Hart’s Pro Hounds

12/06/2024

It would seem Mr Skip and Miss Roxy have been feeling a little shy about their latest achievements...

We've been busy attending a few UK Hoopers shows over the past few weeks and I'm pleased to say it's paid off.

1st place may have eluded Skip but he's had some very respectful 2nd and 3rd places in Grade 2.

Roxy has been e'd more times than I'd care to mention but has had some nice parts to her runs meaning she gained enough points to clamber into Grade 2.

Can't wait to see how our season progresses.

Cakes next week at club! Acorn Dog Training Club - New Page

09/06/2024

In our happy place chasing that elusive red rosette...lovely courses so far...

22/05/2024

Hoping there's some Hoopering fans looking for a beginners course in East Suffolk...

still spaces on our new courses available now through the club

22/05/2024

Looks like Suffolk has some great training on offer 😍😍😍

still spaces on our new courses available now through the club

10/05/2024

Why Hello There Suffolk!

After a period of much sadness, reflection and adjustment following my recent relocation to Suffolk, I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the wonderful team at Acorn Dog Training! 🌳🐕

I am truly super excited to embark on this new chapter, where I'll have the opportunity to support dog owners in achieving the very best for their favourite companion.

Whether you're a new or experienced owner, I'll be offering gundog and hoopers training, as well as behaviour 121's tailored to your specific needs.

Walking calmly with your dog around this beautiful part of the world is a joy we can all experience together. I can't wait to meet you and your pupstars and embark on this journey together! 🌟

Please feel free to reach out to Acorn Dog Training Club if you would like to know how to book. A like and a follow on their page will also keep you updated with all this and more exciting news.

Let's make some pawsitive progress together!

We have EXCITING NEWS!!

Acorn dog club has a new super shiny instructor 😀😀😀😀😀

And this means we can now offer even more- including Gun dog training, Hoopers and more workshops.

Head over to our website to find out more:

www.acorndogtraining.com

27/02/2024

Superb 😍

I am really super proud to announce our recent collaboration with KAD Kids Around Dogs®
Together, we've teamed up to create something truly special - helping kids and owners of dogs in yellow understand how to navigate their interactions.
Check out our latest blog for some amazing tips tailored for anxious dog owners. And don't miss the perfect illustration accompanying it, designed to show children that dogs in yellow need space.
Let's spread awareness and try to make every interaction a positive one

29/01/2024

Dear valued clients and fantastic friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I share some challenging news.

My dear mum has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and, as she is the main carer for my terminally ill stepdad, I need to temporarily close Hart Pro Hounds to be with them in Snape, Suffolk as they navigate this very difficult time.

This means that all future training sessions are currently and unfortunately cancelled.

This also means I am unable to support new clients.

I am unable to say definitively how long this closure will last at present and I will be contacting all current clients shortly to discuss our options.

Please bear with me as time is understandably very precious at the moment.

May I just take this opportunity to thank all my clients, friends and family for all the love, kind words and support.

The world is full of amazing, caring people 😍

Hug your loved ones close. 😘

31/12/2023

Wishing you all the very best for the upcoming New Year 😍😍😍

24/12/2023

A few Christmas tree pic fails 😂😂😂😘

Christmas doesn't have to be perfect - smiles and giggles is enough

🎄🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all 🎄🎄

24/11/2023

Not just one but TWO accolades...

Some of you will be aware that I've had a whole lot of life going behind the scenes here - hence the radio silence recently.

I am still working with lots of wonderful clients but keeping those plates spinning has meant I haven't been as active online as I would like.

So that's why it's nice to see that Hart's Pro Hounds is still very much supported and appreciated by so many! Many thanks to my supporters at Nextdoor and ThreeBestRated.co.uk.

Bring on 2024...lots of new adventures with you and your dogs to come!

04/09/2023

A hot and sunny week ahead so we got some nice chewy bones from Cook & Butcher in Thatcham, popped in the freezer for extra chill factor 🦴🥶🦴

Peace reigns 😎

19/07/2023

Uh-oh, I've been thinking!

