DogWuf Training

01/06/2025

✨ A new month brings exciting news! ✨

Over the past few months I have been involved with PAWS as a mentor. I’m thrilled to share that I’ve now been invited to join them as a core mentor, an opportunity I’m incredibly excited about! 😄

What does this mean for DogWuf?

I’ll still be running a limited number of sessions with DogWuf for our regular clients. Nigel will still be providing 1-1 gundog training.

The rest of my week will now be dedicated to working with our Therapy & Assistance Dog teams at PAWS:

🐾 Welcoming new PAWS clients
🐾 Visiting school dogs & their handlers
🐾 Leading group mentoring sessions
🐾 Providing 1:1 support to clients

This is an amazing chance for me to collaborate with some amazing and inspirational humans, and I can’t wait to get started!

If you’d like to learn more about the incredible work PAWS Therapy & Assistance Dogs Training is doing, check out the link below: 🐶👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Anu2dwrVa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

13/05/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month ❤️

Let’s talk about something that matters, to you and your dog.

Mental health isn’t just a human thing. Our dog’s feel stress, anxiety, and loneliness too. Whether it’s a tough day, a big life change, or just the everyday hustle, you’re not alone, and neither is your pup.

Reaching out, for yourself, your friends, and yes, even your dog can make all the difference. A walk, a cuddle, a check-in,… they all count. 🤗❤️

So this month, and every month going forward, let’s be kind, be present, and stay connected.

Your mental health matters and your dog’s does too. If you’re struggling with training or behaviour why not drop us a message, we would love to help 🥰

07/05/2025

Let Them Sort It Out…? Let’s Not.

We often hear, ‘Just let the dogs sort it out’ or ‘Let that dog put them in their place’. But here’s the truth:

Dogs aren’t responsible for policing each other’s behavior, that’s our job as their guardians.

Allowing dogs to ‘sort it out’ can lead to stress, fear, and even aggression. It risks both dogs learning the wrong lessons: one may become anxious or fearful, the other may feel pressure to be the ‘enforcer’.

So what do we do instead?
• We supervise interactions with intention.
• We advocate for every dog’s comfort and consent.
• We interrupt when play gets too rough or one dog looks uncomfortable.
• We teach through positive reinforcement and never punishment or conflict.

A safe, respectful space builds confident dogs.

Let’s support our dogs the way they support us, kindly, clearly, and consistently.

❤️❤️

29/04/2025

The sunshine has certainly brought my happiness back!

Studying also makes me happy 🥰

There is a lot going on behind the scenes here at DogWuf and we can’t wait to share with you 🥰🙌🏼❤️

29/04/2025

I’m proud to share that I have renewed my membership as an Approved Professional with KAD Kids Around Dogs

Being part of KAD means more than just having a title or ticking boxes. It represents my commitment to creating safe, supportive, and positive experiences for children and dogs together.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the power of connection: between kids and their dogs, and between children and their own growing confidence. Through gentle, evidence-based techniques, I help children build trust, overcome fears, develop empathy, and learn valuable life skills, all with the support of our wonderful dogs.

Whether it’s helping a nervous child feel brave around dogs, guiding neurodiverse children in their unique journeys, or supporting families in creating safe, joyful dog interactions at home, I tailor every session to the individual needs of the child. Play, patience, and kindness are key elements in everything we do.

Being part of the KAD network means I have the training, resources, and shared values to ensure that every interaction is safe, respectful, and meaningful, both for the children and for the dogs. I’m honored to work alongside a community that prioritises children’s emotional well-being and dog welfare equally.

Every child’s success story, every moment of growth and laughter, reminds me why I do this work, and why I’m proud to do it as part of Kids Around Dogs.

27/04/2025

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day with the most incredible humans (and dogs!) at the PAWS Therapy & Assistance Dog Training workshop in Banbury.

It was inspiring to watch the other instructors in action, and being part of such a fabulous, supportive team fills me with so much happiness.

Supporting these wonderful people on their journey means the world to me — it’s truly a joy to watch them grow and work towards becoming outstanding Therapy Dog Teams. I can’t wait to see all they will achieve!

I really do love what I do.

26/04/2025

Gundog Training: It’s Not Just for Hunting Dogs!

Gundog training isn’t just about field sports, it’s about tapping into your dog’s natural instincts in a positive, structured way.

Gundog breeds were born to work, and gundog-style training gives them a healthy outlet for their brain and body.

Even if you don’t plan to hunt, gundog training can bring huge benefits for both dog and human.

Benefits of Gundog Training:

1. Mental Enrichment
Gundog breeds thrive on problem-solving. Training exercises like retrieves, memory marks, and directional work keep their minds engaged and reduce boredom-based behaviors.

