Lavender Paws Dog Training

04/08/2024

There's a few spaces left on my Mantrailing Taster Sessions at Pawsability's Canine Week. If you're not sure if Mantrailing is for you and don't want to commit to a full length Introduction session then these shorter (1.5hr) sessions are for you. Mantrailing teaches dogs to find people using scent, satisfying their need to seek. Its suitable for all breeds and I'm yet to find a dog who doesn't love it! Book through Pawsability here

CANINE WEEK – 12th – 16th August 2024 Book Canine Event Book Self Training Book Steeplechase Comp Fun Steeplechase Competition – Friday 16th August from 4pm – For more information and to book click below. Book Here Dog Parkour £25.00 Scentwork £15.00 Needle Felting £12.00 Owl Handling and...

02/08/2024

Those of you that have worked with me with your reactive dogs know that I could not agree more with this. Forget who’s right or wrong. There’s nothing to be gained from that. Let’s deal with the situation as calmly and empathetically as possible and move on.

17/07/2024

I have a methodical but social trailer and a reactive/anxious trailer. What Mantrailing style does your dog have?

16/07/2024

Introduction to Mantrailing Sessions July/August
A chance to learn more about this fantastically enriching activity that gives your dog an outlet for their natural searching abilities. From energetic adolescents, to steady seniors, dogs of all shapes, sizes and abilities welcome. Read more or book on https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/services-7

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 17:30
Flushing Meadow, Yeovil BA20

Sunday, July 28, 2024 08:00
Sherborne Girls (East), Sherborne BA20

Friday, August 2, 2024 17:30
Yeovil Town Centre, BA20

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 17:30
Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA20

Friday, August 16, 2024 09:00 11:00 13:30
Shorter Mantrailing Taster Sessions
(not full intro, but chance to find out what Mantrailing is all about)
@ Pawsability Canine Week 2024
Book direct through Pawsability, Somerton
https://pawsabilitydogtraining.co.uk/canine-week-2024-2/

Sunday, August 18, 2024 08:30
Sherborne Girls School, Sherborne

Saturday, August 24, 2024 08:30
Hilfield Woods, (off A37) DT2

13/07/2024

11/07/2024

The best comic of the day!
credit: sarahandersencomics

11/07/2024

Mantrailing Progression Sessions July/August

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 18:00
Flushing Meadow BA20
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionFlushingMeadow

Friday, August 2, 2024 18:00
Yeovil Town Centre, BA20
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionYeovilTC

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 17:30
Lynx Trading Estate, Yeovil, BA20
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionLynx

Saturday, August 24, 2024 09:00
Hilfield Woods, DT2
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionHilfield

05/07/2024

The RVC has updated their recommendations for heat stroke treatment. Please share (from original source) wide and far.

03/07/2024

So I follow this guy to keep _my_ neck and shoulders in good shape to avoid swimming injuries… but what he’s saying is totally relevant to our dogs too. If you’re in low level chronic pain all the time so that you’re scared to move, of course you’re going to be reactive towards something/someone coming towards you in a way that might force you to make a painful movement.
There’s a figure bandied around the internet that 80% of dog reactivity is related to pain. I don’t know where that figure comes from and what it’s based on, but it’s highly likely that some of our dogs have aches and stiffness that they live with daily, just as we humans do, and it makes them scared of approaching dogs/people.
If you suspect your reactive dog may have some aches and stiffness ask your vet to investigate.
If _you_ are achy and stiff in the mornings... you could do worse than follow this guy, he’s great!

01/07/2024

‘Sarah’s Stupidly Long Swim for Pet Blood Bank’ Training Update:
Firstly _massive_ thanks to everyone who has donated to the Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-lavender-swim?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fsarah-lavender-swim&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
You have saved pets’ lives by doing so.

For those that missed it I’m attempting to swim 16.70km (~10miles) in one day later this year to raise money for Pet Blood Bank who run the Blood donation sessions that provide vets with the blood they need to save pets’ lives.
Three training swims this week:
-Sunday 23rd- a shorter (2.3km) against the current and a feisty chop. Swimming through chop is a soul sapper, but something I need to get used to.
-Monday 24th- 3.1km partly solo, partly with my brilliant coach Aquatic Harriet and the ‘Couch to Bay’ crew.
-Sat 27th- 5am start for a beautiful early morning swim in perfect conditions, 4.1km done.

29/06/2024

26/06/2024

Sadly a client of mine needs to rehome her 5 year old male (entire) Sprocker due to change in circumstances. Urgently looking for a spaniel experienced home. He is generally a lovely boy who would love any activity involving his nose. Some reactivity, however, hence the need for an experienced home. Needs an active home where his physical and mental needs are met to reduce frustration. WhatsApp me for more details.
PS. We have obvs tried and are continuing to try Spaniel specific rescues but no foster space available anywhere so far.

