The National Dog Training Academy

12/11/2024

🤔 Ever wondered how a sunken houseboat led to a successful dog training career?

My rock-bottom moment (literally - it was at the bottom of a river! 🚤) became my biggest breakthrough...

From homeless with an "untrainable" pup 🐕 to following my passion and building a life I love!

Want to know what a sinking hovercraft taught me about taking chances?

Read the full story here 👇

https://bit.ly/life-transforming

A Life Transformation When things go wrong Ever had one of those moments where everything goes wrong at once? My moment came when my hovercraft houseboat

09/11/2024

Nothing to do with dogs, but something I'm very passionate about- Saving our NHS and putting it back together. If you're not aware there you can have your say, https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/projects/start-here If, like me, you know our NHS is broken but it's vital that we save it, please take part in this. Thank you. 😀

Changing the NHS is going to involve everyone. The government wants to hear people’s views, experiences and ideas as part of this engagement to help shape the 10 Year Health Plan for England.Click 'Get started' to share your views.If you don’t wan...

07/11/2024

🐶✨ Using a Crate to Train Your Pup ✨🐾

I know some people still feel a bit uneasy about using a crate for their furry friend. And I totally get it! 🙋‍♀️ I used to hate the idea myself. When crates first became a thing, I was skeptical. But then life had other plans…

I was forced to try one when my elderly, nervous dog lost her sight. 🥺 At the time, we were living on a boat, which was dangerous for her. Finally, I gave in and introduced her to a crate… and WOW, what a difference! 🤯 She became so much more relaxed and confident. I really wished I'd done it so much sooner.💤🐾

But remember, proper crate training is key! 🏠✨ Especially if your pup’s breeder didn't use crates. It’s important to do it the right way. When trained well, a crate can be an amazing tool:

🛡️ Safety for your pup
🏚️ Protection for your home
😌 Less stress for everyone (No more constant nagging!)

They're particularly good if you have children. Both children and pup get the space they need.

I've put together a short and simple course to help you get started on crate training. If you’re curious and want to learn more, check it out here! 💡🎥

04/11/2024

We've been running our Dog Trainer course now for 8 years. 👩‍🏫Each course is different. Every person brings their own uniqueness, skills and personalities, but every course is so rewarding to run. Last week we had an amazing week with our 4 students, supported by our great customers. One of our lovely students invited us to join in celebrating Diwali with her. 😀We keep our student numbers low, because we want you go get the best you can from the course and we want to offer you continued support. If you're wondering about becoming a dog trainer, check out our website. See what other students have to say and see what they have achieved or see our latest google reviews. 😊

31/10/2024

🍂 Autumn Alert: Sea*onal Hazards for Your Dog’s Health! 🍂
As the weather cools, autumn brings unique risks for our dogs. Here’s some of the things to watch out for on your autumn walks:
🍄 Mushrooms & Toadstools – Some mushrooms popping up in damp areas can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Keep an eye on what your dog’s sniffing at ground level and steer them away from unknown fungi!
🌰 Acorns & Conkers – Acorns from oak trees contain tannins, which are poisonous if eaten, while conkers can cause blockages. Keep a close watch on your dog when you're out and about.
🌿 Compost Piles & Fallen Leaves – Decomposing compost and wet leaf piles can grow harmful moulds, which are toxic to dogs if ingested. Keep a close eye on your dog around these things and make sure they don't eat them.
Keep these tips in mind to enjoy a safe, cozy sea*on with your furry friend! 🍁🐾

29/10/2024

Good Morning, to all dog lovers. 🐶

Our next exclusive Dog Camp is coming soon with a tail-wagging opportunity for you and your furry friend. 🎉

If you're starting to feel that things aren't quite what they were, when your dog was a pup. Somewhere along the way, they started to think that "sit" means "jump on everyone" and "come" means "chase that squirrel"? Then this is the perfect solution! 🦸‍♂️
If you just want to spend time with your dog, locking out all of the day to day distractions. Hot up the basics, learn some new skills, and have a load of fun. Then this is for you.

