Happy Paws Skegness

19/08/2024

Hi I am now on annual leave until 27th August. I will still be accessing my messages but it may take a little longer to respond! 🐾🐾🐾

11/08/2024

I have appointments available week beginning 2nd September. Please message for details 🐾🐾🐾

I am an experienced Dog Trainer based in Skegness with a 5⭐️rating.

I offer:
🐾1 to 1 basic training🐾
🐾Puppy training🐾
🐾Help with behavioural issues🐾

I am:
⭐️Fully insured⭐️
⭐️DBS checked⭐️

I have trained with:
🎓IMDT🎓
🎓British Canine College🎓

Please message or call me on 07467947273 for further details🐾🐾🐾

09/08/2024

Fun in the sun today!

05/08/2024

Well done to this absolutely gorgeous girl Olive who, has recently completed her basic puppy training. Olive is a very intelligent girl who picked up training very easily. I can’t wait for updates on Olive’s progress in the future 🐾🐾🐾

22/07/2024

It is so important to consider a dogs body language when assessing whether they are ok with any situation. For instance, we tend to think that because their tails are wagging they are happy, but a wagging tail can also mean a dog is uncomfortable in a situation.
If you notice your dogs displaying any of the below cues, you should remove them from the situation so that they are not pushed over their threshold.
Form more information on reactivity training please don’t hesitate to contact me 🐾🐾🐾🐾

06/07/2024

Thought I would do a little Happy Paws family pic of the week this week!

20/06/2024

Big shout out to the gorgeous Lucky for working so hard on his reactivity and pulling. We had a lovely training session along the seafront where Lucky was able to walk past around 10 dogs without reacting. Well done on all your hard work Samuel Mark Hayward 👏👏👏

14/06/2024

Photo of the week goes to the “Tres Amigos” who have given me lots of laughs and a few heart attacks this week 🤣🐾🐾🐾 Viv Thompson Maria Biddall

14/06/2024

How many can relate 🤣🐾🐾🐾

11/06/2024

Interesting read

🐾Although dogs descend from a common ancestor with wolves, they have undergone millennia of domestication and genetic engineering, resulting in distinct differences from their wild counterparts. Despite this misconceptions about canine behaviour persist, perpetuating unrealistic expectations and outdated training methods.

Such myths revolve around the idea of dogs as inherently naughty, stubborn, and trying to be the leader of the pack, requiring punishment for correction [1]. The original study of wolves and behaviour was conducted in 1947 by Rudolph Schenkel, who claimed that wolves hold a social position, the pack is controlled by a dominant male and female; and wolves fought within each other to establish top rank. This was disproved by Dr. Mech in 2000 [2].

The world evolves constantly yet the human race is still stuck on this notion. Qualified dog trainers and behaviourists are not trying to convince you that the world is flat, we are simply trying to improve your relationship with your dog without the use of outdated training mythology.

In reality; natural wolf groups function as family units, with parents as caregivers. Communication within the wolf group relies heavily on subtle cues, such as body language and facial expressions, rather than overt displays of aggression and dominance.

Despite scientific advancements debunking the alpha dog theory, some trainers continue to perpetuate these myths, advocating for dominance-based techniques. However, the lack of regulation in the industry allows such outdated practices to persist.

Understanding dogs requires acknowledging their individuality and respecting their preferences. Effective training involves environmental management, systematic desensitisation, and counter-conditioning, with the use of positive reinforcement; which helps dogs understand desired behaviours without resorting to punitive measures [3]. Embracing modern, evidence-based methods can build healthier, more respectful relationships with our canine companions.

Television also plays a significant role.

TV networks air shows for ratings, promoting trainers whose methods align with the dominance theory. Unfortunately, these methods often rely on coercion and correction, leading dogs to comply out of fear, NOT out of genuine willingness and understanding.

Dominance, often mistaken for a personality trait, is instead a survival response rooted in anxiety and fear. Moreover, punishing a dog for undesirable behaviour doesn't effectively communicate what you want them to do instead. Behaviours stem from emotions, and punishment fails to address these emotional struggles.

Supporting your dog through their emotional struggles can effectively improve their behaviour over time[ 4]. It’s understandable that people use inappropriate methods and techniques as they are desperate and don’t know how else to manage the problems they are facing with their dog.

