Paws Academy Dog Training

25/06/2025

How can I recognise when my dog is emotionally overwhelmed, and what should I do when they reach their limit?

This is one of the most important questions any dog owner can ask. Yet it is rarely discussed openly. We are often taught to focus on obedience, routine and behaviour management, but not enough is said about emotional understanding. And that is a crucial part of living with and supporting any dog.

All dogs have emotional limits. These are moments when the situation becomes too much for them to process or handle. It could be a loud environment, an unexpected encounter with another dog, too many people, or just a long day filled with new experiences. When a dog reaches their limit, you will often see a shift in behaviour. They might bark, growl, freeze, move away or shut down completely.

This is not bad behaviour. It is emotional stress.

Dogs use body language to tell us how they feel. The earlier we notice these signals, the better we can support them. These signals are not always loud or obvious. They can include things like yawning when not tired, lip licking, looking away, sniffing the ground, or turning their head to the side. These are not random actions. They are subtle ways your dog says they are not comfortable.

If these signs are missed, your dog may start to withdraw or escalate. They might refuse treats, ignore cues, become tense, or even try to hide. At this point, they are not being stubborn. They are overwhelmed.

When a dog shuts down emotionally, they are no longer able to focus or learn. They may still be physically with you, but their mind has switched off in self-protection. Continuing to train or push in this state will only add more stress and confusion. It can damage trust over time and make future challenges even harder.

So what can you do?

The answer is simple, but powerful. Stop and listen. Give your dog space to recover. Offer calm, gentle reassurance. Let them step away if they need to. Remove them from the situation if possible. Choose rest over repetition. Let them reset before asking for anything more.

Supporting your dog emotionally does not mean avoiding all challenges. It means working at their pace, not yours. It means knowing when to pause, and recognising that emotional safety is the foundation for all learning.

This topic is part of our Inside the Bark series at Paws Academy, where we look deeper into what your dog’s behaviour is really telling you. Behaviour is never random. It is always communication. The more we pay attention, the more our dogs begin to trust us as someone who will listen when it matters most.

If you have ever thought, my dog is being difficult, or my dog just switched off, or my dog is not listening today, this might be what is really going on. They are not misbehaving. They are trying to cope. And now you know what to watch for.

Know the signs. Support early. That is how trust is built.

24/06/2025

It does not take a heatwave to put dogs at risk. Even a moderately warm day can be dangerous if we are not paying close attention. Heat-related illnesses in dogs are more common than people realise and sadly, they can be fatal if not recognised early and treated quickly.

Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature like we can. They do not sweat through their skin. Instead, they rely on panting and a small amount of sweat through their paws. When it gets warm or humid, these natural cooling methods are not always enough. Once a dog starts to overheat, things can escalate rapidly. That is where the real danger lies.

Most people think of heatstroke as something that happens when a dog is left in a hot car. That is absolutely a high-risk situation, but it is not the only one. We have seen dogs collapse from heat exhaustion just by playing with a ball in the back garden, going for a walk at lunchtime, or sitting in the sun for a bit too long. Even a car ride without air conditioning or a snooze in a conservatory can push a dog past their safe limit.

Some breeds are particularly at risk. Flat-faced dogs like French Bulldogs and Pugs struggle to breathe efficiently, which makes cooling down even harder for them. Older dogs, young puppies, long-haired breeds and those carrying a little extra weight are also more vulnerable to heat stress. If your dog falls into any of these categories, you need to be extra cautious in warmer weather.

So what should you look out for? Heavy panting is usually one of the first signs. You might also notice that your dog seems more tired than usual, is drooling excessively, becomes unsteady on their feet or appears confused. In more serious cases, dogs can vomit, collapse or even have seizures. It can happen quickly and without much warning.

If you see any of these signs, act immediately. Move your dog to a cooler, shaded place and offer small sips of water. Use cool, not cold, water to dampen their body, especially their belly, paws and underarms. You can also use a fan or create airflow if you are indoors. Then contact your vet straight away. Even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may have already started. Do not wait and hope for the best. Quick action could save their life.

Prevention is always better. That means avoiding walks during the middle of the day, sticking to shaded routes, shortening outdoor time and always carrying water. At home, close blinds to keep rooms cool, give your dog access to fresh water and a quiet place to rest. Cooling mats, damp towels or frozen treats can also help them regulate their temperature safely.

One last thing to keep in mind. The danger is not limited to July or August. Many cases happen in May or early September when temperatures spike unexpectedly. Humidity can also play a huge role. It does not have to feel hot to be risky for your dog.

This post is part of the Dog Smart Series here at Paws Academy, where we share practical and timely information to help you keep your dog safe and thriving throughout the year. No fluff. Just facts that every dog owner should know.

