Lavender Garden Animal Services

28/08/2024

27/08/2024

When you’re trying to train your puppy, but they’re already five steps ahead of you… 😅

It’s like they have a secret playbook of chaos that they just know you haven’t read yet! From surprise zoomies in the middle of a training session to suddenly deciding that your favourite shoes are the best chew toys, puppies definitely know how to keep us on our toes. 🐾

But hey, you’re not alone—every dog parent has been there! Keep going, stay patient, and remember that even the smallest victories are worth celebrating. 🌟

Share your funniest training moments in the comments—let’s laugh through the chaos together! 😂

22/07/2024

If you've got a land shark (A.K.A puppy) who's getting bitey, this post is for you 👇

As they discover the world, puppy bites can be challenging. Remember, biting is natural. Like infants, puppies explore by mouthing.

Why Puppies Bite: Puppies bite more when teething, excited, overtired... While challenging, understanding these behaviours is crucial for training.

Overtiredness & Solutions: Puppies need 16-20 hours of sleep. Look for signs like 'zoomies' and increased nipping as tiredness signs. 🕒 Regular naps and a quiet space to sleep can help.

Teething Challenges: From 8 weeks puppies teethe, causing discomfort and more biting. 😟 Offer chew toys, especially varied textures and special teething toys. Supervised edible chews help too!

Excitement and Redirection: Excitement can lead to nipping. Redirect with toys, stay calm, and ensure you don’t encourage biting by moving too fast or reacting loudly.

See biting as a training chance. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and meeting their physical, mental and emotional needs will prevent undue biting.

Biting is part of puppy growth. 🐕‍🦺 With understanding and consistent training, this phase will pass.

Remember, every puppy's journey is unique!

17/07/2024

Today, let's talk about those first feelings of nervousness when you start training your puppy. I want you to know that nervousness is completely normal; every dog parent goes through it!

The reason I'm sharing this… is because you aren't alone.

We've all been there, feeling overwhelmed and unsure, but here's the good news: it gets easier! 💪✨

To highlight, remember that science-backed, force-free training methods not only lead to a happier puppy but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Start with simple cues like "sit" or "stay," and celebrate every small victory. 🙌

You got this!

Tell me I'm not alone with that feeling of overwhelm sometimes?!

Comment below with one training win you've had this week! 🌿📸

09/07/2024

time again, this week we're weaving!

Weaving is a great, simple exercise for you to work on which will help your dog move their muscles in ways they don't usually, as well as being an awesome way to build the bond with your pup.

Why not record your attempts and share them with the

05/07/2024

My second monthly Q&A is live in my Facebook group!

In the call I answer questions about

- puppy sleep & the links to puppy biting

- one simple (temporary) trick for summer puppy toilet training fails

- why your dog's recall might be failing and what you can do to help that AND lots of other behavioural fallouts you might be seeing from your dog!

Go check it out:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lavendergardencommunity

03/07/2024

Oh, I completely understand. We’ve all been there!

When your dog is turning the house upside down, or when your patience is stretched thinner than a lead in a tug-of-war, it can feel like too much. You might feel engulfed in frustration, or even hopeless sometimes.

Let me tell you, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human, and these trying moments? They're just passing clouds.

As someone who has been in the trenches with my own rescue dogs, believe me, I've felt the storm of bad days myself.

It was incredibly tough, incredibly real.

But along the way, I picked up a few handy strategies that brought a bit of peace during the chaos. And it’s these little lifesavers I’m eager to pass on to you.

Here are five gentle, manageable ways to turn down the volume when your dog's antics crank it up:

1. Give your dog something to do on their own for a while

Some ideas are:
- scatter feed in the garden
- lickimat
- filled Kong
- puzzle toy

2. Take a walk - if your dog is reactive it might be best to leave them at home while you go alone. If you take them with you, just enjoy the views - don't have expectations except just to be. Even just a 15 minute walk can help relieve stress in the body.

3. Do something that you love, that is just for you! Just do that one thing and try to make doing one thing for you each week a habit.

