Young Paws Dog Training

14/08/2024

Martha loves to solve the puzzles. Her nose and mouth are just the right shape to open the boxes. Luna on the other hand, likes things easy and waits for the puzzles to be solved, by someone else of course 🤣

14/08/2024

❤️

13/08/2024

A super physio session this morning for Freddie. He appeared more confident and relaxed throughout the session. On the treadmill he worked his legs, lifting them rather than stopping and rolling backwards. Even when the front plate was added (to keep his front legs static) he continued to lift his back legs and didn't take his front legs from the plate. He also walked out of the treadmill on his own (usually I clip his lead on and lead him out).

He now has a fluffy butt due to the water.

Well done Freddie 🥰

If you are looking for a physio for your dog or cat, I would highly recommend Canine Physio . Both Lisa and Kim understand our animals and ensure their physio session is achievable and calm.

12/08/2024

My boy 💞

11/08/2024

More videos in the comments...

Had a brilliant morning yesterday working sheep with Freddie. Thank you Martina for trusting us with your sheep and helping us learn how to herd sheep.

This is only the third time working sheep. Freddie is more responsive doing this than other things we have tried (he'd be better still if his handler knew what to do and didn't get confused with directional cues 🤦‍♀️😂)

There is still a lot to learn and work on.

Looking forward to continuing our herding journey 🐑🐑

11/08/2024

If you are looking for an excellent, positive trainer for your Border Collie, check out That'll Do Academy (Link below). Martina has so much knowledge and experience. She has been our trainer for seven years and she has helped me so much with Freddie. She is also a very good friend and mentor.

https://www.facebook.com/ThatllDoAcademy

Border Collie specialist trainer to help you solving your dog's training and behaviour issues for a

03/08/2024

Had a fantastic evening in Over Wyresdale with Freddie.... herding sheep 🐑🐑🐑. Learned lots. Now tired, as is Freddie.

02/08/2024

Excellent advice for dogs who love to chew by That'll Do Academy - Martina Miradoli

01/08/2024

How did your dogs cope with the thunder during the night? All four of our dogs coped with it differently.

We had an idea thunder was on its way before we heard it due to Freddie’s and Martha's behaviours. Freddie was unsettled, moving around a lot and Martha kept giving the random bark. Then we heard it.

Freddie came to me for reassurance then went downstairs to his 'safe place' in the kitchen. I put his magnetic jacket on him which for Freddie, helps him calm just like a weighted blanket would. He didn't want to be fussed, which was fine and I always respect his choice.

Martha barked once with each clap of thunder. She lay between us were we could reassure her.

Flossie wanted lots of cuddles and snuggles, seeking as much contact with me as possible. She needed plenty of reassurance.

And Luna, well she slept through it all, oblivious to the noise and the others being unsettled.

Just like people, dogs and other animals have their own ways of coping with things. I remember being terrified of thunder as a child, especially at night.

Reassure your dogs and listen to what they are telling you.

If you would like to find out more how to listen to your dogs by taking note of their body language, please contact me at [email protected] to arrange a free discovery call to find out how I can help.

Photos of the four for cuteness 😍

01/08/2024

How did your dogs cope with the thunder during the night? All four of our dogs coped with it differently.

We had an idea thunder was on its way before we heard it due to Freddie’s and Martha's behaviours. Freddie was unsettled, moving around a lot and Martha kept giving the random bark. Then we heard it.

Freddie came to me for reassurance then went downstairs to his 'safe place' in the kitchen. I put his magnetic jacket on him which for Freddie, helps him calm just like a weighted blanket would. He didn't want to be fussed, which was fine and I always respect his choice.

Martha barked once with each clap of thunder. She lay between us were we could reassure her.

Flossie wanted lots of cuddles and snuggles, seeking as much contact with me as possible. She needed plenty of reassurance.

And Luna, well she slept through it all, oblivious to the noise and the others being unsettled.

