Fidgets Spinners

01/04/2025

After class finished last night, my partner was cleaning, (or so I thought!) He filmed me plying with T and Midge....they had a blast!!

30/03/2025

Little fun with T: he's learning the creep! Wo are doing this in tiny Increments as we don't to put excessive strain on those long legs!

29/03/2025

This is a wonderful article! We were so careful training T: he's a big boy and we didn't want any issue with vets, with other people, nail clipping, administering tablets.......this I exactly what we did: and even if something isn't very nice, he knows he gets the best thing ever afterwards, and the trust they put in you is just fantastic!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A9E1dCWZT/

Rethinking the Swap: Resource Guarding and Consent in Dogs

In the springtime, we see an influx of puppies and new adoptions as people prepare for more pleasant weather. By autumn, many of these puppies—now in adolescence—begin to show signs of resource guarding. It’s a common trend for behaviour professionals to see such cases during seasonal shifts.

Resource guarding (RG) can be a completely natural canine behaviour—dogs may protect what they value, whether it’s food, toys, space, or even people. But because it’s often viewed negatively, a common approach to preventing RG in puppies is teaching a “swap” behaviour—offering a treat or something of higher value in exchange for the guarded item. On the surface, this seems practical and positive. However, the swap technique can fall short if it’s not grounded in a deeper understanding of canine emotional safety.

The Problem with Swap-First Approaches:

If a dog has not been taught the concepts of consent, safety, and choice, then “swap” becomes just another transactional demand. The dog may still learn that humans might take things unpredictably, and while a treat might be offered, the experience lacks trust and voluntary participation. Over time, this can actually create or exacerbate guarding behaviour rather than prevent it—especially if the dog perceives repeated loss of valued items.

Choice as Foundations:

Dogs raised with concept training—where the emphasis is on emotional safety, agency, and choice—are far less likely to develop RG issues in the first place. When a dog knows they won’t be forced, that their needs are heard, and that communication is two-way, they’re more likely to offer items freely, making a formal “swap” unnecessary.

Instead of jumping to training a trade, teaching the underlying concepts that support cooperative behaviours might be more beneficial. Concept training helps dogs understand ideas like “sharing is safe,” “giving things up doesn’t mean loss,” and “my voice matters.” These foundational lessons make behaviours like swapping more meaningful and reliable.

Passive Tips for Preventing RG:

💡Observe Body Language Closely

Watch for subtle signs of discomfort or tension when the dog has something—even if it’s not deemed valuable. Respecting their signals is essential for establishing a foundation of trust.

💡Practise “Trade” with More Choice

When offering a swap, let the dog choose whether to engage. Offer the alternative without demanding the original item. If they keep the original, that’s okay—trust is more important. Practising trades out of context (when there’s no conflict) is especially beneficial.

💡Use Consent-Based Handling and Interaction

Teach a “can I?” cue. Before reaching for an item, offer a hand and wait for the dog’s engagement. Reward curiosity, not compliance.

💡Reinforce Voluntary Sharing

If the dog brings something, praise them—even if there’s no need to take it. Reinforce the act of offering rather than focusing on possession.

💡Avoid Unnecessary Takeaways

Not falling into the habit of routinely taking things “just because.” If the dog has something safe and appropriate, let them enjoy it. Constant interruption teaches distrust.

While teaching a puppy to swap can be useful, but without the deeper work of building trust, consent, and communication, it risks becoming a quick fix rather than a sustainable solution. When dogs feel secure and respected, they’re naturally more cooperative. The real prevention for RG lies not in teaching them to give things up, but in nurturing a safe environment that builds trust.

Boo Blackhurst, CDBC

23/03/2025

We had a scary couple of weeks with this young lady! Her pain meds appeared to not work too well, so she was stopped to something a little stronger. She had to wait 24 hours before she could start them, and she was so so stiff. We were unable to take her for a walk or do her exercises. Thankfully, after a couple of days, she is back to her old self, and muscle gain is on the up! It can be hard taking care of an older dog, but nothing is too much when they have given you their everything!

