Confident Canine - Nina, the Holistic Gundog Trainer

04/12/2023

Meet the handsome Dennis ❤️

In his session this week he worked on lost of great things and one of the new tasks we introduced was the foundations for 'Send Aways', these, depending on the dog and focus, teach things such as engagement, confidence, concentration, duration, distance work and so much more.

This particular sendaway, Dennis is learning to go out to the blue starry marker and laydown when he reaches it 👍

Dennis really enjoyed starting these, he loves to learn and will turn his paw to anything 🐾

30/11/2023

Part way through packing Christmas boxes for my client dogs, because yes, it's now that time of year 🎄🎅🎄

Do you buy your dog Christmas presents and if so have you brought them already?

If your dog could ask for anything what do you think it would be?
My answers for my dogs are in the comments ☺️🎁

28/11/2023

This video (link in comments) is my daughter, Gabriella, she does incredible work which includes animal communication 📸

She's been working for many years and has helped so many owners to understand their dog better by asking questions directly via animal communication.

If you'd like to know more about how she works, just visit her page and drop her a message as she's always happy to talk dog ❤️

27/11/2023

In conversations with many gundog owners who call me for help, the prevailing advice they are given by others often revolves around being "firmer and tougher" or "show them who's boss/pack leader" with their gundog. While well-intentioned, it's crucial to recognize that traditional dominance and pack theories are outdated in the realm of modern dog training and it is time to move on ⏩.

Take, for instance, a recent encounter with a spaniel facing challenges due to being highly scent-driven (shocker for a gundog😂) alongside having a lack of ability to self-regulate their emotions. Despite diligent efforts from the owners, the dog struggled to control itself in moments of excitement, a common issue among many gundogs.

The danger of resorting to outdated tactics like intimidation and threats becomes evident when we consider a dog's inability to make sound decisions without the presence of such fear 🙅. With fear/intimidation, they are the same dog they were before when they become aroused/excited and they then make inappropriate choices such as chasing deer, escaping enclosures, stealing things, etc when the fear isn’t present. Shouting and harsh corrections may yield temporary compliance, but they fail to address the root issue – a lack of emotional regulation.

Positive reinforcement training, on the other hand, aims at educating your gundog, empowering your gundog to make informed choices and good decisions of their own, it teaches them vital life lessons such as emotional regulation and impulse control. By building a relationship based on trust and understanding, owners can achieve lasting behavioural transformations that extend beyond moments of immediate control.

It is our job to educate our dogs, training should be education not intimidation, who learns anything well when under intense pressure? Man nor beast!

When you next train or choose your trainer, remember to look for an educator!

Together, we can create a community that celebrates the joy of educating our gundogs through positive reinforcement and connection🐾

27/11/2023

The very most amazing happiest of birthdays to one of the kindest souls I've ever had the pleasure of sharing life with ❤️

Rhea - Waldwiese Carpe Diem at Astraios (IMP AUS)

She's had a tough couple of years but she's dealt with it like she deals with everything in life, with a wag and a smile and a sprinkle of fairy dust 🌟

Forever grateful for you Rhea, hears to another amazing year of adventures ❤️🌟❤️

Happy birthday to each and everyone of Rhea's siblings, both here on earth and shining up above, sending them all much love x

Lois Richter Claire Richter-Waldwiese Kylie Christison thank you for trusting us with Miss Personality Plus ###

26/11/2023

Poor Rosa has a poorly foot so no gundoging for her today.

Shhh don't tell her I'm out gundog training with others 🙈

Weekends are the perfect time for some downtime whether it's in the field or on the couch. Unfortunately, Rosa is currently on the mend after getting a sore foot. But don't worry - she's in good spirits and getting lots of pampering.

Meanwhile, I'm out in the field training other gundogs today. Shhhhh don't tell Rosa, she may be a little jealous she can't join us!

How are you and your dogs spending the weekend? Out doing gundog things or home for R&R?

Regardless of where you are, a weekend spent with your dog is a weekend well spent! I hope yours is filled with fun and relaxation.

Remember, training your gundog is important, but never underestimate the power of a good belly rub!

25/11/2023

Absolutely stellar day out in the field today, working with my fantastic Program clients and also my lovely Pay As You Go teams! The only hiccup, and a classic one at that, was my typically forgetting, as always, to capture any of the magic on camera—no snapshots, not even of the adorable newbie, Hecta!

