Pawsitive Paws

07/08/2024

I have a couple of slots available next week and a few slots available in September. Get in touch for your free 30 minute consultation 😊🐾

07/08/2024

So a few days ago I was informed my page wasn't accepting reviews. Since turning on the review option, I've been flattered beyond words to see the lovely reviews some of you have left. Knowing that I have made a difference is the reason I do this job 🥰. Please do feel free to spam me with updates. I genuinely care about every single dog and owner that I've worked with 🙏.

29/07/2024

🌞SUMMER IS HERE🌞
Whilst we have this glorious weather, remember to make sure your pooches are kept cool and hydrated. Walks should be limited to gentle exercise and at cooler times of the day. I recommend upping the training indoors to prevent boredom and 'rebellious' behaviour. Whilst the kettle is boiling, spend that brief time refreshing the previously taught commands. All dogs need reminding time to time. If you're teaching your dog new commands these brief sessions will be extremely beneficial. Studies have proven that short frequent training sessions are more effective than long infrequent sessions. Rather than going for a walk, spend the time training. Don't forget mental exercise is just as effective as physical exercise but without the risks of heat stroke!

23/07/2024

I was recently sent this video. This lady and fellow QUALIFIED behaviourist explains beautifully the difference between the educated and the uneducated trainers in our field, and why its so important that the government implement some form of legislation to ensure only the educated and ethical trainers are permitted to operate 🙏 if you're on tik tok, give her a follow. She speaks a lot of sense 🙌

22/07/2024

Its admin day, and i just thought I'd share an interesting fact I've discovered; in the past 2 months, over half of my clients have required less than 4 visits from me, this is testament to my simple but effective techniques as well as the owners dedication to my motto "practice makes perfect" 😀

09/07/2024

I have been very quiet on here of late. To be honest, it's because I've been so busy! Lots of behavioural assessments and reports so not much to interest you lovely lot 😊 BUT today has been a great day and has really touched me, so I wanted to share with you all 😃

I had a lovely morning with a new client who is now, after only 2 sessions with me, enjoying walking her dog again. Then this afternoon I spent just over an hour with a family who were literally at their wits end with the situation with their dog. On my departure I was surprised to see the owner crying. Crying with relief thank God! 🙏

In both 'jobs' I was told how numerous other trainers had been enlisted and the families had spent a small fortune for the privilege. Now some of the stuff they had learned from the previous trainers was practical and helpful, but clearly it hadn't 'fixed' the problems. I have not 'fixed' any of the problems today, all I have done is educate the owners and change their perspective 💭. I allowed them to understand the reasons for the unwanted behaviour and helped them to understand why their dogs were behaving in that way. By simply understanding the behaviour and the reasons for it, the owners in both circumstances, are able to help their dogs. Both owners no longer feel frustrated with their dogs but feel sympathetic towards them and now that they understand the reason for the behaviour they can now learn how to prevent the behaviour 👌

One of the dogs i went to see today would have been rehomed had the owners found a rescue centre with space for their dog. Both of the owners have been responsible owners and asked for help, but both have been let down, not once, but multiple times by so called professionals. This breaks my heart. But I am so pleased that I have made a difference, this is why i do what i do 🥰

12/03/2024

The face of an angel, the teeth of a piranha! Teething is no fun for any pup or pup owner 😩. Babies are given paracetamol and are let off for certain unwanted behaviours, and yet pups are often penalised and owners are completely unsympathetic to the pups. Although it can be frustrating for us owners, we should have empathy for the pup and understand what's going on. My favourite management tactic is frozen carrots and bones (raw from the butcher). Not only do these work as enrichment but the frozen element numbs the gums and gives a little bit of relief from the pain for the pup. Another key point is to make sure to demonstrate to the pup that biting hard HURTS. I do this by making a loud sound and removing myself from the pup. It's also very common (as it is with Tommy) for pups to become more 'bitey' when they are tired or overwhelmed. We know when Tommy is due a nap because he becomes very nippy and relentless with it. This ties in to another key puppy training point; getting pup to self calm and have a nap when required. You'll see in the video (in comments) Tommy is mouthing my hand. I allow this to happen as dogs play and explore with their mouths, if the pressure becomes too much I make sure Tommy knows. Due to ongoing training and management Tommy is mouthing much less as each day goes on 🤞. Another method is to always have a favourable toy to hand to direct the pup to bite and play with that instead of you/your clothes/your shoes etc.

