeks.

The course covers all the basic puppy behaviours and training! From loose lead walking to achieving a dynamic recall! As always, our classes are fun, informative with a maximum of six puppies in the class..

To book - Please complete the form below...🐾 Get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more...

https://form.jotform.com/242665248802359

30/09/2024

The end of another successful Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Award course …❤️

It’s always so rewarding to watch each puppy develop and achieve so much while supporting puppy parents through the ups and downs of puppy life!!

Many congratulations to

Kobe ❤️
Monty ❤️
Pilot ❤️
Zephy ❤️
Bunsen ❤️

And little Olive who was poorly for Graduation night

Go and show the world how awesome you all are!! 🐾

26/09/2024

Thank you Three Best Rated ❤️❤️

15/09/2024

Augustus ….. Mr Happy Feet! 🐾

This incredible little soul has been an invaluable beacon of hope and joy for his family through a really difficult time… As life begins to adjust, his family would like to help Augustus adjust some of his more comical behaviours.

Mr happy feet, like to paw for attention and jump up a lot (That poodle gene has a lot to answer for!) often grabbing on if he doesn’t get the attention that he would like. He is an awesome counter surfer in the presence of cheese and eggs. Even in the darkest times he can make people smile..🧀

We have begun the process of helping understand that there are other ways to get attention without using paws – nose touching hands is so much more rewarding!

He has also learned the fine art that coming near the kitchen counters is really boring, but so much more fun if he stays much further ways…
The flying cheese (not so much the eggs!) is helping to build solid boundaries in the kitchen.
Keep making your family smile Augustus!

See you again soon…❤️

13/09/2024

This is always a "hot topic" in the puppy classes and how the misinformation about increasing exercise in puppies "general rule of thumb is to give your puppy five minutes of exercise for each month of age, once or twice a day. For example, a five-month-old puppy can get 25 minutes of exercise up to twice a day" It drives me crazy 🤣

I am seeing more frustrated puppies due to this "rule" which seems to continually build momentum... It has become accepted and is never questioned, until I discuss this at puppy classes and the science behind the "facts" is very poor....

Finally Dr Mike Farrell has come to my aid! Reference and myth busting in an awesome video!

Have you ever wondered if limiting your puppy's playtime keeps their joints healthy? Board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Mike Farrell, a developmental joi...

10/09/2024

Roux ….. Welcome to a whole new world..🪐

Roux was found in a well in a farmers field in Greece.. No one knows how long he had been down the well – He was eventually heard by the farmer and a rescue mission devised, from the well emerged a very thin, happy boy, grateful for a second chance in life. 🧡
Three months on, Roux is settled in his new home, but he has begun to exhibit some reactive behaviours, especially around new people, people who invade his own little bubble and traffic – He also lunges at cars when he is travelling in a car!

Life is just so overwhelming for him; his new life is so very different, and we need to help Roux adjust slowly.

Slow and steady is so important in rehabilitation of rescue dogs, especially dogs who have travelled from other countries. From my experience, many dogs are traumatised by the excessive handling, transportation often long journeys by land to the UK – Once free roaming dogs then have to learn to adjust to a domestic lifestyle. It’s tough but these dogs are often willing to adaptable to life on Mars!

One paw step at a time, not running before we can walk, building solid foundations around confidence and compassion is vital - Roux has a journey a head of him but this loving boy has begun to adjust, in his own time we will move slowly forward showing him life on Mars is good! 🧡

06/09/2024

When temptations are just to much! 🐿 Time for a career change🤎

Solly has been in training with the Guide Dogs for the Blind for the last two years - He is an incredible boy- except for distractions!

Sadly, his love for small fluffy creatures ( especially squirrels) mean that he couldn't finish his training - Life is just to exciting!

Solly has been rehomed to a wonderful family, he is just about perfect in everyway, except for his recall around distractions and the need to chase those pesky critters! 🐿

We have begun to review his recall foundations and training around distractions to help him enjoy his new life.... 🐿

04/09/2024

Would you know what to do in common canine emergency situations? Would you like to learn practical techniques, such as bandaging and CPR? -Well, I have been asked to deliver some of my first aid training workshops...The workshops are classroom based, with expert qualified tuition and will be held at weekends..

If you would like to learn more, then complete the form and further details will be emailed over...

Please click the link to complete this form.

27/08/2024

Why don't I run dog training classes at weekends in the summer?! You will find me chasing dreams all over the UK! This weekend I was lucky enough to catch my biggest dream EVER! Don't give up on your dreams with your dogs - No matter how complicated / impossible you think that dream may be.....You never know where the journey will take you!!!

