Clan Dog

15/02/2025

Preparing for Ukraine 🇺🇦
None of this would have been possible without your donations, and assistance.
Thank you all! 🙏
Allan

12/02/2025

I love receiving student's feedback😀
Thank you, Alastair for showing us how much, Oakley enjoyed last night's Webinar! 🐕🤣
Thank you all once again.
Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

07/02/2025

Fundraising Webinar (See link for more information)
Join me for a live Zoom Q&A Webinar on Tuesday, 11th February in support of our fundraising efforts.
Access is available for a small donation, and all funds raised will go directly towards our mission.

11/02/2025 from 6-8PM
1. The top 10 mistakes people make when training their dogs
2. Practical hints and tips to help you get on track
3. My tried-and-tested secrets for better training results
4. Live Q&A—ask me anything about training or behaviour issues

https://www.clandog.co.uk/dogs-in-ukraine/

04/02/2025

Today, (along with many brothers in arms), I lost a comrade from my RAF Police days.
RIP, ‘Gr***de’
Back with the your ‘pack’. 🐕🐕🐕🐕

A few words about this real character of a man (hence his nickname!😂) from Steve Davies…

IN MEMORY OF IAN ‘GRENADE’ HUNTER

The music's hushed, the stage is bare,
Gr***de's booming voice no longer there,
The spotlight's dimmed, the crowd is gone,
A silent echo lingers on.

Gr***de, they called him, loud and bold,
A heart of gold and stories told.
Of Douglas Bader, he was a fan,
A dearly worshipped heroic man.

He loved his dogs, the furry pack,
They followed close on every track.
From tiny pups, so cute and small,
To fearsome Shepherds, he loved ‘em all.

He'd seen it all, the joy, the pain,
The fleeting love, the pouring rain.
But through it all, he stood so tall,
The star of the bar, enchanting all.

But silence falls, a heavy cloak,
The final curtain, gently spoke.
No more adventures, no bark's delight,
Gr***de has vanished in the night.


Yet in our hearts, Gr***de he stays,
A memory from those brighter days.
The fun he shared, the joy he gave,
Lives on, beyond that silent grave.


Corporal Ian ‘Gr***de’ Hunter from Bolton joined the RAF in 1974, and after successfully completing his RAF Police training at RAF Newton he volunteered to become a dog handler.
After leaving the RAF Police Dog Training School at RAF Debden he was posted with his dog to RAF Kinloss in Scotland. Overseas tours at RAF Masirah (Oman) and Laarbruch (West Germany) followed.
In 1984 whilst stationed at RAF Marham he was detached to RAF Stanley on the Falkland Islands. It was there early one morning that he was despatched to investigate a possible fire at the Hookers Point Rapier missile site.
Arriving at around 0430 hours it looked like the site was ablaze and it seemed that the RAF Regiment personnel accommodated there were oblivious to the fact. Upon further investigation Corporal Hunter saw that the site generator and fuel in a tray beneath it was on fire.
At that time, all the living accommodation on the site was pretty makeshift and comprised ISO shipping containers buried in the peaty ground and the Rapier crew were asleep within and unaware of the danger nearby. Fearing that the generator could explode at any time, Corporal Hunter raised the alarm by quickly waking everyone up and got them all to safety before returning to help put the fire out. In acknowledgement of his swift action, he was later invited by the Officer Commanding RAF Regiment to an informal recognition event and in the finest traditions of the RAF Police he was apparently the last man standing having consumed much of the unit's three month supply of beer. 🍺🍺💪

Ian was a special character who loved to party and who loved his music. Indeed, he’d brighten up every room or bar he entered and was a natural entertainer.
He loved the RAF and he loved military aircraft but even more, he worshipped his all time hero Sir Douglas Bader, the WWII spitfire ace who despite losing both legs in a flying accident, went on to be one of the RAF’s best fighter pilots.
That said, Gr***de would have everyone in fits of laughter as he mimicked his hero, legs and pipe and all.
After a full career, he left the RAF in 1996 and by 2013 he had fallen off the ‘RAF Police Family Radar’ and was in a bad place. Luckily, he was traced and brought back into the clan by Stewart McArdle and Iain Todd.
In July 2017, he made headlines once again after he dived fully-clothed into a river and successfully saved a young woman from drowning.

