Wag A Tail Training

11/11/2024

Struggling with reactivity?

Dogs are often misunderstood, and reactive behaviour is too quickly labeled as aggression. But reactivity is communication—there’s always a reason behind it. This behaviour isn’t your dog’s personality; it’s their way of expressing stress, overwhelm or even pain.

If you’re struggling with your dog’s reactivity, remember it’s hard on them, both emotionally and physically. Quick fixes, punishment, or behaviour suppression won’t help them feel safe or understood.

We’re here to support you with compassionate, effective strategies. We don’t “fix” dogs because they’re not broken. Reactivity needs understanding, not punishment.

Let’s work together to help your dog feel secure. Reach out to see how we can work together!

04/11/2024

Clicker Training 💕

04/11/2024

27/10/2024

Can you train a police dog with force-free methods?

Yes.

Can you train a police dog with force-free methods?

Yes.

We do.

End of debate.

12/10/2024

“If there are any dogs that need clear communication, it’s reactive dogs. They need clarity. They need consistency. They need predictability. If we can’t provide that, it will only create more anxiety.” - Emma Parsons

10/10/2024

💕

Choose the dog trainer who properly understands your beautiful and vulnerable dog.

Educated dog trainers know that pack leader theory has been disregarded by research for decades. The idea of being a pack leader is an urban legend.

Learn more here: https://amzn.to/3ZX4mxn

09/10/2024

This tired boy just finished a clicker training session, working on loose leash walking and ‘engage and disengage.’ 🐾

He put his brain to work, actively problem-solving and thinking through each challenge. Clicker training turns learning into a fun, rewarding experience. It’s not just about learning new skills - it’s about building trust and understanding.

07/10/2024

Every behaviour your dog shows is telling you something—they’re not just acting out for no reason. Instead of punishing the behaviour, we focus on understanding why it’s happening. When we address the real need behind the behaviour, we create lasting change, not just a quick fix. That’s the heart of force-free training: teaching with compassion, patience, and understanding.

⭐ Force-free training: teaching with compassion, patience, and understanding.

⭐ Book a consultation today and move away from corrections—let’s focus on trust and understanding!

04/10/2024

Treat stations are spots around a home where treats are easily accessible to reward a dog for positive behaviours in the moment. By placing treat jars or containers in multiple areas (like near doors, in the kitchen, or living room), it makes it convenient to reinforce good behaviour consistently and quickly.

This setup helps build a positive association with the desired behaviours, such as calmness when visitors arrive or sitting instead of jumping. Treat stations can be especially useful in training by reinforcing habits throughout the day without needing to carry treats around constantly.

03/10/2024

Running children can create high excitement in dogs. Dogs and children must be supervised at all times, especially when many exciting activities are going on. I often hear about a child being bitten by the family dog while playing in the backyard. We encourage structured activities that are parent-guided vs. free play, where things can become unpredictable for both the child and the dog. Structured games such as hide and seek, parent-guided fetch or freeze tag are great options.

All dogs can bite, even in a playful way. Set your child and dog up for success by providing structured activities when outside together.

03/10/2024

😂 🤓 🥰 🤔

02/10/2024

🎉 Happy National Black Dog Day! 🖤🐾

National Black Dog Day, celebrated on October 1st, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by black dogs in shelters and promoting their adoption.

Many shelters and rescues across the world have reported that black or dark-coloured dogs struggle to get adopted compared to lighter-coloured dogs. This issue is commonly referred to as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS).

If you have a black dog (or know a black dog who deserves some love), share a photo in the comments and tell us why they’re special to you. Let’s flood this space with gorgeous black fur and wagging tails! 🐕💖

📸 Show us your dog! Let's celebrate all the black dogs out there!

01/10/2024

🫶

One of my all-time favorite cartoons came up in Memories today:

30/09/2024

Lexi needs our help!

Lexi needs our help! 🚨🚨🚨🚨
We have wanted Lexi since day one! Over a year ago!
Couple of months ago we have come to know Lexi started deteriorating 😔
Lexi is at Animal Welfare Malta
We have contacted multiple people from the ministry and we are given no answers!
We have said we will take full responsibility for her and another female Rory both dogs need surgery!

Animal welfare have done nothing!
Left them in discomfort this is called abuse!!!
Its inhumane! And unjust!

Release Lexi & Rory!!!
Do not leave them in that state!

I can’t stay silent anymore I will not forget them!
I have given enough time and now I want answers!

Alicia Bugeja Said
Anton Refalo
Robert Abela
Try not to make it obvious that you hate pitbulls!
You have already banned this breed!
You have never given them the care they deserve nor the chance!
Now you don’t want to give them to a rescue who specializes in the breed!!!

Share for Lexi and Rory they need out of animal welfare!!!!

29/09/2024

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

26/09/2024

So true!

Last year I wrote a post about 3 more reasons to use reward-based dog training methods, based on some newer research. It's still worth a read. And if you want to know more about dog training methods, you'll find plenty of posts to browse on my blog. There is no reason to use aversive methods. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2023/09/3-more-reasons-why-its-better-to-use.html

25/09/2024

Did you know training can hide underlying behavioural issues? Training should never be about suppressing behaviours we don’t like.

⭐️ Book your consultation today to work together on connection and understanding — not just obedience.

18/08/2024

When you're 10% staffy and 90% potato 🥔

Pippa having a hard Sunday 🐶