FETCH Dog Training Services

🐾 Why Loose Lead Walking Matters for You and Your Dog 🐾 Loose lead walking isn’t just a skill—it’s a foundation for safety, control, and harmony in your daily adventures. Here’s why it’s so important: 1️⃣ Safety First A dog that pulls on the lead can put themselves, their handler, and others at risk. Pulling might cause accidents, like tripping or running into the street. Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a loose lead helps avoid these dangers and ensures every walk is safe. 2️⃣ Better Control in Busy Environments When your dog walks politely beside you, you can easily manage unexpected situations, whether it’s a crowded park, a passing cyclist, or an excitable dog. A loose lead gives you the confidence to handle tricky moments without stress. 3️⃣ Walks You’ll Both Enjoy Say goodbye to frustrating tug-of-war battles and hello to peaceful strolls. Loose lead walking makes every outing relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your pup, encouraging longer, more frequent walks that benefit your physical and mental health. 4️⃣ Reduces Stress for Your Dog Pulling often comes from excitement, anxiety, or frustration. By teaching calm walking habits, you’re helping your dog feel more relaxed and secure, which can positively impact their overall behaviour and well-being. 5️⃣ Builds Trust and Cooperation Training loose lead walking with positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between you and your dog. They learn to trust your guidance, making them more responsive and eager to cooperate on and off the lead. Loose lead walking isn’t just a convenience—it’s an essential skill that enhances safety, control, and the relationship you share with your dog. Ready to start your journey? ➡️ Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom or phone Call via the Linktree in my bio to discuss which program is the best fit for you and your dog’s journey. ✨ At F.E.T.C.H. Dog Training Services, we work with the dog in front of us to create solu

🎯 Training Progress Update with Hansy! 🐾 This week, we’ve started work on a new behaviour and raising Hansy’s game by working on the “Stand Out of Motion” for competition sports! 💪 After nailing the “stand” from a static position, we’re now adding MOVEMENT to the mix. 🐕 🛑 Cue: I’m using "Halt" as his command. Since Hansy has already mastered the stand from a static position, we’re now adding movement to the mix. The goal? Get him to confidently freeze mid-stride on my cue. It’s all about building that muscle memory! 🐕 Consistency, timing, and patience are key here, and Hansy is already showing incredible focus and drive. 💜 🔑 Trainer’s Tip: Breaking complex behaviours into smaller steps helps build confidence and clarity for your dog. Start simple, then add layers like movement and distractions. Training is all about patience, precision, and plenty of laughs along the way. Anyone else feel like their dog sometimes “interprets” commands with a little creative flair? 🙃 Let me know your funniest training moments in the comments! 🐾💜 Stay tuned for more updates as we refine this skill – one paw at a time! 🐕💥 #StandOutOfMotion #DogTrainingJourney #WorkingDogGoals #SportDogTraining #DogTrainingProgress #DogObedience #malinois #WorkingDogs #CorkDogs #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #DogTrainingTips #DogSport

🚫 When Training Doesn’t Quite Go to Plan 🤷‍♀️🐾 Let’s face it—dog training isn’t always smooth sailing. Some days, your dog nails every command. Other days? It feels like everything is falling apart. 😅 But here’s the thing: setbacks are normal! Training is a journey, not a straight line. Even the most experienced trainers (yes, me included!) have those “What just happened?!” moments. 💡 Here are 3 tips to bounce back after a tough session: 1️⃣ Pause & Reflect: Was your dog tired, hungry, or distracted? Did you approach training with the right energy? 2️⃣ Keep It Short & Sweet: End the session on a positive note—even if it’s something as simple as a successful “sit.” 3️⃣ Focus on Consistency: Progress is about showing up again and again. Remember: progress, not perfection. ❤️ Every mistake is an opportunity to learn—for both you and your dog. Have you ever had a tough training day? Let’s share and learn together! Comment your story below! ⬇️ 🐾 At F.E.T.C.H Dog Training Services, we help you navigate the ups and downs of training with patience and understanding. Book your free 20-minute Zoom call to chat about your training challenges. 🐕 #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #trainyourdog #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #dogtrainer #malinois #happydog #DogSport #TrainingGoals

