Alexandra's Practically Pawfect

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Alexandra's Practically Pawfect Training and behaviour support and transformation on a 1:1 basis. Qualified Scentwork UK Trainer and Judge for Tier 1. Based in Bexley, Kent I’m Alexandra.

From a tiny child, I was always fascinated by animals and their behaviour. I grew up surrounded by animals of all different species including dogs, cats, bunnies and many more. I always knew I was destined to be involved with animals and their families. I’ve been involved in dog training since I was a young teenager and have lived in a multi-dog household since then. Each of my dogs have taught me

so much and shaped who I am, what I know about dogs and how I choose to train and interact with animals and their families. I have spent vast amounts of time learning through a variety of courses, books and hands on experience and am committed to always learning more. I spend most of my days training, walking and looking after animals (mainly dogs but also other animals) and love every minute of it. In terms of dog training, I offer reward-based training on a one to one basis and love seeing the relationship build between dogs and their owners. There's so much information around about dogs and dog behaviour out there, it can be difficult to know how and where to start. One of my aims as a dog trainer is to help people to find the information and answers they are looking for. Also, to help them move towards the life they planned to have when they chose to add a dog to their family

I know that everyone and their pets’ needs will be different. That is why everything I offer is bespoke and designed to suit what is needed. Bespoke in person training options
Online training options
Solo or small group dog walks
In house visits or pet sitting

Drop me a message so we can discuss how I can help you and your pets

No means no. Always. Whether that's dog to dog. Dog to human. Human to human. Or any other context. When someone says 'N...
25/09/2025

No means no.

Always.

Whether that's dog to dog. Dog to human. Human to human. Or any other context.

When someone says 'No', respect it.

When someone says 'Stop', stop.

Don't push on. Don't try your luck.

There's a reason for the 'no', for the 'stop'.

If someone says 'No', in this case about stroking a dog, any dog.

But, especially one that you've always been given the rule of 'she doesn't exist, ignore her and she'll ignore you'

Take the no.

Stop.

Don't carry on approaching with your hand out.

Don't lean towards them with a biscuit.

Don't ignore the outstretched palm to emphasise the 'stop'.

Don't ignore the human who has moved her and her dog back well away (multiple times in the space of about 15 seconds).

Don't ignore the body blocking as we tried to get out of there.

We're saying no so they don't have to.

No means no.

Respect it, don't push it.

There's always a reason.

Guess who got signed off from the vets ❤️ (well, for the most part)- Rio ❤️We're 10 days on from his op, and, all in, we...
22/09/2025

Guess who got signed off from the vets ❤️ (well, for the most part)- Rio ❤️

We're 10 days on from his op, and, all in, we're on our 8th visit to the vets in about 5 weeks now (not all him). With all of that, fresh in his mind, I wasn't expecting it to be a piece of cake for him.

When I say he remembers EVERYTHING, I mean it, down to the route to the vets.

I always try to arrive a little early so I can take my dogs for a wee before we go in and get their bearings.

He knew it was time for a wee, and he was the king of procrastination (must find the right spot, which just so happens to be further and further away from the vets!!).

He was a little reluctant and shaky walking into the vets, but a hand signal 'this way' got us into the waiting room.

He was shaking in the waiting room, which isn't like him, but it's all been a lot, close together, so it's not unexpected.

But, he would take food whilst we waited and do some tricks/behaviours.

We got the trickiest part for him out the way first- his mouth. He let her look in his mouth but wasn't happy to open his mouth wide enough for her to look at his upper canines (so we'll be keeping an eye on them). Considering everything he's been through recently (and his history), we'll take it as a win. Now that he's happier and feeling more himself, we'll be resuming our vet prep.

He was able to take food in the room and whilst on the exam table. And he was able to stay calm and happy whilst I held him, and she looked at his leg and checked his claws on his back paws.

He asked to come back into my arms (for me to help him off the table), so I did, and he stayed on the floor whilst we chatted, and she was close to him.

Once we were finished, he hopped onto the scales happily and waited. He's still holding steady at 4kg (so he's not lost any despite his op and a few days not eating).

So, we're still looking at a little more weight (and strength) gain and keeping an eye on healing his mouth and his leg.

Then, the next step is looking at our options for kidney support so we can keep them as healthy as possible for as long as we can.

But, for now, this is good news. Attaboy champ ❤️

A (long overdue!) day of self care in Richmond 😊
20/09/2025

A (long overdue!) day of self care in Richmond 😊

Guess who smashed his motorbike reactivity training? And he knows it. 'Reactive' behaviours always have something underl...
18/09/2025

Guess who smashed his motorbike reactivity training?

And he knows it.

'Reactive' behaviours always have something underlying them, an emotion, a need, a breed specific outlet, or something else entirely

Lurchers are bred to chase fast moving objects, it's what they've been bred to do. Often this is specific to prey animals. But, not always. Sometimes, it can also be directed towards other fast moving 'things' such as motorbikes, runners or cyclists. I once knew of a lurcher whose specific trigger was the fake fur trim on a human's coat.