Dangerous 🤣

Mr HPH is a sucker for the lottery and I buy the odd scratchcard so it got me thinking about "if I was a billionaire"....

🏠New Home
🚗New Car
🐕‍🦺Dogs...lots of
Dogs...

That got me thinking...

💖When I was a wee young lass, I used to volunteer at an animal rescue. Back then I used to dream how we could all do so much good for animals in the world IF we had the money.💖

My thoughts then were not so different to now.

First, I would teach about being responsible pet owners. Let's reduce the number of pets in rescues and ensure every dog has a loving home.

I would also create really good animal rescues in every town. ⛑️ Their expert staff would provide the safety, solace and care that every homeless dogs would need.

As I would have billions 💷, I would also put money into medical research. To support scientists find new treatments and cures for dogs' health problems. By improving vet care, 🧑‍⚕️dogs could live healthier, longer lives.

♻️Another area I would invest in would be eco-friendly and ethical practices. There's so many plastic toys which get ripped up in seconds. Yes, there are biodegradable poo bags but what about dog toys that are good for the environment - cardboard box anyone?! Don't even get me started on sustainable pet food and packaging.

👮Lastly, I would like to speak up for stronger laws to protect animals. We always think of the human impact and rights first and not those of the animals themselves. When I work with clients, I support them to understand what their dog is communicating to them. I would take this further and work with the community action and government groups to ensure they were making laws that supported animal-based decisions. 📣

So as I slip back into reality, I know even if we're not billionaires, we can still make a difference, support local rescues, adopt your pets instead of buying them, and give your current animals their very best life.

Remember, we all have the power to make a difference, you might not be a billionaire but some small changes ensures a little goes a long way. 🐾💙

So, If you were a billionaire, what would you change? Let me know below. 👇

17/07/2023

Give me a ❤️ if you agree!

13/06/2023

This is something Kez used to get, even as a young dog and in 20 degrees.

Please familiarse yourself with how your own dog responds on hot days. Get help as soon as possible and do not delay if you think your dog has heat stroke.

I will never apologise for reminding people about heatstroke in dogs. Their comfort is in your hands 😍🥸😊

This is Nala.

She is a young fit Labrador who was playing football on a overcast 21⁰c day.

At 1.30pm she was rushed to Hook Vets with heat stroke.

Her temperature was at a whopping 41.3⁰c. A dogs normal temperature range is 38 - 39⁰c

Heat stroke can cause irreversible damage or even death. Thankfully her owner noticed and reacted quickly and Nala is doing well 💜 His quick actions saved her life.

Dogs that are more prone to heat stroke are old dogs, overweight dogs, flat faced breeds and puppies. However any dog of any age or breed or fitness can get heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke are:
⚠️ Faster, heavier breathing
⚠️ Excessive thirst and drooling
⚠️ Increased heart rate and pulse rate
⚠️ Dark coloured gums/ tounge (red/purple)
⚠️ Glassy eyes
⚠️ Staggering or weakness
⚠️ Seizures
⚠️ Unconsciousness

If you think your dog has heat stroke DO NOT throw cold water on them as this can cause the body to go into shock.

On warm days you can help your dogs by:
✅ Restricting exercise
✅ Make sure they have access to cool, shaded areas
✅ Give them access to fresh water
✅ Walking them first thing in the morning or last thing at night when it's cooler
✅ If your pet is over weight start them on a weight loss journey

Please share this post to raise awareness

30/05/2023

You might have noticed a few less posts recently.

Behind the scenes I've been busy prepping for my holidays 🏖️🏖️🏖️

I'm off to show the delights of 🇬🇷 Greece - my 2nd home - to Mr HPH. It's been a long 12 years since I was last there and I can not wait!!!

Question is, will I make it home without slipping a street dog into my luggage???? 🙊🙉🙈

Kαλό ταξίδι ✈️✈️✈️

16/05/2023

“Dogs are our link to paradise.

They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent.

To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace"

Milan Kundera, Czech Author

Give me a ❤️ if you agree.

15/05/2023

🤩 We went all green fingered this weekend 🐶

Mr HPH and I went to a nursery for the very first time in our lives and choose some plants for our new raised beds.

