Little Oliver Twists Dog Training Academy

09/12/2024

Christmas is a time of year when unfortunates of pet owners end up rushing their animals to the vets due to eating toxic foods. It’s important this time of year to be super vigilant and keep all those lovely Christmas foods we love out of reach from our furry friends. Here is a list of some of those festive favourites that are toxic to our dogs

29/11/2024

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour ?
Book a free call with our clinical animal behaviourist Katie O'Reilly BSc (Hons) to find out how we can help. With 13 years industry experience we are able to offer tailored solutions and expert guidance online and face to face sessions in Maldon, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.

26/11/2024

What Does a Wagging Tail Mean for a Dog?

A wagging tail is one of the most recognizable dog behaviors, but it doesn’t always mean what you think! While many people associate a wagging tail with happiness, its meaning can vary greatly depending on the context, speed, and position of the wag. Here’s what to look for:
1. The Speed of the Wag
• Fast Wagging: Often associated with excitement, enthusiasm, or eagerness.
• Slow Wagging: May indicate uncertainty or cautiousness. Your dog could be assessing the situation.
2. The Height of the Tail
• High Wagging Tail: Usually a sign of confidence. In some cases, it can signal overexcitement or even potential tension.
• Low Wagging Tail: Can indicate nervousness, or appeasement.
3. The Movement Pattern
• Full Body Wag: A relaxed, happy dog will often wag their tail so energetically that their whole body joins in!
• Side-to-Side Wag: This is typically a sign of friendliness and contentment, especially if accompanied by relaxed ears and a soft expression.
• Stiff Wagging: A rigid wag combined with tense body language may suggest stress, agitation, or a warning to back off.
4. Context Matters
Pay attention to the environment and your dog’s overall body language. A wagging tail in a playful setting likely means your dog is happy, but a wagging tail while growling or barking could mean the opposite.

Dogs use their tails to communicate more than just happiness—they share how they’re feeling in the moment. By observing the full picture (tail position, body language, and the situation), you can better understand what your dog is trying to tell you!

Want to know more about canine body language or how to help your dog communicate effectively? Drop your questions in the comments!

25/11/2024

I am so excited to share the wonderful news. This is Toby , he is one of our agility pupils and in the summer started a 1-1 training programme with me to train him to be an assistance dog. His family have done an amazing job working to prepare him and on Thursday they shared the news that he passed his assistance dog training with flying colours and will now be part of the Essex assistance dog team. Im so so so proud of you Toby, he is a joy to work with and i have no doubt he is going to smash his next adventure bringing his love and joy to those that may need it in a time of need.

20/11/2024

To book in for our January 2025 classes click on the link below
https://www.littleolivertwists.co.uk/puppy-classes/

Fully Insured accredited member of the Imdt, Apdt, Kennel Club & PPG offering puppy school, group cl

19/11/2024

So this happened …….
On Thursday 14th November 2024 I graduated from ARU Writtle with a bachelor of science degree in animal management pet behaviour and welfare. I was also selected by my lecturers for a spotlight award for my work in the pet behaviour clinic which I was honoured to receive.
This now means that I am a qualified and registered clinical animal behaviourist .
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the support of my clients over the last 4 years whilst I was working full time and studying for this degree and a big thank you to the girls for chaperoning eider and Hudson so they could be part of the celebration too.
Don’t worry Little Oliver twists dog training academy is not going anywhere however I am excited to announce I am now opening my own behaviour clinic The pet behaviour academy to work as a clinical animal behaviourist. Please do follow my new page on instagram for all our pet behaviour updates and stories

30/10/2024

This moment last year I was saying the hardest goodbye. There will always be that dog that no other could replace. the dog that will make you cry no matter how long they have been gone. I loved him so much and after 365 days it still really hurts. Grief from loosing a pet is something that is not often spoken about but it should because it is so real .
Today me and Hollie remembered all the good times, squeezed Eider and Hudson a little harder and shed a few tears for our special boy Oliver 💙