Hecta absolutely crushed his inaugural session today. Picture this (have to use your imagination since there are no photos 😂): A triumphant Hecta proudly delivering his very first retrieve to his delighted owner 😍 Hecta, is an absolute sweetheart and stole the show today, and it was an absolute joy to make his acquaintance today, and of course his lovely family 😀

But that's not all! Star of the day? Enter Otto, the charming lad on a program with his dedicated owner, focusing on recalls but actually making strides in every direction. Witnessing his transformation over just four sessions has been nothing short of beautiful. The bond between him and his owner has really relaxed and deepened, it's so heartwarming to see their connection grow stronger with each session ❤️

As I didn't take any photos I'm sharing my Female Business Awards 2023 Finalist badge that arrived this week, something I am dead proud of, onwards and upwards!

25/11/2023

I'm on a roll this week! It's turned into "Why you need a professional week!" but it is an important message to spread so I'll keep going whilst I'm inspired to, I know the right person will read this and make the decision they need to because of it 😊

Today's post was inspired by a comment on yesterday's post and what came to my mind when I replied to it 💡

Time costs.

It isn't just the case of monetary costs if you are self-employed and such, it is a much wider cost and the same in all of our lives.

Time is money. Time is love. Time is memories. Time is precious. Time is everything.

So we should absolutely use it wisely (see my last two posts for great examples of my wasting it!).

Let's talk about recall as an example, I see clients who have literally spent the equivalent of months and months or even a year (when you add up all the individual hours) trying to teach recall and in one 1 hour session with me make more progress than they have in all of those hours spent trying alone. It is the same for teaching loose lead walking and so very many other behaviours.

Yes, you can try DIYing, and you might eventually get there. But at what cost? How much time would be wasted? How much stress would you have put yourself and your dog through? And in the end, would the results be as good as if you'd engaged a professional in the first place?

So next time you're struggling with a training or behaviour issue with your dog, remember – time is money.....time is also love, memories and everything else. Don't waste it. Hire a professional and save your time for the things that really matter ❤️

If you want to give me a call for a chat about how I can help both you and your dog then please do, you can call me on 07917 445830. If you'd like to know more about me and what I can offer and how I train, please visit www.confidentcanine.co.uk

24/11/2023

Yesterday I shared Sofagate (having a sofa arrive only to find I also had to build it 😂). Today I want to share another reason why you're better off getting help from a professional when you get stuck, Washingmachinegate 🤦

Bank holiday weekend was approaching earlier this year, what could possibly go wrong? The short version...

I'm happily sitting in the lounge relaxing 💺 when my washing machine starts to spin, except it sounds really wrong, so I race out to the kitchen 🏃‍♀️ only to find that it is literally walking across my kitchen floor 👣 I will admit to fully panicking! I finally find the off switch and push it back into place thinking no more of it 🚫 Until later...when I pour a drink down the sink plug hole, instead of hearing running water I just hear SPLAT 💦

The machine walking out had apparently pulled apart some pipes, but I think “Well that looks simple enough, I won't call anyone who actually knows what they are doing" I mean why would I do that? In trying to fix the pipes that I can see I am then oblivious to the fact I am pulling the main pipe out of the wall, I finally realise what I have done when I am holding it in my hands and it is attached to nothing 🤦

Now I can't use my sink at all and am so paranoid that I just turned off all my water for the long bank holiday weekend and I wish I had just called a professional when it first happened 👩‍🔧

Moral: Sometimes it feels like you are saving time, money, hassle, or whatever by choosing DIY but when you don't really know what you are doing and you're winging it, then it can end up costing you more money, hassle, time, whatever, than if you had just got the right help to begin with. Same with dog training.

I see lots of clients who have done their very best but soldiered on just that bit too long alone and have created bad habits that need undoing. If I had been called in earlier, the fix would have been quicker or simpler as those bad habits are not so deeply ingrained.

I get it, I really do but, if you are currently sat on the fence, call me for a chat about your gundog, and let’s get things turned around quickly 😊

23/11/2023

So I had this lovely new sofa delivered this week, the old one died and it was time to start again! So I ordered a cheap black Friday deal, whoop whoop 🎉

What I didn't notice was that it would need building 😆

When I looked at my purchase email I saw that I could have paid a bit more and simply had someone else build it 🤦

I don't spend extra money lightly but it was a heavy, big sofa, I was all alone trying to put it together and whilst it was simple the handling of the bulk whilst trying to align screws, etc had me close to tears of frustration 😭

and it made me think.......