Just like people, dogs and other animals have their own ways of coping with things. I remember being terrified of thunder as a child, especially at night.

Reassure your dogs and listen to what they are telling you.

If you would like to find out more how to listen to your dogs by taking note of their body language, please contact me at [email protected] to arrange a free discovery call to find out how I can help.

Photos of the four for cuteness 😍

30/07/2024

"FREDDIE YOU HAVE BEEN GONE SOOOOO LONG!"

We have only been out for just over an hour at physio, and Martha is so happy to have Freddie home. She runs straight past me to him. I don't exist 🥰

30/07/2024

Thank you Dogs Disclosed.
The five Fs are our dogs way of communicating something is stressing them. Take note of what has happened to trigger one of these responses, recognise the response as your dog is not happy and be there to help your dog.

WHAT THE F?

Recognising stress responses in dogs.

Fight or flight are well known reactions to fear or stress, but these other “F” words are also important to understand and be aware of as they may not always be so obvious.

Freeze, Fawn, Fidget or Fool around are also responses to stress or fear and are also commonly seen in people.

Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to one type of response while some react based on previous experience - what has worked for them before or what hasn’t. Some dogs have different reactions depending on the specific context.

Recognising and taking note of situations or circumstances where these responses are seen is important in understanding how our dogs are feeling.

When we recognise a fear or a stress response, we are able to intervene and advocate for our dogs.

30/07/2024

It's hot outside so the gang are enjoying furry rabbit ears from Pets Boutique Ltd. It's interesting watching them eat the same thing differently. They all have their own spaces. Freddie usually goes outside but chose to stay in today. He took the end of first and put it to his side for later. Martha takes hers straight into her little house turning her back on everybody, crunching away. Luna also took the end of but ate it straight away while Flossie, like Martha crunched away.

29/07/2024

My goof ball ❤️

28/07/2024

You don’t have to fit in a box to be successful.

You don’t have to agree with everyone to be accepted, you just have to find who accept you for who you are and what you think.

You don’t have to be like others, you can be different and still be amazing.

You don’t have to apologise for not conforming to how the rest of the world thinks everything should be like.

You don’t have to follow traditions.

You don’t have to do like everyone else.

Be you and don’t be afraid to speak up, even if the majority of people will not agree with you.

It’s hard but you are the one you need to live with 24h a day and you are the one that have to look into the mirror every day, so you have to like yourself not others.

A picture of Tay just because he is all of that! And he doesn’t care 😄😅😍🤩

28/07/2024

More photos from our amazing day yesterday 🐑

28/07/2024

Yesterday, Freddie and I spent the day at our trainer's farm in Over Wyesdale, attending a sheep herding workshop. We used her own Hebridean sheep, which are commonly used by farmers to train their dogs for herding.

Back in 2019, before the pandemic, I took Freddie to a similar farm event, but he hasn't had the opportunity since. We play herding games together, but I wanted to see how he would respond to real sheep. At 7 years old, Freddie is a bit old to start herding professionally or compete in trials, but I thought it would be an exciting and stimulating activity that connects with his natural herding instincts.

Freddie was incredible. His first run in the morning was better than his second run in the afternoon, likely because the cooler morning weather suited him better, and he was possibly tired later in the day. Freddie sometimes struggles with stamina, so the short sessions were beneficial for his hips as well.

In the video, you might notice Jock, our trainer's fully trained sheepdog, running around the outside of the pen to keep the sheep away from the fence. Freddie doesn't like other dogs near him, but he ignored Jock and focused on the sheep.

I'll be taking Freddie back to the farm soon for more training. However, we'll be taking things slower and working outside the pen with the sheep. I want him to learn to respect the sheep more, find a balance with me, and respond to the appropriate cues. Additionally, I want to expand my own herding knowledge.

It's fantastic to watch border collies use their natural herding instincts.

Please note that the sheep were well cared for and safe, with regular checks throughout the day. The groups were changed frequently to allow for rest.

