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
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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! 🐶🌷

26/11/2024

🐾 FREE Puppy Socialisation Checklist! 🐾

Getting puppy socialisation right is one of the most important things you can do for your Labrador✨

Did you know that puppies have a critical socialisation window between 3–16 weeks?
During this time, they’re like little sponges, soaking up the world around them.
It’s the perfect opportunity to help them build confidence and learn to feel calm and neutral in new environments.

Want to make sure you’re covering all the right bases?
We’ve created a FREE Puppy Socialisation Checklist to help you!

✨How to get your FREE checklist: Simply comment the word PUPPY below, and we’ll send it to you.

📸

22/11/2024

Puppy socialisation is one of the most important steps in raising a confident, happy Labrador—but there’s a lot of confusion about what it really involves.

Let’s clear up the myths and focus on what really matters for your puppy’s development!

❌ Myths:
1️⃣ Meeting every dog and person = socialisation.
2️⃣ You can wait until your puppy is older to start.
3️⃣ Flooding your puppy with new experiences will speed up the process.

✅ Must-Do’s:
1️⃣ Gradual, positive exposure to new sights, sounds, smells, environments, experiences and textures.
2️⃣ Focus on quality over quantity—calm experiences are key.
3️⃣ Watch your puppy’s body language and go at their pace.

Socialisation isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.

Want to learn more?
Check out the latest episode of ‘The Labrador Podcast’! 🎙️

👉 Save this post for later and tag a fellow puppy owner who needs to see this! 🐶

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
📸 🐶 - give them a follow and some ❤️
⬆️ ⬆️ ⬆️

18/11/2024

The importance of puppy socialisation 🌟

Getting your Labrador puppy used to the world early on is key to helping them grow into a confident, happy adult dog. 🐾

The prime socialisation period is between 8 and 16 weeks of age. During this stage, puppies are especially receptive to new experiences.

Introducing them to a variety of sights, smells, sounds, textures, and environments during this time can significantly help their development.

Expose them gently to new experiences. But remember, it’s NOT about meeting every dog or person — it’s about creating positive associations and helping them stay neutral around new things.

A well-socialised puppy today is a calm and resilient adult dog tomorrow.

Do you have a new puppy?
Here’s three things that you can work on this week…

1) Create positive associations to new sounds
2) Introduce new textures and surfaces
3) Practice neutral greetings

🐶🐾🐕

12/11/2024

Do you wish you could take your Labrador everywhere with you? 🐾

If outings with your Labrador feel more stressful than enjoyable, our Real-World Training could be just what you need.

We’ll work together to tackle the real-life challenges, whether it’s overexcitement in town, recall issues at the dog park, leash pulling in the neighbourhood, or reactive moments in cafes.

No matter the challenge, we’ll create a tailored plan that’s right for you and your dog. Plus, we’ll choose the best training locations to make practice as realistic as possible.

So far, we’ve trained in cafes, shops, towns, trains, aeroplanes, fields, farms, car parks, country parks, homes, buses, churches, garden centres, and more. 🏞️🚂✈️

We’d love a few more obscure locations 😊
Can you challenge us? 🎢⛰️🗼🏝️🗽

We’re here to help you and your Labrador achieve success and will do all we can to help you on the path to a stress free, enjoyable outing with your Lab 🐕

Reach out if you need us 📧

09/11/2024

Do you dream of a dog walk where you’re not being pulled along by a disengaged Labrador that’s zigzagging, pulling, and lunging?

Would you prefer it if your Lab focused on you instead of the next squirrel or lamppost?

If you’ve been trying to teach loose leash walking for what feels like forever with no success, maybe it’s time for a different approach.

A new training plan, more knowledge, a different piece of equipment, or just a fresh set of eyes can make all the difference.

👉You don’t have to do it alone.

At Tails of Success, we’re here to help with in-person, Real-World Labrador training in Cirencester and Swindon.