Keep them laughing in the ‘Watch Dog’s Rest’ Ian.
🍻 🐕

03/02/2025

Teaching Dogs to Relax:
Why Loose Lead Walking is Essential

Meet Kurtz, a 2-year-old German Shepherd who lost sight in one eye after being attacked as a puppy.
His early trauma has left him reactive towards some dogs, and like many owners in this situation, his family had tried all sorts of tools—harnesses, haltis, slip leads—hoping to improve his walking and behavior.
But real change doesn’t start with equipment; it starts with mindset.

Before we can help a dog overcome fear, we must teach them to relax. And that begins on the lead.

Dogs operate in fight, flight, or freeze mode when faced with stress.
A tight lead creates tension, removing their ability to move freely and respond naturally to their environment.
When they feel trapped, their only remaining options are to fight or shut down—neither of which leads to true confidence.

Today, I introduced Kurtz and his family to a new way of walking—one that builds trust, reduces stress, and sets the foundation for better behaviour.
When we teach loose lead walking, we’re not just fixing pulling; we’re helping our dogs feel safer and more in control.

If you’re struggling with reactivity or lead pulling, remember: the way you hold the lead affects the way your dog feels.
Give them the chance to relax, and you’ll open the door to real progress.

I hope this helps a few readers. 🐕😊👍
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)
Clan Dog

02/02/2025

SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE REVEALS A SAD STORY

🚨 A Disgusting Betrayal of a Police Dog 🚨

As a retired Police Officer and a full-time professional dog trainer and behaviourist, I am utterly appalled by the decision to put down Police Dog Zara—a serving colleague—simply because Police Scotland refused to cover her surgery costs.

💔 The Facts:
📌 Zara, a 2.5-year-old German Shepherd, was injured in an accident.
📌 A vet confirmed she would recover and return to work with surgery.
📌 The cost? £12,000.
📌 Police Scotland deemed it "too expensive" and chose euthanasia instead.

🐕🦺 A Police Dog Is NOT Disposable 🐕🦺
Let’s be clear—these dogs are not equipment; they are officers, risking their lives alongside their handlers. They track criminals, protect the public, find missing people, and stand between danger and safety every single day.

💷 The True Cost of This Decision:
🔹 Buying and training a police dog costs between £12,000 and £32,000.
🔹 Lifetime costs range from £50,000 to £100,000.
🔹 Unless I'm missing something, the force just wasted tens of thousands of pounds—not to mention the loss of a highly trained working asset.

If the decision was purely financial, then whoever did the sums needs a new abacus! This was a failure of leadership, a failure of compassion, and a betrayal of a loyal colleague.

📢 Public Funds Wasted. A Life Lost. Trust Broken.
For me, it's a sad day if this what policing has come to?

Disclaimer: This is purely my own opinion. Other opinions are available—so what’s yours, folks?

31/01/2025

Happy Friday folks!
Have a great day 🐕😊

30/01/2025

Please can you help me get over the line?
Thanks in advance!🙏
Allan 🐕🇺🇦

https://www.justgiving.com/page/allan-ritchie-1733415075979?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

23/01/2025

💨 💨💨💨
Keep Your Dogs Safe Tomorrow Folks!

Many dogs can be fearful or ‘spooky’ when in high winds, and may ‘BOLT’ from their owners, looking for safety.

Keep them close, safe and supervised until Èowyn passes over.
Hunker down for this one if you’re in its path.
I’m off to dig out the candles & torch! 🤷‍♂️
Allan

21/01/2025

Welcoming a New Baby?
Here’s How to Prepare Your Dog for the Big Change!