24/06/2024

Mantrailing Progression Sessions July 1-14th

Tuesday, July 7, 2024 08:30
Ham Hill TA14
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionHamHill

Friday, July 12, 2024 17:30
Sherborne Girls (East Campus)
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionSherborneGirlsEast

Sunday, July 14, 2024 08:30
Martock Recreation Ground TA12
https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ProgressionMartock

24/06/2024

Help Sarah Lavender raise money to support Pet Blood Bank UK

24/06/2024

Proud of Levi, he was such a good and patient boy when donating blood on Saturday, even when they had trouble getting into his vein. He gave the maximum 570g of blood - enough to create 4 units, to help 4 other dogs.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-lavender-swim?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fsarah-lavender-swim&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

23/06/2024

For once he got it right… it is absolutely unacceptable to treat a dog like this.
Yanking up, as he is doing, on this thin slip lead pushed high up behind the jaw for maximum pain is not only unethical but dangerous. Look at the angle of the dogs neck as he snaps it back. That’s a neck injury waiting to happen.
A harness with a double-ended lead is a safe way to manage a large dog prone to lunging whilst you are counter-conditioning him or her so that they no longer feel the need to react.

08/05/2024

My boy looking good after his groom at Bubbles and Baloo Grooming.
I’ve never had Levi professionally groomed before because I’m a control freak and don’t want to leave my boy with a stranger! These big dogs can be easily heat stressed by too warm water or blow dryers, or suffer muscle strain from too long holding their big bodies up on the grooming table, but I totally trust Hayley to put welfare first. She did most of his groom on the floor where he stretched out on his side and dozed off, for his comfort and to the detriment of her back!
I groom Levi daily, but I’ve never managed to get his coat as smooth myself. Thank you Hayley! 💖

07/05/2024

—-JUNE DATES—-
Sun 2nd 9am (8.30am for Introduction)
Pen Mill/Flushing Meadow
Mixed semi-rural and urban industrial
Reactive dogs welcome

Sun 9th 9am (8.30am for Introduction)
Ham Hill Country Park
Rural - popular dog walking area

Sun 16th 2.30pm (2pm for Introduction)
Wincanton Business Park
Mixture of urban industrial, urban residential and park trailing. Reactive dogs welcome.

Fri 21st 6pm (5.30pm for Introduction)
Yeovil Stars Lane
Mixture of town centre and country park trails.
Reactive dogs welcome.

Schedule your appointment online Lavender Paws Dog Training

06/05/2024

Anyone else for Mantrailing tomorrow evening in Yeovil Ninesprings? We have three but one of the three is having car trouble so we are waiting on the mechanics tomorrow to find out if they can make it... 🤞 If we have a fourth then the session is safe. Its looking like a nice evening.

22/04/2024

This little dog made me super proud this weekend. Shenzi is a failed foster. She had so many reactivity and prey drive issues that it was going to be really hard to find a suitable home for her, so she stayed. She used to lunge, bark, stand on her hind legs and scream at anything with fur or feathers that was just a dot on the horizon, especially dogs.
This weekend she Mantrailed past
2 dogs,
2 donkeys (less than 5 feet away at the start of the trail),
a group of rams (who engaged in a staring contest)
a field of curious cows;
a flock of sheep;
several goats;
a pond with several water fowl.
She paused and looked at every single one, but was able to process them, turn away and continue on without reacting. Good girl, Shenzi.

Lunging and barking reactions are the some of the commonest problems that my clients have. So how do you tackle these issues?
1. Build yourself up - I aim to get owners to a point where they are not anxious or embarrassed about their dog's reactions and know how to confidently manage a 'melt down'
2. Build your dog up - Play, pattern games and nosework (such as Mantrailing or scent games) can build your dog's confidence and sense of optimism by triggering 'happy' hormones.
3. Desensitise and counter-condition - expose dog's to the 'trigger' in a measured and controlled way to change how they feel about it, whilst keeping them at a distance where they feel safe.

If you're struggling with reactivity or would like to find out more about the benefits of Mantrailing, use the WhatsApp button above, email or DM me for details.

16/04/2024

How AMAZING is your dog?

Could they find a person up to 0.5km away just by sniffing their scarf or gloves?
I bet they can!

Could they ignore all the smells and distractions around them until they found their person?
I bet they can!

Teach your dog the fun and rewarding activity of finding people through scent and discover just how incredible they are.

Suitable for all ages and abilities. Reactive dog-friendly activity. No specific training required before you start but your dog needs to be able to wear a harness and wait in your vehicle between turns.

For FAQs and booking visit:

https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/services-7

Available dates:
Sunday 21st April Wincanton
Saturday 27th April Yeovil
Sunday 4th May Martock
Sunday 12th May Yeovil
Saturday 18th May Wincanton
Sunday 26th May Sherborne

09/04/2024

I love this vid. This is a very experienced professional trainer teaching a handler how to handle the situation if your dog reacts, calmly.
Ideally we try to keep our reactive dogs under threshold. But 💩 happens and, because I’ve never been good at recording training sessions, I’ve never been able to put out a vid on how to deal with this.
Everyone stayed calm, got their dogs through it safely and were empathetic and respectful of each other. That’s how to deal with these things.