🐾 Teaching Hansy Article Indication for Tracking 🐾 We’ve been working on this skill for a couple of weeks now, keeping each session short and fun. Full disclosure: I’M NO EXPERT and still learning alongside Hansy! 🕵️‍♂️🐕 🔍 Where We Started I began with a 10-inch square scrap of floor covering with a felt base to hold the scent of food, gradually shrinking its size over time. 🌟 Start Easy I placed the article on the ground and made a game of Hansy laying in front of it. I rewarded him first for just looking at it, then for moving towards it, and finally for putting his nose on it. 🚫 Tip: Ignore mouthing! Hansy initially thought this was another sport we do (where retrieving is the goal). Holding the article steady helped guide him toward the right behaviour. 🏆 Step 3: Build the Behaviour Reward for movements like paw touches or lying near the article. Gradually ask for the article to be between their paws before rewarding. Practice on different surfaces—grass, dirt, or indoors—for variety. 🗣️ Next Up: Adding a Command We’re starting to pair the behavior with a word like "Article" before clicking/rewarding. We’re still far from bringing this skill into a full tracking scenario, but stay tuned for our progress—fingers crossed! 😊 Tracking is not just about precision—it’s about building focus, confidence, and an incredible bond with your dog. Curious about getting started? Book your FREE 20-minute Zoom consultation with us today! 🚀🐾 #TrackingTraining #ArticleIndication #DogSportTraining #FETCHDogTrainingServices #DogTrainingTips #malinois

Position Board Training Day 5: I’m so proud of how far Hansy has come especially only after about 1.5 hrs training! He is getting more confident on the board every day! Now that he’s got the basics down and understands what the board is for, the session today is all about refining his body awareness, fine-tuning transitions (sit, lay, stand) especially the stand, and challenging him to find the board from farther away, and giving the board a name. There’s still some paw shuffling (we’re only on Day 5!), but he’s getting better with each session. Pro Tip: Mix the Cues: Instead of always going in order (Sit → Down → Stand), try switching it up: Down → Stand → Sit or Stand → Sit → Down. Reward Responsiveness: Reward for prompt responses. If they seem confused, revert to a simpler pattern and then gradually reintroduce variation. Keep It Light: If they breaks position, simply reset without scolding. This is still a learning phase Next up: Stay in a front position while circling the board Have questions or want to try this with your dog? Drop a comment below! ➡️ Have a high-energy working dog? Let’s talk about how to keep them mentally and physically satisfied! Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom Call via the Linktree in my bio to discuss which program is the best fit for you and your dog’s journey. Let’s take the first step together! #DogTraining #UKDS #DogSports #dogtrainingtips #TrainingGoals #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #malinois #WorkingDog #PositionBoardTraining #DogTrainingJourney

Taking your dog for a walk is about so much more than just getting from Point A to Point B—it’s an opportunity to build trust, strengthen communication, and create meaningful experiences together. Let’s talk about how we turn a simple “stroll” into an engaging, structured, and fun outing: 1️⃣ Door Manners: Before even setting off, we start at the car or van door. Practicing calm entries and exits teaches patience and sets the tone for a cooperative walk. It’s the first step in showing your dog that good things come when they wait calmly. 2️⃣ On-Leash Heel Work: Once we hit the pavement, we begin with a focused heel. This helps establish clear expectations and ensures your dog understands that paying attention to you matters. It’s about gentle guidance, not force, so they feel comfortable and secure staying by your side. 3️⃣ Scatter Feeding: Next, we sprinkle a bit of kibble or treats on the ground. This encourages them to engage their noses, slowing the pace and adding a fun, scent-based activity to the routine. It’s a natural enrichment exercise that taps into their innate instincts. 4️⃣ Random Recalls: Throughout the walk, we mix in some recalls—sometimes at unexpected moments. If your dog’s recall isn’t rock-solid yet, no worries! Use a long line for extra security while you build that confidence and trust. Over time, this practice makes your dog more attentive, even around distractions. 5️⃣ Off-Leash Heel Work: Once we’ve established engagement and trust, I love to give them a chance to show off their new skills. We work on a relaxed, off-leash heel (in a safe environment) to reinforce the connection and make them feel like true partners on this journey. 6️⃣ Free Time to Be a Dog: Structure is important, but so is allowing your dog to just be themselves! After some training and engagement, I grant them free time to sniff, explore, and simply enjoy being a dog. This balance is key to their overall well-being a

