Ruff Pooch

Ruff Pooch Qualified dog trainer using force-free, science-based methods. I also offer individual dog walking adapted to each dog’s needs.

I offer tailored 1:1 training, adolescent dog support (and dedicated adolescent dog course) and scentwork training. Ruff Pooch Training and Dog Walking is all about what’s best for you and your dog to live a happy life together. Understanding each other is key that helps you build a bond between you and your pooch and is a first step for your dog to gain life skills he or she needs in the human wo

rld. My dog walks are sniffaries that will keep your pooch happy and fulfilled while in a good care of certified dog trainer who understands their individual needs.

27/06/2026

Look at those teenagers lerning to catch treats and focus on their handlers.

Adolescent dogs are likely to struggle to focus, especially around distractions.

Flactuating hormones in their body make it really hard to stay in the thinking part of the brain.

These two boys here are a wonderful example of how fun catch is for dogs and how it helps to channel attention on you, even though there's an amazing play mate right next to you pup.

Get in touch to book your place on Teen Tails course. A dedicated course for junior dogs 🐾

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12/04/2026

Another busy environment clip…

Here’s Alf waiting for his pup cup in a busy café (sound on 🔊)

One of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog for places like this is “settle.”
For most dogs, that starts with treats…

But Alf? He couldn’t care less about food 😅

What does help him stay calm is touch 🤍
The warmth of my hand, gentle pressure on his chest, or simply holding his paw.
It’s his way of feeling grounded.

This didn’t happen overnight.
We’ve been building this for a long time.

I didn’t expect perfection straight away — instead, I set him up to succeed:
✔️ Starting in quieter times
✔️ Keeping things easy
✔️ Gradually adding more challenge

Every dog is different — the key is understanding what they find rewarding.

Imagine your dog relaxing with you in a café or pub ☕🐶
It’s absolutely possible.

Drop me a message and let’s make it happen 💬

09/04/2026

Busy environments, it's a tough one!

Alf can get overwhelmed very easily, so it was importamt to me to get him used to busy places. It's work in progress, largely because we prefer nature walks, but I still want him to be capable of walking around busy streets etc.

This sort of work needs to be done at your dog's pace.
Sounds, smells, people, other dogs and it all is moving fast!
That is soo much to process for your pooch.

Start easy
Short walk when there's not much happening around
Gradually build on that
Take high value treats
Reward calmness, check-ins

As you can see pup-cup is an amazing reward for Alf.
He is still looking around, but then happily comes back to his puppucino 😊🐾☕️

Get in touch if you'd help in getting your pup used to places like this.📨

29/03/2026

What is it?

A fear period is temporary (often between 6–18 months). Dogs become more sensitive to new or even familiar things.
Unlike the first fear period in puppyhood, this secondary fear phase isn't fixed. This means it comes and goes, while your dog is maturing during their teenage years.

What you might notice:

• Sudden fear of objects, people, or places they were fine with before

• Increased barking or reactivity

• Hesitation on walks

• Clinginess or withdrawal

What NOT to do:

❌ Don’t force them to “face their fears”

❌ Don’t punish fearful behavior



What TO do instead:

✔ Give them space and time to process

✔ Keep experiences safe and low-pressure

✔ Stay calm and patient

✔ Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) when your dog is brave, do not lure towards a scary thing



This phase is temporary—but how you handle it can shape your dog’s confidence long-term.

Sascha in the video isn't happy. She's vigilant, she's investigating and keeps checking if the scary thing (bcak, plastic bag) isn't after her.
I gave her time and space to create more distance on her own terms 🐾🧡

🐶 Be their safe place



Alf had an operation on Friday.It went well, and he’s now recovering at home with his “recovery llama” from his dad 💜He ...
22/03/2026

Alf had an operation on Friday.

It went well, and he’s now recovering at home with his “recovery llama” from his dad 💜

He had to go under general anaesthesia, which, to be honest, was really scary for us. The surgery itself wasn’t very complicated, and I knew it would most likely go well—but that didn’t make it any less worrying.

Seeing how much he trusts us, how small and vulnerable he looked as he fell asleep… it hit me hard for a moment.

Some people say dogs aren’t our babies. And sure, they’re not human—but that doesn’t mean we love them any less.

I love this little guy so much. I still remember the wave of emotion I felt the first time I saw him. I’d never felt anything like it before, and I still feel it now. It’s one of the most beautiful experiences you can imagine.

Recovery is going okay. He’s pretty frustrated with his little bandage, and his tail is a bit sore. We’re managing with calming herbal spray, pheromones, and pain meds—which Alf gets to take with a small bit of vanilla ice cream.

I just want to send lots of love to all of you.

Spend time with your dog. Go on adventures. Play.

And when things get hard, for whatever reason, take a step back and go slow.

Remember, you and your dog share something special. It’s a relationship built on feeling safe, happy, and loved.

Take care of your little fur baby—and take care of yourself, too. ❤️🐾

18/03/2026

Look at that recall 🐾💪

And how happy Alf is

The simple act of him coming back to me is rewardimg to Alf

He is not food motivated at all

So he is not coming back for sausage here

Just pure joy of being together 💚🐾

How did I do that?

My focus was on:

Building trust

Exploring together

Having andventures

Understanding his body language

Get in touch if you'd like recall like that 📨😊

15/03/2026

Explore!

Go on an adventure

Don't just follow the path (when safe)

Dogs looove exploring with you

This will show them how amazing it is to stay around you

It won't magically fix your lead walking

But...

It is easy, fun and leaves you and your dog so, sooo satisfied 💚🐾🌲

Alf totally nailed this one, look at them floppy ears! 😁 This selfie is not a random set of events It's a set of three d...
13/03/2026

Alf totally nailed this one, look at them floppy ears! 😁

This selfie is not a random set of events

It's a set of three different skills

No 1 Climb - really fun trick, great for parkour too 🐾💪

No 2 Wait - one of the most useful skills you can teach

No 3 Wait in climb - that one is not easy 😅

Get in touch if you want to learn how to teach your dog take pictures with you 📨

04/03/2026

Puppy biting

A real struggle for many guardians

It's a natural behaviour for all pups

It doesn't only happen when they are little

It often comes back with adolescence when those adult teeth are coming out

One of the ways to protect your hands and ankles is to redirect your puppy to bite on something else

Ling, tug toys are great for this

⚠️ Be careful! Do not use big force when playing tug with your pup. Be very gentle, and keep the toy on their mouth level

How do you deal with those land sharks?

Did you know you can book a puppy course with me?

Adolescence pups classes in Redhouse Community Centre in Swindon

If you're remote, I also deliver online sessions

Get in touch 🐶

🐾Puppy classes in Redhouse Community Centre🐾 Ages - 5 to 18 months Mondays at 6:45 pm and 7:45 pm SN25 2NJ Small groups...
02/03/2026

🐾Puppy classes in Redhouse Community Centre🐾

Ages - 5 to 18 months

Mondays at 6:45 pm and 7:45 pm

SN25 2NJ

Small groups - up to 4 puppies

EXTRA 2 x free online sessions after the course ends

Qualified, experienced trainer with insurance

Positive training methods tailored to a teenage phase

Get in touch if you'd like to book or have any questions

Contact: 07840 407589, [email protected], or PM

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