Choose from just one or two action-packed days! Only 4 dogs in the group.💥

Here's what's in store:

🎯 We'll master/remind the basics like recall and lead walking.
🙉 We'll tackle those difficult focus issues, so your dog won't get distracted by every leaf blowing in the park.
🚨 We'll teach life-saving commands like "STOP" and "Leave it."
😮 We'll introduce/hot up whistles to really get your dog's attention!

(We'll teach you how to use them without them just more 'white noise' to your dog)

Personal attention to any specific problems you can't resolve.

And there's more! 🌟 We'll also teach YOU, how your dog learns, so you can nip any unwanted behaviours in the bud faster than you can say "woof"! 🐾

We're keeping this boot camp EXCLUSIVE, with only 4 spots available! 🐶🐶🐶🐶

And because we know life can get truly overloaded, we're offering both a 1-day and a 2-day option. Choose whichever fits your schedule best! 📅

😎 Sign up now or give us a call at T. 07714 769260. Only 4 Spots a*o don't wait! 🏃‍♂️

Hope to see you at the Dog Boot Camp!

Dog training boot camp is really all about YOU, the owner. Have fun, in a relaxed, friendly environment. Bond, learn, have fun with your dog.

28/10/2024

🍂 Winter Dog Walking Tips for Safety & Fun! 🍂

With shorter days and darker mornings and evenings, walking your dog in winter requires a bit of extra preparation. Here are some essential tips to keep both you and your furry friend safe this sea*on:

🔦 Get Visible! Kit yourself and your dog with reflective or hi-vis gear—think flashing collars, reflective leads, and bright clothing for you. Remember drivers need to see you too. Be sure to get quality gear to avoid any incidents with loose batteries in flashing collars.

🦮 Stick to Familiar Routes – Dark walks on known paths help you avoid hazards and make your dog feel secure. New areas can be confusing or even spooky in low light.

🧠 Keep them busy at home – Can’t get out as much? Try fun brainwork games inside! Hide treats or toys and let them sniff them out. Consider hiding their food, not just treats. A great way to feed your dog and provide mental stimulation.

💡 If it's a while since you trained the basics– Reinforce commands like “Leave It” and "STOP" to keep your dog safe from unexpected hazards.

Winter walking with your dog can be just as fun and enriching as warmer months—just stay prepared, stay visible, and enjoy the sea*on’s beauty together. 🍁🐾

👉 For more detail check out our website!

https://www.thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk/winter-walking-safety/

25/10/2024

Is Your Dog Stuck in Bad Habits? Let’s Change That! 🐾

Did you know dogs learn by habit? If your dog is constantly doing something you don’t want, it’s time to stop the nagging and break the cycle. Here’s how:

Break the Habit – Don’t let your dog keep repeating unwanted behaviours—it only reinforces them!
Teach a New Behaviour – Instead of always saying “no,” show your dog what you want them to do instead. Positive training works wonders!

Ready to transform your dog’s behaviour? Check out our Dog Boot Camps. The perfect opportunity to: ✅ Spend quality time with your dog. ✅ Learn how to replace unwanted behaviours with positive ones. ✅ Strengthen your bond through fun activities and new skills.

Stop the nagging, and start enjoying a well-behaved dog that listens! 🐕‍🦺

📅 Limited spots available—sign up now!
👉Is Your Dog Stuck in Bad Habits? Let’s Change That! 🐾

Did you know dogs learn by habit? If your dog is constantly doing something you don’t want, it’s time to break the cycle. Here’s how:

Break the Habit – Don’t let your dog keep repeating unwanted behaviors—it only reinforces them!
Teach a New Behavior – Instead of always saying “no,” show your dog what you want them to do instead. Positive training works wonders!
Ready to transform your dog’s behavior? Our Dog Boot Camps are the perfect opportunity to: ✅ Spend quality time with your dog. ✅ Learn how to replace unwanted behaviors with positive ones. ✅ Strengthen your bond through fun activities and new skills.

