Wonderdog Training

04/05/2023

Poppy smiling after smashing her loose lead walking session today! 💥 In one session we've gone from her nearly pulling her Dad over on the way to the garden, to following him nicely on a loose lead and standing nicely at his side. We'll put the two together over the next few weeks, with lots of practice. Well done Poppy and Trev! 👏

06/06/2022

Have you ever wondered why some dog trainers charge more than others? Or what on earth the many, many, MANY types of trainers even mean? Force-free, positive, reward based, balanced, alpha, dominance, science based, modern, traditional....to name a few!!

The truth is, anyone can set up as a dog trainer. It's not a regulated industry.

But those that truly love what they do pour their heart and soul into professional development and educating themselves on up to date research

If you want...
🐾 Someone that has you and your dog's best interests at heart
🐾 Keeps up to date knowledge, backed by science and regular CPD
🐾 Never uses any form of pain, force or intimidation

Then an experienced, force-free trainer is the way to go.

Avoid anyone that uses words like "balanced", "traditional" and "alpha/dominance".

If you have any questions or want to know more about what the different types of training mentioned are then drop a comment below

04/06/2022

✋ Hands up if you'd love your dog to have a better recall? ✋

If that's you, then you'll want to grab my free guide on recall!

👉 Click here to get yours:

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02/06/2022

💥 Truth time! 💥

There are 3 common pit falls that stop people from getting the results they want when they start a new training plan:

🐾 Inconsistency: the whole family need to be on board and training needs to be consistent so the dog isn't getting mixed messages.
🐾 Skipping the foundations: Every single training issue will need foundation work done at home before we can tackle the main issue. This might be working on things like clicker training, eye contact or walking nicely on the lead. Without really strong foundations the bigger picture will never come together.
🐾 Forgetting to have fun! Keeping sessions short and ending on a positive note is so important. Training our dogs can be so much fun but when we focus on the issues and not on the amazing progress they are making then we can get impatient, move too fast or even just give up.

None of these should stop you from reaching your training goal.

Why?

Because you have all the time in the world to get it right. Take a breath and start again. All your dog needs is your guidance and patience. And with that, you CAN have the best friend you've ever wished for by your side for many years to come.

That's my ethos: Kind and Patient.

DM me to chat with us. 💕

01/06/2022

New puppy parents often ask me how to stop their puppy mouthing/biting, so today I want to share a few of my top tips to help you with exactly that!

🐾 Have a wide variety of chews and toys that they can bite and chew readily available to help with teething
🐾 Have a large "decoy" toy; when playing if they start to mouth at your hands then offer them the large fluffy toy to bite instead
🐾 Any further teeth on skin means play time is over; say a calm "woops" and walk away. Don't shout at or punish your puppy, just walk away calmly.
🐾 If they are still very mouthy and over excited then it's not a good time to play. Gently pop them in their crate or play pen with a kong or a lickimat for some quiet time
🐾 Make sure your puppy's toys are the right size, lots of puppy tug toys are very small and they can't help but catch your hands. Consider trying out something called a flirt pole to help avoid your hands getting nipped.

A final thought - don't yelp when they bite as this usually just adds more excitement and can make them bite even more!

Have a question? Let us know in the comments below... 👇

20/03/2022

💛💛 Today is day. Have you ever seen a dog wearing yellow and wondered why? It just means that dog needs some space. They might be anxious of people, scared of other dogs, in training, in season, recovering from an operation etc. Whatever the reason, pop your own dog back on a lead and give them the space they need 💛💛

17/03/2022

Happy St Patrick's Day!!! 🍀

21/02/2022

I've had a great session today with gorgeous wonderdog Alva, who made lovely progress with her bike chasing. She is a very smart girl who learnt quickly to look at the cyclist and then look back at her mum for some chicken! A huge well done to Alva's mum for all the hard work she's put in with their foundation and clicker training before today's session 👏 I'm looking forward to hearing about their progress 🐶 💥

