Dilly’s Dogs

08/09/2024

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

06/09/2024

⚠️ 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 (𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒚) 𝑩𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒚

Yesterday, I received the following email from a researcher for the TV programme *Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly*:

"𝑀𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 (redacted) 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑉 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 ‘𝐷𝑜𝑔𝑠 𝐵𝑒ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑦) 𝐵𝑎𝑑𝑙𝑦’.

𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐿𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑚.

𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑑𝑎𝑦 10𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑜𝑔 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑜𝑛. 𝑊𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑔𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑒.

𝑊𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑑𝑜𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑛-𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑏𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠.

𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛. 𝑂𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑠!"

My first thought was to delete the email. I'm not a fan of Graeme Hall. I've watched a few episodes of his show, and in my opinion, he seems to make things up as he goes along, relying on outdated training methods.

However, I was puzzled. Was the “cravat” unwell, and they needed a stand-in? I'm a nobody – why on earth would they want to film me training a dog when there are so many high-profile trainers out there? Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to give the researcher a call.

I'm still in shock as I write this. The researcher explained that they wanted to invite me to Lytham with my Border Collie to "demonstrate" to Graeme Hall how I would train my dog not to respond to a phone ringtone.

Graeme would then take my training method and use it to teach the Border Collie of the family seeking help – all while filming it for his TV show!

WTF 😳😳😳

I decided to dig a bit deeper and reached out to the force-free dog training community to see if anyone else had experienced something this bizarre.

It turns out that many trainers had also been asked to attend filming sessions to show Graeme how to train dogs before the cameras rolled. Most reported that they refused because of his methods, but a few had shown him and his team how to train a dog, only to be dismissed without any credit for their expertise.

I then did some open-source research on "The Country’s Best Dog Trainer," as the *Daily Telegraph* calls him. He has no formal training in canine behaviour or training. He’s essentially winging it with the help of whatever trainers are willing to show up and assist him.

According to his website, he charges £875 per session 🤔😧

Now I’m not someone who normally criticises other trainers. I prefer to let my clients decide if I’m the right trainer for them based on how I work with their dogs.

However, I couldn’t let this pass without making it public knowledge.

If you're looking for a dog trainer, please avoid this programme and this man. You have no idea whose techniques he’ll be using week to week, and given that most qualified and accredited trainers want nothing to do with him, the quality of training you’ll receive is questionable at best.

Instead, do your own research and find a local trainer who aligns with your own dog training ethics. Organisations such as The IMDT or APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers can help guide you to qualified & accredited trainers in your area.

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒔!

09/06/2024

Two dogs 🐶 both in their happiest place 🐾💤 It’s safe to say Sandy is happy bounding through the grass searching for left over tennis balls (and succeeding in finding one 90% of the time!) whilst Steve just wants a lap to cuddle on…luckily for him there’s been plenty of time for these recently!

17/05/2024

And that’s a wrap…I am now officially ‘off work’ until September 😬 4 weeks to apparently relax 🧘‍♀️in preparation (however the panic of boredom and sitting still means there is a long list of cpd, 🤓 painting and decorating👩‍🎨 and goat husbandry jobs to do 🐐) followed by 3 months of some big adjustments 😬👀 A big thank you to all my lovely clients who have been so understanding and excited about this pause in work, we can’t wait to see you and your dogs again in September! Feel free to send me updates as I will miss all the dogs! 🐶 Hopefully we might bump into a few of the locals walking out and about as I attempt to get my fitness back🐾
If you are a interested in signing up for daycare from September please still get in touch so we can keep you up to date about start dates and answer any questions you may have. We will do our best to post on here however apparently we’re going to have our hands full for the next few months so it might be even more sporadic than usual (I am aware I’m rubbish at social media!). Wish us luck!

21/03/2024

🔥BIG NEWS🔥 after years of dreaming, planning, hard graft and more admin than any human would willingly endure but most importantly constant support from I am beyond proud and excited to announce that Dilly’s Dogs is now able to offer a bespoke dog day care service 🍾🎉🥳💃🕺🐶🐾
This has been a dream of mine for a long time and to be able to tell you all that we are now a licensed home from home day care and boarding business is very exciting!
🏡Our day care will not be what you traditionally think of when you hear ‘dog day care’, using my experience working with and training dogs we have designed our business to go above and beyond always ensuring your dogs welfare is our highest priority with their days packed full of exercise, enrichment, appropriate socialisation, training and rest🐾
Due to the bespoke nature of our day care we will be taking a maximum of 7 client dogs so if you are interested in securing a spot for your dog be sure to get in touch quickly! 💻📞

10/03/2024

This guy is causing some serious issues in the dog training world and advising people to use out dated techniques that can have dire consequences as they involve inflicting fear and pain on the dog. Please please please unfollow him and help reduce the spread of misinformation!

30/01/2024

Some see a ‘big, scary dog’ because he is fear reactive to dogs that run up and invade his space….I see a perfect little goof ball 🥰❤️

23/01/2024

Some serious jealousy knowing that this is how these two are spending the day whilst I’ll be out in the rain HOWEVER when walking reactive dogs rainy walks are the best as not many others are silly enough to be out in it 🤞✅👀🌧

15/01/2024

When they are so ridiculously cute you can’t help but wonder if they are real 🐶❤️🐾

15/01/2024

DOG OWNERS!

