Dogwarts K9 Academy

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Dogwarts K9 Academy

We teach you how to understand and recognise what you dog is really trying to tell you. Why?

I am a force-free, positive reinforcement dog trainer that help all dogs with behaviour struggles but specialise in Reactivity & Anxiety
Grab our FREE Workbook for Reactive Dog Owners https://www.dogwartsk9academy.co.uk/f/reactivity-workbook Welcome to Dogwarts Academy where we help stressed out dog parents overcome their dog training struggles with pressure & fear free, fun training techniques th

at get real life results. At Dogwarts we transform behaviour by setting you up with the skills to set your dog up for success in real life situations by teaching you how to understand how their emotions impact and display as behaviour struggles - when you work on the cause rather than the symptoms you realise that dog training goes way deeper than just obedience. This is why we believe we are the type of trainers your dog would choose if they were given the chance to pick a trainer. Because our training teaches you to communicate with, not command your dog. We help you to understand their language so you can identify the real meaning behind their behaviour, this not only makes YOU a better trainer, it also creates an unbelievable relationship of trust that enables you to get wonderful results. We do not use, recommend or condone the use of any aversive training methods or behaviours at any time, our training is completely judgement free, force free and fear free. We will never use or allow intimidation to get results, instead we use fun techniques that your dog can relate to, learn from and which puts the joy back into your training time together. When you work with your dog this way, your results really do become unstoppable. We help you to break it all down, so you understand your dog’s go to behaviour response in the situations they struggle in. From puppies to geriatric we have fun, effective training techniques for transforming struggles at every stages of life. As well as general life skills training such as loose lead walking, recall and household manners, we've also helped dogs that have escaped war-torn countries and dogs that needed help to learn that not everything in the environment is something to worry about. We've helped dogs with reactivity, noise sensitivity, anxiety, resource guarding and separation related behaviours by shaping and rebuilding their emotions so they can live their lives with harmony not fear!

15/10/2024

💖 Another happy client from the Dogwarts K9 Academy family! 💖

"We have been taking Arthur, our Cockapoo, to Dogwarts K9 Academy for the last 5 months. Arthur has completed his Wizdogs Apprenticeship (beginners group) and has now moved through to progression sessions. Every single session has been fantastic. The sessions are well planned, always lots of fun (for us and Arthur!) and always build on the skills and games worked on in previous sessions. Alongside this, we have also completed beginners scent work for fun classes. Arthur is now a fully qualified truffle hunter! We can't recommend Dogwarts K9 Academy enough - great classes, great teacher and most importantly, Arthur absolutely loves it :-)"

A big thank you to Jane, Peter & Arthur for sharing this with us.

We've loved seeing Arthur progress through the classes and watching him turn into a super sniffer in the scent work classes too, his enthusiasm is contagious, an absolute joy to work with 🙌.

Our upcoming classes are currently full so if you want to join the wait list to get your dog started on a journey to success and have lots of fun together in the process, get in touch 🐶📲

14/10/2024

✨ SNIFFING SUCCESS! Our Scent Work Stars Shine Bright! ✨

Over 4 weeks, our incredible scent work students went from 'working it out' to WOW – Unknown scent and they absolutely nailed it! 🐶🕵️‍♂️

From identifying a target odour to stepping up their game with luggage and clothing searches, each and every pup has showcased their super-sniffer skills. 👃💫 Not only has this been a FANTASTIC way for them to get that mental stimulation and channel their energy, but it’s also been a beautiful way to promote calmness and strengthen the bond with their humans. 💖✨

Scent work isn’t just about sniffing things out – it’s about giving your dog a job, building confidence, and providing the ultimate outlet for those noses to do what they were born to do! 🐕🔍 For those with reactive dogs, it’s the perfect way to focus those brains on something productive, transforming stress into success!

We’re so proud of all our scent work superstars – you’ve all shown that with a little guidance, your dogs can literally sniff out success! 💪💥

👀 Ready to give your dog the chance to become a scent work star and experience the joy of this bonding activity?

🌟Get in touch and unlock your dog’s full potential! 🌟

04/10/2024

Hackles don't necessarily = Aggression. Explained ➡️ Goosebumps in dogs 🪿🤜🐱

Thank you Dogs Disclosed 🙌

THE INVOLUNTARY MOHAWK

Technically called Piloerection – when the fur on a dog’s back area stands on end.