14/02/2022

Happy Valentine's Day! 💝 🌹

07/02/2022

I've had a fantastic evening with this smart cookie and super fast learner! 😊 I met with Luke's Mum and Dad this evening to have a chat about his mouthing and a few other things. Luke now has a new training schedule and lots of tricks to learn. Good luck with training this week Luke 💥

25/12/2021

Happy Christmas to all my fantastic customers! We hope Santa's been good and all the Wonderdogs are spoilt 🥰 😊💕

03/12/2021

Thinking of getting a puppy this Christmas? STOP ✋

Think! Puppies are a 15 year + commitment.
They don't come preprogrammed. They chew, they bite, they p*e EVERYWHERE. They cry at night time, they wake up early every single day and they get bigger!

There will be vets bills, good quality food is expensive, some might need grooming. They'll need training throughout their lives, they'll need looked after if you go on holiday, they'll need looked after when you go back to work.

If you've considered all these things and decided you're ready for a new arrival for Christmas, I'm running my puppy presentation at the reduced price of just £25 in December and January to help you get off to the best possible start. Book in before the little one arrives so you're ready to go from day 1!

Welcome to Wonderdog Training! Offering one to one support on a range of dog training problems and specialising in advice for new puppy owners. Online and in the Nottingham area. IMDT qualified . Kind and force free methods.

26/10/2021

If your dog is scared of fireworks or if you’ve got a new puppy and this year is their first experience, start work on their firework hide out area today:

🐾 Pick a room your dog is already comfortable in. If they are happy in the whole house then choose a room in the centre of the house or one with less windows.
🐾 Get an Adaptil plug in (or similar) and plug this in their safe room now.
🐾 Make a den area by piling up blankets and old clothing with your scent on for them to dig under and hide in. If they are already used to a crate/den you can use this area.
🐾 Hide and scatter treats around in the blanket pile to encourage them to hang out there.
🐾 Ensure their microchip is up to date, just in case.

On the day:
🐾 Close the curtains to block out noises and keep things dark.
🐾 Remain nearby to provide comfort and in case they try to chew anything if they get distressed. Sometimes just being there is enough.
🐾 Put the TV on with the volume a little louder than normal or put a radio in the windowsill with calming music, to block outside noise.
🐾 If your dog’s fear is mild enough then keep them busy. Hiding treats in their safe area during the fireworks may be enough to distract them. Also use kongs, lickimats etc.
🐾 Ensure they’ve lots of water, their usual food if they’ll take it and any favourite toys that might provide comfort or distractions.
🐾 Don't walk after dark.
🐾 Don't let them outside even if you think your garden is secure.
🐾 Give them fuss and comfort if they seek it. Don’t worry- you cannot reinforce fear!

After fireworks season:
🐾 Contact Wonderdog training for help and advice on how to desensitise your dog to fireworks, in plenty of time for next year.

26/10/2021

Who trains the BEST dog trainers??

It's official, it's the IMDT! I'm very proud to be IMDT qualified.

Well done to the IMDT! 👏 🎉

Your most popular organisation that trains dog trainers to the highest standard is none other than the IMDT! Congratulations to everyone at the organisation.

Tomorrow we'll be revealing your winners for Hope in The Face of Adversity and your 2021 Dog World Changer!

23/09/2021

We all have bad days, even our dogs.

Learning takes time, teaching our dogs how to live in our human world does not always come easily. Some days you feel like everything is falling into place, the next day you feel like pulling your hair out screaming “YOU DID THIS PERFECTLY YESTERDAY!!” But today is a new day, with new challenges.

I have a little dog from China, it has been a bumpy road getting to know him! 10 months later and most days now he wriggles with love and kisses and excitement. But some days he is in his bed growling if I go too near him.

For my human brain these days are frustrating, it feels like we’re going backwards. It’s a struggle. But it's not personal. He's not being "bad". Perhaps he is sore, perhaps he is tired, perhaps something scared him during the night. All I know for sure is it means he needs space.

He is still learning to trust me, I’m learning to give him space when he asks.

Dogs are allowed to say “not today”. If you’re struggling with a training goal, take a breath, take a break. Go back a few steps when you start again tomorrow. Build trust, be patient, be kind.
Tomorrow is a new day!

