Chorley Canine Solutions - Dog trainer, walker in Chorley

30/08/2024

Fun Recall Games!!

Make recall training fun with games! 🐾 Try playing recall circuits or fetch to reinforce the recall cue.
Play in a wide open space and call your dog, rewarding them when they catch you. Use fetch to practice recall by calling your dog back to you with the toy. Keep it fun and engaging! 🎾🏃‍♂️

See below for a game of recall circuits!!

28/08/2024

Common Mistakes in Recall Training

Common mistakes in recall training include poor timing of rewards, inconsistent cues, and practicing in high distraction environments.

⏱️ Ensure you're rewarding your dog immediately when they come to you.
Use the same cue every time
Practice in different environments slowly building on the difficulty

Avoid only calling your dog when it’s time to go home (Don’t become the fun police!)
Consistency is key! 🐶✅

If you need help with recall call Nicky on 07872642042
Or visit the website to book: https://www.chorleycaninesolutions.co.uk/

26/08/2024

Introduction to Recall Training

Recall training is crucial for your dog's safety and your peace of mind! 🐾 Start by teaching your dog to come when called. Use a happy tone, clear verbal markers, and high-value treats.

Begin in a distraction-free environment and gradually add more distractions.

Consistent practice will make your recall command strong! 🐕✨

23/08/2024

International blind dog day!!! 🥰

He's amazing!
He's resilient!
He's my boy 💞😍

23/08/2024

Setting the Foundation
Setting a strong foundation is essential in dog training! 🐾

Start with clear cues and consistent rewards. Make sure your dog understands basic commands before moving on to more advanced training or adding in distractions.
Take your time, be patient, and celebrate small victories.

A solid foundation will make future training easier and more effective. Practice makes perfect! 🐶💪

Here's a video of my lad practicing a sit and stand. I use very clear cues so he can get it right 🥰

22/08/2024

Tools for Positive Reinforcement
Let's talk tools for positive reinforcement! 🐕✨

Treats toys, verbal markers, and play are all fantastic ways to reward your dog. Treats are great for quick rewards, toys can keep training fun, and play sessions make learning enjoyable.

Find out what motivates your dog the most and use it to reinforce good behaviour. Consistency is key! 🦴🧸

21/08/2024

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is all about rewarding your dog for good behaviour! 🐾 By using treats, toys, and praise, you encourage your dog to repeat the behaviours you want. This method builds trust and strengthens your bond with your dog. 🎉

Remember, it's all about timing and consistency. Start small, reward often, and watch your dog thrive! 🌟

28/06/2024

Myth: A muzzled dog must be a nasty dog!

Truth: A dog could be wearing a muzzle for various reasons.
🐾 They're going through a training plan and it's a safety piece of kit
🐾They eat stuff off the streets that can make them poorly
🐾They are being desensitised to it
🐾They have to wear one due to BSL legislation

An owner of a muzzled dog may feel judged or worried how their dog will be perceived by the public 😓🐕

When you see a muzzled dog, you don't know for sure why they are wearing it. Give them a bit of space as they might be learning social skills.

Give the owner a smile from a distance or a nod of acknowledgment because you might just make their day 🥰

Here's my boy modelling his muzzle, doesn't he look handsome 💕

26/06/2024

Finally got round to introducing these two ❤️

Meet Chi chi and Buu 😺😺

When we brought these home we were conscious about how Tank would react to them. He'd never really been overly bothered by cats but he's never shared his home with one 😬

Bless them, they were very scared and timid little things so had their own cat room upstairs so I could build a bond with them and help them feel safe first 🥰

We scent swapped so Tank and the kittens could get used to one another and then allowed the kitten to approach him in their own time 🐕🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

Fast forward 2 months and we have a very happy harmonious house 🥰
In fact they're starting to gang up on me to access double treats 🤣

When introducing a new pet to a resident dog:
🐾Make sure they all feel safe and secure
🐾Have their own safe spaces they can retreat too and not be bothered
🐾Reward good interactions between them
🐾Share your affection evenly
🐾Take it slow!

16/06/2024

New Post: 5 top tips to Improve Your Lead Walking Skills

5 top tips to Improve Your Lead Walking Skills by Nicky Calderbank | May 29, 2024 | Training Walking your dog should be an enjoyable activity for both of you. However, if your dog constantly pulls on the lead, it can turn into a frustrating experience. Fortunately, with positive reinforcement techni...

09/05/2024

Tanky boy update ❤️

He's doing fabulously well! Today we're trialling cone free supervised breaks.

He's so much happier after his surgery, no pain and getting back to the cheeky lad I know and love 💕

His eye socket is healing beautifully and has been from day one. Hillcrest Animal Hospital have done a wonderful job, it's so neat 🥰

He's navigating the house better each day, not needing as much guidance and finding things on his own.

