Tails and Tricks dog training

24/06/2024

Hello to new friends!
Still available for 121 dog training, dog walking and small pet / cat drop ins.
Let me know below any training questions you have 🐶 🐱

22/09/2023

We have been quiet of late but am still working hard with dogs!
I wanted to write a message in case it reaches anyone it could help, with regards to the change in law pending surrounding American XL bully’s.

I am offering free muzzle training sessions (so a dog gets comfortable in wearing a muzzle) and advice sessions by phone or in person for anyone with an XL bully type who would appreciate some support or proactive training ahead of the changes that are presenting themselves regarding control and muzzles for these beautiful dogs.
Just give me a shout if this is relevant or put someone in touch with me if you think it could help them. Message on here 📲
Thanks for reading 🧡

20/04/2023

📺 ✅

Don't forget that OUR favourite programme is back on your screens tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.

Once again, APBC Member Nanci Creedon Dog Behaviourist will be at The Dog Academy helping our furry friends and their desperate owners.

What we love about this series is that, to date, the experts have used science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods for supporting dogs and their owners.

We can't wait for the next instalment!

17/04/2023

Ok… so yes this is a dog page…. But I do have a background working with cats too!
I previously rehomed cats with Blue Cross and worked on their behaviour plans. I now put this to use by offering cat drop ins/sitting.

I was lucky enough to look after this beautiful girl last week 😍

If you or someone you knows needs a pet sitter- do get in touch! 🤳🧑‍💻📞

14/04/2023

I am fully insured for dog walking and pet sitting in the clients home, as well as my usual dog training. If you are interested you can message me with dates and times you require.
I don’t do group walks, just solo depending on availability.
Highly experienced with reactive dogs too, so if you or someone you know has been struggling to find someone just give me a shout!

26/01/2023

I have a 121 availability this Saturday due to postponement from another client 🐾 if you would like a 121 on recall, lead walking, new tricks, or anything else please get in touch via messenger or via 07747384444

16/01/2023

Think about what each tool does and means to the dog in front of you. This article breaks down the concept of aversive tools and reasoning some people may use behind them. I do not advise harmful or aversive training tools, such as spray, shock or choke collars.

IT DOESN’T REALLY HURT, IT JUST…….

Whether it is a discussion about shock collars, citronella sprays, prong-collars, choke chain corrections, “bonking” a dog on the head with a rolled up towel (I mean SERIOUSLY??), throwing a shake can at a dog or forcing them into a down, I am sure you have all heard this before:

It doesn’t really hurt, it just……. (Insert: Startles, interrupts, stops the behaviour, corrects or whatever other sanitized term is used to convince others that what is being done is harmless.)

I want to answer this as simply and briefly as possible:

PUNISHMENT (ADDING SOMETHING TO STOP OR DECREASE A BEHAVIOUR) DOES NOT WORK UNLESS IT IS AVERSIVE.

There is no way around this fact. Stimuli (stuff the dog experiences) are either:

1. PLEASANT
2. AVERSIVE
3. NEUTRAL

Only a pleasant stimulus will increase behaviour.
Only an aversive stimulus will decrease behaviour.
A neutral stimulus has no effect on behaviour.

You cannot divorce a stimulus from its emotional consequences. A pleasant stimulus makes a dog feel good – so the dog will work for more of it. An aversive stimulus makes a dog feel bad, so the dog will work to avoid it. Dogs do not work to gain or avoid neutral stimuli. If a shock collar or vibrating collar or whatever, was not aversive, it would have NO effect on behaviour.

YOU CANNOT USE PUNISHMENT AND AVERSIVE TOOLS WITHOUT EMOTIONAL FALLOUT. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE.

09/01/2023

If you want to kickstart your new year with some 121 dog training please give me a shout. Or if you need half hour or hour walks for your dog (always solo) please also let me know. I’ll come and meet your dog beforehand and learn about any quirks (if I don’t already know you via training)

24/10/2022

When you finish an excellent training session and have the ‘I’m the good boy’ feeling! Milo smashing his recall lessons but maintaining his true terrier spirit!

