Loosen the Lead

04/11/2024

Every opportunity can be a mini training session. Here is a video of Brodie practicing a settle around food, I’m chopping up his favourite chicken pâté treats with the added distraction of the kitten Chai trying to play with his tail and generally being a distraction as he also loves chicken pâté but has no manners 🤦🏼‍♀️. You can see in the video Brodie comes out of position on a couple of occasions as I pushed a little too much with pausing between treats but I wait for Brodie to reset without adding any clues or gestures he chooses to place himself back on to the blanket.
A settle is a really useful behaviour to have in your tool box it can help in many situations not just around food but also around visitors as no one wants an over excited dog jumping up at them or being rude around food whether your eating or preparing dinner. It’s also really useful to be able to settle your puppy or dog when in a coffee shop, pub or public place.

21/10/2024

Monday morning walk with Teddy was a welcomed break from a busy weekend of puppy training 🥰

17/10/2024

New Puppy here at Loosen the Lead 🐾

Two nights in and I’m already tired, I totally forgot how demanding and exhausting a new puppy can be. Clients often ask me where do my dog sleep hoping for the right answer, there is no right or wrong answer I personally think it’s down to puppy as they all have individual needs.
At present Brodie and I are working together to determined what works for us.
Night one he settled in a super comfortable large dog bed padded out with a soft blanket that I had previously left with my breeder and put in with the litter so when Brodie came home he had something that smells like his family. This was downstairs where my elderly bulldog Lacey always sleeps (she snores so downstairs means my sleep isn’t disturbed). This worked until 3:30am when Brodie started crying so let him out to do his business, he continued to whimper so I took him to bed with me where we cuddled until 7am.
Night two was very unsettled, I was up and down like a yo-yo talking him out for toilets, up to bed with me, then back down in his own bed, back up with me again until he finally crashed at 5am snuggles on the sofa with Lacey, think he likes her snoring.
He does have a crate set up but I’m building this up slowly with him and training him very gradually as it’s not as simple as just shutting him in it and hoping he likes it, he needs to feel happy and associate this space with a very positive place to be.
Last night as soon as Brodie crashed at 9:30pm I went to bed myself like you would with a new baby, they sleep you sleep!!! He was happy asleep downstairs until 2:30am when I bought him up to bed with me so I could comfort him where he happily wrapped himself across my neck and we slept until 5:45am 😴.
If you have a new puppy or planning the arrival of one, think you could benefit from some 1:1 support while you wait for those all important puppy classes to start then get in-touch why wait when you can get some invaluable support and advice straight away to help set your puppy up for future success.

10/10/2024

🐾Walking 🐾

I’m now in a position to offer regular walks to my clients and their dogs, these are limited as I only have specific days/times available. Whether your working and don’t find time to fit a dog walk in, think your dog would benefit, grow in confidence and be more comfortable being walked by a trainer who understands your dogs specific needs and behaviour, if your struggling and feel anxious walking your dog yourself then please get in touch.

Solo walks only so your dog has my undivided attention.
£25 for one hour
£15 for half hour

30/09/2024

I had to share this absolutely gorgeous Clumber Spaniel puppy with you 😍 He isn’t actually the reason the family called on my help, they have 6 dogs in the home 5 of them being females!!! As you can imagine there’s a clash of personalities between a couple of them and fights have broken out. I’ve been visiting the family over a few weeks and I’m happy to say things have improved so much, the family have listened to my guidance and put a lot of hard work in, both myself and the family are over the moon with the progress that’s been made already 🥰

07/08/2024

After 18 months taking some time out from my business due to close family bereavement and my struggles to deal with a lot of added pressure’s in everyday life, as you can imagine this line of work can also be emotionally challenging at times, I’m now back to doing what I love best and I’m here to help families build stronger relationships with their dogs and help you find solutions for all your dogs training and behaviour needs so feel free to contact me for more information 🐾🐾

09/10/2023

My own Teenage tearaway practicing relaxation in a open space with distractions getting lots of rewards for calm behaviours, this is something he struggles with, being a Boxer he is extremely socialable and bouncy and is always on the look out for someone to play with or something fun to chase. I'm teaching him that hanging out with Mum is just as rewarding and fun.

13/09/2023

Paws up Freddie, enjoying a cooler walk first thing this morning 🥰🐾

17/04/2023

Been really forgetful lately and not been taking regular photos and updates here are a few beautiful dog's I've been hanging out with lately.

02/02/2023

Great Post from my friend

When considering taking on a puppy or older dog, please consider their likely breeds traits BEFORE bringing them home. A dogs’ genetics and natural instincts can be worked with and given appropriate outlets, but they will still be there and need careful channelling.

Dachshunds like to bark and dig, terriers chase, collies are stimulated by movement, spaniels and their crosses want to hold things in their mouths, working lines are bred to do just that....the list goes on.

All dogs are individuals, but it is so important that people find a breed or type of dog that is likely to match their lifestyle, in order to set everyone up for success. This keeps dogs in homes, rather than being passed on or relinquished to rescue, which should be what we are all aiming for.

25/12/2022

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 🎅

26/11/2022

Isn't Poppy pretty? I've been helping Poppy and her family to get over her fear of leads, she has done so well in just a couple of sessions and her confidence is growing so much. A small dog with a huge personality ❤

23/11/2022

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Christmas can be stressful for dogs, with lots of comings and goings and tempting treats everywhere – get prepared with these easy-to-follow tips for a holly, jolly Christmas.

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Our biggest sale of the year has come early, grab your VIP early access spot and snap up HUGE savings on all your favourite tuggies.

19/10/2022

I've been a bit rubbish at remembering to take photos lately. Here's a few beautiful youngsters I've been working with. Puppy and adolescent behaviours can be tricky to understand, something I can relate to with my 10 month old Boxer.
I really enjoy helping families to understand the needs and behaviour of their dogs by building a stronger bond through positive reinforcement, being kind, Considerate and patient.

30/09/2022

🐾Group walk🐾
Monday 10th October at Stoke Park Estate BS16 until 7pm
5 handler spaces available
£10 per Handler

Would you like to join me for my next social group walk?. Walks will be on lead only to ensure each dog is comfortable.

Is your dog is worried or excited around other people/dogs?.
Would you like the opportunity to ask any dog training/behaviour related questions to an experienced professional?.
Would you like some guidance on how to let your dog socialise and greet others polity?
Maybe you feel isolated due to your dogs behaviour?
Please send me a message to book your place

27/09/2022

Settling back in to work after my holidays gently with a fun training session with Cooper in a secure field

22/08/2022

Last week I travelled to Glastonbury to meet Ozzie the Cocker Spaniel, his family got in touch as they have been having a hard time with their adolescent puppy, I know how they feel as my puppy is hitting his adolescence, it can be a frustrating time for both Puppy and us parents.
Ozzies family had an unfortunate experience with another trainer/behaviourist who had advised them to remove items from his mouth and tap him on his nose 😢. This has contributed to Ozzie's resource guarding, he responded well and made some promising progress after just one session. I'm confident his family are going to keep up with his new behaviour modification and continue to make improvements as Ozzie progresses through adolescence in to a confident adult dog.