Feral Hearts: Animal behaviour and training solutions

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Feral Hearts: Animal behaviour and training solutions

Fully qualified, insured and DBS checked. Hi, I am Jenny (Barker!). I predominantly work with adolescent dogs, or those who are reactive or aggressive.

Dog training & family dog mediation to help you and your dog live together in harmony 🌻🐾

Offering support with surviving adolescence, reactivity and aggression. I am a family dog mediator and trainer offering in-person services to provide practical support for families struggling with their dog's behaviour. I am autistic and am empathetic to making adjustments to training and behaviour plans for

those with neurodiversity or physical disabilities. I hold no judgment in cases where you and your animals' needs may vary and am as passionate about mental health and disability advocacy as I am in your animals' welfare. Working with me will provide you with a dedicated and committed professional, it will also mean I will occasionally go off on a tangent discussing various topics relating to your dog and our 1-hour sessions may take 90 minutes instead (no extra charge for this!) Some of my talents include:
- Falling over my own feet
- Forgetting what I was saying mid-sentence.
- Using descriptive words such as 'Whatsit' and 'thingymabob'
- Being socially awkward
- Remembering your animal's name but forgetting yours (I do try to remember I promise!) :')

But most importantly, I am qualified to consult on behaviour, I am fully insured and DBS checked, I am committed to CPD and I have experience working with:
- Basic 'Life Skills'
- Hyperactivity
- Chronic stress
- Prey drive issues
- Pulling on the lead
- Recall and engagement
- Fear / anxiety-based issues
- Reactivity
- Dog-Dog Aggression
- Dog-human Aggression
- Resource guarding
- Confidence building
- Multi-dog households
+ More

I will work with any breed, from Chihuahua to Collie, Beagle to Doberman, or Terrier to Turkish Kangal! My own dogs are all mixes, and mostly have hound/terrier traits so I'm well-equipped to help with dogs who prefer to be self-employed! If you want to discuss your and your dog's needs don't hesitate to contact me, we can discuss what you're looking for support with with no obligation to book with me. Located in Nottinghamshire, NG16 postcode. And cover areas including, but not limited to: Brinsley, Eastwood, Underwood, Jacksdale, Pinxton, Mansfield, Langley Mill, Heanor, Ilkeston, Kimberly, Matlock, Cromford, Alfreton, Selston, Blidworth, Ravenshead, Hucknall, Newstead +More! Services and fees are available a www.feralhearts-horses.com - June 2024 fees are from £50

07505000709

09/08/2024

All the d***y teenage boys in one place. 🤪

Feel like they make 'Funny face friday' a thing. 🤣

08/08/2024

Gorgeous little Casper 😍

I met with Casper and his hoomum this week to explore his intermittent fear based reactivity.

Casper missed out on his socialisation period as a pup in his last home, and as a result, he is wary of a fair few things out of the house now.

That said, he is most certainly a Terrier (even if he doesn't fully realise it bless him!) and is a very happy boy when scenting for squirrels or chasing a ball. Doing these things, he forgets for a moment about how nervous he is and really comes to life. ❤️

With Casper, we utilised play to help start feeling safer and changing his behaviour around other dogs and people. If it motivates them and they enjoy it, use it!

We also began working to teach casper to feel more comfortable taking treats out of the home, too. This is something that can need to be taught! While playing with toys is a perfectly good reinforcer, there are some moments when Casper being able to and enjoy taking food would make life easier, so it's definitely a skill worth working on.

He did so good, and we managed to have a fairly low-pressure session, making sure to mix up controlled exposure with plenty of time to chill in between.

Casper totally made my day when he started taking some sausage pieces off me! Huge win considering how disgusted he was by the treats when we first offered them 🥰

07/08/2024

Lots of really amazing default choices from Penny (spaniel) this evening at our reactive dog class.

She's picked up really well that if she sees a trigger she can choose to move away, ask her mum for help, or look at her mum and sit for a treat.

She's getting much better at not getting herself 'stuck' in social situations She's not comfortable with.

Kali (Doberman) did amazing engaging in play, working on some basic obedience around distractions (me running around and falling over my own feet!) And calmly watching things happening around her.

