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

11/01/2025

"He'll never believe she's this close to a small dog"

Back to work for my little lady, Xena, and up first was a stooge dog walk/training session for this young border terrier and her owner.

As part of our work together, her owners asked for some support around her response to some other dogs, especially small dogs.

So, we've been gradually introducing them to each other. At the same time as building their skills and confidence around a type of dog that she finds extra tricky.

By taking it slow, we are also creating a solid foundation for this pair that we can build on (rather than repairing if we push too far too soon) and providing a bank of positive experiences with a small dog.

This week was their first time together since before Christmas and it's safe to say they aced it and such a difference from the first time.

This week included the closest they've ever been to each other and they are both becoming quietly curious about each other such as air scenting when the other is facing away from them.

Next week is scentwork for this duo 🐾

10/01/2025

A jam-packed catch-up training session for this duo and at a tricky time of day (dusk to dark). We saw pretty much everything we possibly could, but here's just a little snippet.

You may remember from previous posts that his owners reached out for help as walks with him were stressful. He can find the outside world scary and, at times, frustrating. This can show itself in some pretty big ways such as barking, lunging, and growling. But, also, in more subtle ways like a raising of his hackles, the furrow of his brow and tightening of body language, the refusal of food.

It was a session that, at times, put their growing confidence and skills to the test.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I'm so proud of how far you've both come together already.

As part of our session, we also talked through and practised some strategies and handling skills for situations that are a little extra tricky for him. As well as, exploring other opportunities for him to observe other dogs.

See you next week for our solo session 'little one'

09/01/2025

"Thank you so much for our training session today. I am super proud of her, one tired puppy x x"

Love getting messages like this. The first session back for this duo meant moving to the outside world for the first time AND it was the first time she's been so confident in her greeting of me as well.

It's lovely to see this little pup's confidence growing so much already.

Our session included:

- Restrained recalls
- Introducing playing with toys out on a walk
- Introducing the cue 'drop'
- Auto check-ins with her owner
- Familiar tricks on unfamiliar surfaces

Plus, some time for Q&As

08/01/2025

So proud to say Aura passed her Novice Trick dog title this week 🥳

This is what her examiner had to say:

"Aw, congratulations she is adorable. They both are. I love them doing it together. Yes more than enough, I was especially taken with the freeze on the touch and the three hand signal behaviours. They are adorable and your handling skills are amazing! Congratulations 🍪🐾🎉 Great start to 2025! Xx"

Her novice title included:

1. Middle
2. Recall
3. Paws on
4. Tug
5. Fetch
6. Nose target
7. Down
8. Stay
9. Front
10. Hand signals
11. Tunnel
12. Wall stand
13. Nose touch on a disc (coin indication)
14. Paws in the box
15. Balance beam

07/01/2025

WARNING for all dog owners & carers, please share.

With the freezing temperatures (it was 1 degree when I started this morning and lower than that overnight), there are hazards we need to be aware of on our winter walks with our dogs- gritted roads and antifreeze.

There's likely going to be many roads and pavements gritted as well as car drivers using de-icer to clear their car windows, much of which will end up on driveways and pavements.

Consuming rock salt can cause dehydration, liver failure and pancreatitis, while antifreeze contains the chemical ethylene glycol, which can be lethal when ingested.
Even if you own these products and they are kept away from your pets, if you're walking along pavements or roads, they'll likely come into contact with them on their paws (which is ingested when they clean their paws) or pools of it that have come off cars (de-icer is often sweet to the taste so animals are sometimes tempted by it).

If you're walking in places likely to be affected, make sure you wash or wipe their paws to keep them safe.

Signs of anti-freeze poisoning include:

• Lack of coordination
• Excessive drinking and weeing
• Tummy troubles
• Comas
• Seizures and possible death

Symptoms of poisoning from de-icing grit are:
• Burns to the mouth
• Dehydration
• Raw and sore paws
• It can lead to kidney and liver failure or pancreatitis

Wash their paws so they don't have to

06/01/2025

Happy 14th birthday, Ted ❤️❤️

Small but mighty in all the ways. This last year hasn't been easy for you, but you've been brave throughout. We are so lucky to still have you in our lives. This birthday is an extra special one after all that's happened recently.

Here's to you, my little cheeky chap x x x

03/01/2025

Not being able to wait until next week to see everyone, I thought I'd ask you to do something for me. I'd love to see your favourite pictures of your dogs (other animals welcome too!), drop them below :)

01/01/2025

Does it seem like your dog has put their paws over their ears when you're out on a walk?

