Clan Dog

08/10/2025

Get Faster Results: Why 1-2-1 Training in Central Scotland Works.

Is your daily walk a dreaded tug-of-war? 🐾 You're not alone!

At Clan Dog, our 1-2-1 consultations can help you enjoy peaceful, stress-free walks with your furry friend. Learn proven techniques tailored to your dog's specific needs.

👇 Ready to transform your walks? We offer in-person 1-2-1 training across Central Scotland and the Scottish Borders.

🎁 As a bonus, all 1-2-1 clients receive a discounted membership. Book your local session now! Link in comments👇🏾

07/10/2025

This short clip shows my last trip to Ukraine 🇺🇦 in May.
Later this month, I will be driving back to Ukraine from Scotland with another 4X4 full of supplies.
Please read my story here and if you can help me to help the orphanage, I’d be incredibly grateful.
Many thanks 🙏
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

Iʼm raising money to Support Ukrainian Orphans of War – Help Me Help Them. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

07/10/2025

This short clip shows my last trip to Ukraine 🇺🇦 in May.
Later this month, I will be driving back to Ukraine from Scotland with another 4X4 full of supplies.
Please read my story here and if you can help me to help the orphanage, I’d be incredibly grateful.
Many thanks 🙏
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

06/10/2025

"Why Your Dog Doesn't Listen - And What You Can Do About It."
Fundraising Webinar - Thursday 16th Oct

Join me for a live Zoom Q&A webinar on Thursday, 16th October @ 7PM UK in support of our fundraising efforts.
Access is available for a small donation (limited spaces, min £20 🙏), and all funds raised will go directly towards our mission.

I will be driving back to Ukraine later this month with essential supplies for Open Hearts orphanage, and hope we can get the kids mobile again. 🙂

See My Full Story and secure your place using this link.

Many thanks,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
Clan Dog 🐕🙂

Help Ukrainian orphans of war. Donate to repair their minibus and give the children of Open Hearts orphanage freedom, hope, and connection.

03/10/2025

Are you looking at me?
If your dog isn’t looking at you, it’s unlikely to be listening to you either.

Encouraging eye contact with our dogs is a crucial part of communicating, training and behaviour.

Whenever your dog looks at you, ‘mark’ it immediately with a soft, “yes” and reward as appropriate.

Hope this helps a few folks. 🐕👍
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

02/10/2025

🐾 WHY DOES YOUR DOG PULL ON THE LEAD? 🐾

If walks feel more like a tug-of-war than a relaxing stroll, you’re not alone! Dogs pull for lots of reasons:

✨ Excitement – They’ve spotted something they need to investigate (think police dog on a scent trail 🐕).
✨ Lack of training – Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk politely; they need to be taught.
✨ Too much energy – Some dogs hardly ever get off-lead, so frustration builds and pulling gets worse.
✨ Social drive – Many dogs just can’t wait to meet that person or dog up ahead.

⸻

🚨 Why Lead Training Matters

✔️ Safety – I’ve worked with people who only sought help after injuries like broken wrists… one even ended up in a coma after being pulled over.
✔️ Enjoyable walks – No more aching arms or dreading the lead.
✔️ Bonding – Calm walking builds trust and connection.
✔️ Better behaviour – It teaches patience and impulse control that carry over into everyday life.

⸻

🐶 How to Train for a Relaxed Walk

✅ Start in a distraction-free area (an empty car park beats a busy park).
✅ Reward calm walking with treats and praise.
✅ Practice, practice, practice — in different environments.
✅ Be patient — progress takes time!
✅ Get professional help if you need extra support.

⸻

Training your dog to relax on the lead is an investment in your dog’s well-being and your relationship together.
The reward? Safer, calmer, and more enjoyable walks for both of you. 💛

Need guidance?
That’s what I’m here for.😊


Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

01/10/2025

Expert Dog Training, Right at Your Doorstep.

🐾 Offering Private 1-2-1 Sessions in the Scottish Borders & Central Scotland.

Finally understand what your dog is trying to tell you! 🗣️🐕

Feeling stuck or frustrated with your dog's behaviour? It often comes down to a simple miscommunication. With 40+ years of experience, our master trainer Allan Ritchie, MGoDT (MPDTI) helps you bridge that gap, not just with commands, but with a genuine understanding.

