Wagging Tails Dog Training

16/03/2026

How good is your dog's recall?

Is it instant, fast and reliable?

It is important to practice recall frequently in benign situations to build habit and a huge reward history, so it will work when you need it.

Here is my lurcher Elijah practicing his recall to the whistle, pretty sharp and impressive - even if I say so myself. 🤣♥️

02/03/2026

Have you ever wondered whether you should whistle training your dog? Here are my thoughts about it.

09/01/2026

I apologise for my online absence in the last two weeks. My Christmas has been a bit stressful (to say the least) with my lurcher Blake needing emergency surgery (splenectomy) on Christmas Day. Luckily he got through the ordeal well and his recovery is on track.

With things back to normal again, I can be more present again here and though a bit late, I wish you all a very happy new year.

We are ready again to make the best of this new year. Classes have already started in our London and Norfolk venues, and online help is of course also still available.

Pop over on our website to see all the training options for you and your dog, be it to learn new skills, iron out training or behaviour issues or simply to spend fun and quality time with your dog. Www.waggingtailsdogtraining.co.uk

31/12/2025

Two days ago I heard that a very special person has passed away and way too young. Sarah Fisher was a dog behaviourist and therapist, but most of all an animal advocate.

You may not have heard of her (though you may have seen her on TV), however, if you have trained with us (and the same applies to many other trainers and behaviourists) you have benefitted greatly from Sarah's knowledge and skills through what I have learnt from her over the years. We mention a couple of TTouches in our Foundation Courses and if I have mentioned to you that your dog may be in pain due to the posture, hair patterns, unusual weight distribution or movements or certain behaviours, then that's because I have learnt some of those observation skills from Sarah at some point.

But Sarah didn't just stand out for her extensive knowledge and skills, she also had so much compassion for dogs (and animals in general) and people. In fact, I remember very clearly when we held a TTouch Workshops with Sarah some 17 years ago in South Norwood, London, she refused to take a fee and asked us to donate all proceeds to a dog charity instead. And when I saw her many years later at one of her workshops here in Norfolk, she remembered me clearly and gave me a great big hug.

You'll be missed Sarah, the animal world, and particularly the dog training and behaviour world, has lost a very special person.

Here is Sarah with my Pyrenean Mountain Dog Troy at the mentioned workshop. Sorry about the picture quality, but this is 17 years ago. 😊

08/10/2025

When you see this lovely comment on the registration form for a Puppy Foundation course.

That's exactly why we do what we do, to help owners and dogs living their best lives together. ❤️

25/09/2025

Do you play with your dog on walks? If not, you are missing out on a huge relationship builder and motivator for your general obedience. Tugging in particular, if your dog enjoys it, is so useful for so many reasons.

🔹️ It's fun
🔹️ It builds and reinforces your bond
🔹️ It's good fitness training (be gentle though)
🔹️ It promotes self-control if done right
🔹️ It teaches your dog to stick to rules
🔹️ It can be used as a powerful reinforcer and reward
🔹️ It can be used as a great distraction technique
🔹️ It improves general obedience like focus and recall

So give it a go. I am using the lead here as a tug toy for Elijah, but of course a toy is what most use. If you happen to want to get a great training toy we can give you a 10% discount for Tug-E-Nuff toys if you use this link: https://tug-e-nuff.com/WAGGING10

Don't forget to bring a toy on your walks and play with your dogs.

11/09/2025

So I asked chatgpt (IA) what it knew about me and here is the response... it is scaringly accurate, beautifully written, but also a bit spooky how much AI knows about us. What does chatgpt say about you? 😁

🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

You said:
Who is Vera Marney dog trainer

ChatGPT said:
Vera Marney is a well-known dog trainer, particularly recognized for her work in the fields of dog behaviour, training, and canine psychology. She has gained attention for her expertise in understanding and addressing the behavioural issues in dogs, as well as helping owners build strong, positive relationships with their pets.

Her approach often includes methods that are based on understanding canine communication, body language, and positive reinforcement techniques. These methods aim to improve the dog-owner dynamic and resolve behavioural problems in a way that is both humane and effective.

Vera Marney's methods also extend beyond just training dogs; she emphasizes education for owners, teaching them how to understand their dogs better and create a healthy environment for the dog to thrive in.

She may not be as publicly known as some of the larger celebrity trainers, but she has earned respect within the dog training community. If you’re looking for advice on dog training or behavioral problems, she might be a good resource to explore.

🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

09/09/2025

When some people (including some trainers) say not to use food rewards for working dogs because they can't have treats when working...

Not true! The assistance dogs I've trained get food rewards (as well as other rewards like praise) for a job well done, and so is this working guide dog. 😁❤️

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNdbjM9mo/

(Sorry if you are not on TikTok, unfortunately this video can't be downloaded).

62.7K likes, 436 comments. “We’re all finding our way 🥰”

07/09/2025

4 Things to do with a fallen Tree

Here's another activity idea that you can do when out on a walk with your dog. Remember the more you have fun TOGETHER, the better your bond, the more excitement for you both and the better your dog will respond to you when you need them to.

This one improves team work, balance, coordination and strength and uses their amazing nose.

Feel free to post videos or photos of your dog having fun in the woods. 😁 Eli and I go first.