Pawfect Fit Dog Training

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Pawfect Fit Dog Training Enjoyable, reward based dog training in Torbay & South Devon. Specialist in 1 to 1 and small groups Training a dog takes time, commitment and understanding.
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I am a Dog Trainer who understands the emotions behind your dogs behaviour. I offer training for puppies and adult dogs, including loose lead walking, recall training, and help with problem behaviours. I am a qualified dog trainer and member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) I hold a level 3 qualification in Learning, Motivation and Reinforcement and Principles of Dog Training and Beh

aviour. I am fully insured and qualified in Canine First Aid. I am working towards further qualifications as a Behaviourist.

A few graduation photo's from the latest group classes.
06/11/2024

A few graduation photo's from the latest group classes.

What was that?I stand alert, ears up, tail up, sniffing the air – I heard a bang, and I smell something strange.  I walk...
02/11/2024

What was that?

I stand alert, ears up, tail up, sniffing the air – I heard a bang, and I smell something strange. I walk around the room looking for the thing that made the noise, then it goes again, louder, this time there are crackles and whistles too, it hurts my ears, the air smells bad and I feel vibrations with each sound. I feel scared. All my instincts are telling me to run, but I can’t get out, so I look for somewhere safe to hide. I take cover under the bed, I feel safer, but I still tremble in fear.

My guardians try and tempt me to come out with a piece of food, I don’t want it; even sausage can’t persuade me to move. I try to tell them I am scared, but they don't understand.


It’s not up to us to decide where our dogs feel safe. We might think they will feel safer cuddling up to us, but that isn’t always the case. If your dog goes to a place they feel safe, don’t force them to leave it, let them choose when they want to come out, sit by them so they know you are close but do everything on their terms. If your dog comes to you for reassurance, then don’t ignore them. Comforting your dog when they ask for it will not reinforce their fear.

Tips for helping your dog
1. Walk them before it gets dark
2. Make sure your home and garden are secure
3. Give your dog access to their safe space/crate/den at all times. Covering the top of the crate with a blanket sometimes makes them feel safer
4. Close the curtains and leave on the lights and radio. A random playlist may help
5. Try placing an air circulating fan in front of the window (fan blades to glass), this can help to distort the sound
6. Invest in a Pet Remedy diffuser and leave it on before, during, and after the fireworks are let off – use code PAWFECTFIT25 for a discount.
7. Reassure them and give them comfort if they come to you
8. Don’t try and ‘take their mind off it’ by playing or offering them their favourite foods – this can create negative associations
9. Don’t force your dog to go outside and watch – this is called flooding (fear conditioning) and will increase their fear and potentially cause other problems

Remember, every dog is different. Just because your previous dog wasn't bothered by fireworks doesn't mean your current dog will be the same.

Thank you Sally for another great information post
31/10/2024

Thank you Sally for another great information post

HAPPY HALLOWEENYour dog:CAN enjoy small amounts of Pumpkin puree          MAY BE scared by trick or treaters in fancy dr...
31/10/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Your dog:
CAN enjoy small amounts of Pumpkin puree

MAY BE scared by trick or treaters in fancy dress

CAN'T have human sweets and chocolate.

Keep your dog safe this Halloween

Puppy Class 14 November 2024 - sorry classes are now fully booked.  New dates for 2025 available soon.7pm to 8.15pm - 6 ...
07/10/2024

Puppy Class 14 November 2024 - sorry classes are now fully booked. New dates for 2025 available soon.

7pm to 8.15pm - 6 week course, dogs up to 22 weeks old.
Foxhole Community Centre, Paignton
£135 per dog, free parking.

Please contact me if you would like to attend.

Why choose Pawfect Fit Dog Training?I am Qualified Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and have undergone a p...
30/09/2024

Why choose Pawfect Fit Dog Training?

I am Qualified Member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and have undergone a practical assessment covering:
• Group Classes
• Home Visit Consultations
• One To One Training
• Canine Training Theory
As a member, I am required to follow a code of ethics, hold insurance and complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year to make sure I stay up to date..

