The Wild Way - Reactivity and Herding Breed Specialist Training & Behaviour

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The Wild Way - Reactivity and Herding Breed Specialist Training & Behaviour Reactivity and Herding Breed Specialist Training & Behaviour
Offering Animal Reiki, Dog Walking, Dog Training/Behaviour and Canine Nutritional Consults.
(16)

30/08/2024

Training & Behavioural Modification isn't an overnight process!

I met Maple 3 years ago. When her mum had contacted me in tears because she was heavily pregnant and had absolutely lost all hope that Maple could ever be a "normal" dog.

Maple is Reactive to dogs, cars and wildlife. Maple is a rescue from Hong Kong, she had a conflicting start in life and most likely was attacked by dogs whilst on the streets.

Maple was recommended by a vet suggested trainer to never be walked. This was determental to Maples mental and physical health.

In 3 years what have we achieved?

- 90% decrease in reactions to dogs and cars. Maple can now ignore 90% of dogs on a walk with slow and careful exposure to her triggers we've achieved her being able to walk in public and enjoy the enviroment without overwhelm or a reaction.

- Pain management and allergen support. Maple is now on a place where her hip displayia and allergies aren't affecting her emotional responses anymore.

- She can be loaded in a car and not bark when she sees a dog on the street.

- She can offer engagement and disengagement from triggers.

-She will take treats whilst on a walk and engage with simple foundational training.

- She ENJOYS her walks.

Maple is a dog I'll always use as an example of proof that reactivity can be improved. Dogs can learn to cope and tolerate their triggers if done so correctly. This was not an overnight process. We starting getting little break throughs 6 months into training, we got more engagement and tolerance as time went on.

Maple will never be a dog who can play, have social fun, but she can be a dog who can ignore her triggers, work through her stress and find enjoyment in being a dog.

Maple is proof that a reaction during training isn't a bad thing, it's an emotional response! It's the recovery, and management that goes behind that reaction when they learn that the trigger is not a threat. We have to push the limits of the trigger zone to see where that threshold begins and ends.

You can help your dog make the changes!

Great day to be back to work! Lovely seeing Maple and Poppy ❤️
27/08/2024

Great day to be back to work!

Lovely seeing Maple and Poppy ❤️

Our lovely client Tilly and Simon. A fantastic photographer and dog owner! 🐕 https://www.facebook.com/share/1kQxhcTY98mQ...
20/08/2024

Our lovely client Tilly and Simon. A fantastic photographer and dog owner! 🐕

https://www.facebook.com/share/1kQxhcTY98mQiJRh/

Kimpton photographer Simon Wallace is taking on the challenge of snapping a picture of 1,000 different dogs before the end of the year to raise…

I don't think any good trainer should only mention how "perfect" their own dogs are. A well trained dog is different to ...
18/08/2024

I don't think any good trainer should only mention how "perfect" their own dogs are.

A well trained dog is different to a well behaved dog.

Cassidy my 16 week old puppy has been...A trouble to train. She's everything I wanted in a dog. Confident, self assured and cheeky.

This has been worse than a fearful dog. A dog who doesn't have to second guess, who is highly strung and a dog who looks at you with her middle finger up as you're recalling her.

It's also extremely hard when everything else is of more value than you, treats etc. She would rather play with the other dogs than take a slice of liver from my hand.

When I speak of reinforcers, this is THE critical part of why I'm writing this post. Without the right reinforcement what are you?

Would you go to work for less than what you would expect to be paid for?

The only thing that began to work for Cassidy is a tug toy. We've slowly been using this with some high value treats like cheese. It was like a sudden light blub moment for not only me, but also my puppy. She was like I have been listening to what you taught me, I just wasn't getting paid enough enough do it.

So, play time now, is ONLY on a walk. It is the highest reward for Cass so I will use this as a novelty.

So, when your dog isn't recalling and you feel like your dog is sticking its middle fingers up and that it's being stubborn. Ask yourself what are you giving in return?

We need to remember that us alone are not always enough of a reward. Puppies especially don't know how to seek rewards from you, especially without the foundations there aswell as more fun things happening.

Sometimes a change in how WE train our dogs is what is needed, our dogs are individuals they are not the same. Their preferences are different.

Me changing my style of training to support Cassidy means we've really turned a corner with her becoming the dog I hope she will be.

Want to turn that corner with your own dog?

Get in contact!

16/08/2024

Have you worked with us yet?