25/07/2024

There's nothing like being comfy when you want to snooze 😴 ❤️

21/07/2024

Well earned gin while sitting in the garden with the dogs 🍹
🐕Four dogs walked, separately so they have one on one time and enjoy their walk at their pace.
🚗 cleaned and polished car inside and out
😀My side of the garage sorted and tidied.

21/07/2024

Two mischievous faces after chasing each other around and scattering the mats 😂❤️

20/07/2024

The Look I get from Luna as I eat a biscuit without giving her piece 🥹 In my defence I was eating a chocolate biscuit 😀

13/07/2024

Saturdays are made for relaxing and snoring 😴

11/07/2024

Earlier I gave Freddie a choice between a furry cow ear, a trachea or furry rabbit ear (from Pets Boutique Ltd) to take for a treat. He had a good sniff and inspection of them all, an extra long inspection of the cow ear, and chose the trachea.

So why do I give him a choice?

We have considerable influence over our dogs by deciding their meals, sleeping arrangements, exercise times, walking routes, and playtimes. Allowing them to make choices empowers them to select activities they enjoy and which they are comfortable with. This approach can alleviate stress and anxiety while boosting their confidence.

Dogs are intelligent and sentient creatures. Granting them choices provides mental stimulation and enrichment, encouraging them to actively engage their minds.

I frequently offer Freddie choices, extending beyond just treats. During walks, I might ask him, "Which way?" especially if he's thoroughly enjoying exploring and sniffing around. Sometimes, I decide to take him for a drive to a different walking spot. However, if Freddie doesn’t feel like getting into the car, he might opt for a walk in our local field instead. This may be because he is feeling anxious, but I always respect his choice.

Empowering our dogs with choices also gives them a voice, strengthening our bond with them. Currently, I'm working with Freddie on cooperative care, particularly with his dislike of having his back claws clipped. I'm gradually allowing him the option to walk away if he feels unhappy or uncomfortable.

How do you empower your dog with choices or give them a voice?

09/07/2024

Boop that nose ❤️

05/07/2024

Three years ago today, I proudly became a KAD Kids Around Dogs® Approved Professional. I’m delighted to announce that I’ve renewed my membership for another twelve months, allowing me to continue my work as a KAD Professional. KAD's support is crucial in helping children and adults overcome their fear of dogs, building their confidence around them. Additionally, being a KAD Professional involves collaborating with children, families, schools, and other organisations to promote respect and consideration when interacting with dogs, ensuring safe and happy coexistence.

Alongside supporting owners to help their dogs, Young Paws Dog Training also offers a variety of services, including:

🟣 Supporting children who are fearful of dogs, helping them understand their fear and develop strategies using the KAD Protocol for children.
🔵 Assisting adults who are afraid of dogs, helping them understand and manage their fear with strategies from the KAD Protocol for Adults.
🟢 Providing preparation advice for families expecting a baby, ensuring the dog is also prepared to avoid any issues when the baby arrives.
🟡 Offering guidance for families adopting or fostering a child, ensuring a smooth introduction to the family dog.
🟠 Teaching children to respect dogs, understand how to behave around them, and interpret canine body language.
🟣 Giving talks at schools and organisations to help children interact safely with dogs through the KAD School Talk Programme, designed for Key Stage 1 (including Reception) and Key Stage 2.
🟢 Conducting training sessions that involve children in training the family dog, strengthening their bond.

If you’d like more information on how I can support your child around dogs or assist you with your dog, please contact me for a free discovery call to discuss how I can help you, at [email protected]

28/06/2024

Freddie loves his birthday present, hoppy tuggy from Pets Boutique Ltd. He was trying for ages to find a squeak but I didn't think it had one but guess what? Freddie found it but it's not an easy squeak 🤣

28/06/2024

Having a good sniff and explore ok our walk today. We also practised whip lash turns from his diatraction of sniffing. A whip lash turn helps with recall especially recalling away from something. I called him in an exciting way. When he came to me he did a nose touch and I sent him of again as a reward.