14/09/2021

12/09/2021

Massive well done to Wonderdog Stanley (and his humans) who made brilliant progress with recall today. In just 45 minutes Stanley was running back to a brand new recall word 👏 💥 good luck with your training this week Stanley!❤

02/09/2021

A huge well done to Wonderdog Duggee after his first training session today. He absolutely smashed his recalls 💥 and had some lovely focus on his handler 👏

26/08/2021

Happy international dog day from me and my boys! 💕 "Dogs are not our whole lives but they make our lives whole"

02/08/2021

02/08/2021

Dogs communicate in lots of ways. Growling is one of them. It’s just their way of telling us something. They might be playing or they might be unhappy, uncomfortable or scared. Play growling aside, a growl is a helpful and very clear signal to back off. It is much better than being bitten!

Punishing the growl does not fix the emotion behind the growl. The dog will still feel everything they felt before but now they also know they’re not allowed to growl. This means they’re much more likely to go straight to a bite next time with no warning growl and then you really have a very serious problem!

Never, EVER punish a growl.

Instead figure out why they’re growling. Also work on paying close attention to their body language so you can back off before they even feel the need to growl. Respecting smaller signals such as stiffening in their body or their ears back or a paw raised will mean they won’t feel the need to growl. Ignoring signals will lead to a growl and ignoring a growl will lead to a bite.

Our dogs are not seeking world domination, they just want us to listen! 🐶🐾😊

02/08/2021

As some of you might know, I'm a huge fan of Tug-E-Nuff Dog Gear. They make incredibly motivating toys that will help you nail your recall, smash your goals and get simply amazing results. They're my go-to tug toy for Axl's agility training!

Made in the UK, they are perfect for all breeds - whether your dog loves to chase, is obsessed with food or needs extra encouragement to play.

I'm proud to say we're a Tug-E-Nuff Partner. That means I can offer Wonderdog followers and students 10% off. Just enter our exclusive code WONDERDOG at checkout.

Hit the link to browse the range and let us know which you choose!

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Motivational dog-training toys made by dog-training enthusiasts for dog-training enthusiasts. Whatever sport you and your dog are into we have something for you

27/07/2021

I assessed gorgeous wonderdog Barley yesterday who I'm delighted to say passed his initial assessment so he is now an Assistance Dog in training! Over the next year we will be working on public access training so he can assist his handler who has autism. Well done Barley!! 💥 💕🐕

23/07/2021

Did you know you can learn how to get your puppy off to a great start before the little one even arrives with my puppy presentation? I've had a lovely online chat this evening with soon to be puppy parents Sean and Sarah, filling them in on all they need to know so they're ready to go from day 1! Best of luck with gorgeous little Milo 🐾🥰

20/07/2021

Welcome to Wonderdog Training gorgeous little Pickle! We've had a lovely meeting today covering some puppy problems, mainly mouthing and biting. I'm looking forward to hearing how he gets on with his training this week 🥰🐾

19/07/2021

Enrichment ideas for hot weather/

How to stay sane when you can't walk your dogs!

With temperatures set to stay in the high 30s it is definitely too hot to walk as normal this week so here are my top 10 ways to keep your pups busy!

🐾 Muffin tin and tennis balls: put treats in the muffin tin, top with tennis balls, let them figure it out!
🐾 Rolled up dishcloth: Put treats in a towel or a dishcloth and roll it up
🐾 Scatter feeding: sprinkle their kibble around the garden if it's not too hot or around the house
🐾 Get a cardboard box then get some SAFE things from your recycling (no tins or glass) fill the box with loo roll tubes/milk bottles/egg cartons etc then throw some treats in the box
🐾 Train them something new; "spin" is a nice simple trick. Put a treat on the end of their nose and lure them slowly around in a circle. Training uses lots of energy so keep this one very short and indoors.
🐾 Get breed specific! Think of what your dog was born to do: Hide treats to track for scent breeds; fill a box with toys and put a treat at the bottom for terriers to "dig" out; teach your collie to put a toy back in the toy box etc.
🐾 Plastic flower pot scent work: start with one pot and a treat under for them to "find" then add more pots so they have to sniff out the one with the treat under it.
🐾 Put some tennis balls in a large bowl or paddling pool: bobbing for tennis balls!
🐾 Have a pringles tube? Put a handful of kibble in it then cut some small kibble sized holes in it and seal the ends.
🐾 Home made snuffle mat: those shaggy bsthroom floor mats are perfect for hiding treats in. Home made lickimat: just smear some plain yoghurt or dog friendly peanut butter around a plastic bowl and put it in the freezer until frozen.