We've celebrated so much this last week:
🐾 Finding his water bowl
🐾 Finding the grass to toilet
🐾 Going into the garden without a lead on
🐾Going for a short walk around the block and not bumping into anything
🐾 Finding the sofa
🐾 Having the confidence to wander off into the garden to explore alone

It doesn't matter what training you're working on small issues or big behavioural problems.

Remember to celebrate the small stuff, each step counts towards the end goal 😊

28/04/2024

Hi everyone!

Just a heads up that for the next few weeks I'm on shorter hours due to my gang all having surgery tomorrow 🙈

2 weeks ago we welcomed 2 kittens 😺😺 into our home. They've been settling in well but not had the chance to formally introduce them because Tank's eye condition worsened so it's been a bit full on in the Calderbank household 🐶💕

The kittens are in for neutering and Tank's having his remaining eye removed 😥

I am still available (so send me training updates) but forgive me if I take a little longer to respond to messages or emails. I'll be chasing round after a Tank and trying to keep 2 kittens calm 🤣💕

25/04/2024

Keeping track of your training journey can be tough!
We have work and family commitments and then your dog trainer adds more stuff for you to do 🥴 I get it!!

You have to remember what to do and how to do it. Sifting through emails or reading our notes just makes it harder and often is the last thing on the to do list, being at risk of not getting done at all 🙈

Make it easy by:
🐾putting up a reminder such as a white board, poster in the fridge or task in your phone
🐾Tick off what you've done for a sense of achievement and everyone in the house can see what's outstanding and step in to help
🐾Work training into your daily tasks. Play a training game whilst you wait for the kettle to boil or do one on your dogs walk 🐶
🐾 Keep sessions short, 5 minutes each is plenty
🐾If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your trainer for guidance on how we can make it easier. We don't bite, I promise 😉

I'm currently working with a fabulous specialist blind dog trainer Eve from The Underdogs Training to help me and Tank. Yes! Even dog trainers need dog trainers from time to time. She's doing the plan taking the pressure off me and I'm just doing the stuff 😁

Below is a picture of my white board to keep me on track. He's smashing it btw 🥰🐶

23/04/2024

Did you know? Dogs communicate through body language! 🐾

Understanding your pup's cues can strengthen your bond. Dogs use body language to express their emotions, needs, and intentions, so paying attention to their signals can improve communication and prevent misunderstandings. Ignoring your dog's body language could lead to misinterpretations, misunderstandings, and potential conflicts. Look out for tail wags, ear positions, and more.

Visit our website for more tips and tricks: https://www.chorleycaninesolutions.co.uk/

10/03/2024

🐾🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing dog mums out there! 🌸🐾

Today, we celebrate the unconditional love, endless cuddles, and boundless joy you bring into your dogs lives.

To all the dog mums who wake up to wet kisses and wagging tails, who tirelessly fetch balls and provide endless belly rubs, today is for you!

May your day be filled with extra treats, long walks in the sunshine, and plenty of tail-wagging moments. You are paws-itively amazing!

05/03/2024

Terrific Tuesday!!!!

I cannot express how proud I am of my special boy, he smashes through anything life throws at him 🥰

In December his eye condition got worse and we had no option but to have his left eye removed, leaving him virtually blind 😥

Did it stop him? Nope!

I'll be honest the adjustment to his new life wasn't easy and I certainly wasn't ready for a cyclops dog 🐶. We had to teach him some new cues to keep him safe
🐾Careful! - You're about to collide with something so stop and sniff it out
🐾Follow me - Follow behind me
🐾Step - Stairs!
🐾Find me! - Sniff me out lad, I'm not there! He sometimes thinks I'm the house plant near the front door 😂

The point of this post is to show off my boy and basically say:
✨The learning never stops and you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks! ✨He is 12 years old! 🐶🐾🥰

If you're struggling with an aging dog and need help to adjust their environment or teach them new things to make their life easier get in touch!

01/03/2024

Spring has sprung! 🐶🌼🌸🌷 Is your pup ready for warmer weather and more outdoor adventures?

Let's hope March isn't as wet as February 🌧 and we can start to enjoy being outdoors with our dogs.

Spring is my favourite month, with all the wildlife and gardens springing back to life!