Kali is typical of a 7 month old pup. She is FULL of enthusiasm and it sometimes comes out like a bull in a China shop. 🤣 The great thing about adolescent dogs like this though, is once you can channel that enthusiasm, you have one heck of an awesome dog 😍

If you'd like to join our Disorderly dog classes we do now have spaces. Classes are £65 for 4 weeks, or £40 for existing clients. 🥰

https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/dogtrainingclasses

07/08/2024

Exploring interest for the following classes and workshops:

🐕 Further reactive dog classes (Disorderly Dogs!) Monday and Wednesday evenings 7pm-8pm.

This is suitable for dogs who are fearful, cautious, frustrated, or just lack social skills with people or dogs.

🐕 Confidence building and engagement classes (for nervous pooches!)

🩵💚🩵💚🩵💚🩵💚

🐕 Play (focus and motivation) workshop
🐕 Reactive dog workshop
🐕 Confidence building workshop

Also wondering if there is anyone wanting day time classes?

Let me know below of pop me a message to express your interest.

06/08/2024

Extendable leads!

I don't actually have any issue with them used correctly (Don't kill me 🤣). But I almost hit a dog with the car tonight.

Extendable leads should NEVER be used (especially unlocked) on pavements near the road.

As the dog was walking past a driveway, the dogs on the driveway bolted at the gate barking. This scared the dog on lead, who leapt into the road. Thankfully, I managed to break with a couple of metres to spare. But that's pure luck. If the timing had been any different...

Please, PLEASE, don't put your dog at risk like this. Keep them on a short and secure lead when walking near roads. It doesn't matter how well-behaved your dog is. If something really scares them, they will move away, even if that means moving in front of a car.

06/08/2024

I got to catch up with Brew Dog this morning and hang out with his little sister Loki, too.

Brew is working on his behaviour around people. He has a tendency to get himself 'stuck' by going over to say hi, then freezing and panicking. This can then lead to him having BIG reactions in an attempt to get them to go away.

Previously, we've added in some basic training to help with management around people, and today, we've begun progressing the work with him to start changing his response to having people moving around him and teaching him alternative behaviours.

Brew is a very stoic boy, and his microsignals really do need listening, too. He's not the kind of dog you can make mistakes with.

He did so well today. Especially while I spent time playing chase with Loki, then doing weird things like bending over to pick up stones and leaves (people bending or changing positions can be a big trigger for him!).

11/10 little guy ❤️

06/08/2024

Nothing beats a bit of 3am training.⚡️⚡️⚡️😬

Overhead thunderstorm recipe:

Classic FM (or any other music channel tbf assuming your dog doesn't hate it!) 🎶

Fans directed toward main windows 🌪

Sausage. 🌭

An inconvenient reminder that you need to train when you need to train. Sometimes picking and choosing isn't an option. 😆

05/08/2024

Gorgeous Bob surveying his kingdom.

Tonight's reactive dog class turned into a 121 Bob session due to holidays, illness and forgetfulness. 😂 Bob certainly didn't complain though and seemed to enjoy his field time.

We pulled out the big guns (Larry Labrador our stooge toy) and worked on changing Bob's response to triggers, teaching alternative behaviours to 'reacting' and did some flight training too.

We also did a few confidence building activities, and I tried to wear him down and convince him to play tug with me, but I think he just thought I was utterly stupid asking him to waste his guardian breed energy on that. 😂

I really do love this dog. ❤️

05/08/2024

Just had a last minute cancellation due to illness, so i now have some 121 availability this afternoon if anyone needs any help with anything! Sessions are £50

07505000709

03/08/2024

What an insanely brilliant day 😍

We went to Alex Lato's Schutzhund experience workshop today, and I feel like I spent the whole day just watching all of the dogs have the time. Of. Their. Lives!

Truly awesome trainer, who was so impressive with reading the dogs and adjusting training and games accordingly depending on their needs 👌

It's taken me over a year to find someone doing IGP who I was happy to attend a workshop with, and it was absolutely worth the wait (and 5 hour round trip 😂).

