The Dog Centre Kilkenny: Dog Training & Behaviour

25/01/2025

Warning, this may be triggering.
These stories are absolutely harrowing. I don't usually speak out on these things but they are not one offs, they're common and happening every day by people still active and advertising in the industry.
In one case, a family booked a trainer thinking it was me and came away feeling very distressed and upset.
Every dog and their family deserves access to ethical, reputable support and advice they need for their dog. In many instances, the advice and accounts listed below can lead to escalated behaviours and even bites.
Anyone can claim to be a behaviourist or trainer without the relevant qualifications or skills. Please feel free to reach out if you're looking for help for free advice on how to find a regulated, certified behaviour professional, daycare, boarder or trainer

23/01/2025

Would you check Aggie and her mum out !!
I only met Miss Aggie last week on her first puppy consult and these are the videos attached to her email update 😍😍 wow!! This is amazing enrichment to occupy her busy scottie puppy brain,but also to fulfill her need to investigate, carry and root through new and novel objects. It's a big confidence booster for new puppies, giving them a task to use their nose to locate their food - gives a sense of achievement and serotonin, helping them learn to gather information before reacting to new stimuli, not to mention mental stimulation and an opportunity for a breed specific outlet (- terriers love to nose and dig!! )

23/01/2025

The most beautiful Pedro on his consultation this evening, he is newly adopted from Dogs Trust and starting to learn all his important life skills, learning arousal regulation and meeting his springy spaniel needs, his owners are incredible!

22/01/2025

Fabulous session with the amazing Peig this evening!

19/01/2025

What the last few days have looked like 🥰✨️❤️
When I say I love my work... also an apology for being so busy and therefore being late with behaviour programs!

17/01/2025

100% of neutering costs covered and microchipping, if needed.

Available until the end of January 2025.

**This scheme is being funded by the DCRD through ISPCA****
*******Limited Funding Available*********

16/01/2025

16/01/2025

When your dog has a reactive moment

15/01/2025

When the breeze brings in that really interesting scent..

13/01/2025

12/01/2025

What an amazing intr day to mantrailing yesterday. 4 dog/handler teams learning new skills using that brilliant olfactory system. The dogs were all so amazing

08/01/2025

Over the Holidays, we might have let things slip and got out of some good routines, including with our dogs' behaviour & training. Coming into the New Year, the pressure is on to make up for our transgressions.

First of all, take the pressure off! Be kind to yourself, enjoy your treats and bask in relaxing with your dog. Absolutely nothing wrong with any of that!!

January, with its often short-lasting resolutions, might tempt us to pile on the pressure, raise our expectations and get very disappointed and frustrated when our dogs' behaviour regresses.

Those dashed expectations illustrates the difficulties with lumping. That is, to attempt to achieve behaviour change in one big lump.

Instead, we can take lessons from teaching, lessons in life & training, to consider slow and steady (but non-linear) progress, rather than perfection, and shaping.

In dog training, there are different types of shaping but in short, this means to attempt behaviour change through small, achievable increments. Small changes, one brick at a time, can lead to big buildings with time.

Your dog's behaviour is information and when their behaviour doesn't quite meet your expectations, take a step back, take a break and a breath, and build again. That's the nature of behaviour, and teaching.

Shape to set both you & your dog up for success, and most of all be kind to yourself, and your dog, about what you can achieve today, or with that first brick.

While you can do anything, you can't do everything. Be a shaper, not a lumper and not just in teaching but also in how you talk to yourself.

07/01/2025

We don't have access to the woods and won't be out for too long

06/01/2025

The best team 💙

06/01/2025

Christmas was no doubt a busy time and I suspect new family members in puppies and older dogs may have either been planned or a surprise. With most everyone now returning to work this can be a difficult time for new dogs in the house to get used to. Start the New Year as you mean to go on, do not suffer alone as both you and your dog battle this change. Get in a professional who can shed some light on the situation and help you make a plan that suits you are your furry friend.

Sound as a Hound explodes back onto the scene for an amazing 2025. Plans and the direction of the business are bubbling in my brain to the point where I find myself paralysed by the sheer amount of work that I have yet to do. But with that paralysis comes excitement, if you thought I tried my best in 2024 you ain't seen nothing yet. I'm hoping to have the ball rolling with exciting announcements very soon but in the meantime Sound as a Hound has returned to normal working hours.

If you or someone you know is seeking professional advice and practical training delivered in a positive, confident and easy to understand manner please do not hesitate to contact me on Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, email, text or call. Contact details are found at the end of this post.

Times available are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. In person and online sessions are available and all dogs from pups to seniors are catered for.

Contact Details:
Instagram:
Facebook: Sound as a Hound
Email: [email protected]
Call/Text/Whatsapp: 0896126563

#2025

05/01/2025

Courtesy of our Reactivity Alumni Community dogs and Mantrailing Club - please enjoy these precious snow dog pics and videos of dogs both loving or being apprehensive about their snowdays today *ahem* *ahem* Zoe, Sampson & Hershel 😂❄️