02/09/2022

Going bananas for his training….It’s Archie and his favourite toy 🍌 A great reward following a fantastic 121 session. Archie is a rescue dog, after several homes he is found his ideal home who are putting in the time and effort to help his training and fulfil his best-self, and in turn lead his happiest life.
Rescue and rehoming is something I am passionate about having begun my career 10 years ago in training and rehabilitation of rescue dogs for Blue Cross. And having rehomed my own dog from Woodgreen animal charity 🐾

If you’d like some support with your pooch please get in touch, even for a free initial chat to see if my training is right for you.

18/08/2022

Recall and lead walking training with two lovely, exuberant Cairn Terriers this evening. Far better off working one at a time, and then later down the line putting them together.

Always nice to see their little individual quirks and how each works slightly differently. Both loved chicken as a reward, one loves ball whilst the other prefers cuddly toys.

Cracking little dogs who will thrive given more training and a few more 121s, which I look forward to.
They have had four homes so even just settling and bonding may be difficult initially. Luckily their owner has been fantastic so far and seeked out the advice and training she needed.

Good luck to the adorable duo! 💫

10/08/2022

✨Classes starting next Tuesday 16th August (weather permitting 🥵)✨

Good evening! I’ve been away on holidays but I’m now back ready for more dog training.
Anyone you know interested in an EVENING pup-adolescent class Tuesdays at 6pm tell them to let me know 07747384444 or on here 👍🏼🐾 so looking forward to training you and your lovely dogs again
☀️☀️

23/07/2022

Biggest congratulations to all of the adorable puppy graduates from todays final day of the four week pup course. Charlie the spaniel too, who I forgot to photograph before he left. They all had some fantastic achievements, some very individual to them and their needs and goals! 🎓

05/07/2022

How’s your sit, stay? 😍

06/06/2022

Today I had the pleasure of working with the gorgeous 12 week old, Guga, the Chow Chow. This was his first 121 and his family have booked a session before he can even go out for walks, which is absolutely the best decision.
We covered how to redirect his need to chew and mouth (just like most puppies he likes to nibble your hands and feet), hand touch, marker word and sit. Along with tips on toilet training and enrichment. If you would like a training session, or better a package of 3 sessions - do get in touch! 🐾♥️

20/05/2022

Nothing glamorous, just the beauty of dogs being able to settle at a pub or cafe environment.
What we all wish for when getting a dog 🫢
It comes naturally to some and less so for others!
Left is Molly, 3 years old, my dog- lead reactive at times and very fidgety and stimulated by environment: we worked hard on any form of settle!
Right is Penny just 7 months and nailing a very natural settle. Laid back and owners who know to bring something for her to do in that initial five/ten minutes.
Tips for settle behaviours:
☀️is it achievable right now? I.e will it have the best interest of your dog at heart. Is your dogs adolescent and therefore probably going to struggle for long durations or in too busier environment?
☀️practice at home, encourage a safe bed, blanket or something you’ll eventually take with you. Then practice in the garden. Then a bench somewhere quiet part way, or end of your walk.
☀️got a pup? Start them young, a great socialisation experience (for some) and they can do some of their best settling as a sleepy pup. Just remember to ask excited passerbys to not distract if that won’t be helpful at that time.
☀️take a chew or kong
☀️scope out location before entering with your dog. A common one for Molly, one of us wait out the way whilst the other finds the ideal table in the pub or garden (distance from dogs or away from footfall)
☀️start small, no 3 course meals on your first go somewhere. Think half pints and flat whites 🤣😉

22/04/2022

21/04/2022

🐾Loose lead walking and a bit of sit, wait (similar to training manners and safety at the door) expertly demonstrated and practiced by our two pups at Tails and Tricks classes at the minute.
Heading into their final week this Saturday.🏅

✨️New course in June for pups or adolescent dogs.✨️
Contact me for details of classes or 121 training. 🐾

16/04/2022

Fun in the sun at training this morning. We did recall away from other dogs, leave it, four paws on the floor (not jumping up at people) and loose lead walking through a bit of an obstacle course! As you can see, Penny and owner loved the session 🤩🌞🥰

12/04/2022

Keeping a puppy mouth busy is so important. The egg box has some of the daily allowance of kibble and the washed out Pringles tube has been stuffed with paper, a couple of toys and a chew at the bottom. Depending on the dog or puppy, make them harder or easier.
A great way to enrich and build confidence and frustration control. Remember to supervise, I made sure she didn't swallow any shredded parts.