The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers are a founding Member of the UK Dog Behaviour & Trainer Charter.

A long post but worth reading.  Thank you  to Laura at Dog Communication for writing this post.
26/09/2024

A long post but worth reading. Thank you to Laura at Dog Communication for writing this post.

HUMAN DIRECTED AGGRESSION AND THE USE OF AVERSIVES

I’ve had several dogs come to me in the last year who have aggression issues around people that either started or became much worse after they’d had aversive training. By aversives we mean the use of slip lead corrections, body jabs, rattle cans, prong and Ecollars etc. Some dogs went for general loose lead/recall/obedience training but became so scared after the use of aversives that they are now lunging at or even biting people who approach them or try to handle them. Some were already worried about people (growling or barking etc) and are now lunging or attempting to bite people. Some have bitten their owners since this training.

These dogs didn’t have these issues beforehand and they’ve become so scared of what people may do to them now that they are showing aggression. Some of them are now misinterpreting normal human interactions with them and see people as a threat to their safety and are using aggression to try and keep people away. By normal human interactions I mean people taking collars and leads off, reaching out to touch them, walking past then when they are resting etc. These dogs are traumatised by what’s happened to them, there is no other way of describing it.

I used to see dogs like this (who’ve shown aggression after aversive training) once or twice a year and now it’s something I see several times a month and it’s really concerning. There are some really unskilled trainers out there using aversives which is extremely worrying; if an unskilled trainer gets it wrong using reward the worse that happens is the dog gets fat, if you are an unskilled trainer using a shock collar there’s a huge risk of fallout.

Aversives are sold as a ‘quick fix’ they make dogs stop behaviours that people don’t like (running off/barking/stealing things) but there is always a huge risk of a fall out. It’s no surprise really that doing or using something that causes fear or pain may make an anxious dog worse.

None of this is the owners fault either, all have incredibly kind and loving families who weren’t aware these methods would be used or who didn’t realise the implications. They’ve done nothing wrong and are now left to try and repair the damage that’s been done. I feel so sad for the lovely families and their dogs as they’ve been really let down.

There’s no quick fixes to changing emotions, it takes time and patience and who often we are trying to rebuild confidence that’s been lost and help dogs recover from previous trauma (of all sorts). There’s a huge risk with quick fixes and it’s like playing roulette- you may have an incredibly robust dog and get ‘lucky’ and have no negative consequences from using aversives but it may break another dog and leave you with a terrible fall out. Just not worth the risk when we have alternatives

Laura McAuliffe, 2024, Dog Communication

09/09/2024

Clients often comment in my classes and 121's that I am training them not the dogs. In essence this is true, I teach you the exercises so you can continue practicing them at home.

Dogs always tend to perform better for strangers, taking a dog from the owner and showing you how it should be done will not help you when you get home.

Popular TV programmes have raised the expectation that the trainer will take your dog from you, practice a couple of times and then return a perfectly trained dog back to you in a matter of minutes. This is not the case, training a dog to perform any behaviour takes time and patience, the skill of the trainer is to ensure that the exercises are suitable for the individual owner and dog. One size does not fit all!

03/09/2024
📣Calling all puppy parents! 📣 Our friends at Tug-E-Nuff have a BRAND NEW phenomenal puppy play guide and you can get you...
26/08/2024

📣Calling all puppy parents! 📣

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Here’s what’s inside:

🐾 Why play is so important for puppies
🐾 How to play with your puppy (& how long for!)
🐾 The dos and don’ts of puppy play (to save you from mistakes)
🐾 How to find the right toys for your puppy

🙌 3 bonus games your puppy will love

Simply hit the link below and get your free phenomenal puppy play guide here 👇

Packed with our top tips for introducing play, a run down of why play is so important & an unmissable offer

24/08/2024

I am asked for dog walker recommendations a lot. There’s a lot of dog walkers in the area, and I’ll be honest that I don’t know each one that is out there, when so many new ones pop up so often. Whilst I do have some that I recommend locally, I thought it would be more useful for me to share my dog walker green flags. There are no regulations for those working in the dog care industry (the only thing that is regulated is veterinary care) so this is just my personal view.