We are not sharing this to frighten anyone, but because too many dogs end up in vet clinics every year due to something that is preventable. The more we talk about it, the more aware we become. So if this post helps even one dog stay safe this summer, it is worth it.

Please share this with other dog owners, especially those with new pups or high-risk breeds. Not everyone knows what to look for until it is too late.

Know the risks. Know the signs. Choose safety over routine. Your dog will thank you for it. 🐾

24/06/2025

Professor Derry, AKA puppy school supervisor 😍

Drummindoo Stud

21/06/2025

“Your dog called. They said you were gone forever. You were at the mailbox. 🙄”

😂😂😂😂

20/06/2025

A Huge Thank You

Earlier this year I reached out to ask for your support in completing a survey that explored the early experiences of dogs acquired during or around the time of the COVID 19 pandemic. The response was incredible. Over 130 of you kindly took the time to share your experiences and I am genuinely grateful to each and every one of you.

I am now pleased to share that the research has been completed. What began as an investigation into the effects of early restrictions has grown into something much more meaningful.

The study looked at the behavioural impact of early socialisation limitations in dogs acquired between 2019 and 2022. It explored areas such as where dogs came from, their early experiences, exposure to people, places and other dogs, and how owners felt during those early stages. It also looked at what type of support people had at the time and what they wished they had access to.

One of the clearest findings was the effect that reduced early experiences had on confidence, social skills and the longer term behaviour of some dogs. Many owners shared honest accounts of what they found challenging, what worked for them and what they would do differently. I was also pleased to see the number of different breeds represented and the wide range of backgrounds and training approaches people had taken.

This project has been both professional and personal and would not have been possible without those who gave their time to share their story. Thank you for your honesty and for being part of something that I hope will continue to support other owners, trainers and behaviour professionals in the future.

The full paper is now available to read or download.
You will find the link in the comments.

If you read it and have thoughts or questions I would love to hear from you.

Thank you again.
Renée

20/06/2025

☀️ It’s getting hot out there 🥵🔥

We’re enjoying the summer weather, but it’s important to keep dogs cool, comfortable and safe in the heat.

💧 Water – Make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Refill bowls regularly, especially after walks or play.

🌳 Shade – Ensure your dog has access to shade when outside. Avoid letting them sit or lie in direct sun for long periods.

🏠 Indoors – Keep indoor spaces cool and well ventilated. Use fans or keep windows open where safe.

🧴 Sunburn – Dogs with light-coloured or thin coats can get sunburnt. Apply pet-safe sun cream to exposed areas like the nose and ears.

🦟 Insects – Use vet-approved treatments to protect against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Check your dog’s skin and coat regularly.

🏃 Exercise – Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Pavements can get very hot and may burn their paws.

🚗 Travel – Never leave your dog in a parked car. Travel during cooler times and always bring water for the journey.

© Paws Academy

19/06/2025

‼️Dogs Overheat Faster Than You Think⛔️

Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat properly to cool down. They mainly rely on panting, which makes them far more vulnerable to heatstroke.

Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, older dogs, puppies and overweight dogs are especially at risk when temperatures rise. Even a short walk, playtime or time spent outside during hot weather can quickly turn dangerous.

Knowing how to spot the early signs of heat stress , and acting fast, can genuinely save lives.

‼️Rapid, heavy panting, bright red gums, confusion, vomiting and collapse are all serious warning signs that your dog needs help immediately.

Heatstroke can develop within minutes, and it is a genuine medical emergency. ‼️

The good news is, with a few simple changes to your summer routine, you can protect your dog and still enjoy the season together. 🥰

Small adjustments, like walking early in the morning or later in the evening, providing constant access to shade and water, and avoiding hot pavements, make a huge difference.

Cooling mats, shaded areas, and indoor mental stimulation activities are also fantastic ways to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

It is not about cancelling summer fun, it is about being smart, prepared and putting your dog’s health first.

We have put together this essential guide to keeping dogs safe in hot weather.

Swipe through each slide for quick, actionable tips you can start using straight away.

🌟 If you find this information helpful, we would love you to share it, but please share the full post or link, not cropped images or partial sections. It is important that the full context and safety advice is kept intact so owners get the full picture.

Let’s work together to keep dogs safe, cool and happy all summer long. 🐾

18/06/2025

17/06/2025

Have you ever looked your dog straight in the eye and said “I love you”, only to wonder if they actually know what you mean?

It’s something nearly every dog owner thinks about at some point. We say the words because they feel true, but dogs don’t speak human language. So how much of that moment is understood on their end?

Science has been looking into this more closely in recent years. What we now know is that dogs process both the sound of words and the tone we use when speaking. Brain scans have shown that dogs listen with both sides of their brain. One side helps them recognise familiar words, while the other side picks up on the emotional tone behind those words.