Obedience Champion Caldonbeck Perfect Storm

This weekend, the final piece of our obedience jigsaw slotted into place….

The dream began many years ago to win one “green edged” Championship Certificate, to follow my childhood dream of standing on the green carpet at Crufts with this incredible soul standing by my side, once the impossible became possible, the journey continued, dreaming bigger and daring to try to reach the ultimate destination…. Storm gaining his Obedience Champion title.

A heart felt thank you to Kate McCartney who awarded Storm his obedience “crown” – My first ticket dog and now he has been awarded this incredible title. My smile is getting bigger, I am floating on a cloud that will last forever…

My heart skips a beat every time I see his incredible rosette and his final green card, I am so blessed to have this incredible once in a lifetime dog. Storm has taken me on this incredible journey, adventures to some beautiful parts of the country and for this, I am so very grateful.
Our destination has been reached for this year, time to rest, reset and plan for Crufts 2025!

THANK YOU to everyone who has been part of our journey - The kindness on Saturday was overwhelming, the sound of the cheer made more tears flow, the messages, gifts, cards and phone calls are all appreciated and incredibly kind.
So, until Crufts 2025.

Time for Storm to enjoy life in the New Forest while the sun shines -for me, time to make memories for the rest of the year with my daughter- The mummy guilt is finally fading away…

Dream BIG and don’t give up.

24/08/2024

Batman – Meet Robin! 🦸‍♂️

When you have been used to being a superhero for over four years and then a little brother (AKA Robin) arrives!

It’s tricky trying to train a side kick- especially when they follow you everywhere and struggle with the superhero handbook of social etiquette, especially toileting outside!

Partnerships take time to develop, often it can be challenging to juggles the needs of a puppy and an adult dog. Burley has taken it all in his big stride even when Bunsen attempts to suckle in areas that aren’t designed to be suckled! 🙈

Bunsen’s puppy consultation focused on how to build a positive relationship with Burley, how to help them both build confidence without each other and for Bunsen to begin exploring out and about with Batman- Although his vaccination course is not complete and weighing 10kg his owners are busy looking for a Batmobile! A big doggy stroller to help him explore Gotham city! 🚔

Developing safe foundations early on in a multi dog family is important-especially when introducing a puppy in the home with an adult dog- It won't be long before Batman and Robin will become and inseparable duo! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♂️

22/08/2024

Oh no!!!!!!!! - Honestly I'm a really good boy Michelle 🤎

When your Dad's away for a few months, it's time to keep Mum on her toes!

Cheeky Nelson has begun to exhibit really uncharacteristic behaviours which are due to changes in routine within the home..

He has begun to exhibit signs of separation distress when his Mum leaves along with a new dislike of black Labradors! Out and about he has sudden developed "selective deafness" especially when his doggy playmates are hanging around!

We have begun to address his change in routine, helping Nelson to settle and relax within in the home, reducing his need to follow his mum to the toilet!...Out and about we have begun to help Nelson become more engaged and focused on his recall cues! 🤎

21/08/2024

💙 Anxiety and worry ..... Being brave - Little Dash💙

Dash can sometimes be over whelmed when life around him becomes busy, unpredictable, especially around bigger dogs- He has learnt over time, that to get his mum's attention, he scratches legs, pulls on clothing which results in him being lifted up and protected from life...💙

Pawing and scratching at legs is painful and often a common anxiety behaviour for small dogs, it helps them achieve the attention that they need at that moment...

We have begun to help build confidence when out and about with lots of awesome food games and searches, we have given him lots of new behaviours to help him cope in the big wide world and importantly he has learnt that scratching is hard work when simply sitting still mean he has some incredible rewards! 💙💙

Go Dash and show the world how brave you are 💙

09/08/2024

Tiggy 💛 Being home alone is not like the movie!

Learning about being brave and confident when owners leave is hard- it can seem like the end of the world, often, dogs will bark, whine, destroy the house in a desperate attempt to ease their distress... Just like any behaviour, it can be adjusted and modified over time with systematic training / planning and small steps at a time...

Tiggy barks! A lot! when she is left and it's getting louder.. Over the last four years she has never been left alone and the emotional bond to her owner is strong..

We have begun the training journey to help Tiggy.. It's a long journey learning about Netflix, relaxing on the sofa and eating popcorn ( not really! 🤣) Tiny little steps of learning to relax have begun.... 💛