Speaking Spaniel - Personalised Training Programmes

02/04/2024

Resource Guarding

Does your dog resource guard?

Resource guarding is when someone or something possesses an item and gets annoyed if someone else tries to take it.

In dogs the most common times this can become evident is if:
• We try and take away food, toys or treats that we have given them away
• They have picked up something that isn’t theirs and we try and get it back from them
• They have been allowed to sit or lie in a place and then we don’t want them to for a specific reason and try to move them even verbally or physically even if it is for a short time.
In these instance your dog may stare at you, growl snap or bite to tell you they do not want to give it up. This is what can be classed as resource guarding in dogs as these are the only ways they can communicate that they are unhappy with your decision.

Humans also resource guard and get equally annoyed when someone else tries to take away something (a resource) such as:
• A waiter tries to take away our plate or glass before we are finished with it
• Someone sitting in a chair or at a desk you normally sit in.
• Putting out a towel on a sunbed when on holiday and someone removes it
• If another person is taking up your friend or partners time when you are with them.

In these instances, we don’t usually growl snap or bite, but we may scowl, huff and puff, say no, tell them they are out of order or pretend to ignore (while quietly seething inside)

Both us and our dog are feeling the same emotions but due to our species and previous learning we deal with these and other resource guarding situations in the only way we know how.

In humans it rarely becomes overly aggressive or physical as we have learned to contain ourselves on animals, they do not naturally have those skills.

I am not saying resource guarding in dogs should allowed to get to the stage of growling snapping and biting but is our responsibility to ensure that your dog does not feel the need to resource guard.

With puppies or new dogs that are not showing these behaviours you can start of your relationship by managing their environment to avoid situations that may occur by;
• Not taking away food, treats or toys you have given them to your dog. Why would you need to do this?
• Keeping dangerous or precious items out of the reach of your dog so you don’t have to challenge them for what they may think of a “treasure”. They do not have any concept of what is valuable to us or dangerous to them.
• Teach them that they may be required to move off the sofa or bed or to allow someone else to join them when required.

If your dog already has these tendencies, you will require professional training or behaviour support to modify these behaviours.

Just as some humans may require behaviour adjustment assistance if their reactions are unreasonable.

For further advice or support with resource guarding contact Gill 07595217299 or [email protected]

25/03/2024

I have a few remaining spaces in April for one to one training for your puppy or dog.

1 hour sessions will be held in an appropriate location around Clanfield

Whether you require help with:
* Recall
* Lead walking
* Greetings with people or other dogs
* Focus & communication issues

I can help you understand why your dog causing the issue and provide you with ways to improve the situation. I would recommend a minimum of one session per issue. If you would like to cover more than one issue you may wish to book three weekly sessions

These sessions are for helping with individual training issues and are not suitable for multiple or behaviour issues such as reactivity you would require a full training or behaviour support programme

1hr Sessions £45
3 x 1 hour Sessions £125

To book a session contact Gill 07595217299 or gill@speakingpuppy,co.uk

For full details of all my one to one programmes see www'speakingpuppy.co.uk

20/03/2024

If you are looking for a dog trainer or any professional service really a good one will be happy to ask all of your questions. Thanks to Aileen from the Perfect Puppy Company for this great post

Questions I get asked as a dog trainer...

❓what do you charge?
❓when are you available?

Questions I 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 get asked as a dog trainer...

❓what teaching methods do you use?
❓what qualifications/formal education do you have?
❓what practical experience do you have?
❓are you a member of any professional body?
❓will you physically punish my dog if he gets it 'wrong'?
❓what equipment will you use to teach my dog?
❓do you use tools like slip leads, prong collars, e-collars on any dog?
❓what ongoing support do you offer?
❓have you dealt with this issue before & with what results?
❓what do you charge?
❓when are you available?

Not all training is the same. Not all dog trainers are the same. Some have undertaken formal, externally assessed qualifications. Some haven't. Some are members of professional bodies with educational and ethical standards. Some aren't. Some will set your dog up to succeed and focus on building new behaviours. Some will set your dog up to fail and use physical punishment (or the threat of it) to suppress those 'wrong' behaviours.

