Mersea Mutts Ltd - Dog Trainer

23/06/2024

The Heath-health Alert Service forewarns of periods of high temperatures, which may affect the health of the public.

20/06/2024

I love attending classes with my own dogs.

Lisa of Pop In Pet Play is brilliant so we were super excited to attend and we had a great session.

For Hudson it’s important for him to work around other dogs as he gets overly excited at times so this will really help him.

Looking forward to next week. :-)

18/06/2024

Why It's Important to Take Your Dog Out and Help Them Settle in Different Environments

Hudson and I spent a couple of hours this morning at Cudmore Grove, settling, exploring, and watching the world go by. We encountered a dust cart, a tractor, and quite a few dogs with their people. Hudson reacted slightly to one dog out of pure excitement and wanted to say hello. Unfortunately, it was to a 13-year-old Cocker Spaniel who clearly had no interest in saying hello back.

Taking your dog out and helping them settle in different environments is vital for their well-being and development. Exposing your dog to a variety of settings helps them become more adaptable and less anxious. One useful tool for this is a settle mat, which provides a familiar and comforting spot for your dog in any new environment. This practice also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, making them feel more secure and confident. By allowing your dog to experience new sights, sounds, and smells, you contribute to their mental stimulation and overall happiness. Why not take the time to explore new places with our dogs, using your settle mats to help them feel comfortable wherever they go.

When did you last just sit and relax with your dog away from home?

17/06/2024

100% this.

Something everyone should know👇

We should always avoid putting dogs in uncomfortable situations. Regardless of whether they're muzzled or not.

Just because a muzzle negates the risk to others, doesn’t mean that it changes the way our dogs FEEL!

It’s so important to treat your dog as you would if there was still a high risk of injury to another being because in doing so you will be more likely to keep your dog out of situations you know they’re unlikely to be able to cope with.

👉 Your dog will still be uncomfortable with dogs even if they're muzzled.

👉 With a muzzle on, your dog will still be uncomfortable at the vet.

👉 If your dog was so fearful they tried to bite your neighbour before, they still might try with a muzzle on.

A muzzle is a MANAGEMENT TOOL that keeps dogs and others safe, but a muzzle alone doesn’t create emotional change. 💕

Putting on a muzzle doesn't mean we can throw everything at our dogs that we couldn't before, just because the risk to others is lower. We help our dogs grow in confidence and feel safe, not them. We do it with good management, great, ethical training, and considering whether our dogs will enjoy our situations.

Let me know if you agree! 💗

15/06/2024

Just 3 spaces remaining!

📢 Exciting News from Mersea Mutts! 📢

Is your dog ready to put their nose to the test? Join our Scent Detection Classes starting on 24th July at 20:30pm! 🐶🔍

These classes are a fantastic way to bond with your dog, challenge their senses, and have loads of fun together. Spaces are limited to ensure personalised attention, with only 4 dogs per group.

📅 Date: Starting 24th July
🕣 Time: 8:30pm
📍 Location: Mersea Mutts Training Grounds

Why join?
✅ Improve your dog’s focus and confidence
✅ Strengthen your bond
✅ Enjoy a fun and engaging activity

Due to the low numbers in class, we may be able to accommodate some reactive dogs depending on their reactivity level. Please contact us to discuss this before booking.

Limited spaces available, so book now!
📲 Book your spot here: https://MerseaMutts.as.me/?appointmentType=64539844

We look forward to sniffing out some fun with you! 🐾

Schedule your appointment online Mersea Mutts Ltd

15/06/2024

Four years ago today I finished the first of many courses I have done in scent detection.

I'm still loving it and increasing my knowledge year after year. I love seeing the impact it has on the dogs I work with. :-)

14/06/2024

Vet Bed has just arrived. I’m about to update the website. This is all non-slip so perfect for the base of crate or to use as a settle mat. :-)

13/06/2024

There are two key messages for managing hot dogs: – Cool first, transport second. – Cool using water, the colder the better but use what you have available.

13/06/2024

🐾 Exciting News! 🐾
New, Saturday Scent Detection Progression Sessions! 🐶✨
Whether your pup is already familiar with Kong, Clove, or Gun Oil odours, we've got a class just for you!
🔍 Benefits of Scent Detection:
Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog's mind in a fun and challenging activity.
Bonding: Strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
Confidence Building: Watch as your dog gains confidence in their abilities.
Problem Solving: Enhance your dog's problem-solving skills.
Relaxation: Provide a calming outlet for high-energy dogs.
Don't miss out! Limited spots available, so book now to secure your place. 🐾🌟

You can book here: https://MerseaMutts.as.me/Scentdog

12/06/2024

More jumping this evening. :-)

12/06/2024

This morning we did some jumping, this evening we shall do more. :-)

06/06/2024

🐾 Boost Your Dog’s Confidence with Mantrailing! 🐶🔍

Join us for our next Mantrailing Introduction on June 29th at 5 PM!

Mantrailing is an incredible activity that offers unique benefits, especially for reactive dogs:

🌟 Confidence Building: Mantrailing helps your dog gain self-assurance and trust in their abilities. Watch them flourish as they successfully complete scent trails!

🌟 Great for Reactive Dogs: This activity provides a positive outlet for reactive dogs to channel their energy and focus. It's a safe and structured environment that helps them cope with their triggers.

🌟 Enhanced Bonding: Strengthen the bond between you and your dog through teamwork and mutual trust.

🌟 Mental Stimulation: Keeps your dog mentally engaged and challenged, reducing anxiety and promoting calmness.

Ready to give your dog the confidence boost they deserve? 🐕✨

📅 Date: June 29th
🕔 Time: 5 PM
📍 Abberton, Colchester, Essex

📲 Click the link to book your spot now: https://MerseaMutts.as.me/?appointmentType=55038831

05/06/2024

We are often asked the question, 'why do dog trainers use outdated, aversive methods?'