Christmas Day is full of excitement—family, friends, food, and… a hyper dog? 🐕🎅 Having a calm, well-behaved dog when guests arrive can be challenging, especially during the holiday hustle and bustle. But with a little preparation, you can set your dog up for success! One of the most overlooked strategies is making sure your dogs needs have been met BEFORE your guests arrive. Regardless of what tools, strategies, or techniques you plan to use during the event, starting with a dog that has had their physical and mental energy drained will make achieving calmness much easier. 👉 Here’s how: 1️⃣ Increase Exercise • On Christmas morning (and days before), boost your dog’s activity based on their energy level. 2️⃣ Focus on Structured Activities • Take a structured long walk or hike. • Do a short training session with cues they already know—keep it simple! 3️⃣ Bring Breakfast on the Walk • Let them sniff and hunt for their food. (Sniffing for 20 minutes is a big energy drain!) 4️⃣ Add Some Fun • Include play like fetch, but keep most activities structured to challenge their body and mind. 🐾 A calm, fulfilled dog = a smoother holiday for everyone. You’ve got this! ✨ #ChristmasWithDogs #FestiveFurBabies #PawsitivelyFestive #DogTrainingTips #GoodDogGoals #DogTraining #dogtrainingadvice #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs

📍 Position Board Training Day 4: Today, Hansy and I levelled up our position board training by taking it outside! 🌟 The goal: Hansy finds the board, places his front paws on it, and holds steady—no paw dancing allowed! 🐾 Instead of luring him into position, I’m capturing the behaviour. That means waiting for him to figure it out on his own and marking/rewarding when he gets it right. This approach helps build focus, confidence, and independence—skills every working dog needs! 💪 🌟 Today’s Challenge: Taking training outside adds new distractions (smells, sounds, and textures), but that’s the point! Real-world practice builds reliability no matter where we train. Hansy’s crushing it so far! There’s some paw shuffling (we’re only on Day 4!), but he’s getting better with each session. 💡 Pro Tip: Reward even the smallest improvements—it keeps training fun and motivating! Next up: increasing the distance. Can Hansy find the board from farther away? Stay tuned! Have questions or want to try this with your dog? Drop a comment below! 👇 #FETCHDogTrainingServices #PositionBoardTraining #DogTrainingJourney #DogSports #WorkingDog #PositiveReinforcement #TrainSmart

Christmas should be about love, laughter, and spending time with family, but we all know someone who thinks their dog is the best security system... until guests arrive. Then that “security” turns into a full-on four-legged rugby player that tries to tackle every visitor at the door. 😅 Here’s a few ideas to save your sanity—and your guests’ clothes—this festive season: 1️⃣ Baby Gates 🚧 – Set up those gates like a VIP club entrance. Only dogs with proper manners get access to the party floor. 2️⃣ Long-Lasting Chews 🦴 – Give your pup a good chew toy and let them have their moment of zen. A focused dog is a way less chaotic dog. 3️⃣ Treat Stations 🍪 – Hand your guests some dog-friendly treats. Let your dog earn their attention with polite greetings rather than wild jumping antics. 4️⃣ Snuffle Boxes & Frozen Kongs ❄️🧩 – The ultimate distractions. Keeps your dog’s brain and belly busy while everyone else enjoys mulled wine and Christmas cheer. . Let’s keep your holidays joyful and sane. A little planning goes a long way—and it’ll save your visitors snd family’s Christmas sweaters (and your sanity). 🙌 #ChristmasWithDogs #FestiveFurBabies #PawsitivelyFestive #DogTrainingTips #GoodDogGoals #DogTraining #dogtrainingadvice #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs

