Dog Smart Training and Behaviour

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Dog Smart Training and Behaviour

Dog training and behaviour services in the Sevenoaks and surrounding areas.

07/01/2025

Percy and the pudding's turn 8 today!

8 trips around the sun and so many adventures during those trips 💙

Happy Birthday Percy, Pepper, Maddie, Penny and Petey 🥰

23/12/2024

We would like to wish all our clients, past and present a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you for all your support over the last year. We have loved working with you.

As always, we like to make a donation to an animal charity for Christmas, hopefully helping animals less fortunate than our own.

We have made a donation to Many Tears Rescue.

Enjoy the festive period and we hope to see you and your four legged friends in the New Year.

13/12/2024

Happy 6th Birthday Teaky boy!

The sweetest, kindest, muddiest of dogs.

I am sure your day will be full of mischieve, mud and mayhem 🧡

30/11/2024

When it comes to working with dogs (note, I haven’t said "dog training!") progress is more than stimulus-response; it’s more than you giving an instruction and seeing a reaction. It’s more than a measure of what we are teaching—and if that is all you use to gauge progress, you are missing the bigger picture.

Progress can be as subtle as a change in breathing rate or how a dog is breathing. It can be seen in posture, ear carriage, and eye set. Progress is a dog that can listen to its own bodily functions and take itself for a drink, give itself a break, urinate, and defecate as needed.

It’s an offering of connection, the capacity to use agency, and the ability to exhibit choice. It’s the ability to assimilate novelty, resolve conflict, and seek safety. It’s about finding emotional regulation and processing sensory information to gather resources for learning.

Progress is a change in opinion, an acceptance of new information, and a shift in perception. It often isn’t big or obvious but exists in glimmers—in the smallest signs of change that are easy to miss without careful observation. Progress requires us to look closely, notice patterns, and recognise the subtle shifts that signify something deeper is happening.

Sometimes, it's easy to choose a picture for my posts, but I had no idea what picture to choose for this, so here's Harry wearing some camouflage! My springers journeys are always progressive. It's never perfection, bless their little top knots!

14/11/2024

🧠 Learning Without Limits: Fostering Natural Growth in Dogs 🧠

In a world focused on measurable goals and training outcomes, it’s easy to forget that true learning happens through experience. Just like us, dogs thrive when they’re allowed to explore, play, and follow their instincts. But are we giving them the freedom to learn in ways that honor who they truly are?

I feel we, as humans, often get caught up in goal-oriented learning. Most of our educational experiences are structured around specific criteria—pass/fail, percentages, or grades—to create something measurable. But it’s a bit strange, really, because learning is happening all the time. Life shapes us through who we are, what motivates us, and the emotions and experiences we encounter. This kind of learning goes beyond formal education.

We should also remember that while some learning is "hard" or binary—like math, where there’s a right and wrong answer—a lot of learning is subjective. There’s no absolute right or wrong when it comes to writing a novel or creating art. We also tend to overlook our earliest learning experiences. We might not forget them, exactly, but we don’t value them as much as things like formal assessments.

When we’re young, we explore freely. We have toys, things to draw with, sounds to make, new tastes and sensations to experience, and environments to discover.
I think that’s the kind of learning we need to rethink when it comes to our dogs. As time goes on, we seem to focus more on teaching dogs to meet our goals and expectations. Sometimes we forget that they’re learning all the time, just like we are.

These amazing creatures we share our lives with have incredible sensory abilities. They need experiences that complement those abilities so they can interpret the world effectively by learning to use those sensory gifts skilfully. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re constantly creating—or missing out on—opportunities for them to learn.

On top of this, we also need to recognize how much of a dog’s learning and behaviour is shaped by genetics. Dogs have model action patterns—instinctive behaviours like chasing, digging, retrieving, or herding—that are hardwired into them and that we have actually selected them for and they have desires to exhibit them in some form.
These patterns are a part of their genetic makeup, and allowing them to express these natural behaviour's is crucial for their well-being. When we deny dogs the chance to exhibit these actions, we’re not just limiting their movement; we’re stifling something fundamental to who they are.