We’ll work with you to turn those frustrating walks into the relaxed stroll that you and your Labrador enjoy. 🐾

🐕 Ready for a change?
Drop us a message, and let’s get started!

04/11/2024

🐾 Teaching the Art of Calm 🐾

Every week, I see Labradors working through behavioural challenges that could have been avoided, or greatly improved if they had learned that calmness outdoors is a good thing.

It’s easy to unintentionally teach your dog that every time the front door opens, it means excitement!
But this can lead to a Labrador that’s over-stimulated and over-excited which in turn contributes to many more problems.

That constant state of “fizz” outdoors often causes issues like poor recall, lack of engagement, and leash frustration.

One of the best gifts you can give your Labrador is teaching them that the outdoors isn’t always about excitement—it can also be a place to be calm, relaxed, and chilled.

If you’re bringing up a new puppy, or even working with an older dog, add big chunks into every walk or outing where you do absolutely nothing.
Let them sit, observe, and watch the world go by. 🌍

This helps them realise that not every dog is a playmate, not everyone needs to be their best friend, and not everything is theirs to investigate.

Patience is key: it won’t happen overnight.

But if you build this into your daily routine, you’ll see the results: a more balanced, calm Labrador who knows the art of doing NOTHING. 🐶💫

23/10/2024

Sometimes, training takes us to the most unexpected places!

One of our real-world training sessions today was at an airport for a Lab who needed to get comfortable in this unique environment.

Our Real-World training is completely tailored to each dog and handler, ensuring that each session reflects the challenges and situations they face in their everyday life.

Whether it’s an airport, a local dog park, a garden centre, or even your own home - our training happens wherever it’s most relevant to your dog’s needs.

No two sessions are the same because every dog and handler are different, and that’s what makes Real-World training so effective.

Want to learn more or book a session?
Head to www.tailsofsuccess.com to see how we can help you and your dog succeed in the real world 🐾

12/10/2024

🤔 Harness, collar, slip lead, face collar… so many options!!!
But which one is best? 👇

When it comes to choosing the right equipment for your dog—whether it’s a collar, harness, slip lead, or something else—it’s not about finding the one “best” tool, but about finding the one that works for YOUR dog and YOUR situation.

If you’ve seen us working with Labs, you’ll notice that we don’t stick to just one method or one piece of equipment.

You might see one dog using a slip lead, another in a harness, another with a slip collar, and another with a face collar.
That’s because every dog and every handler is unique, and their training plan needs to reflect that!

We tailor our training to suit not just the Labs needs but also the handler’s abilities, preferences, and safety.

We believe in being flexible and open-minded.

The right tool or method is the one that helps YOU and YOUR dog succeed!

So, don’t feel boxed into using one piece of equipment. Explore, be curious, and settle on what’s best for you and your dog.
And of course, if you need help to find the best methods and equipment for your situation, we’re here to help.

We’d love to hear from you—what works for your Lab?
Let us know in the comments! 👇

07/10/2024

📣 Attention Working-Line Labrador Owners! 🐾

If your Labrador hails from working lines, it’s so important to keep their breed traits in mind when planning their day-to-day activities.

These dogs are born with a strong desire to have a sense of purpose and love having a job to do. 🐕‍🦺

Now, this doesn’t mean your dog needs to be out retrieving game every weekend. But it does mean that a quick walk around the block or a bit of enrichment isn’t enough to satisfy their needs.
Working line Labradors thrive on physical and mental challenges! 🧠💪

Think about adding activities like gun dog training, scent detection, or even agility to your routine.
Basic training tasks with a focus on purpose are also a great way to channel their natural instincts.

Remember, it’s your job to give them a job! 🎯

Labs feel fulfilled and happy when tapping into what they’re truly bred for.
A Labrador with a job is a Labrador living their best life! 💛

What job does your Labrador have? ⬇️

02/10/2024

🌟 Good things come to those who work hard and never give up!
Two students that joined us today are a great example of this.

