Trustydog Training

25/07/2024

Interested in learning more about canine reactivity? Want to be coached on skills to help you reduce reactivity, in the comfort of your own home? These classes are suitable for anyone looking for support with their reactive dog. It's a 6 week course and you will be added to a community group upon completion, so you have that extra support moving forwards with your journey.

The class includes theory and practical - without putting you and your dog in a set up they will struggle with.

The link to book is in our bio (go to our website, then Book Appointment). £60 for a 6 week course - take the chance to make a positive change for yourself and your dog 🐕🐶

25/07/2024

REDUCING REACTIVITY CLASSES (Online) - £60 for a 6 week course!

Do you have a dog that barks at other dogs on walks? Does your dog hate the sight of other dogs or people? Are they fearful and try to avoid dogs when they see them? Are you starting to find walks unbearable? Have you been struggling with this issue for some time?

These classes are designed for ALL dogs struggling with reactivity on walks; to people/dogs/traffic. This reactivity may be big, aggressive reactions or just darting away when they see their trigger. If your walks are not fun, these classes can help you to make them enjoyable again.

The classes are all online to 1) make it convenient for all owners; 2) allow you to learn without the stress of managing your dog around unfamiliar dogs and people; 3) it practices what we preach - minimising the stressors, whilst we teach them new strategies to cope.

You will also learn more about why your dog is reactive and how we can make sure they are living their best lives whilst struggling with this behaviour.

17/07/2024

Do you have a Romanian Rescue Dog? Or know someone that does? This guide has been designed as an introduction into why Romanian Dogs can be so complex, and provides tips on how you can help to support your Romanian Rescue.

We haven't talked much about Romanian dogs on here, but Gina has worked with them for years and wants to push this side of her Behaviour Consulting again. Of course, all of this information is also useful for anyone that owns a rescue dog from the UK; or a dog that is reactive or fearful for various reasons.

Comment below if you would like the free guide, or get in touch if you would like to have a chat about the services we can offer to help you with your Romanian Dog.

16/06/2024

WALK AND TRAIN PACKAGES!

Do you find yourself struggling with time to actually go out and train your dog?

Are you watching videos, working with trainers, trying your best but finding you are still struggling with implementing training becoming overwhelmed with all the conflicting advice out there?

We have decided to offer "Walk and Train" sessions to help owners with the initial implementation of a training programme. We will train the dog the skills, then teach you the cues and how to maintain the upkeep of the training.

All will be force free, as always, and as always there are no quick fixes to training BUT we hope this will give an option to owners that have limited time, opportunities or any other factors impacting their training implementation.

If you are interested and want to find out more, please get in touch.

- The programme will run for 4-8 weeks depending on the training goals/issues. 1 or 2 walks per week and you will be given homework to practice in your free time (10 mins a day).

- This WILL NOT be suitable for dogs with stranger directed aggression, separation anxiety or issues within the home. Most other cases will be suitable however will be discussed with you as an individual.

- This is suitable for training and behaviour cases, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you think you would benefit.

20/03/2024

02/01/2024

A great opportunity to do something new to do with your dogs in 2024!

New year - new dog sport! 🐕 🏃‍♀️ 🐩 🏃 🐾

Fun friendly atmosphere, no fitness needed. Perfect way to build a bond with your dog 🐕

Few spaces left on the Couch to canicross course.

3 Spaces for Wednesday 17th evenings - 6.30pm

5 spaces for Saturday 27th mornings - 11am

Saturday 8am - FULL

Please contact either me or Paula (Running on all paws) by either of the email addresses on the ad as we may not see questions on here!

01/01/2024

31/12/2023

While you enjoy your new years celebrations tonight, spare a thought for all the dogs who will be culled because of their measurements, dimensions and shape of their heads.

Time is running out for those dogs in rescue who might’ve been a perfect family pet or someone’s best friend. For those dogs already in homes with owners who understand the exemption process, they are safe. But they must now have restrictions placed on them for the rest of their lives. No room for error, or the dog could be seized.
For those owners out there who maybe don’t understand the exemption process, or think their dog doesn’t count because they aren’t specifically an “XL bully type” their dogs are at risk of being seized and destroyed. Same as the dogs already seized for being “pitbull type.”
It’s not about the breed, it’s about the measurements.