Whilst this sounds a very non-doggy thing to do, I couldn't resist getting some dog friendly herbs 🪴 to put in there.

They need to settle in but there's rosemary, oregano and mint plus camomile, coriander and thyme.

Some herbs are toxic to dogs - even the oregano can cause digestive issues and I'll be sure to be careful around the chives and lavender.

Nevertheless, I'm sure they will self select what is good for them and my main job will be working out how to keep the slugs and bugs off them! 🐌

What did you get up to this weekend? ☀️

We’d love to see your weekend pics! 🥰

11/05/2023

😫 You know when you’re busy trying to do chores around your home or even working from home but your dog is busy doing things they shouldn’t? 😫

Like chewing up your furniture, diving into the bins, digging in the garden, finding lost socks. pestering the cat, and just making a big old nuisance of themselves.....

Well, it’s likely because they’re seeking some stimulation, some brain-draining 🧠activity and need an outlet for all that energy stored inside them. 🐕

So, how can you help them? ⛑️

You see, the great thing is, there’s an easy solution...

Keep a range of brain games in your mind that you can bring out to help your dog release some of that excess energy. 🤗

Brain games, freework, hunting games....anything to get your dog sniffing, licking or chewing will all produce some great feel good hormones.

They will help keep your dog entertained for a while as well as lower their heart rate, helping your dog to calm and find their inner zen.

Build a repertoire of games to help you keep these activities novel and exciting.

If your dog hasn’t tried brain games before, I highly recommend keeping the games simple and straight forward. It's meant to be confidence building., not an application to Mensa for dogs.

1. Puzzle Toys - At home, make friends with your recycling bin for safe objects to hide treats in. Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, yoghurt tubs and egg boxes and the old Blue Peter favourite - a cardboard tube - all make brilliant options. Hide a treat in the bottle (no lid on) and encourage your dog to knock it about for a quick win. Stick something sticky on the bottom of the bottle and get them to knock it over to win the food. Hide treats under the flaps in cardboard box and get them hunting it. Freeze the yoghurt pot (with remaining yoghurt in it) and let them lick out the remaining goodness. Oh and that cardboard tube, treats in, fold over the end and voila! instant dog food puzzle toy.

2. Hide-and-Seek: Hide treats or toys around the house or in the garden if it ever stops raining and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase the difficulty level as your dog becomes more adept. Mensa dogs may apply here!

3. Scent Games: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and scent games tap into this natural ability. You can hide treats or toys and let your dog use their nose to find them. If you keep your language simple, they may even find each toy by name. So clever!

4. DIY Obstacle Course: this is one of my favourite ways to entertain my dogs! Set up a mini-obstacle course in your living room if carpeted or garden and use household items like paint pots, cushions, household bin. Guide your dog through the course, encouraging them to jump, crawl, and navigate the obstacles.

5. Training Sessions: short fun training sessions help reinforce your verbal cues (sit, down, stay etc) and also engage your dog mentally. Teach them new tricks or practice their obedience. Either way, your dog will love engaging with you.

Remember, each dog is unique, so choose the games that match their preferences and keep them having fun safely.

Watch your dog carefully for what they enjoy most. Which treats or toys do they like best?

Save this post so you can refer back to it the next time you need some calmness over chaos into your home. 💖

10/05/2023

🤔 Is your dog treat motivated, toy motivated,
affection motivated, or something else? 🐶

Both my dogs enjoy a wide range of all 3 types of reinforcement.

However, when I first worked with Skip he would literally only work for sniffs in long grass.

He didn't much care for people, disliked most dogs and generally thought the sky was falling down so the only thing he found rewarding was being allowed to move away from what he was being asked to do.

The reward for him was being released off to be by himself. He knows how to make you feel loved! 😂😍

What about your dog? What gets their tail wagging? What is it that they will do anything for? Let us know in the comments below. 👇

09/05/2023

👑👑So how did those parties go? 👑👑

Charlie's looked like it went well and don't get me started on Camilla's JRT's on her gown. 🤩😍🤩

🐶 What I mean more is that now that you've had a chance to look at your dog and watch what they are like? What did you find the hardest to overcome?