14/11/2023

⚠️XL BULLY UPDATE ⚠️
The excemption process has been launched and further information has been published regarding the criteria and requirements.

I've extracted some of the document that I think answers the most common questions. If you need further explanation or help, please ask. I'm always happy to help 😊

• From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
• From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption
• The ban only applies to XL Bully dogs. There are other established breeds, such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club, that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban.
*If your dog is a cross breed and meets the criteria, apply for exemption. Better safe than sorry in my experience. *
• To keep an XL Bully dog it must be:
Microchipped
Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
Neutered
• As the owner, you must also:
Be over 16 years old
Take out third party public liability insurance against your dog injuring other people
Be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days
*Keep your paperwork safe. This paperwork will keep your dog safe.*
• Third party public liability insurance
You must have third party public liability insurance for your XL Bully dog. The cover must start no later than 1 February 2024. This can be provided by Dogs Trust Membership. The policy must renew annually for the life of the dog.
If you use a different insurance provider, you must check the policy:
Covers the policyholder for death or bodily injury to any person caused by the exempted dog
Is suitable for a prohibited breed as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
*Start looking for insurance now. It won’t do any harm to have it set up before the law becomes active.*
• Muzzles and leads
From 31 December 2023 XL Bully dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead when in a public place.
*Start muzzle training NOW. The law does not excempt puppy/adolescent XL bully’s. So even your puppies need to be muzzled.*
• Neutering an XL Bully dog
You must arrange to have your XL Bully dog neutered through castration in the case of a male dog, or through spaying in the case of a female dog. If your dog is:
Less than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024
Older than 1 year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024
*Get booked in as soon as you can, because once you’re booked in, it shows you’re complying and being proactive. Bi***es seasons can up skittle speying schedules so plan as far in advance as you can.*
• Confirmation of neutering
Once your XL Bully dog has been neutered, you and your vet will need to fill in the confirmation of neutering form. Your vet should then return the form to Defra.
If your dog has already been neutered, you and your vet must fill in the confirmation of neutering form. The vet should return the form to Defra.
If the vet is unable to return the form, the owner of the dog can return it to Defra.
*Expect your vet to charge for the admin side of things.*

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog

16/09/2023

The news of banning any breed fills me with dread, disgust and dismay, but the ban is inevitable. We can scream and shout all we want, we won't be heard. Owners need to take responsibility NOW. All large breeds will be under scrutiny now, not just the bullies. I know the majority of large breed dog owners are responsible, but the minority tarnish us all. My advice is to ACT NOW.

Make sure your dog is lead trained. It is likely they will have to be kept on a short lead at all times, so now is the time to make sure your walks are enjoyable and not a challenge to keep your shoulders in their sockets!!!

MUZZLE TRAIN YOUR DOG!!! I am a firm believer in muzzle training, no matter the size, breed or character of the dog. Ensuring your dog is comfortable in a muzzle will make life much easier in many circumstances, least of all the impending legal requirement.

If your dog is reactive, whether that be triggered by people, dogs, cars, loud noises, children, etc., GET IT SORTED NOW!! seek professional help ASAP as these issues are often not a quick fix.

The authorities will be assessing the owners as much as the dogs, so you stand a much better chance of keeping your dog if you show you are proactive and in control.

I am dreading the result of this ludicrous law on the rescue side. Already we've seen an increase in bully crosses in the sector, God only knows how we'll cope now.

I'd love to prevent as many dogs as possible from entering rescues or being confiscated by authorities, so if anyone needs any advice or assistance, please get in touch. Let's prove them wrong by making sure our dogs can remain on the streets and in our family lives being the amazing pets that they are 🐾🥰.

