Charlotte & Shadow - Dog Behaviour & Training

23/08/2021

Today's PSA is brought to you on behalf of trainers everywhere who want you to know our choice to avoid the use of punishment isn't based on some rainbow & sunshine outlook on the world. It's based on our commitment to studying what science has learned - and continues to learn - about this incredible species we bring into our world rather than sticking to folklore & the "way it's always been done". When you know better, you do better.

21/08/2021

The best trainers never stop continuing science based education.

The best trainers care. They care about your dog's welfare, they care about you as your dog's caretaker, they care about your relationship between you & your dog. So they continue education to set themselves at a high standard while the industry is unregulated & doesn't even require the most basic knowledge of dogs for someone to be a dog trainer.

I'm passionate about dog behaviour and welfare. I am committed to continuing science based education because I want to be the best for the humans and their dogs that I work with. I want to hold myself to highest standard.

I'm so glad that I'm just 21 and already have 5 years experience, an Animal Management diploma and Bachelor's of Science with honours in Animal Behaviour. They are not what makes me a good trainer, I'm a good trainer because I'm never done learning and I have so much room to grow and become my best self. I spend a lot of my time studying, listening to podcasts, webinars, courses and books from the best certified dog trainers and behaviourists in the industry.

I actually turned down more cases than I took on in the few months my business was running because dogs with more severe issues I knew I wasn't the best person to help them right now. I referred them out to an amazing IMDT certified trainer nearby.

Right now I'm really enjoying learning more about reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety and also service dogs! I'd love to specialise in one of these areas someday. My next big goal after we settle into America is to study with KPA once I have the funds! So excited for the future ☺️

09/08/2021

Preparing for our flight journey to Minnesota ✈️🇺🇸 and successfully taught Shadow to drink from a water bottle!

I picked up this idea from frequent travellers that fly with their dogs a lot and the normal bowls attached to the door just spill as soon as they are loaded onto the plane so I wanted him to have access to water for the whole journey.

I started out shaping him licking it by putting meat paste on the end then marking and reinforcing with more meat paste. This was great but he wasn't actually drinking from it so I made some chicken broth to put inside instead of water. That didn't interest him at all. Then I tried milk because he is obsessed with tea, sometimes he gets the last lick from our mugs! I put a little bit of milk into the bottle and he instantly was drinking that up like a lamb 😂🥛

After that he started drinking the water from it! Success! Sometimes you have to get creative and try to find what motivates your dog the most. Remember the dog always chooses what is motivating and reinforcing, sometimes that might not be what you expect!

[Video of a border collie, Shadow, drinking from a water bottle attached to the open door of a travel kennel]

06/08/2021

When I set my business up back in June just after graduating I had no idea when my US visa would be ready and thought why not help some people & their dogs while I'm waiting!

Now things are moving very quickly all of a sudden because my case is at the embassy so me & Shadow could be moving as early as September! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✈️🇺🇸

It's been a short but amazing experience coaching people virtually and learning as I go on the best way to teach things in a way others can understand. This has been so so valuable. Communicating with people has always been my worst skill throughout my life but when it comes to talking about something I feel passionate about - dogs!! - I've found a new confidence and I'm excited to come back to this in the future after continued studying & setting up in America 💛

Thank you to everyone who has supported me. Please keep in touch I'll be still posting, replying to messages and giving feedback on training videos & giving advice! If anyone is looking for a trainer in North Wales or virtually contact me for referrals.

It would also mean the world to me if we have worked together in any capacity to leave a review on my page as currently I have none and they would help me out a LOT when setting back up again in future. Please even if it's a short sentence which takes 1 minute it would help out a ton! 💌

Thanks all x

28/07/2021

I've renovated the website!

🐾 charlottedogtrainer.wixsite.com/training 🐾

💛 1-2-1 training - Available for any adults, rescues, puppies of all ages for support with behaviour challenges, roadblocks in your training, learning a specific trick or life skill, building confidence & much more

💛 Puppy packages perfect for new puppy parents or guardians who need extra support.

💛 Trick dog training - I can help you earn trick titles of your choice or earn special Charlotte & Shadow trick dog certificates from Novice to Expert level!

Contact me today via messages or email: [email protected]

23/07/2021

You might have heard some say that you need to hold your dog accountable for their behaviour. This implies that dogs are responsible for their own behaviour challenges and what we as humans see as bad behaviour.

This is commonly used to justify the use of harmful punishment and often a factor leading to abuse.

Dogs do not understand the concept of being held accountable. All behaviour has a function to the animal. They do not do anything to spite, annoy, upset or taunt humans on purpose as much as that is commonly believed, because they do not understand those concepts. They do something because it is reinforcing or it meets a biological need.