Stop the nagging, and start enjoying a well-behaved dog that listens! 🐕‍🦺

📅 Limited spots available—sign up now!
👉Is Your Dog Stuck in Bad Habits? Let’s Change That! 🐾

Did you know dogs learn by habit? If your dog is constantly doing something you don’t want, it’s time to break the cycle. Here’s how:

Break the Habit – Don’t let your dog keep repeating unwanted behaviors—it only reinforces them!
Teach a New Behavior – Instead of always saying “no,” show your dog what you want them to do instead. Positive training works wonders!
Ready to transform your dog’s behavior? Our Dog Boot Camps are the perfect opportunity to: ✅ Spend quality time with your dog. ✅ Learn how to replace unwanted behaviors with positive ones. ✅ Strengthen your bond through fun activities and new skills.

Stop the nagging, and start enjoying a well-behaved dog that listens! 🐕‍🦺

📅 Limited spots available—sign up now!
👉 https://www.thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk/dog-training-boot-camp/

Dog training boot camp is really all about YOU, the owner. Have fun, in a relaxed, friendly environment. Bond, learn, have fun with your dog.

23/10/2024

Struggling with Training your Dog to Walk on a Lead? 🐕‍🦺

We get it—lead training can be really tough. If your dog or puppy is pulling non-stop and every walk feels like a battle, you’re probably feeling exhausted (and maybe a little frustrated!). 😩

The good news? With the right techniques and time spent, you can teach your dog or pup to walk calmly on a lead, making walks enjoyable for both of you!

Check out our puppy and dog training courses:

✅ Stop the pulling and start enjoying walks.
✅ Learn our tried and tested lead training techniques with hands-on guidance.
✅ Build a stronger bond with your dog, leading to better behaviour.

Imagine peaceful walks with a well-behaved dog by your side. 🐾 Let’s make that your reality!

👉https://www.thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk/

21/10/2024

Does your dog or puppy🐶🐕‍🦺 get anxious when you leave?

If your puppy or dog gets anxious 😨and restless when you’re not around, you’re not alone. This is more common than you think, 🤔but the good news is that you can help your dog feel more comfortable being alone!👍

Sometimes, a dog making a fuss when you leave, is not an anxiety, but just attention seeking. Their behaviour and body language will tell you if it's anxiety or just a call for you to come home.

Here are a few quick tips to start with:

👍Identify Their Triggers – What starts your dog being anxious. Is it the sound of the door closing or you picking up your keys, the shoes that you put on. Work out what the triggers are.

👍Desensitise Their Triggers - Start by opening and closing the door without actually leaving to remove the association. Pick up your keys, when you're not leaving ..

👍Create a Safe Space – Make sure your puppy has a cosy, quiet spot where they feel secure. Use this all the time, not just when you leave.

👍Start Small – If your dog or pup can’t handle being in a different room, begin with just a few seconds apart and slowly build up the time. Patience is key!

Remember, a dog, anxious home alone, can take time to overcome, but with consistency, your puppy can learn to feel confident and calm when left alone. 💙

Want more guidance? Check out this video for more tips and guidance. 🐕‍🦺

👉 https://pages.thendta.co.uk/register-4202-1250

17/10/2024

🐾 Keeping Puppy Training Fun and Engaging! 🐾

It was so lovely🥰 at the weekend, when one of our puppy visitors, exclaimed how much fun our puppy classes are, compared to the one she had attended.