Dog training the UK is an unregulated industry and the only way you can determine who to trust with your dog and who aligns with your own personal ethics is to ask questions. Lots of them. No responsible professional should ever mind being interviewed for the role of your dog's trainer. If they are reluctant to answer, vague or evasive that tells its own story.

Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision about who is a good fit for you & your dog. Don't assume every trainer is the same. Ask (the right) questions. You owe it to your dog.

19/03/2024

An excellent post thanks Lee

18/03/2024

Does taking your dog for a walk or run getting you down?

Does your dog pull on the lead or their is recall hit and miss?

If so I am offering a single 1 hour 1-2-1 training session for only £50 or a block of 3 sessions for £125 for puppies and dog of any age.

On all sessions booked by 1st April 2024

Theses sessions can cover loose lead walking, recall or other exercise training dilemmas and will be held in my training field or in Canfield. (home visits for multiple or more complex issues can be covered if you book a training or behaviour support programme.

To book a session or block contact Gill via the website below, by calling 07595 217299 or emailing [email protected].

For full details about me and all of my other programmes

Your puppy or adolescent dog goes through many changes during their first year which are individual to each dog A one to one training programme is a perfect way help you understand why your dog does things & how to modify these behaviours so you can achieve your life long goals for your family. Cove...

05/03/2024

Thank you to Dog Trainer Lee for a great post

04/03/2024

Do you want a happy, energetic and fun spaniel or Cockapoo who is also a loving and relaxed family member?

I am sure the answer is YES

Many of my clients have the same issues.
The three most popular issues I get asked to help with:
* Pulling on the lead
* Poor recall in distracting environments
* Over excited greetings

Once these issues are addressed and I have assessed that there are no underlying health or specific fear or anxiety issues life with you dog becomes far less stressful.

Our dogs live very restrictive lives as part of a family because due to society restrictions and busy lifestyles. Just as we have but we are allowed more freedom to choose

Most of the things they do are constrained by us or the law, so we decide:
* What and when they eat
* When where and how and the type of exercise or fun they have
* Where they sleep and for how long
* If they have a “social” life
* How much time and interaction they have with us
* When or if they get medical or other help or support

When written like this it sounds harsh, but thankfully most of our dogs will be happy to accept this if we meet their essential needs are met.

Dogs (and humans) need:
* Ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and energy and this may not be fully met by a wholly processed diet.
* To be protected from discomfort and exposure, this is met by them having a warm and comfortable house and bed to sleep in
* Care if suffering from pain, injury, or disease this is met by our love and the assistance of vets or other health professionals when required.
* To be kept safe from fear and distress whenever possible, as our dogs are not allowed to behave in a way they would naturally do in these situation (society won’t allow it)
* To be allowed to express normal behaviours in a safe and appropriate manner as allowing them to behave in their natural way may cause damage to others, injury to them or stress and upset to you.

Saying that the three issues mentioned can be addressed by us understanding and ensuring our dog is getting their needs met especially being allowed to express normal behaviours and sometimes fear.

The others are usually met and are readily accepted by our dog as it saves them having to do it.

Pulling on the lead
This may be because your dog:
* Is looking for a mate
* Is on the hunt for food or fun
* Is fearful or anxious and is trying to find the source or get away from it

Poor recall
This maybe because your dog:
* Is a working (hunting breed) such as a spaniel or spaniel cross breed and they are switched on to “dog” mode
* Thinks the environment is more fun than you are
* Thinks or knows coming back to you means the end of the fun.

Over excited greetings
This maybe because your dog:
* Has missed you even after a short period of time
* Wants to reconnect with their family or connect with new people
* Got distressed or fearful while you were away

These are all natural behaviours of all dogs but in the confined environment in which we live with our dogs can cause stress and unhappiness.

The way we meet our dog’s needs and how we respond to their reactions to them not being met can be rectified with the help of a knowledgeable trainer or behaviourist.