If the dogs are "well socialised, well managed, well trained", and are neutered and muzzled when out in public, then owners will not need to give them up, Professor Christine Middlemiss says.

07/09/2023

A lot can change in 6 years...

6 years ago I made the very daunting plunge of jumping back into full time education. I struggled to find anywhere to complete my work experience, but I'm so glad I hung on and found Copperhill. From my work experience, to being taken on part time, to recently being promoted to duty manager on a full time contract. I've loved every minute of it and can't imagine my life without it. Darren and Juliet have supported me so much throughout my journey which has enabled me to complete my educational journey with a bachelors degree in applied animal behaviour and training. As a thank you to all of the copperhill family I have decided to keep running my discounted price for copperhill clients. So get in touch with me via Pawsitive Paws should you need any assistance.

29/08/2023

https://fb.watch/mJGKF8OMYh/

Harness choice is often over looked, but it's a very important choice and has long term as well short term affects.

15/08/2023

🐾🥰🙏🐾

26/06/2023

Not just ostlers, but any local woodlands. I know lots of dog owners are opting for shaded wooded areas to avoid the heat, so best to spread the word 👍 there is more research needed to be done, but there appears to be a link in the presence of harvest mites and seasonal canine illness

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/harvest-mites-in-dogs #:~:text=Harvest%20mites%20(Neotrombicula%20autumnalis)%20are,into%20contact%20with%2C%20including%20dogs.

https://www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/seasonal-canine-illness/

16/06/2023

I've recently been working with a long term RSPCA resident. Due to many factors including his breed and history it was decided it was best to muzzle train him. It's also been agreed that he should be muzzled at all times when out of the home environment. Whilst the muzzle might appear 'scary' and off putting for some, it's actually become a 'comfort' to the dog. I'm assuming he associates the wearing of a muzzle with strangers keeping a distance, which suits him down to the ground 🤣 if muzzle training is done properly it can be a god send. It is not a method of training, it is not a training tool. It's a life saver. It's a safety fence. It's a reassurance. If I suggest you muzzle train your dog, it isn't because I've 'given up' or 'can't be bothered to train your dog'. Have faith in me and the process 🙏 wearing a muzzle needn't be a punishment.

15/06/2023

I've been getting a few notifications of newbies 'liking' the business page. I've been very quiet on here lately as work has taken over 🙄 I promise to make more of an effort to engage on here more often 🙏

Whilst I'm here, can I take a moment to clarify a few things. I have limited availability for June, July and August so if you are wanting a 1-1 appointment please be patient. The whole purpose of the initial phone / video consultation is for me to triage the urgency of 1-1 sessions for a range of clients. Some issues can and have been resolved by telephone and/or video consultations alone, so don't be put off if that is what is offered to you.

I will help in whatever way I possibly can, but please don't take advantage. I am ALWAYS accessible to clients. This is a promise I make to ALL of my clients. This, however, does not make it acceptable to message me at 11pm asking non urgent questions regarding toilet habits diet, skin irritations etc. I am a mother, I am a sister, I am a friend. Although most of my life revolves around dogs, I do have to (occasionally) make time for the other people in my life.

I love my job, and I love meeting like minded folk who love their pooches. I want to thank everyone for their patience, the recommendations to others and for trusting me to help you and your four legged family members.

Love to you all,

🐾 Shelley 🐾

04/10/2022

When a client tells me their dog is 'stupid' or 'naughty' this is my response. Positive reinforcement training focuses on rewarding the good behaviour, teaching the dog what is expected, NOT what ISN'T acceptable. It may seem a bit 'hippy' to some, but the evidence shows it to be the most ethical and efficient form of training 👌

06/09/2022

This is why I always 'nag' my clients to be extra careful with their young pups. Drax is 18 months and I'm still vigilant about his exercise and jumping etc. Taking care initially saves a lot of blood sweat and tears in the future. Most homes have hard floors nowadays, I always advise clients to invest in some anti slip rugs for the dogs' pathways. Baby gates on stairs are also a common recommendation of mine as is not allowing the dog to jump on/off furniture.