Naturally, I came home and immediately put some of the new skills to use with Kooky dog. Kai is very grateful to Alex for showing his boring mother better ways to play!

Can I do this every day, please? 😅

01/08/2024

Did you know you can get discounts when you buy packages rather than stand-alone sessions? These are ideal for fearful, reactive, or adolescent dogs who have multiple areas to work on or require longer term support. We have 2 package options, Essential or Evolve.

Support package - Essential

Initial Kickstarter Session (60-90 minutes).

5 x in-person follow-up progression sessions (1 hour).

(6 sessions in total equalling up to 3 months of support).

Full detailed history-taking during the Kickstarter session.

Communications with your vet / other professionals in your dog's team where relevant.

Practical and theoretical education and support.

Support with hands-on training, management, and enrichment.

Follow-up support via WhatsApp.

Access to client-only Facebook support and resource group.

Early booking access to events and courses.

Add-on progression sessions are available.

£285 (save 5%)

🌞🌞🌞

Support package - Evolve

Initial Kickstarter Session (60-90 minutes).

11 x in-person follow-up progression sessions (1 hour).

(12 sessions in total equalling up to 6-months of support).

Full detailed history-taking during the Kickstarter session.

Communications with your vet / other professionals in your dog's team where relevant.

Practical and theoretical education and support.

Support with hands-on training, management, and enrichment.

Follow-up support via WhatsApp.

Access to client-only Facebook support and resource group.

Early booking access to events and courses.

Add-on progression sessions are available.

£540 (save 10%)

🌞🌞🌞

https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/supportpackages

01/08/2024

Is that not the most beautiful face you ever saw 😍

I got to meet Flash today to work on his intermittent over reactivity towards people while out of the home.

Flash is an overseas rescue (shepherd mix of some sort, maybe?!), and his family have done wonders with building his confidence, but called me in to see how they can help him progress further.

He is an absolutely awesome dog, and I loved meeting him and his family.

Lack of confidence can often lead to big dramatic reactions, especially when the dog feels it is their only option to make a trigger 'go away'.

Today, we began working to change Flash's views on seeing strangers in the street, and make walks a little more relaxed for everyone! 🥰

Well done, beautiful boy ❤️

01/08/2024

Fed up of your teenager chewing on you?

Here you go! 👇

(Applicable for canine teenagers only. Human teenagers can unfortunately open baby gaits.)

https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/post/excessive-mouthing-in-adolescent-dogs

30/07/2024

What to do if your dog has to go out in the heat (e.g. they won't wee or poo in the garden!!!)

☀️ Take them out for a good walk EARLY before the heat hits.

☀️ Pre-Air condition your car so it's cool, and drive to local shaded areas such as woodland or forests.

☀️ Encourage slow sniffy exploring rather than off lead running.

☀️ Take LOTS of water with you, and cooling coats!

☀️ For p*e and poo walks, keep them as short and shaded as possible.

☀️ Once home, pop on the fan/air con, encourage cooling mat use, provide frozen toys or pools in shade to help them cool down fast.

29/07/2024

Beating the heat!

We have some one to one session availability for the first few weeks of August still if anyone would like to book!

Kickstarter sessions are £50, or you can save by investing in support packages (saving 5% on our Essential package, or 10% on our Evolve package!).

Concerned about the heat, we can do home visits, or outdoor sessions early morning or late evening.

Find out more here: https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/supportpackages

29/07/2024

New blog post! 3 things you can do to help your anxious dog. Read here:

https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/post/things-you-can-to-do-help-your-anxious-dog

28/07/2024

Week 3 of having to reschedule some sessions due to extreme weather. 🥵 🌧

If in doubt, don't go out!

It's way better to be safe than sorry, and your dogs welfare ALWAYS comes first.

I've contacted everyone who I think may need to change sessions, but if you have any worries about going ahead with your appointments, do let me know.

My own dogs will be out early in the morning, then home resting or doing low impact training. So, I do not expect anyone else to do anything different with their own.

I'm starting to think I should have some sort of side hustle for income that is less dependent on British forecast, though. 😂 😂 😂Anyone for an online consult? 😆

27/07/2024

Top tip! If you want a dog who can switch off, make sure that not everything you do is exciting!