29/10/2024

A rare space has become available on our life skills class starting Sunday 3rd November at 10.15am in West maldon community centre. This course is open for dogs aged 6 months plus to work on life skills including recall and lead walking around other dogs, not jumping up, table and food manners, skills to help grooming and medical checks plus much more.
To take the last space click on the link below

https://www.littleolivertwists.co.uk/kennel-club/life-skills-level-1-2/

18/10/2024

16/10/2024

🎃 Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs 🐾

👻 Spooky season is here, but let’s keep it safe for our furry friends! Here are a few tips to make sure your dog has a paw-sitively great Halloween:

1. Costumes: If you dress your dog up, make sure the costume is comfortable, non-restrictive, and doesn’t have any small parts they could chew on. Not every pup loves wearing clothes, so let their comfort guide you!
2. Keep Candy Out of Reach: Chocolate and sweets can be toxic to dogs. Store your trick-or-treat stash securely and offer your dog a safe, pet-friendly treat instead! 🍬🚫
3. Calm During Doorbell Madness: The constant ringing of the doorbell can stress reactive dogs. Set up a cozy, quiet space for your pup away from the commotion or use baby gates to help manage anxiety.
4. Visibility at Night: If you’re taking your dog for a walk, make sure they’re wearing reflective gear or a light-up collar to keep them safe in the dark. 🌟
5. Watch for Decorations: Curious pups may try to chew on or knock over Halloween decorations. Keep cords and candles out of reach to avoid accidents.

Stay safe, have fun, and give your pup some extra love this Halloween! 🎃🐶

22/09/2024

To book a space on our autumn courses click on the link below
***only Maldon spaces available now *****

16/09/2024

Due to demand we have added another Hatfield Peverel puppy class. Please note this is an outside venue. Indoor classes are available at our Maldon location.
To book a space click on the link below

04/09/2024

Due to a change in circumstances we have 2 spaces come available on our puppy course starting this Sunday at West Maldon community Centre
Click here to book your space

24/08/2024

We have been a bit quiet on the socials this week as we have been preparing for our new arrival on Monday 💖🐴👑
Thank you to everyone that responded to my post about looking for Hollie’s new pony we were overwhelmed with the support and offers we received. She is so excited for her new best friend to arrive and the adventures of Hollie and Princess to begin x

03/08/2024

These updates are just the best. Robin is a pupil in our behaviour clinic due to her reactivity coming from a lack of social confidence towards dogs. This week I was sent this picture of her with a new friend she had made and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She is comfortable and relaxed and her family are thrilled. This is just one of many recent success stories I will sharing from our behaviour clinic. Her family have been a pleasure to work with and followed the structure of her training at a suitable pace and look what they have achieved ⭐️
Robin I am so proud of you ❤️

01/08/2024

We are a well established dog training and behaviour organisation based in Maldon and Hatfield Peverel Essex. We are dedicated to helping families, whether its general manners, puppy training, behaviour issues and agility. We pride ourselves in offering an outstanding, ethical , professional service to all our clients.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Setting up the training location ready for class, this can involve laying floor coverings for our indoor venues.
Greeting customers on arrival
Running in person training classes following a pre-set syllabus and pre-approved training methods for up to 7 dogs. This will range from puppy classes, life skills and good citizen classes.
The classes are held over 2 locations. One is outside so the team member must be willing to work outside.
Client correspondence and social media updates for the training classes.
Observing behaviours and using appropriate positive training methods.
Working as part of a team to assist other trainers

Personal Skills and Experience
Candidates must have excellent communication skills.
Must be able to provide exceptional customer service.
Organisation and personal diary management experience.
Animal care/management experience.
At least 1 year Dog Training experience.
Hours of work:

Sundays 9am to 1pm
Thursdays 5.30pm to 8pm

If you fit the necessary requirements and feel you would be suited to this role, apply below by sending us your CV and a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a perfect candidate to [email protected]