Do you've a favourite hot day enrichment idea? Share it in the comments! Get creative and have fun! If you've kids at home getting them to think of enrichment ideas or helping out with the ones above keeps two little minds busy then you can get back to your sunbathing!

🐾🐕🌡☀️

30/06/2021

Calling all new and soon to be new puppy Mums and Dads!!!

If you've just got a puppy or are getting one soon then our online group theory session is just what you need! 🤓

🐶Saturday 31st July at 10am🐶

Brought to you as a group zoom presentation from the comfort of your own home, all theory, you don't need your puppy present. Become a puppy expert and get your puppy off to a great start learning from an IMDT qualified dog trainer.

Covering:
🐾Puppy proofing
🐾Toilet training
🐾Chewing and biting
🐾Socialisation
🐾Preventing future problems
🐾Body language
🐾Q&A opportunity

Book now for an early bird offer price of just £20 🐶

Email [email protected] to get booked in!

24/06/2021

"But his tail was wagging..."

Wait, what?? Believe it or not, a wagging tail does not always mean the dog is happy for you to approach.

Dogs wag their tails for lots of reasons. Think of a tail wag a bit like us humans laughing and smiling. Sometimes we're happy but sometimes we smile because we're feeling awkward, frustrated, nervous or embarrassed.

A tail that is low and wagging slowly for example suggests the dog is feeling a little nervous or hesitant. A high tail moving quickly and stiffly, especially if the rest of their body is stiff, can even be a precursor to aggression. Never take a wagging tail alone as a sign the dog is happy for you to approach, take the rest of their body language into account and if you're unsure give them space.

22/06/2021

"My dog won't come back when I call!!!" 🐕

LET'S TALK RECALL!! 🐾

When teaching your dog anything it's really important to ask yourself "what does it mean to my dog?". So what does "come" mean?? To you it probably means "turn straight round and come running back to me at top sp*ed anytime I call" (We can dream!).

To your dog it should mean "Woohoo the buffets open!" if your dog is a foodie or "Yes! Game time!" if your dog loves toys.

If your dog isn't coming back when you call then it's usually because "come" means something else to them:

"It's time to go home" (if you only call your dog back at the end of your walk).
"I can't go play with those dogs" (if you only call when you see other dogs).
"My lead is going on" (if you only call them back to put their lead on).
"I'm going to get shouted at" (if your dog finally comes back after invading a picnic and you tell them off).
Or "come" might just be some boring back ground noise they hear when they're off having a great time because we're just not as fun as the other dogs/squirrels/joggers!!

TOP TIPS!! Pick a new recall word and start again. Make it mean "the most fun ever is about to happen with Mum/ Dad." Pair the word with games and treats at home first so when they hear their recall word they come running, then very gradually increase the distractions your dog can come away from and the distance they can come back from. Use a long line to stop your dog practicing not coming back until they're ready and never punish your dog for not coming back. Recall your dog lots throughout your walks, not just at home time.

Need help getting started?? I offer 121 training on recall, get in touch to book a private recall session! 🐾🐕

05/06/2021

Meet Billy! I agreed to look after this little man for 2 weeks while his owner was poorly. That was nearly 4 years ago! He makes us laugh every day, has an opinion on everything and makes the weirdest noises known to dog kind.

Billy was 8 years old when he first came to live with me and had no training, had never been off a lead and hadn't hung out much with other dogs. He has shown you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks as he absolutely loves his training, especially learning new tricks. You'll be seeing a lot more of Billy in our hints and tips videos