Tails of Success - Labrador Training

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Tails of Success - Labrador Training

Tails of Success deliver training, behavioural, food and nutrition services for Labradors, allowing

18/01/2025

Life with a Labrador isn’t always smooth sailing, and achieving training success isn’t a straight path – it’s full of ups and downs, twists and turns, just like a rollercoaster. 🎢

There will be days when everything clicks, and your Labrador feels like the best-behaved dog in the world.
And then there are days when it all seems to go sideways, leaving you feeling frustrated and defeated. 😞

But here’s the thing: those challenging days are just as important as the good ones. 👇
They’re opportunities to assess what’s going wrong, make adjustments, hit reset, try again, and build it back up even stronger.

So, when you find yourself in one of those down days, take a deep breath. Find something to do with your dog that allows you to be successful together, and be prepared to tackle the challenges again tomorrow with a fresh approach and new determination to get better.

The effort is always worth it. 🌟🐕

14/01/2025

Calmer walks start before you even step outside. ✨

If you’re dreaming of peaceful strolls with your Labrador, it all begins with one simple skill: ‘wait.’ 🐾

Before the walk even begins, there are so many opportunities to encourage calmness and focus.
Whether it’s waiting for the leash to go on, the door to open, or the car boot to close, these small pauses help your dog practise patience and set the tone for a better walk.

Each pause teaches your Labrador to: ✅ Listen. ✅ Stay focused. ✅ Work calmly for what they want.

Swipe through the carousel to discover 8 easy ways to practise ‘wait’ and start every walk off on the right foot (or paw). 🐕✨

11/01/2025

Whether you’re a team of two or a team of ten - every team needs a leader.

Living with, caring for, and training your dog is all about teamwork. But at the heart of that team is you - the one who leads the team in the right direction.

Being a leader isn’t about dominance or being on a power trip. It’s about taking responsibility and making sure your team has everything they need and are guided in the right direction.

We chose to bring our dogs into our lives and families, so it’s up to us to provide the guidance they need to thrive.

Leadership means showing them how to make good choices and behave in a way that works for both of you.
It’s about making life as smooth and enjoyable as possible for them, and for you.

Some people shy away from the idea of being the “leader of the pack” because it feels outdated or unnecessary.
But think about leadership this way👇

Your favourite sports team has a manager, you have a boss at your work place, our governments have leaders, the charity you support has a directoror, and this is replicated in almost every organisation.
There’s always someone who takes on the role of guiding, supporting, reinforcing rules and caring for the rest.
And for your dog, that’s you. ❤️

07/01/2025

Stop searching for perfection – it doesn’t exist. 🚫

Many of us accept that we’re not perfect, yet we place unrealistic expectations on our Labradors.

We want them to be calm in every situation, to always come when called, or to never bark.
But here’s the truth: your Labrador isn’t a robot.
They have their own brains, personalities, and quirks – and that’s what makes them special.

Sure, strive to be great!
Work on training, strengthening your bond, and helping your dog grow. But keep your expectations realistic.

Every walk, every training session, every moment you spend together is about progress, not perfection.

Celebrate the small wins, learn from the challenges, and enjoy the journey.

Let’s take the pressure off ourselves and our dogs.
They don’t need us to be perfect either – they just need us to show up for them every day.

What’s one SMALL bit of progress you’ve achieved with your Labrador this week? 👇

04/01/2025

What does recall mean to your Labrador? 🐾

Does it mean: ❌ “Come back quickly, there’s another dog up ahead.” ❌ “Come back, I’m ending your fun and putting the lead on.” ❌ “Come back, it’s time to leave.” ❌ “Come back, you’ve been naughty.” ❌ “Come back, free time is over.”

If these are the only reasons your Labrador hears “come back,” it’s no wonder they might see recall as something to ignore. 😕

Sure, sometimes you’ll need to pop them on a lead or head home—but that shouldn’t be their main experience of recall!

To build a recall they love, make it a positive thing:
 ✔️ Call them back to give them treats, praise, fuss or a quick game. ✔️ Release them to carry on their fun after they come back. ✔️ Make recall about rewards, not restrictions.