We're sat hanging out in the car, people watching while my mum pops into the supermarket. Lot's of sights to see, lots of sounds to hear, lots of scents to smell. But from the safety of the car, where he can calmly observe. 🥰

This is a great socialisation activity for puppies too! 🐶

26/07/2024

It's not often I get a chance to work with Milo around other dogs in a really well controlled setup.

Today, we made the most of Kai's play date and worked on some desensitisation to other dogs. (Thanks, Laura, for agreeing to babysit kai!)

Considering Collies are his ultimutt challenge, along with dogs running and playing, he was absolute perfection, and was mostly focused on how thrilled he was to be getting cheese. Such a happy cheese boi. 🧀

He had a brief greeting through the fence, too. Which he chose. There was a little bark, but he was able to move himself away again and go back to sniffing.

With Milo teaching him that flight (movement away!) Is an option has been our biggest game changer.

Considering we've not worked on this properly for over a year, and the start of his reactivity journey was him losing his mind at the opposite side of a field, I couldn't be happier.

26/07/2024

New blog post: 'How to survive living with a teenage dog.'

25/07/2024

Harry exploring novel objects, with triggers in sight and at a closer proximity during last night's reactive dog class. 💪

We have space for another dog to join our Monday evening sessions if anyone would like to come along. 🥰

24/07/2024

I present a Nottinghamshire Hippo for your enjoyment. 😅

23/07/2024

Beautiful girlie enjoying the sunshine 🌞

When I first met Darcy, she was a teenie tiny pupper. She's turned into such a sweet adult. ❤️

Darcy has regular walks with me, and I absolutely love being able to build that bond with a dog over time, and really get to know them.

We had a session today at a secure field, as she had got a bit nervous again on our last walk (noise sensitivity) so I wanted to make sure we went somewhere today that she felt more confident, and she has had a blast. Happy Darcy = Happy Jenny. 🥰

22/07/2024

Novel recall reinforcement at the ready!

If you're working on recall, but your dog always blows you off It could be that you're using the same kind of treats over again.

Even if you're using high value reinforcement such as fresh meats, or cheese, if its what you use often, or even just every time your dog comes when called it may be that the reinforcement is too predictable, thus, becoming boring.

Sprinkle in a bit of a surprise for your dog every so often, novelty can help with making learning more efficient.

Today I have at the ready some Beef crunch, sprats and a beef testicle 😆

You can buy things specially, or even use your own left overs! It doesn't have to be fancy, just pleasantly unexpected!

20/07/2024

We have accidentally started utilising 'BBT' in evenings to help Kai settle.

BBT = 'Boring biscuit training'.

Steps to boring biscuit training are as follows:

Get some boring biscuits.

Do some boring training.

Said dog gets bored of the biscuits and training, and this helps tired doggo realise that sleep is probably a better option than what their weird hoomun is doing. 😴

I'm not entirely convinced this is a universal 'fix', but it's sure as heck a magical gamechanger for the Kooky dog. 🤣

19/07/2024

How is it that at the start of the week, we had to cancel sessions because of such heavy rain and flooding, and now, sessions are cancelled because of a heat wave. British weather, I tell ya, it needs to make its mind up. 🤣

I'd say I don't know which im least fond of, but as I sit here melting I can say it's 30°c + heat that I prefer least. 🥵 Somebody make it snow for me please ❄️ 😆

A reminder that just like us humans who take SSRI's, dogs taking SSRI's for their emotions/behaviours can also experience heat intolerance. So what's normal warm for them off meds, may be intolerably hot for them on meds.

Stay cool! 💧

18/07/2024

Living with an adolescent dog can be so wonderful, but also incredibly challenging.

If you're anything like me, you'll be split between being totally smitten with your pooch, then the next moment tearing your hair out. 😅

A few things that can help you get through adolescence can include (but is in no way limited to!)...