It's a bit like gundog training, if you don't really know what you are doing and you're muddling along it can be hugely frustrating, you can at times feel like it is never going to come together and lost as to what to do next.

How much simpler to just get a professional on board, get the help you need, and job done!

So if you're struggling with your gundog breed, maybe they won't come back when called, can't listen in the great outdoors or loose lead walk or relax, or something else that drives you crazy.....don't

I'm an experienced professional, and I've helped countless owners and their dogs find harmony and balance. There's absolutely no need to suffer in silence or to feel alone. I know what I'm doing and I've done it countless times before.

Just drop me a line, reach out, and we can work together to create a tailored plan for your gun dog's training. It's not nearly as difficult as you might think, especially when you've got someone experienced to guide you and handle the heavy lifting.

Trust me, it's a lot easier than building a sofa - and a lot more fun, too!

Simply Gabriella

11/11/2023

09/11/2023

Our Faith (Astraios Earth Angel Intro-ex, PBeg-ex) turned 9 recently!

I can't quite believe it, it seems like yesterday that she arrived and stole our hearts

25/10/2023

Who wants some free help with their recalls? Drumroll.........................

I've created a free resource with a tonne of help for those of you who struggle to get your gundog to come back when called 🤩

Who wants it?

If it's a 'YES' just pop your name in the comments below and I'll share the link. 👇

** If you've previously signed up for my recall tips, do sign up again as this is a larger expanded version with more help and information than before :) **

Enjoy 🤩

Also, feel free to comment below on your unique recall issues and I can always look at what other helpful things I can do for you all in future!

Nina x

22/10/2023

A moment to take in the view and be grateful for all that I have and that I get to do what I do ❤️

Show us your Sunday pics in the comments .....

21/10/2023

I'm sure there is such a thing as dog maths and it looks a hell of a lot.like this 🤣❤️

92.1K likes, 209 comments. “Horse math made simple🐴”

21/10/2023

Meant to post this first thing but time flew! Have an amazing day everyone ❤️

18/10/2023

Really pleased to share that I've been accepted into the Guild of Dog Trainers as a Specialist Dog Trainer of Gundogs.

16/10/2023

https://instagram.com/stories/confidentcaninecentre/3214834147486017728?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

15/10/2023

Lots of uhmms lol can you tell I've not had my coffee yet 😂😂 Happy Sunday all!

07/10/2023

Gratitude is such an important emotion, it has the power to change so much, for both ends of the lead!

It can be easy to forget or miss just how hard a dog has tried, to perhaps pass by something it wanted to react to or to do something we have asked of it.

A simple task might look simple but often isn't, just how often do our dogs sit when asked, without fail, yet we have no idea if they ache that day, feel stiff because they pulled something, they are tired or perhaps even feel poorly.

It costs nothing to show gratitude yet to our dog it means everything.

Next time you ask your dog to do something, or it does something by choice that you feel proud of, just take a moment to share that moment of gratitude with your dog, fully

04/10/2023

😍 So grateful to Charlotte and Ben for this lovely review 😍

"We were prompted to call Nina when it was becoming difficult to take our two boys on walks. One was reactive, fearful, lots of barking and lunging and his brother started to copy/join in. Walking was anxiety invoking, stressful and not particularly enjoyable. We saw improvements from our first training session. Snoop and Bo responded to Nina’s magic straight away. Seeing the results, it was a no-brainer to continue. We all have benefitted from training in the short time we have been doing it and will definitely continue. Not only do the dogs get taught but so do we. It’s absolutely amazing to be able to work with Nina and we would highly recommend her to anyone with dog training needs."

In just two 121 field sessions with me, Bo and Snoop have gone from zero recall to the start of what I have no doubt will be an awesome recall, I’ve already witnessed turns on a sixpence where before there was not even an ear twitch!

The next session was an offsite walk and it was awesome to see both Bo and Snoop ace all sorts of obstacles along the way. I'm in awe of what they achieved and overcame on our outing 👏

Over the moon for both Charlotte and Ben who have worked so beautifully between sessions, because that is where the real magic happens

30/09/2023

Today is Dog Separation Anxiety Day 👍

I don’t always share the various dog days that happen throughout the year but some are super important or extra close to my heart and some are both!