Make positives outcomes the normal, and when recall means good things happen, you’ll find they listen so much more—even when it really matters.

Start making recall a win-win for you and your Labrador! 🐶

31/12/2024

Generic advice is just that— use it as a guide, rather than a rule.

It might work for some, but your Labrador isn’t just any dog.
They have their own unique character, personality, drive, and quirks. And let’s not forget—you’re unique too!

The way you interact, live, and work with your dog is far from generic.
This is why one-size-fits-all solutions often miss the mark.

If I meet 5 Labradors with the same challenge in a day, I’m unlikely to train any of them in the exact same way.

Each dog and handler learns differently, and the training MUST reflect that to be successful.

Tailored techniques, rooted in your dog’s specific needs and your unique situation, are what make all the difference. ✨

Training isn’t about forcing your dog into a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about understanding them as individuals and setting both of you up for success. 💛

If you’ve been struggling to see results from following generic advice, it’s not a failure—it’s a sign to pivot.

Struggling with your Labrador’s training?

Let us help you find a personalised approach that works for you and your dog.

28/12/2024

When you train with your Labrador, you’re doing so much more than teaching them skills.
You’re dedicating focused time together to have fun, build trust, understanding, and connect in a way that will last a lifetime.

You’ll discover each other’s quirks, learn what makes them tick, and most importantly, you’ll have fun along the way.

Every recall, every sit, every retrieve is a conversation between you and your dog.
It’s how they learn to trust you, how they grow to listen to you, and how they become the best companion you could ever hope for.

Training is about teamwork—it’s learning, practicing, succeeding (and sometimes failing) together.

Along the way, you’ll master new skills and behaviours, but even more rewarding, you’ll notice your bond growing stronger with every session.

The best relationships don’t happen by chance, they require work, care and commitment.

Are you ready to strengthen your bond you share with your Labrador?

24/12/2024

Did you know there are two distinct types of Labradors?

Many owners don’t realise the difference, and this can lead to mismatched expectations.

Working-line Labradors are high-energy, driven, and thrive on mental and physical challenges, while show-line Labradors tend to be calmer and more laid-back—but they still need regular training and enrichment.

💡 Whether you already have a Labrador or are considering adding one to your family, understanding their unique traits is key to helping them thrive in your home.

👉 Swipe through to learn about the differences and discover which type is best suited to your lifestyle!

Which type of Labrador do you have?
Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

📩 Need advice on training or caring for your Labrador?
Send me a DM—I’m here to help!

22/12/2024

🎄 Keep Your Labrador Safe This Christmas

The festive season is a time for fun, family, and of course, sharing the magic with your Labrador! 🐾

But Christmas celebrations can bring hidden dangers for our dogs.

Here are some key things to watch out for:

🍫 Chocolate & Sweets – Keep all festive treats well out of reach. Chocolate and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) are toxic to dogs.

🥧 Dried Fruits – Mince pies, Christmas puddings, and fruitcake contain raisins, sultanas, and currants, which are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

🎄 Decorations & Gifts – Baubles, tinsel, and ribbons might look fun to chew but can cause choking or blockages. Keep an eye on wrapped gifts under the tree too!

🕯️ Candles & Open Fires – Those cosy vibes can turn into a hazard if your Labrador gets their wagging tail too close.

🍷 Festive Drinks – Alcohol is a no-go for dogs. Make sure glasses are left safely out of reach.

🍗 Leftover Bones – Turkey bones may seem like a treat, but they can splinter and cause serious harm.

Accidents happen so be prepared: 👇

⭕️First Aid Kit – Stock it with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and surgical tape.

⭕️Emergency Vet Contact Info – Save the number of a 24/7 vet in your area or wherever you’re visiting.

⭕️Know What to Do – Learn how to recognise signs of poisoning or choking and take action quickly.

⭕️Pet Insurance Details – Have your policy number and emergency contact info at hand.