This is something everyone should see. This xray is of a 2 week old puppy.

When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile with no traction you are damaging the joint.

You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.

Once grown - around 12-18 months depending on their breed, you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.

09/08/2022

Another rotty loving, positive reinforcement trainer saying it how it is 🙏

As I had my morning look through social media, yet again there is another post for an adolescent male rottie looking to be rehomed. He is KC registered and his breeder will not take him back.
Over the last few months I’ve been contacted time and time again asking if I know anyone who will take on a male Rottweiler usually aged between 18months – 2 years. The fact is I don’t and rescues are full at present.
There is no shying away from the fact that adolescent male rotties can be hard work. The fusion of hormones and them coming to that age where breed traits are kicking in can be tough.
There is a common misconception that this is the time to up the anti. It’s time to start being harsher and that the dog is actually ‘taking the mickey’. Rotties were originally bred to guard and to herd. They do not take kindly to confrontation and rough handling will leave you with a dog that is defensive and unpredictable. A common mistake that is made is that the dog needs more exercise, so out comes the ball chucker and the dog is ran to exhaustion, creating a dog that is fit and adrenaline fuelled and probably sore. Another mistake is to think that chucking a rowdy teenage dog who cannot control their emotions in a space with a load of other dogs will cure any issues, however they will learn the joys of bullying or start a fight. You cannot expect the dog to improve if they are over excited or stressed. No one learns effectively in either state.
Adolescents is a time to reflect and to change the plan accordingly. My own dog was getting reactive and finding it very hard to recover from any triggers on walks, so I changed his routine. Our walks are mainly pavement walks where it becomes inevitable that we will see dogs at close range and cats will appear out of nowhere, so we cut down to 1 walk a day, unless we hire a field, however it’s important to add here that we do training in place of the missing walk. He is far calmer, able to deal with other dogs better and recover from anything that unsettles him. The structure of our walk has changed. Whereas we were doing a lot of loose lead walking he was getting frustrated so we’ve temporarily stopped doing it, but do reward if its offered. I let him sniff to his hearts content.
We hire a field weekly and he gets the opportunity to just be a dog.
Training and behavioural adjustment is not an event in your dogs life it is a journey. If you are struggling it’s so important that you don’t just wait and see or think they will outgrow a behaviour. Get help. Look at the APDT or IMDT pages for a reputable trainer in your area and start the next leg of your journey.

31/07/2022

🙏🙏🙏

SAYING "NO!" IS REGARDED AS PUNISHMENT OR AN AVERSIVE BY PROGRESSIVE, FORCE-FREE TRAINERS AND BEHAVIOURISTS

Did you know that telling or shouting NO! to your dog or cat means little or nothing? It is not a clear cue as to what you want him/her to do. It is not a behaviour. It may work for you by stopping the current behaviour for a little while, but its scary to them and teaches him/her nothing. Behaviour interruption does not mean behaviour extinction. "No" means little without further direction.

“When you say “no” and your pet stops the behavior, but then repeats it soon afterwards, the “no” was merely an interrupter. Skeptical? Try saying “pickle” instead of “no,” and the same pattern of stopping then repeating the behavior is likely to return. Instead, of saying no, show your dog what you want it to do, “ - Valarie V. Tynes, Veterinary Behaviorist. So whether you use honey, money, or any other word with a certain tone that is scary, the behaviour is likely to return.

You can shout any word that you would like - it's not the word that interrupts the behaviour but the tone of your voice and body language which is normally regarded as scary and intimidating by your dog. This IS punishment and bullying! The fallout of punishment and bullying is a less confident pet and one that is fearful of you.

