Thank you all so much for your understanding yesterday ๐ my Uncle Brad had the most beautiful send off and really was done proud ๐ค
Back to work for us today, with a 5.30am start to beat that heat! I'll get back to everyone that messaged this evening ๐๐
We aren't being mean when we don't let your dog off lead! Until we have a solid relationship with your dog and know 100% that they are going to come back to us, we keep them on long lines. They still get to run around and explore, but safely ๐ฅฐ๐
#dogsoftiktok #dogwalker #recall
Following on from last nights post, here's Henry's progress with learning "middle".
How did we do this? ๐ค
First step: use their favourite tasty treat to lure them into position. Keep the snack in front of them and use it to walk them to where they need to be. Don't use a cue word at this point - just mark the behaviour - "yes", "ok", "good", a clicker... Anything that says that's what you want! Keep this the same each time.
Step two: when they're starting to understand what you're wanting, try to lure less of the movement (as seen in the first clip). If they struggle, back to step one!
Step three: When they understand what you're asking consistently, add a cue when they have done the behaviour. In this case, when Henry was between my legs and sat, I said "middle... Yes" and rewarded.
Step four: Once they've picked the cue up, try to lure much less, until you're just asking for the behaviour. If they struggle, make it easier - they will pick it up given time! Try not to keep repeating the cue without the behaviour being given. If they don't understand or give the behaviour, say nothing and lure into position, marking when they've done it.
Henry has been learning this for a few weeks and has only just progressed onto taking some steps forward. There isn't a rush! It's not a competition! Enjoy learning new things together! ๐ฅฐ
That super happy feeling when a new group of friends goes exactly how you'd hoped! ๐๐
That Monday feeling ๐ด๐ฅน๐
What a fabulous little pupil Frankie was! โญโญโญโญโญ
Just before Frankies mummy came home, we had a little game of "down". This little superstar picked it up so fast - no more than 10 minutes and I started adding the "down" cue ๐
As you may have seen, I recently qualified with the Dog Training College and became a certified dog trainer ๐ I will be setting up a new page for this, as soon as the logo has been drawn up ๐
I think our lovely walker, Jess, sums up all of our feelings very well.... Why are we still in waterproofs and coats! โ
What do we mean, when we say a "breed appropriate" walk? ๐ค
Our favourite thing to do with our dogs is tap into what they naturally want to do. It's a fabulous way of engaging their brains and providing mental and physical enrichment!
Sulley is a beagle and Mable is a beagle x basset. Both of them are hardwired to sniff and follow scents - they are scent hounds after all! Ok, they aren't actively "working" dogs, but the breed needs are still there. So, what do we do? We go to the sniffiest of sniffy places and let them explore! Sometimes, we don't walk that far, as they are so keen on finding and following sniffs - and that's ok!
What traits do you notice in your dogs?
And how do you give them an outlet to express their natural behaviours? ๐พ๐
Nothing like some synchronised jumping to start off the week! ๐๐
Horsey ASMR? We got you covered!
Come feed the horses with us ๐ด๐
I think the spaniel looking back at Pippin made her jump! ๐
#dogwalker #spaniel
A snippet into our days, in 60 seconds! ๐พ๐
I do love a spaniel! ๐๐ฅฐ
#dogwalker #spaniel
Safe exploration makes for confident puppies! ๐ฅฐ
A little throwback to last summer! ๐
No one can say we don't come prepared with towels and blankets!! ๐๐
Another snippet of our days! ๐ฅฐ๐
Pony scratches are complimentary on any of our equine services ๐
I couldn't visit Graveney Equine: Horse Track System without giving the infamous Paddy all the fusses! When I worked at Graveney previously, Paddy always kept me busy with cuddles, scratches and stealing a few cheeky meadow nuts! ๐คซ
Holidays are lovely, but I do miss my babies ๐ฅฐ
Lots of cuddles with Thor, Domino and Doris this morning - the perfect way to start a day ๐
Sorry boys, I couldn't resist! ๐
Look at those waggley bums! ๐ชฟ๐ถ