If not what's stopping you?

Drop a comment below 👇

Do you feel like your relationship with your dog is at meltdown point? Are you constantly feeling upset, exhausted and c...
16/08/2024

Do you feel like your relationship with your dog is at meltdown point?

Are you constantly feeling upset, exhausted and crying after a walk with your dog?

Do you feel alone when everyone else's dog "is friendly"?

I want to help YOU be the change you want to see in your relationship with your dog.

Our BRAND NEW 12 week dog and owner coaching programme is a new designed course to give YOU the skills of a dog trainer!

We not only train your dog! We teach you how to be the AT HOME TRAINER!

During the 12 week intensive course we will;

✨️ Establish a better dog and owner relationship

✨️ Work on the root cause of the emotional response of your dog!

✨️ Work on your response to your dog during them high stressful situations.

✨️ Weekly sessions in person and WhatsApp video calls to have 100% full trainer support and guidance that YOU'RE WHAT YOUR DOG NEEDS!

✨️ Build foundational training and work on your dog's reactivity/ any other issues they're struggling with.

✨️ Canine Nutrionitional coaching to make sure your dog is getting EVERYTHING it needs internally!

✨️ Play and Training games including weekly tasks to engage your wired dog! You will have videos sent to you as reference!

✨️Shared group walks with myself and other clients to build confidence in a real life scenario.

✨️ Weekly outing trip where you and your dog get to pratice your new skills in a new environment each week such as Town, Train Stations, Coffee Shops etc.

✨️ Access to private Facebook coaching group.

This is THE COURSE to make the changes with you and your dog in a quick progression/intensive course for reactive dogs.

We WILL make changes so you and your dog can have the BEST future together.

This 12 week course is only £600. We also have pay as you go options avalible.

If you're interested in being the CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE! Get in contact with us today.

07576 188708
[email protected]

I thought I should reintroduce myself... Hi, I'm Elsa, I run The Wild Way - Reactivity and Herding Breed Specialist Trai...
15/08/2024

I thought I should reintroduce myself...

Hi, I'm Elsa, I run The Wild Way - Reactivity and Herding Breed Specialist Training & Behaviour

●I'm a certified dog trainer and qualified canine nutritionist. I specialise in herding breeds and reactivity.

● I own 4 dogs and 4 cats. Coco, Cosmo, Crimson, Cassidy, Cece, Crumble, Crunchie and Callie (Ask me a story time about why they've all got C names). I've soon got a puppy on the way!

● I'm 26 years old I've been in the pet industry for 8 years now.

●I've fed raw to my pets for over 7 years.

●I'm currently studying zoompharmacognsy.

●I'm Reiki Level 2 trained.

●I'm based in Hertfordshire, UK. I eventually want to move to Devon or Cornwall .

●I'm an advocate for holistic health in pets aswell as humans.

● I have ADHD. Which means I'm a bit mental 🤗

● I like foraging and mushrooms 🍄

● I believe that dogs are emotional beings who deserve to be heard and respect.

● I've helped over 300 dogs and owners build a better relationship through communication and fun training.

●I'm a poistive reinforcement trainer.

Welcome to The Wild WayThe Wild Way is a leading Holistic Behaviour and Health Practitioner.The Wild Way Started in 2018...
15/08/2024

Welcome to The Wild Way

The Wild Way is a leading Holistic Behaviour and Health Practitioner.
The Wild Way Started in 2018 as a dog walking service and has since evolved to become a positive reinforcement and science based training/ behaviour service for dogs, now including niche holistic services for all pets. The Wild Way strives to make a positive impact on you and your pets life. We believe that with the correct knowlegde any animal can thrive from being understood. We want to communicate for your pet to you.

We offer services such as Animal Reiki, Dog Training/Behaviour, Dog Walking, Owner Coaching and Canine Nutritional Consults.

Contact us-

07576 188708
[email protected]
www.thewildwaypet.co.uk

✨Exciting news✨We have a rare opportunity to take on a few regular pups in the Hitchin area 🐶 We are a certified trainer...
15/08/2024

✨Exciting news✨

We have a rare opportunity to take on a few regular pups in the Hitchin area 🐶

We are a certified trainer!

We specialise in Reactive & Herding Breeds!

We offer Solo & structured group walks focusing on training, enrichment and poistive social skills.

7+ years exprience and DBS checked.

Please share and help us find some new friends🙌

Please contact us to arrange a free meet and treat!