Here's a snippet of a mini training session today with my pup where we upped the ante whilst working on her indication for scentwork 🐾

There's many reasons that a dog might not listen to you, or it seems like you're being ignored.

One of the reasons is that something is too close, it could be a dog or person, something that is taking their attention away.

The video shows my pup learning to pay attention to what I'm asking for (nose touch to the coin) even when there's something in the environment that she wants (food on the floor).

The decision to nose touch gets more difficult the closer the food is to her. The closer your dog is to what is taking their focus, the harder the choice will be, at the beginning.

To start with, when teaching something new, we start with few distractions around. We can work up to including distractions and proofing it in other situations :)

31/12/2024

I wanted to pop in and wish you all a Happy New Year. 2024 has been a challenging year for me, shall we say.

On a personal level, losing Skylar in February this year. As well as the major health challenges Ted (the latest of which was over Christmas) and Rio have had this year, where at times we thought we might lose them both. To name but a few.

But, also, challenging in a good way, such as about beliefs I've had about myself, my skills, how I help others, and what I want to do. As well as leaning in to the challenge of having two deaf dogs at home and becoming stronger together for it. My pup has had extra challenges thrown her way, but I'm so proud of the little lady she's becoming.

Another year of challenging myself to not only stretch my comfort zone but to step way outside of it.

Such as:-

- In person CPD to become a Scentwork UK judge for Tier 1 and Scentwork UK trial manager

- Adventuring with my dogs

- Teaching two advanced scent workshops

- Working with even more people than before on the training side of things.

- Reaching out for help when I needed it

My dogs have had their comfort zones stretched, too. Rio and Ted learnt new skills so they could keep their freedom plus adventuring to Scotland for Rio.

This year has been about continuing to gain confidence, exploring the world, and learning about life for my pup. Xena has embraced her role of stooge/demo dog this year and being a wonderful sidekick wherever life takes us.

For the last few years, I've chosen a word that I hope will represent the year ahead.

2021: Bold
2022: Brave
2023: Believe
2024: Trust

With what I have in mind and the plans I have for next year, both in business and personally. I think my word for next year will be courage.

What's yours?

30/12/2024

"Well, we made it through Christmas day, thanks to your help and advice. B and I even sat on the settee with C in his bed. So grateful for all your help xx🐶 Have a great New Year 🥂 x"

Getting updates like this makes my day. Christmas can be a tricky time for us and our dogs, especially when they can have some big feelings about things. All the people, comings and goings, food, noises etc.

So, when they told me their plans involved mixing households for Christmas day - multiple adults, a young child, and two dogs that don't live together normally - we went into planning mode to ensure it went as smoothly as possible.

So proud of you all 🎄

29/12/2024

28/12/2024

Generally, I use Betwixmas to do some hibernating. But, when you're invited out, who am I to say no?

Great food, company, and entertainment in the form of La Clique at the Spiegeltent.

Thank you for tonight, I had a fantastic time with you x

27/12/2024

Let the planning commence 🐾

Thank you, Rachel Spencer, for designing such a beautifully put-together planner.

I'm so excited to get started planning for 2025

26/12/2024

Happy Boxing Day.

We do Christmas a little differently in our house and spread out the festivities. Today, we've opened a few human presents 🎁

Thank you all so much for my presents and cards with lovely messages about how I've helped you this year, I'm feeling the love 🥰

Here's one of my presents from you with all my animals who are no longer with us included and engraved (Bracken, Domino, Millie, Jet, and Skylar ❤️).

It was most unexpected, but thank you all so much x

24/12/2024

I just wanted to take the chance to say I hope you all have a lovely Christmas.

But if Christmas is a difficult time for you, I want you to know that you're not alone, we're here for you too x

23/12/2024

Well, Christmas is almost upon us. Whether you're having a quiet Christmas, people visiting you, or even just walks being busier, things are likely to be different for you and for your dog(s) just now.

Here are my top Christmas survival tips:
1. It's ok to say no - not every situation that comes up over the festive period is going to be suitable to bring your dog along to. It's ok to say no to bringing your dog along, saying no to visitors or just to them bringing their dog with them to yours, if its going to be too much for them or you.

2. Have somewhere away from the hustle and bustle for your dog to take themselves off to or somewhere you can put them for short periods. So, they can take breaks and rest from the excitement. E.g. make use of crates, baby gates, puppy pens etc.
Did you know that stress levels can take 72 hours to fall back down?