Well, for this guy, motorbikes mean tensing, pulling, barking, and lunging at even the sound of a motorbike, let alone having them come past him.

So, this last couple of weeks, we've been laying the groundwork of creating a different response. Into a much calmer behaviour. A sniffing one. Engagement based. Alongside, knowing that he'll get this 'need' met elsewhere, in a safer place.

And he's been so good 👏

A little progress update this handsome chap and time to celebrate some wins 🎉 This little chap become scared (and a litt...
17/09/2025

A little progress update this handsome chap and time to celebrate some wins 🎉

This little chap become scared (and a little frustrated) about other dogs after a dog rushed over to him and his Frenchie sister and he ended up being bitten.

This led to him barking and lunging at other dogs.

So, he and his people came to sessions with me building up his (and his owner's) confidence when they are out and about so that walks can be enjoyable again.

Well, this week on walks with me is a testament to how far they've come together and the work they've put in, where he (and his sister) navigated some tricky social situations.

First up, we had an off lead Frenchie walk down their garden and onto the pavement towards us. We did some quick evasive maneuvres as it headed straight for us and they kept a level head and moved away.

Up next, we saw an on lead boxer walking the opposite way to us, on the other side of the road. The boxer was eye balling them, and very much wanted to play. He moved on past with barely a second glance

Little Rio pupdate ❤️Good news and bad news. So, let's start with the good. He's definitely feeling much happier than he...
16/09/2025

Little Rio pupdate ❤️

Good news and bad news.

So, let's start with the good.

He's definitely feeling much happier than he was and is eating regularly - two nuggets maximum (his choice, try any more, and he leaves it currently) at the moment. So, it's a case of little and often (it's like having a puppy again).

Fingers crossed, his tummy seems to be on the mend 🤞

Yesterday, he did his first (since Thursday) full body wiggle. And he picked up some paper to waggle around with ❤️

The not so good news is that he has a sizeable hot spot developing on his back thigh, which is painful and itchy for him.

But, we have a plan.

He's had a haircut to let the air reach it, and we've started treating it.

So, this week, the plan is:

🐾 Get a little joy back in his life

🐾 Start getting his strength back (and healing up that leg)

🐾 Start getting some weight back on him

Before his check-up on Monday at the vets and then game plan from there (esp. re: kidneys) x

I've just seen this lovely testimonial. Thank you so much for your kind words "We started working with Alex for scent tr...
15/09/2025

I've just seen this lovely testimonial. Thank you so much for your kind words

"We started working with Alex for scent training as we wanted to an activity that would provide mental stimulation for our Otis. Alex has been absolutely fantastic. The lessons never feel rushed. She is extremely flexible with times, and Otis has got so much more from the sessions than just searching. He’s recall has been strengthened, he’s checking in on walks has increased, and you can see how much he enjoys having a task!

Alex always asks how things have been and answers any questions we might have or gives advice on some of Otis' quirks! We are really enjoying working with Alex and would recommend her services"

Day 2 Pupdate ❤️Overnight was much more settled, and we both caught up on some much needed rest. Today, he's still in an...
14/09/2025

Day 2 Pupdate ❤️

Overnight was much more settled, and we both caught up on some much needed rest.

Today, he's still in and out like a yo-yo. But, he ate two crumbled up freeze-dried raw nuggets. The first time, he's eaten anything since Thursday and had a snooze.

Then we packed him and the girls into the car to give him a change of scenery and to give him a car experience of going somewhere nice (instead of just vet visits). .

He just had a little sniffari, a potter around, and stretched his legs, which he loved. Then it was time for a rest at the bench and then back to the car when he got chilly (with one of his humans) whilst I took the girls for a longer scamper.

Back home for a rest, then he had another couple of freeze-dried nuggets crumbled up, which he enjoyed.

We're not out of the woods yet, and it'll take a while to get back to full strength, but we're making steps in the right direction

Pawly pupdate post op Day 1 🐾He was a little wobbly and disoriented last night and took a while to become more settled. ...
13/09/2025

Pawly pupdate post op Day 1 🐾

He was a little wobbly and disoriented last night and took a while to become more settled. But, he was definitely pleased to be home after his long day.

He had lots of snuggles for most of the evening and some sleep. He didn't want anything to eat at all last night. But, around 8.30ish last night, he started to drink water again and took his pain meds before bed. Also, we got his body temperature back to normal, so there's definitely progress.

We had a VERY unsettled night last night. He was very up and down. Between his lack of eating (lots of gurgles) and generally being uncomfortable, he was doing a lot of stretching and fidgeting (plus back leg twitches= kicking me in the face multiple times). Plus, a bit of a poorly tummy from the meds and anaesthetic meant we were in and out of the garden together. But, he had some more water overnight, which is good.

This morning was a bit unsettled, too, and in and out of the garden a few times still. But his coordination is back to normal, which is a relief (and can trust him not to fall in the pond).