So if “I love you” is something you say often, and you say it with calmness and warmth, your dog learns to associate that phrase with a feeling of comfort and safety. They may not understand the word itself, but they absolutely recognise what that moment means.

Dogs also pay close attention to how we move, how we sit, and how we look at them. When you lean in, soften your voice and make eye contact, you are communicating in a way that dogs naturally understand. These are cues they pick up from other dogs as well. It is their first language.

There’s also something called the oxytocin gaze. When dogs calmly look into our eyes, both their brain and ours release oxytocin. That’s the same hormone that helps humans form emotional bonds. It’s the same hormone a mother releases when bonding with her baby.

So when you say “I love you”, what your dog is picking up is far more than words. They are responding to your tone, your body language and your energy. If you do it often and gently, it becomes part of their routine, and it becomes something they look forward to. They know it means safety, affection and connection.

They may not understand every word. But they do feel it. And for them, that’s more than enough.

This reflection is part of our Inside the Bark series, where we explore how dogs experience the world around them, and how we can better understand what they’re really telling us.

16/06/2025

Have you ever wondered what is really going on in your dog’s brain when they seem nervous, reactive or unsure? Why they react so strongly to things that might not seem like a big deal on the surface?

At Paws Academy, we have developed a technique called Trust Step. It is something we created to support dogs who struggle with fear, reactivity and social discomfort in a way that is calm, respectful and rooted in science.

It is not a quick fix. It is not about pushing dogs to tolerate things they are not ready for. Trust Step uses space, predictability and reward to help dogs feel safe enough to choose connection, rather than avoid it. It works by offering the dog a treat, then stepping back to allow them to approach if they are ready. This simple rhythm lets the dog stay in control. And when a dog feels they have choice, real confidence begins to grow.

Over time, this structured approach helps the dog shift out of fear and into a mindset where learning can actually happen. It is a gentle but powerful way to build trust, especially with dogs who have learned to expect the worst from people or new situations.

We have just published a full blog explaining the neuroscience behind Trust Step, how it works and why it is different from other techniques. This post is part of our Inside the Bark behaviour series, where we explore what is really going on beneath the surface in our dogs. We will drop the link in the comments.

If you live with a dog who finds the world a little too much sometimes, or if you are just interested in how modern dog training is changing, we hope you will find it a valuable read.

15/06/2025

Why We Offer Both In-Person Puppy Classes and a Full Online Course

As part of our Little Paws Series, we’re proud to offer a training experience that blends the best of both worlds: supportive in-person classes and a fully guided online course.

This unique approach wasn’t created by accident – it’s designed to help you and your puppy get the most out of your journey together, with flexibility, clarity, and confidence.

Here’s why we believe in doing both:

🐾 Foundations are built best at home, where puppies can focus without too many distractions – that’s where our online lessons give you the edge, letting you start calm and focused.

🐾 Then, once the basics are established, real-world experience becomes vital. Our in-person sessions help puppies practise skills with gentle exposure to new sights, sounds, and situations.

🐾 We know every owner learns differently – some prefer to watch, pause, and revisit instructions in their own time, which is exactly what the online platform allows.

🐾 At the same time, nothing beats the magic of face-to-face learning, where you can ask questions on the spot, get hands-on help, and feel supported every step of the way.

🐾 Socialisation is key – and our in-person classes offer a safe, structured environment for your puppy to observe, interact and grow more confident around others.

🐾 Our online course gives you video tutorials, printable guides and troubleshooting tips – it’s there for you anytime, anywhere, whenever you need a refresher.

This blended format is a core part of what makes our Little Paws Series so effective. It’s not just about training – it’s about helping you build a positive, lifelong bond with your dog.

You’ve already invested in:

💷 A happy, healthy puppy
💷 Beds, crates, collars, and toys
💷 Food, insurance, and vet care

Please don’t forget their training – it’s the one investment that lasts a lifetime.
And with our dual approach, it’s never been easier to get it right from the very start.

We’re here to support you – in person, online, and always with heart 🐾💛

14/06/2025

🐾✨ A huge congratulations to all of today’s Socialisation and Recall Workshop graduates ✨🐾

What a brilliant group we had today. Such great energy, focus and teamwork from both dogs and their humans. We loved seeing the progress and growing confidence throughout the session.

You should all be really proud of yourselves. It is not just about learning new skills, but also about building trust, strengthening connection and having fun along the way.

📸 Take a look at some of the stars from today’s workshop. We loved celebrating your achievements and hope to welcome you back soon for another workshop, an agility session or some one to one training.

Give your dogs an extra cuddle and a tasty treat this evening. They absolutely earned it 🐶💙