Puppy PlayBarn Dog Behaviour & Training

08/05/2025

“The Dog Behind the Curtain”

We never saw Lucy for the first three weeks of class.

Her owner came alone, clutching a notebook and a lead with no dog at the end of it. She thought she could learn first as Lucy would be too much for the class!

Lucy was a rescue, a German Shepherd with a questionable past. She barked through walls, destroyed furniture, and panicked at the mere sight of another dog. Walks had become impossible. Guests certainly weren’t allowed. Life shrank down to almost one room, curtains always drawn to keep her calm.

Week four, she brought Lucy in, just for a second. Lucy saw the other dogs and screamed. Not barked. Screamed.

Her owner said that she was broken but myself and Trish didn’t see broken. We saw a dog overwhelmed by a world that had never been kind and an owner doing everything she could to hold it all together.

We worked outside at first. Far from everyone. Lucy paced and cried but she stayed. Week by week, minute by minute, she stayed.

She never fully joined the class. She didn’t “graduate.” Like the others but one day, Lucy walked past another dog at twenty feet and didn’t scream.

Not every training journey ends with rosettes and perfect sits. Some end with just a single peaceful walk.

Because reactivity isn’t a choice. It’s a cry for help and behind every reactive dog is an owner quietly breaking under the weight of judgment, guilt, and exhaustion, holding on because they love too much to let go.

If you see your story in Lucy’s, please know you’re not alone. We’re here to help, without judgment, and always at your dog’s pace.

www.puppyplaybarn.co.uk

07/05/2025

An Amazing fact about the Basenji, often called the “barkless dog.” It doesn’t bark like other dogs, instead, it makes a unique yodel like sound called a “baroo” due to the shape of its larynx. This ancient African breed was originally used for hunting and is known for being incredibly clean, cat like in grooming habits, and almost completely odourless.

06/05/2025

What To Do If You’re Attacked by a Dog
10+ Life-Saving Tips

Dog attacks are terrifying but how you respond in those first few seconds can make all the difference. Here’s what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation:

1. Don’t Run Away

Running can trigger a chase instinct. Most dogs are faster than humans and trying to flee can escalate the attack.

2. Stay Calm and Still

Try to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Stand sideways and keep your arms down or folded to appear less threatening.

3. Avoid Eye Contact

Staring at the dog can be seen as a challenge. Instead, look slightly to the side while staying aware of the dog’s position.

4. Use a Firm, Low Voice

Say “No,” “Stay,” or “Go home” in a calm, assertive tone.

5. Use an Object as a Shield

Put anything between you and the dog, jacket, bag, umbrella, stick, even a water bottle. This gives the dog something to bite that isn’t you.

6. Don’t Pull Away if Bitten

If the dog bites and holds on, don’t yank away it can cause more tearing. Instead, try pushing into the dog to get them to release.

7. Use a Deterrent (If You Have One)

A Pet Corrector, Bite-Back Spray, citronella spray, or even water can stop or interrupt an attack.

8. Curl into a Ball if Knocked Down

Protect your face, neck, and chest. Stay still, this may cause the dog to lose interest.

9. Get to Safety Slowly

Once the dog backs off, walk away slowly and sideways. Still no running.

10. Seek Medical Help Immediately

Even a small puncture wound can lead to infection. Always get it checked, especially if you don’t know the dog’s vaccine status.

After the Attack
• Report the incident to the police.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of injuries, get witness details, and note the dog’s description.
• Watch for emotional effects, dog attacks can leave lasting trauma. It’s okay to seek support.

05/05/2025

Allow me to explain how our Drop and Leave in house dog training works.

1️⃣ Drop Off: You'll bring your dog to our training facility at the designated drop-off time. Our trainers will greet you and discuss your dog's training goals and any specific issues or behaviours you'd like to address.

2️⃣ Assessment: Our skilled trainers will spend time getting to know your dog, assessing their current obedience level, temperament, and any behavioural patterns. This assessment will help us tailor the training program to meet your dog's individual needs.

3️⃣ Training Sessions: Once the assessment is complete, our trainers will begin working one-on-one with your dog. They will focus on teaching and reinforcing desired behaviours, addressing any behaviour issues, and building a foundation of obedience skills.