Make this a Christmas to remember for all the right reasons! Keep it fun, keep it safe, and enjoy having your Labrador by your side for all the festive fun.

20/12/2024

People often ask for lead or collar recommendations to stop their Labrador pulling.
The truth is, no lead or collar has magical powers to change your dog’s behaviour.

• Using a slip lead and hoping for the best might result in your dog gasping for breath.

• Using on a harness and hoping for the best might result in even more pulling.

• Using a head collar and hoping for the best might lead to your dog scraping their nose along the floor.

Why?
Because no matter what tool you use, it’s the training alongside the tool that makes the difference.

When choosing the right lead, it’s about finding what works for YOU and YOUR Labrador.

Speak with your trainer, and be open-minded. The tool you settle on should be influenced by factors like your dog’s behaviour, your strength, mobility, health, and much more.
👉What works for your friend, may not work for you👈

A flexible and thoughtful approach is key to finding a solution that works best for you and your dog.

At Tails of Success, we tailor our recommendations to meet the needs of both you and your Labrador. Whether it’s a fixed collar, slip lead, long lead, no lead, harness, or head collar, the right choice will depend on how it fits into your training plan and helps you succeed together.

Which lead / collar combo works best for you and your Lab?
Let us know in the comments!

18/12/2024

🐾 Teach Your Puppy to Relax 🐾

Labrador puppies are often FULL of energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm - so it’s really important to teach them the art of doing NOTHING.

By giving your puppy opportunities to do absolutely nothing, you’re helping them learn that calmness is a normal, natural state and that downtime is a good thing.

✨ Three Simple Ways to Get Started:

1️⃣ Quiet Time at Home 🛋️
Sit calmly together - no toys, no training, no fuss, no treats, no expectations. Settle on the sofa or the floor and allow your puppy to relax alongside you.

2️⃣ Pause on Walks 🌳
Find a quiet bench and sit with your puppy, letting them observe the world. No interaction, no fuss, no distractions - just calmness.

3️⃣ Create a Calm Zone ⛺️
Set up a cosy space at home where your puppy can rest undisturbed. Encourage them to spend short, calm periods there with no stimulation. Let it become the place to rest and relax away from distractions.

✨ Why it matters:
✅ Reduces overstimulation and excitement.
✅ Builds calm behaviour as the default.
✅ Helps teach patience and self-regulation.

You’re not teaching a “command” here—you’re simply creating situations where they learn it’s ok to do NOTHING.

Start small: a few minutes a day and over time, your Lab will learn that having nothing to do brings calmness.

🧡 Do you have a favourite way to “do nothing” with your Labrador? Let us know 👇

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16/12/2024

There will be days when your Labrador behaves like they’ve never been trained at all!

They’ll have moments where it feels like they’ve forgotten all they know, or they just seem to be on a completely different page. - sound familiar?

It’s frustrating, but also totally normal.
We all have bad days, and our dogs are no exception.
 Your job is to make sure a bad day doesn’t turn into a bad week.
 The key is to step back, reassess, and find solutions to make sure tomorrow is more successful.

Yesterday, I had one of those challenging days with my own Labrador. Her behaviour was out of character – her focus wasn’t there, everything felt difficult, and it seemed like we were on different pages.

But instead of seeing it as a failure, I used it as an opportunity to rethink my approach.

Today, I took a step back, reflected on what had gone wrong, and made a plan to get us back on track.

We focused on her strengths, added in some new skills to keep things exciting, and made training fun again.
By the end of the session, we both felt good – we had fun, and we achieved so much, as a team. 🏆

So, if you’re having a tough day with your Labrador, don’t worry.
Take a moment to reflect, try something different, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it.

🌟Your goal is to make tomorrow better!🌟

12/12/2024

The secret to training success?
There is no secret. 🐾

It’s all about:
✅ Consistency over intensity –
Show up daily, even for 5-10 minutes and create habits.

✅ Progress over perfection –
Celebrate small wins, because every step forward matters.

✅ Fundamentals over fads –
Focus on the basics like lead walking, recall, and calmness.

