Helen Atton - Focussed Instruction for Dogs and Owners

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Helen Atton - Focussed Instruction for Dogs and Owners Welcome to:
Kind, force-free practice
Behaviour rehabilitation
121 and group puppy & dog training. Helen Atton - Focussed Instruction for Dogs and Owners

FIDO is running another new course starting next week! If you have a new puppy or a young dog who needs training and soc...
14/07/2025

FIDO is running another new course starting next week!

If you have a new puppy or a young dog who needs training and socialisation and you’d like to meet other dogs and owners in a supportive, friendly and safe course environment, come along for positive, reward-based sensitive training and socialisation experience. Training is based on the principles of ACE (Animal Centred Education). Courses run in FIDO’s dedicated training centre in Mitchel Troy and are led by an experienced, qualified trainer and behaviour counsellor. We start courses regularly and the next 8 week course is due to begin next Thursday, the 24th July, in the evenings.

Please contact Helen by Messenger, by email at [email protected] or on 0797 4444 082 for all the details.

Why does my dog ignore me when I call his name?We put such meaning into our dogs’ names. They are crucial to communicati...
11/07/2025

Why does my dog ignore me when I call his name?

We put such meaning into our dogs’ names. They are crucial to communicating with them and teaching them to give us their focus. A familiar name is a great way to get your dog’s attention, especially if there are other dogs or distractions around. Most dogs learn that the sound of their name is a cue to look at you. Maybe something good will happen next - a treat, a pat, a game, praise?
It’s important to realise that dogs are very literal in the way they think and will relate what happens after hearing their name to only the following second or so, so just saying their name doesn’t tell them what you want.
We use our dog’s names far too often. We don’t explain what we want clearly enough, so our companions are left to guess whether ‘Fred!’, means ‘Come here’, ‘Look at me’, ‘Stop doing that’ or even ‘I love you’. We then repeat it over and over in the hope that the light will dawn eventually, and that they will obey us.
A name is useful to gain your dog’s attention, particularly if you have more than one dog and want to communicate with just one of them. Be careful of repetition though. The more often you say your dog’s name the more likely he is to ignore it. It will become background noise, especially when not followed by a cue that means something to him. Worse still, he may learn to expect you to repeat his name several times every time you use it. Once you have your dog’s attention, using his name is no longer necessary.
So once your dog is familiar with a training instruction, use his name to get his attention and then ask him to do what it is you want.
If he doesn’t do it straight away, wait for a count of 4. It can take a while for the message to sink in, and repetition won’t help.
If he still doesn’t do what you want, make it easier for him by using a hand signal, repeating the cue and/or using a treat lure.
Don’t forget to praise him when he finally obeys you. The more positive you can be, the more likely he is to want to please you.
If you can think the way your dog thinks and be consistent in how you talk to him, he will understand what you want and be very happy to please you.

I'm really thrilled to say that I have created a video to publish what we do at FIDO and to describe the ways I support ...
09/07/2025

I'm really thrilled to say that I have created a video to publish what we do at FIDO and to describe the ways I support my clients. You can find it on my website at www.fidobehaviour.com or you can watch it on YouTube. Let me know what you think!

https://youtu.be/AeUZdCORjzI

I'm really excited to announce that I have created a video to publish what we do at FIDO and to describe the ways I supp...
07/07/2025

I'm really excited to announce that I have created a video to publish what we do at FIDO and to describe the ways I support my clients. It is on my website at www.fidobehaviour.com and also on YouTube. Please click https://youtu.be/AeUZdCORjzI to watch it and let me know what you think!

Our shy labrador Sully, had at last put aside his fears and joins in with the puppy play along with all the others.  He ...
27/05/2025

Our shy labrador Sully, had at last put aside his fears and joins in with the puppy play along with all the others. He found his own way forwards over a few sessions where he was near to other pups but not forced to interact with them. He is growing up to become a polite and considered adult.
At the adult socialisation walk, our two new members were much better behaved that some of the old hands. Who knew what was on everyone's mind as a previously frightened young rescue dog watched with quiet interest as an experienced FIDO walk member decided to bark at everything!
With Annie, Bandit, Bentley, Bramble, Byron, Delphi, Isaac, Military, Maggie, Milo, Nyx, Poppy, Sully and Sunny.

During April FIDO held socialisation events for puppies and a social walk for older dogs.  It's so rewarding to watch sh...
01/05/2025

During April FIDO held socialisation events for puppies and a social walk for older dogs. It's so rewarding to watch shy dogs increase their confidence with people and other dogs when they are given space, support and careful guidance. They all had a pretty good time I think!

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Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Friday 09:00 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 15:00

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+447974444082

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