Was it the barking at the door?
Maybe the jumping up?
Maybe it was the pulling on the family walks?
Or worse, the barking, lunging and going crazy around either people or other dogs?🐶

😩Did you feel like you were constantly on red alert, trying to second guess when your dog's next reaction would take place?
Did you feel like you couldn't fully relax because you never knew what your dog was going to do?
Perhaps you even felt annoyed as your dog ran over, yet again, to another dog?
Were you scanning ahead on your walks to see what was coming towards or behind you? That's exhausting! 😩

☺️Do not feel alone! My famous phrase is there is nothing I like better than talking about dogs - just ask long-suffering Mr HPH! 😂🙈

This week (well the 4 days left of it anyway!) I’m opening my inbox and offering support if you’re feeling this way.🥰

This is an opportunity to get some advice from me, and learn about how I may be able to help you going forwards.

Send me a DM if you’d like to chat things through. 💕

05/05/2023

👑👑👑It's time to paaaarty ( like HPH pro's!) 👑👑👑

Whilst I'm avoiding wading in on a royal debate, King Charles' coronation will mean many of us will be getting together with friends and family to celebrate.

I don't want your dog to have ruff time tho' 🐶

So here's five top tips to supporting your dog over the coming days with those busy get-togethers.

1. Exercise your dog beforehand: Giving your dog a great sniffari before the party can help reduce their energy levels. Choose your environment carefully for this - don't go for a 3 hour romp but think of a calm steady walk somewhere quiet. This can ultimately help them feel calmer and more relaxed in the following hours.
2. Provide a choice of toys and chews: Provide your dog with a wonderful selection of toys and chews which will help keep them occupied and distracted during the party. You can also use these to redirect their attention away from guests and other distractions. Remember anything licking, sniffing or chewing for your dog will help keep their arousal levels low.
3. Stick to your dog's routine: Your dog will know if you are planning a party. A big tidy up, more time in the kitchen, lots of noise and movement as you put up that gazebo (I'm sure it gets harder to put up each year!) will mean your dog will be on alert. Keep your dog to their regular routine as much as possible, (e.g. feeding and walking times) can help provide a sense of consistency and comfort for your dog.
4. Advocate for your dog: Monitor your dog's behaviour and keep an eye on your dog during the party and intervene if necessary. Consider taking them for a walk or spend some time with them in a separate room if they become overly excited or anxious. Don't forget to reinforce the behaviour you like by giving treats or praise when your dog is relaxed and calm and relaxed behaviour around guests.
5. Manage your guests: For me, this is the most important. I'm all for dogs coping around us but a bbq or more guests in the house means a big change for your dog. Help them out by letting your guests know about your dog's behaviour and how best to interact with them. For example, you could ask them to avoid direct eye contact or sudden movements around your dog, and encourage them to give your dog space when you spot they're feeling overwhelmed.

So whilst Charles and Camilla join the rest of us with a party-filled weekend, remember this is a challenging time for dogs, especially those who are easily stimulated or overwhelmed.

Don't overthink it but with some prep and patience, you will be doing your very best for your dog.

It won't just be your guests having an amazing time at your party, your dog will too!

04/05/2023

Most people don’t know this about me because I don’t share too much about my personal life on here.

But sometimes it’s good to open the doors a touch and let others into our worlds...

With me, It's not all dogs dogs dogs you know...

Around 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS - a complex illness characterised by severe fatigue which is not alleviated by rest alongside other symptoms such as joint pain, brain fog, processing difficulties and sleep disturbances.

During my quest for a diagnosis (and boy, was that a journey!), there were days where I was so weak that I couldn't even lift a hairbrush. Let alone work. Let alone play with the kids. Let alone walk the dogs. With a young family relying on me, it was a tough time.

You see, there's no cure for ME/CFS. I had, and have, to work very hard at maintaining a healthy lifestyle; pacing and balancing my activities so that I can do my very best for all that I love around me. (Yes Mr HPH, even you!)

Just recently, I've been rocked by a hysterectomy and that is really testing me. There are days where I feel like I've gone back in time to 8 years ago. It's all about balance right now.