07576 188708
[email protected]

TRAINING/BEHAVIOUR DIARY OPEN FOR AUGUST!  Did you know we offer 1-2-1 sessions for behaviour issues including an inclus...
06/08/2024

TRAINING/BEHAVIOUR DIARY OPEN FOR AUGUST!

Did you know we offer 1-2-1 sessions for behaviour issues including an inclusive training plan?

These sessions are tailored specifically for YOU and YOUR DOG. Designed to overcome behavioural challenges, build better dog to owner communication and to build for a better relationship 🐾

Are you struggling with;
🐾 Reactivity?
🐾 Recall?
🐾 Over excitement?
🐾 Lunging/biting?
🐾 Agression?
🐾 Nutrition?
🐾 Resource guarding?
🐾 Separation Anxiety?

If the answer is yes, then pop me a message, text or email, to see how we can work together 🐾

23/07/2024

What does a walk look like for you and your dog?

Is your dog constantly running around like a lunatic, being high energy and unable to engage in the environment?

Here we have my reactive 4 year old Kelpie and my 14 week old Kelpie x collie puppy. Learning how to be "dog".

It's important to teach our herding breeds that being "On" all the time isn't the goal behaviour!

Its good to sniff, trot and offer engagement over high energy ball throwing or playing.

A neutral calm walk is much being for the physical and mental well-being of the dog.

Want to learn how to teach this?

Drop a comment below 👇

If you're confidently using a trainer, behaviourist or dog walker who is confident using these on their own dog. You hav...
23/07/2024

If you're confidently using a trainer, behaviourist or dog walker who is confident using these on their own dog.

You have to ask yourself are they a professional with an indepth understanding of animal behaviour or an animal abuser?

Too many people out here using tools on their dogs to get desired behavioural changes through pain, fear and stress.

Do ask yourself are you happy contributing to animals pain and suffering?

Hi All, We've not posted for a while due to personal reasons. We will now be back at the end of the month full time for ...
08/07/2024

Hi All,

We've not posted for a while due to personal reasons.

We will now be back at the end of the month full time for dog walking, training, behavioural work and reiki.

We've really taken the time to work on ourselves and what our main goal from The Wild Way is.

Its to as always create an understanding between dog and owner. We work on emotional resilience as well as teaching you how to speak dog.

We specialise in Herding Breeds and Reactivity. If you're based in Hertfordshire and our looking for a trainer with a different outlook than connect with us to book for August.

All my love,

Elsa 🐾

JUNE/JULY DIARY OPEN! We have spaces for dog training/behavioural modification. We specialise in Reactivity and herding ...
13/06/2024

JUNE/JULY DIARY OPEN!

We have spaces for dog training/behavioural modification. We specialise in Reactivity and herding breeds.

Tired of being upset after walks? Want to be able to walk your dog like all the other people in the park?

Contact us today:
07576 188708
[email protected]

The Wild Way prides itself on providing a dog walking service unlike any other in the local area. The Wild Way offers an...
13/06/2024

The Wild Way prides itself on providing a dog walking service unlike any other in the local area. The Wild Way offers an alternative to your regular group or solo walk by offering a service that is measured in confidence building, training, socialisation, enrichment and sniffari!

Our walks are carefully planned to allow your dog to get the best out of their walk by being encouraged to use the natural abilities to climb, play, sniff, jump and run within limits!

We pride oursleves as also being the only company to use 100% natural, organic and single protein treats. Aswell as eco friendly poo bags. We're big here on the natural and eco friendly way for both ourselves and our dogs.

We currently have space for weekday solo and group walks.

For more information please contact:

07576 188708
[email protected]
www.thewildwaypet.co.uk

Happy burffday Hezza Hound for yesterday 🐾
13/06/2024

Happy burffday Hezza Hound for yesterday 🐾

A NEW SERVICE ✨️ After 8 years in dog training. I often find the real breakdown between dogs and owners relationship is ...
11/06/2024

A NEW SERVICE ✨️

After 8 years in dog training. I often find the real breakdown between dogs and owners relationship is emotions.

So I want to tackle this!

Instead of teaching your dog?
How about teaching you?
What does this look like?
When you see a dog coming towards you and you gear up ready for a fight, does your dog?
Does your dog run and jump up at people, so you get embarrassed so get angry at your dog?

Sound too familiar?!

When owning a reactive dog, who has big feelings its very common that during this ownership we begin to have big feelings too. Fear. Shame. Embarrassment.