✅ Repetition, repetition, repetition –
Labradors thrive with consistency and predictable routines.

Training your Labrador doesn’t have to be complicated.
Stick to the basics, stay consistent, and enjoy every small moment of progress.

You’ve got this! 🐾

Need help with training?
Visit us at www.tailsofsuccess.com or drop me a message.

10/12/2024

🎄 Festive offer alert 🎄

✨ Give the gift of training this Christmas, with a Tails of Success Gift Voucher! 🎁

Perfect for every Labrador lover, these vouchers can be used for in-person Real-World Training or online training sessions.

From playful puppies, cheeky adolescents, golden oldies behavioural challenges, we’ve got you covered.

🎄 Exclusive festive offer 🎄
Buy a £50 voucher before 24th December 2024 and receive a free LickiMat, the perfect way to keep your Labrador entertained.

📧 Ready to treat someone special (and their furry friend)? Email [email protected] to get yours today!

*subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

08/12/2024

When we think about training a Labrador puppy, it’s easy to focus on generic skills like sit, stay, and recall.
But the real question is: what kind of adult Labrador do you want?

Instead of following a one-size-fits-all list, take a moment to imagine your Labrador at 2, 3, or even 10 years old.
Their training should be tailored to the life you envision together.

Ask yourself:
🔹 Are they going to be a family pet, enjoying calm evenings at home?
🔹 Will they accompany you to work or busy public places?
🔹 Are you raising a working dog with a job to do?
🔹 Do you want them to be super sociable or reserved around new people?
🔹 Are they going to explore new places with you daily or relax at home?
🔹 Should they be comfortable around children, other pets, or even crowds?
🔹 Do you need a calm, quiet companion or an energetic partner for adventures?

These questions help you decide what to prioritise in training—because no two Labradors (or families) are the same.

Here are a few things to consider teaching your puppy based on your goals:
✅ Settling calmly, no matter where you are
✅ Walking nicely on a lead
✅ Confidence in new environments
✅ Reliable recall, even around distractions
✅ Good manners when greeting people or other dogs
✅ Patience and self-control, like waiting for food or toys
✅ A specific skill, like retrieving or scent work, for working dogs

Training isn’t just about teaching behaviours—it’s about shaping the adult dog you’ll share your life with.

📝 So, what’s on your list for your Labrador’s future?
That’s what your puppy training should be based on.

Let me know in the comments what you want from your adult dog! 👇

📸

04/12/2024

🌿✨ Taking a moment to sit and enjoy the view.

In every outing with your Labrador, I recommend introducing a moment of ‘nothing’.
Sit calmly with your Lab and let the world unfold around you.

👇 Why it’s so beneficial: 👇

🧡 Encourages your dog to relax and be calm in new environments.
🧡 Builds their confidence by helping them process the world at their own pace.
🧡 Teaches patience, helping your dog learn to settle even when things are happening around them.

👇 Try this today: 👇

Next time you’re out with your Lab, find a safe, quiet spot to sit for 5 minutes. No jobs, no excitement, no fuss—just observe together.
Notice how your dog relaxes and starts taking in their surroundings.

Moments like these are where real magic happens.
Give it a go and let us know how you get on.

📸 Thanks to our model during her training session at , looking gorgeous in her jumper 🐶

02/12/2024

Do you have an adolescent Labrador?
👇

We all know Labradors go through their own version of the teenage years!
From sudden energy surges to “forgetting” their training, adolescence can be a challenging phase for both you and your dog.

I’m preparing an episode of the_labrador_podcast all about navigating this tricky time, and I’d love to hear from YOU!

📩 What’s your biggest question about adolescent Labradors?
- Drop your question in the comments, or send via message if you’d prefer.

I’ll answer as many as I can in the episode.

29/11/2024

🌸 Help Your Puppy Bloom! 🌸
 One of my favourite spots to take a young puppy for socialisation is a garden centre. 🪴
They’re often dog-friendly and packed with opportunities for your pup to explore and build confidence.

