Well Heeled Hounds

30/08/2023

It is with very mixed emotions that I am writing this post, the last for Well Heeled Hounds. For many, many reasons, I've made the extremely hard decision to wind up the business.

Whilst I am really excited about my next chapter and challenge, I feel extremely sad to be closing this one.

I've absolutely loved the last 5 years, working with you and your wonderful dogs. I can truly say that I've loved every minute of it and am so happy to have been able to help and support so many of you. It's been a privilege.

Happy walking x

01/08/2023

Just fyi, in case you didn't know the consultation was happening, and would like to express your views 😊

28 July 2023 Residents across Plymouth are being asked for their say on the review of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) designed to reduce dog fouling. The PSPO, which covers dog control as well as enforcement options around fouling, is in place to balance the needs of dog owners with other peo...

26/07/2023

I first worked with this pup when he was a teeny-tiny newbie.

Shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and has been on a program of limited exercise, physio, hydrotherapy and vet visits.

Like all pups he just wants to play but has to be careful not to overdo it, so today we looked at how to train whilst keeping him healthy.

It was wonderful to see him again, such a sweet boy 🥰

25/07/2023

Great to catch up with this super friendly chap and his owners again 🤗

We're working on his barking, as well as lead work and recall.

Last session was purely aimed at addressing his barking in the house. I'm so happy that his owners took on board the 'you'll really help him if you use opaque window film on the front window'. It's made such a difference. He's now more settled, less vocal and is able to learn from the training.

Training and management. Two different approaches that work so well together 🤝

24/07/2023

Foot in mouth anyone?!!? I think we all know this feeling don't we?

😂😂🤭🤭

Sorry, I know I should have posted a client pic but this was by far the funniest today 😂

18/07/2023

I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed seeing this little pup's relationship with his human grow over the past couple of months 😍

They've come such a long way, very proud 🥰

13/07/2023

Can't resist posting this particular pic of this afternoon's pup. Cute! 🤗😍
cross

04/07/2023

Soggy Doggy!!!

It's been a loooong time since I had a rainy training session... I actually had to wear a coat ☔😂

Anyone else get soggy today?

29/06/2023

Loved this session today 😍

This family of 3 are quite vocal, but for different reasons, so we really looked into who initiates which type of barking and how to help prevent, as well as respond to each type...

We also worked on calmness and 'settle'... Here's a beautiful demonstration from all 3!!! (Usually one of them is barking at their owner, whenever they sit on the sofa, which stirs up the others). Well done to all 👏👏👏

27/06/2023

Much fun yesterday reengaging this super, super friendly adolescent lab with recall, by teaching him that his owner is more exciting than other doggies 👏👏👏

26/06/2023

I'm not sure if Monday mornings can get much cuter than this, can they???
😍🤗

22/06/2023

One of the things I love about what I do, is catching up with clients and finding out how they're getting on.

I last saw this sweet little rescue over a year ago, when she was a bundle of nerves around strangers, leaving the house and other dogs.

She's now braver, more confident, enjoying obedience and agility and very very bright. Fabulous to see how she's come out of her shell, with her dedicated owners hard work 😍

They wanted a bit more help but it's so important for them to recognise how far they've come! 👏👏👏

(Which I very much enjoyed pointing out 😊)

20/06/2023

Fortnightly check in with this little button today 😍🤗

19/06/2023

This little guy is becoming more vocal during his teenage months, and is particularly fond of barking at the TV, so today we looked at barking in the home and strategies to deal with what can sometimes be a bit of an annoying behaviour 😅, as I know some of you who have TV barkers know only too well!

He's completely gorgeous in other ways, super friendly and charming- and very bright 😁🤗, his owners would just like to be able to watch a film in peace 🙃

15/06/2023

I do 😍 my regular sessions with this handsome boy! Today we focused on 'paws on the floor' training.

A lot of pups really like to jump up as a friendly greeting (including my own lab who is now 5!) and it takes a lot of time, patience and consistency to help them keep their paws on the floor 🐾🐾

This big pup is getting so much better because his owners are working really, really hard. They're taking it very seriously, because he's a big bouncy boy and they need to be in control of his behaviour... but it's an important one to nail for all puppy owners.