4. Teach your dog a new trick, it make training fun for you and your dog.

Here are some ideas, and you can find more in my Trick Tuesday posts:
- hand touch
- spin
- shake paw
- high five

5. Listen to something easy going - reggae music, classical music, or just a funny podcast can really help.

Try these tips - they are simple, effective, and most importantly, they bring joy back into the mix!

Remember, you’re never alone. You’re not a bad dog parent for facing tough times. We all have our days, but they do pass..

If you’re ever uncertain about what to try, or if you just want to chat, my inbox is always open. Drop me a DM or leave a comment here.

And if this post resonates with you, share it with other dog parents who might be wading through their own rough patch right now.

03/07/2024

Today, I got to meet a very sleepy {but very gorgeous} Hector 🐶

He's been with his new parents for 3 days, and what a whirlwind 3 days it's been 🌪

{Puppy parents relate?!} 🙋‍♀️

We worked on toilet training tips, a bespoke strategy for nighttime, crate training, sleep, and understanding puppy biting with some strategies to help.

{Redirection isn't always the answer, and crying ouch out loud is never the answer} 🚫🙅‍♀️

I love meeting him and his mum, Kathryn, who said at the end of the session that she felt like she had been given a great new structure to work towards.

If you're planning on picking up your new puppy soon, or have them at home now, and you'd love to get the same support with a Welcome Home Puppy Session, send me a message or WhatsApp 07476 903840.

02/07/2024

It's time again and we have a favourite of lots of children to teach their dogs - a roll over!

Work through these steps, as slowly as needed, be consistent and you'll start to see your dog respond more, until you don't need a gesture any more!

01/07/2024

Had an awesome day learning dog first aid skills yesterday with this lovely group of fellow dog parents 💜

Thanks so much for running the session Dog First Aid - Derby and East Staffordshire 🙌

Congratulations to yesterday’s great group of 9 in Darley Dale. Thank you to the lovely Sian from Lavender Garden Animal Services for hosting.

Mossy Mutts Catrina’s pet sitting and dog walking services

28/06/2024

Enrichment Game Ideas That Can Help Improve Recall

A family favourite, hide-and-seek, works your dog's nose, builds engagement and reinforces recall behaviour.

Start easy with this game so they're successful in finding you and have a big praise party when they sniff you out. Give them a lovely snack or a game with a toy so they know coming to find you is the best thing ever!

Then make your hiding spots increasingly trickier as your dog gets the hang of the game.

Don't practise this game if your dog struggles with separation as it could make them worry and panic that you're gone. This is meant to be a fun game that you and your dogs enjoy!

Find out more about our training and classes here: https://lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk

27/06/2024

Can anyone else relate?!😂

Please tell me it's not JUST me whose phone's memory is full but can't delete all the dog photos....

26/06/2024

The foundations of early training with your puppy make all the difference! 🐶✨

Now, I’m not saying we should be training our pups all day every day from day one. That's far too overwhelming for everyone!

It's about starting simple and setting everyone up for success.

We need all household members to understand boundaries—such as puppy won't be allowed on the sofa, understanding where your pup will sleep and the back up plan

{ALWAYS have a back up plan for night-time!}

What their bedtime routine will be, and toilet training outside — this avoids confusion for all and it'll help your pup feel secure.

Creating routines, beginning crate training, and setting up good management (e.g., baby gates/pens) are key steps to establishing a peaceful and happy home for your pup.

Early training is the first step towards a lifetime of joy and companionship.

25/06/2024

Let's talk about the magic word in dog training...

Consistency. 🛠️

It’s easy to think a few {or sometimes even just one} training session will do the trick, and that can be the case with something that's super super simple, but changing your dog's behaviour is more of a marathon than a sprint. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

You wouldn't read the first chapter of a book and expect to know the whole story, right? The same goes for training your furry friend. 📖

The reason I'm sharing this is simple—without consistency, your efforts may not bring the results you’re hoping for. It’s like starting to work on your dog’s separation anxiety (say, the ‘door is a bore’ exercise) and then stopping short. 🚪 ✋

It doesn’t fully address the behaviour. The complete journey is made up of small, dedicated steps, uniquely tailored to your pup.