Bringing a baby into the family is such an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges—especially for your dog. Dogs are incredibly intuitive and often pick up on the shift in routine and attention, which can lead to confusion or attention-seeking behaviours.

Today, I worked with Alma, a 4-year-old Labradoodle whose family welcomed a baby six months ago.

With the changes in the household, Alma had been struggling to adjust, which made life stressful for everyone.
I spent time helping Alma and her family with practical strategies to make things easier for both Alma and the humans in the home.

Here’s what I taught them:

1. Clear Boundaries: ‘Place’ Training

I introduced Alma to the concept of relaxing on her bed (her “place”) while the family and baby were in the room. This helps create clear boundaries and gives everyone—including Alma—a sense of calm and structure.

2. Reintroducing Crate Training

We also discussed reintroducing crate training. A crate provides a safe, cozy retreat for Alma when the family needs downtime or when she can’t be supervised.
It’s an invaluable tool to help dogs feel secure while also giving the family peace of mind.

3. Safe Walking Beside the Pram

(The family had beef doing this training, but it had ‘gone wrong’ as the method they were using had been giving confusing messages to Alma.)

Walking with a dog and a pram can be a challenge, so we addressed teaching her to walk calmly by their side. This isn’t just for safety; it also makes walks more enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

4. Providing Mental Stimulation

With a busy family life, it’s easy to forget that dogs still need stimulation and engagement.
I suggested adding mentally enriching activities for Alma, like puzzle toys and scent games, during her dedicated time with the family.
This keeps her mind active and helps her settle more easily during quieter moments.

5. Dedicated ‘Alma Time’

Lastly, I encouraged the family to set aside specific times for focused interaction with Alma. This ensures she gets the attention she craves while making it easier for her to accept the moments when the family needs to focus on the baby, (or the many other life matters.)

Balance Is Key

Life with a new baby and a dog is all about finding balance.
By teaching Alma clear boundaries, creating safe spaces, and ensuring she still feels included and loved, her family is well on the way to a calmer, happier home.

If you’re expecting a baby and want help preparing your dog for this exciting new chapter, I’d love to support you.
Let me know how I can help!

Have you been through this transition with your dog?
Share your own experiences in the comments?

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT ( MPDTI)

20/01/2025

Good morning….
Have a great day! 🐕😊

19/01/2025

How was your weekend folks? 🐕😊

Our Sunday afternoon started with a Taxi ride to our drop off point to walk home.
Traffic was a nightmare! 🐑 🐑🐑🐑😂

19/01/2025

WHY DOES YOUR DOG PULL ON IT'S LEAD?

Dogs pull on their leads for various reasons, and understanding these can help us address the issue effectively:

EXCITEMENT: Dogs are naturally curious and excitable animals. When they see something interesting or smell an enticing scent, they might pull to get closer. (Think of a police dog tracking a criminal. They just can't wait to meet them!🐕🤣🤣🤣)

LACK OF TRAINING: Dogs don't inherently know how to walk politely on a lead. They pull simply because they haven't been taught otherwise. (Ask yourself, ‘How much training have I done?’)

ENERGY RELEASE: Dogs may pull because they have excess energy to burn. It's a way for them to move faster and explore their environment. (Many dogs I have worked with over the years have never been let off their lead for months or even longer, so their frustration and energy grows and the matter becomes worse)

SOCIAL INTERACTION: Some dogs pull to meet other dogs or people. They're eager to socialise, and pulling is their way of reaching out. (We allow them to achieve their goal, thus teaching them that that behaviour works for them, so they will continue to do so)

THE IMPORTANCE OD LEAD TRAINING:
Now, let's talk about why it's crucial to train your dog to relax while on the lead:

SAFETY : An uncontrollable dog pulling on the lead can put both you and your dog at risk. It's easier for them to slip out of a collar or cause accidents.
I have helped many clients who have only sought assistance AFTER they have been injured. Broken fingers, wrists, arms, and the most serious case I have been involved with was when a lady was pulled over by her dog, resulting in her being in a coma for a couple of weeks!