Even dogs with severe behaviour problems such as aggression and reactivity. Those behaviours are very costly to the animal and are not displayed lightly. They are having a very difficult time and real behaviour change cannot happen without understanding them on an emotional level, not punishing them with the mentality of not letting them "get away with" their behaviour.

If you're fustrated with your dog, try to understand why your dog is doing that instead of anthropomorphizing their intentions. This will help you achieve a stronger relationship in the long run when you understand them and help them through their behaviour challenges in a way that meets their biological needs.

Training never needs to be a battle between human and dog! It should be building a strong bond and relationship that will last a lifetime 💛

[ a border collie standing in the sea looking at the camera with the text "accountability is a human concept that dogs do not understand" ]

19/07/2021

Okay I am OBSESSED with our new Tug-E-Nuff tug lead!! It's so strong and convenient for playing & rewarding while off lead then easily (when you have both hands lol) clip back on when you need to for safety.
For example to cross a road, pass people and dogs, pass wildlife, pass roaming livestock, going through any area that requires dogs to be on a lead etc!

If you want to pick one up from Tug e Nuff use our partner code: SHADOW at check out for 10% off your order!
Available here: https://tug-e-nuff.co.uk/products/bungee-fleece-tuggy-lead?rfsn=5899444.7137ef&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5899444.7137ef

( Shadow playing with a blue lead/leash with built in fleece designed for playing tug then I clip it back onto his collar at the end )

16/07/2021

Had such a great time looking after 6 month old Arlo the Golden Retriever 😍💛 Walked beautifully on the lead with Shadow and was good as gold! 💛 What a delight 🥰

I'm still offering pet sitting & dog walking in the Llandudno area! Also can cater for 1-2-1 day training building a foundation for skills outdoors & training walks to reinforce loose lead walking & focus around other dogs, people etc! Contact me if interested 😊

14/07/2021

We are now affiliates of our absolute favourite British dog tug company Tug-E-Nuff !! Use our code: SHADOW at check out for 10% off your order 😍

Honestly I swear by these tugs especially the rabbit skin and sheepskin ones that every dog loves! The skin is also ethically sourced which is important to me.

I use Tug e Nuff tugs to teach recall, use as high value rewards on walks, and use for sniffy games to encourage dogs to use their noses. Our favourite game is hide & seek where I hide the tugs and the dog uses his nose to sniff them out!

Pictured is our personal favourite tug which is the sheepskin bungee chaser with tennis ball! The blue even matches Shadow's gear but it comes in green, yellow or purple also!

( image shows Shadow, a border collie, looking at a blue sheepskin tug with the Tug e Nuff logo and words: Code: SHADOW at checkout for 10% off )

11/07/2021

We now offer virtual coaching packages to help anyone no matter where you are located in the world!

🐾 https://charlottedogtrainer.wixsite.com/training 🐾

We have 2 puppy packages
- Puppy Essentials 3 week program
- Ultimate Puppy Foundations 6 week program
Personalised to you and designed to support you at the level you need to raise your puppy and build a solid foundation to set them up for a lifetime of success

Trick dog training packages
- Novice
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
- Champion
Earn special certificates from me, learn tricks just for fun & strengthen your bond with your dog, and if you like also video your newly learnt tricks to submit to Do More With Your Dog! or any other trick dog program and earn their trick dog titles!

We still over 1-2-1 training virtually or in person to help you with anything you're struggling with 🙌🏻 Contact me today to discuss!

( image of a blue merle tricolour border collie standing at his human's side wearing a harness and rope leash looking up into the camera in a pet store aisle)

10/07/2021

The power of R+ 💛

Shadow walking next to me off leash even past people and dogs by his own choice, I don't have this behaviour on a cue.

From reinforcing him walking next to me on a leash, he's offering it off leash too. That's what I love about maintaining a dog's confidence to offer behaviours and really developing strong trust in each other.

I'm so excited by this because we struggled with leash pulling for years before I knew how to train and now he's even walking with me off leash!

I really feel our connection & bond is stronger than it's ever been and I'm really thankful to share a great friendship with Shadow 🐾

( both images of a border collie with a blue dyed tail tip walking beside a woman with curly hair tied up into a ponytail wearing a training vest on a beach path. Image 2 there's two people walking ahead of them. )

09/07/2021

Shadow showing off a trick he learnt for his Champion Trick Dog title! 6 identical balls and he picks up the one with my scent.

Did you know humans have about 6 million olfactory receptors in our noses but that's nothing compared to a dog's up to 300 million receptors. No wonder they make amazing sniffer dogs that can detect explosives, cancer, blood sugar, cadavers, blood, drugs and even fruit!

That's why it's important to on walks 🚶‍♀️ because they pick up a lot of information through scent about their environment, equivalent to us scrolling a news feed on social media!

