Perfectly Polite Dachshunds

26/11/2025

✨ Where do I even begin? ✨

The last two years have been nothing short of a journey.
I was the underdog.
A later starter to academics.
A little bit quirky.
Passionate about what I do.
A single mum, running my own business, still making time for my dogs. 🐾

During my time at Lincoln, I was diagnosed with significant learning difficulties and (no surprise!) ADHD. That meant I had to work so much harder to retain the complex topics we were covering — and there were many, because this is a clinical degree.

I couldn’t have done this without the support of my wonderful family, and without all of you who constantly motivated me to keep going. 💙 Thanks must also go to my wonderful lecturers for teaching us so much and for always going above and beyond. This years amazing cohort for always keeping me smiling. And every person who helped or took part in my thesis research (watch this space!)

My goal was simple: to expand my knowledge and be the best I could be. But to walk away with a Merit – a 2.1 at this level proves something important:
👉 You don’t have to “be an academic” to succeed academically.
👉 You do need motivation.
👉 You do need to break down every barrier you face.

My learning journey continues. But for now, I hope that aside from giving my best to you, I can motivate every person who ever believed they couldn’t.
Because here’s the truth: If I can, you can. 🌟

Signing off for the evening, for the very first time, as…

Sharon Alton MSc. 🎓 ✨

21/11/2025

Have a sausage snuggley weekend everyone.

19/11/2025

Sorry I've been so quiet, spinning many plates as ever.

So many dynamic dog assessments over recent months have enabled you and your dogs to get right to the cause of the issue followed by behavioural modification. Its never nice to think they are in pain but often a relief.

I will be listing the next Stop Barking course over the weekend, will announce once its up.

Am thrilled to say I passed my MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour, i'm just waiting on confirmation of the final grading.

Its been a journey and I've faced many challenges. But......the sun always rises and casts light on the hardest of challenges.

We keep going!

11/11/2025

01/11/2025

📢🕒FINAL CALL🕒📢

LAST STOP BARKING/STOP REACTIVITY COURSE OF 2025 😲🫢😱

⏳ Last chance to join! The Stop Barking/Reactvity Course kicks off 2 November—bookings close today!

Is your Dachshund’s barking or reactivity making walks or home life stressful? This 6-week live, virtual course is your chance to turn things around with expert guidance tailored specifically for Dachshunds. Starting 2 November, you'll get:

- 🐾 Weekly Group Zoom sessions (1.5–2 hours) with real-time support in between.
- 🧠 Step-by-step guides and videos to build confidence and calm
- 🐶 Positive reinforcement strategies that uncover the root causes- not just manage symptoms
- 🎓 Access to a graduate support group and discounts on Dynamic Dog assessments on completion.
- 📹 Session recordings so you never miss a moment
- 🤗Feedback on your training videos for bespoke guidance and progression.

Whether your dog barks at the door, on walks, or struggles with triggers, this course offers a systematic, compassionate approach to lasting change.

👉 Secure your spot now. Let’s help your Dachshund thrive and help you enjoy your relationship again.

30/10/2025

For anyone needing a giggle.

I was getting a bit hot under the dachshund blanket and carefully disentangled myself.

Lily continued to sleep deeply and found a new role for my croc!

Croc hats for dogs.....a new trend maybe?

27/10/2025

Remote vs in person......does it work?

Here's my take and how I do it.

Remote and In person services | Perfectly Polite Dac

For years I did in person visits and yes they are great.  With covid we were forced online. I really didn’t think it could be effective, and in some situations I can see how it isn’t. However I’ve adapted my approach so now doing it remotely is actually better.

26/10/2025

This will be the last stop barking/stop reactivity course of 2025.🫣🎄🧑‍🎄

The course is live each week but is recorded so you can catch up.

Each course varies depending on people's needs from attention seeking to on lead barking at dogs and people.

Working from the ground up to reframe their thinking and yours to enable you to enjoy calm and pleasant lives together.....and seeing the best side of your dachshunds.

Starts Sunday 2nd November at 3pm.

All information and booking on the link below:

🎨 🖼️ Your Dachshund is a living canvas, shaped by experience, environment, and understanding. Sometimes we need need to make a few tweaks! This course helps paint a clearer picture of their behaviour, uncovering the causes behind their challenges and guiding you toward balance, confidence, a...

19/10/2025

Many years ago, well, 5 actually, a lady reached out to me offering to make my little IVDD warrior, TRF rescue Chelly a coat.

She asked for nothing in return.

She then donated a coat for a raffle which raised a huge amount for little rescues like Chelly.

5 years on, it is amazing to see her take her personal experience of IVDD, her talent and huge heart and find a gap for those of us with wobbly walkers.

Chelly is 10 now. She still wears her made to measure coat.

I will admit I don't tend to use harnesses generally. But i do for wonkey donkeys. They offer a bit of stability whilst they relearn how to strut. I love how this lovely lady has really considered the need and had input from professionals.

Huge shout out to our communities own, from Frank.

Thank you for caring Love From Frank.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTdnqtpix/

17/10/2025

Remember its that time of year where we close doors and prepare to hibernate.

We tend to focus on getting walks done as its cold, damp and dark.

This means the dogs see a dramatic loss of activity, stimulus and often quality time with us.

This works for some, but many see increased issues at home and when out.

If you are.....think about what you are not doing....or....what you have started doing.

What changed?

For Kami this means less time in the garden on her wheels (which she loves btw), and more time taking us out at speed indoors whilst truffling for grated cheese and generally rearranging the furniture!

11/10/2025

With Halloween and Guy Fawkes around the corner heres a blog I wrote a while ago to help you through it.

For fireworks, trying to desensitise at this point is a little late in the day so start now by setting up a safe environment for them to find calm in which helps to mask the outside unpredictable noises so when the day comes they can take themselves off there knowing its a safe space.

https://www.perfectlypolitedachshunds.com/post/knock-knock-who-s-there-bang-bang?fbclid=IwdGRjcANW6pxjbGNrA1bqlmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeU76PW8-9e6mx7ztUN8ArSR_F_LiJaN5H3U0FLGn-ubLXcFyMmSvXvH_yc3I_aem_v0bUdNf4AEWLYobZ1dCVgQ

Halloween and Guy Fawkes.....That time of year again!! The 2 scariest times of year for animals and many people. Hopefully this blog will help you with your dogs.Halloween is coming, I used to dread it, but whats so nice up in Norfolk is the pumpkin outside. A pumpkin says “yep, please knock,” o...

08/10/2025

Next Stop Barking course is now listed:

Starts 2nd November, 3pm (UK Time)

🐾This online, interactive and heavily supported Dachshund specific group course is designed to help you understand, manage, and overcome your dog's reactivity and barking both on walks and at home. Using positive reinforcement and confidence-building, we focus on finding the cause of the behaviour, rather than just managing the symptoms to create long term change.

🦴 What Makes This Course Different
✔️ Live and interactive with real-time support
✔️ Confidence-building for you and your Dachshund
✔️ Bespoke guidance based on your personal journey on the course
✔️ Systematic approach for lasting behavioural change

🎾 What We Cover
🐾 Understanding why they bark
🐾 Building their confidence
🐾 Developing tolerance to triggers
🐾 Strengthening training foundations
🐾 Working together toward calmness

📋 What’s Included:
📹 Weekly group Zoom sessions (1.5 -2 hours on average)
🤝 Ongoing interactive support from me as you progress
📝 Step by step guides on individual activities to support your understanding and training
🎓 Access to the graduates' group after completion
🎯 Discount on Dynamic Dog Standalone Assessment to assess underlying health issues that may be contributing to their behaviour once you finish the course.