If you would like to speak with me to get 1-2-1 support or help with these or any other issues please contact me via my website https://www.speakingspaniel.co.uk/contact-us-1 or 07595217299 [email protected]

I have a programmes suitable for spaniels, Cockapoos or other spaniel crossbreeds from 8 week old
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Personalised one to one puppy, adolescent & dog training or behaviour support programmes & training packages for spaniels, crossbreeds & cockapoos. Covering recall, lead walking, puppy training, confidence, communication & relationship building or more. Contact me today to book a free support call

27/02/2024

A really helpful post from Dog Trainer Lee, Thanks Lee

26/02/2024

Do you have a spaniel or Cockapoo puppy or are thinking about adding one to your family.

Speaking Spaniel specialises in all types of spaniel, Cockapoos and other spaniel mixes and has a one to one programme or video call for whatever stage you are at.

I am here to help you whether you are:
• Deciding what puppy will suit your family
• Waiting and planning their homecoming
• Finding the first few days hard and need help with their transition into your life
• Struggling with toilet training, chewing, biting or other puppy behaviours
• Needing support with bonding or building sleeping, resting or feeding routines
• Ready to start training and building their confidence in different situation
• Just finding it hard and you need someone to help and listen to you

My personalised one to one puppy services include:
• Puppy Preparation & Welcome Programme – 2 x 60-minute video sessions (these can be purchased individually if required).
Preparation Session (before collection)– to answer questions on preparing your home, buying the things you really need, planning for the home coming
Welcome Session (once your puppy has arrived home) – to discuss anything you need support with during the first few days of them joining your family.
• Puppy Programme for puppies from 8 weeks – 4 personalised sessions 1 x 90 minute & 3 X 60 minute held at your home prior to vaccinations and in the local area if completed. This programme may cover toilet training, biting, chewing and any other puppy behaviours, also helping with routines for sleep, rest, exercise and feeding if required and support with building your relationship, communication, and confidence with your puppy
• Puppy Plus Programme for puppies from 12 weeks 9or once they are vaccinated) –
4 personalised sessions 1 x 90 minute held at your home to discuss any issues you may have & 3 X 60 minute held in the local area to help with confidence, recall, lead walking and learning about the real world. We can also cover anything else that you may require support with

I would love to speak with you to discuss anything puppy.

If you would like to please contact me via my website https://www.speakingspaniel.co.uk/contact-us-1, call Gill 07595217299 or email [email protected]
As well as the above I offer Speaking Spaniel personalised one to one training or behaviour support programmes for spaniels. Cockapoos or other spaniel mixes of any age

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19/02/2024

Do we confuse our dogs with our inconsistent messages?

I believe in certain situations we do

Our dogs are so amazing most of them and for most of the time they put up with our unpredictable ways. They put up with us moving the goal posts and in some cases changing the parameters depending on our moods or current schedules.

But we can still get annoyed when they behave in a way that we accept in certain situations but in others we would rather they didn't.

Some examples of situations where we may expect our dog to behave differently but as far as they are concerned they are doing the same thing, it is us who have decided we want a different behaviour in different situations.

Lead walking
On a walk if your dog pulls ahead of you you may find it annoying, but if you are in a hurry you may can resort to pulling your dog along.

This is such a contradiction and is bound to confuse any dog as they don't know how much time you have for any particular walk they just want to enjoy it
It is a fact most dogs naturally walk faster than humans and they are very interested in the environment. They may need to move on or stop to investigate it. But sometimes they are asked to slow down & others hurried along. How confusing is this?

To assist with this I suggest:
* Learning to loose lead walk with your dog
* If you are short of time plan your walk by time rather than distance so they can enjoy the walk at their pace rather than them being hurried along

Your dog wants to run up to people or other dogs.
Many people allow their puppy or dog to greet any dog or person they meet and most of the time this may work out fine, until they want to meet something or someone who you don't want them to meet for whatever reason.