How does this affect our dog and our relationship with them?

The foundation to any good behaviour or training is a good relationship.

Through energy work and coaching sessions I can help you and your dog get to the root of the emotion and help you flourish in your relationship with your dog!

This niche and only service on the market is a combined therapy session. Where we look at your energy, emotions, trauma and responses including your dogs.

Before we can modify your dogs behaviour we sometimes need to modify yours.

Each session includes;
30 minute joint dog and owner reiki session.
45 minute emotional coaching and animal communication session.
Includes aromatic herbs to help aid emotional healing

As a new service we're doing a complimentary offer for £50 for the introductory session. (Usually £75)

We help communicate the bridge back to a fulfilled relationship with yourself and your pet.

Want to find out more?

Contact us;
07576 188708
[email protected]

04/06/2024

What is good socialisation?

Cassidy met the lovely H today.

Their interaction together was idyllic between puppy and older dog. Henry offered lots of appeasement behaviours to come off as non threatening. He allowed her space, offered lots of calming signals and nice relaxed body language.

It really gave Cassidy lots of confidence with other dogs.

So, why was this interaction so perfect?

- The interaction was 1-1 it didn't include lots of dogs all off lead in one park rushing up and scaring the puppy.

- I know and trust the dog who I was socialising her with to give off good signals and allow calming behaviours should she feel threatened.

- The other dog is older and is well socialised/confident.

- I used an open space, so dogs could escape if they needed. I was also on hand to intervene should Cassidy need reassurance.

-Henry wasn't pushy, he didn't force Cassidy to interact or play if she didn't want too.

- He isn't much bigger than her, this allows for confidence building to build up to bigger companions.

Making sure your dog doesn't rush into being forced to socially interact is very important. It's
vital to find a calm, confident older dog who shows good body language ques. It's a fact that puppies shouldn't be taken to a day care and/or a park where they can "sort it out between them". Its good to have a controlled environment where the puppy can learn healthy body ques without feeling pressured to interact. It's more important for a puppy to watch and observe the other dogs behaviours than it is to interact.

Welcome back to work Auntie Elsa. Let me cover myself in s**t 🤣🐾 Love Henry S**t Bag 🙄🙈
04/06/2024

Welcome back to work Auntie Elsa. Let me cover myself in s**t 🤣🐾

Love Henry S**t Bag 🙄🙈

03/06/2024

The first few days with Cassidy our border collie puppy.

What have I been doing as a trainer, with a new puppy and 3x other dogs who can be reactive?

My focus has been;

Toilet Training
Socialisation
Routine setting
Creating an off switch
Confidence building with my other dogs
Poistive experiences
Sniffing and exploring
Playing
Building a bond between owner and dog
Being left alone
Crate training

The foundations of the first few days is so important. Focusing on routine, sleep and balancing that with fun activities is hard. Our puppies especially a border collie want to go, go, go. We need to teach our puppies that they're allowed to settle and sleep.

It's also important that we allow them enough time for socialisation and expriencing new environments, people and walks (this is not recommended by vets). A carrier has been helpful for this, so I can carry Cassidy in new environments and allow her time to process all the new things. It's also important to balance this and not to flood our dogs. Allow them time to settle and not be over whelmed is priority.

It's also perative at this age to work on leaving a dog alone, even if when asleep in another room to build confidence when you leave. Start of small and build up time and consistency. Puppies need to learn in small bouts! Don't over do it!

We've used Cassidys crate to build confidence when going to sleep in her secure pen/crate at night. This helps her feel safe.

Remember! have fun! Don't burn yourself out trying to do it all. A more confident puppy is better than dog who can sit!

Everyone meet Cassidy. Newest member of the mutley crew! She's a 8 week old Australian Kelpie x Border Collie 🐾
31/05/2024

Everyone meet Cassidy. Newest member of the mutley crew!

She's a 8 week old Australian Kelpie x Border Collie 🐾

EEKKK IM ENGAGED!💍 Some of you may have met my lovely man who occasionally accompanies me on dog walks! Also as the best...
30/05/2024

EEKKK IM ENGAGED!💍

Some of you may have met my lovely man who occasionally accompanies me on dog walks! Also as the best dog dad to my mental mutts!