I am very lucky and grateful that my bull breed is safe from persecution due to his height falling just under the restriction and his dimensions being slightly off. But considering his breeds, this could’ve been a different story. Which highlights just how ridiculous and tragic this is.

You may think there’s nothing you can do to help, but you can still write to your MP and let your voice be heard. If you see someone walking a bull breed wearing a muzzle, instead of judging, smile at their owner and understand how hard this might all be for them, as well as their dog.

30 years ago breed specific legislation was brought into place due to a number of dog attacks. Since then dog attacks have only risen, showing it’s not about the supposed “dangerous breeds”. So instead of breathing a sigh of relief over this ban, and it lulling people into a false sense of security. Just wonder, which type of dog will be next.

28/12/2023

Remember - electric shock collars are a management tool, can and do fail, are proven to have potentially very damaging side effects (which long lines and harnesses are much less likely to have), are going to be banned, and work on teaching dogs what NOT to do as opposed to WHAT to do.

Trying to justify the use of e collars because of prey drive or failed management is ridiculous. I have a dog that was born to feral parents, has wolf DNA, and severe trauma in his past. He is also very difficult to train with reinforcement when he gets stressed. We rely on force free management strategies to keep him and others safe - good fencing; good quality harnesses, good quality long lines and correct usage of these tools. He is also a larger, strong dog with a mixture of working breeds and guarding breeds. If I don't need an E collar with him to keep everyone safe and happy, you don't need one with your dog.

(I have also never needed an aversive tool like this with any of the street dogs, UK rescue dogs, working dogs or others that I have worked with over the last 10+ years).

22/11/2023

This is such a fantastic idea! This puts the finding the right home at the forefront ♥️ well done Dogs Trust for implementing this - really hope it is successful for both the dogs and the potential adopters!

📣 From 17th November, the way we rehome dogs is changing.

We want all dogs to have a loving home, and we know you want that too 🏠💛

We regularly review how we work, and we’re always listening to your feedback, and we know many people are often left disappointed when they haven’t been successful in adopting the dog they want.

With years of rehoming experience behind us, we’re moving to an exciting new process which will mean an equal chance for all dogs to find a family and more dog lovers able to welcome to a Dogs Trust dog into their home 🐶

Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/47eZlRa

Share this with your friends and family to let them know, too.

Please note, while we change over to our new system, rehoming applications will be paused from 10th-16th November and our rehoming centres will be closed from 14th-17th November, reopening on 18th November.

Image description: an infographic informing people how to apply for a dog with Dogs Trust. It features 3 stages:
1. Create an account on Dogs Trust's website and fill in a form
2. Dogs Trust will start looking for a match and keep application open for 3 months
3. Post-adoption, Dogs Trust will keep in touch for advice and support

20/11/2023

NEW YEAR, NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

We are going to be running two new courses in the new year, hopefully regularly depending on the uptake.

First Course: Reducing Reactivity - £60 - 5 dogs maximum
4 week course. Initial session will include an assessment of each dog and owner's basic skills; as well as discussions on training methods (all force free) and safe handling and management. Your dog will need to be comfortable being left in the car as each dog/handler will be assessed individually. Week 2, 3 and 4 will then follow the same pattern of going for a walk as a small group practicing the skills you have been introduced to in your initial assessment. We will be out in public in carefully selected locations, tackling all the real life challenges that come with owning a reactive dog.

Second Course: Practical Socialisation - £30
4 week course specifically designed for fully vaccinated puppies or nervous/shy adults that have had limited exposure to other dogs; or are not quite reactive and suitable for the reducing reactivity course but would benefit from practical socialisation skills.
You will learn how to maintain focus from your dog on walks around other dogs, how to mix safely (if appropriate), and doggy etiquette. Each session will be a walk in public with a maximum of 5 dogs.