🌿 Textures and Scents –
Plants of all shapes, sizes, textures colours, and smells.
 👣 New Surfaces –
From smooth tiles, carpets, stones and gravel paths, to muddy puddles… perfect for little paws to explore .
 ☕ Cafés –
Full of different sounds, smells, and people… and cake for you.
 🐾 Pet Stores –
Bonus fun for your pup… and maybe a cheeky dog treat too!

These outings are a great way to gently introduce your puppy to new experiences, all in a safe and welcoming space.

So, why not pop a trip to your local dog-friendly garden centre on your list this weekend?

📋 Grab our FREE Puppy Socialisation Checklist by commenting the word PUPPY in the comments below.

And don’t forget to tune into Episode 39 of for even more tips on socialising your Labrador.

Tag us in your garden centre adventures—I’d love to see what your pup discovers! 🐶🌷

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Does your dog turn into a whirlwind during fetch? Switch it up with a calm and focused version of the game! Here’s what to do: 1️⃣ Ask your dog to sit & wait calmly while you place the ball. 2️⃣ Release them only when you’re ready. 3️⃣ Encourage them to return and sit calmly before repeating. This simple tweak turns fetch into more than just a game – it’s a chance to work on impulse control, calmness, build focus, and strengthen your teamwork. Ready to try it? Let me know how your dog gets on in the comments! #labradortraining #tailsofsuccess #dogtrainingtips #labradorpuppy #puppytraining #dogtrainingadvice #puppytrainingtips #labradortrainer #puppylover #dogtraininghack #calmdog #happydoghappylife 🥾 @meindlboots 👖 @revolutionrace 📍 @cirencesterpark_bathurstestate 🐕 @ellie_foxred

I’m often asked “how can I amuse my lab when it’s raining?”   My answer: 👇 Pop on your raincoat, slip into your wellies, and embrace the rain! You’ll discover that rainy-day walks can be just as fun (if not more!) for both you and your Labrador.  While enrichment activities at home are great, there’s no substitute for fresh air and physical exercise! Your Labrador needs to stretch their legs, burn energy, and enjoy the outdoors - rain or shine. Rainy day walks are my favourite. Do you brave the rain with your Labrador? #tailsofsuccess #labrador #labradorpuppy #labradorable #enrichmentfordogs #canineenrichment #dogsneedexercise #rainorshine #wetdog #rainydayvibes #wellies #raincoat #dogdryingcoat #wetweathergear #dogsinpuddles #soggydoggy #labradorlove #labsareawesome #foxredlabs #foxredlabrador #dogvideos #puppyvideos #labradorvideos

Do your walks feel more chaotic than calm? Pulling, distractions, or that constant Labrador energy can make it hard to enjoy your time together. But here’s a simple tip that could change everything: take a few minutes during every walk to pause. Ask your dog to sit or lay down, with no expectations other than relaxing and watching the world go by. This easy ‘time out’ can help your Labrador reset, calm frantic behaviour, and even improve their focus. It’s a small change with BIG benefits for your dog—and for you too! Make this a part of your daily walk routine, and you’ll see the difference: a calmer Labrador and a more enjoyable walk for both of you. Try it today and let me know how it goes #tailsofsuccess #labrador #labradorvideos #labradorreels #labradorpuppy #labradorlove #labradortraining #gundogtraining #gundogtrainingtips #workinglinelabrador #showlabrador #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogsinyellow #calmdogs

Does your Labrador rush through gates, fences, or stiles? Teaching them to wait at boundaries isn’t just a safety skill, it’s something that will help promote calmness and lead to stress-free walks. By pausing and waiting for your cue, they learn to trust you to take the lead and check it’s safe before they follow. This simple routine helps prevent accidents! With consistent practice, your Labrador will be waiting patiently in no time, ready to enjoy every adventure safely. 💡 Have you taught your dog to wait at gates? Share your experiences 👇 #tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #labradortrainer #labradorreels #labradorvideos #labradorpuppy #labsarelife #dogtrainingadvice #puppytrainingadvice #gundogtraining #petdogs #dogsarethebest

