FETCH Dog Training Services

💡 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

Let’s be real—teaching hand targeting can feel... well, a little boring. Your dog touches your hand, you treat them, and repeat. 😴 But there’s a way to take ‘Touch’ from a snooze-fest to a high-energy, tail-wagging party? 🐾 The Secret Sauce? Movement! Ever notice how your dog lights up when you add a little fun to training? That’s the magic of connection—and movement is the spark. Dogs LOVE to chase, jump, and pounce—it’s in their DNA. So, let’s add a dash of excitement: ➡️ Change levels—stand up, crouch down, or even sit on the ground to mix things up. ➡️ Spin around and turn it into a game of "catch me if you can!" ➡️ Walk backwards while holding out your hand—watch their eyes light up as they chase after you! #DogSportTraining #SportDogs #WorkingDogs #DogTrainerTips #DogObedience #DogTrainingJourney #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #MalinoisOfInstagram #DogPerformance #domorewithyourdog ➡️ 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!

🚀 Working on That Perfect competition Jump! 🐾 Hansy’s open jump has always been a little sloppy, so we’ve been training hard for that illusive full, open jump and here’s how we did it: 1. Foundations First • Build confidence: Start with a low jump and gradually increase height. Ensure your dog is comfortable and not hesitant. • Mark proper takeoff points: Teach your dog to launch from the correct distance for optimal form. Use ground markers or poles to guide them. 2. Strength and Conditioning • Core and hind-leg strength: Incorporate exercises like sit-to-stands, hill climbs, or tug on an incline. • Flexibility: Gentle stretches and weaving through cones can improve range of motion. • Explosiveness: Teach "box jumps" using platforms for clean, powerful takeoffs. 3. Technique Training • Targeting: Use a lure or toy to guide the jump, keeping your dog’s head up and back arched. • Follow-through: Train for smooth landings to maintain flow in routines. • Video analysis: Record sessions to review and adjust your dog’s form. 4. Use Visual Cues • Gradually reduce props as your dog gains confidence to prevent reliance. • Add focus exercises to ensure your dog stays engaged with you while jumping. 5. Positive Reinforcement • Reward effort and precision with high-value treats or toys to keep motivation high. 6. Mental Focus and Drive • Incorporate obedience before and after the jump to mimic trial conditions. • Use the jump as part of a fun sequence with a ball or tug as a reward. ✨ Stay consistent, keep it fun, and watch your dog soar! 🐕 ➡️ 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! #DogSportTraining #IGPTraining #SportDogs #WorkingDogs #DogTrainerTips #DogObedience #DogTrainingJourney #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #MalinoisOfInstagram #DogPerformance #K9Training

🎯 Even Trainers Aren't Perfect! Confession time! 🙈 Just because I’m a dog trainer doesn’t mean my own dogs are perfect angels 24/7. The other day, I had an unusually hectic schedule and didn’t make time for their daily dose of training and enrichment. Guess what happened? They made their own fun... by shredding one of their bed cushions! 😅 Did I tell them off? Nope. Why? Because their behaviour wasn’t their fault—it was mine. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation, and when they don’t get it, they’ll find their own ways to stay entertained (which may not align with our preferences 😬). 🐾 The moral of the story? Dogs aren’t robots, and life happens. When your pup does something cheeky, take a beat and think: Did I give them what they needed today? 💡 Dogs need enrichment like we need coffee. Skipping it can get messy—literally. 😂 So, if your dog has ever gone full Picasso on your stuff, just know you’re not alone. Share your funniest “dog revenge” stories below—I need the laugh! #DogTrainerConfessions #FulfillingDogNeeds #DogsWillBeDogs #EnrichmentMatters #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs

✨ Unlock Confidence and Connection with Pattern Games! ✨ Meet Ailish with her young Scottie, Leyla, working through her reactivity using pattern games. Dogs, like us, thrive on routines and consistency. Patterns create a sense of safety and reliability, which can transform how our dogs feel and respond to the world around them. That’s why I love incorporating pattern games into training—they’re fun, effective, and versatile tools for improving confidence, focus, and behavior. One of my favourite pattern games? The 1-2-3 Game! It’s incredibly easy for handlers to use, dogs pick it up quickly, and it works in so many situations—from leash manners to tackling distractions. 🐾 When to Use the 1-2-3 Game 🔹 Loose Leash Walking: Reward your dog for staying close to you while moving through the world together. 🔹 Building Focus: Capture your dog’s attention with a predictable, engaging system that fosters connection. 🔹 Managing Reactivity: Create a sense of safety by introducing consistent patterns around triggers or things your dog finds stressful. 🔹 Moving Past Distractions: Guide your dog past overwhelming sights, sounds, or smells with a rhythm they can rely on. 🔹 Boosting Confidence: The 1-2-3 Game isn’t contingent on behaviour—just predictability—making it an excellent confidence booster for nervous or uncertain dogs. 🐾 Why Patterns Work Pattern games tap into your dog’s natural desire for predictability, reducing stress and building trust. For reactive dogs, they create a sense of safety. For high-energy or easily distracted dogs, they provide structure and focus. If you’re curious about the magic of pattern games, I highly recommend Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed by Leslie McDevitt. It’s an incredible resource for anyone looking to strengthen their relationship with their dog while tackling common challenges like reactivity or distraction. ➡️ Book a Free 20-Minute Zoom Call via the Linktree in my bio

Sendaway Training with Hansy! This week, Hansy and I are working on a sendaway on the move. 🐕✨ This exercise is like building a puzzle: each piece is a behaviour we’ve worked on separately, and now it’s time to bring them together for the final masterpiece.. To get there, we’re combining a few key skills: ✔️ Focus: Eyes on the prize. ✔️ Targeting: Go exactly there, not everywhere else. ✔️ Impulse Control: No detours, Nope, not even for that piece of food the last client dropped for their dog. 👀 The magic happens when these individual behaviours merge into one fluid action. It’s kind of like learning to dance—you start by mastering the steps, then string them together into a routine. But here’s the kicker: training isn’t linear so adapt to your dogs learning style. Some days, Hansy is a rockstar. Other days? Well, let’s just say he’s enthusiastic about his own creative interpretation of the sendaway. 😂 1-to-1 Sessions – Tailored, hands-on guidance for you and your dog, designed to tackle specific challenges and build a deeper bond. ➡️ 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! #DogTrainingTips #TrainingGoals #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs #midletoncork #WorkingDogLife #malinois #SendawayTraining

Our first two pups have arrived for residential training! 🎉 These cuties are here to work on toilet training and mastering the basics, but before we dive into the fun stuff, we’re starting with the foundation of all great training: the marker word. What’s a marker word? It’s a clear, consistent signal that tells your dog, “YES! You got it right!” 🥳 It’s the first step in building trust and clear communication. No matter your dog’s breed, size, or age -from a stubborn Spaniel or a mischievous Malinois, this is step one for every pup. Because great communication It’s the foundation of a great dog. This is where every training journey should begin. Stay tuned for updates as these pups progress through their training adventures! 💪🐾 👉 Ready to start your dog’s training journey? Book your FREE 20-minute Zoom call today! #DogTraining #MarkerWordTraining #PositiveReinforcement #ResidentialTraining #DogsOfInstagram #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #midletoncork

🎉 Daisy’s Recall Journey—From Sassy to Snappy Response! 🐾 Meet Daisy, a 16-month-old Airedale Terrier who joined us at FETCH HQ with guardian, Jackie, to work on recall and general engagement! When we first started about a week ago, let’s just say Daisy’s idea of “recall” was… creative. 🤪 (Turns out, the mobile home was waaay more interesting than the food Jackie had!) After some team building work in and out of sessions (and some hilarious “let’s go chase the wind” moments 😅), Daisy has now grasped what Jackie was asking for —even at the local park, with all those tempting smells and dogs around! 🐕🌳 She may still have her moments, but seeing her respond to Jackie with a wagging tail and a sharp turn back is super impressive especially after just 1 session. 🧡✨ Training isn’t always smooth sailing, but every effort Jackie made at home brought them closer to this moment. 🥰 So proud of you both! If you’re ready to put in a bit of work (and a lot of laughs) to get that dream recall, my books are open! 📝 I’m here for residential training at the FETCH Dog Hotel 🏨 or private 1-to-1s right here at HQ. 🏃‍♀️ 📞 Reach out for a free 20-min zoom call—and let’s make training fun! 💥🐶💨 #RecallMaster #DogTrainingJourney #fetchdogtraining#DogHotel #AiredaleTerrierLove #corkdogs #GoodDogClub #TrainingThatWorks #ProudTrainer #eastcork #midletoncork #dogsofcork