Rather give your pet an alternative behaviour to engage in, like asking for a sit while jumping up, or redirect him to a more constructive behaviour when you see him engaging in something you are not happy with, like redirecting him to dig in a prepared digging pit as opposed to scolding him for digging holes in the garden or redirecting a cat to use a scratch post as opposed to the furniture. "No" is used in everyday language with friends and family while sometimes accompanied by finger pointing, so when your pet hears this while resting or playing, he can become confused and worried - that word is too generic.

"It’s ultimately utterly unfair to the dog (or cat) to have him try to “guess” what it is that will get you to stop saying "no" or yelling at him and start loving him, yet these are the circumstances to which many dogs are reduced" - Dr. Karen Overall, Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.

As a progressive trainer and behaviourist, positive reinforcement and negative punishment is preferred over negative reinforcement and positive punishment when working with animals. If your trainer tells you you shout or yell "no" or "stop it" to your pet, run away. Fast. Find a fully force-free trainer that understands emotionality and the most up to date science in training. Your pet deserves nothing less, and your relationship with your pet will be better for it.

11/07/2022

It's rather frustrating that I'm having to do this post. It's 2022 and yet some dog owners seem to be unaware of the issues the heat wave can cause for our pooches. I've heard every excuse going; 'he won't p*e in the garden', 'she's a Spanish rescue', 'he's a working dog', 'we've only been round the block'. NO REASON IS WORTH THE RISK!!! My advice is:
▪️If you must exercise your dog, do it early morning and/or late evening when the temperatures are cooler and the sun isn't so strong, reduce the length of the walk if the temperature isn't cool enough, stick to shaded areas and keep to lead walks to prevent excessive exercise
▪️Keep curtains and windows closed to keep the house cool. Invest in fans and cool mats for the dog.
▪️ If your dog likes water, invest in a pool and/or a hose sprinkler attachment. Allow them to play in the water in the garden at the cooler times of day
▪️Avoid letting the dog out at the hottest times (1pm-5pm)
▪️ Do some training inside. Mental stimulation is just as effective as a long walk. It's also a great way to bond and improve obedience.
▪️Use snuffle mats or home made alternatives at feeding times. Making feeding time a challenge not only acts as mental stimulation, but breaks the day up, and slows down the eating.
▪️ Make your own dog ice lollies. There are loads of ideas if you Google it. A simple one is to fill a bowl with water and a handful of your dogs kibble, freeze and then give to your dog. It takes hours for the water to melt and will not only act as a cooling agent but keeps the dog occupied.
▪️ NEVER leave your dog in the car, in fact avoid use of the car all together if possible.

If you're struggling for ideas or inspiration, or are unsure of anything, drop me a message. I'll happily advise you.

Just make sure you enjoy the weather, it's not very often we get such glorious sunshine here 🌞 and remember...

NO DOG HAS EVER DIED FROM MISSING A WALK!!!!!!

27/06/2022

Wow! What a response to my copperhill post!!! I've been overwhelmed by the messages of support and congratulations. I also wasn't expecting the influx of work requests, so please bare me whilst I adjust the working times etc. All messages have been replied to now, but do let me know if I've missed yours. Thanks again for the support 😊😘

15/04/2022

Saw this and it rang so true to me. I've learned new skills and methodology in regards to training in recent years, and yes, there will always be those that ridicule the 'nandy Pandy' way, but the science and the results confirm its the not only the best way but the most effective 👌

When I first had a dog in my life 22 years ago, I thought these things were not only ok, but absolutely desirable (please read to the end, I've changed my opinion)

1. Using choke chains, prong collars and slip leads
2. Using ecollars
3. Pinning my dog to the ground
4.Taking my dog's space by moving quickly into it
5. Having to be "dominant" (whatever that means), having to be "alpha" (again, what?)
6. Moving my dog if they were lying on my path
7. Demanding my dog do exactly what I wanted at all times
8. Believing harnesses are the cause of pulling
9. Thinking clicker training and positive reinforcement was a joke and would never work
10. Thinking dogs need a negative consequence for "bad" behaviour- they don't
11. Walking out the door before my dogs, every time, you know, to show I was in charge
12. Kneeing them on the chest for jumping up
13. Not giving them attention when they asked for it, only on my terms
14. Ignoring them for 10 minutes on reunion, every time.
15. "No" was a word they heard all the time.