So, to highlight the importance: Stick with your training plan. 🗓️

Whether it’s teaching them to sit, stay, or just feel more secure, make it a daily habit. A few minutes each day can lead to big, happy changes. Think of it as bonding time—who doesn't want more of that with their best buddy? 🥰🐾

Remember—every dog’s journey is different, but consistent effort is key.

* Feeling like you’re in it alone?
* What would you do now? 🎯

Stay the course, and watch the magic happen!

What do you say, ready to see some real progress? Tell me about your training wins and challenges below!👇

25/06/2024

Teach your dog a new trick - today we'll start with a super simple activity that not all dogs can do consistently - a sit!

If you can say "sit" to your dog just once, without having to repeat the word or show them what to do AND without having food in your hand - that's a dog with a super solid response to the cue!

If they can't do a sit consistently and you have found you're saying sit repeatedly, I would recommend going back to basics with this and be mindful of how many times you are asking your dog to do something. Repeating words too often to your dog can lead to them not following up with the behaviour - they may not actually know what you're asking them to do, or they have gotten flooded with a word (like their name!) and they begin to ignore it!

Give this cue a go to start with and see how well they begin to respond - this is the starting point. Don't push their bums down and don't go too quickly for them.

Save this for later!

24/06/2024

Let's tackle that sense of overwhelm step-by-step today.

Thinking back… I remember feeling so lost when I started training my own dog. It felt like there was so much to do and not enough time to do it. Overwhelm? Oh, definitely! But, here's a little secret: the trick is to break it down into small, manageable steps.

Start with a simple daily routine. 🐶 Not everything has to be perfect from day one. Here’s a sample routine to get you started:

Morning:

5-minute Training Session – Before your walk, practice a few simple cues like "sit", "stay", "focus". Begin adding in one new skill each week - e.g. loose lead walking on your walk. Keep it short and sweet! Mix in a bit of trick training too (this will keep you both engaged and motivated!)

Afternoon:
2. Interactive Toy Time – Give your pup some puzzle toys, a snuffly game of 'find it', or a chew to keep them mentally stimulated. 🧩

Evening:
3. 5-minutes training before bedtime – A quick session before bed helps reinforce the day's learning and winds down their energy. Here'd I'd keep it low-key so "lie down", "settle", and some eye contact games - low movement but still keeping the mind working.

So, take it one paw at a time, and build this consistently into your daily routine and soon, you'll notice great progress. 🐕✌️

The little victories each day build up to big successes over time!

I'd love to hear from you! What's your biggest training challenge right now? Let’s chat and support each other! Drop a comment👇

21/06/2024

Lavender Garden Animal Services all began with a love for our four-legged friends and a desire to make a real difference.

After 10 years in the corporate world, across multiple roles and companies, I never truly felt settled. The last straw was when my manager humiliated me, making me cry in front of my team... more than once.

After just 8 months in that role, I said, “No more.”

I wanted to feel passionate about my work, to spend my time doing something meaningful. I realised I never felt like I made a difference in my corporate roles—but now, heck, yes, I do!

I’m an ethical, compassionate dog trainer who began my passion project as a dog walker, gaining experience with many different breeds, temperaments, from puppies to senior dogs.

I earned my certifications and continue to build my knowledge to help more dogs and their parents.

For the first few years, I walked dogs rain or shine, using every moment to learn and grow. I have seen too many people and pets struggle with miscommunication and frustration, so I dedicated myself to creating harmonious and joyful relationships between dogs and their humans.

Leaving my corporate job to focus on this full-time was a daring choice, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

People have called me brave.

Today, I’m proud to say that what started as a dream is now a thriving business. In the past few years, we've served countless clients, helping each one build a stronger bond with their canine companions.

If you’re seeing this, let it be your sign to take that bold step, follow your passion, and create a life filled with purpose and joy.

Need guidance with your furry friend? You know who to reach out to! 🐾💖

20/06/2024

🐾Let's get real for a moment, puppy parents... 🐶💕

How often do you find yourself questioning if you’re doing this whole puppy parenting thing right?

And find yourself surfing through waves of advice, only to feel more lost at sea? 🌊

If your internal dialogue is going from “Am I even good at this?” to “OMG, WHAT AM I DOING?!” 🙈 then, my friend, consider this your loving nudge.

