BOWOW DTC

17/11/2024

Anyone thinking about getting a puppy, don’t be fooled into thinking that they are such cute, bundles of fluff, and they will stay that way. It really doesn’t take long for them to turn into hooligans. I have had my pup for a week and a half, and he is already challenging myself and my other dogs on many fronts. He is not yet 11 weeks old.

We have hopefully at least another 11 years ahead of us, during which time, I will aim to teach him to behave correctly in our world, and where he will be one of my main priorities in life. I have the time and energy to invest into him. It really can be exhausting and a real shock to the system taking on a puppy. Stop and think before you rush in.

08/11/2024

I have just joined the puppy club! It has been eight years since I had a puppy, so it is about time I had a refresher course.

This is the start of Koby's second day with us.

Observations so far:-
- He needs my attention 12 hours a day (just by typing this, I have missed a toilet opportunity)
- He is a totally blank canvas, he has no idea what is deemed acceptable or not when it comes to his teeth
- He wants to try his teeth out on everything
- He loves to play with toys
- He is just starting to realise where his mouth is
- He is just starting to realise what receiving a treat means
- He is loving is little training sessions (Happy and Pixie have never had it so easy)

Just the start of our lives together, and I am loving every minute of it.

15/10/2024

Some super work today in the socialisation class from the puppies to finish off their six week course.

We have a couple of places left in our Tuesday morning group starting on 5th November, do get in touch if you would like more info!

12/09/2024

THIS IS NOT DOG TRAINING, IT IS FORCING YOUR DOG INTO COMPLIANCE USING POSITIVE PUNISHMENT/NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT METHODS.

When you are looking for a dog trainer, do your homework. At Bowow Dtc, we use positive reinforcement methods, we want to develop the relationship you have with your dog, not destroy it.

18/08/2024

Fun in the sun for our puppy groups this week, and their final lesson in the current six week courses.

The puppies had an opportunity to try out new experiences, and after six weeks, their owners were confident enough to work them off lead throughout.

Congratulations to all of you on your achievements, and we look forward to seeing many of you again in our adult classes going forward.

We have one space left in our Tuesday morning puppy group starting 3rd September. Get in touch by email ([email protected]) if you would like more info!

09/08/2024

So this has landed in our inbox from the team at Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly:-

To quote: " Graeme Hall, our host, would love for a professional to perform some heelwork with your dog to show us how it's done "

Isn't he a trainer? Isn't he supposed to know how to achieve heelwork with a dog?

Needless to say, as ethical dog trainers, who only use positive reinforcement methods, we will not be taking them up on their offer.

05/06/2024

A few photos from the penultimate puppy classes this week. Loose lead walking coming on nicely, and help from our own dogs when looking at socialisation with other dogs. The wider topic of socilisation is coming next week.

We have a few places left in our six week courses starting 9th/10th July. Do get in touch if you would like further info.

25/05/2024

Training classes today, and in amongst the discussions, 'I wish so many people wouldn't see training as boring'.

We have great fun in our training classes, but we also want you to develop your relationship with your dog. This not only means you can enjoy other activities, knowing that your dog will be listening and paying attention, but will also improve your day to day lives together at home.

If you want to have a dog you enjoy at home, if you want a dog that will excel at activities such as agility, hoopers or rally obedience, you need to spend time training your dog. This is not boring, this is a special time that you devote to building your relationship together.

We have our own Ky Da awards, based on diary exercises that you can complete in your in own time. If you then want to try out new activities, if we feel you are ready and are going to get the most out of our classes, then we give you the opportunity to do so.

But you need to develop a relationship with your dog, and this is done through training. It really isn't boring, it is a fantastic way to bond and grow together.

A couple of photos from our training classes today.

05/05/2024

Exactly.

Healthy relationships are built on trust!
In a healthy relationship you feel safe and respected
In a healthy relationship you can make decisions without fear of retribution

TRAIN WITHOUT PAIN!
THERE IS NEVER A NEED TO USE FEAR, INTIMIDATION, PAIN OR FORCE TO TRAIN YOUR DOG!

21/04/2024

What a difference the sunshine makes! A few times round the field with the mower, and the training field now looks great!

Setting up and working in today's rally class was a real pleasure.

17/04/2024

Our March-April puppies graduated this week! We wish you all well as you continue on your journeys together, and like to think you now have a good foundation on which to build your relationships at home.

The last lesson in the course looks at the big topic of socialisation, and working with our puppies when they face new experiences. Lots of fun in the sun for everyone!

Congratulations to those of you who completed the course, and in receiving your own personalised certificates and puppy pass rosettes.

We still have a few places in the May-June courses which take place on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Please do get in touch if you would like to book a place.

19/03/2024

A lovely session with our Tuesday puppy groups this morning, with super progress in walking nicely on the lead.

We are half way through the course already!

11/11/2023

07/11/2023

Today we welcomed our new puppy intake into our six week puppy course.

As part of the course, everyone has a folder with various handouts which cover all aspects of puppy ownership, including the amount of physical exercise young puppies should be exposed to. The answer is not a lot. We should not try to make our puppies do any sort of physical activity, certainly not jumping in agility classes, until their joints have fully formed which can take up to two years. A lack of patience at such a young age can lead to the crippling disease of arthritis in the years to come, which means your dog will struggle to move, and you and your dog will not be able to partake in these activities due to your dog's limited mobility.

Training and mental stimulation is what is needed to tire young minds out, which also means that when they are old enough to start agility safely, you will have a level of obedience that will translate into you both enjoying that activity to the maximum.

Don't be in a rush! There is plenty of time ahead. Use the puppy years to expand your puppy's knowledge and understanding of basic obedience.

03/11/2023

Fireworks!
What can we do about it?
As someone with a dog that gets totally stressed at even the thought of fireworks, this is what I do:-
- keep my dog confined to one room
- if he is still stressing, put him in a crate, with covers over it.
- keep the light out by closing the blinds or curtains
- keep the influence of the noise to a minimum by turning up the volume on the TV.
- put a coat on to make him feel more secure

If your dog is totally stressed by fireworks, you will not be able to pacify them with treats or playing games. Try to make them feel as safe as possible, but don’t try to interact with them, they will be too stressed to communicate with you.

Spot which dog is on firework alert this evening!

25/10/2023

Always air on the side of caution.