🐾 They ask lots of questions about your dog’s behaviour, their likes, dislikes, and what makes them “them”. This shows that they are more likely to be able to cater to your dog’s individual needs and are interested in doing this.

🐾 They have taken time to learn about dog body language from reputable sources, and can evidence this understanding in one way or another. ANYONE working with dogs professionally should be able to read dog body language, and you don’t just learn this from spending time around dogs a lot. I’ve taught people that have had dogs for 40+ years new things about body language. Being able to read body language is essential for making sure any dogs in their care are happy. If there are things causing them worry or discomfort then the walker will be able to recognise this if they can read the dog’s body language.

🐾 They’ve taken time to learn about dog behavioural basics including recognising when a dog is becoming overwhelmed, how the environment impacts the dog, and some breed-based behaviours.

🐾 If they offer group walks, they carefully consider the compatibility of different dogs, and don’t just lump them together without managed introductions. If they tell you your dog doesn’t quite fit in with any of their groups, it is because they’re looking out for your dog and also the others. Sadly I’ve known more than one dog come to me for behavioural changes after going on a group walk and being put in to a group that probably wasn’t right for them, with no managed introduction to the group.

🐾 They recognise potential for resource guarding on group walks and manage accordingly, to prevent tension and conflict between the dogs. That might mean your dog doesn’t get to play with their favourite squeaky toy on their walks, because the other dogs might also really want that toy and there aren’t enough to go around.

🐾 THEY ARE INSURED – anyone working professionally with dogs should be insured.

🐾 Their ethics as a dog walker are clear from the outset, in terms of their approach, ethos, and values. They may even hold some dog behaviour qualifications, dog walking qualifications, or can evidence some understanding of dog behaviour beyond just liking dogs.

🐾 They will not let your dog off-lead unless they are confident in their recall and if it is safe for them to spend time off-lead. I’ve known dogs get lost when this has not been considered. It doesn’t mean the dog can’t spend time on a long line, though, and they can still have a fun enriching walk.

🐾 They prioritise your dog’s welfare above all else and will advocate for them when they are in their care.

🐾 They respect your wishes for your dog providing that they aren’t being asked to do anything that is not in the interest of the dog’s overall welfare. I know how scary it can be letting somebody else walk your dog, it requires a lot of trust. That trust needs to be respected. If your wishes aren’t being respected (e.g. “please don’t take him to the beach as it’s a bit busy for him there”, “he doesn’t like walking around our estate so please could you take him to XX place instead”) then that would concern me.

🐾 They are not harsh with your dog and do not use aversive training methods. They support the use of ethical training, and compassionate methods.

🐾 They know their limits. A dog walker is a fantastic part of the team around the dog but does not replace the role of a qualified behaviourist, or a vet (some behaviourists may offer dog walking services in some circumstances for their clients, and this is a bit different of course). If the dog is experiencing complex behavioural challenges (for example, reactivity), this can be discussed with the family, who may choose to employ the help of a behaviourist. I am always keen for dog walkers to get involved with supporting ongoing behavioural coaching if any of their clients have come to me, and am even happy for the walker to come to sessions if they’d like to, so we are all on the same page and understand the causes for the behaviour, as well as steps we’re going to take to help with the behaviour. The dog walker can then put in to practice our coaching strategies and management on walks, and provide greater consistency. They aren't expected to come to sessions, but at the very least, I always suggest to my clients that they share my recommendations and assessment with their dog walker.

🐾 They are respectful of other dogs, people, and livestock in the environment when they’re out on walks.

🐾 If travelling with you dog in their vehicle, the set up is suitable for the safety and comfort of your dog.