A nudge to embrace the beautiful chaos that is raising a furry bundle of joy. 🌟

👉 It's about realising that puppy parenthood isn't about perfection, but about the unconditional love and the unbreakable bond that grows every day.

👉 It's about understanding that every mistake is a step closer to learning what works best for your furry companion… and for you.

👉 It's about recognising that your journey with your puppy is unique, and that’s what makes it so special.

AND WHAT'S MORE?

It’s time to celebrate the tail wags, the puppy kisses, and yes, even the midnight toilet breaks. Because these moments? They’re the building blocks of a lifetime of companionship and memories. 🐾✨

So take this as your sign to cut yourself some slack.

To share your puppy parenting journey with pride – the ups, the downs, and every adorable mess in between.

Because believe it or not, someone out there is looking up to you, wishing they could navigate this adventure with as much love and grace as you do.

We might just be one person to our puppies, but to them, we are their whole world. Let’s not just own it; let’s revel in it. 🌍💫🐕

19/06/2024

Puppy and teenage dog parents, let’s hear it!

Just for fun, finish the sentence: If there's one behaviour my dog could stop doing today, it would be...

Finish the sentence in the comments! 🐕💬

P.S. We all have those moments. We're only human and we can feel frustrated when our dog's do something we don't want them to.

Feeling frustrated isn't something we should feel guilty about, but we shouldn't take this frustration out on our dogs!

My tip: be aware of your feeling of frustration and take yourself out of the situation. Understand why your dog has just done the unwanted behaviour (understanding their emotion / motivation) and figure out a way to prevent it from happening next time with teaching an alternative behaviour / ensuring all your dog's needs are being met.

18/06/2024

I am a reward based trainer, I do not punish or intimidate dogs to get them to do what I would like. Punishment and intimidation includes but isn't limited to:

🗣️ Shouting at them
🦮 Jerking the lead
✋🏼 Pushing or pulling them around
👊🏼 Hitting them 😳
🦵🏼 Using a knee in their chest if they jump up.
💦 Spraying them in the face with water
⚡ Shock, citronella or vibration collars

Does this mean I allow my dogs to "rule the roost" or to do what they like?

Absolutely not! My dogs still have rules and boundaries in place, such as (but not limited to!):

🪜 Not allowed upstairs
🚪 Don't barge through the front door as soon as it's open
🐕💨 Come back when called
✋🏼 Wait (for any number of reasons)
🧸 Drop a toy when asked
🐎 Ignore livestock
🍗 Don't scrounge food (the hardest for Fidget!).

But they are trained in such a way that they do these things because they WANT to, not because they're FRIGHTENED of the consequences of they don't 🤷🏼‍♀️.

They are not robots 🤖, they have characters and walk with their tails up and wagging, and a gleam in their eye, keen and ready to work for me. They sometimes get it 'wrong'.....but show me a human who doesn't also get things wrong? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Be the positive influence in your dog's life, not the intimidation.

18/06/2024

It's Trick Tuesday again, and this week I wanted to share how to teach your dog the first steps to a hand touch.

Why?
- This game can grow confidence and optimism for your dog.
- If your dog has an amazing nose touch, they are more likely to be able to figure out how to deliver an object to your hand.
- It teaches an appropriate way for people to greet your dog, especially if your dog has been nervous of people in the past - here they get to choose if they want to interact or not and the human has a simple job to do without overcrowding your dog.
- It can be a great alternative recall cue.
- It is also an easy way to add distance with reactive dogs when triggers are present, before they get into a reactive state.

Follow the steps above to begin teaching your dog a hand touch and see how quickly they learn something that has so many practical uses!

14/06/2024

Struggling with your dog's recall? 🐕‍🦺

I've got the answers and it's all in my F R E E e-book '7 Reasons Your Dog's Recall is Failing' - this is step 1 of how you can turn things around.

My free e-book dives into the first steps you need for a transformation, has mini challenges and a pop quiz — don’t wait!

Download it now via the link in my bio and start the journey to better recall today. 📖✨

13/06/2024

Had a great conversation with Dani at Dog First Aid - Derby and East Staffordshire this evening all about nervous dogs

- how to spot stress and nervous signals from your dog
- activities you can do with your nervous dog
- confidence boosting activities

We also chatted about the Dog First Aid course I'm hosting with Dani on 30th June at 10am!