ENJOYABLE WALKS: Lead training ensures that walks are enjoyable for both you and your dog. You'll be able to explore together without the constant tug-of-war and aching arms!
Many people I have helped tell me that they stopped enjoying their dog walks, and that is a real shame for all concerned.

BONDING: Training your dog to walk politely on a lead strengthens your bond and builds trust between you both.

BEHAVIOURAL BENEFITS: Proper lead training can have a positive impact on your dog's overall behaviour. It teaches them impulse control and patience, which can translate to better behaviour in various situations and environments.

HOW DO YOU TRAIN FOR A RELAXED WALK?
Training your dog to relax on the lead is a gradual process that involves patience and consistency. Here are some tips:

START TRAINING IN THE CORRECT ENVIRONMENT: A boring scent free empty car park, or area of tarmac is best. Do not expect your dog to be able to listen to you walking in a busy park full of dogs, people, and a tonne of scent wafting up it’s nose!

USE POSITIVE REINFOREMENT: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they walk calmly beside you.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE: Consistent training is key. Practice in different environments to prove and generalise the behaviour.

BE PATIENT!: Expect some setbacks, but stay patient and persistent. It takes time for dogs to learn new habits.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP: If you're struggling with lead training, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a professional dog trainer in your area. We can provide personalised guidance.

Remember, lead training is an investment in your dog's well-being and your shared experiences. It's a journey that leads to more enjoyable walks and a stronger bond with your hairy friend.

I hope this helps a few readers??............ but feel free to contact me if you could use a little guidance.


Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

17/01/2025

Unveiling the Rise of Dog-to-Dog ‘Reactivity’

Dog-to-dog ‘reactivity’, is a behaviour where dogs display aggression or intense responses toward other dogs, and is a concerning issue that many dog owners contact me looking for help with.
In recent years, there seems to be a noticeable increase in such reactive behaviours among our dogs, so let’s delve into the potential reasons behind the surge in dog-to-dog reactivity and explore the various contributing factors that might be at play.

City Living :
Dogs often find themselves in close proximity to each other during walks and in public spaces. The increased density of dogs in these environments can trigger reactive behaviours, especially if dogs feel crowded or threatened.

Lack of Socialisation:
A crucial aspect of a dog's upbringing is EARLY AND CONTINUED socialisation. Dogs that haven't been exposed to a variety of experiences, including interactions with other dogs, may develop fear or anxiety, leading to reactive behaviour when confronted with unfamiliar dogs.

Human Influence:
YOU play a pivotal role in shaping your dogs' behaviour. Without education, knowledge and training, you may well be inadvertently reinforcing reactive behaviours, or failing to address early signs of reactivity, therefore contributing to the development of dog-to-dog aggression.

Negative Experiences:
Traumatic incidents such as attacks by other dogs or negative encounters during puppyhood and adolescence can leave a lasting impact on your dog's psyche. Dogs that have experienced such events may react defensively or aggressively when encountering new dogs.

Genetic Predisposition:
Certain breeds or individual dogs may have a genetic predisposition towards reactivity. It's important for breeders and owners to be aware of breed characteristics and to address potential reactivity proactively.

Lack of Training and Education:
You may not be adequately informed about canine behaviour and body language, so without a proper understanding, you might unintentionally contribute to or escalate reactive behaviours. EDUCATIONS & TRAINING can empower YOU to address and manage reactivity effectively.

Overstimulation:
Dogs, like humans, can become over stimulated in certain environments. Busy streets, crowded parks, or noisy events can overwhelm dogs, triggering reactive responses. Recognising the signs of stress and providing appropriate outlets for energy can help mitigate reactivity.