Please message us directly if you are interested and we will add you to our waiting list. Once we have dates organised we will send you the details to book on.

01/11/2023

CAN YOU HELP?

We are helping a client to rehome their beloved dog Buster. He is an American bulldog that is 2.5 years old.

His current owners adore him however due to changes in circumstances over the last 6-12 months, Buster has developed some anxieties that are resulting in him being unable to cope in his current environment. One such issue is resource guarding of toys that has resulted in a bite to a family member. He will need to be managed carefully in the new home around toys and given time to adjust.

We truly believe that if Buster had enough space, enrichment and time to relax into himself he will be a pleasure to own. Unfortunately his current family do not have the resources, time and most of all space to keep him safely in their home.

Buster's family believe his ideal home would be:

* Someone on their own or a couple who are willing to work with Buster to manage his stress and anxieties
* Someone who is able to give love, reassurance and loyalty just as much as he will give to them
* Someone who has the time to engage in activity as Buster loves walks, playing and tummy and bum rubs
* Adults only - no children
* No other pets at the moment - he may be ok with another small dog at some point but definitely no cats.
* Buster does not like loud noises so someone in a quiet area.

If you are interested please do get in touch!

31/10/2023

Some useful tips for managing firework night with your dog 🎆

28/09/2023

16/09/2023

We were approached by TLC Dog Academy & Walking to be added to a list of resources for XL Bully guardians. This is a fantastic idea and we are only too happy to help.

We want to support XL bully owners as much as possible as these changes come into place.

All XL bully owners will need to be ready to have their dogs comfortable with muzzles and being a "perfect" dog when in public!

They will face so much scrutiny and will be judged so unfairly. We can help get you ready to try to preempt this and prevent any undue stress or difficulties for you and your dog!

15/08/2023

Can you use a harness to walk a reactive dog?

27/07/2023

UPDATE - FEAR FREE CERTIFIED

Gina is now a Fear Free Certified Trainer, which means she has undertaken specialied CPD/education and assessment on how to prepare our animals (dogs and cats) for veterinary visits and potential treatments, as well as how to help our animals with pre-existing fears.

If your dog is terrified of the vets or hates to have their ear infections treated, or you would like them to proactively engage in your teeth brushing endeavours (and all other medical/husbandry care needs) please do get in touch.

If you have a puppy and would like to set them up for success so that the vets is a positive experience for them, then we are a great team to get in touch with.

Watch this space for a specific training package offered to support your co-operative care journey.

20/07/2023

What is aggression? …read all about it!

15/07/2023

RECALL TRAINING TIPS

How do you train a perfect recall? Have a read through for tips on getting your dog to eagerly come when called on walks ❤️🐕

What does a “perfect recall” look like? It likely looks a bit different to everyone, however for most of us it will look like a dog running straight back to their owner after they have given them their recall cue. This cue might be a whistle, hand signal or a word (such as ‘here’ or ‘come....

14/07/2023

REACTIVITY WORKSHOP - 5th AUGUST 2023 - £25 per dog
Time - 11am and 12.30pm
Location - Severn Stoke, Worcester
Availability - Maximum 3 dogs (11am class SOLD OUT; 12.30pm 3 spaces available)
Book via the website: https://trustydogtraining.co.uk/book-appointment

If we have not worked with your dog before then we will need to do an assessment to ensure the workshop is suitable. This is for dogs that struggle with mild-moderate reactivity on walks, but have not shown overt aggression towards another dog when close.

If your dog is aggressive then please do get in touch regarding a behaviour consultation.

13/07/2023

WHAT WE OFFER
1:1 behaviour consultations for any undesirable behaviour that has an emotional component - such as aggression, fear, separation anxiety, reactivity, repetitive behaviour, dog to dog issues in your home, dangerous prey drive etc.

£120 for your first session and then we can work out a reduced rate based upon our packages for all follow up sessions.

Book through the website, or drop us a message to find out more.

Please note prior to this session you will need to have your dog checked by your vet and signed off as medically clear.