Training your puppy shouldn’t be a chore—it should be a fun bonding experience for both you and your pup! 🎉 I know it can get tiring and overwhelming, but here’s how you can reduce overwhelm and keep training exciting and enjoyable:

✨ Play: People often think ‘play’ is one thing, and ‘training’ is another. Combine the two, especially with recall training. Use play to teach pup calm, controlled behaviour. 🐶🎾
✨ Short and Sweet Sessions: Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief—around 5-10 minutes— and end on a positive note to keep them motivated. ⏱️

✨ Hand Feed: Use pup’s food to do training throughout the day. When you make a cup of tea, do a bit of focus training while you wait for the kettle to boil. We give you a great activity for this. Teach pup a ‘sit’ command while your tea brews. 🧩🍖

✨ Routine and Boundaries: Pup’s love routine and they flourish so well with firm, consistent boundaries. Don’t be afraid to use your crate for time out, or to teach pup to settle and take a nap. Popping pup in their bred or crate for a nap, when they're tired, reduces the puppy biting.🧸👏

✨ Training and Walks: Your daily walks should incorporate your training. Make being in the park with YOU fun. Do some training, do some fun activities. Do this in the garden before pup is able to go out.🎉🐾

Remember, training should be a happy experience for both of you! Keeping it fun helps your puppy learn faster while strengthening your bond. 💖🐶

Need fun, outdoor puppy training – check out our puppy training services 👇

16/10/2024

🐾 Looking for a Fun and Effective Way to Train Your Dog? Join Our Dog Training Boot Camp! 🐾

Our Dog Training Boot Camp🏕 is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your bond without the daily distractions that get in our way. Come and have some fun, learn 👨‍🏫lots of new skills and activities, while working on the basics like lead walking, focus and recall around distractions.

Only 4 dogs🐶🐕🐕‍🦺🐩 in a group, so come and enjoy some personalised training with your dog.

Whether you're looking to hot up your dog's basic behaviours or simply spend quality time together, our camp offers personalised, fun, and activities in small groups (just 4 dogs per group!). 😀

Travelling to be with us? Located near the beautiful New Forest, it’s a great way to combine training with adventure! 🐕🌲

👉 Learn more & book your spot here!

14/10/2024

🐾 New Puppy Owners: Did You Know Many Things Play a Big Role in Training? 🐾

If you're starting your puppy's training journey, you’ve probably noticed that every puppy is a little different! While training and socialisation are vital keys, your puppy’s genetic background can also have a big impact on their learning and behaviour. 🧬🐶

It’s easy to compare your puppy with another and wonder where you’re going wrong if the other pup seems to be progressing quicker in some aspects of training, but,
Here are some important things to keep in mind:

✨ Breed-Specific Traits: Some breeds may learn faster, some such as scent hounds like Beagles may need extra focus on recall due to their strong sense of smell.
✨ Temperament: Even puppies from the same litter can have different personalities. Some might be naturally confident, while others need more patience and reassurance. This can be influenced when in the mother’s womb, not just from direct genetics.
✨ Instincts: Different breeds have different instincts. This will heavily influence the motivators you need to train your dog, especially as they reach adolescence.
✨ Socialisation: Genetics matter, but so does early positive exposure! The socialising your puppy experienced with the breeder, before they come home to you will influence and help them grow into a confident, well-behaved dog.
✨ Experience/care of the pregnant mum: How well-cared for, and experiences the mum has while pups are in the womb can heavily influence the health and well-being of a new pup, and the pup’s confidence. 🐕🌎

Training takes time, but understanding your puppy's natural traits and things that might influence puppy, can make it easier! With patience and the right approach, your puppy can become the best version of themselves. 🐾💖

All of the above influences are important rea*ons to ensure we close down puppy farms and that all pups come from reputable breeders who genuinely care about their dogs. 👇🐶

10/10/2024

Keeping safe in the darker mornings and evenings. Remember to 'light yourself' up too. x

With autumn comes shorter days and longer nights, meaning your normal evening walking routine may be affected by the dark! 🌃

Heading out with your pooch usually involves walking on roads or pavements, which can be dangerous for dogs if we’re not careful.