My previous background is in automation, where I worked with software and circuits that process information from sensors to achieve specific outcomes. In that world, sensors are essential; they’re the feedback mechanism that allows the process to happen. The more accurate a sensor, the more accurate the process—but that also depends on how the sensor’s information is processed. If there’s a fault in a sensor, a poor setup, or a mismatch between the sensor and the processing power, it can have a devastating effect on the entire process.

This reminds me a bit of how we, as humans and dogs, take in information. In a way, my work in automation is a simplified, rigid version of what happens in a brain and body. We both process external sensory information, like sight, sound, touch, taste, scent, and temperature and we need opportunities to learn about this information and apply it skilfully.

But there’s also internal sensory information—emotions and feelings like fear, playfulness, lust and grief or even anger, and physical needs like hunger, thirst, or discomfort. Beyond that, we learn through social interactions, trial and error, and the cultural expectations around us.

What I’m trying to get at here is that we, as humans, learn far more than what’s directly taught to us, and this happens naturally through opportunities and experiences. And I believe we owe it to our dogs to offer them the same. Dogs are not humans, but they deserve an environment where they can explore, interact, and interpret the world in a way that honors who they are.

Learning isn’t just about hitting goals; it’s about the richness of experiences we encounter. Just like us, dogs benefit from environments that encourage natural curiosity, exploration, and instinctive actions. By giving them diverse sensory experiences—scent trails, different textures, time for free play to name but a few—and by letting them exhibit those natural model action patterns, we’re supporting not only their learning but their happiness and mental well-being. It’s a way of respecting the essence of who they are as dogs.

🧠 Let's foster environments for dogs that support their true nature and joy in learning! 🧠

22/10/2024

Please share and help get this little lady home to her owners

22/10/2024

12 photos of our beautiful girl on her 12th birthday!

Happy birthday Miss Winks! Keep chasing those squirrels and keep the boys in line my naughty girl 💜

13/10/2024

Exciting Changes to Our Sunday Gundog Groups! 🐾

Starting 17th November, we're changing the way our Sunday gundog sessions are run!

These sessions are for dogs that are already retrieving and have a bit more experience. We’ll be working on more realistic scenarios to challenge and enhance their skills. 🔥

In these sessions, we may use gunshot, dummy launchers, and cold game to create an authentic environment. The venue at Bitchet Green is perfect for this – it’s a fabulous spot for advanced gundog work with wide fields and a natural, "birdie" feel. 🐦

Morning sessions will be dedicated to hunt retrievers, while the afternoon sessions will focus on retrievers. If you’ve got a hunt point retriever, feel free to join either group as your dog can benefit from both classes!

🕒 Sessions last 3.5 hours with a tea break. You don’t have to stay for the whole class – turn up anytime between the start and finish!
📱 Make sure you're added to the relevant WhatsApp group so you can easily find us.
💡 These classes are adhoc, so there’s no need to attend consecutive weeks!
🐕 Each group is open to up to 8 dogs to ensure everyone gets the attention they need.
Booking Links:

Spaniels & Hunt Retrievers Group:
https://dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.as.me/sunday-morning-huntretrievers
Retriever Group:
https://dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.as.me/sunday-afternoon-retrievers

We look forward to seeing you and your dogs there!

10/10/2024

New service....Sheep training

25/09/2024

Happy 2nd Birthday Ronald!

Living your best life everyday. You may have snuck into our lives but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Two springers = double the burrs 🙊🙈🙉

But which one is the birthday boy? 😜

19/09/2024

Harold, Percy and Jim were all lucky enough to get a physio treatment from Take the Lead Physiotherapy lovely Katie.

All have tweaks and niggles that they need some help with and we are so grateful to have Katie's expertise to help keep all our dogs in the best possible condition 🥰

18/09/2024

🐾 Exciting News from Dog Smart! 🐾
We are thrilled to announce a NEW Beginners Gundog Group Class starting this September! 🗓️
This 8-week course takes place on Saturday mornings at 11.00 am starting on the 28th of September (note: dates aren't all consecutive).

