Heeling Hounds

07/09/2023

Can you see why Chewie was so focused 👀🤣

05/08/2023

This is what I strive to remember on my walks. Too often I think our minds can be plagued with the future trials andtribulations of our human existence. Its delightful to be brought back to the present moment, to just enjoy sharing an experience with the dogs, seeing the adventures as they do.

The quote is by Milan Kundera.

02/08/2023

Got to make sure there's no boogers before your solo shot

05/11/2022

Hey guys it's Guy Fawkes tonight.
As pretty as fireworks can be, unfortunately some dogs really struggle with them.
Here are some tips to help tonight.

❤ Walk them earlier in the day as the fireworks may start before dark.

❤ If you are confident about the situation this will help your dog feel confident too. So even if they are anxious or scared don't cuddle or fawn over them. Only give affection and rewards when they are calm.

❤ In the meantime you can give them guidance on what you want for them to do in that situation, and a job to focus on. Eg lying on their bed.

❤ Keep the tv or radio up loud.

❤ Put them in their crate/safe/relax space with a thick blanket over it.

❤ If they aren't too fearful, a distraction method can help. You can play games, find treats hidden around the house, give them a kong or chew treat.

❤ There are products designed to help such as rescue remedy, thunder shirt, and mutt muffs.

The best thing you can do is prepare early. Start training and desensitising your dog well prior to the 5th of november, so you are all ready to enjoy the fireworks together.
Check out this video to learn how.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CeaYKiUDb7m/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

If you or your pup are really struggling tonight feel free to message me for more in depth tips, specific to your situation.

12/07/2022

My new bussiness cards have finally arrived 😍

05/06/2022

10 things to help your dog face its fear.

1) Set up a training situation where you can control how intensely they are exposed to their fear eg through distance or volume.

2) Before starting your dog needs to know a yes and no marker, and leash pressure so you can clearly communicate and guide them through the session.

3) Give your dog a job they know well eg follow, look at me or sit. This gives them something to focus on and direction of what you are wanting from them in this situation taking the pressure off them.

4) Use a reward they care about and highly value. A highly motivating treat or toy.
You can reward them for focusing on you after they have processed the situation or for doing the job you have given them.

5) Ensure you don't go over your dogs threshold of being able to cope. They need to be able to think and process what's happening so If your dog is shutting down, fearful, or not interested in their Reward move further away or turn the volume down.

6) Being peppy and playful can change their state of mind, make it a fun session and help encourage them forward.

7) Above all you yourself need to feel relaxed and confident. Your dog will know how you are feeling and use this to gage how they should be reacting to the situation.

8 )Be patient, this may take time for your dog.

9) Facing your fears is mentally draining. I recommend short sessions around 5-10 mins but more often and consistent.

10) Ensure you are always ending on a positive note.

03/06/2022

We had the wonderful Jodie Maree
join us during our last beach adventure. She got some amazing photos, here are some of my favourites. 😊🥰

make sure to check her out!

17/05/2022

Asking something of a dog they are a little unsure of is so useful to build their own confidence when they overcome that adversity. It is also amazing to help build their trust in you.

Just putting aside some time to spend with your dog, asking them and guiding them through doing new things.
Maybe try take your pup to the nearby playground and get them jumping on things or going across the wobbly bridge till they are confident.
Let me know what you think and how you go in the comments. 😁

24/04/2022

I recently found out one of the dogs I worked with a few years back has passed away.

The best part of my job is getting to meet so many amazing souls and creating a special bond and relationship with each of them.

But with that bring the worst part of my job, as at some stage you will have to say goodbye.

Love you Merlin! ❤️

12/04/2022

I'm going to miss the sunny walks coming into winter. But with the rain comes rainbows! ....and extra mud puddles for the dogs so it's not all bad.

11/04/2022

It is really important the dogs continue to check in with me even during free time. As they still need to be aware of where I am headed, how far away I am and be in the mindset to listen out for commands.

08/04/2022

Dogs understand this better than anyone. They live in the moment, and they would love if you put aside some time to join them in it.

Go spend some time with them. Play, explore, train. And leave your phone at home. 😉🥰

31/03/2022

Some dogs look forward to the adventure, others enjoy the spa and relaxation time. 🤣

31/03/2022

This is the perfect example of why I bring dogs Into the pack slowly.
To ensure I have a really strong relationship with each individual dog. As they need to be able to trust me and my decisions when I ask them to move to the side and patiently wait for this very odd loud thing rumbling towards them, vibrating the ground beneath their feet.
These relationships are so important because we never know what's around the corner on these adventures, that's what I love.