Here's a refresher on how to keep your dog safe around roads 👇

[Visual description: An infographic displaying a winding road with a dog sat at the forefront. The text around the image reads: How to keep your dog safe around roads. Plan your route carefully to avoid roads without pavements. Keep your dog on a short lead attached to a well-fitted collar or harness. Don't use an extender lead as it won't give you the control you need if your dog suddenly dashes off or jumps into the road. Be prepared with a collar, tag, microchip and insurance. Teach your dog awareness to help them learn some road sense with simple commands such as 'sit' and 'wait'. Using a reflective lead, high visibility dog coat or an LED collar will ensure you and your dog can be seen when you're out walking, especially when it's dark or when visibility is poor. It's a good idea to teach them an emergency command such as 'stop', so you can get them to stop immediately if they are faced with a dangerous situation.]

10/10/2024

🚀 Is your dog ready for firework sea*on? 🎆

We’ve got you covered with expert tips to keep your furry friend calm and relaxed during those loud bangs and strange noises! We've put together a comprehensive guide just for you, to help prepare you and your dog for the sea*on ahead.

👉 Read our latest blog to prepare your pup. https://www.thenationaldogtrainingacademy.co.uk/preparing-your-dog-for-firework-sea*on/

*on 🐾

08/10/2024

🐾✨ Unlock Your Pup's Full Potential with Our Ultimate Puppy Training Programme! ✨🐾

Are you ready to turn your pup 🐶🐶 into the superstar companion you’ve always dreamed of? Our puppy training classes aren't just ordinary—they’re extraordinary! 🌟🤩We offer a structured 6 week class programme, packed with step-by-step guidance. A weekly online support session to tackle any questions that pop up between sessions. Professional videos as reminders of the tasks for the week. 📅

👍And that’s not all! You'll also get access to exclusive resources to keep the training momentum going long after class is over.👍

We know there are lots of training options out there, but here’s the thing: no one does it like we do!

Our trainers 👨‍💻👩‍💻are passionate and experienced, our methods are proven, and our community is one of a kind. Our regular weekly team training sessions ensure our training is constantly up-dated to give you the best possible puppy 🐶🐕‍🦺 training results.

We go the extra mile because we want you and your puppy to thrive together!

When you finish puppy class we have many options for you to continue your training. All at a discount price for our puppy graduates. 😀

🐶 Why settle for average when you can have the BEST? 🐶

🚀 Join us now and watch your pup’s transformation! Message us today to get started!

06/10/2024

This is so valuable. Please read to understand your dog better, now and in the future. 😀

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
It may be really disappointing and frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.

Many believe dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.

Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.

Early, appropriately timed and correct socialisation is vitally important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable.

Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout life.

If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?

Do we label every person that has an argument, doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, doesn’t like every other person, prefers not to socialise - as having a problem that needs to be fixed?

Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?

When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that a dog is not comfortable with.

04/10/2024

🎾 Motivation: The Secret to Your Dog’s Focus and Recall! 🐾

Does your dog love their ball? 🏀 While it’s great to have a motivator that works, it’s important not to overuse it! Too much ball time can not only lead to injury 🦴, but will also reduce its effectiveness as a reward.

✨ Tip: Put the ball away at home 🏠 and only bring it out for short playtimes on walks. Use it as a reward for speedy recalls in the park 🌳. Keep it exciting and valuable for your dog!

The key to super speedy recall on walks? 🚶‍♂️🐕 Build a toolkit of motivators your dog LOVES, so they can’t wait to come back to you. Treats, toys, or fun games - the more variety, the better! 🎉 Call your dog back regularly on walks, not just when it's time to go home. Get your dog to enjoy being with you on a walk as well as having some free 'dog time.'

Ready to take your dog’s recall to the next level?
🐕‍🦺 Join our dog training programmes and learn how to use motivation effectively for a well-behaved pup with super speedy recall!

📲 Book your spot now at www.thenationaldogtrainingacadmey.co.ukand see the difference in your dog’s behavior! 🐾✨

Photo, compliments of Claude at Kapable Kamera.