Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour

10/02/2025

Qualifications matter, check them 🎓
Even busy businesses, doesn’t mean they are ethical or good, or just because your mate used them. Do your own research.

Cheeky g€ts can charge more aswell, utter cheek! There’s loads in Doncaster claiming to be behaviourists, trainers, specialists, dog handlers…

Please for the sake of your puppy & dogs check their qualifications & that they are recognised degrees, qualifications & certifications relevant to the UK; not CPD!!

There’s too many charlatans about 🤡

🔻On paper - everyone can state they are a positive reinforcement trainer.

❌But when you look at their online content, photos, videos, hear them make certain statements, you realise the reality is very different.

🙁I know what red flags in dog training (and related) industry are and how to look out for them. But does an “average” dog owner know this too ? The answer is 🅝🅞. People assume that if the label says “X” that’s exactly what it is. But it’s an easy trap to fall into and ultimately your dog will pay the price.

First red flag 🚩

Anyone who uses (can be checked on photos, videos, and content posted) prong, shock, choke collars .

⭕️These are simply abuse tools, which cause pain & discomfort and are the furthest thing from positive reinforcement trainer/ force free training.

Look carefully through content, zoom in on photos & videos, make sure there are no hidden monsters like the one in photo below (from another “dog trainer”).

Second red flag 🚩

❌They make statements like “your dog needs to know you’re the boss”, or “dogs need to learn their place”. Dogs these days are all companion dogs (as even working and gun dogs are now more companion dogs then ever). Their “place” is as equal members of the family, and should be treated with respect they deserve.

Third red flag 🚩

No verifiable dog qualifications listed. These are all easily verifiable online these days, so if one is listed - you can check if the body awarding it exists, you can check members directory for individual trainers. You’d be surprised how easy it is to check this. Saying “I’ve worked with dogs for 20 years is not impressing anyone anymore, especially if you haven’t invested in professional development (which is absolutely necessary in any field), your knowledge hasn’t kept up with ever changing science and methodology.

The list of 🚩 flags can go on ….

🟢Can you identify any other red flags that would concern you straight away? 🟡

10/02/2025

Strict no to early neutering, but why neuter at all?
It’s an individual thing & if there are veterinary reasons eg illness etc, yes of course.

HOWEVER, like us, WE NEED OUR HORMONES!!🧬

Why are we taking healthy, normal hormones away without a scientific/factual reason..

Up to date science is finally coming with neutering. Please do your research beforehand, it is not just a routine surgery, it’s major; & unnecessary without reason.

The Hidden Impact of Early Neutering on Your Dog’s Behaviour

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—the behavioural effects of neutering dogs too young.

We’ve all heard that spaying/neutering helps with population control and can prevent certain health issues. But did you know that doing it too early can actually increase the risk of behavioural problems?

Why timing matters:
Hormones play a huge role in your dog’s emotional and behavioural development. When we remove them too soon (before full maturity), we can unintentionally cause:

- Increased fear & anxiety – Early neutering has been linked to heightened sensitivity to stress, making dogs more prone to fear-based reactivity.
- Reduced confidence – Without the hormonal guidance they need, some dogs struggle with social interactions, becoming more insecure or even more defensive.
- Higher risk of aggression – Contrary to popular belief, early neutering doesn’t always "calm a dog down." In some cases, it can lead to frustration-based aggression, especially in males.
- Excessive excitability & poor impulse control – Hormones help regulate brain development, and removing them too soon may contribute to hyperactivity or difficulty focusing.

So when should we neuter?
The best time depends on breed, size, and individual temperament. Larger breeds, in particular, benefit from waiting until at least 18-24 months to ensure proper bone, joint, and brain development. For smaller breeds, a little earlier *may* be appropriate, but it’s always best to discuss with a behaviour-conscious vet.

Neutering is just one piece of the puzzle – while it has its benefits, it’s not a magic fix for behaviour issues. Training, socialisation, and meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs play a far bigger role in shaping a well-balanced companion.