Dog walks shouldn’t feel like a battle. 🐾 If you dread walking your dog and feel like you’re not making progress with loose lead walking, try this: ✔️ Assess the methods you are using, is it the most suitable for your situation? ✔️ Teach your dog where you want them to walk and reinforce it every time you go out. ✔️ Explore lead options and be open minded about which lead you use. Not every lead is suitable for every dog and handler. If you’re struggling with loose lead walking, don’t go it alone. With the right guidance and tools, you can turn your walks into something you enjoy. Invest in a training session and take the first step towards stress-free walks. #tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #dogtrainingadvice #labradorpuppy #labradortrainingtips #leashwalking #looseleadwalking #dogtrainingvideo #balanceddogtraining #gundogtraining #positivedogtraining #dogtrainingthatworks #blacklabrador #labradorlove #labradorvidoes #slipleadtraining

Is your Labrador comfortable with boredom? 🐾 Life isn’t always full of excitement, so teaching your Labrador to embrace calm moments is essential. Whether it’s waiting quietly on a walk, resting during training, or simply laying in their bed, these moments matter. We can’t provide constant stimulation, and that’s okay. Learning to be content with ‘nothing to do’ helps your Labrador manage their energy, stay focused, and handle the ups and downs of daily life. Does your Labrador know how to embrace the quiet moments? Let me know in the comments! 👇 #tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #labradortrainingtips #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #puppytrainingtips #newpuppyparents #newdogowner #becalm #gundogtraining #gundogtrainingtips #balanceddogtraining #positivedogtraining #foxredlab #foxredlabradorpuppy

Improving loose leash walking with your Labrador doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming! 🐾 In this video, we’re using traffic cones in a car park to create a slalom. By weaving around obstacles, your Labrador learns to stay focused and connected with you! Straight-line walks don’t teach your Labrador to think or pay attention, but incorporating objects like cones, trees, or planters into your walks makes a world of difference. Try this for just 5 minutes a day for a week, and you’ll notice your Labrador becoming more engaged and attentive. It’s an easy habit that delivers BIG results! 🌟 Have a go and let me know how you get on in the comments. #tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #labradortrainer #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #puppytraining #puppytrainingtips #puppytrainer #positivedogtraining #balancedtraining #gundogtraining #gundogtrainingtips #looseleadwalking #looseleashtraining #labsarebest #foxredlab

🐾Teach Your Labrador the Art of Calm🐾 Many behavioural challenges I see with Labradors stem from excitement overload outdoors. It’s natural for them to think every outing is playtime—but teaching them that sometimes it’s just about being calm can make all the difference. Next time you’re out, find a moment to sit and let your dog watch the world go by. This simple practice helps them understand that not every dog is a playmate, and not every person is a friend to jump on. Add this into your weekly training routine and watch your dog become more relaxed and balanced. Ready to start? Comment below if you’re going to give this a go! 👇 #tailsofsuccess #labradortraining #labradortrainer #calmdogs #calmdogsarehappydogs #happydoghappylife #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #puppytrainingtips #puppytrainingadvice #labradorpuppy #labradorworld #labradorlovers

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About Tails of Success

My name is Vikki Sharpe, the founder and owner of Tails of Success.

Tails of Success is a canine consultancy that delivers training and behavioural services to dogs and their owners. Our proven techniques and skills, recognised by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and the British College of Canine Studies (BCCS), allow families to live a stress-free life together, using positive, force free training methods.

Whilst we deliver training and behavioural services to all types of dog, we have a special love for Labradors, making this our speciality. Being Labrador owners ourselves, we know the Labrador breed inside out and back-to-front, allowing us to offer specialised training and guidance to help you deal with specific challenges, or take preventative steps to deal with them before they arise.

We offer small group training, personal consultations and one-to-one training for families and their dog in The Cotswolds, plus other surrounding counties. Not limited to the UK, Tails of Success also delivers online consultations and training packages worldwide, using the latest video technology