Of course, if your dog is so tired they can barely walk, they won’t have the energy to pull you. So this one is 100% true.
However, this strategy requires you to have a large run attached to your home to use as a way of running your dog tired before you can do anything with them. And what happens as a result of it is that you will likely create a canine athlete, a dog so fit that it requires more and more and more exercise to get them to be tired. 🐕💨
Over time, your efforts to keep your dog tired will have to increase. Training on the other hand, while it requires time and effort in the beginning, is a short term investment compared to the long term results it will yield. ✅
Investing in a professiona trainer with proven results will cost you financially in the short term (and good trainers are not cheap), the strategy of running your dog tired on a daily basis, however, will likely cost you a multiple in vet bills from running injuries, early onset arthritis from excessive exercise or being hurt dragging you into the street because your dog caught a second wind.
What do you think of this? Comment below!
And make sure you follow for practical, informative training advice!
#thegooddogcoach
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#dogpulling #dogpulls #leadpulling #dogtraining #dogtrainingadvice #heelwork #belgianmalinois #heelworktraining
With an increasing number of dog related incidents, out of control dogs are a growing problem that is increasingly hard to ignore. As with the XL Bully joining the list of banned breeds, despite Breed Specific Legislation having failed miserably over the past 32 years, it is once again the dogs that will pay for the actions of irresponsible owners.
Tower Hamlets council in London, is quietly proposing to pass a new PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) that would require all dogs to be on lead in all public spaces, including parks. The only exception would be designated off lead areas. This is a blow to anyone who has trained their dogs to ensure a reliable recall and this legislation, if it passes on the 2nd October, will have negative effects on the welfare of dogs.
But let me be clear: This has been brought on by the “it’s ok, my dog is friendly” brigade. By the people who will let their dog off lead despite having no discernible control of the dog whatsoever. While your dog may be friendly, it can still cause significant upset and even damage if you cannot call it back at the drop of a hat.
If you don’t want your dog to lose their freedom, head to my story for the link to sign the petition (make no mistake, if this passes in Tower Hamlets, other boroughs will follow!). BUT do not stop there. Train your dogs, be responsible owners and hold others accountable for their irresponsible conduct.
No matter the circumstances, there is no dog more dangerous than the one that is out of control. 🐾
#thegooddogcoach
Not all trainers are created equally and no one person can be excellent at everything.
Having seen a trianer about one thing when that trainer is good at another, does not mean that they can help with the problem at hand. Just because a trainer could not help you with the issue you have with your dog, doesn’t mean it cannot be done.
Dear dog owners, if your trainer hasn’t been able to help you train your dog to the level you want, please reach out to another trainer. Find someone more experienced in that area.
Dear dog trainers, PLEASE get comfortable with referring business on. There are plenty of dogs and many that need training. There will be more than enough that need YOUR expertise. If a dog falls outside of your competencies, just refer them on to someone who has experience and proven results in that area.
Just because I have done gundog training with my Willow, does not make me an expert in that area of training and if that is what a client wants, I will refer them on to a knowledgable gundog trainer.
Just because I am doing protection training with my Menace, does not make me an expert in that area of training and if that is what a client wants to do with their dog, I will refer them to a trainer that specialises in that area.
Do you agree? Like this if you do!
#thegooddogcoach #deardogowners #deardogtrainers #dogtraineruk #dogtrainer
A tired dog is a good dog? 👀⤵️
No.
A tired dog is just tired.
A good dog is a good dog, whether they are tired or not. The idea to tire a dog out before starting training puzzles me.
I want my dogs sharp and focused, ready to concentrate and learn.
I would never think of running a quick marathon before reading a study on behavioural science or learning theory, because I’d be too tired to take anything in.
Enrichment toys, while they have their place, I often find are an excuse to not engage with the dog. There is nothing an “enrichtment toy” can do that can’t be done better with the owner. Scavenging for food from a snuffle mat?