19/03/2025

Socialisation: it's something we hear it a LOT as owners and as trainers....but what is socialisation? The results may surprise you.....the common misconception is you need to expose your dog to every single dog, person, vehicle you come across on a walk: to greet them all and say hi! This is NOT the way to go....the main reasons are your puppy can become reactive: either through fear or frustration! A puppy who is allowed to greet everyone can quickly become frustrated on the lead when they are unable to greet the other dog : staring, lunging and vocalisation are the main issues: see a pattern? exactly the same as fear aggression!!
The way to socialise a puppy is disengagement: being able to work with you, to take food / play and concentrate while there is another dog in close proximity. A dog who is overestimulated is unable to take food, is unable to perform simple tasks and can take a long time to calm themselves down!
A great 'socialisation' tool which is underused, is simply sitting in a busy spot with tasty treats or a toy, and just watching the world go by!
YOU have to be the most important thing in your dogs life: if you get this right, you will have a wonderful companion with a fantastic recall!

16/03/2025

Seems Turbo is preparing himself for class 2 tomorrow!

10/03/2025

I am absolutely over the moon with the classes tonight! Well done spinners! You've made my evening!! :)

10/03/2025

Our two new courses start this evening! 7pm till 7.45 puppy class, 8pm till 8.45 tricks and obedience. Each course is 6 weeks! Do get in touch if you would like to join us!

08/03/2025

We took Midge and Turbo to Caitlin’s Canine Park and Dog Walking Backup field today :) Midge used to do agility, but obviously she isn't allowed to...we took the poles from the jumps for her, but she absolutely loved the dog walk :) that little face says it all! Turbo was a little too big for the dog walk, but he had fun with the jumps and the tunnel! It was nice to get them out for something a little different: Midge can no longer manage long walks, and Turbo is a youngster, so it's great to have some different excercise for them both. Midge was happy to sit in the sun while T was running round, and visa versa. Local too! :)

07/03/2025

Crufts is this week! I am jealous if you are heading down, but just been looking at some of the heelwork to music....I LOVE this routine! I wonder how many people know what the song is from?! :)

For the first time ever at Crufts, we were treated to an Afghan Hound performing in the Heelwork To Music Competition, and boy did he deliver! Fabio and his ...

05/03/2025

Do you sometimes think to yourself 'why does my dog do x,y,z?' Why will they not jump in the car? Why do they not like the scales at the vets? The list goes on! It's always best to rule out pain: if a puppy is extra 'bitey' for example, struggling to get up: gait looks a little strange, sudden aversion to loud noises: you jump if you have a fright: muscles tense = pain! Aversion to the scales at the vet? (Our own dog here) could be the change in surface texture, could be the smell of countless scared dogs which they find aversive and scary.
Dogs aren't 'stubborn' or 'divas' they are trying to communicate something isn't right. They dont show signs of pain unless its late onset: dogs are stoic! It's our job as their caregivers to be their advocate and listen to what they tell us!

03/03/2025

This is so so true! Thanks Trick Woofs !! https://www.facebook.com/share/19yEsW5Ly6/

It’s inevitable that we are sometimes going to take withdrawals from our relationship. Out of frustration, necessity or welfare. But providing we put plenty of deposits in, those withdrawals will make much less of an impact.

25/02/2025

Enjoying a stroll with our two today. T does get off lead time, but this is on his own: (he gets excitable and could knock Midge over: at 13.5 she is a little fragile!) So on lead sniffy walks are the order of the day.....I think they've enjoyed the time out: both having a snooze now!

23/02/2025

Lots of work behind the scenes at spinners hq getting ready for our next set of courses! Making sure there is something for everyone to give them a taste of obedience, tricks and doggy dancing to challenge the 'norm' of dog training! It isnt just 'checking' the lead: We want to make it fun! (Yes, older dogs can be taught new tricks too!)
Is there something you would like to learn?!

16/02/2025

We are looking to start two new courses starting on Monday March 10th at Notton Village hall! New puppy course 7pm till 7.45: suitable for dogs up to 1 year, and a little intermediate course 8pm till 8.45. The cost of each course is £60. Not sure if we are the right fit for you? Let us know, and you would be more than welcome to sit in a class and see what we are all about! Just drop us a message to let us know! We are hoping to start weekly classes, and we would love to meet you!