This is particularly confusing for puppies and young dogs as for the first few month most people are happy as most people cannot resist a puppy. They get used to this until the day comes when we decide for whatever reason we don't want them to run up to a particular dog or person so we hold them back which could cause frustration. Your dog wont understand the difference.

To help your puppy or dog understand I suggest:
* Building a strong and fun relationship with them so they do not need to look elsewhere for enjoyment.
* Teaching your dog from as early as possible to wait until being invited or allowed to greet dogs and people once you have checked it is ok for them to do so.

Barking
Barking is a behaviour that is the natural way dogs communicate to other dogs or us if they have heard, seen or they are unsure of.

We are inconsistent because if it something we know or think we know is not a threat we may try and stop them barking which can cause frustration or make them think we are worried too. Otherwise we don't mind and we are happy they have alerted us to something we needed to know such as a threat of some sorts.

To your dog they are doing exactly the same thing for the same reason but we react totally differently. We do not want to stop the dog communicating though as it may save you or them

So your dog barks I suggest:
* You learn to understand why they are and the ways to reduce the duration of barking depending on what they are telling you or others.

There are many other ways we contradict ourselves with our dogs. If we were to be more consistent and help them learn what is expected in different situations without causing them pain or fear. You will both find life far less like a battle.

For help with understanding your spaniel, cockapoo or spaniel cross breed or.to learn how to communicate in a consistent manner Gill can help see www.speakingspaniel.co.uk for details of one to one programmes or call 07595217299

15/02/2024

If you are planning on adding puppy into your family and want to give them the best start to their life with you .

My new Puppy Preparation and Welcome Programme could be what you are looking for.

It includes 2 x 60 minute online video sessions.

Session 1 Preparation - To take place before puppy arrives home.
We can cover:
* Preparing you home for their arrival
* What you need for them such as bedding toys, food and other equipment
* Any advice the family may need to help with the settling in process
* What to expect during the first few days as it can be quite a challenge if un prepared
* How to transport them home
* Things you may need to know about spaniels or Cockapoos
And any other question you may have

Session 2 Welcome - To take place a few.days after arrival
You will possibly want to cover issues and practicalities including:
* Toilet training
* Sleep, rest and feeding routines
* Dealing with natural behaviours such as biting, chewing and jumping up
* Bonding and relationship building
And any other issues you may have.

Puppy Preparation and Welcome can be booked as a stand alone programme or will entitle you a £25 discount if you book a face to face Puppy Programme

The programme is only £60 and will help make you and your puppies first few days more enjoyable and less of a challenge.

For details of all Speaking Spaniel programmes or to contact me see www.speakingspaniel.co.uk

14/02/2024

💖💝 dogs can't help acting on impulse 💝💖

Happy Valentine's day to you, dog lovers.

If anyone loves us without make-up, without brushing our hair or washing our faces, it's our dogs.

One thing that never fails to make me laugh is when I see dogs doing the dog stuff that *always* seems to surprise their humans.

You know... Fenton chasing deer through Richmond Park... that delicious Golden Retriever in the muddy snowy hole in Scotland who refuses to get out... and the countless stories I read on social media on a daily basis where the dog has basicallly buggered off to do dog stuff.

You know the type...

"I let my dog off lead yesterday, but he ran off and had relations with a bichon on the other side of the park!"

or, "My dog polished off a full tray of used cat litter yesterday!"

One thing that never fails to surprise me is just how surprised people are that they live with a dog.

You know, like what did you expect him to do with the bichon, Vicky? Invite her to tea for scones and sandwiches?

Dogs are gonna Dog.

It is NEVER a surprise to me that when given a choice, dogs do the most Dog Thing available to them in the moment.

You know, like, "Should I go lie down in the living room, or take this freshly roasted chicken that these humans have clearly left here to cool off for me?"

That kind of thing.

"Should I just walk past next door's dogs in their garden like we're not all descended from wolves, or should I bark at them like my life depended on it?"

Dogs are gonna Dog.

Most of our lives are spent teaching them Not To Dog.

But when we least expect it, there they are, Being A Dog to the best of their ability.