26/03/2022

I really resonate with this quote from ac odyssey "It started with our love of Athens. Our differences push us to greatness. That is true friendship."
As it perfectly describes the relationship with my best friend of 11 Years.

It also applies to dog training. If people could use their differences to educate, discuss and challenge each other. Rather than fight and drag each other down, the world could be a better place.

23/03/2022

Tiki will always pose for the camera if treats ate involved!

21/03/2022

How in tune are you with your dog? Have you studied up on any dog body language?

Often owners will train their dogs to understand our language, without thinking about teaching themselves about their dogs language.

If you want to try I highly recommend the book Canine body language by Brenda Aloff.

19/03/2022

Watch out for our upcoming skating adventures!

15/03/2022

We went for an adventure at my favorite beach today.

Lucky for us, a lovely couple Malcolm and Pat had the same idea.

Malcolm took these awesome photos of the pack today.
When we got back to the carpark we had a good chat, he told me he had taken some photos and offered to send me them.

Now I get to share them with you! 😁🥰

09/03/2022

I am eventually wanting to teach zuko to communicate with me using different buttons.
But first things first, how do I teach him to use the button at all?

A training method called free shaping.

Here I am using a positive marker (the clicker) to tell Zuko the exact moment he has done the correct thing.

When he tries something and doesnt receive the marker/treat he becomes driven to try figure out what I am wanting.

So by incrementally asking for more from him till I get the desired response I can shape more difficult behaviors all while engaging with him.

Frustration is the driver behind trying harder or trying a different behaviour. But when doing this yourself ensure your dog doesn't get too frustrated. Giving them wins every now and then means they don't disengage. Go back a step if need be.

Don't forget it's meant to be a fun game for you both to enjoy.

03/03/2022

Thank you for understanding. Please always feel free to reach out if you need anything.

02/03/2022

02/03/2022

Meet our entertaining mastiff girl Daisy.

She is the sibling of Kayos and a big puppy at heart!

My favorite thing about her is how excited she gets to come on the walks, makes my morning, and is nice to know she loves our adventures just as much as I do.

Her owners love her stupidity.

23/02/2022

Meet Drogo our energetic staffie/mastiff mix.

This boy is unbelievablably cute, he gets very excited to go on adventures with all his new play mates!
He even got over his fear of the van since it meant dog friends!

My favorite thing about him is how much he loves other dogs, he wants to be instant best friends with everyone!

His owners had this to say:
Drogos favorite thing is chasing birds and to be the first one to greet every dog at a park :)
My favorite thing about Drogo is he gives the best hugs (only when he feels cuddly) and has the cutest button face that one can't ignore 💖

22/02/2022

Meet our playful girl Miley!

Just look at that happy grin, she's always flashing a smile!

My favorite thing is her tucked bum zoomies she does every 5 minutes trying to get any other dog to pay with her. It is unbelievablably cute.

Her owners had this to say:
For me it's how friendly she is with other dogs & humans ..she has never shown signs of aggression towards other dogs.

21/02/2022

Meet Hatchi our loyal black lab!

This old boy is the grandfather of the pack, and is never too far behind, happily following the pack and making sure everyone is okay.

My favorite thing about him is how much pleasure he finds in the simple things, toddling along, new friends, good smells, treaties! He just loves life!

His owners had this to say:
My favourite thing about Hatchi would be the way he always knows when I’m feeling low and snuggles up and kisses me…it’s adorable 💗( and he’s never far from me) eg : right now 🤣🤣

16/02/2022

Meet our brilliant staffie girl Bonnie!

This girl is a little bullet she runs laps around the other dogs!

My favorite thing is watching her do zoomies, especially with her brother and best friend Tiki.

It is also watching her come out of her shell around the pack. Seeing the changes in these dogs and the bonds that are made is my motivation in this career.

Her owner had this to say:
when she hasn't seen people for a few days that she loves, she howls at them when they come over.
It's the only time she howls and it's too cute !!!

And how snuggly she is!

15/02/2022

Meet Sam our stunning Border Collie!

This boy always gets comments on his good looks from passer bys. But he thinks he looks best completely dressed in mud 😅

My favorite thing about him is
how much he loves life and throws himself into everything he does. As a trainer his drive is so much fun to work with!

His owners had this to say:
Sam is a cheeky monster who steals socks and then wants to be chased, that's pretty cute!

14/02/2022

Meet Harry our handsome Black Poodle

This little Fella is absolutely adorable, with a big personality.

My favorite thing about him is the trust we have built up, he is so sweet when he comes to me for scritches!

His owners loves the cuddles he gives and how much of a character he is. 😁