North Norfolk Dog Training

19/09/2025

Pepper’s loose lead walking is coming on very well. Rewind back to March time and she was pulling my arm out of its socket. Consistency pays off! We had cyclists, trucks, various cars passing by, and a few people on the other side of the road - all of which would have caused her arousal levels to shoot up and then we’d get lots of lunging. She’s doing do well.

However, she then spotted the postman and just couldn’t ignore him (I’d stopped filming when he pulled up). He feeds her biscuits at home!!!!

19/09/2025

This 12 week course covers basic training & life skills - helping to build your puppy’s confidence and social skills.

Puppies can typically start puppy classes after their second vaccinations, which is usually around 12–16 weeks old, but there’s flexibility for people wishing to start training earlier. The younger they are, the better, as beyond around 16 weeks old, the window of opportunity to easily socialise closes.

We will cover topics such as: Recall - Returning when called, Walking on-lead/off-lead, Appropriate socialisation and much more.

Puppy classes can also help prevent problem behaviours from occurring. Martina will support you through any tricky issues which might develop along the way. Puppies all come with different personalities and temperament traits. Some will be highly confident and curious, others very independent, or some more sensitive or affectionate. As your training consultant, Martina has over 10 years experience and will thoughtfully guide you through the steps to creating a happy life together.

When you train with Martina you will quickly realise that she puts emphasis on nurturing mutual trust, confidence and developing a strong bond between you and your puppy. Your puppy should always feel safe, and as a responsible doting dog parent you will want to do all you can to ensure your pup feels this way. Your positive input is fundamental to the success of your relationship. You and your puppy will grow in confidence, together. Once these foundations are in place, the building can begin, and you’ll be able to successfully train all the life-skills which are essential for a happy dog and happy you.

Email enquiries to:
[email protected]

Location: Drove Orchards, Thornham, PE36 6LS

16/09/2025

Let’s talk about puppies and lead walking…

The truth? Walking nicely on-lead is one of the hardest skills for a puppy to learn. Why? Because it’s completely unnatural! No puppy is born knowing how to stroll calmly by your side.

👉 It takes patience, daily practice, and consistency.
👉 It means fewer “helpers”. Because multiple people = multiple ways of walking = one very very confused puppy.
👉 It’s about calm, focused training - not stressful, rushed walks squeezed in when you have a spare minute.

✨ Quick fix tools like slip leads, choke chains, and head collars don’t teach your puppy to walk nicely. They just correct, restrict, or scare. Take them off, and your pup will still pull. Why? Because they never learned the skill in the first place.

💡 The good news: With patient, positive training, you can teach your puppy to walk beautifully on-lead, and you’ll build trust, understanding, and a bond that lasts a lifetime.

💪 Commit to the process. Be consistent. Keep it positive. Your future walks will be worth it!

A longer lead = more chance for your puppy to learn how to walk calmly without pulling.
A short, tight lead = your puppy only learns to lean in and pull harder.

👉 Give your puppy the space they need to succeed.
👉 Aim for a soft “smile” in the lead – that gentle curve means they’re learning! Only move when you can see a “smiling lead”.

It just takes time and consistency & guidance.

09/09/2025

Confession time… we all know that one person who undoes our dog training 🙃 Tag them here - your dog has a message for them 🐶💌

Dear Fwend,

I wuvs you. Really, I do. But we need a lil chat. My pawrents spend hours (and hundweds of biscuits) teaching me good manners. And every time you bend da rules, you mess it all up. Not cool, fwend.

Here’s da deal:

🍖 Food & Drink Rules
Jammy toast, leftover curry or lasagne, lamb kebabs & beer… oh nom nom nom. You know I luvs all da yumz, dat’s why you call me the “Snackosaurus Rex,” right? But sneaky snacks = tummy sad, often not you picking up da mess in da dark with a bag. BTW, Deli meats are NOT superfoods, and no, I don’t need to slurp your cold tea. Once mugs are allowed, all mugs in da house are in danger.

🐾 Walkies
If my pawrents say I’m reactive and need calm walkies, please don’t drag me to busy places. One “thought it would be fun” = me freakout + training gone p**f!

🦘 Jumping
“I don’t mind if he jumps!” yeah, but my pawrents do. Dat cute puppy hop? Can turn into a lifetime bad habit. Oh, and remember dat £7,000 paw-leg surgery? Not cheap. So paws on da floor, fwend, paws on da floor.