1. Utilising CONSISTENT Reinforcement of behaviours that are 'appropriate' or that you'd like to see more of. Practice basic cues that you feel are useful for you and your dog regularly, and be ready to capture moments of calm or any 'nice choices'. Consistency really is key to ensuring your dog understands what is needed / expected and helping reduce frustration all round. ❤️

2. Physical Exercise: Adolescent dogs have high energy levels. While taking into account breed specific energy levels and individual needs, ensure that you provide plenty of opportunities for exercise, such as lead walks, playtime at secure fields, and training sessions, to help keep them physically stimulated.

3. Mental Stimulation: Physical Exercise is important, but arguably mental exercise is as if not more so important. Engage your dog's mind with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games. Scent work is a fantastic activity to get your dog 'working' in a way that is accessible for all dogs and owners alike. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviour so it is a vital tool to help you survive those troublesome teenage years!

4. Patience and Understanding: Adolescence can be a challenging time for dogs as they test boundaries. Just like human teenagers, their brains are under development. Theyre going through physical and psychological changes and are still in the process of learning about life. Be patient and understanding, offering gentle boundaries, redirection and guidance. Raising a teenager is hard, but being a teenager is hard too. ❤️

5. Establish consistent Boundaries: Clearly define what is and isn’t accepted within your home. Consistent rules help your dog understand expectations and limits. Look at positive ways to interrupt unwanted behaviours, then once you know what the issue is, you can address it by encouraging alternative behaviours that are not compatible with those that are less desired.

6. Routine and Structure: A predictable routine provides a sense of security and stability for your dog. This doesn't necessarily have to be a case of feeding your dog at bang in 5pm every day, but having a routine that your dog can rely on can help significantly with helping your teenager feel settled and secure. Leading to a reduction in problem behaviours.

7. Safe Chew Toys: Dogs may teeth past a year of age, and naturally enjoy chewing throughout life. Providing appropriate chew toys enables them to satisfy their natural urge to chew and to prevent damage to household items.

8. Let then be 'Naughty': Teenagers push boundaries, it is what it is. You can let them do so in their own way, or you can facilitate it in a way that is safe and non damaging. If your dog likes to do the cheeky 'look what I got!' Dance, then place items around the home that are safe for your dog to 'steal' (e.g. toys, chews, treats, cardboard etc). When they find it and 'steal' it you can be mortified 'Whatcha got there? Let me see!?' - this can feed their desired to push boundaries in a Safe way that helps build your relationship not destroy it.

9. Supervised Independence: Gradually teach your dog to be comfortable alone/doing their own thing for short periods, and enable them to begin making their own good choices. Secure field hire, or activities such as ACE Freework are lovely for this.

10. Sleep: Nowhere near enough adolescent dogs are getting enough sleep. Over tiredness can make dogs frantic, overly reactive, unfocused, and make it difficult for them to learn, relax or even feel safe. If your dog struggles with self regulating and settling to sleep then structured nap times throughout the day may be a huge help. Creating a calm space for your dog to retreat to can aid this well.

11. Monitor Behavior Changes: Be aware of any significant changes in behavior, as these could indicate underlying health issues or stress. Around 85% of behavioural issues involving aggression are thought to be related to pain of some sort, so if in doubt, pop to the vet and rule it out!

12. Avoid Punishment where possible: Focus on what you do want rather than what you dint want and set your dog up to get it right. Remember they're a dog. They have no idea of human values or morals. Nor are they particularly well prepared to live in a human world. Adolescent dogs need support and connection from us, rather than corrections.

13. Talk it out: Dogs aren't stupid, they can make associations fast. They're not sure about your neighbour? No worries. Talk it out. 'That's just our neighbour John. Look, he's washing the car.' - a few repetitions and your dog will learn who 'John' is. You may sound a bit silly narrating life out loud to your dog, but putting words to things can help them out so much.

14. Be a Role Model: If we want a level headed dog, behaving in a level headed way to set the precedent only seems logical. Demonstrate calm, controlled and confident behaviour. Dogs often mirror their humans’s emotions and reactions. You don't need to be superhuman and cope with everything all of the time, but at least being mindful of how our own behaviour influences our dogs behaviour should significantly help with your dog's development. 🥰

Hopefully some of these tips and tricks will be of use, and maybe help you help your adolescent dog navigate this developmental stage more smoothly, coming out the other side with a more positive relationship!