Lola barked at anything within 20 metres during her first session. Today, she sat calmly on her settle mat in a busy café, surrounded by dogs, people, and children.
What a transformation! 🌟

And Mabel? She and her human have worked hard to build confidence, learn new skills, and create an incredible bond. Now they take on new challenges together, full of trust and fun. 🐾❤️

Lola, Mabel and their humans turn up week after week to make progress that will ultimately get them to their goals.

At Tails of Success, we’re proud to see the amazing progress all of our students make every week. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the dedication, patience, and determination that bring results.

Remember, it’s the little steps each week that add up to the big changes over time.

So, if you’re feeling like progress is slow, look back and see just how far you’ve come.

Keep going, because good things come to those who work hard and never give up!

24/09/2024

Have you got a teenager on your hands?
Life can be a challenge when you have an adolescent dog.

If your young Labrador seems to be acting a bit out of character lately—pushing boundaries, being a little rebellious, or just not quite themselves—don’t worry, it’s totally normal!

Adolescence can be a tough time for your dog as they navigate their natural instincts and the challenges of growing up.

Want to know why this happens and how you can help them through it? 🤔

🎥 Head over to our YouTube channel to watch a series of videos that will help you understand what’s really going on during this phase!

You’ll get some great insights into your Labrador’s development and how to support them. 🐾❤️

Link in bio

21/09/2024

The moment your Labrador puppy arrives home is when the real training begins—but it’s not all about teaching loads of skills and tricks right away. 🐾

It’s about showing them their world in a positive way, helping them feel confident and secure.

By introducing them to new places, creating good habits, and helping them feel comfortable around people, environments, and objects, you’re laying the foundation for a well-rounded, confident Labrador ready to thrive when formal training starts.

You only get one shot at the early puppy stages, so having a solid training and socialisation plan is key!

That’s why our Online Puppy School is here to guide you. With a structured plan to help your pup learn important skills before bad habits form, and WhatsApp support to help you navigate any challenges, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way. 📲💬

Start your Labrador’s journey right—building their confidence, introducing them to their world in a positive light, and teaching them practical, functional skills. 🌟

Find out more about our Online Puppy School at tailsofsuccess.com 💻

18/09/2024

➡️ 10 Reasons Why Your Working-Line Labrador Needs More Than Generic Pet Training

Working-line Labradors are not your average family pets! Often with boundless energy, intelligence, and strong instincts, they need more than basic training to truly thrive. 🐾

If your Lab is from a working line, here’s 10 reasons why specialised training, like gun dog skills, can make all the difference:

1️⃣ Mental Stimulation:
They’re natural problem-solvers and need challenges to keep their minds engaged.

2️⃣ Energy Outlet:
Specialised training helps burn off that endless energy in a productive and controlled way.

3️⃣ Channel Their Instincts:
By tapping into their retrieving and hunting drive, you prevent frustration.

4️⃣ Improved Focus:
Breed-specific tasks teach them to stay responsive and focused on you.

5️⃣ Strengthen the Bond:
Tailored training deepens the connection between you and your Lab and allows you to have fun together.

6️⃣ Calm at Home:
When their needs are met outdoors, your Lab will be more relaxed and settled indoors.

7️⃣ Reliable Recall:
Gun dog-style training builds reliability and incentive so they respond to your recall, even off-lead!

8️⃣ Boost Confidence:
Mastering tasks builds their confidence, making them happier and more balanced.

9️⃣ Better Social Skills:
Specialised training can improve how they interact with, and around other dogs and people.

🔟 Prevent Destruction:
Without the right outlets, working-line Labs can become destructive. The right training keeps them content.

Want to help your Labrador reach their full potential? 🐶✨ join us for Real-World Training and together, we’ll focus on what they’re naturally great at and see them truly shine! 🌟

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🐾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