Ribble Valley Canine Services

08/03/2025

Skills training for your dog is essential. Traditionally this was called obedience training, but I never call it that, for a very good reason - I think the language we use to describe what we’re doing has a huge impact on our perspective, expectations and approach to training.

Skills are something we learn over time, with lots of practice and usually with help and guidance from others before we can apply them fully and reliably on our own when we need to. Learning isn’t always linear and needs to be appropriate to your dogs age, stage of development, current level of ability.

Obedience on the other hand implies doing something the first time you’re asked. This is of course the ultimate aim in dog training, but should not be expected from a novice learner, or from a dog that is overwhelmed or scared in the environment.

I want my dogs (and yours) to have the skills they need to pay attention and to display self control around distractions at a pace they’re ready for.

Core skills include:
⭐️Attention to name (eye contact)
⭐️Recall
⭐️Close (on and off lead, walking by your side on cue)
⭐️Stay
⭐️Safe road crossing

We’ll use all sorts of games and approaches to achieve these skills, and most importantly we’ll have fun getting there!

So if you’re ready to help your dog learn, why not drop me a DM or follow the link in my bio 🙌⭐️🐕

03/03/2025

Every Dog is Different – And That’s the Best Part 🐾

Spending time with my own dogs has taught me one thing—no two are the same. They each have their own personalities, quirks, and needs. One might be full of energy, always ready for the next adventure, while another is happiest taking things slow. Some pick up training in a flash, while others need a little more time.

And that’s completely okay.

Just like people, dogs learn at different speeds, and what works for one might not work for another. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to training. It’s about understanding your dog as an individual and working with them at their pace.

But here’s the thing—progress also depends on us as much as them. How often we practice, how we play, and the energy we bring to training all make a difference. Consistency, patience, and fun go a long way in building a strong bond and helping our dogs succeed.

Here are a few snaps of my pack out doing what we love the most—each in their own way. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about training—it’s about connection.

How do you tailor your time with your dog to suit their personality? Let me know in the comments! 🐶❤️

26/02/2025

Recall and attention around dogs for this little fella! ❤️🥰😍

Just completed his puppy training Block of 4 sessions. Perfect to get off to a good start with the basics!

He did so well - very impressed with his lovely owners and their hard work 🙌 he’s a lucky boy !

25/02/2025

Just love watching them grow ❤️

25/02/2025

Awesome session with Basil 🙌

Learning to relax around visitors and developing self control skills 🌟

Great work .scho 🎉 great to see the progress you’re both making ❤️

24/02/2025

05/11/2024

How would YOU like it?

09/02/2024

Meet: Otto
Age: 3 years
Breed: Jack Russell x Poodle
Neuter status: Neutered
Summary: Lively fun loving dog, responds well to training and needs some time investing to fulfil his potential. He needs to be an only dog, but is great with people of all ages and used to kids under 10.
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Otto is a lively young dog full of energy and enthusiasm for his walks and his training. He loves people and is used to living with children under 10. He enjoys a fuss and a cuddle at home, or on walks if attention is offered, though he’ll just as happily walk past people he doesn’t know if you ask him to.
Otto has great recall and walks nicely on his lead. He loves playing with his ball. Otto is sometimes worried by other dogs on walks when he’s on his lead and he needs support if they have to pass quite close by. On our assessment walk he did a superb job of listening and responded very well to training, learning quickly, but his new owner will need to commit to training to help Otto increase his confidence.
Needs to be an only dog in the house. He will thrive when he can relax in his own space and have lots of attention from his new owner. He is struggling living with other dogs currently and it is making him very unhappy which is why he is looking for a place where he can be spoilt and enjoy his own perfect place.

For more information, please email [email protected]. Homecheck required.

07/02/2024

Course of 3 Recall Workshops - Sunday 25th Feb, 17th March and 7th April @ 9am

Suitable for all ages of dog, from puppies to fully mature adult dogs

Cost: £99 for the course of 3 x 1hr sessions

Only 3 spaces available - first come first served. Please email me at [email protected] to book

All dogs must be conformable in the presence of other dogs to participate. Classes taking place in Billington.

08/01/2024

***COMING SOON - Recall Workshops***

A series of 3 x 1hr workshops to help you develop a reliable recall with your dog in a safe and friendly small group environment. Any age of dog. Any breed. Any stage of training. Not suitable for dogs that are reactive around people and other dogs (barking / lunging).
Small group training - Only 4 spaces available!

Watch this space and check www.ribblevalleycanineservices.co.uk for bookings going live

04/01/2024

🤣 true story!

23/12/2023

Tight muzzle, ears pinned back, round staring eyes, leaning away. This is a very tolerant dog, not a happy dog in this scenario. Dogs are wonderful creatures and their tolerance of human behaviour is the only reason we don’t see more bites - we already see far too many. If you live with a dog, it’s so important to learn to read dog body language and respect your dog’s signals to avoid bites.

18/12/2023

She’s so fluffy!!! Hardly ever see a poodle mix left long and doesn’t she look beautiful! The lovely Summer - 18 month old cavapoo and this mornings client, showing off her loveliness! 🥰❤️😍