💡 Da Truth
I’m weak. I can’t resist your scritches or food bribes. You think it’s harmless fun, but I’m da one who ends up confused, unwell, or back at square one. Pawrents? Hair-tearing + wallet-emptying.

So pwease, stick to da rules. I’ll still give cuddles, kisses, zoomies, and tail wags. I’ll just be calmer, happier, healthier me.

Slobbery regards,
Head of Mischief Management

P.S. Break da rules and I’ll practice my “wake you up at 3am for no reason” routine next time you sleepover.

03/09/2025

This lovely boy has been coming along for Private 1:1 Training to help with nice lead walking skills and some reactivity (dog-dog & noise sensitivity). He a very sweet boy and needs lots of patience and understanding.

03/09/2025

RED FLAGS 🚩 🚩

When choosing a dog trainer or behaviour professional, look out for these red flags:

1️⃣ Promises of ‘Quick Fixes’
• Real behaviour change takes time, patience, and consistency.
• Quick fixes often mean punishment or aversive techniques that suppress, not solve, behaviour.

2️⃣ ‘Free Training’ or ‘Free Classes’ Offers
• Genuine professionals value their time, knowledge, and experience.
• Free or extremely cheap training may come at a cost to your dog’s wellbeing.
• Remember: quality education and support is an investment in your dog’s future.

3️⃣ Use of Harsh or Aversive Tools
• Prong collars, e-collars, lead jerks, intimidation.
• If you wouldn’t use it on a child or yourself, it doesn’t belong in dog training.

4️⃣ Lack of Transparency
• A professional should clearly explain what they’re doing and why.
• If answers feel vague or defensive, that’s a warning sign.

5️⃣ ‘Pack Leader’ or ‘Dominance’ Talk
• Modern science shows dogs aren’t trying to dominate us.
• Training based on fear damages trust and increases stress.

✅ Go with your gut instinct. Ask yourself:
👉 Would I be comfortable if my child or loved one was taught this way?
👉 Does this feel safe, kind, and respectful?

If the answer is yes, you’ve likely found a trainer who uses positive, reward-based methods grounded in science.

💛 Your dog deserves kindness, patience, and understanding. Don’t let the wrong approach mess that up.

21/08/2025

I say this A lot. Reactivity doesn’t mean Aggression!

Reactivity ≠ Aggression.

A reactive dog isn’t trying to be “bad” or pick a fight, they’re feeling stressed 😥, overwhelmed, or scared.

❌Aggression involves intent to harm.
✔️Reactivity is a cry for space, support, and safety.

Common triggers? Other dogs 🐕‍🦺, people ⛹️‍♀️, bikes 🚴‍♀️, cats 🐱, sudden noises 💥, you name it.

The good news? We can change emotional responses. With positive reinforcement and gradual exposure, we help dogs feel calmer and safer around their triggers.

💡 Small steps = big progress.
Let’s change the narrative around reactivity. It’s not bad behaviour. it’s communication.

21/08/2025

⭐️ 2 Places Available ⭐️

Puppy Training – Young Teens (5–9 months)

📅 Starts Sat 30 Aug
⏰ 11:00–12:00 | 9 weeks

Small, calm classes
✔️ Recall • Loose Lead Walking • Focus
✔️ Calm Settling • Handling • Food Manners
✔️ Preventing unwanted behaviours

Kind, reward-based training = a confident, well-mannered dog 🐕✨

📍 North Norfolk Dog Training

20/08/2025

🐾 Is Sudocrem safe for dogs? 🐾

It’s a question many dog owners ask, especially when they spot a sore patch or minor scrape on their pup. Most of us keep Sudocrem in the cupboard, but here’s what you need to know ⬇️

❌ The risk:
Sudocrem contains zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs if licked or swallowed. Even a small amount can upset their stomach (vomiting, diarrhoea), and larger amounts can be dangerous, causing zinc poisoning.

While a dab applied to an area your dog can’t reach is less risky, most of the time dogs will try to lick at anything that’s been put on their skin, which is where the danger lies.

✅ Safer options:
Instead of human creams, use products made specifically for pets. There are plenty of dog-safe balms and sprays designed for sore pads, skin irritations, and minor wounds. Your vet can recommend the best option for your dog.

💡 Top tip: Always check with your vet before using any human product on your dog. What’s safe for us isn’t always safe for them.

Keeping a small stash of pet-safe first aid supplies at home is the best way to be prepared 🐶💙