Conclusion:
As dog-to-dog reactivity becomes a more prevalent issue, understanding the contributing factors is crucial for dog owners. Addressing these factors through proper education, early socialisation, positive reinforcement training, and responsible ownership can contribute to a safer and more harmonious coexistence among our dogs.
By taking a proactive approach, we can work towards reducing instances of dog-to-dog reactivity and fostering positive interactions within the dog community.
Does this help?

Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)

15/01/2025

🌟 Transforming Lives, One Paw at a Time 🌟

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie, June, and their stunning 18-month-old Rottweiler, Raven. 🐕❤️
Raven’s a gorgeous girl with a heart of gold, but she had big challenges:

Lunging on walks at buses, cyclists, joggers—you name it. While she never barked or showed aggression, her anxious energy was a real concern for Eddie and June, especially living in busy Edinburgh city centre.

The stress was palpable—not just for Raven, but for Eddie, June, and those around them. People crossed the street to avoid her, unaware that Raven’s behaviour came from anxiety, not malice.
(Her breed means she is readily stigmatised by the general public.)

Raven needed help.

We started at home with a deep dive into her life and behaviour, discussing how her world looks through her eyes.
Then came the walk. 😱
The big change? 🤷‍♂️
Her handler. 😊

To build trust, I needed Raven to know that I had her back.
With a calm, confident approach, she walked beside me on a loose lead, focused and relaxed—even as we passed buses, cyclists, and joggers. The transformation was immediate.

Whilst Eddie and June were amazed (“some kind of dark art!” they joked 😂), I explained ‘it’s not magic’, it’s understanding, communication, and trust.

After showing them what Raven was capable of, I spent time teaching them how to be the calm, confident leaders Raven needs.

By the end of our session, Raven was walking beautifully for Eddie, her head-turning looks matched by a newfound calmness. 🐕✨
I’m so proud of all three of them and excited to welcome them to ClanDog!

To Eddie, June, and everyone who trusts me with their dog’s training: thank you.🙏😊

If your dog’s behaviour is causing stress, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can shape a more understanding and balanced pack.

Allan Ritchie
MGoDT (MPDTI)

15/01/2025

Fundraising Update
76% of £6K target reached today!
Thank you all. 🙏🐕
Full story here.

Help Allan Ritchie raise money to support Pickups for Peace

14/01/2025

Helping Nervous or Reactive Dogs Relax on Lead Walks

One of the most common challenges for dog owners is handling a nervous or reactive dog on walks. But here’s the key: before we can address reactivity, we must first teach the dog how to relax on the lead.

Tight Lead vs. Relaxed Lead: A Dog’s Perspective

When a dog is on a tight lead, their body and mind mirror that tension. The lead communicates stress—“Something’s wrong”—and this triggers a heightened state of alertness. In this state, a dog is more likely to lunge, bark, or react, as they feel restricted and anxious.

On a relaxed lead, the message is completely different: “Everything’s okay.” A loose lead encourages a calmer state of mind, allowing the dog to focus, process their environment, and make better decisions without the added pressure of physical or emotional tension.

Why Relaxation Comes First

A reactive dog isn’t just responding to triggers (like other dogs or people); they’re often overwhelmed by their own stress. Teaching them to walk calmly on a loose lead builds trust and provides a foundation for addressing reactivity. A calm dog is more receptive to training, less likely to escalate, and more able to learn new behaviours.

Training Tips for Relaxed Walks
1. Start Small: Practice lead relaxation in low-distraction environments.
2. Reward Calmness: Reinforce when the lead stays loose and your dog remains calm.
3. Body Language Matters: Stay relaxed yourself—your dog takes cues from you.
4. Gradual Exposure: Once your dog can walk calmly in quiet areas, gradually introduce triggers at a distance where they remain relaxed.

Remember, a calm lead walk isn’t just about physical control—it’s about teaching your dog to feel safe and confident. Start by building that sense of calm, and the path to reducing reactivity becomes much clearer.

Have questions or need personalised help with your dog? Drop a comment or DM me!

Best wishes
Allan Ritchie MGoDT (MPDTI)