🛑Not Being Present
When you’re scrolling on your phone, chatting away with your friends or zoning out, your spaniel finds their own entertainment. Mental presence is as important as physical presence.
1. Letting Them “Free Hunt”
Each solo hunting session teaches your spaniel they don’t need you. It’s not freedom - it’s disconnection. Your spaniel learns the hedges, scents, birds, rabbits and squirrels are more valuable than any reward you offer.
2. The Reward Trap
Free hunting is self-rewarding for spaniels. Once they learn this pattern, it’s incredibly hard to compete with. Why work with you when the environment offers instant gratification?
3. You Become Background Noise
When your spaniel constantly hunts alone, you become irrelevant.
Think about it: would you listen to someone who’s boring when there’s adventure everywhere?
4. The Harsh Realisation
Most clients are shocked when they learn how much interaction walks actually need. Walking your spaniel isn’t about mindless exercise - it’s about partnership.
5. The Solution
Control the environment to minimise self rewarding and aim to become their hunting partner. Work together. Make it a team activity not a solo adventure.
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Did you know around 20% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety? This common behavioural issue can be really tough on both dogs and their owners.
Some common signs of separation anxiety include:
• Excessive barking, whining or howling when left alone
• Destructive behaviour like chewing, digging or scratching 🧹
• Accidents in the house even when house trained 💩
• Trying to escape or follow their owner when they leave 🏃♀️
Separation anxiety can be stressful and disruptive, with impacts on the dog’s wellbeing and your home. But with the right training and support, it can be treated.
If you’re concerned your dog might be dealing with separation anxiety, book a free call with me. 📞 I’d be happy to discuss strategies to help your dog feel more calm and secure.
Link in bio to book your free call.
#separationanxiety#separationanxietytraining#behaviourmodification#dogtraining#homealonetraining
Level 1 Spaniel Shenanigans course starting on 16th November. Only 3 SPACES AVAILABLE. Don’t miss out of some spaniel fun. Book via website!
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Spaniel puppy owners: Are you expecting too much too soon? 🐾
It’s tempting to compare our puppies to others - wanting perfect heelwork, reliable recall, and a pup that sleeps alone. But remember, all of this takes time. 🕰️
In the first few months, focus on:
• Building a strong bond 🤝
• Creating a safe environment 🏠
• Teaching settling skills 😴
• Exposing your pup to new experiences 🌎
• Providing positive interactions 👍
Puppies lack impulse control and may be unsure of new things. Take it slow and be their advocate. 🐕
Remember: Fancy obedience comes later. For now, prioritise connection and basic skills. Your patience will pay off. 💪
#SpanielPuppy #PuppyTraining #PuppyDevelopment
🐾 Struggling with separation anxiety training? Here are 3 reasons you might not be making progress:
1️⃣ Pushing too hard, too fast! 🚫😰
Keeping your dog under threshold is a must. If you’re constantly triggering anxiety during alone time, you’re creating more negative associations. Baby steps are key!
2️⃣ Hidden health issues 🩺🔍
Undiagnosed pain or illness can majorly impact your dog’s ability to relax when alone. A vet check might reveal surprising factors holding back your progress.
3️⃣ Outside stressors piling up 🏠🌩️
Your dog’s world is bigger than just alone time. New neighbours? Schedule changes? Construction noise? These can all chip away at your dog’s resilience, even if they seem unrelated.
Remember, patience is your superpower in separation anxiety training! 💪🐶
#separationanxiety#separationanxietytrainer#behaviourmodification#homealonetrainingforpuppies#dogtrainingtips#dogtrainingadvice#dogtraining
🦴✅Check out our Spaniel Workshops. Few available spaces left.
Book via website. Link in bio 🐾
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🐾 Sometimes, the best training is no training at all! 🌳🐕
As devoted dog owners 🏆🐶, we often feel the pressure to constantly work on obedience, tricks, and manners. But here’s a gentle reminder: it’s absolutely okay—and even beneficial—to take a break from formal training and just let our canine friends be... well, dogs! 🐾💖
Remember, dogs are playful, curious creatures by nature 🎉🔍. They need time to sniff, explore, and simply exist without expectations. These moments of freedom are not only enjoyable for them but also important for their mental and emotional well-being 🧠❤️.
So, what does “letting dogs be dogs” look like? 🤔
• Long, meandering walks where they can sniff to their heart’s content 🦮👃🍃
• Unstructured playtime in a safe, fenced area 🏃♂️🎾🌿
• Allowing them to dig (in appropriate spots!) and satisfy their natural instincts 🕳️🐾
• Engaging in fun, no-pressure games that don’t require obedience 🥏🐶
These activities help reduce stress 😌, build confidence 💪, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog 🤝❤️. Plus, they’re a great reminder of why we fell in love with our dogs in the first place!
Don’t get me wrong—training is important 📚✅. But balance is key ⚖️. By mixing structured training with free-spirited “dog time,” we create well-rounded, happy pets who are both well-behaved and true to their doggy nature 🏆🐾.
So next time you feel guilty for skipping a training session, remember: sometimes the best thing you can do for your dog is to let them just be a dog 🐕🦺💖. Embrace the chaos, the joy, and the unconditional love that comes with it! 🎉
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🐾 Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How Much Alone Time Can Your Pup Really Handle? 🏠⏱️
You know your dog gets anxious when you leave, but have you pinpointed exactly how long they can manage on their own? It’s time to find out! 🕵️♀️🐶
Why It Matters:
Understanding your dog’s current alone-time tolerance is important. It’s not just about preventing destroyed furniture or noise complaints – it’s about your pup’s emotional wellbeing and long-term happiness. 💖🐕
Step 1: Baseline Assessment 📊
Before diving into any training, we need to establish a starting point. This means:
• Observing your dog’s behaviour when left alone
• Noting subtle signs of stress or anxiety
• Tracking how long they can comfortably manage
But here’s the catch: Dogs are masters of subtle communication. Those anxiety signals can be easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. 👀🔍
Enter: Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers 🎓
These professionals are invaluable for:
1. Spotting subtle stress signals you might overlook
2. Accurately interpreting your dog’s behaviour
3. Ensuring your baseline assessment is correct
4. Helping design a personalised training plan
With expert guidance, you’ll have a solid foundation for your training journey. No more guesswork – just informed, effective strategies. 📈🐾
A tailored approach means:
• Setting realistic goals based on your dog’s current abilities
• Gradually increasing alone time at a pace your dog can handle
• Adjusting the plan as needed based on your dog’s progress
📞Book your free discovery call with us if you’re struggling with leaving your dog alone. Link in bio.
#separarationanxiety#separationanxietytrainer#homealonetraining#behaviourmodification
You gotta love them really. Filthy pupsters 🤣
#spanieltraining #dogtraining #spanielshenanigans #dirtydog
Only couple of spaces available. 6 weeks Spaniel specific training class in Albourne.
Book via website.
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