Find out more below ...

13/06/2024

Puppies and teenagers with excess energy can feel like a NIGHTMARE, right?!

You're not alone if you're feeling super frustrated with your pup's boundless energy levels. But I've got your back - here are my top tips to manage that energy so you can feel awesome again ...

🐾 Exercise Mindfully: One of the best ways to manage your dog's turbo charged energy levels is through mindful exercise. From vigorous walks to engaging games, finding activities that match your dog's breed and age can help them burn off excess energy and stay physically healthy.

🧠 Mental Stimulation: Don't forget about mental exercise! Keeping your dog's mind busy with puzzles, training sessions, and interactive toys can provide a much-needed mental workout. Mental stimulation is key to preventing boredom and reducing unwanted behaviours due to excess energy.

⏰ Create a Routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine for your dog can work wonders in managing their energy levels. By incorporating scheduled playtime, training sessions, and quiet time, you can provide structure and predictability that your furry friend craves. A routine also helps signal to your dog when it's time to wind down and rest.

😴 Rest and Relaxation: Quality sleep is essential for your dog's overall well-being. Ensure your pup has a comfortable sleeping area, free from distractions and noise. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes gentle activities can help your dog relax and prepare for a restful night's sleep.

🍖 Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is the foundation of your dog's energy levels. Consult with your vet to ensure your dog is getting the right nutrients to support their activity levels and overall health. A healthy diet can make a world of difference in managing your dog's energy in a sustainable way.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can help your canine companion maintain optimal energy levels while promoting physical and mental well-being. Remember, a happy and well-rested dog makes for a happy and fulfilled pet parent! 🐾💤

12/06/2024

Being an empath means feeling deeply connected to the emotions and energies around me. 🌟

It’s why working with animals feels so natural, and it also helps me support you and your furry friend every step of the way.

Whether we're celebrating progress or facing challenges, I'm right there with you.

Let's navigate this journey together! 🐾💖

06/06/2024

Oh, I completely understand. We’ve all been there, haven't we?

When your dog is turning the house upside down, or when your patience is stretched thinner than a lead in a tug-of-war, it can feel like too much. You might feel engulfed in frustration, or even hopeless sometimes.

Let me tell you, feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human, and these trying moments? They're just passing clouds in a usually sunny sky.

As someone who has been in the trenches with my own rescue dogs, believe me, I've felt the storm of bad days myself. It was incredibly tough, incredibly real.

But along the way, I picked up a few handy strategies that brought a bit of peace during the chaos. And it’s these little lifesavers I’m eager to pass on to you.

Here are five gentle, manageable ways to turn down the volume when your dog's antics crank it up:

1. Give your dog something to do on their own for a while

Some ideas are:
- a scatter feed in the garden
- a lickimat
- a filled Kong
- an enrichment puzzle toy

2. Take a walk - if your dog is reactive it might be best to leave them at home while you go alone. If they're ok when out and about, take them with you and just enjoy the views - don't have expectations except just to be. Even just a 15 minute walk can help relieve stress in the body.

3. Do something that you love, that is just for you! Whether it's reading a book, cooking, baking, booking in a facial, getting your nails done... just do that one thing and try to make doing one thing for you each week a habit.

4. Teaching your dog a new trick can make training fun for you and your dog.

Some tricks you could try are below, and you can find more in my Trick Tuesday posts every week:
- hand touch
- spin
- shake paw
- high five

5. Listen to something easy going - reggae music, classical music, or just a funny podcast can really help to bring you down from super stressed

Try these tips - they are simple, effective, and most importantly, they bring joy back into the mix!

Next time you’re in the thick of it, why not give one (or a few) of these ideas a whirl and see if it eases the day just a bit?

Remember, you’re never alone in this. You’re not a bad dog parent for facing tough times. We all have our days, sometimes more than we'd like. But they do pass..

If you’re ever uncertain about what to try, or if you just want to chat, my inbox is always open. Drop me a DM or leave a comment here.

And if this post resonates with you, why not spread the love? Share it with other dog parents who might be wading through their own rough patch right now.