Piloerection in dogs is an involuntary response – not within conscious control. It’s usually linked to feeling a strong emotion and could be compared to a person getting goosebumps.

It’s far easier to see in short haired dogs than those with a longer coat.

A breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a clear distinctive ridge of fur on their back. This is formed by a selected gene mutation which causes that particular fur to grow in the opposite direction from the rest. This ridge is standard for this breed and is not related to an emotional state.

Piloerection is commonly thought only to be seen in reactive or aggressive dogs, but that’s not always the case.

Dogs that are feeling aroused, excited, fearful, startled, stimulated, conflicted or insecure in some way, also exhibit this.

As with all behaviour, it’s important to look at the context, in conjunction with other body language, the environment and specific situation in order to establish the cause and decide on the best way to intervene if necessary.

Dr Karen London - an ethologist and highly qualified behaviourist, trained in observing animals and behaviour, has made some very interesting observations about different patterns of raised fur being linked to different emotional states.

In Dr London’s professional opinion -
A thin patch of fur all along the back to the base of the tail is associated with a high level of confidence. These dogs are more likely to be on the offensive and react more aggressively.

A thick patch across shoulders to around ¼ way down the back is associated with a low level of confidence and is seen in dogs that are more fearful.

A patch of fur raised at the shoulders and another patch at the base of the tail – the fur in between is not raised, is associated with dogs that are conflicted and unsure of how to react. These dogs may be unpredictable and more likely to be reactive.

Dr London states that there are many exceptions, but in general, this applies to the majority of dogs that she observes.

27/09/2024

A sad day 😞 RIP 🙏 🪄

Dame Maggie Smith was a shining force as Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. We are so saddened to hear of her passing today, aged 89. Her quick wit and formidable presence as the Head of Gryffindor house made sure Hogwarts was always in safe hands.

17/09/2024

🙏 Thank you Zak George, well said 👏

Over the last few days, it feels like a firestorm has been unleashed. It’s clear that outdated dog training practices will no longer go unchallenged.

The release of a study using shock collars (cited below) has sparked unprecedented backlash and even made national headlines, and triggered a major reckoning within the dog training community. The study, seen by many as politically motivated, appears to have put dogs in harm's way to prove a point.

Professionals across the field agree that it should never have been approved by the ethics committee - and their fears were substantiated, given that every single dog in the shock collar group is documented to have yelped in pain while receiving shock collar “corrections”.

The outcry continues to build as more people in our field demand accountability and transparency. Reputations are being hit hard, institutions are facing scrutiny, and balanced trainers like Ivan Balabanov have been fully unmasked, revealing the harmful and outdated methods still being promoted under the guise of expertise.

This glaring evidence underlines what we’ve known all along: pain and fear have no place in professional dog training.

Let this serve as a stark reminder to those in our field who continue to promote outdated methods and deny the overwhelming scientific consensus. The community will no longer remain silent. The evidence is clear and we are moving beyond these harmful practices. Trainers who continue to use pain, fear, and intimidation in their methods do not deserve legitimacy in this field.

Ivan Balabanov, once considered a leader among "balanced" trainers, now faces intense scrutiny following his involvement in this study. It is now scientifically verified that 25% of the dogs he and his mentee worked with in the shock collar group could not be trained effectively, and 100% of those dogs yelped in pain.

This once again undermines the narrative propagated by many trainers who use shock collars and falsely claim that their methods "don’t hurt."

The reality is, the tools they promote rely on pain as a teaching mechanism, and better alternatives exist that teach dogs to comply enthusiastically without the need for fear or discomfort, and without the risks associated with using pain and fear to change an individual’s behavior.

For too long, the welfare of dog trainers has been placed above the welfare of dogs and the public. This has got to stop.

The campaign to expose outdated training methods, like those Ivan Balabanov will likely promote in his upcoming UK workshop, is gaining momentum. Even members of his own community are stunned by the facts that have come to light in this study.

This is not an effort to embarrass an individual but to stand up for the public and make it clear that the propaganda surrounding shock collars is just that — propaganda.