How about a hand feeding session asking for a bit of obedience or teaching a new trick. Chucking food on the floor for your dog to find it? How about teach a find it command and use your dog’s toys to hide around the house or garden.
You can even teach your dog the names of different toys and hide more than one, then tell your dog which one to find. This will actually use your dog’s brain AND nose far more than throwing some biscuits in the grass.
I’m still looking for the worst pieces of advice you have had- make sure you comment them below!
#thegooddogcoach
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#thegooddogcoach #dogtraining #dogtrainingadvice
Did you know it took years?
I didn’t start off with the toughest cases; in fact, I used to refer severe cases to more experienced trainers. But over time, through continuous training and education, I gained the experience I needed by taking in difficult dogs, often unpaid.
I rehabilitated them in-house until they were ready for a forever home.
It was a journey of learning by doing, and each success story made it all worth it. 🐾
If you need help with your dog’s behaviour or know someone who does, reach out—I’m here to help! 🙌
#TheGoodDogCoach #SpicyDogs #ReactiveDogTrainer #DontStruggle #ReactiveDog #Brailes
Yesterday, I went into Essence, Brailes’ hair studio, where the lovely Jane gave me an expert makeover.
My hair was soft and shiny when I left and we had a little chat about this Saturday’s dog show! 🐾
Jane is one of the local businesses that is sponsoring the dog show, which is what makes our fun dog show possible.
She is sponsoring the “Dog The Judge Would Most Like To Take Home” class and while I will have to judge on what which dog I would most likely want to take hom (all of them 🤷♀️), she told me what type of dog would be winning her heart. ❤️
It’s so close to the big day!! 🐾
#TheGoodDogCoach #BrailesShow #ThingsToDoOxford #Warwick #Brailes #Warwickshire
On Sunday, I met the lovely Darren of Chippy Puppies and Byron Gundogs.
He is very generously sponsoring both our “Puppy Perfection” (for pups up to 1 year old) and “Best of Friends” (for young handlers, up to 15 years old, and their dog) classes.
Aside from watching one of his well run gundog classes, I asked him what the winner in each class would look like for him.
Save this and take notes! 📝
#thegooddogcoach #BrailesShow #ThingsToDoOxford #PuppyClass #YoungHandlerClass #Brailes #Warwickshire #ThingsToDoWarwickshire
Let’s talk about Yorkies!
No, not the chocolate ones… 🤣
Yorkshire Terriers, cute as they are, once upon a time were serious contract killers. Small enough to fit into the pockets of the men that carried them into the mines where they would eradicate the rats and vermin.
Not for nothing they used to be referred to as super ratters. 🐀
Tag a yorkie lover in the comments!
#thegooddogcoach #yorkshireterrier #yorkie #nationalyorkieday #thepurposeofyorkshireterriers
Earlier this month, I asked you what was the worst price of training advice you have received- today, it’s time to start responding with my thoughts on that advice.
Let’s kick things off with this first reel, make sure you follow so you don’t miss the rest! 🐾
#thegooddogcoach #dogtraining #dogtrainingadvice
There is a good reason why you don’t see seasoned dog trainers or experienced handlers commenting on short videos: We know 8 seconds are not representative of what is going on in the great scheme of things. You don’t see what else is going on for the remaining 23 hours, 59 minutes and 52 seconds of the day. Furthermore, it is usually a thoughtfully selected 8 seconds that is being shown and does not contain the outtakes or the audio of one of the dogs farting (or the handler...) and what is left is the best few seconds of sometimes hours of footage.
So anyone who is brave enough to put themselves out there on social media: Don’t mind the trolls. If they have the time to comment on your content, they may not have much else going on. Often, the ones that shout the loudest about what everyone else is doing wrong don’t have much of value to offer themselves. Don’t dim your light to make those more comfortable that can only throw shade.