10/02/2025

‘Grot Collar’ name is very fitting!
A slip-lead, noose design that fits high on the dogs neck, behind the ears, & underneath around the neck & jaw line.

You see these (if you look close enough) on training photos of ‘well behaved dogs’ & businesses promoting how good they are..
Open your eyes! These are businesses that use balanced, aversive, & punishment based training methods = NOT EDUCATED business/people.

Cheese wire, noose, slip-lead, hanging tool!
NICE 👌🏼 How skilled they must be to use these.

Too many people giving these ‘Grots’ air time.

TRUST THE EDUCATED! Those who have qualifications & know the horrendous fall out to using such tools & such treatment. Foul!! Makes me so mad. Use your eyes 👀

Grot collars should be banned like e collars have. Painful awful devices.
I’ve seen yet another “k9 blah de blah” trainer set up in the area and these are the secret weapon.
They sit behind the ears on the most sensitive parts of the neck, and if the dog pulls they feel extreme pain as the handler yanks the grot lead.
Dog may not pull anymore because it’s too afraid to but all that fear is being suppressed. Then when the fear bomb finally comes out in the form of an attack on other dogs or people the animal gets destroyed 😢

Grot from the French “garrotte” that’s what they used to hang people. We need to have some sense and stop paying people for quick fixes that don’t work in the long term.

10/02/2025

Interesting.. 🦔

10/02/2025

Anything for my girl..
🌧️ April showers ready, look at todays weather ☔️

Being organised, I’ve just ordered the new Equafleece ‘Dachsie full suit’ in the new Petrol colour!
A client had the new colour, & completely fell in love, it’s a beautiful shade!

It’s got shorter leg lengths (1-1.5 inch) & needed another Equafleece as the other (left picture) drys etc, that’s a Mulberry colour, normal full suit (3-4 inch legs), I just turn the legs up, not a problem.
(I know I can cut them but didn’t want to).

That’s £100 right there, she also has a Rukka fully lined snow suit at £65 ish, however, they are the best investment ever.
❓Unless you like wet & stinky dogs in your house??
❓Or baths everyday??

-Previous to that I may have bathed her too often & she ended up with very dry skin. However, since the Equafleece I’ve had no issues!! I only bath her now every 8-15 weeks.
The Equafleece keeps them completely dry, regardless how wet the weather is, they are truly amazing!! And obviously toastie warm.

Should sell the Rukka as she’s only worn it 2-3 times. It’s beautiful & top quality.

Do I want to invest in the company, yes I do! 🙌🏼
equafleece 🐾 Equafleece 🙌🏼
Excellent customer service too!

The things we do for our little darlings ♥️ only the best baby girl!

EDIT: She’s a JackChi X Dachshund breed.

©️2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour

10/02/2025

✨Service Notice✨
-Update Announcement:

Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour©️ is committed to offering & delivering clients the highest professional quality service you expect & deserve.
-There are T&C’s in place to ensure fair & respectful guidelines to the service:
http://sarahmscdogtrainingbehaviour.weebly.com

In order to accommodate the change in personal & social needs, service popularity, rise in inflation & the economic climate, insurance prices & bills, Sarah MSc is editing the services, & in some cases raising the service prices WC 27.01.25.
Such updates are to remain within the professional industry & service standards, to competitively reflect MSc post-graduate qualifications in the animal industry, improve business efficiency & to stay in line with increased inflation.

•Sarah MSc service programmes & offers will still be available.
-Additional services will be added immediately, with future price adjustments occurring March-April 2025. Giving clients adequate notice to plan for the updates.

Sarah MSc greatly appreciates your continued business & support through this time of growth.

Many thanks again, Sarah MSc.

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour ©

08/02/2025

My good friend needs help! Can you fill in this questionnaire please, it’s an invaluable one about canine vaccinations & titre testing..