Below is a newly published article from Psychology Today that lays out the facts on the recent shock collar study. For those who think this is about social media “clout” or personal opinions, this article should clarify that our advocacy is rooted in concern for public and canine welfare.

I’ve always said, don’t take my word for it—look at the evidence. This article does just that: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/animal-emotions/202409/is-balanced-training-fair-to-dogs-or-is-it-a-cop-out

And here is a link to the study in question: Johnson, A.C., & Wynne, C.D.L. (2024). “Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs.” Animals, 14(18), 2632. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182632

Based on the reaction to this study, another major domino has fallen in support of aversive dog training methods. This so-called "landmark study" will likely be remembered not for the efficacy of shock collars, but for exposing the unnecessary use of pain in dog training as a legitimate strategy.

We are prepared to provide support and education to those willing to update their methods in the interest of public health and safety. But make no mistake—those who refuse to be unequivocal in rejecting pain-based methods will face increasing scrutiny.

The livelihood of trainers promoting harmful practices is not our concern when it comes at the expense of dog welfare and public trust.

The time to end the misrepresentation of science-based training and to uphold welfare and ethics in dog training is long overdue. We are standing together for a better future for our industry, our dogs, and their guardians.

17/09/2024

Final puppy/beginners classes for 2024 open for booking - Enrol your pup in doggie school and come join the magic of Dogwarts 🪄https://www.dogwartsk9academy.co.uk/courses/wizdog-s-apprentice-beginners-training-classes

11/09/2024

🎉 Super Sniffers on Fire! 🎉

A massive shout out to my incredible scent work team - you guys absolutely ROCKED your first magic key-finding session! 🔑✨ These amazing dogs (and their humans!) have been with me for a while, working hard, having fun, and smashing every challenge I throw their way. This week, they added another victory to their long list of achievements, and I couldn’t be more proud! 🐶🏆

From mastering scent games to finding hidden keys like pros, these super sniffers have been on an incredible journey. Every session is full of wagging tails, problem-solving, and plenty of feel good moments for both dogs and their fabulous humans. 💪🐾

The bond, the teamwork, and the determination - it’s so inspiring to watch these dogs thrive and their owners become scent-work superstars! 🌟 Whether it’s sniffing out truffle, keys, or other treasures, they're always up for a challenge and a LOT of fun.

🐕💥 Well done to all my wonderful clients - you continue to amaze me every single week! 🥳💖

Want to join the fun and unleash your dog’s sniffing superpowers? Drop me a message or email [email protected] to learn more about our scent classes for fun and how you can get involved! 📩 Let’s make the magic happen together!

02/09/2024

21/08/2024

When one of your clients makes your day by sending you this 🙌

It's always so rewarding when our clients have fun, make great progress and take the time to let you know. 🐶💨 We’re delighted and excited to be welcoming them back for further classes 🐕

Thank you to all our amazing clients who trust us with their dogs' training journey. We appreciate each and every one of you ❤️

14/08/2024

Resource Guarding - What it is, What not to do & What to do instead! Thank you Dogs Disclosed 🙏

DON’T TOUCH MY STUFF!
Resource guarding – also called possessive aggression

We all guard our resources, it’s a natural reaction to a threat of something we value being taken away.

It’s essential for survival and dogs or other animals would not survive in the wild if they didn’t guard their resources.

We also don’t get to decide what’s valuable and what’s not – different things have different value to different dogs and at different times.

Food is usually the most common, but toys, furniture, different items, places, or even a certain person are all things that may be seen as a valuable resource.

A dog turning their head away, freezing, a hard stare, whale eye, moving away, growling or snapping may quickly escalate into a serious bite in an attempt to protect that valuable possession.

Punishing or forcing a dog to give something up is probably one of the worst things to do.

Resource guarding is rooted in the emotion of fear – the fear of that resource being taken away.

Punishment and force further increase that fear, which only increases and reinforces the need to protect that resource.

When a dog is guarding food or an object, we can change the negative emotion of that fear into a positive one by swopping or trading something that has a similar or higher value than what the dog has.

This is one of the most effective ways to address resource guarding of objects as it works at the root cause of the behaviour by changing the emotional response.

A dog resource guarding a person is more complicated to address. A full history of the individual dog, family dynamics, attachment styles, situation and environment all have to be assessed before planning and working on a solution.