18/07/2024

New testimonial 🥰 Thank you so to Kronk and his hoomuns ❤️

17/07/2024

Happy boy 🥰

Address

Brinsley
Nottingham
NG165AX

Website

https://www.feralhearts-horses.com/, https://linktr.ee/feralhearts_behaviour

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Videos

Good ode' egg lob. 🤣 Excuse my ten thousand recall cues. To be fair, getting him interested this first time was my only goal, and it worked. So next time, maybe I'll just ask once 🤣 Good evidence that when I tell clients not to worry when they apologise for calling multiple times when I told them to just call once, I really am not frustrated by you. I'm just as bad. 🫣😅

I need my dogs to know that when I hurt them, it is not intentional! Having a good apology that your dog understands is important. It can be as much as 'I'm sorry', or bigger apologies where needed. What your dog benefits from will be based on their specific preferences and learning history. This big of an apology may freak some dogs out. But for kai it is perfect. I am clumsy, kai is fast. Sometimes, I mess up. And that moment of 'sorry' is needed. Taking the time to say it, in whatever way works for you and your dog can make a huge difference to your relationship though. And of course, your training too! How do you say sorry to your dog?

Perfect place for a hot day 🥰

Milo In his happy place. Let's talk about nightmare dogs and meeting their needs... 🥰

Buddy and I had a training walk today. We popped through the park and walked up to the garden centre. He did some super amazing lead walking, and is really good generally now when there are no people or dogs around. He sat and watched a couple of dogs walk past him at close proximity really well, and we walked past a fair few people nicely, too. Find those glimmers and hold onto them. The tiny moments are what you build up from. 🥰

A little moment from today. ❤️ If Buddy could run over to everyone he saw, then he would be one happy dog. But he'd also be a pest and likely to get himself into trouble he is not equipped to deal with. To deal with this, some of the things being done to help buddy include: 🐶 Providing appropriate social outlets so he gets dog time with friends. 🐶 Teaching loose lead walking (A work in progress, he is a bird dog, after all! But it is coming on!). 🐶 Reinforcing engagement with his handler around distractions. 🐶 Providing him with opportunities to observe and learn from his environment, engage/disengage training games have their limits and sometimes we have to allow for actual social skills to be developed to avoid having to micromanage forever more. Considering Buddy just turned 1 year, he is doing so good. Raising adolescent dogs can be so hard. Being an adolescent dog is so hard. At 12 months old, they look adult, and we expect a lot. The reality is their brains are still developing, and they have a lot of learning and understanding left to do. ❤️ Here, I talk Buddy through the situation using a calm (and let's face it fairly monotone 😅) voice. From reinforcement history this let's him know what we're doing ('watching') and when he's doing good. Being able to communicate predictability can be so helpful for all dogs, but especially those who need more guidance due to age or big emotions.

Is your dog part kangaroo? Fed up of being leaped all over? Jumping up can cause joint issues in young dogs, so even if it's something you don't mind, if it becomes excessive, it's good to address it so as to avoid long-term health issues. There are plenty of ways to approach this, and it can actually be quite a fun thing to work on for you and your dog. 🥰

Such beautiful shift in focus from possible 'prey' Then back to our walk together. Usually kronk manages a lot closer than this, but in this instance the birds were flapping around quote dramatically and I was really impressed when he managed to stay composed! 😍 So long as the line stays loose and relaxed and your dog doesn't appear to be escalating allowing them to calmly observe is so valuable ❤️

Buddy making really good choices today. Being able to watch a dog pass without flinging himself around is a big deal. Don't get me wrong, this is a 'best moment' video. There were some very, veeeeery messy moments, too 🤣 But we're most certainly making progress thanks to his hoomums dedication. ❤️ Living with a teenage dog is hard. But being a teenage dog is also really hard too. Thankfully with good management, behavioural outlets and training the teenage phase passes! Those who have struggled with teenage dogs will most likely agree that progress usually goes unnoticed for a while, then you'll go 'oh, I've not cried/lost my sh*t/felt things are unbearable' for a while. 😅 In some dogs adolescence can last until they're around 4! So lots of deep breaths may be required!!! 🫣

