Positive Training For Canines

08/09/2025

Hi 👋🏻 I'm Leah and as many of you already know I have been running Positive Training For Canines for 16 years.

What started as one puppy class on a Tuesday evening at Colden Common Community Centre I now run puppy and junior classes at Colden Common Community Centre on Monday evenings and puppy classes at Companion Care Vets, Wi******er on Thursday evenings.

Before I started PT4C I worked for the RSPCA and Southampton City Council dealing with the neglected dogs and strays. Both jobs were an eye opener and more so with the people! Both jobs taught me a great deal about dogs and led me to setting up a business to help others and prevent dogs from entering the rehoming system.

My Puppy and Junior classes cover the basics of training and socialisation. I use force free, ethical, positive reward based methods to achieve results.

On Saturdays I run loose lead, recall and jumping up workshops exclusively for those who have completed my training courses and wish to focus on a particular issue they are having.

My in person one to ones are also held on Saturdays and separation anxiety zoom sessions are held during the week.

I was voted 2024 Top 3 Best Trainers in Wi******er 🥰

I love my job and I love being self employed. It's a huge help working around my daughter and ensuring we have quality time together.
I'm so fortunate to work with lovely people and their gorgeous dogs. I've made fabulous friendships and connections over the years. Each class, dog and person I am privileged to work with teaches me something different and keeps me on my toes. A massive thank you to all those who have chosen me to help them on their journey and I look forward to working with future clients who would like help and guidance with their puppies

www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk

07/09/2025

Dog Lead Etiquette

How many of you have had a dog rush at you and your dog whilst on lead with the owner shouting 'It's okay, he only wants to play' or maybe you have/are that person because you know your dog is only being friendly so surely it's fine for your dog to do this?

Let's think about this from the dog on the receiving end ie the dog on the lead. He has no options. He can't escape, he can't position himself where he needs to be, he has split seconds to make a decision and decide how to deal with the incoming whirlwind.

There could be loads of reasons why the dog is on lead, here are a few:
* Fresh out of surgery
* Has an injury and on lead restricted, short walks
* Has spacial issues
* Recently rehomed
* Young or likely to run off

Although your dog is 'friendly', is the dog on lead going to be tolerant of your dog's overwhelming behaviour?
What happens if a fight breaks out and you're on the other side of the park?

If you haven't got a great recall then you need to work on this. Longlines are great to help you have some control but still gives your dog freedom.
Prevent/discourage your dog from meeting every dog he encounters. Teach him to ignore dogs as well as say hi to others when appropriate.
Play, train and do some engaging activities with your dog on your walk together. Don't allow your dog to go off and find his own entertainment because you're being boring.

Shouting 'it's okay, he's friendly/wants to play' isn't acceptable. As a dog guardian it is your job to discourage this behaviour and start teaching what your dog should be doing.

Need help? Why not get in touch via my website www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk

Happy training,
Leah

We offer dog training in the Wi******er and Eastleigh area using positive training methods. Classes with our 10 year experienced dog trainer are fun and relaxed

06/09/2025

I've recently discovered a little business called Dragonfly Products where I order treats and chews in bulk for class.
Sometimes the dogs need a higher value food reward or need to chew so I have them on hand to distribute where necessary.
Really helpful company based in Huddersfield

Our range of natural dog treats and chews are healthy, natural and grain free. Safe chews for puppies to long lasting chew sticks. Our range is free from rawhide, additives, flavourings and fillers, not forgetting our range of pure meat training treats - there is something for every dog at Dragonfly...

04/09/2025

What dog book are you reading?

I've just finished Stop Walking Your Dog by Niki French

Such a great book that discusses options to help your dog if he's overwhelmed, scared, nervous or over reactive.
Too often people overwalk their dogs and actually having activities at home is better for them.
Definitely worth a read and one I'm going to recommend to my puppy owners whilst their pups start to navigate their way through going out and about

03/09/2025

Don't compare your dog to others

So often people attend class or a one to one with me and the subject of comparing their pup to others is raised. All pups are completely different, not just breeds and their traits but as individuals. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and they should never be compared.
Each pup will start their next developmental stage at different times, each pup leads different lives with different challenges and of course each pup has different personalities. In summary, they are all different!
Like children, it's really unfair and unhelpful to start comparing them to previous dogs, other dogs in the home or even other people's dogs. By comparing what do you honestly achieve other than sadness and frustration?
Let's start focusing on your dogs strengths and start helping him through training and play so you build that bond and your dog can succeed in the life you are providing him.

Happy training
Leah

02/09/2025

During our puppy course we give the pups the opportunity to play with a toy and their humans. Sometimes they aren't interested if they've had food or they are distracted by others. We offer the Tug-e-Nuff toys which they all love and normally can't get enough of!

If you'd like to receive 10% off your order please check out https://tug-e-nuff.com/PTFC

01/09/2025

Today I am celebrating 16 years of PT4C 🎉🎉

What started out as one puppy class on a Tuesday evening at Colden Common Community Centre has evolved into a full time job that supports me and my family.

In that time I have lost my best friend, welcomed my daughter to the world and subsequently juggled being a mum and trying to work.

It's never been an easy journey but I have thankfully met lots of lovely people who have turned into great friends, worked with thousands of wonderful dogs who are the best teachers and I absolutely love the job I've been fortunate enough to have.

To all those who have crossed my path in that time, thank you for supporting me as an individual person but also as a small business 🐾🎂🌟💞

01/09/2025

This week the children return to school and after taking a week off (although Thursday class ran as normal last week) we are Bark To School 🎉📚🐾

Puppy, Junior and Adolescents and Above run on Monday evenings at Colden Common Community Centre and Puppy class run on Thursday evenings at Companion Care Vets, Wi******er

One to ones are held on Saturdays.
The loose lead, recall and jumping up workshops kick off this month.
And I have one space left for anyone who has a dog struggling with being home alone

For more information please check out my website www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk or contact me, Leah, directly on 0777 131 4947 or [email protected]

Happy training,
Leah 🐾

31/08/2025

Well I won't lie, August has been tough 😅
Juggling school holidays and work proved to be difficult and I didn't get much work done!
I've loved spending time with my daughter and we've been really lucky to have had play dates, visited National Trust and English Heritage sites, been bug hunting, made cakes to name a few but it meant work has taken a backwards step.
Let's face it, work will always be there but my daughter won't be this age again
The weather hasn't been helpful either but that's the downside of working with dogs unfortunately.
So for those who have been patient with me, thank you 💞 for those I'm yet to respond to, I will get there 💪🏻
For those in a similar position, well done for surviving and I hope you've had lots of fun together this summer 🌞
September is also going to be a slow month as we don't return to preschool until the end of the month so I'm not actually out of the woods yet 😬🤷🏻

Picture of an archway at Carisbrook Castle

29/08/2025

Last night's gang consisted of Maverick, Rosie and Sidney 🐾
Such lovely pups along with their families 🤗
Discussions on body language during the greets and the importance of building positive experiences when visiting the vets.
We covered some loose lead, waits, play to settle and greets

28/08/2025

Are you looking for fun puppy classes?
Do you have a pup who has had their first vaccination and is under 16 weeks of age?

I run two puppy classes a week:
🐾Monday evenings at Colden Common Community Centre 6-6.45pm, 6 week course

🐾Thursday evenings at Companion Care Vets, Wi******er 6.30-7.30pm 4 week course

In both courses I run through the basics of training and socialisation to get you going on your journey.

For more information please check out my website www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk or contact me, Leah, on 0777 131 4947 or [email protected]

23/08/2025

What's your plans for this bank holiday weekend?