We the public, as friendly strangers, can help pups and their owners so much, by not encouraging jumping up in any way. It's hard to do when there is a super cute pup and we can say 'it's ok, I don't mind' but I always ask people to imagine it's a toddler or someone vulnerable being jumped on... We can all do our bit to help 🤗

Lecture over! 😉🙃😁

14/06/2023

Cooling down on the flagstones, after a training session to help with 'drop' and recall.... he just loves to play 'object keep away' (translation- running off with toys 😆).

Having lots of 'cool down' intervals was not only important to prevent overhearing, but also had the bonus side effect of helping reduce overexcitement 😅.

07/06/2023

Nothing says cute like a little yorkie pup 😍

05/06/2023

I think that this gorgeous chap know just how handsome he is, don't you?!
😇

31/05/2023

In the woods, seeking some shade, while we work on 'drop', 'leave', 'touch', 'look at me', recall and loose leash walking- all in a highly distracting environment....

Training at home, to be able to be able to manage a big boisterous pup when out walking, is what training is all about!!

He's coming on so well 👏👏👏

23/05/2023

3rd session with this little one today. She's coming on leaps and bounds, keeping so calm around other dogs, fabulous to see.

We're now putting into practice skills learnt at home and she's such a fast learner!

Confidence building for her humans too 😊🤗

20/05/2023

My Chore Prevention Unit is doing a sterling job this morning.

I can highly recommend this model for those of you who, like me, will use the flimsiest of excuses to avoid doing them.

In fact, not only does it prevent chore completion, it also adds to them by continously shedding, drooling, spreading mud about and carrying things about and leaving them in random places.

Much better to just put your feet and paws up we reckon 😁😉😆

Happy relaxing everyone x

18/05/2023

This young lad is taking his 'calmness around strangers' training super seriously 😍

17/05/2023

Absolutely delighted to receive this lovely review recently! 🥰

This kind of feedback makes such a difference personally and also, as all of you with small businesses no doubt know, to my business. Thank you Sue :-)

★★★★★ "You are in safe hands with Zoe - we think her expertise in 1-2-1 puppy training is second to none. Her highly professional approach to dog training and natural ability to guide and inform you without judgement made us feel at ease so we could make positive steps forward, training ou...

16/05/2023

Fun in the sun with this sweet little cockapoo today!

He's a bit of a ball obsessive, so today's session was focused on how to help him share 😉🤗

15/05/2023

This 6 month Lab X Rottie is full of beans and bright as a button. He's learnt many many attention seeking, michevious behaviours which his owners are finding pretty challenging.

He was all over me as soon as I came to the home, jumping, mouthing, tugging my clothes etc. Many of you with 6 month old pups can sympathise I'm sure! This is why I never wear anything I care about when I'm working 😉

What became really clear is that he's very clever and so we're putting that to good use with a 'Learn to Earn' program. He got straight into it and was doing great Down/ Stay, Settle, Leave and Look at Me during the session.

And, he'd also learnt that behaving well got my attention, whereas acting like a shark didn't!

His owner's said they really enjoyed seeing him work with me. (I loved it too)!

11/05/2023

We are REALLY enjoying the spring flowers, lighter evenings and occasional sunshine- when it's not peeing down with rain, there's heavy mist or thunder and lightning 😆🥰🤗

10/05/2023

Today's pup is a poorly pooch. Her front paw is in a cast for a little longer and then she'll have a period of crate rest 🤕

She's a lively pupster and so keeping her calm, happy in her crate and reducing normal puppy jumping about is even more crucial than usual 🤗

As is making sure she's still socialised appropriately... So we're putting together a program of crate/ settle training, brain games, and 'mini adventures'.

Even moving the crate to a new location can be stimulating, as can teaching the names of toys, introducing scent games, and exploring the world whilst being carried, amongst other activities 🥰

09/05/2023

This bouncy black Lab is full of life and love for everyone!!

Today we looked at what adolescence does to behaviour and how to work with it, go back to basics and re-engage with training 🤗