“I'm studying BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare and, if you live in the UK, I would be most grateful if you could please help me with my research by completing my questionnaire. Many thanks”

My name is Amanda Price and I am studying BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. My research aims to investigate UK dog owners' understanding and attitudes towards core vaccinations and titre testing. If you live in the UK and currently own, or have previous...

07/02/2025

🐾 Group Dog Walk Saturday 15th February 🦮

Who wants to join us??
⏰ 45 minute - 1 hour duration
📍 Rossington location
🐦‍⬛🪱An early one..
(Full details provided via message/email)

💷 Cost:
-Asking for £4 per dog temporarily to get the group established.
-Clients attend for free this week.
🆕 As this is a promising new service, my clients can attend for free again this week, (unfortunately, not suitable for all clients).
-Only asking for a small fee in the future; current clients will have a reduced rate.

The group will be welcomed initially, then meet & talk to every attendant while walking.
Please come if you & your dog love to walk, like to meet friends, chat, enjoy beautiful sceneries, kick the morning off correctly, & do something different. You can just walk, chat amongst yourselves with the other dog walkers, &/or you can chat to me about my services & any way I could support you. Anything goes, we just want smiley faces!

🔸T&C’s & polite guidelines:
All dogs must be friendly, & happy to be around other dogs. Owners are fully responsible for their own dog, ideally one dog per handler for safety precautions. Owners must have a collar on their dog & an Identification (ID) tag on, a harness, lead, poo bags, water, & anything you’d normally bring on walks. Sarah MSc takes no responsibility for of any incidents during the walk. We collectively must remain responsible, vigilant & safe at all times.
(For guidelines & T&C’s, read full details on the original Facebook post 04.02.25; contact with questions).

🥣 Refreshment water & bowls supplied afterwards.

Who’s coming??
We can hopefully create a regular schedule, & create a great dog walking group!

🤳🏼 📧 📲
Do send an email or message asap, & the payment details will be sent.
(Facebook message or email best)
💷 = Payment made secures your place! ✅
Only wanting approx 6-8 puppies or dogs to join the group walk initially (ultimately dog & group dependent, can reassess regularly).

T h a n k y o u

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour©️

06/02/2025

Yes!! 🙌🏼 = 🐾 👩🏼‍🎓 🎓 ✅

Thank you Companion Minds 👌🏼

Way too often am i hearing that other professionals are simply labelling a dog as 'aggressive'.

"Aggressive" is not a reason for a behaviour. A dog does not show aggressive behaviour just because it is aggressive. They show aggressive behaviour at great cost to themselves, and for various different reasons. Reasons for aggressive behaviour may be, most commonly: Pain/medical issue, fear, or frustration. These are complicated and have various nuances, but ultimately, these are explanations for the behaviour. For example "Rover" shows aggressive behaviour of barking/lunging/growling when he sees other dogs at 20 metres away because he is FEARFUL of them and looks to gain or retain space from them and repel them. Here we have description of behaviour, context of behaviour, with a diagnosis and motivation. Not just 'he's aggressive'- see the difference?

A dog is never showing aggressive behaviour just because they are 'aggressive', it doesn't make sense, they are not 'aggressive' across all contexts all of the time. It is not a personality trait. "Aggressive" is a general, vague description of a behaviour, it doesn't even actually specifiy what the dog is doing! "Aggressive" could include lunging, barking, snarling, showing teeth, growling, biting (and various degrees and intensity of biting), blocking, staring etc etc.

If the professional you are seeing uses 'aggressive' as a reason for the behaviour and otherwise cannot explain why they are showing that behaviour, please find a more qualified professional to support you and your dog. You can find one at Animal Behaviour and Training Council or CCAB register https://www.ccab.uk/find-a-ccab/, which is where you'll also find us.

We need to do better for our dogs.

05/02/2025

SAYING “NO!” IS REGARDED AS PUNISHMENT OR AN AVERSIVE BY PROGRESSIVE, FORCE-FREE TRAINERS & BEHAVIOURISTS, Koven Moodley - Smart Pet Behaviour.