I'm not posting this for sympathy, I am sharing it to inspire you.

We all have challenges going on behind the scenes that most people aren’t aware of.

And whatever that is, be kind to yourself and the people around you.

We’re all doing our very best. 💖

03/05/2023

🐶 Here are 5 dog training bad habits we see in dog owners all the time, and what you should do instead. 🐶

🐾 Repeatedly shouting no at your dog when they’re doing something you don’t want them to...how many times did you tell your dog "No" yesterday???
What to do instead - Invest time in training to teach your dog the behaviour you want them to do instead.

🐾 Allowing your dog to rush out the front door before going on a walk and then insisting on a sit 😊🙈 Inconsistent boundaries will lead to your dog ignoring your cues.
What to do instead - Create clear, calm communication and a consistent routine and voila, your dog will become calmer and more predictable.

🐾 Allowing your dog to jump up at people. "Oh it's ok when it's Dad but I don't like him jumping up at the kids"
What to do instead - Do not make any noise, movement or any reaction whatsoever when your dog is jumping. Gently return their paws to the floor and then wait a few seconds after they have finished and then quietly and calmly interact with them will stop risking jumping up becoming a habit.

🐾 Giving in to those puppy dog eyes...just one bit of crust off my toast or one more treat won't hurt? I get that your dog is affectionate and you love that warm fuzzy feeling when you share a titbit with them. It means you care deeply for them.
What to do instead - This is a tough habit for us humans to break. Buy some tasty long-lasting natural chews or stuff a kong to keep your dog busy chewing while you are eating and ignore any requests from your dog to do anything different!

🐾 Dragging you precisely where they want to go. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a sniffari where your dog chooses the route and actions on a walk but allowing your dog to ride their imaginary skateboard to the park is just not fun for anyone.
What to do instead - it takes two to pull on the lead, so make sure you are not pulling your dog back when they pull. Instead, see a tight lead as a red light and stop. Wait for them give into the tight lead and come back to you, verbally praise or feed a treat and they will soon learn that hanging out next to you gets them the good stuff. This does take a lot of patience so do get advice from a professional trainer if you are struggling.

We all have the ability to turn a bad habit into a good one with a little time and patience.

So who’s feeling brave!?

Which of these bad habits do you see in yourself right now?

There is NEVER any shame, blame or judgement here.

We're here to help.

Let me know in the comments below. 👇

02/05/2023

😍 Love it when a plan comes together!😍

HPH is on top of the world right now after getting this lovely testimonial from one of our fab clients over the bank holiday.

"I am so happy and excited that I am messaging you straight away. We met another dog on our walk today, and the owner offered us a gentle on lead introduction as her boy was calm and gentle. I used the method with the high value treats that you showed us....the dogs actually met without Bud going nuts.
Obviously I don't expect him to do this with every dog, and will still avoid interaction, but it meant the absolute world to me...I am absolutely chuffed to bits today, thank you!...this is the first dog he has played with since he was a puppy."

We love sharing stories from dog owners like you who’ve worked with us and had THE BEST experience. 🎉

And we’re on a mission to help many more!

So if you’re ready for stress-free walks where you know precisely what your dog is telling you, get in touch today.

👉 Click below to book a call and find out more:
https://live.vcita.com/site/hartsprohounds/online-scheduling?staff=s0iloa66678ibafr&service=00dvovb8ieueuw8f

02/05/2023

I carved out some rare time for just thinking (and for making an ickle list) but it did get me thinking 💭 over the bank holiday so...

🤔 Question for you… 🤔

What specific behaviours or verbal cues would you like your dog to fully learn and understand?

Hit me with your preference in the comments below. 👇

29/04/2023

27/04/2023

💕 I’ve had a few people hopping into my inbox this week asking about our Understand Me programme. 💕

A few common questions cropped up, so I thought I’d answer them here in case you’ve been wondering the same.

🐾 How long is the programme?

We will have 6 sessions together in our Understand Me programme. I encourage owners to take these 121 sessions weekly or fortnightly so that you focus on your training targets and we can measure your progress easily.

🐾 Is this programme right for me?