Be the pack leader. Dog "psychology".

And on and on. These were all things I'd learned from "experts", people who had been training and owning dog's since nineteen diggidy two. They knew. Or so they thought.
Unfortunately, if you look at many online forums and groups, you'll see that same, ancient, abusive advice. No progress, no growth, no examination of self or anything.

No fun, no love, just harshness and coldness.

Then in 2006, I start on another path. The path had been forged by others buy the entrance was overgrown with the poisonous weeds but I managed to poke a hole through, then get my foot in and open it up.

As I write this, Logan asked to get up on the bed next to me. My window is open, it's cool in my room so I put the blanket over him. He wants to be near me, and he wants to be warm. I can give him both. He has nightmares as a result of the trauma of his previous life before he came to me. I learned about trauma and how long it takes to heal, sometimes never fully. When he has nightmares, I sooth and settle him, put his heavy blanket back over him. He is mine to take care of, not to bully and intimidate. His nightmares are not "bad" behaviour.

I've come a long way. Now

1. I believe our dogs need safety and security and we must provide that for them
2. I play with my dog a lot. In the house and out
3. I pet him when he asks for it, and teach him to settle when I'm unable to (such as working on the computer or if I've petted him and tell him I'm done)
4. Use positive reinforcement based training solutions every single time I can.
5. Make sure in the occasions I do something he doesn't like e.g. having to get him out of bed in the morning before I go to work so he can relieve himself, I make it up to him my having more fun.
6. Never correct him and teach him the rules kindly, fairly and consistly.
7. Teach him what my actions mean so we can communicate effectively
8. Listen to his needs.
9. "No" is not a word in our vocabulary, we learn rules without it.

These changes didn't happen overnight. They tool learning, work and self examination. I stopped projecting my own issues on my dog. We all need to do the same.

If you want to learn how to do this, we'd love to have you with us on this amazing journey. Let me know if you want to join us and I'll tell you how. It'll just take a little investment of time and won't cost the earth financially.

Love and peace.

07/04/2022

There's so much work that goes into getting a dog to walk nicely on the lead. Drax is 15 months old and still isn't perfect on the lead 100% of the time. Occasionally his excitement gets the better of him and he pulls, occasionally his hormones get the better of him and his nose is fixated on a scent and I become invisible to him, occasionally another dog challenges him and again, his hormones get the better of him. I'm also still working hard on his fear of anything with wheels (scooters, wheelchairs, etc). He has learned that push bikes are nothing to be afraid of, so there is hope 🙏 but what I focus on is how the occurrence of these instances is rapidly reducing over time. He will, in time, come good 😊

06/04/2022

Experience isn't everything 🤔

03/04/2022

Never punish a growl. If you punish the growl you are extinguishing future growling, meaning there is no warning before a bite. This is where most of the 'he bit her for no reason' accusations stem from. If you are concerned about the growling or cannot see a reason for it, please contact a reputable trainer to assess the situation 👌

Has your dog growled recently? Growling isn't a bad thing- in fact it's vital! This is your dog's way of telling you there is something up. Always listen to them and never punish for it. Listen to what they are saying. With special thanks to The Dog Guy on this one.

19/03/2022

How the Kong ball was invented.

The Kong toy was invented by accident more than 40 years ago when Joe Markham needed a way to prevent his German Shepherd Fritz from biting on rocks and sticks. Fritz, who Markham adopted as a shelter dog, had worn down his teeth to one-third of the size they should have been.

He was working on his vehicle and tossed an axle stop with an attached bracket on the ground. His dog got hold of it and loved it. He was playing with it joyously, much to Markham’s amusement.

He said to his friend, “What do you think of my new dog toy?”

His friend replied, “Actually, it’s not too pretty. It looks like an earplug from King Kong.”

And the Kong toy was born.