🎄 Coping with Christmas: A Holiday Survival Guide for Pet Parents 🎄 The holidays bring a lot of joy, but let’s be real—it can be a bit of a sensory overload for everyone, including our pets. Between family gatherings, strange new decorations, and endless food, our furry friends can feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. So, here’s a guide to help you and your pets find peace amid the holiday hustle! 1. Create a Cozy Retreat for Your Pet: Even the most social pets need a safe space where they can escape the noise and excitement. Set up a pet-friendly “calm corner” somewhere away from all the action—a familiar bed, soft blankets, maybe a favourite toy, or a treat puzzle can make all the difference. Think of it like their own holiday hideaway. Make sure everyone in the house knows this is their chill zone, so your pet can relax when they need a break. 2. Be Cautious with Wrapping Paper & Gift Chaos: We all love a good unwrapping session, but pets tend to view wrapping paper and shiny ribbons as instant toys! During gift time, keep them occupied in another room with a special treat or toy. This way, they won’t get overstimulated by the noise and action, or risk swallowing any decorations. Their own “gift”—like a holiday chew or puzzle toy—can make this time a happy distraction. 3. Mealtime Manners: Prevent Food-Related Stress Holiday meals can bring out the foodie in all of us, including our pets. While it’s tempting to let them have a few bites, a sudden feast of rich holiday foods can upset their stomachs and sometimes lead to food-guarding behaviours, especially with guests around. Feed them their usual meal in a quiet spot at their regular time, and consider any treats as “private dining,” where they can enjoy without distractions. 4. Bring a Bit of “Home” for Traveling Pets For those traveling with pets, bringing along a few familiar items like their bed, blanket, and some toys can make a huge difference. Imagin

“The Treat Pouch Conundrum: Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Train Without ‘Em” Confession time… who else has bought way too many treat pouches in search of “the one”? 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ If you’re on the hunt, here’s a guide to avoid the ‘treat pouch graveyard’ that might be forming in your drawer: Let’s get real – finding the perfect treat pouch is like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans: everyone’s got opinions, and there’s a LOT to consider. So here’s my no-BS guide to making sure you don’t end up with a drawer full of “almost right” pouches. 😂 1. What’s On the Menu? Kibble, raw, or both? If you’re rocking raw treats (oh, the things we do for our pups!), waterproof is a must. Trust me, you don’t want raw chicken juice surprise at the bottom of your bag! 🍗 For kibble-only, a standard pouch will do, but if you mix and match, go for one that’s washable and waterproof. 2. Are You an Overpacker? If you like to carry everything – keys, phone, wallet, treats, poop bags – get a pouch with compartments. It’s all fun and games until you’re fishing for a poop bag while your phone dangles dangerously close to liver treats. Some pouches even have extra slots just for storage ninjas like us. 👏 3. Is It Apocalypse-Proof? Well, maybe not that sturdy, but let’s be honest: training sessions get wild. Mud, rain, snow – your pouch needs to take it all. Invest in something tough and waterproof so you’re not dealing with soggy kibble mid-training. Anyone else have a love/hate relationship with their treat pouch? Let’s hear it below! 👇 And if you’ve found the holy grail of pouches, spill the beans! #DogTrainingLife #DogTrainingEssentials #TreatPouchHacks #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingisfun #trainyourdog #fetchdogtrainers #eastcork #corkdogs

I'm still around, I've just been super busy between work and getting the mobile home ready for a refit into a shop, office and a very small number of kennels. Fingers crossed I can have it mostly done in the next week or so. Normal posts will resume shortly 🙂