Such a lovely training walk with Kronky Dog today 😍 🌳☁️🌳 ☀️ 🌳☁️🌳

Love these moments of coexistence during breaks in play. Makes a big difference between healthy play and play that needs carefully micromanaging etc. When Kali first met Kai she would leap on him non stop (just a normal baby dog learning the ropes), now she's really figuring out that if she does that, she'll get ignored once Kai has had enough or if she gets too much, Which is helping her develop a little bit of an off switch. She's still a baby doing baby dog stuff, but she's really nowhere near as pushy with play, or her teef, which is lovely. 😅 ❤️ Such a great pup. 🥰 #foxhoundmixofinstagram #dobermanpuppy #playtime

Sometimes kai gets stuck when he spots dogs he wants to go over to greet. Giving him a moment, and then asking what he wants to do, vs telling him he has to move away means he can make a decision to move away and learn from it. Time wins here, over micromanagement. Note, he gets to sit and observe here because he's watching, BUT his lead is loose, he's not pulling toward his 'trigger' and everyone is in one place (e.g. none of the dogs are moving toward us, we're not in anyone's way etc). I love these little moment of learning. ❤️

Trying to capture how much freedom kai gets off lead. But I couldn't get him to leave me alone. 🤣🤣 And yes. That's without a shock collar, and with a hound mix who is led by his nose!

Little Baby dog learning to play with big baby dog ❤️ How do you spot healthy play between dogs? You should be able to observe over a period of time that the dogs will swap roles, sometimes being the chased, sometimes being the chaser. You should be able to consistently see the dogs' self handicapping, e.g. making themselves vulnerable or matching the other dogs' ability (e.g. slowing down, rolling over onto their backs, allowing the other dog to mouth their throat etc). There should he switches between activities, from higher arousal play, to more peaceful interactions, and they should be able to switch off from each other and parrelle play / explore / relax as well. Meta signals are also super important. That's where the dogs exaggerate their movements to show that they are no threat to each other and that they want to play a game rather than harm each other. ❤️ You won't see all of this in a 30-second clip. If the dogs are together a while, then you should see all of these signs of healthy play at some point, though. Some dogs with inept social skills may need support learning healthy play, this can be done with slow and steady introduction to play mates, confidence building, helping with development of social skills and consent tests between the dogs. 🥰

I shared this video with a friend earlier. Kai came and showed me his find, parading it. I'd only left him alone for about 2 minutes. 🤣 my friend commented on how calm my response was considering he'd totally destroyed the muzzle. (He loooves the muzzle as muzzle = pate, so I should have known that when I put it down after a session and he watched me we were in for trouble.) 😅 From my perspective yeah, this is less than ideal to say the least 🤣 But whats done was done, and If I'm daft enough to leave something accessible for my theiving hound, then I only have myself to blame when my dog is a dog. There are tonnes of strategies to prevent this kind if thing. Where your dog steals and chews something of some sort of value to you. Leaving items your dog may want to steal within their reach is not one of them. 🫣 We can never blame a dog for being a dog. One of my favourite strategies for theiving hounds is to hide items around the house that are actually for them to find and 'steal', this has to be done carefully if your dog is a resource guarder, but if they're just typical cheeky teens then it can satisfy their desire to steal stuff in a way that is non destructive, and by the time they're done stealing the 'legal' items, they don't care about the 'illegal' items so much. Kai chewing Milo's muzzle up has reminded me I've not done that for him for a while. 🫣🤣🤣🤣 If I'd seen him stealing or chewing it, I'd have used an positive interruption and traded. Or probably gone 'whatcha doin?', 'shall we not?'. By the time he's chewed it up, carried it through 3 rooms I'm a tad late for that response. So we just shrug it off and trade so he doesn't eat it!. 🙈

I am no gundog trainer. But we had muddy, MUDDY fun. 🥰 Breed Specific outlets such as this, even if only done to basic levels for fun, can have a significant impact on your dogs wellbeing. ❤️

