Puppy PlayBarn Dog Behaviour & Training

Puppy PlayBarn Dog Behaviour & Training She is a full member of the APDT (no:00353), ABTC certified member and is a charter member of the institute of animal care education.

Puppy Playbarn Dog Training and Behaviour Centre in Poringland, Norwich is dedicated to nurturing the bond between dogs and their owners through expert training and behavioural support. Meet the Team

Kiran Brice APDT CH MIACE
Pet Behaviour Counsellor/Behaviour Centre Manager

Kiran has worked for the practice as the Behaviour Centre manager for over 20 years and is a full time dog behaviourist

and qualified trainer. She also holds a diploma in Pet Bereavement and Nutrition; Kiran specialises in aggressive dogs and has a background in breeding and working German Shepherds.

Too cute to be serious about herding reindeer 🦌💕
07/09/2025

Too cute to be serious about herding reindeer 🦌💕

07/09/2025

Bag it, Bin it…….. Done

06/09/2025

Controversial Opinion Alert #3 ‼️

This might surprise you… but here it is:
Dog training classes aren’t really about the dog. They’re about YOU.

Yes, your dog learns sit, stay, recall, and loose lead walking but the real goal of classes is teaching owners how to train, guide, and communicate with their dogs.

A dog won’t magically behave just because they attended a class.
Progress doesn’t come from 1 hour a week in a hall, it comes from what YOU do every single day at home.
The most successful owners are the ones who listen, practise consistently, and apply what they’ve learned outside of class.

Think of it like driving lessons. The instructor teaches YOU the skills. The car doesn’t learn anything it just responds to how well you’ve been taught.

Training classes are exactly the same.
Your dog isn’t “being trained” YOU are being trained to train your dog.

And here’s the controversial bit:
If you leave class, don’t practise, and expect your dog to improve on their own… the problem isn’t the dog.

Agility has no age limit! Meet one of our incredible clients, in her 80s, absolutely smashing it in agility with her lit...
06/09/2025

Agility has no age limit!

Meet one of our incredible clients, in her 80s, absolutely smashing it in agility with her little dog.

Dog training isn’t about age, it’s about attitude, teamwork, and having fun together. Whether you’re 8 or 80, the bond you build with your dog can keep you both active, sharp, and smiling.

So next time you think, “I’m too old for that,” just remember this unstoppable duo showing us all how it’s done.

At Puppy PlayBarn, we believe dog training is for everyone and this is the perfect reminder.

Excuse me, this is my cone now! 🤣
06/09/2025

Excuse me, this is my cone now! 🤣

How to get your puppy used to being left at home alone1. Gradual training: When training your dog to be alone, start wit...
05/09/2025

How to get your puppy used to being left at home alone

1. Gradual training: When training your dog to be alone, start with short periods of time and gradually increase the duration. This helps them build confidence and reduces anxiety. If your dog shows signs of distress, such as excessive barking or destructive behaviour, shorten the alone time and try again later.

2. Desensitisation: Desensitise your dog to departure cues, such as picking up your keys or putting on your coat, by performing these actions without actually leaving. This helps break the association between these cues and your departure, reducing anxiety.

3. Calming aids: Some dogs may benefit from the use of calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or anxiety wraps. These products can help create a soothing environment and reduce stress.

4. Background noise: Leaving a radio or TV on at a low volume can provide background noise that may help your dog feel less alone. Classical music or calming sounds can be particularly soothing.
Leave a scented item that has your smell in your dogs bed also is helpful

5. Consider a companion: If your dog experiences severe

6. Dog walkers or pet sitters: If you have a long workday or need to be away for an extended period, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. They can provide exercise, companionship, and bathroom breaks for your dog while you're away.

7. Doggy daycare: Doggy daycare facilities offer a supervised environment where dogs can socialise and play with other dogs. This can be a great option for dogs that enjoy the company of others and need stimulation during the day.

8. Keep calm: Do not make a big fuss when it is time to leave or when you return home.
Try if possible to leave through another door and
always exercise your dog just prior to leaving.

Remember, each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's important to be patient, observe your dog's behaviour, and make adjustments accordingly to ensure their well-being when left alone.

How Children Can Stay Safe Around Dogs They Don’t KnowDogs are amazing companions but not all dogs are comfortable with ...
04/09/2025

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!

Advanced Skills The Next Step in Training, Your dog has nailed the intermediate training in Life Skills, now it’s time t...
04/09/2025

Advanced Skills
The Next Step in Training, Your dog has nailed the intermediate training in Life Skills, now it’s time to step up to Advanced Skills.

This course is designed for dogs who have completed Life Skills and focuses on:
* Reliable heelwork off the lead
* Reliable recall around other dogs
* Calm focus in distracting situations with people and dogs

With positive, reward based training, you’ll gain the confidence of knowing your dog can stay focused and under control anywhere from the park to busy public spaces.