2. Improved Recall and Focus
Gundog training can help to build a solid recall and attention even around distractions. Your dog learns to listen, check in, and respond even when their instincts kick in.

3. Impulse Control
Sitting steady while a dummy is thrown or waiting to be sent for a retrieve builds patience and emotional regulation, skills that carry into daily life.

4. Stronger Bond
Working together in a team builds trust and connection. Your dog learns that you’re the key to the game, and that deepens your relationship.

5. Great for High-Energy Dogs
These structured tasks provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. It’s a great way to tire out busy dogs in a productive way.

6. Transferable Life Skills
A dog who can stop on a whistle or walk to heel in the field is also easier to manage on walks, around guests, or in public spaces.

Gundog-style games can be adapted for parks, gardens, and even living rooms. It’s about engaging your dog’s instincts in a fun and respectful way.

Do you have a gundog and want to learn more? Drop us a message to set up a call so we can chat about it.

25/04/2025

Frustration in Dogs: What It Is and How You Can Help

Just like us, dogs can feel frustrated when they can’t get what they want. Maybe it’s a toy out of reach, not being allowed to say hello to another dog, or struggling to understand what’s being asked of them. Frustration is normal, but when it builds up, it can lead to barking, whining, jumping, or even more intense behaviors.

Signs of Frustration in Dogs:
• Barking or whining when on lead or there are barriers
• Jumping or pawing at people or objects
• Chewing or destructive behaviors
• Pacing or restlessness
• Growling or snapping in some cases

What Can You Do to Help?
1. Set Clear Expectations: Dogs thrive with consistency. Use simple cues, reward the behavior you want, and be patient.
2. Give Them an Outlet: Frustration often comes from having too much energy. Regular walks, play sessions, sniffing games, and enrichment can help dogs release that energy in healthy ways.
3. Teach Impulse Control: Games like ‘wait’, ‘leave it’, or ‘go to your mat’ teach dogs to pause and think before acting.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm, patient behavior. It’s easy to ignore the ‘good’ and only respond when your dog acts out, but catching them doing well is key.
5. Know Their Limits: Some dogs get overwhelmed more easily than others. Pay attention to what triggers your dog and adjust situations so they can cope better.
6. Ask for Help: If your dog’s frustration is leading to bigger behavior problems, drop us a message. We can help you. You’re not alone!

Remember: a frustrated dog isn’t being ‘bad’ they’re just struggling. With support, understanding, and guidance, we can help them feel calmer and more confident.

23/04/2025

Dog Adolescence: It’s Not Just You. It’s a Phase.

So your once sweet, responsive puppy is now ignoring recall, bouncing off the walls, or suddenly growling at things they never noticed before?

Welcome to adolescence.
It usually hits between 6–18 months (and sometimes beyond), it’s all dependant on size and breed, and yes, it’s a lot.

You might see:
• Regression in training
• Selective hearing
• Bigger emotions
• Risk-taking & boundary-pushing
• Seeming “stubborn” or “naughty” (I promise you they’re not!)

But here’s the truth: they’re not being difficult. Their brain and hormones are going through huge changes. They need guidance, not punishment.

What helps:
• Keep training, and go back to basics if necessary. Always be kind, clear, and consistent
• Set calm, realistic boundaries
• Allow safe outlets for energy and emotion
• Be patient, it really does pass
• Drop us a message, we can help you if you need support

Adolescence is messy, but it’s also a chance to strengthen your bond. Ride the wave with empathy, not frustration.

You’ve got this, and so do they.

Photo Credit: Carl Thomas Photography

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

Dog Bite Prevention: Keeping Interactions Safe & Positive

Every year, thousands of dog bites occur, and most are preventable.

Whether you’re a dog guardian, parent, or simply someone who loves dogs, understanding how to prevent bites is key to keeping both people and dogs safe.

Here are some simple ways to prevent dog bites:

1. Learn Canine Body Language
Dogs communicate with their bodies. Signs of stress like lip licking, yawning, a stiff body, or a tucked tail are all red flags that a dog might need space.

2. Teach Children Safe Interactions
Kids should never hug dogs, disturb them while eating or sleeping, or try to take their toys. ALWAYS supervise child-dog interactions.

3. Respect the Dog’s Space
Never approach a dog you don’t know without asking the guardian. Let the dog come to you, and avoid direct eye contact or reaching/leaning over their head.

4. Avoid Trigger Situations
Many bites happen when a dog is scared, hurt, or overwhelmed. If a dog is cornered, startled, or in pain, give them space and time to settle.

5. Train using Positive Reinforcement
Use reward-based methods to teach boundaries and help dogs feel confident and secure.

Remember: Any dog can bite, even the friendliest. Prevention starts with education, respect, and a commitment to safe, compassionate interactions.

[Pictured: Vinny a white and brindle dog, barking]