I am hoping you could help answer a question for me.

If you were sending your dog to daycare would you be put off the establishment if they accepted dogs who had been titre tested to show proof of resistance to disease (opposed to the traditional vaccinations from vets).
Of course dogs who have had traditional vaccinations are able to attend the daycare but I am just wondering if people would see it as a negative or positive if dogs who haven’t had those traditional vaccines, but showed proof of resistance, also attended the dog day care. Baring in mind the daycare require proof of vaccinations being up to date and covering the dog for the period that they attend day care.

This is not a post looking to start a debate on vaccinating methods purely asking if it would put you off, encourage you or not make a difference to send your dog to the daycare.

Thank you! 🐾

11/01/2024

I think we should all take a leaf out of Joey’s book 🐶
🐾work hard for what you want (in his case, and mine, a snack)
🐾take note of what is around you, even if it is new and a little daunting (that hay pile wasn’t there last time he was here)
🐾strut on by because you know you’ve got this and the humans around you are there to support you
🐾when you see something you want go for it (especially if it involves a face first play pounce into the long grass)
🐾focus on the good humans who are there for you and keep up the good work (if you look this cute doing it then fair play!)

10/01/2024

As it’s been a while and it’s the start of a new year and all that jazz I figured I should probably introduce myself again 💁‍♀️
My name is Alice and I am an APDT (association of pet dog trainers) accredited dog trainer and dog walker. Initially when I took the leap into self-employment I focused on 1-1 training sessions with owners, specialising in anxious, reactive or rescue dogs having previously worked in rescue centres. I quickly realised that these owners all struggled to find a dog walker who could not only safely walk their dogs but also take the training out onto the walks, something I myself had come across previously with my own reactive dog. Whilst I still offer 1-1 training sessions the majority of my time is spent walking dogs with behavioural quirks or dogs who require some extra training and I love it 🐕❤️ I do also offer group walks for those dogs looking for a little social adventure to break up their day 🐾
If you and your four legged friend are looking for training or walks in and around Horsley, Surrey then get in touch
📧 [email protected]
📞 07940979622

30/12/2023

Costa my boy ❤️ You were number one from the start, I even gave you the ear tag to prove it. The second I laid eyes on you I knew you would be with my forever, at least for your forever ❤️ I was there when you took your first breathe and held you whilst you took your last, far sooner than it should have been. This is possibly the hardest loss yet on this crazy goat journey but as the cared for these animals it is my responsibility to be there to hold them when needed💔🐐🐕 You thought you were a dog, your screams when you saw a bucket of food had neighbours calling asking if someone was in the garden calling for help, your bottom lip never reached your top and you were truly the best and will always be my number 1 goat amigo. Sleep well pal, eat all the ginger nuts along with as many zips and hoodies you can find whilst stealing all the cider ❤️

23/11/2023

Meet Frank, our happy Lab/Shepherd. He is The Goatbox CEO (Canine Executive Officer). Our meetings don't happen in a boardroom but whilst on walks.

A Goal for The Goatbox is to provide our customers & friends alike with a sense of authenticity & transparency. We offer genuine hospitality learnt from decades of experience between us (Alice & Tom). There is no workbook or manual for us.

The quest is to make high quality coffee (thanks Chris ) quickly without compromise on quality.

We also host boozy events too! Check out our partner company

17/11/2023

Did you know that we have weekly slots available from 10:30am onwards to come and provide you and your colleagues at work 🚧(Access permitting!)🚧 with a great selection of hot drinks, cold drinks, pastries and other snacks?! Obviously coffee is our thing but we also cater for those after something else! ☕️🫖🥤🥐🧁🍫 This is us all set up at a local school for morning break to help the teachers through the day!
📱Just get in touch if you and your colleagues need us to save your from the break room coffee!

14/11/2023

For those that need to know!!

Use this service to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep XL Bully dogs.

07/11/2023

The view my lunch had today 👀

03/11/2023

Horsley people…or anyone driving through! Come and say hi and treat yourself ☕️🥐🎂🍫

We are VERY excited to be celebrating The Goatbox’s first official birthday! 🎂🎉🥳☕️🍾🍸Sorry we have been so quiet on here recently, we have been busy working away in the background on something rather exciting! 🤗🚂 After over 6 months of planning, organising and dealing with joyous admin we are thrilled to announce we will be starting our regular pitch at Horsley train station Monday - Friday from 6am to 10am 🥳 So all you local commuters, college students, walkers and explorers in the area please pop by and say hi, we have got you covered for your morning caffeine fix (or de-caff for those of you who cope well with mornings!), pastries and snack bars.
Using amazing coffee locally roasted by , this man knows what he is doing and helps us produce coffee that we are proud to serve! Also using sustainable products such as .packaging to help minimise our impact on the environment whilst providing arty cups to keep you entertained on your travels. Keep your eyes peeled (on stories) for the tasty introductory discounts you can get your hands on over the next few weeks 👀☕️🥐