Our personalised 1-2-1 sessions are designed to bring clarity and results by focusing on:

✅ Understanding the 'Why': We decode the root cause of behaviours, not just manage the symptoms.
✅ Clear Communication: Learn to read your dog's signals and give cues they understand.
✅ Targeted Solutions: We create a tailored plan for your specific challenges, from puppy basics to complex reactivity.
✅ Building a Partnership: Move beyond obedience to a relationship built on trust and respect.

Stop the guessing game. Get expert, compassionate help right where you need it.

✨ Plus, book a 1-2-1 session and receive a discounted membership!

👇 Book your transformational 1-2-1 consultation with Allan today! Link in comments 💬

28/09/2025

Trainer’s Tip: Start your walk the right way 🐾

What happens before you step out the door can set the tone for your entire walk.

In this video, you’ll first see a client’s dog jumping up on the door handle, scratching at the door, and pulling to get outside. This behaviour has not only caused visible damage to the door but also creates a stressful, over-excited mindset that carries straight into the walk.

In the second half, I take over handling. Notice the change: the dog waits calmly, only moving forward when invited. By leaving the house in a calm state, we set the foundation for a more controlled and enjoyable walk.

✅ Always wait for calm before opening the door
✅ Don’t let your dog pull you out — invite them to follow
✅ Remember: a calm exit = a calm walk

The first few seconds leaving the house are crucial. Take the time to get them right, and the rest of your walk will be much easier.

I hope this helps a few folks?
Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
🐕😊

22/09/2025

Driving Back To Ukraine 🇺🇦
Read My Story – How It All Started

Supporting Ukrainian Orphans of War

With gratitude,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

22/09/2025

🐾 Struggling with your dog’s behaviour?
➡️ Pulling on the lead?
➡️ Ignoring recall?
➡️ Driving you to distraction?

I can help.

With 40 years’ experience as a professional trainer and retired military dog handler, I’ll come to your home for a 1-2-1 training & behaviour session.

✅ 2 hours of focused support
✅ Clear understanding of WHY your dog behaves the way it does
✅ Positive techniques that work
✅ Coaching YOU to handle your dog with confidence

📌 Read my reviews, see the results.
📞 Contact me today—let’s get you and your dog on the right track.

— Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

19/09/2025

SERVICE DOGS 🐾💙

The bond between a service dog and their human partner is something truly special — built on trust, love, and an unspoken promise to always be there.

In the US alone, over 100,000 service dogs stand faithfully by their owner’s side each day, giving not just help, but hope.

From Autism Service Dogs and Hearing Dogs, to Diabetic Alert Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs, Guide Dogs, Allergy Detection Dogs, Mobility Assistance Dogs, and PTSD Service Dogs — each one quietly changes the world for the person who needs them most.

And the most beautiful part? Dogs don’t see “disability” or “difference” — they see us exactly as we are, and love us all the same.

They don’t just make life easier… they make life possible for many!✨

💭 So……. What does your dog do for you, or for someone you love?

Best wishes,
Allan

17/09/2025

🐾 Introducing a New Puppy to the Pack 🐾

Today I was called out for a home visit to help a family with their new Japanese Akita puppy. Exciting times – but also a challenge when you already have two adult dogs in the home.

One of the French Bulldogs wasn’t too happy about the new arrival and had started seriously bullying the little pup. Understandably, the puppy was becoming nervous and insecure – and while that might seem like a small issue now, it’s something we had to address quickly.

Why? Because puppies grow. That shy, unsure little Akita will one day be a powerful adult. If those negative experiences are left unchecked, the tables could turn in the future, and a bullied pup may eventually decide to retaliate. That wouldn’t end well for anyone – especially the “bully of a bully.”

During the session, we worked on safe introductions, creating calm spaces, and setting clear boundaries so that all dogs can feel secure in their own home. The goal is to build trust, respect, and balance before problems have the chance to escalate.

✨ Top Tips for Introducing a New Puppy to Adult Dogs:
1. Neutral Territory First – Start introductions outside of the home so no one feels the need to defend “their” space.
2. Supervise Closely – Never leave the puppy and adult dogs together unsupervised in the early days.
3. Safe Zones – Give your puppy a secure space where they can retreat and rest undisturbed.
4. Reward Calm Behaviour – Reinforce polite, relaxed interactions rather than focusing only on stopping unwanted ones.
5. Patience is Key – Relationships take time; don’t rush the process.

👉 If you’re bringing a new puppy into a household with older dogs, don’t wait until things boil over. Early guidance can make the difference between lifelong harmony and ongoing conflict.

🐶 Every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and part of the family.

If you need a little help with your dogs around the home, drop me an email or message me here.

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)