Resource guarding can usually be prevented, managed and addressed and by starting early, understanding why dogs feel the need to resort to this behaviour and doing what we can to prevent it from happening in the first place.

17/07/2024

🐾 Understanding Reactivity in Dogs 🐾

Reactivity in dogs is more common than you might think but rather than labelling the dog as 'aggressive' as many do, it's helpful to keep in mind that it often stems from fear, frustration, or over-stimulation? Many dogs struggle with this and sadly many fall into the hands of harsh training methods because people are desperate for 'quick fixes' which generally do nothing more than suppress the behaviour, creating a ticking time bomb or more explosive behaviour later down the line. But don’t worry, there are ways to help!

Using positive reinforcement and kind, ethical methods, we can transform your reactive dog into a calm and happy companion that learns to manage real life situations.

To start, here are some key points to consider:

🔎 Identify Triggers: Observe what causes your dog to react. Is it other dogs, people, or certain environments?
🏡 Safe Spaces: Create a safe space for your dog to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed (their safe space may be you so if they look to you for comfort, be there for them)
📆 Gradual Exposure: Slowly introduce your dog to their triggers in a controlled manner, at a distance where your dog is not reacting, rewarding all calm behaviour. We are looking to gradually change their emotions NOT flood them.
👃Scent Work: Engage your dog in scent work activities. This not only provides mental stimulation but also helps reduce stress and promote calmness.

Curious about how this works? Send us a message to learn more or to book a FREE discovery call!

16/07/2024

🐾 Your Dog's Behaviour: The Importance of a Vet Check-Up 🏥

We talk a lot about a dog's mental health in the work we do but when we look at behaviour struggles and reactivity, such as barking, lunging, withdrawing, aggression, it's essential to look beyond the surface and consider the medical factors too. Before we start any training to address these issues, it's crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be influencing your dog's actions.

🔍 Why a Vet Visit?
Behaviour struggles in dogs can be both a direct symptom of pain and discomfort or an indirect result of long-standing health issues. That's why vet involvement is vital.

💡 It's All About Welfare
Prioritising your dog's health isn't just about treating symptoms; it's about understanding and addressing the root causes of their behaviour. No amount of training can change behaviour that stems from medical pain or discomfort. By ensuring your dog is medically sound, we safeguard their well-being and pave the way for effective training solutions.

🐶 A Vital First Step for Effective Training
Ensuring your dog’s health through a comprehensive vet check is essential before beginning any behaviour training. This is not just a recommendation -it’s a responsibility. Addressing potential medical issues first is crucial for your dog's welfare and lays the groundwork for successful training outcomes.

🗨️ We’d Love to Hear from You!
Have you experienced any behaviour changes with your own dog that you later discovered were a direct impact from a medical issue? Share your stories in the comments below - you never know, who it may help!

03/07/2024

And there it is 🎯 Thank you Trick Woofs for explaining it so well 👏🐕🐶

28/06/2024

"A dog's emotional health directly impacts its training success." - Victoria Stilwell

Our dogs' emotions play a crucial role in their behaviour and training outcomes. When a dog feels happy, secure, and has had their needs met, it's more likely to be calm, focused, and receptive to training. 🐶❤️

Negative emotions like anxiety, fear, and stress can lead to behavioural struggles such as reactivity, excessive barking, or destructive behaviour. By nurturing our dogs' emotional well-being with love, kindness, patience, and positive reinforcement, we help them become more settled in their world and open to learning. 🐕✨

Prioritising your dog's emotional health will help you and your dog lead a much more harmonious life together, making training a positive and rewarding experience for everyone! If you need help on how to do that, please get in touch 💖

27/06/2024

🐶 With Summer here, where do you want you and your dog to be in 1 month? 🐶

How about having a relaxing bite to eat in your favourite dog-friendly cafe, or enjoying a nice glass of something chilled with your pooch calmly snoozing or laying by your side... 🙌

How would that feel...

I don't know about you, but many of my clients have gone from being stressed out about the idea of going out for lunch or drinks with their restless dog, to having more freedom to enjoy trips out with friends & family. 💖

Curious about how I can help you achieve the same?

👉 Comment 'LUNCH' ⬇️ or send us a DM for more info

26/06/2024

🖐 Hands up, who feeds their dog from a classic doggy bowl?