To add in some information about boarding and sitting. Dog boarding (looking after your dog in THEIR home) requires licensing by the council. They should have a license number. Dog SITTING (looking after a dog in YOUR home) does not need a license.

Dog walkers can be a great part of your support network, "team around the dog", and it can be helpful for your dog to form a positive relationship with a walker in case you need to employ their walking or sitting services.

Thankyou, Heal the Dog for this.
24/08/2024

Thankyou, Heal the Dog for this.

New Group Class Dates:Puppy Class (fully vaccinated dogs up to 22 weeks old at the start of the course). Monday 23rd Sep...
19/08/2024

New Group Class Dates:

Puppy Class (fully vaccinated dogs up to 22 weeks old at the start of the course).
Monday 23rd September 2024.
7pm to 8.15pm.
£135.00 per dog, 6 week course maximum 4 dogs per class.
Foxhole Community Centre, Paignton.

Beginners Class for dogs 6-months and over. who missed out on puppy classes.
Commencing Tuesday 24th September 2024.
7pm to 8.15pm.
£135.00 per dog, 6 week course maximum 3 or 4 dogs.
Foxhole Community Centre, Paignton.

Please contact me to book your place.

I don’t know about you, but during the summer life goes a bit bonkers.  We are out and about visiting friends, family co...
13/08/2024

I don’t know about you, but during the summer life goes a bit bonkers. We are out and about visiting friends, family come to stay, we go on holiday, have BBQ’s and gatherings etc.

After a busy weekend with family staying over and two other lots of visitors my dog became over stimulated to the point that last night you couldn’t move your feet without him grumbling. He had a high arousal weekend, visitors are always exciting, they play with him – a lot, his routine gets disrupted and the quiet places he retreats to for a nap are full of people talking.

Today he needed a chance to chill and do nothing, and he will most likely do the same again tomorrow. We often overlook the effect our hectic summer and holiday schedules have on our dogs who like predictability and consistency.

Remember to give your dog time to reset and recover if things get too hectic for them.

The search teams had a great time on the Introduction to Nose Work Course and graduated with flying colours.  Well done ...
05/08/2024

The search teams had a great time on the Introduction to Nose Work Course and graduated with flying colours. Well done to Grace, Ethel and Mirri, and of course the human half of the search team.

29/07/2024

ADVANCE WARNING TO ALL PET OWNERS

Anderton and Rowlands have advertised a fireworks display on Paignton Green on Thursday 1st August at approx. 9.45pm.

Please remember to keep your pets indoors and take all the steps you normally do during the November fireworks.

1. Provide your pet with a safe space. This should be a place they normally go to when they are usure or scared, but it needs to be their choice of a safe space, not somewhere you think is safe. They may decide the safest place is under a bed, behind the sofa, in a cupboard! Wherever they decide, allow them access and give them the space they need.

2. Close windows and curtains (yep, a pain if it's warm) and play music to try and mask the sound. A mobile fan facing the direction of the noise will help to disrupt the sound a little and may help your pet.

3. Toilet them before the display starts, and make sure they cannot escape the garden or house if they hear a loud noise.

4. If your pet comes to you for comfort, it's OK to reassure them, it may help them to relax. You cannot reinforce a fear by comforting your pet.

5. Don't punish or scold your pet, they cannot help being scared of loud noises. Scared animals (and people) react without thinking when they are afraid, adding punishment to that will reinforce the fear and make things worse next time.

This course is now fully booked. When it's gone, it's gone!Just one space left on the Walking at Heel and Recall course ...
26/07/2024

This course is now fully booked.

When it's gone, it's gone!

Just one space left on the Walking at Heel and Recall course starting 6th August.

Puppy Class Graduation A few more snaps of puppy class graduates.  Well done to Bruno and Lottie!
22/07/2024

Puppy Class Graduation
A few more snaps of puppy class graduates. Well done to Bruno and Lottie!

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