We're also picking up our puppy today. Such an exciting trip 💕🐾

🐾Tilly🐾🐾2 years old 🐾Unspayed 🐾 Cannot live with small animals🐾 No children under 9 years of age, must be dog savy It ha...
29/05/2024

🐾Tilly🐾

🐾2 years old
🐾Unspayed
🐾 Cannot live with small animals
🐾 No children under 9 years of age, must be dog savy

It has been suggested Tilly is a bit kelpie, but she does not show kelpie traits or tendencies and presents as typical for a prick eared collie.

Tilly desperately needs a collie savvy home with a job where she'll have a confident handler who isn't insecure, however a poistive reinforcement handler who is confident and exprienced handling typical collie traits is a must. She's had a period of assessment for working sheep, she is not suitable for that.

She's a sensitive dog which is why she needs a handler to give her confidence, she doesn't need simpering or sadness, she needs someone with a plan and the skills to execute it. She displays lead frustration in response to other dogs and fast moving objects, she's fine off lead with other dogs, although could do with some manners and a doggy role model to follow.

She's shown some snapping behaviour in order to maintain her space but hasn't bitten.

I think a one to one job would be nice for her, canicross, scentwork or agility.

She's so pretty and clever, I'm sure one of my friends would be able to give her what she needs.

Based in Perth.

Is currently undergoing assessment from myself; home checks will apply.

Tilly will have lifetime behavioural support from myself, aswell as rescue back up from myself. Tilly will need to have lots of meet and greets before she is just taken home.

She needs someone who will provide her with love, decompression, mental enrichment and lots of fun!

If you're interested in Tilly, please send me a message.

🐾Each dog is unique, and the specific problems and solutions may vary depending on the dog's coping abilities and emotio...
29/05/2024

🐾Each dog is unique, and the specific problems and solutions may vary depending on the dog's coping abilities and emotional state.

🐾Consult with a veterinarian or qualified dog behaviourist to develop a personalised plan for your dog's behavioural issues.

24/05/2024

Please be careful of this dog and owner allowing dog to attack cats in their own garden. Down near the wilbury.

Owner is a Black 6ft Male with Large Build. Wearing Red jumper. Dog is a Black Patterdale Terrier.

Reported to Police.

Something/ someone new is coming to join us soon.... 🐾 We've changed the bedroom around prior to our new arrival to make...
23/05/2024

Something/ someone new is coming to join us soon.... 🐾

We've changed the bedroom around prior to our new arrival to make sure that;

1) Our resident dogs are not over whelmed by too many new changes.
2) Each dog has a safe space.
3) I'm prepared to start a clear routine with the newbie when they arrive.
4) Each dog has their own items/beds. To make sure there is no social conflict.
5) I have enrichment toys, chew toys and a quiet area from the main walk way so the newbie can make positive associations and begin to work on healthy behaviour habits.

Start as you mean to go on, create the safe spaces and allow your resident dogs to feel confident in any changes oncoming.

Follow us to keep update with new training with our newest recruit. 🐾

20/05/2024

All walks are measured in training. Including tricks from the fabulous Henry! ✨️

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ABOUT US...

Hi my name is Elsa, I created Mental Mutts Pet Services in March 2018. A caring, responsible, trusted and reliable dog walking and pet service. I cover Hitchin and surrounding areas. I started Mental Mutts with the aim to let dogs be dogs, to have fun whilst socializing and well being a little on the loopy-side! I pride myself in the one- to -one dog and walker connection. Making walks engaging, helping with training and letting dogs have fun- as dogs should do! Mental Mutts began with just 1-1 walks, group walks and then began pet sitting for all animals too... We now cater for all breeds, furs and scales! I’ve has always had a deep-love and respect for animals, whilst growing up had a multitude of pets from fish to horses. From 2015 I spent time volunteering for local animal charities and doggy day care. I began building experience and pet sitting/walking local dogs for neighbours etc when I began to dabble with the idea of what Mental Mutts is today. I have continued to expand my knowledge by completing a First AID/CPR course for dogs (able to administer medication). I’m also a IMDT trained, dog trainer and currently studying to be a behaviourist. I aim to tailor our services to your best-friends needs, we love your pets just as much as I love my dog Coco (who comes to work with us!) And my cats Cookie and Britney. I truly understand what it's like to leave a pet with someone else (nerve wrecking!). However I offer a service which is loving, fun and responsible to assure you that your best-friend is always in the best hands! Mental Mutts is fully insured by Pet plan and DBS checked. Dog First Aid trained/CPR. Reliable and caring service with 5+ years experience. Available weekdays and weekends for all your pet needs.