I am no gundog trainer. But we had fun! Muddy, MUDDY fun. 😅

Mr. Kronk had a bit of an off tummy today, so we stayed mostly home based and spent time playing some nosework games. 🥰 At one point, he went to the front door and sat waiting for me to put his harness on, so we then went for a short potter out and did some low impact training and people watching. Kronk is intermittently reactive, born mostly from frustration. So I thought we'd not ask too much of him out and about with him feeling a bit rough, but we had a fair few people, a dog and a bike go past us and he was an absolute superstar. 🌟 He definitely has plenty left to work through, but he really is doing so well, and I do love getting time with him regularly. He's such a sweet boy. 🥰

Does your dog: Run off? Chase wildlife? Get distracted by scents? Ignore you? Recall can be tricky, especially in adolescent dogs or independent breeds. There is lots we can do to make a recall more reliable, though. For me, recall is an essential skill, even if you don't ever let your dog off lead! It means you can call them away from potential dangers or easily change direction without having to pull or manhandle them. It's useful on lead AND off. If you want help building a reliable recall, pop me a message to see how I can help. In the meantime, some FREE tips! 🐾 Start off in a low distraction environment. 🐾 Use high value rewards for when they come over to you (e.g. fresh meat!) 🐾 Don't ignore the check ins. Reinforce even the smallest glance in your direction to begin. 🐾 Utilise a secure field or a long line (5 or 7 metres is perfect). 🐾 Don't constantly call them. Nagging gets you nowhere. To start with, only call them when you KNOW they will be able to respond. 🐾 If they don't respond, don't keep calling them again and again! Once is enough. If it doesn't get a response, then explore why. And try again. 🐾 Get out and practice. Don't put it off just because you feel it won't go great. You'll get there sooner the more you do, even if it isn't perfect! 🐾 Try to have fun! Recall can be the most fun thing to teach your dog and do wonders for your relationship 🥰 Share if you think someone will benefit from these tips! Or tag them in the comments 👇❤️ Want help? Contact me! ☎️ 07504000709 www.feralhearts-horses.com

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Dog walking and enrichment service.

One on one dog walking and home visit / enrichment service based in Brinsley (near Eastwood) Nottinghamshire, UK.

Hi, I’m Jenny. I am a fully insured, DBS checked dog walker who has special interest in animal behaviour and training. I have two of my own puppas; Rita our now blind 13 year old Staffy X Collie (apparently!?) girly and Milo my Jack Russle X Whippet boy. Both were ‘rescues’ with vary different backgrounds who came to with various issues and who have taught me a LOT about coping with and helping the more fearful, anxious and reactive dogs. I’ve been lucky to have always been able to walk my own two pups myself but I have always worried about who I could trust with them if I was ever in the position to have to find someone else to help me out because of their complex needs (I mean who would want to put up with the pair of them?!). That’s why I wanted to offer this service. To provide people with a reliable and kind dog walker who is understanding and compassionate about behaviour and training.

Each walk or home enrichment session will be bespoke, made to fit you and your dogs unique needs. Pop me a message or give me a call to discuss what you’re looking for.

Specialising in:

One on one (or ‘one family’) dog walking offered - meaning we limit the anxiety of your puppa having to interact with unknown dogs.

‘Bordom breakers’ enrichment service available for those doggos who are elderly or want a day off walking but still want some company and to be let out for p*es and poos in the garden.

Force Free, Science-based approach (Avoidance of corrections and punishment).

Positive Reinforcement with a ‘least intrusive, minimally aversive’ (LIMA) approach.

Dogs are walked from their own home in their local area meaning no anxiety of traveling in a van to unknown places.

Qualifications and memberships:

Pet Professional Guild Multi-Species Training professional.

Karolina Westlund’s Illis ‘Getting Behaviour’ course graduate.

I am a Natural Animal Centre Equine (horse) behaviourist (stage 1 certified) which holds a lot of similarities when it comes to topics such as learning theory, neuroscience and the physiology of behaviour etc. I am in the process of studying the stage 2 NAC equine behaviour course before investing in their canine behaviour qualification. Studying this is what inspired me to learn more about my dogs behaviour and led me to set up this service.

I am commited to continuing professsional development and learning as much as I can to provide a high quality service for you and your dog.