Limited spaces available, book now to secure your place!

Addressing a dog’s tendency to bark at the television involves understanding the underlying causes and implementing cons...
03/09/2025

Addressing a dog’s tendency to bark at the television involves understanding the underlying causes and implementing consistent training strategies. Here’s a comprehensive behaviour program to help manage and reduce this behaviour:

1. Identify Triggers
• Observe Patterns: Note when your dog barks at the TV. Is it specific sounds, animals, or fast movements that trigger the barking? Identifying these can help tailor your approach.

2. Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning
• Controlled Exposure: Start by playing TV content at a low volume that doesn’t elicit barking. Gradually increase the volume over time, ensuring your dog remains calm.
• Positive Associations: Pair the presence of TV triggers with positive experiences. For instance, when a trigger appears on screen, offer a treat or favorite toy or nice tasty bone. This helps your dog associate the trigger with something pleasant.

3. Teach the “Quiet” Command
• Capture Calm Behaviour: When your dog is quiet during a known trigger, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
• Introduce the Command: As your dog learns that silence brings rewards, introduce the word “quiet” during these moments. Over time, your dog will associate the command with the desired behaviour.

4. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
• Regular Exercise: Ensure your dog receives adequate physical activity to reduce excess energy that might contribute to reactive behaviours.
• Interactive Toys: Offer puzzle toys or chew items during TV time to divert attention and keep your dog engaged.

5. Manage the Environment
• Create a Safe Space: If certain programs consistently trigger barking, consider setting up a comfortable area away from the TV where your dog can relax.
• Adjust TV Settings: Lower the volume or use features like “mute” during known triggers to minimise reactions.

6. Consistency is Key
• Unified Approach: Ensure all household members respond to the barking consistently. Mixed signals can confuse your dog and hinder progress.

Implementing this program requires patience and dedication. By consistently applying these strategies, you can help your dog develop a calmer response to television stimuli.

03/09/2025

Controversial Opinion Alert #2 ‼️

Puppy “socialisation” in group classes is often done wrong.

Many people think it means letting the pups off lead together to “play and sort it out.”
That isn’t socialisation that’s chaos.

The confident puppies learn to bully.
The shy puppies learn to be afraid.
And owners walk away thinking their pup is “socialised” when really they’ve just rehearsed bad habits.

True socialisation is not free for all play.
It’s carefully managed, positive exposure to dogs, people, sounds, handling, and environments. It’s learning to be calm around other dogs, not obsessed with or fearful of them.

Puppies don’t need to be everyone’s best friend. They need to learn neutrality, manners, and confidence in different situations.

So no we don’t run wild puppy play sessions. We run structured classes where pups learn life skills that will last them a lifetime.

03/09/2025

This gorgeous puppy has just joined us and we think he deserves the perfect name. We’d love your help!

👇 Drop your suggestions in the comments, whether it’s something cute, quirky, or totally unique, we can’t wait to hear your ideas.

Which name do you think suits him best? 🐶

Making lead time less stressful Here are a few tips for teaching calm lead manners 1. Desensitise the Lead (Before the W...
02/09/2025

Making lead time less stressful

Here are a few tips for teaching calm lead manners

1. Desensitise the Lead (Before the Walk)
• Pick up the lead at random times during the day without going for a walk.
• Touch or clip on the lead, then unclip it and go back to normal activities. Allow your dog to wear the collar and lead at random times around the house.
• This helps break the association between lead = immediate walk = excitement.

2. Train Calm Before Clipping On
• Ask for a calm behaviour before clipping on the lead (e.g., sit, lie down, or even just quiet).
• If the dog barks, pause and wait silently—no scolding, no praise. Try again when they’re quiet.
• Only clip on the lead when they’re calm and quiet, even if it’s just for 1–2 seconds.

3. Practice “Pre-Walk Calm”
• Once the lead is on, ask for another calm moment before opening the door. Maybe ask for sit to refocus!
• If barking resumes, walk away from the door and reset.
• This teaches the dog that calm = forward progress, barking = delay.

4. Use Pattern Games or Focus Work Outside
• Right after exiting the house, engage your dog with a game like:
• 1-2-3 Treat Game (walk and drop a treat every 3 steps)
• Find It (scatter some treats on the floor)
• Look at Me (reward eye contact)
• These games redirect focus from the environment to you and lower arousal.

5. Reinforce Quiet Behaviour
• Mark and reward any moments of quiet with praise or a high-value treat.
• Keep early outings short, focused, and manageable.

6. Add sit and focus training into your walk
• Teach a “sit” at kerbs and randomly ask for it whilst walking

Address

Shotesham Road
Norwich
NR147LP

Telephone

+447979778131

Website

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