He's been drinking water more regularly and getting hydrated again. Plus, after a little mishap at the first attempt, he took his pain meds this morning, too.

This afternoon, he's feeling more himself and definitely happier. He's been enjoying the warmth and been sitting on someone's lap in his own pool of sunshine catching up some sleep. Whilst I've been playing catch-up on some bits and pieces (and an unexpected call for help by a neighbour).

He's still steadfastly refusing any food or bone broth and so hasn't eaten anything since Thursday night, which is a worry. Especially knowing how quickly he drops weight and can't afford to lose any as it is. But he is hydrating now, and we'll keep trying to get him to eat.

He's definitely happier than he was yesterday, so I'm hoping that as that continues (and getting his tummy back to normal post op), he will be more likely to eat.

But, we will see how we go.

Thanks for everyone's patience this week whilst we get little one back on track and get everything up to date x x

Rio is back home ❤️We went for a little solo walk, just us two, this morning, which he loved (unimpressed by the lack of...
12/09/2025

Rio is back home ❤️

We went for a little solo walk, just us two, this morning, which he loved (unimpressed by the lack of breakfast though!).

Then, it was off to the vets. Before we knew it, it was time for last-minute love for the little chap, signing for forms and reminders for anaesthetic (to be treated as MDR1) and that he'll need to be kept warm pre and post-op with his coat (due to nerve pain triggered by the cold and the lack of eating won't help with his temperature regulation). Then he was whisked off to set up camp by his regular vet - his little crestfallen face was the last we saw of him this morning.

Then, we had a dog-less journey home to see my girls before work. My girlies have been quiet all day, and we all began our long, anxious wait for a call.

Finally, we got the call to come and get him.

So, he's had to have quite a few removed, but we expected that going in. It's a shame as he's had the pearliest gnashers all of his life until super recently. But, it's for the best.

In terms of his pre-op tests, they were pleased with them all with one exception. They are slightly concerned about his kidney function, so this might mean changes to his food. But that'll require some research and see where we go from here.

For now, our boy is home (with meds and pain relief), and the girls were most pleased and excited to see him ❤️

He's wobbly and shaking even in his coat (due to lack of food, mostly). He's been offered food and water, but for now, he doesn't want anything. We'll try him again regularly, and I'll make up some bone broth for him, too.

All he wants is cuddles, warmth, and a snooze.

He'll be back again for a check-up to see how he's healing up, and we'll look into options for kidney support.

For tonight, though snuggles and relief that the little champ is home ❤️

Rio pupdate ❤️ He has lots of associations with vets generally, most of them not positive (whether they've been his or o...
11/09/2025

Rio pupdate ❤️

He has lots of associations with vets generally, most of them not positive (whether they've been his or one of our other dogs). His nose knows, and you can bet your house on the fact that he remembers EVERYTHING - it can be a blessing and a curse.

From the day he came home as a fearful, untrusting, traumatised little chap, we've been on a journey. Of trust, communication, and confidence. To varying degrees, due to previous surgery, prior handling and pain, parts (different parts at various points) of going to the vets have always been trickier for him.

We walked to the gate, he slowed, his nose wiggled, he u-turned and walked purposefully in the opposite direction - that's a new one (Curveball #1).

A 'this way' hand signal, and we were back on track.

He was already signed in, so we sat in the quiet reception with only two goals in mind:

🐾 Give him time and space to figure things out

🐾 Allow him to air scent to his heart's content

But, he wouldn't take food (another first for the vets reception - curveball #2).

So, air scenting and time were our first options, which helped.

Then, out from under another chair came a cautious but curious papillon approaching us.

*Animals meeting each other in the vets isn't something I recommend (stress, worry, overwhelm, etc, doesn't make for friendly greetings)*

However, the signs were good, and Rio confirmed it for me by moving into the approach. Now, if you've worked with me, you'll know dogs were scary when we started, and papillons were among those he found scariest of small dogs.

But his tail came up, little body wiggles from both and then back to their humans. The interaction lasted seconds.

Curveball #3 came in the vet room.

We went in, and he was weighed on the mini scales - and he's put a little weight on (yaye!).

The curveball wasn't one we'd prepped for, but the prep definitely helped.

He started on the table. But ended up sitting on her lap whilst she was at the computer and then just casually looking at his mouth (none of this would have even been imaginable when he came to us and isn't our general vet protocol).

Attaboy Rio ⭐️⭐️

So, the next step is operation tomorrow to have the affected teeth out.

Another pupdate tomorrow, another day another vet experience.

For now, he's had a good post vet sleep. Tonight, a scamper in the woods, lots of cuddles, food, and sleep for my brave (always full of surprises) boy ❤️

Rio is off to the vets this morning for his check-up and to see what (if anything) they want to do next. We've been doin...
11/09/2025

Rio is off to the vets this morning for his check-up and to see what (if anything) they want to do next.

We've been doing lots of vet prep this last week. So, I'll pop in later today to let you know how we got on, and I'll be sharing more about what our vet prep has been looking like soon

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