#thegooddogcoach
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#replytocomments #dogtraininguk #dogswimming #balancedtraining #trainingtips #dogtrainingisfun #oxford
If you spend any time on social media, I am sure you’ll have seen “adopt don’t shop” posts, sugesting we should all get our dogs from rescues and never ever from a breeder.
I so often see people commenting on these posts that they had no choice but to go to a breeder because the rescue made it so difficult to adopt a dog from them. But what if the rescue refused you because your lifestyle just doesn’t suit a dog right now?
Don’t get me wrong, whenever a rescue refuses applicants as part of a tick box exercise and without really considering that home for the particular dog, I do agree that sometimes they do make it too hard. This is not always the case though. All too often I see people who get a dog because they want one and without considering if that is really the best life for the dog. If it is your lifestyle that makes you seem unsuitable to the rescue, then chances are a responsible breeder would not find you fit to have one of their puppies either.
The ones that will sell their puppies to anyone who is willing to pay the price, aren’t the breeders we ought to be supporting by buying puppies from them.
I realise this post will ruffle some feathers even though that’s not my intention.
What is my intention is to encourage you to think from the dog’s perspective: If a rescue or breeder or anyone else refused you for a dog, is it possible that maybe right now is not the right time to get a dog?
Do you agree? Double tap this if you do!
#thegooddogcoach
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#dogtraininguk #adoptdontshop #balancedtraining #trainingtips #dogtrainingisfun #oxford
Sophie adopted Bugsy, knowing he was deaf. Like most people, she had concerns about his special needs. While we had to address some behavioural issues, they had nothing to do with his deafness. We adapted the structures and communication we put in place to his needs and saw an immediate change in his behaviours.
This is Sophie’s own account of her experience adopting a deaf dog.
Would you consider caring for a deaf dog? Let me know in the comments. 👇
#thegooddogcoach
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#englishbullterrierofinstagram #englishbullterrierlovers #englishbullterrierlover #englishbullterrierlove #dogtraineruk #dogtraining #deafdog #deafdogs #frenchbulldog #frenchbulldogsofinstagram #frenchbulldogs #frenchbulldogpuppy #frenchbulldoglove #frenchbulldoglife #frenchbulldoglovers
In this video, you see little Winnie tugged up under my cardie on the sofa. She loves a snuggle and she loves it warm. This is not where I started with her though. Being snuggled up on the sofa under my cardie is a priviledge she had to earn. Showing her only love and affection is what created the problems that had her being passed through 4 homes before she was 10 months old...
I want you to think about all of the people you’ve called really good, maybe even best friends over your lifetime so far. For me, those that made it into my inner circle where never the people who said what I wanted to hear, but those that were brave enough to say what I NEEDED to hear. Those that support me unconditionally but also take me to one side and tell me when one of my ideas turns out to be more of a brain fart. The ones that hold me accountable and pull me up on mistakes.
Our dogs, too, appreciate honest feedback and communication. This means not giving into every whim and want. Showing our love means looking after their NEEDS first and foremost. Investing in preventative care, good nutrition and training to allow them a full life, fun and safety. Structure and boundaries don’t just ensure their physical safety, but they also allow our dogs to actually FEEL safe.
What would you add to this list of things you do because you love your dog?
#thegooddogcoach
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#dogtrainer #dogtraining #trainingdogs #whatdogsneed #dogstagram #oxford
Just because your dog is deaf does not mean they cannot learn commands. We just need to use hand signals instead of verbal commands and that is as far as the differences go. The process of teaching your dog the command is exactly the same as with any other dog:
1. Give your command first (a clear hand signal in the case of a deaf dog)
2. Lure your dog into the position with a reward and possibly by adding a little bit of lead
guidance, depending on the expected behaviour
3. Reward your dog
If you are following my Marker System Series, you’ll learn how powerful consistently used markers are. Deaf dogs can learn a marker system, too. Just swap the marking sounds, such as a thumbs up as your reward marker.
Hand signals, like verbal commands, need to be clear and consistent. Signing a letter with your hands (such as a “P” for place) may well not be clear enough for the dog.