Using “no” in dog training is a hot topic! Many people say ‘no’ to their dog.. but not many people have taught the dog what it means.. so Saying "no" to your dog, when done appropriately, can be an important part of communication and boundary-setting in training. Clarity in Communication Dogs thrive on clear and consistent communication. Saying "no" helps them understand what behaviours are undesirable, especially when paired with guidance on what to do instead. Boundaries Keep Everyone Safe Setting boundaries, like stopping a dog from running into traffic or chewing dangerous objects, is essential for their safety. "No" can be a lifesaving cue when used in urgent situations. Prevention is Better Than Reaction A well-timed "no" can stop unwanted behaviour before it escalates. For example, stopping a dog from jumping up on a stranger allows you to reinforce calm greetings instead. It’s Not Punishment, It’s Guidance Saying "no" doesn’t mean you’re punishing or intimidating your dog. When combined with positive reinforcement, it simply redirects their behaviour toward a better choice or resets a certain chain of behaviours. Remember, saying "no" isn’t about punishment—it’s about teaching your dog how to navigate the world with clear guidance. Dogs flourish when they know what’s expected of them, and "no" is just one tool in your training approach. 💡 When I Use “No” As a trainer, I use “no” sparingly as a no-reward marker or reset —a neutral cue meaning, “Try something else.” It’s calm, clear, and paired with positive reinforcement for the desired behaviour. Would this approach work for your training? Let me know in the comments! 🐾 #DogTrainingTips #TrainDontComplain #PositiveReinforcement #dogtrainingadvice #TrainingGoals #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #TrainingGoals #domorewithyourdog ➡️ Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom Call via the Linktree in my bio to discuss which program is the best fit for you

🎯 Why I've found a Position Board a Game-Changer! Check out Hansy in action on only day 2 of position board training! 🐾 He’s working hard to crack the code for that sweet, sweet duck pate. 🍖 First, he tries a lay. Then a stand. And a backup, Finally, it clicks—literally! You see him look at the board and you can almost hear that penny drop with him. The moment he steps onto the board his marker word ‘YUP’ is given 💥—payment secured! But why use a position board? 💡 It helps teach precision. 💡 It’s perfect for refining behaviours like stand vs. sit. 💡 It builds muscle memory for heelwork (and your pup’s confidence!). Have you tried platform training? Drop your questions or tag me in your training vids—I’d love to see your pups levelling up! 🚀 ➡️ Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom Call via the Linktree in my bio to discuss which program is the best fit for you and your dog’s journey. Let’s JUMP into this together! #PlatformTraining #HeelworkPractice #SportDogTraining #WorkingDogsOfInstagram #DogTrainingJourney #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #TrainingGoals #domorewithyourdog

💡 Transforming Training with a Little Creativity (and your dog’s Favourite Snack) Training your dog doesn’t have to be a battle. Trust me, I’ve been there, wondering why my dog was more interested in sniffing a blade of grass than listening to me. Instead of just handing over a treat, I make Howie work for it in a fun and energetic way. I use the food as lure and have him chase it, Once he’s totally hyped, I ask for a quick behaviour like a sit or lay down. And guess what? He’s so amped up that his responses are lightning-fast ⚡ Here’s why this works like a charm: 🔑 It builds focus. Howie LOVES the game, which means I get his undivided attention. 🔑 It keeps training exciting. Training doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for you or your dog! 🔑 It creates a faster, sharper response. The more fun he’s having, the more motivated he is to listen and perform. Training should be fun for BOTH of you! So, if your pup seems bored or distracted during sessions, switch things up! Use food creatively, make it a game, and watch how quickly their enthusiasm skyrockets. 🚀 Now, your turn! 💬 Does your dog have a favourite game or treat that gets them all fired up? Let me know in the comments—I might even borrow your ideas for Howie. 😉 ➡️ Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom Call via the Linktree in my bio to discuss which program is the best fit for you and your dog’s journey. Let’s JUMP into this together! #dogtrainingadvice #DogTrainerTips #DogObedience #DogTrainingJourney #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #Malinois #domorewithyourdog