If that's you, please reconsider. I have a sweet little hack that's going to bring way more joy to you and your dog's life.

Using a regular bowl is a missed opportunity to provide mental stimulation for your dog. It also encourages your dog to eat quickly, which can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes vomiting as they swallow air while eating. 😬

So instead, use a slow feed bowl, Kong, Yogi pot or scatter their food to slow them down. This simple change can turn meal times into a fun and enriching activity, promoting better digestion and mental engagement.

Your dog will thank you for it! 💖

🤷‍♀️ Why make meal times over in a flash when you can make it a fun event, eh? 🤷‍♀️

Let us know in the comment how you feed your dog 👇

25/06/2024

🥵 Today is already a hot one 🥵 What do you do to keep your dog cool during the summer months? 🐶

It’s tough on our dogs when the weather heats up and we need to careful so they don't get heat stroke, it can quickly happen and is an medical emergency when it does!

To help your dogs in this hot weather you could:

🆒Use cool mats
✇ Have fans around the home
🏠Spend lots of time indoors during the hottest parts of the day
🌳Provide plenty of access to shade
🌊💦 Paddling pools in the shade are a nice addition or being hosed down but keep sessions short and not during hottest parts of the day
⚽ Reduce activity, no high energy games.
🐕Walk your dogs very early in the morning, late in the evening or not at all, no dog has ever died of a missed walk, there is plenty you can do at home out of the danger of the heat.

🐾Don't forget, pavements are hot, hot, hot - many dogs have suffered burns to the pads of their feet. To test, place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7-10 seconds, if it's too painful for you, it will be too painful for your dog.

How are your dogs coping and what do you do to help them stay cool? 💖

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Videos

✨ SNIFFING SUCCESS! Our Scent Work Stars Shine Bright! ✨ Over 4 weeks, our incredible scent work students went from 'working it out' to WOW – Unknown scent and they absolutely nailed it! 🐶🕵️‍♂️ From identifying a target odour to stepping up their game with luggage and clothing searches, each and every pup has showcased their super-sniffer skills. 👃💫 Not only has this been a FANTASTIC way for them to get that mental stimulation and channel their energy, but it’s also been a beautiful way to promote calmness and strengthen the bond with their humans. 💖✨ Scent work isn’t just about sniffing things out – it’s about giving your dog a job, building confidence, and providing the ultimate outlet for those noses to do what they were born to do! 🐕🔍 For those with reactive dogs, it’s the perfect way to focus those brains on something productive, transforming stress into success! We’re so proud of all our scent work superstars – you’ve all shown that with a little guidance, your dogs can literally sniff out success! 💪💥 👀 Ready to give your dog the chance to become a scent work star and experience the joy of this bonding activity? 🌟Get in touch and unlock your dog’s full potential! 🌟

🎉 Super Sniffers on Fire! 🎉 A massive shout out to my incredible scent work team - you guys absolutely ROCKED your first magic key-finding session! 🔑✨ These amazing dogs (and their humans!) have been with me for a while, working hard, having fun, and smashing every challenge I throw their way. This week, they added another victory to their long list of achievements, and I couldn’t be more proud! 🐶🏆 From mastering scent games to finding hidden keys like pros, these super sniffers have been on an incredible journey. Every session is full of wagging tails, problem-solving, and plenty of feel good moments for both dogs and their fabulous humans. 💪🐾 The bond, the teamwork, and the determination - it’s so inspiring to watch these dogs thrive and their owners become scent-work superstars! 🌟 Whether it’s sniffing out truffle, keys, or other treasures, they're always up for a challenge and a LOT of fun. 🐕💥 Well done to all my wonderful clients - you continue to amaze me every single week! 🥳💖 Want to join the fun and unleash your dog’s sniffing superpowers? Drop me a message or email [email protected] to learn more about our scent classes for fun and how you can get involved! 📩 Let’s make the magic happen together!