07/07/2021

Loose lead walking is one of the most difficult skills to teach a dog. Dogs naturally walk faster than us and paired with a super distracting environment it's not surprising many dog parents struggle with pulling!
Even Shadow used to pull like a train before I knew how to teach him

Don't struggle reach out & we'll work on this together! 🐾❤️

06/07/2021

Website is up now with details & prices 😊💛 Contact me with any questions or to discuss what you need!

https://charlottedogtrainer.wixsite.com/training

On lead dog walk, long lead for freedom in a safe area, or off lead if already trained in a safe legal area. Your preference!

04/07/2021

Now offering some services in Llandudno & training virtually! Please share ☺️

🐾 1-2-1 personalised dog training available in person or virtually
🐾 Dog walking
🐾 Pet sitting

🐕‍🦺 5 years experience with animals across many species
🎓 BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour
🎓 Animal Management diploma
& more

Effective & humane training methods focusing on building a strong bond & relationship between human and dog 💛

💌 Contact me via the page, Instagram (Charlotteandshadow) or email [email protected] 💌

29/06/2021

Have fun with your dog like nobody is watching 💛🥏

T-Shirt - 🍆

02/05/2021

The hardest 3 years of my life has finally come to an end 🎉🎓

Now we wait for my final marks over the next few months and graduation is in November!

I'm starting to focus my time into reading dog training books and taking courses online including a canine first aid diploma and Judy Luther's Trust Centered Training Master Course that I gratefully was given a full scholarship for from Judy worth $474.

I also have started gaining experience virtually with an amazing CPDT-KA trainer Holt's Companion Training, LLC based in Minnesota and her clients over Zoom! I currently join her every 12:30am - 1am on Wednesdays in my timezone but it's so worth it 😂

08/04/2021

Thank you all for the page likes! I just submitted my BSc Animal Behaviour dissertation yesterday on African wild dogs and have 2 more assignments left so I'll be completely done in 3 weeks then you can expect lots of training videos on here as I'm focusing 100% of my time training Shadow and any other dogs I have the pleasure of working with! Videos allow me to look back at our progress and also see where my training skills need work, what went well and what I should change next time.

Shadow is my first dog and also first sport dog so we're slowly dabbling into sports for fun and seeing what we like and learning them for the first time, right now we mainly do disc for fun and canicross. In America we will be closer to all the sports such as agility, dock diving and disc competition.

Shadow is a reactive dog in recovery meaning he can stay calm at the sight of dogs now and can walk past on leash pretty close by without a problem so in everyday life he never reacts anymore. We also walk in legal off leash places the most and he's always been most comfortable with dogs when not confined to a leash! Off leash he can walk past without greeting on cue and he enjoys short greetings when dogs approach him then move on. I still want to keep working on changing his emotions about dogs and building his leash skills and confidence. His loose leash walking has improved a lot considering we haven't been able to commit the full effort and time we need to it yet. I had let him pull my arms out my sockets for more than 4 years just not knowing how to teach him before so he's very very reinforced to pull (until it comes to canicross then he loves to run to heel 😂😂😂)

I'm preparing for a service dog prospect in around 2 years time after we have moved to Minnesota and are ready to bring another dog in to our family. I want to make sure Shadow is at a good place in his training and that he's completely comfortable in our new country, home and lifestyle before then. So many exciting things to come! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✈️🇺🇲❤️

04/04/2021

Shadow learnt this in November last year for his Trick Dog Champion title! 🏆 Open door, kennel up & close door! Such a fun trick 😊

31/03/2021

Took Shadow out just onto the street outside our yard to do some confidence building together for the first time ❤️ I have been super busy with my degree so every time we leave the house we go on specific routes just to get to a place he can go off leash. Shadow now gets so fustrated if we start heading a different path because he just wants to turn around and head towards the trail or beach. I decided it's best to go back to basics and build skills in this environment that we have neglected to much training in.

There's no goals with these exercises, just charging up the clicker because I don't use it nearly enough with him and want to use it more, reinforcing some loose leash walking, some tricks and some LAT with the environment.

I'm also filming to see my mistakes and to improve on them because I'm super rusty especially outdoors when he's more distracted. Don't mind my messy hair and lockdown weight gain lol.

The first clip he heard my neighbour's puppy playing with a squeak toy and Shadow finds that the most distracting noise on the planet 😂 he did great disengaging from that!

Denise Fenzi has really inspired this with the work she's doing with her dog Dice that I'm really enjoying watching!

Super excited to have 100% of my time free to spend training with my best friend once my degree is finished! There's so much I still want to learn with him before we move country and bring another pup into our lives 🐾

25/03/2021

20/03/2021

TDCH Shadow Loyal Canine of Wales 🏆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🐾🥏🏃‍♀️

01/05/2020

Lockdown doesn't mean you can't have fun with your pup!🐾🥏

18/04/2020

Wave 🐾