Today, qualified professionals understand that the relationship between dogs and humans isn't about asserting social rank. Instead, it's about creating an environment where the dog feels safe and supported. This involves managing their surroundings to prevent situations where they might struggle or fail, and consistently rewarding behaviours we want to encourage.

[1] 2008, Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals, AVSAB, https://avsab.org/.../Dominance_Position_Statement...

[2]Mech, L. David. 1999. Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77:1196-1203.
Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/2000/alstat/alstat.htm
(Version 16MAY2000).

[3] Herron M, Shofer S, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 117, Issues 1–2, Pages 47-54

[4] Herron M, Shofer F, Reisner I, 2009, Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors, Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 117, Issue-12, https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S0168159108003717...

07/06/2024

The boys being dropped off for their hair cut with Aunty Em! Thank you Emma Revill you did an amazing job as always ❤️❤️❤️

06/06/2024

Really good advice. Jumping is a common problem, especially for excitable pups!

One of the most common complaints I get from puppy owners... my dog jumps on people!

A lot of the "old school" methods of teaching can be really damaging, both to your relationship with your dog and to their confidence with people.

I wish there was a magic wand, but the closest I've got is practice, practice, practice... practice sits for pets, practice 4 on the floor, practice coming and going over and over. Recruit friends to help.

Your dog will learn and generalize the behaviour; I promise!

02/06/2024

Makes me so proud when I get great reviews. It was such a pleasure working with you all Tony 😍🐾

16/05/2024

This weeks “pic of the week” goes to Chloe Grace and Marshall. I just love how focused Marshall looks. Well done to both 😍🐾👏

10/05/2024

Pic of the week goes to Nelson! Such a smiley boy, who just loves life Kennedy Perkins Joseph Al-Aidi

09/05/2024

Would just like to give a big shout out to Gordon who absolutely smashed his session today. When we first met, Gordon was highly reactive to people and dogs. We had lots of challenges with Gordon because he is not treat or toy motivated at all and believe me we tried every high value treat we could! So we had to work on praise and fuss to mark and reward his behaviour.
Gordon’s family have worked hard to help Gordon adjust his perception of the big wide world and his triggers and today it really paid off. Gordon happily strolled through town with no reaction to people and even saying hello to a few strangers. Also, although Gordon still reacts to dogs, his reaction time is significantly shorter! Well done Gordon and keep up the good work Lisa Howell and family 👏👏👏🐾🐾🐾

09/05/2024

****Just putting the feelers out.****
How many of you would like to know more about the differences in the food you choose to feed your dog. Do you feed your dog to survive or are you more interested in feeding a food that helps your dog thrive. We are thinking about holding a non formal Cheese & Wine evening ( non alcoholic refreshments would also be available) where your questions would be answered and dog food samples will be available. Please let us know your thoughts below.

03/05/2024

This pic definitely wins “photo of the week” ⭐️⭐️⭐️

01/05/2024

Meet Max, a gorgeous rambunctious Cockerpoo who has sailed through his basic training.
When I first met Max, he was displaying typical puppy behaviour but with some basic training, learning a few calming techniques and lots of consistant work from his pawrents, Max really has grown into the sweetest teenager!
Well done Max, keep up the good work 🐾🐾🐾🐾

30/04/2024

This picture just melts my heart! Loving the sunny weather ☀️

24/04/2024

I am an experienced Dog Trainer based in Skegness with a 5⭐️rating.

I offer:
🐾1 to 1 basic training🐾
🐾Puppy training🐾
🐾Help with behavioural issues🐾

I am:
⭐️Fully insured⭐️
⭐️DBS checked⭐️

I have trained with:
🎓IMDT🎓
🎓British Canine College🎓

Please message or call me on 07467947273 for further details🐾🐾🐾

18/04/2024

Holiday dates so far 😎😎😎

11/04/2024

I’ve been asked to share a post about a
Black cat approx 18 months.
Emaciated and possible mange, with open sores on body.
Last seen by Skegness hospital doors this afternoon.
If anyone sees it could you contact Viv Thompson as she has been out looking for it this afternoon to try and get it to the vets for examination. Thanks

31/03/2024

23/03/2024

On international Puppy day wanted to celebrate my gorgeous boys. Kenny as a pup and Leo on his gotcha day! Love them so much 🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