Happy Dog Training Classes

29/12/2024

We were contacted this morning to assist with a lost Labradoodle called Mackie in Puckpool, Seaview. Our initial response is always to offer advice to owners on how best to find their pet. Mackie's owners were very grateful for our advice which they followed, leading to a happy outcome when the clever little girl made her way home to her welcoming open front door. She was shaken and very happy to be home with her Mum who was there waiting for her.

18/12/2024

Please make sure you check your gates and fences over next couple of days as there are storms and high winds forecast all weekend! If you do need our help please let us know and we will do our best to help you. Stay warm and dry!

07/01/2024

We are now taking bookings for our Canine First Aid Seminar on Saturday 2nd March 2024. Please note limited spaces available. Contact [email protected] to book your space.

08/11/2023

04/11/2023

Keeping Your Dogs Safe on Fireworks Night 🐶🎆

Fireworks night is an exciting and dazzling time for humans, but for our furry friends, it can be downright terrifying. The loud booms and bright flashes can send dogs into a frenzy of fear and anxiety. As responsible pet owners, it's our duty to help them through this challenging evening. Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs safe and calm during fireworks night.

1. Create a Safe Haven:
Designate a quiet and secure space in your home where your dog can retreat to when the fireworks start. This can be a comfortable room with their bed, toys, and some soothing background noise like calming music or white noise to drown out the fireworks.

2. Stay Home with Your Dog:
If possible, stay home with your dog during fireworks displays. Your presence can provide them with a sense of security and comfort. Comforting words and petting can go a long way in reassuring your furry companion.

3. Use a ThunderShirt:
ThunderShirts are specially designed to wrap around your dog's torso, providing gentle, constant pressure that can help alleviate anxiety. These can be a great tool to keep your dog calm during fireworks.

4. Keep Your Dog Inside:
Ensure your dog is indoors and has access to their safe haven before the fireworks start. This will prevent them from running away in a panic due to the loud noises.

5. Close Curtains and Blinds:
Blocking out the visual stimuli of fireworks can help reduce your dog's anxiety. Close curtains and blinds to minimize the bright flashes of light.

6. ID and Microchipping:
Make sure your dog has proper identification, like a collar with an ID tag and a microchip. In case they do manage to escape, this will increase the chances of them being returned to you.

7. Distraction and Treats:
Keep your dog distracted with toys and treats during the fireworks. Offering them something enjoyable can help take their mind off the scary noises outside.

8. Consult Your Vet:
If your dog's fear of fireworks is severe, consult your veterinarian. They may be able to recommend medications or other strategies to manage your dog's anxiety.

9. Firework Desensitization:
Consider desensitizing your dog to fireworks sounds using recordings or YouTube videos. This can help reduce their fear over time.

10. Plan for the Future:
Fireworks night can be stressful for your dog, but with careful planning and consideration, you can make it a little easier for them. Think about their well-being in advance, so future celebrations are less traumatic for your furry friend.

Let's remember that our pets rely on us to keep them safe and secure. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your dog remains calm and happy during fireworks night. Enjoy the festivities, and make sure your four-legged family members do too! 🐾💕

26/09/2023

25/09/2023

18/05/2023

Fabulous day training today , brilliant dogs and handlers, and it feels like summer 😀

30/04/2023

No classes tomorrow
Enjoy the Bank Holiday

28/04/2023

This photo is everything. Star on her trial 🥰 She has waited a long time for this moment, such is the lack of homes out there at the moment. We share these photos in our staff WhatsApp because it lifts everyone to see the dogs we pour our love into getting their chance. Please wish Star good luck!

Please give a rescue dog a chance if you can. If you can’t adopt foster. If you can’t foster share their posts to help us find some who is in a position to help. You can join our foster and adopt group from the link in the comments 💜

01/03/2023

WHY DO SOME DOGS BARK SO MUCH?
Whether we find it irritating, annoying, frustrating, are indifferent or it doesn’t really bother us, barking is what dogs do, some dogs more than others, just like some people talk far more than others! Barking is a species typical, natural and normal behaviour.

Barking is simply a form of communication. Excessive barking is often a symptom of an underlying issue. How to get a dog to bark less all depends on why they are barking in the first place. When we know the “why?” it’s far easier to work on the “how?” to prevent or decrease the behaviour.

The “why” can be due to so many reasons - boredom, frustration, loneliness, anxiety, fear, frustration, separation distress, lack of mental or physical stimulation, lack of social interaction, environmental stimuli, attention seeking, excitement, greeting, to initiate play or even a medical condition. Look at what the consequence of barking is for the dog – does something move closer or further away, do they receive attention, whether positive or negative – negative attention is still attention.

We recently had contractors repairing our roof after a particularly bad storm. My husband became increasingly irritated and angry at the dogs constantly barking at the strange people climbing all over the roof. We live in a crime riddled country and I asked him if he would still be irritated if they barked at burglars trying to gain access from the roof to the house in the middle of the night. The dogs don’t know the difference and their barking, although irritating, was understandable. Giving them a long-lasting chew, telling them that all was fine and keeping them inside where they couldn’t hear or see the contractors, solved the problem.

Using punishment or any other type of aversive method to stop barking is cruel and inhumane. We don’t punish people for speaking. Look for the “why”, before working on the “how”.

In the wise words of Dr Ian Dunbar – “Punishing a dog for barking is like punishing a bird for singing"