Positive k9 training "where sit happens"

18/12/2024

Looking forward to seeing everyone in the full class tomorrow at Cowpots for some loose lead walking and recall.

14/12/2024

Only one space left for this class on Thursday

Excited to announce a loose lead walking and recall class lasting for 90 minutes at Cowpots enclosed dog field on Thursday 19th December starting at 10.15. spaces are limited and please note this is an outdoor event and will only be cancelled and moved to another date if we have red or amber weather warnings or heavy rain. Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

12/12/2024

Just a couple of places left

Excited to announce a loose lead walking and recall class lasting for 90 minutes at Cowpots enclosed dog field on Thursday 19th December starting at 10.15. spaces are limited and please note this is an outdoor event and will only be cancelled and moved to another date if we have red or amber weather warnings or heavy rain. Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

09/12/2024

Excited to announce a loose lead walking and recall class lasting for 90 minutes at Cowpots enclosed dog field on Thursday 19th December starting at 10.15. spaces are limited and please note this is an outdoor event and will only be cancelled and moved to another date if we have red or amber weather warnings or heavy rain. Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

19/11/2024

I often get asked, “Which piece of equipment will stop my dog from pulling on the lead?”

The answer is straightforward: unless you resort to aversive (positive punishment-based) methods that cause immediate pain and/or discomfort, and potentially create an avoidance of pulling, no equipment alone will stop your dog from pulling on the lead.

Equally, no equipment alone will teach your dog to pull on the lead either.

‼️It’s your actions that teach your dog how to behave on the lead‼️

If they pull and you follow, you’re reinforcing the behaviour.

YOU are teaching them the VALUE in pulling.

By following them when they pull, you are teaching them that pulling is the FASTEST way to get what they want.

Additionally, when you consider that humans walk slowly and in straight lines, while dogs often walk faster and in more erratic patterns, it makes perfect sense why they so often pull on the lead.

To stop your dog from pulling on the lead, you need to reduce the reward they get from pulling and instead reward the behaviour you want.

This is achieved by teaching your dog the value of following you.

15/11/2024

Looking forward to seeing everyone for classes tomorrow.

12/11/2024

I have just 1 space left on the improver class and a couple of spaces on the puppy and improver 2 class starting this Saturday. If you are interested or have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

08/11/2024

I will leave this hear

Is the fireworks worth it ?

08/11/2024

06/11/2024

The last set of classes this year at Whitland Memorial Hall are as followed. They won't be available again until February next year so book your place before its too late

Puppy class plan 3-week class plan Puppy Class cost £45.00.
This is a 3-week course to teach your puppy some of the life skills they need so that they grow up as a confident, well-rounded, and optimistic dog. The classes will help build a strong relationship between you and your new puppy so that they can depend on you for direction in life.
Improver class plan 3-week class plan Improver class cost £45.00.
This is a 3-week course designed for those dogs who missed out on puppy classes when they were younger or have come straight from rescue centres or adolescent dogs who need to go back to basics for a little while they are finding their feet! This course will help you find the bond you wish you had or repair the one you feel you have lost.
Improver two class plan 3-week class plan cost £45.00.
This is a 3-week course designed for those who have completed the puppy or the improver class and wish to continue to add to the lays of learning they have done as well as learning some new skills.

03/11/2024

Safe to say my lovely assistant is very sleepy after her hard work during classes, which came to an end yesterday. Sadly I only remembered to take pictures of a few of the lovely dogs taking part. I really do need to work on that. I also included a picture of some snuffle mats I make and sell they are great for helping to bring your dogs excitement levels down. I will be posting soon regarding the last lot of classes this year which will be the last lot until February next year.

20/10/2024

Please get a dog who is a good fit for you.

It's not a pleasant post but a necessary one. Many of the "behaviour" and "training" issues we come across would not be issues if people had made different choices. I certainly don't mean to sound judgemental here, but with over a decade and a half of working with dogs and their people, I've seen a fair number of cases where people choose the wrong dog or type of dog for their lifestyle.

Some examples

Someone with 8 dogs. They didn't all get along, and the person was out of the house for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Some of their dogs were crated the full time, every time, they were out the house. Too many dogs, not enough space and time.

A retired couple who bought two giant breed dogs because "they had always had them." They did not training until the dogs were over a year old and over 60kg. Now reactive to other dogs and they couldn't physically control them.

A family with a working gundog breed. All the gear, no idea. They wanted to dog as a fashion accessory. No outlet for the dog's working needs, the dog couldn't settle as a result, so was now excluded, 20 + hours a day in the utility room. They had money and time, just not the inclination to take care of the dogs needs.

I don't think everyone has the lifestyle for a dog and I certainly don't think every person is suited to every type/breed of dog. When I'm in my 70s, despite being active and physically fit, I'll likely choose a smaller dog. If I live beyond that, I certainly will.

Ask yourself

Do you know what this dog was bred for? Cam you meet some of those needs?

Border collies and springer spaniels were bred to be active, throwing a ball repeatedly as theor exercise is not meeting their needs though.

Are you physically capable of controlling this dog if you need to? If you struggle to carry your shopping 10m from the car to the house, a 45kg labrador or German Shepherd isn't a good choice for you UNLESS your training is consistent and reliable.

Do you have the time in your life to train your dog (and no, exclusion and crating is not the answer to this)? Do you have the knowledge to do so? Or the willingness to learn? This takes time and effort and sometimes money.

Clients of mine years ago complained about the cost of lessons. The woman came to every session with false nails and the guy regularly went on weekend golfing trips with his pals (they were expensive from the description) but neither of them were willing to sacrifice their luxuries for a few months to help their dog (because what would their friends say?)

Who suffers as a result of all this? The dog. They get rehomed. They get ignored or excluded. They may develop destructive behaviours. They become fodder for some 🤡 to slap a shock collar or noose on the dog and hurt them for living.

Many people can have a dog, few (if any) can have any dog.

Having said all of the above, we work with truly amazing clients week in, week out, who rise to the occasion. They change attitudes, invest time and effort into understanding their dogs AND meeting their needs. We get feedback that working with us has not only helped improve their dog relationship but a greater understanding of behaviour has filtered into other aspects of their lives. The learned, adapted, overcame. It's truly awesome to behold.

Please choose wisely. Our dogs deserve it.

18/10/2024

With classes starting tomorrow morning it's not too late to book a place I have just 1 space on the puppy class and 1 space in the improver 2. Drop me a message if you are interested or have any questions.

18/10/2024

Classes starting tomorrow, looking forward to seeing some of you again and meeting some of you for the 1st time.