What do I say??

‘No’ serves no purpose (positively & force-free wise). ‘No’ can be very frustrating, causes puppy’s & dogs to lash out, & provides no information for the pup/dog. ‘No’ only serves to interrupt the behaviour as opposed to changing it, or telling them what to do instead!

We humans talk too much. When training I barely speak, as the chatter is not required 🤐

A dogs first line of communication isn’t the English language, dogs are born with the ability primarily, & learn through body language, gestures, visual cues & then learnt behaviours, which includes learnt language; eg sit, wait, here.

That’s why positive reinforcement will only acknowledge the correct behaviours & thus, reinforce them. Easy!
Why point out someone’s faults, their difficulties, constantly calling them out & telling them they are wrong?? Not effective or kind.
Skip alllllll that & tell them what you do want instead, that’s Positive Reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is scientifically up to date, it’s ethical, kind & creates a very positive world around the owners & their dogs.

That’s how you know the qualified from the unqualified!
Do your research into your behaviourist &/or trainer, check those qualifications 🎓

Thank you (Sarah MSc’s take on original content) Koven Moodley - Smart Pet Behaviour.

©️2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour

05/02/2025

What do I say??
‘No’ serves no purpose (positively & force-free wise). ‘No’ can be very frustrating, causes puppy’s & dogs to lash out, & provides no information for the pup/dog. ‘No’ only serves to interrupt the behaviour as opposed to changing it, or telling them what to do instead!

We humans talk too much. When training I barely speak, as the chatter is not required 🤐

A dogs first line of communication isn’t the English language, dogs are born with the ability primarily, & learn through body language, gestures, visual cues & then learnt behaviours, which includes learnt language; eg sit, wait, here.

That’s why positive reinforcement will only acknowledge the correct behaviours & thus, reinforce them. Easy!
Why point out someone’s faults, their difficulties, constantly calling them out & telling them they are wrong?? Not effective or kind.
Skip alllllll that & tell them what you do want instead, that’s Positive Reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is scientifically up to date, it’s ethical, kind & creates a very positive world around the owners & their dogs.

That’s how you know the qualified from the unqualified! Do your research into your behaviourist &/or trainer, check those qualifications.

Thank you Koven Moodley - Smart Pet Behaviour

SAYING "NO!" IS REGARDED AS PUNISHMENT OR AN AVERSIVE BY PROGRESSIVE, FORCE-FREE TRAINERS AND BEHAVIOURISTS

Did you know that telling or shouting NO! to your dog or cat means little or nothing? It is not a clear cue as to what you want him/her to do. It is not a behaviour. It may work for you by stopping the current behaviour for a little while, but its scary to them and teaches him/her nothing. Behaviour interruption does not mean behaviour extinction. "No" means little without further direction.

“When you say “no” and your pet stops the behavior, but then repeats it soon afterwards, the “no” was merely an interrupter. Skeptical? Try saying “pickle” instead of “no,” and the same pattern of stopping then repeating the behavior is likely to return. Instead, of saying no, show your dog what you want it to do, “ - Valarie V. Tynes, Veterinary Behaviorist. So whether you use honey, money, or any other word with a certain tone that is scary, the behaviour is likely to return.

You can shout any word that you would like - it's not the word that interrupts the behaviour but the tone of your voice and body language which is normally regarded as scary and intimidating by your dog. This IS punishment and bullying! The fallout of punishment and bullying is a less confident pet and one that is fearful of you.

Rather give your pet an alternative behaviour to engage in, like asking for a sit while jumping up, or redirect him to a more constructive behaviour when you see him engaging in something you are not happy with, like redirecting him to dig in a prepared digging pit as opposed to scolding him for digging holes in the garden or redirecting a cat to use a scratch post as opposed to the furniture. "No" is used in everyday language with friends and family while sometimes accompanied by finger pointing, so when your pet hears this while resting or playing, he can become confused and worried - that word is too generic.