Sure, you can teach them to resist their impulses and Be Less Dog. That's useful so we don't all end up in trouble, at the vet or in court. Being A Little Less Dog when people are having a picnic and they're off lead and roaming free around the park, well, that would be ace, for example.

And, should they decide they cannot resist the delight of going and stealing everything from some strangers' romantic déjeuner à deux, it would be also ace if they didn't do the most dog thing they could do in the moment and resist all attempts to stop them scoffing the lot or guarding it from the people who'd prepared it.

I thought I was too old to be surprised by anything much these days. Turns out this is wrong. I'm constantly surprised by the sheer number of people who have high hopes that their Dog won't Dog whenever they can.

Dogs are ace, but expecting them to do the decent thing all the time, that's kind of silly.

Don't be surprised if your dog does the Ultimate Dog Thing this Valentine's Day... it's up to us to teach them and support them in deciding what's dangerous and what's not.

And if you have a dog who rarely grabs your shoes and chews the lot, who never dribbles on the couch, who never pees up somebody's curtains, who never absconds after a rabbit, who never barks at a strange man on the horizon, make sure you remember just how special that is.

It's hard work fitting into a human world.

Big love to all the dogs who resist the urge to chow down on a freshly laid cat turd buffet or roll in eau de fermented fox poo today (and you, their guardians, of course!)

13/02/2024

What are the most challenging behaviours your spaniel, cockapoo or other spaniel cross exhibits?

Is it:
* Pulling on the lead
* Unreliable recall in distracting locations
* Barking
* Restlessness in the home
* Anxiety in different situations

These are the 5 issues I get asked about most frequently.

Some of these may identified due to breed characteristics but as your dog is as individual to others of the same breed as you are to other humans even close family.

Therefore with all the dogs I work with I consider the breed specific instincts which gives me a a starting point but then look deeper for their individual "whys".

These whys could include:
* There individual personality as just like us they can be very similar or different from their siblings
* How and where they were bred and if they lived with their family group until they were old enough to leave.
* The personality and temperament of their parents and previous generations.
* The environment they live in such as space they have, the family dynamics and their routine.
* The amount and type of exercise or mental stimulation they receive.
* Known or unknown health or medical reasons.
There could be other "whys" that may be identified when working with any dog and their family.

That is why my programmes are personalised so we can identify as many "whys" as we can so move forward from your challenges.

If you would like further information on my programmes and how I can help you both or would like to speak with me see www.speakingspaniel.co.uk or call 07595217299

08/02/2024

Valentine Offer for the love of your life
20% Off One to One Spaniel & Puppy Essentials Course

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06/02/2024

The world of Cockapoos

Cockapoos are cute and amazing dogs that is why they are so popular and I love working with them.

Cockapoos even though they are very popular they are not a currently a registered breed with the UK Kennel Club. They are a mix between a cocker spaniel and a poodle or a combination of these and other cockapoos. Because of the variation of bloodlines they therefore cannot be grouped and categorised as a breed.

So they can vary considerably in size, temperament and coat depending on:
• The percentage of spaniel and poodle in the breeding which can be 50/50 which is where the parents were a cocker spaniel and a poodle or much more poodle or spaniel where the breeding has been between a full bred spaniel or poodle with a cockapoo or any combination of spaniel or poodle crossbreeds being bred with each other.
• The type of spaniel which can either be a show or working type and their personality can vary depending on the type of spaniel or spaniels are in their bloodline. Puppies from working type spaniels may have more of a hunting instinct than ones with show type bloodlines.
• The size may also be a surprise depending on whether the poodle parent was a toy miniature, standard poodle or a combination and this may not be evident when they are small puppies and by just looking at the parents. I have seen small cockapoos and also ones that are very tall and look like a Labradoodle (labrador poodle cross)
• The coat may also vary as the more poodle in the mix often means the coat is curlier but not always and with first crosses where the parent is a full spaniel and a full poodle the coat may be silkier like the spaniel and more prone to shedding which is important if you are choosing a cockapoo because it for a dog that doesn’t shed as much for allergy reasons.