Plus, you’ll get access to our comprehensive online course with over 50 videos to guide you at home. Perfect for anyone ready to dive into gundog training, whether you're a complete newbie or looking to build on your dog's skills. And this round includes a bale scurry for added fun! 🐕

👉 But I don’t want to take my dog on a shoot…No worries! Over 80% of our gundog clients aren't interested in shooting. Instead, they use gundog training to better understand their dogs and provide them with daily mental stimulation. It’s a fantastic way to enrich your dog's life and strengthen your bond together!

👉 But my dog isn’t a gundog breed…That’s okay! One of our own dogs is a Border Collie who loves to carry things and work closely with humans. It's all about what your dog enjoys! Don’t let their breed define them – gundog training is like obedience with a twist, perfect for any dog who loves to engage and have fun.

Ready to start this exciting journey with us? Click here to book your spot now! 🔗https://dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.as.me/?appointmentType=64990495 Join Now
Let's make training fun and meaningful for you and your dog! 🐶💕

26/08/2024

Still spaces available on our 8 week beginners gundog class starting Saturday 7th September 11.30am.

Perfect for gundog breeds and their crosses of all ages.

https://www.dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.co.uk/services-2/beginners-gundog-saturday-morning%2C-september-class

26/08/2024

Today is International Dog Day!

I mean in our house, every day is dog day 🤦‍♀️

International Dog Day was set up to celebrate all things dog and help raise awareness for those dogs in rescue still waiting for their new families.

So here are our four rescue dogs, who all arrived unexpected but make our lives a whole lot richer 🥰

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 17:00
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+447725672320

Website

https://www.dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.co.uk/

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Videos

An early birthday present for Becs! Mini portraits of all our dogs including Sam and Briar 🌈 Thank you so much to the talented @artbylouise.w for these incredibly detailed mini portraits 🥰

The overly complicated, yet seemingly simple life of a springer spaniel... "Can't believe he filmed that, just getting comfortabubble" And it's good night from Harry #ess

When you're the oldest and the only girl....you play by your own rules 😜 Steadiness training is for losers hey Miss Winks 💜 #girlsrules #makingherownrules #livingherbestlife #cockerspaniel

Last couple of days to take advantage of our Summer saver discount on our NEW Beginners Online Gundog Course! Get 25% off with discount code FIRST20 https://online.dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.co.uk/p/beginners-gundog

There is still time to grab our summer deals! Discounts on our new online course and in person packages! 25% off our Online beginners Gundog course using discount code FIRST20 10% off our gundog, puppy and lifeskills training packages using discount code SUMMERSAVINGS Links in comments! Only available until 30th June 2024 #gundogtraining #onlinecourse #basictraining #puppytraining

Such a lovely review, Oly has loved working with 'The Brothers' and their family have put so much effort and time into their training! Link in comments to read more of our customer reviews and why people choose Dog Smart 🧡 #happycustomersmeanshappydogs #verygratefulforsuchamazingclients

We have revamped our Gundog 1-1 packages! These packages now include a subscription option, along with our set packages. Plus they now include our online course to complement your in person training. And for a limited period we are offering 10% off all Gundog packages with the discount code SUMMERSAVINGS (for the subscription option this will take 10% off the first payment) #grabasummersaving #smartgundogs #

We are super excited to announce our first online Gundog Course! This course is normally only available to those that join our 1-1 or group classes! This gundog beginners course allows you to work through the beginner gundog skills in your own time, at your own pace! With over 30 lessons included, the course has everything you need to start your dog on their gundog training journey. For a limited period only, there is 25% off for the first 20 people to purchase the course using discount code FIRST20 https://online.dogsmarttrainingbehaviour.co.uk/p/beginners-gundog #smartgundogs #gundogtraining #forcefreegundogtraining

Exciting announcements coming this weekend! But you will need to be quick...... #excitingnews #newservices #shhhhhhitsasecret

Another super successful Gundog water skills days on Sunday and Monday! Next one booked for July is already sold out 😱 #gundogtrainer #gundogwatertraining #gundogwaterretrieve #smartgundog

One space left on our beginners gundog class, start Wednesday 15th May at 6.30pm! Plus a new Saturday afternoon class starting on 1st June! Now you may not get to teach your dog all the skills in this video during this course....but we'll make a good start!! Link to book in the comments! #gundogtrainer #smartgundogs #whynotgiveitatry

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