🐾 Understanding Reactivity in Dogs 🐾 Reactivity in dogs is more common than you might think but rather than labelling the dog as 'aggressive' as many do, it's helpful to keep in mind that it often stems from fear, frustration, or over-stimulation? Many dogs struggle with this and sadly many fall into the hands of harsh training methods because people are desperate for 'quick fixes' which generally do nothing more than suppress the behaviour, creating a ticking time bomb or more explosive behaviour later down the line. But don’t worry, there are ways to help! Using positive reinforcement and kind, ethical methods, we can transform your reactive dog into a calm and happy companion that learns to manage real life situations. To start, here are some key points to consider: 🔎 Identify Triggers: Observe what causes your dog to react. Is it other dogs, people, or certain environments? 🏡 Safe Spaces: Create a safe space for your dog to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed (their safe space may be you so if they look to you for comfort, be there for them) 📆 Gradual Exposure: Slowly introduce your dog to their triggers in a controlled manner, at a distance where your dog is not reacting, rewarding all calm behaviour. We are looking to gradually change their emotions NOT flood them. 👃Scent Work: Engage your dog in scent work activities. This not only provides mental stimulation but also helps reduce stress and promote calmness. Curious about how this works? Send us a message to learn more or to book a FREE discovery call!

🐾 Your Dog's Behaviour: The Importance of a Vet Check-Up 🏥 We talk a lot about a dog's mental health in the work we do but when we look at behaviour struggles and reactivity, such as barking, lunging, withdrawing, aggression, it's essential to look beyond the surface and consider the medical factors too. Before we start any training to address these issues, it's crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be influencing your dog's actions. 🔍 Why a Vet Visit? Behaviour struggles in dogs can be both a direct symptom of pain and discomfort or an indirect result of long-standing health issues. That's why vet involvement is vital. 💡 It's All About Welfare Prioritising your dog's health isn't just about treating symptoms; it's about understanding and addressing the root causes of their behaviour. No amount of training can change behaviour that stems from medical pain or discomfort. By ensuring your dog is medically sound, we safeguard their well-being and pave the way for effective training solutions. 🐶 A Vital First Step for Effective Training Ensuring your dog’s health through a comprehensive vet check is essential before beginning any behaviour training. This is not just a recommendation -it’s a responsibility. Addressing potential medical issues first is crucial for your dog's welfare and lays the groundwork for successful training outcomes. 🗨️ We’d Love to Hear from You! Have you experienced any behaviour changes with your own dog that you later discovered were a direct impact from a medical issue? Share your stories in the comments below - you never know, who it may help!

"A dog's emotional health directly impacts its training success." - Victoria Stilwell Our dogs' emotions play a crucial role in their behaviour and training outcomes. When a dog feels happy, secure, and has had their needs met, it's more likely to be calm, focused, and receptive to training. 🐶❤️ Negative emotions like anxiety, fear, and stress can lead to behavioural struggles such as reactivity, excessive barking, or destructive behaviour. By nurturing our dogs' emotional well-being with love, kindness, patience, and positive reinforcement, we help them become more settled in their world and open to learning. 🐕✨ Prioritising your dog's emotional health will help you and your dog lead a much more harmonious life together, making training a positive and rewarding experience for everyone! If you need help on how to do that, please get in touch 💖

🐶 With Summer here, where do you want you and your dog to be in 1 month? 🐶 How about having a relaxing bite to eat in your favourite dog-friendly cafe, or enjoying a nice glass of something chilled with your pooch calmly snoozing or laying by your side... 🙌 How would that feel... I don't know about you, but many of my clients have gone from being stressed out about the idea of going out for lunch or drinks with their restless dog, to having more freedom to enjoy trips out with friends & family. 💖 Curious about how I can help you achieve the same? 👉 Comment 'LUNCH' ⬇️ or send us a DM for more info . . . #lunchwithdog #dogcafe #stressfreedog #calmdogs #dogadventures #dogtrainingsuccess #dogfriendlyplaces #dogtrainingforreallife #dogtrainingstartsearly

🖐 Hands up, who feeds their dog from a classic doggy bowl? If that's you, please reconsider. I have a sweet little hack that's going to bring way more joy to you and your dog's life. Using a regular bowl is a missed opportunity to provide mental stimulation for your dog. It also encourages your dog to eat quickly, which can cause pain, discomfort, and sometimes vomiting as they swallow air while eating. 😬 So instead, use a slow feed bowl, Kong, Yogi pot or scatter their food to slow them down. This simple change can turn meal times into a fun and enriching activity, promoting better digestion and mental engagement. Your dog will thank you for it! 💖 🤷‍♀️ Why make meal times over in a flash when you can make it a fun event, eh? 🤷‍♀️ Let us know in the comment how you feed your dog 👇