05/04/2024

The lovely Hayley from Bubbles and Baloo will be opening her newly refurbished grooming parlour this Thursday 11th April 4pm to 6.30pm and I’ll be there throughout.
195 Cavalier Way, Yeovil BA21 5UN
So if you have questions about force free grooming, force free training or whether Mantrailing would be a good activity for your dog, come and see us.

15/03/2024

Mantrailing Dates Available. New to Mantrailing? Never heard of it? Find out more on https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/services-7
——APRIL MANTRAILING DATES———
Sunday April 7th (9am)
Ham Hill Stoke sub Hamden
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Tuesday April 9th (6pm)
Yeovil Ninesprings/Town Centre

Sunday April 14th (9am)
Flushing Meadow Yeovil
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Sunday April 21st (9am)
Wincanton Business Park
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Saturday April 27th (9.30am)
Houndstone Trading Estate
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Visit https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/general-clean-1 or https://lavenderpawsdt.as.me/schedule.php for more info and bookings.

Schedule your appointment online Lavender Paws Dog Training

16/02/2024

——REMAINING MARCH DATES———
Saturday March 2nd (1pm)
Flushing Meadow Yeovil
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Sunday March 10th (8.30am)
Hilfield Woods (off A37)
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Sunday March 17th (1pm)
Wincanton Business Park
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Saturday March 23rd (1pm)
Lynx Trading Estate
Mantrailing Introduction Spaces also available.

Friday 29th March Good Friday
Eggcellent Easter Mantrailing
Morning and afternoon sessions (morning currently full but a swop may be possible if you can only make the morning)

Visit https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/general-clean-1 or https://lavenderpawsdt.as.me/schedule.php for more info and bookings.

Schedule your appointment online Lavender Paws Dog Training

27/01/2024

Ok, so it finally happened. Despite being small even by Staffy standards and nowhere near the minimum size requirements for an XL Bully, someone felt it necessary to lean out of their car today to inform me,
'the government are trying to put them all down... needs a muzzle!'
whilst my little elderly Staffy trotted happily by my side...
All the government have done is put a target on the back of every broad-faced short-haired dog rather than tackling individual cases involving indiscriminate breeding of dogs with no regard for temperament, or what kind of home the puppies end up in, and irresponsible dog ownership.
Here's a pic of my 'dangerous' XL dog

25/12/2023

----JANUARY PROGRESSION DATES----
All dates can be booked through https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/
Sunday 7th Jan 9am
Lynx Trading Estate - Urban industrial trailing. Suitable for reactive and novice dogs.

Sat 13th Jan 9am
Hilfield (off A37) - Rural trailing in a wooded area. Some dog walkers but not usually busy. No facilities nearby so need to be self-sufficient.

Sun 21st Jan 12.30pm
Wincanton - Urban/semi-rural trailing. Exact location TBC.

Sun 28th Jan 9am
Flushing Meadow - Popular dog walking spot but some quiet trails suitable for reactive dogs available. Nearest facilities 5 min drive.

Schedule your appointment online Lavender Paws Dog Training

15/12/2023

Did you know that your dog could find someone they've never met up to 0.5km away just from sniffing the handle of a car door they had touched? Yes I do mean _your_ dog... from Chihuahua to Mastiff, Sh*tzu to Newfoundland, they can all enjoy the enriching, calming experience of searching through scent - whilst you enjoy a lovely friendly social atmosphere with fellow dog enthusiasts. Find out more at https://lavenderpaws7.wixsite.com/mysite/services-7

Let your dog surprise and inspire you with their skills. Join an Introduction to Mantrailing session. Book a date in January and get a 20% discount coupon to use in February. So put https://LavenderPawsDT.as.me/ in your internet Bookmarks.

Here are my January dates:
Lynx Trading, Yeovil - 8.30am 7th January
Hilfield - 8.30am 13th January
Wincanton - 12noon 21st January
Flushing Meadow, Yeovil - 8.30am 28th January

13/12/2023

A Review of the Science

As Friedman (2005) states, “It’s not that science can be relied on to always provide the Truth. We’ve all been je**ed and pulled by the capricious findings of science too many times to be so naïve. I mean, until they make up their minds about chocolate, coffee and red wine, count me in. Scientists themselves concede that a fact is only a fact until it’s replaced by a better one. However, what science does offer, far better than common sense, conventional wisdom and other ways of knowing, is a process of self-correction over time that is achieved by two fundamental activities – public, peer-review and verification of findings across independent groups of researchers. Thus, although what is known today may indeed change tomorrow, it is the very best, most reliable information available at this moment.”
Excerpt from How Pets Learn and the Consequences of Methodology, Equipment and Philosophical Choice for Pet Professionals https://dognosticseducation.com/courses/dognostics-books/

07/08/2023

Just added another Introduction to Mantrailing workshop for August - Sunday 20th. This will be in Sherborne. 3-4hrs approx £35.00. Places still available.

A full introductory session with an official Mantrailing Global instructor. This session will introduce you and your dog to the Mantrailing, where we teach dogs to find people by following their scent trail.