This programme of support is for dogs who find remaining calm around distractions truly hard. They probably lunge and bark until their distraction has gone or you find it hard to maintain their focus in different environments.

🐾 Where do the sessions take place?

These sessions take place at our fenced field in Thatcham and we will aim to get you working in real-life environments by the end of your programme.

🐾 How long is each session?

Previous clients will tell you I don't clock watch but best to allow an hour.

If you’ve been thinking about booking in with us, I hope that clears up a few questions you may have had.

And of course, we’re always here to chat if you need any further info too.

Click here to book a free chat 💬 about all things dog...https://live.vcita.com/site/hartsprohounds/online-scheduling?staff=s0iloa66678ibafr&service=00dvovb8ieueuw8f

We hope to welcome you to the HPH family soon! 🥰

26/04/2023

Wednesdays are always a tough day 🤗 so let's have a little fun. 🤗

How old is your dog? 🐶💖

Skip is 8 short years old.

In dog sports terms he is officially a veteran. I just couldn't see this until he had his recent op, he aged in just one day!

I’d be very grateful if the Universe would stop the clock now so he doesn’t get any older. 😆

Good job I've got Roxy who is 4 years old.

Roxy is like an every-ready battery full of energy. She's always up for more.

Post your numbers (and a pic of your pupstar of course 😍) in the comments below. 👇

25/04/2023

I will admit I've put off posting this for quite some time. However, I've seen increasing numbers of clients lately who have been drawn in by seemingly quick fix solutions from other trainers in my industry.

So, please, If you or you know anyone who is a dog parent that’s looking for a trainer, please be aware of the following red flags before you make any decisions.

I hope that by sharing this you can avoid the damaging mistake of working with someone that doesn’t have yours or your dog’s best interests at heart.

👉 Dog training should not be based on intimidation or threatening punishment - look for a trainer who uses reward based methods to support your dog. Recently, I saw a prospective client that needed help with her dog’s resource guarding. They were approached by someone online who said they could help for a small fee. This ‘dog trainer’, who clearly didn’t know what resource guarding was, told them that if they growled back at their dog then the dog would relinquish the guarded item. The client was lucky not to get bitten! Physical or aversive techniques may make the original issue worse and create more problems.
👉 There are many dog trainers setting up businesses that have no education or qualifications to be carrying out this kind of work. Unfortunately this industry is unregulated and anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Please spend a little time researching a trainer's experience and qualifications.
👉 Call them, speak to them. An experienced and accredited dog trainer should communicate with you efficiently and effectively. If they are unclear, difficult to understand or are dismissive about your concerns regarding your dog - steer clear as they may not have your dog's best interests at heart.

When you’re looking for a dog trainer, please do your research before you start working with them.

Check their website thoroughly, read their reviews, and ideally speak to someone that’s worked with them before.

💖 Harts Pro Hounds is an established business with hundreds of happy customers. If you’d like to chat with us about how we can help you and your dog, get in touch here: https://live.vcita.com/site/hartsprohounds/online-scheduling?staff=s0iloa66678ibafr&service=00dvovb8ieueuw8f 💖

24/04/2023

Pondering over the weekend, whilst supporting Skip to rest and heal (he's like me and finds it hard to rest!)...I realised our dogs provide us with a real multitude of benefits.

Without complaint, they are our

🐶 most loving friend - no airs and graces, just me and my dwag. 🫶
🐶 greatest teachers 🎓- I learnt so much about myself this weekend through watching Skip attempt to rest.
🐶 reliable therapists - the dogs I have had in my life will know all my deepest secrets 🤫
🐶 constant supply of emotional and physical support - I relaxed just by stroking Skip which was supposed to be helping him, not me! ⛑️
🐶 personal trainers - maybe not this weekend for Skip but I still had to get Roxy out and that kept me active for sure.
🐶 unlimited source of pure joy ☺️ evidenced by Roxy being a loon with her toys in a daily basis

and probably so much more...

I, for one and forsure, will never be without a dog.

My life is definitely and infinitely better for having them by my side. (Sorry, not sorry, Mr HPH!)

Life is complete when you have a dog! 💯

Give me a ❤️ if you agree.