13/07/2023

WHAT WE OFFER

1:1 training for all of your core skills, doggy manners, obedience, life skills needs. £65 for your first session and then £50 for all follow up sessions - and free support via messenger/WhatsApp/emails.

Book through the website, or drop us a message to find out more.

13/07/2023

TRIGGER STACKING

Today's blog is a short post all about the phenomenon of trigger stacking. Why not have a read now to understand how this concept may be causing you and your dog issues during your training sessions or day to day life, and what you can do to avoid it.

Have you ever had one of those days where every little thing keeps happening, and soon enough you just lose it... often over somethign quite trivial. Well, that in a nutshell is trigger stacking - and our dogs experience it too! Trigger stacking can explain why your dog is fine one day and then rea

12/07/2023

https://trustydogtraining.co.uk/trustydog-training-blog/what-to-do-when-visitors-are-coming-over

Do you have a dog that is uncomfortable with people visiting your home? Are you looking for some tips on how to manage this situation better? Have a read through our new blog post to get some extra pointers on this behaviour issue!

There are many reasons why a dog may struggle with the idea of unfamiliar (or even familiar) visitors coming to their home. For some they may have experienced trauma in their lives that very quickly and urgently taught them that people (or other dogs) outside of your family unit are dangerous and so

11/07/2023

Do you know why environmental management is so important when working on a behaviour problem? Have a look at our blog post on the topic to find out!

https://trustydogtraining.co.uk/trustydog-training-blog/managing-behaviour-problems

11/07/2023

Gina is an accredited dog trainer with the IAABC (international association of animal behaviour consultants) and affiliate member of the International Canine Behaviourists organisation - her goal with all training and behaviour consultations is to put the dog’s welfare at the front and foremost of our session. As such, the methods we use follow the LIMA principle (least intrusive, minimally aversive) and prioritises the use of positive reinforcement based approaches to accomplish any training goal.

Gina offers three Behaviour Packages that can be utilised to support you through your training goals or undesirable/problem behaviour modification.

As a team we both offer 1-2-1 training consultations and behaviour consults where owners are not yet ready to sign up for a package.

We also regularly hold workshops and classes, so please follow us on social media to keep up to date on when these are available.

11/07/2023

Gina has been working or volunteering with dogs in boarding establishments or animal rescue for as long as she can remember. For over five years she has been providing private behaviour consultations and training services to members of the public, however has dedicated the majority of her behaviour expertise to a local rescue organisation.

BSc Animal Science, MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare, IAABC-ADT, Affiliate Member of the ICB, Level 5 in Education and Training, Working towards Level 5 and 6 Diploma in advanced canine behaviour.

06/03/2021

PHOTO TIME

A couple of pictures of some of the lovely dogs I have been working with recently! I'm terrible at my training and behaviour social media, as I get so caught up in the consultations that I forget to get any photos to then share. Recently I've managed to grab to snaps though - one of the lovely Ninja (now Nala) and Mia - two dogs from the Amicii Dog Rescue.

Aren't they both beautiful in their own distinctive way? Stunning girls 💓

24/01/2021

CONSENT TEST IN ACTION

Does Jace want to be fussed? Quick stroke, let go, then he moves off to find a toy and sit in his bed. A clear, simply communicated no to interaction! Simple and effective.

What might happen if I was to follow him and keep trying to engage? Have you ever kept pursuing your dog? What about any children you know? 🤔

23/01/2021

NEW PODCAST

I have a new podcast episode out - the topic covered in this episode is 'doggy social etiquette'. Please do let me know if you enjoy the episode and whether there are any other topics you would like me to cover. This is the topic I've wanted to talk about for years and the reason I wanted to start a podcast! 🎉🐶

https://anchor.fm/gbdogtrainingadt/episodes/Episode-2-Doggy-Social-Etiquette-ep6atd

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1w7BWukv2Y0XjPNWqDpnyO?si=LinQoAvKSsa6Jui4TpNakw

An episode discussing the concept of doggy social etiquette and what owners, trainers and dog walkers should be aware of when walking their dogs around others.