🎉 Celebrating two fabulous years with Rebecca and her amazing dog Lottie! 🎉 We are beyond thrilled to celebrate a special milestone with Rebecca, who has been with us for two incredible years! She doesn't stay because her dog needs lots of work but stays because of the joy they get in coming to the classes and the friendships they have made. This dynamic duo attend two scent work classes a week and are stars in our Thursday progression class, and we couldn’t be happier to have them as part of our family. To show our gratitude, we thought a bouquet of flowers wouldn’t do justice or last as long as their celebrations deserved. So instead, we found a rose called "Absolutely Fabulous" – the perfect way to describe Rebecca and Lottie. 🌹 Rebecca has taken the summer off work to embark on some exciting adventures with Lottie, and we wanted to help them make the most of it. We’ve gifted her an adventure map, a magical journal and quill to record their memories, and some thoughtfully chosen extras: 🎁A poncho for those unexpected British showers 🌧️ 🎁A small foldable spade for their truffle hunting escapades 🕵️‍♀️ 🎁A survival bracelet to help them navigate, call for help, or start a campfire 🔥 🦴🧁And, of course, a box of natural treats for Lottie and cake to celebrate! 🎂 Thank you, Rebecca, for your unwavering support and trust in us. Watching you grow from someone really struggling with your dog to a confident, happy dog mum ready for a summer of fun has been a pure delight. Your bond with Lottie is just as it should be - strong and wonderful, and it’s been an honour to witness your journey together. The "Absolutely Fabulous" rose says it all – you truly are both fabulous! Now go have a blast and make lots of new wonderful memories! 🐾❤️ . . . #dogmumlife #dogtrainingmilestone #trainingforlife #dogtrainingisfun #clientspotlight #superstartclient

💕 “Build a relationship, not a dictatorship.” 💕 These powerful words came from the brilliant Shay Kelly, and I couldn’t agree with him more. Our role in our dog’s lives should not be based on aversive control. It’s a companionship based on love and respect both ways, as we teach our dogs to enjoy and live life alongside us humans. I’m here to help my clients understand ethical and reward-based methods for training their dogs. Aversive and balanced training techniques have no place in this world. Give me a ❤️ if you agree.

Daily Motivation

To all the pooch parents of reactive dogs in my world.... 💕 You're doing an incredible job. 💕 I know you're struggling with daily walks turning into stressful events, the constant worry about unexpected encounters, and the fear of judgment from others. Yes, there will be difficult days. Yes, you may want to crawl into a hole with embarrassment after your dog lunged and barked at another dog for the 500th time. Yes, your anxiety may be through the roof. But remember, in order to witness the beauty of a rainbow, there first has to be rain. You're doing the best you can for your dog. And that's what truly counts. ❤️ #dogownermotivation #positivepetparenting #reactivedogsuk #reactivedogmum #reactivedogdad

🌟 Woof-tastic News! 🌟 Our scent work superstars have just aced their latest challenge! From truffle hunting pros to Kong masters, our amazing group of dogs and their humans have excelled beyond expectations. Recently, they faced an open area teeming with distractions—wildlife scents, rabbit and deer poop, tricky wind directions, and even leftover picnic smells. But guess what? They nailed it! Even the tiniest Kong pieces didn't stand a chance against their incredible noses. 🐶👃✨ This group truly rocks, showcasing top-notch teamwork and an unbreakable bond between dog and human. It's been a joy to watch them grow and have fun together. 👫🐕 And guess what? We have NEW beginner classes starting on June 18th, with just 3 spots left! If you're looking for an activity that you and your dog can enjoy anywhere, scent work might just be your new favourite hobby. But beware—it can get addictive! 😉 Ready to join the fun? Comment below or send us a message to secure your spot. Let's embark on this scent-tastic journey together! 🐾❤️ . . #ScentWork #newmarketdogs #haverhilldogs #burystedmundsdogs #dogtrainingclassesnearme #dogtrainingclassessuffolk #scentworkclassesnearme