This means that unless your breeder has a “family tree” of both parents fully grown dog may look or act differently to the one you maybe expected.

As well as the above there are some other things to consider with cockapoos.
• Both spaniels and poodles regardless of the type or size were originally bred as hunting dogs so cockapoos are intelligent dogs that need regular exercise of their body and their brain and if they don’t they can become anxious which can show up as behaviours such as chewing, barking or restlessness.
• Being a hybrid or mixed breed they could inherit conditions that are known in both original breeds such as hip and elbow dysplasia or ear and eye issues. It is not always the case that crossbred dogs are healthier than pure bred dogs and genetics does not work like this. Therefore it is important to choose a breeder who uses health checked parents.
• Because of the breeding many cockapoos have curly poodle coats which are a positive because they don’t shed hair as much as some other breeds, but the coat requires daily grooming my you to stop the coat getting matted and uncomfortable and regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep the coat in good condition. This will add to the lifetime cost.

Even with the above the many millions of cockapoos in the world prove that these dogs can be fabulous dogs who give their families years of fun and companionship because they are:
• Beautiful and fun
• Happy and affectionate
• Intelligent and trainable
• Adaptable to different living environment as long as their exercise, mental and emotional needs are met.

If you are getting a Cockapoo or already have one and require preparation, training or behaviour support please contact [email protected] 07595217299 or book a Free 20 minute support call https://calendly.com/speakingspaniel_speakingpuppy/20-minute-phone-consultation

30/01/2024

🐶🐾 Speaking Spaniel - Personalised Training Programmes 🐾🐶

Calling all Spaniel lovers in Waterlooville, Havant, Fareham,
Emsworth, Hayling Island, Portsmouth, and Petersfield! 📢

Are you a proud parent of a Cocker Spaniel, Springer, Cockapoo,
Sprocker, or any other spaniel crossbreed? 🐾❤️

Whether you're a seasoned owner or a new puppy parent, our tailored 1-2-1
programmes support you and your furry friend every step of the
way. 🎓🐕

Our programmes specialise in understanding the unique
personalities, needs, and natural instincts of Spaniels and
Cockapoos. We've got you covered from lead walking to recall
training and engaging in spaniel-specific exercises. 🌟🏃‍♂️🎾

Even if you're starting with a brand-new bundle of fluff, our puppy
programmes cater to puppies from 8 weeks old, focusing on
building strong relationships, communication skills, and confidence. 🐾🐶

Let's embark on this pawsome journey together! Feel free to drop
us a message to learn more about how we can help unleash your
Spaniel's full potential. 💌🐾
🐾🎓

29/01/2024

Do you have a “cocky” Cocker, a “springy” Springer, a “crazy” Cockapoo?

Speaking Spaniel is here to help you understand what makes them or any other spaniel or spaniel cross breed tick and how to make your life together happy and fulfilling.

Spaniels are amazing dogs they have bags or personality, buckets of love, tons of natural hunting skills but can also be super sensitive to changes in environment and living conditions.

This means they can be quite complex if these traits are not considered or given an outlet during their day-to-day living.

Spaniels were originally bred to work with farmers and gamekeepers to hunt and collect game and many still do therefore the spaniel and often Cockapoo in your home is a hunter that needs to be able to fulfil these natural needs.

If they are not given an appropriate outlet for these needs, they may become frustrated or unhappy and find inappropriate outlets such as barking, digging and chasing things they shouldn’t.

But if they are given these opportunities as early as possible, they can become a fabulous family dog who you can spend their lifetime enjoying all of the things you and your family enjoy such as trips to the country, the woods & the beach.

If you have a spaniel, cockapoo or other spaniel mix and would like to learn how to understand them how ensure they live a happy life by fulfilling all their needs Speaking Spaniel has 1-2-1 training or behaviour support programmes for all ages.

For full details of all the programmes or to contact Gill to discuss your needs see www.speakingspaniel.co.uk