4️⃣ Progress Updates: Throughout the training program, we will provide you with regular updates on your dog's progress. This may include written reports, photos, or videos to keep you informed and involved in the training process.

Our Drop and Leave program offers a convenient solution for busy dog owners who want their dogs to receive professional training while they focus on other commitments. Your dog will receive expert guidance and personalised attention from our skilled trainers, helping them become a well-behaved and obedient companion.

Please book through our website puppyplaybarn.co.uk

04/05/2025

How Children Can Stay Safe Around Dogs They Don’t Know

Dogs are amazing companions but not all dogs are comfortable with strangers, especially kids who move quickly, make noise, and love to cuddle!

Here are some child friendly safety tips to help avoid scary situations:

1. Always Ask First
Never allow your child to approach or touch a dog they don’t know without asking the owner, “Can I say hello?”

2. Let the Dog Come to You
Don’t allow them to run up to the dog, teach them to stand still, turn sideways, and let the dog sniff them if it wants to. Not all dogs like hugs or pats.

3. No Hugs or Face-to-Face Contact
Dogs aren’t like people, hugs can feel threatening, and faces too close can trigger a bite.

4. Stay Calm and Quiet
Teach your child not to scream, waving arms, or run near dogs. Sudden movements can scare them.

5. Never Approach a Dog That’s Alone
If you see a dog without an owner—don’t allow your child to touch it.

6. Watch the Dog’s Body Language
Teach your child that If a dog backs away, growls, shows its teeth, or raises its tail stiffly always give it space.

7. Don’t Disturb Dogs While They’re Eating or Sleeping
Even friendly dogs can get grumpy if they’re startled or protecting food.

8. Keep Hands Out of Fences, Cars, and Crates
Even a friendly dog may feel trapped and snap if it can’t move away.

9. If a Dog Scares Your child : Show it how Be a Tree
Tell them to stand still, tuck their arms in, and look at their feet. Most dogs will sniff and leave.

10. Tell an Adult If their Worried
Tell them never to keep a bite or scary moment to themselves . Grown ups can help them keep safe.

Dogs + Kids = Magic, when there’s mutual respect.
At Puppy PlayBarn, we believe early education creates confident children and calmer dogs. Get in touch for family friendly training and safety sessions!

04/05/2025

Teaching “middle” (dog between your legs) builds focus, confidence, and body awareness, and provides a safe, controlled position in busy or distracting environments.

04/05/2025

Teaching impulse control helps dogs make calm, thoughtful choices instead of reacting on impulse, improving their safety, behaviour, and focus.

03/05/2025

03/05/2025

Where it all began…
This photo takes me right back to my very first German Shepherd and the beginning of a lifelong love of dogs. He was the one who taught me about loyalty, patience, and the unbreakable bond we share with our canine companions.

It’s because of him that Puppy PlayBarn exists today. He lit the spark that turned into a passion for helping other dogs (and their humans!) build happy, balanced lives together.

Every dog that comes through our doors reminds me of where it all started.

Do you remember your first dog? Share a memory in the comments, I’d love to hear your stories too!

03/05/2025

What Breed am I ?? Well done everyone this is indeed a Silver Lab!

A silver Labrador is a Labrador that has a diluted chocolate coat, giving it a unique silvery-grey appearance. Genetically, silver Labs are chocolate Labs with two copies of the dilute gene , which reduces the intensity of their coat colour.

03/05/2025

Introducing these adorable puppies who have embarked on their training journey at Puppy PlayBarn! These lovely little furballs were eager to learn on their 1st session and hopefully will grow under the guidance of our experienced trainers. Get ready to fall in love with these pups as they explore and discover the world around them at Puppy PlayBarn!

02/05/2025

1:1 sessions
Is your dog ignoring you like you’re background noise? Pulling on the lead like they’re training for sled work? Or just generally causing chaos with a cute face?

Our one-to-one training sessions are here to save your sanity. Whether you’ve got a bouncy pup, a teenage tearaway, or a dog who thinks “recall” is a personal challenge, we’ve got you covered.

Sessions are fully tailored to you and your dog. We’ll work through the stuff that really matters in real life not just party tricks (although we love those too). Think confidence building, focus, manners, and yes… actually listening when it counts.
To book your session please visit our website