"It’s ultimately utterly unfair to the dog (or cat) to have him try to “guess” what it is that will get you to stop saying "no" or yelling at him and start loving him, yet these are the circumstances to which many dogs are reduced" - Dr. Karen Overall, Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.

As a progressive trainer and behaviourist, positive reinforcement and negative punishment is preferred over negative reinforcement and positive punishment when working with animals. If your trainer tells you you shout or yell "no" or "stop it" to your pet, run away. Fast. Find a fully force-free trainer that understands emotionality and the most up to date science in training. Your pet deserves nothing less, and your relationship with your pet will be better for it.

04/02/2025

🐾 Group Dog Walk Saturday 15th February 🦮

Who wants to join us??
⏰ 45 minute - 1 hour duration
📍 Rossington location
🐦‍⬛🪱An early one..
(Full details provided via message/email)

💷 Cost:
-Asking for £4 per dog temporarily to get the group established.
-Clients attend for free this week.
🆕 As this is a promising new service, my clients can attend for free again this week, (unfortunately, not suitable for all clients).
-Only asking for a small fee in the future; current clients will have a reduced rate.

The group will be welcomed initially, then meet & talk to every attendant while walking.
Please come if you & your dog love to walk, like to meet friends, chat, enjoy beautiful sceneries, kick the morning off correctly, & do something different. You can just walk, chat amongst yourselves with the other dog walkers, &/or you can chat to me about my services & any way I could support you. Anything goes, we just want smiley faces!

🔸T&C’s & polite guidelines:
All dogs must be friendly, & happy to be around other dogs. Owners are fully responsible for their own dog, ideally one dog per handler for safety precautions; particularly for strong dogs or those that pull. Message/email if you have a question on this.
Owners must have a collar on their dog & an Identification (ID) tag on, a harness, lead, poo bags, water, & anything you’d normally bring on walks. Owners are fully responsible if they let their dog off lead, & can organise a few off lead with agreement from the other owners themselves. (Off lead dogs must be controllable, & must not pester the on lead dogs, or the general public etc). Any dog causing havoc or being a pain in the bum will be asked to be put back on lead. Sarah MSc takes no responsibility for of any incidents during the walk. We collectively must remain responsible, vigilant & safe at all times.

🥣 Refreshment water & bowls supplied afterwards.

Who wants to come??
From here we can hopefully develop a regular schedule, & create a great dog walking group!

🤳🏼 📧 📲
Do send an email or message asap, & the payment details will be sent.
💷 = Payment made secures your place! ✅
Only wanting approx 6-8 puppies or dogs to join the group walk initially (ultimately dog & group dependent, can reassess regularly).

T h a n k y o u

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour©️

01/02/2025

🌟 Pinch & a Punch, it’s 1st of the Month!
(No returns)

♥️ Happy 1st February 2025 ♥️

January seems to have gone on for 60 days, yet was two minutes since Christmas..

Acknowledge your loved one this Valentines!
🐾 ♥️ 🐾 ♥️ 🐾 ♥️ 🐾

White Rabbits, White Rabbits, White Rabbits
🐇 🐇 🐇

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour ©

31/01/2025

🐾 Group Dog Walk Tomorrow 🦮
-Saturday 1st February.

‼️ ‼️ LAST CALL‼️ ‼️

Who wants to join us??
⏰45 minute - 1 hour duration
📍Rossington location
(Full details provided via message/email)

🆕 As this is a promising new service, my clients can attend for free this week, (not suitable for all clients unfortunately).
And only asking for a small fee in the future; current clients will have a reduced rate.
💷 Cost:
-Clients attend for free this week.
-Asking for £4 per dog temporarily to get the group established.

I will welcome the group initially, then meet & talk to every attendant while walking.
Please come if you’d like to meet friends, chat, blow those cobwebs off, & do something different. You can chat amongst yourselves with the other dog walkers, &/or you can chat to me about my services & how I can support you. Anything goes, we just want smiley faces!