Separation anxiety can be such a tough issue to deal with, it can often be misunderstood as a dog just acting out or being naughty or demanding but in actual fact true separation anxiety is something a dog is very much suffering from and will need professional help and a bucket load of patience from their owner to conquer it 💖

If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety then:
- Do not scold them for the destruction that you may come home to.
- Use a simple dog/child camera to check on them when you are not home to see what is happening and if possible save footage to share with your vet &/or behaviourist.
- Speak to your vet about how they can be of help.
- Contact a canine professional/behaviourist to help you through and get a good plan of action in place.
- Until you have a good plan of action in place, avoid leaving them alone where possible.

Feel free to share this post and spread the word 🙌

[Image: Separation anxiety day image from Pippin Pets Dog Training]

29/09/2023

🐾 Did you know that I also conduct home visits to help you and your gundog? 🐾

Reasons you might want a home visit:

👉 Sometimes issues might be specifically happening at home
👉 Sometimes you might not have issues but just want home training for other reasons
👉 Sometimes you might not be able to travel to me

Get support and help exactly where you need it 💕

Recently my home visits have included:
- Loose lead walking help
- Help to stop barking at visitors
- Settle training
- Energy management and relaxation training

I’m not your average dog trainer, I’m your Holistic Gundog Specialist!

If you know you or your dog would benefit from help at home, click here to book in: https://www.confidentcaninecentre.co.uk/home-visits/

[Image: Photo of one of my gorgeous recent home visit clients, he was a superstar and picked up everything really quickly]

28/09/2023

😍 New blog post has landed today! 😍

When should you start training your gundog puppy? Any ideas folks?

💖 When they arrive home?
💖 From 6mths onwards?
💖 From 1yr onwards?

Love to hear what you think then go check out my blog post for your answer 🙌

VISIT: https://www.confidentcaninecentre.co.uk/blog/when-should-i-start-training-my-gundog-puppy/

If you'd like help getting your gundog puppy off on the right paw simply call me on 07917 445830, email me at [email protected] or visit http://www.confidentcanine.co.uk for more information.



[Image: New Blog Post Has Landed]

27/09/2023

🐾 Trust is one of my biggest business value 🐾

Trust is the foundation for everything else that I do as a Holistic Gundog Specialist, trust from the dogs I work with, and trust from the owners I help, without trust there is nothing.

During your initial call with me, you can expect to receive non-judgemental support and advice whilst we chat about your dog and their, and your needs 💕

During your sessions, you can expect nothing but positive, reward-based and holistic guidance and training. There will never be shouting, never be yanking of leashes or anything remotely like anything like that. Support, guidance, empathy and understanding will be what you are offered alongside knowledge, inspiration and techniques you can follow and apply to everyday life with your dog!

Check out what some of my lovely clients have to say about me…….👉 If you know your dog and you need some help to achieve change, be that fixing issues or new adventures visit - https://www.confidentcaninecentre.co.uk/contact-us/

[Image: Graphic of client feedback, words to describe me]

19/09/2023

🐾 Would you love some help getting your dog to come back when called?
🐾 Perhaps a blog post on pitfalls to avoid?
🐾 Maybe a FREE PDF step-by-step guide on how to get started with recall training?

🐶 How about all of the above? Then you'll want to follow my link below 😀

Simply visit my blog post to read up on pitfalls to avoid, then scroll down to sign up for your FREE PDF for creating reliable and reactive recalls!

👉 https://www.confidentcaninecentre.co.uk/blog/why-is-my-dogs-recall-so-bad/

[Image: Longhaired Weimaraner recalling/coming back when called]

18/09/2023

Love this beautiful and kind review from my lovely client Sophie who has the happiest of happy dogs, Ruby 😍

"Training with Nina is so gloriously rewarding. Everything she says makes perfect sense and she takes the time to explain the logic behind anything she asks you to do. My dog’s safety and happiness is always the priority and we always come away having learned a lot, and have fun while doing so!"

I am so proud of everything they've both achieved so far and I can't wait to help move them to a whole other level in the coming months 🙌

If you'd like to work with me, simply -
👉 Call me on 07917 445830
👉 Email me at: [email protected]
👉 Visit my website: www.confidentcanine.co.uk

[Image: Client Testimonial]

13/09/2023

This gorgeous gundog has joined me for one of my gundog programs 💕

We are working on lots of things including loose lead walking, Spud can get environmentally overwhelmed out and about and then finds this difficult.

Just look at him go after just two sessions, he is now really understanding what his owner is looking for and is offering it beautifully! Owner and dog looking brilliant in this short clip (I was pleased to capture this as I rarely get to share footage as I am so busy teaching I forget to take any).

12/09/2023

💋 🐕

12/09/2023

Haha working with me not for me 🤣 I blame the sunshine 😁