Despite the growing body of evidence supporting positive reinforcement techniques, some dog trainers continue to use aversive methods for various reasons.

Aversive methods sometimes produce immediate results, which can be appealing to guardians looking for quick fixes to behavioural issues. Techniques such as leash corrections, prong collars, shock collars, and verbal reprimands can stop undesirable behaviours quickly, leading some to believe that these methods are the most efficient way to train a dog. However, these results are often temporary and can come at the cost of the dog’s well-being and the long-term relationship between the dog and their guardian.
Misunderstandings about canine behaviour and learning also play a role. Some trainers and guardians may not fully understand how positive reinforcement works or may have misconceptions about it. They might believe that positive reinforcement is too lenient or ineffective for serious behaviour problems, not realising that when applied correctly, it can address even the most challenging issues without causing fear or pain.
Additionally, there is a lack of regulation and standardisation in the dog training industry, which means that not all trainers are required to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. This can lead to a reliance on outdated methods and a resistance to adopting newer, science-based approaches.

Perhaps one of the biggest factors is the influence of popular media and certain high-profile trainers who continue to promote aversive methods. These figures can have a significant impact on public perception and can reinforce the idea that such methods are acceptable or even necessary.

Ultimately, while aversive methods may appear to work in the short term, they can lead to increased fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, damaging the bond between dog and guardian. The move towards positive reinforcement training is a shift towards more humane and effective ways of understanding and communicating with our canine companions.

04/06/2024

Don’t forget if you currently work with us or have done in the past we have our clients only group where you can ask questions and share experiences.

Mersea Mutts - Clients Only

02/06/2024

FINAL CALL FOR CASE STUDIES FOR ESSEX

6 Case studies for our Bristol event have been secured. Meanwhile, we are looking for just 1-2 more case studies for the Essex Event. Cases must have no other serious behaviour problems, bar dog-dog aggression or over-reactive behaviour.

Case studies will need to attend:

1 x online discussion/assessment
1 x in person practical
1-2 x seminar practicals (these will be with one of my helper dogs) on 13th and.or 14th July

A vet referral is required in addition to a heavily discounted fee for all 3-4 sessions that is claimable on most insurance policies, plus free attendance to both days of the seminar.

To apply please email themuttyprofessor AT gmail.com

01/06/2024

I need to start looking into Hudson’s big boy collar, the people who made our previous tactical collars are no longer in business so we welcome your suggestions.

Requirements

Tactical collar
Cobra buckle
Ethical business

28/05/2024

If you are in Ipswich looking for a scent detection course, this is the one for you. :-)

⭐️ 1 space left ⭐️

Would you like to learn the skills to become
a Scent Detection Handler and train your dog to be a Scent Detective, hunting down gun oil in the environment?🕵️‍♀️

Then why not come and learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere?
Only 4 dogs per class
(contact me if your dog is fearful of other dogs to discuss if they could cope in a class environment and if special adjustments need to be made)

Some of the many benefits of Scentwork for dogs:

💜 Activates and fulfills their seeking system
💜 They use their nose for what it is designed for
💜 Has a calming effect (very beneficial for anxious
dogs)
💜 Confidence building
💜 Improves concentration, focus, self-control and overall
behaviour (beneficial for reactive dogs)
💜 Provides mental stimulation
💜 Gives them a job to do while working at their
own pace
💜 enables decision making
💜 Builds a stronger bond between dog and
guardian
💜 Suitable activity for all dogs
💜 Mindful activity for both dog and their guardian

Class dates:
12th, 19th 26th June
3rd, 10th,17th July

Venue: Burlington Baptist Church
London Road
Ipswich
IP1 2EZ

£120

Interested?
Message Lisa on page or call 07411443094

27/05/2024

Don’t forget that your dog learns every single day with every event, they can turn that to their advantage.

Saff is a very vocal dog with her needs. For years now we have had a particular vocalisation and body language pattern which means she needs to go out, we ask “go toilet”? To confirm that we are correct she barks back in a certain way. We then let her out.

Today

- Saff’s vocalisation and body language suggested she needed to go out
- Humans said “go toilet” for confirmation
- Saff responded appropriately
- Humans delegate Mark who gets up to let her out
- Saff promptly got onto Marks side of the bed and made herself very comfy, no toileting was required.

Well that worked! The humans are now fully trained.

She has done this a few times in the past but never so blatant.

26/05/2024

Indication, indication, indication.

26/05/2024

Nesting at the bottom of one of the traffic cones used for training. My concern is how will they get out? Is there anything I should do to help and if so when?

Or, will they just leave when they are ready no need for me to do anything?

19/05/2024

I met this beautiful boy today, he is 3 years old and intact great with people and used to live with another dog and cats. He is currently looking for somewhere to stay. Ideally a temporary foster home is sought.

17/05/2024

Super work during this evenings scent detection class over at Peldon & Wigborough Community Hall.

16/05/2024

Your trainer says

Keep your dog on a longline until you have a solid recall

You choose not to

Why?

12/05/2024

Just a quick reminder, our training venue is private property and therefore, by appointment only.

Thank you.

11/05/2024

This

09/05/2024

Teach your dog to find people.

One last space on tomorrows mantrailing intro session.

3 hours starting at 9:30am

Schedule your appointment online Mersea Mutts Ltd

09/05/2024

More harnesses & collars in stock.

The Comfort Walk Pro™ Harness from DOG Copenhagen is a strong and lightweight everyday harness made of durable stain and water-resistant materials with soft breathable padding. The harness is easy to fit and put on and comfortable for the dog to wear during any level of exercise. The easy-grab han...

08/05/2024

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