It can be a challenging time for our dogs with all the new exciting smells distracting them 🐰🦌

Spring clean your dogs recall by going back to basics to remind them coming back to you is super fun!
Play with toys, be silly, run around to keep your dogs engaged and wanting to hang around you 🥰🐶

18/08/2023

🐾 Embracing the Rollercoaster Ride of Canine Adolescence! 🐶🎢

Fellow puppy owners! 🐕 The whirlwind journey of adolescence with your furry companions can be tough! Just like teenagers, our adorable pups go through their own version of growing pains, and oh boy, it's an adventure worth sharing! 🌟

🐾 Puppyhood to Teenage dogs: We've all seen our pups go from those tiny, wobbly bundles of joy to energetic teenagers with boundless enthusiasm. The puppy mischief slowly gives way to a more curious and occasionally rebellious phase. It's all part of their development, and guess what? you are not alone! 🐾🌼

🤹‍♀️ Navigating the Storm: From sudden bursts of energy to selective hearing (sound familiar?), adolescence can be a challenge. But fear not, because these moments of chaos are often followed by moments of pure connection and growth. Those longing looks and unexpected snuggles remind us why we embarked on this journey in the first place. ❤️

📚 Learning Together: Just like in human adolescence, this is a prime learning period for our pups. Training becomes even more crucial as they test boundaries and explore their newfound independence. But with patience, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of treats, we're forging an unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime. 🐶✨

🌈 Silver Linings: Amidst the "teenage tantrums," we're witnessing the blossoming of our pups' personalities. Quirks and all, these traits make them unique and special. It's a privilege to witness their transformation from clumsy pups to confident adults, and it's a journey worth cherishing. 🐾🌟

So here's to surviving and thriving during the adolescent phase with our four-legged companions! Let's swap stories, share tips, and celebrate the highs and lows that come with this rollercoaster ride. 🎉 After all, it's the journey that makes our bond with our pups even stronger. 💪🐾

Drop a paw emoji 🐾 if you're in this teenage dog adventure! And don't forget to share your own stories and photos.

For more advice on getting through those tough teenage times - contact Nicky on 07872 642 042

01/07/2023

New Post: The Gift of a Growl

Every dog owner wants their dogs to be friendly, well-mannered dogs and sometimes view growling as something to be stopped.

02/06/2023

Fun Friday!

This boy cracks me up. Waiting patiently at the dog gate when the main gate is open 🤣

He's such a good lad 👏

27/05/2023

IMDT conference here we come!! 😁 so excited to see some great speakers and ready to learn a lot!

Here with Haigh Hounds for a fun filled day ❤️

26/05/2023

Is there anything you would love to teach your dog🐶 but don't know where to start?

Ask us in the comments and I will help 🐾💗

26/05/2023

Who else is a control freak with their dogs? 🙋‍♀️🤣

I'm at the IMDT conference tomorrow and so my husband has to do Tank's medical regime.

He is more than capable yet I still have to write it down and stick labels on as if he is a child 😂
It's a good job he loves me 🥰

09/05/2023

When all your hard work comes together 🥰

Vet visits have never been easy for my boy. He finds the environment stressful in itself let alone when he's feeling poorly 😥

I've prepared him the best I can by:

🐾 Counter conditioning certain positions and procedures (holding his eyes open, lifting his paws etc)

🐾Building a safe space in the boot of my car to help him feel safe and secure

🐾 Building his confidence with strangers

🐾Teaching him that he has a choice to back away if he wishes

🐾Adding safety elements to keep the vet safe (muzzle training)

All the above never fully prepares him for a vet visit but it takes away some of the stressors.

Today he was a super star ✨ he let the vet do a test on his eyes, no sedation needed just a few perfectly timed treats.

Treatment done and back home with him fully relaxed having his mid morning nap 🥰

Also shout out to Hillcrest animal hospital for understanding his needs and taking their time to help him feel comfortable 💖

01/05/2023

Fantastic news!! As of February 2024, E-collars will be banned in England!! 💪
This is a massive win for dog welfare🐾☺️, there is no need for such tools in training!

01/04/2023

New Post: Zippy’s Rescue Story…

In summer 2022, Zippy had been rescued from the RSPCA. He was scared of the world and struggled settling in his new home.

16/03/2023

Be careful with dog toys from Happy pet manufacturer ‼️

This soft turkey toy marketed and sold for dogs contained a plastic box containing wires and a battery 😳

Luckily I noticed and removed it before it was chewed or worse ingested‼️

08/03/2023

Huge shout out to my boy and Sarah Davie Dog Training

Sarah is a very good friend and fellow trainer. She's met my boy previously but not seen him for about 4 years.

Today we had the rare opportunity to meet up for a brew and cake. She gave him space and time to explore her on his terms without any pressure. Within 5 minutes he was fully relaxed and confident to pester her for some super tasty treats 🥰🐶

01/03/2023

New Post: The Learning Never Stops

The Learning Never Stops by Nicky Calderbank | Mar 1, 2023 | Training Chorley Canine Solutions The Learning Never Stops When teaching our dogs new skills, we are continually developing those skills by either upping criteria or increasing distractions. The same goes for dog trainers/behaviourists, we...

20/02/2023

It's national love your pet day! 💖💗😍

My boys had an extra large treat and now it's snuggle time 🥰

What are you doing to spoil your pet today?