Perception Dog Training

22/01/2025

Cat and dog integration.

Valley the cat has now lived in our home for a week. Nala and Valley have not had any free time together. Each short introduction has been in a positive, controlled environment.

Does it mean having the home split in two?

Yes.

Is it extremely hard work?

Yes!

Taking things slow is so important for both animals so whilst it is hard work, the end result will hopefully be worth it.

*Please note, Valley has some skin issues atm hence the outfit!

11/01/2025

So we have been working on Nala's approach to Valley the cat. Previously Nala has tried to rush over to Valley so we have been working on calm approaches.

Training and taking things slow can help in all sorts of ways. In this case it has helped Nala calm down around Valley, and given Valley the chance to watch Nala whilst remaining safe.

Whilst we have a long way to go, massive progress has happened in a short time. These two have only been around each other 4 times so far so this is a major win.

Please note:
Valley is loose and sitting on top of the dolls house, she can move anywhere she wants and has lots of high places around her. At no point was she cornered as her comfort as well as Nalas are top priority.

04/01/2025

Reactivity.

As a dog, it must suck. As an owner, it sucks.

Tonight we had a bad walk, lots of things set Nala off and we struggled together. So we headed home and had some enrichment time instead.

Were other owners looking our way?
Probably.
But does that matter?
No.

To the untrained eye Nala was a badly behaved dog. To the trained eye, she was a dog struggling with a series of events.

Always know when to head home, do not force your dog to stay in the situation.

28/12/2024

The Christmas rush is over so let's slow things down.

Loose Lead Walking Course, January 2025.

3 Spaces Left.

DM to get booked on. 🐕

24/12/2024

Well we are all waiting for a sign of Father Christmas here, never too early to look out for him in the skies.

So whilst we wait, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅🏻🧑🏻‍🎄🐕 Xx

17/12/2024

Training starts with a single day...

Then it progresses to a week, a month and finally years.

Progression not stagnation is key.

Willow has recently learnt Middle, meaning she now sits perfectly between her owners legs.

So do we stop there?

No! We add a twist, Middle and walk.

The training doesn't stop for us and it doesn't stop for our dogs. So with this in mind, don't allow training to get boring!

28/11/2024

Dogs have feelings.

Today Bella was spooked by a car on a ramp. Instead of rushing her past when she did not want to, we waited for a moment. We then crossed over and waited a few moments more. After that, Bella felt able to continue on.

We all have moments of uncertainty and need to take time to process. Our dogs are the same. Don't brush aside their fears, take a moment and work with your dog.

Slow it all down and conquer.

19/11/2024

Wishing my beautiful crazy girl a very Happy 7th Birthday! Wouldn't be doing this without her 🥰🥰

18/11/2024

The joys of shopping with your dog!

Head over to a local pet shop and let your dog explore. Watch the nose at work and discover their favourite treats, their favourite toys.

It may be bad for your wallet but it is a confidence builder for your dog.

Not often I say this, but get to the shops and take your best friend with you!

Please note, things will get knocked off the shelves non-stop by the nose and tail so avoid the china shops 😉

16/11/2024

Me as an owner of this adorable puppy, many moons ago:

"Oh yea! I got my puppy to sit without any training classes. I am smashing it. I can do this."

Me as a dog trainer now:

"Ok, that is awesome, but ...

1. Can you get them to sit whilst you walk 10 steps away? 5 then? Try 1 step away whilst they remain in a sit.

2. Can you get them to sit if you are not right in front of them?

3. Can you get them to sit and remain there whilst you do star jumps?"

As an owner - none of the above scenarios crossed my mind. As a trainer they do. It's the job to better equip you and your pup for life.

Choose a good trainer. Do it in person. Don't stop with the simple sit 🐕.

🐕🐾💕

08/11/2024

I started reading a book I love.

Then my grasshopper brain thought of something I could grab on Amazon. I jump on my phone, search and order.

Then I went back to my book.

Then Facebook notified me of something "interesting". I glanced at it.

I returned to my book.

My focus is barely there and I found it hard to concentrate. So many external factors interrupting my focus.

For Dogs it is no different.

Your walks, your training, all of it needs you and your dog to focus.

So remove the phone, the TV, the radio. Whatever is distracting you, put it out of sight and simply start with just you and your dog.

Simplify life and The success will then be limitless 🥰

02/11/2024

Introducing cats and dogs together can be a scary time.

Taking it slow enables the animals to remain safe and avoids unnecessary stress.

29/10/2024

Nala might be getting a new friend.

A new non-doggy friend.

So we are scent swapping a lot.

Why?

This will help us train both animals to be calm when they smell the other animal and is a great start to any relationship. It also keeps both animals happy and safe during the process.

Please note, in the photo Nala is munching her favourite bone and has chosen to take it near the other animals scent. She is not uncomfortably pinned down like the image portrays 🤣.

16/10/2024

14/10/2024

11/10/2024

Avoidance: The act or practice of keeping away from or withdrawing from something undesirable.

Avoidance is an easy habit to get into, particularly when your dog has large reactions to certain things.

But how can they learn if we continue to avoid the situation?

Get in touch to re-start your journey!

10/10/2024

World Mental Health Day is here.

Taking care of our mental health can be challenging at times, but for me, having my best friend by my side is such a help.

Show me your Side Kicks in the comments, no matter what the species!