🔸T&C’s & polite guidelines:
All dogs must be friendly, & happy to be around other dogs. Owners are fully responsible for their own dog, ideally one dog per handler for safety precautions.
Owners must have a collar on their dog & an Identification (ID) tag on, a harness, lead, poo bags, water, & anything you’d normally bring on walks. Sarah MSc takes no responsibility for of any incidents during the walk.
We collectively must remain responsible, vigilant & safe at all times. Message/email if you have questions.

🥣 Refreshment water & bowls supplied after the walk.

❓Who wants to come❓

🤳🏼 📧 📲
Do send an email or message asap, & the payment details will be sent.
💷 = Payment made secures your place as only wanting approx 6 puppy or dogs to join the group walk initially.

Sarah can hopefully create a regular dog walking group!
🐾 PLEASE SHARE

Be quick ⏰ no more after 5pm, we’ll be closed!

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour©️

31/01/2025

Last day for new enquiries to book in, for:
•The Group Dog Walk 🐾
•Behaviour-Training Consultations
•Training Sessions

Consultations & Sessions:
Following appointments today & tomorrow, Saturday, some future availability & appointments may no longer be available.
It’s a very busy day today, & unfortunately after the afternoon, will not have the time for any admin.
Therefore, late responses or enquiries will be addressed from Monday when back open.

🐾 Group Dog Walk Tomorrow Contact ASAP ⏰

Unfortunately appointments cannot be held without confirmation or payment. Therefore, if you have not yet confirmed an offer, know some availability may be no longer be available.

Thank you your understanding.
Have a great Weekend!

©2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour

31/01/2025

🐾 Group Dog Walk Tomorrow 🦮
-Saturday 1st February.

Who wants to join us?? BE QUICK!
⏰45 minute - 1 hour duration
📍Rossington location
(Full details provided via message/email)

🆕 As this is a promising new service, my clients can attend for free this week, (not suitable for all clients unfortunately).
And only asking for a small fee in the future; current clients will have a reduced rate.
💷 Cost:
-Clients attend for free this week.
-Asking for £4 per dog temporarily to get the group established.

I will welcome the group initially, then meet & talk to every attendant while walking.
Please come if you’d like to meet friends, chat, blow those cobwebs off, & do something different. You can chat amongst yourselves with the other dog walkers, &/or you can chat to me about my services & how I can support you. Anything goes, we just want smiley faces!

🔸T&C’s & polite guidelines:
All dogs must be friendly, & happy to be around other dogs. Owners are fully responsible for their own dog, ideally one dog per handler for safety precautions; particularly for strong dogs or those that pull.
Owners must have a collar on their dog & an Identification (ID) tag on, a harness, lead, poo bags, water, & anything you’d normally bring on walks. Owners are fully responsible if they let their dog off lead, & can organise a few off lead with agreement from the other owners themselves. (Off lead dogs must be controllable, & must not pester the on lead dogs, or the general public etc). Any dog causing havoc or being a pain in the bum will be asked to be put back on lead. Sarah MSc takes no responsibility for of any incidents during the walk.
We collectively must remain responsible, vigilant & safe at all times. Message/email if you have questions.

🥣 Refreshment water & bowls supplied after the walk.

❓Who wants to come❓

🤳🏼 📧 📲
Do send an email or message asap, & the payment details will be sent.
💷 = Payment made secures your place as only wanting approx 6 puppy or dogs to join the group walk initially.
(Ultimately dog & group dependent, can reassess regularly).

Sarah can hopefully create a regular dog walking group!
🐾 PLEASE SHARE

Be quick folks! ⏰ no more after 5pm we’ll be closed.

2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour©️

30/01/2025

🐾 Group Dog Walk this Saturday 1st February 🦮

Who wants to come along?
Read the post for details.. Full confirmation on booking.

📧🤳🏼📲 Get in touch!

Secure yours & your dogs place 🐾

©2019-2025 Sarah MSc Dog Training & Behaviour