Did you enjoy this post? Like this if you did!
Did you know that April is Canine Fitness Month?🐾
Here’s some footage of Menace at a bitework session, something that genetically fulfils him- and helps keep him fit!
What do you do with your dog to keep them fit? Tell me in the comments below. 👇
#TheGoodDogCoach
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#belgianmalinois #belgianmalinoisofinstagram #belgianmalinoislovers #dogtrainer #dogtraininguk #belgianmalinoisworld #balancedtraining #trainingtips #bitework #caninefitnessmonth #geneticfulfillment
Let’s talk about the trending Wobble/Giggle Ball and the overall trend of pawning our dogs’ entertainment off to inanimate objects. There are a lot of these out there at the moment and the marketing line that sells it is that it entertains our dogs for HOURS. WHY? Why do you want your dog entertained for hours without you? How is that conducive to your relationship?
Worst of all, well-meaning dog owners are being misled into believing their dogs need this in order to be fulfilled and “enriched”, which is simply not true. Instead, these kinds of toys, whether it be a wobbly or giggly ball, a suction tug toy, treats wrapped into a knotted towel or a ball thrower the dog can reload themselves – these “toys” can create a level of chronic overstimulation which can lead to a whole host of behavioural problems as well as obsessive compulsive behaviours.
Moreover, relying on a toy to provide all the entertainment and engagement for your dog neglects an essential aspect of pet ownership – the active role of the owner in their dog’s life. Engaging with your dog through interactive play, training, and outdoor activities is invaluable. It not only keeps your dog mentally and physically healthy but also nurtures the bond you share.
It’s important to remember that the primary purpose of toys should be to supplement your interactions with your dog, not replace them. A balanced approach to your dog’s activities is crucial. This balance includes a mix of independent play, interactive toys, and, most importantly, quality time spent with you, their owner.
Instead of trying to find toys to distract your dog, focus on enriching your dog’s life with a variety of activities that involve both mental and physical stimulation and, crucially, your direct involvement and teach them to settle between playtimes without relying on physically exhausting your dog.
#thegooddogcoach
Time to play a game!
Here’s another reel about fair play in dog training- which is so similar to fair play in playing games too!
When playing with your dog next time, don’t let them win every single game- it’s not fair play for everyone and gets boring really quickly- for them too! 🙌🏻
What’s your favourite game to play with your dog? Tell me in the comments. 🐾
#thegooddogcoach
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#dogtraining #gameswithdogs #resultsdriventraining #dogtrainerlondon #balancedtrainer #ecollar #stoptheban #ecollarban #bicester #relocating #londondogs #brailes #tysoe #shipstononstour #stratforduponavon #cheltenham #cheltenhamdogs #birmingham #dogsofbirmingham #northampton #settingboundaries #dogboundaries
Teddy is off his medication and well on his way to living a much happier life. While much improved, there is no quick fix for anxiety as severe as Teddy's and I'll be supporting his owners as the work continues.
#thegooddogcoach #separationanxiety #anxiousdog #cockerpoo #cockapoosofinstagram #dogtraining #cockerpoouk #londondogs #dogtrainer #balancedtraining #anxietyrehab #cockerpoopuppy #cockerpoolove #realdogtraining #results #happydog
Serena has cataplexia which means her assistance dog needs to be big enough to be able to give her balance. An e-collar has helped Serena to savely and effectively train and control him, including around livestock, to keep her safe. Well done guys! 🙌🏻🐾
#thegooddogcoach
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#borzoisofinstagram #borzoilove #borzoipuppy #borzoiofinstagram #borzois #russianborzoi #borzoidog #borzoisoftheinstagram #borzoipuppies #borzoiart #borzoigram #borzoiarethebest #borzoilover #borzoimix #borzoidogs #borzoioftheday #borzoilife #borzoi #dogsoflondon #londondogs #dogtrainerlondon #balancedtrainer #ecollar #stoptheban #ecollarban