3. Be prepared - having long-lasting chews to hand, stuffed kongs, lickimats, snuffle mats, and the like ready. Kongs and lickimats with their filling can be frozen to make them last longer (just get out a little while before to take the edge off)

4. Remember not all our festive favourites are suitable for our dogs and need to be kept away such as:
Mince pies, chocolate, raisins, grapes, cooked bones, to name but a few.

5. Take time to enjoy the festivities whatever you have planned, and plan some quiet time as well.

22/12/2024

Our first Christmas without Skylar but her snowflakes have arrived in time 💔❤️

Bracken, Millie, Jet, Domino, and now Skylar, gone but never forgotten ❤️

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"He'll never believe she's this close to a small dog" Back to work for my little lady, Xena, and up first was a stooge dog walk/training session for this young border terrier and her owner. As part of our work together, her owners asked for some support around her response to some other dogs, especially small dogs. So, we've been gradually introducing them to each other. At the same time as building their skills and confidence around a type of dog that she finds extra tricky. By taking it slow, we are also creating a solid foundation for this pair that we can build on (rather than repairing if we push too far too soon) and providing a bank of positive experiences with a small dog. This week was their first time together since before Christmas and it's safe to say they aced it and such a difference from the first time. This week included the closest they've ever been to each other and they are both becoming quietly curious about each other such as air scenting when the other is facing away from them. Next week is scentwork for this duo 🐾 #borderterrier #scentdogs #terriers #yorkie #foundationskills #socialisation #fearfuldog #reactivitytraining #expecttheunexpected #confidencebuilding #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #rescuepup #dogtrainer #scentwork

A jam-packed catch-up training session for this duo and at a tricky time of day (dusk to dark). We saw pretty much everything we possibly could, but here's just a little snippet. You may remember from previous posts that his owners reached out for help as walks with him were stressful. He can find the outside world scary and, at times, frustrating. This can show itself in some pretty big ways such as barking, lunging, and growling. But, also, in more subtle ways like a raising of his hackles, the furrow of his brow and tightening of body language, the refusal of food. It was a session that, at times, put their growing confidence and skills to the test. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I'm so proud of how far you've both come together already. As part of our session, we also talked through and practised some strategies and handling skills for situations that are a little extra tricky for him. As well as, exploring other opportunities for him to observe other dogs. See you next week for our solo session 'little one' #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #Bexley #reactivity #AlexandrasPracticallyPawfect #dogtrainer #reactivedogs #training #somuchmorethanreactivity #rhodesianridgebacksofinstagram #hound #fearful #ittakestime #frustrateddogs #rhodesianridgeback #deafdog #deafdogsofinstagram

I'm so proud to say Aura passed her Novice Trick dog title this week 🥳 This is what her examiner had to say: "Aw, congratulations, she is adorable. They both are. I love them doing it together. Yes, more than enough, I was especially taken with the freeze on the touch and the three hand signal behaviours. They are adorable, and your handling skills are amazing! Congratulations 🍪🐾🎉 Great start to 2025! Xx" Her novice title included: 1. Middle 2. Recall 3. Paws on 4. Tug 5. Fetch 6. Nose target 7. Down 8. Stay 9. Front 10. Hand signals 11. Tunnel 12. Wall stand 13. Nose touch on a disc (coin indication) 14. Paws in the box 15. Balance beam #adolescentdogs #puppytraining #fearfulpup #rescuepup #recalltraining #dogtrainer #reactivity #reactivitytraining #Bexley #offlead #papillons #chihuahua #minipoodle #toypoodle #yorkshireterrier #tricktraining #scentworktraining #scentdog #Kent

So proud to say Aura passed her Novice Trick dog title this week 🥳 This is what her examiner had to say: "Aw, congratulations she is adorable. They both are. I love them doing it together. Yes more than enough, I was especially taken with the freeze on the touch and the three hand signal behaviours. They are adorable and your handling skills are amazing! Congratulations 🍪🐾🎉 Great start to 2025! Xx" Her novice title included: 1. Middle 2. Recall 3. Paws on 4. Tug 5. Fetch 6. Nose target 7. Down 8. Stay 9. Front 10. Hand signals 11. Tunnel 12. Wall stand 13. Nose touch on a disc (coin indication) 14. Paws in the box 15. Balance beam #adolescentdogs #puppytraining #fearfulpup #rescuepup #recalltraining #dogtrainer #reactivity #reactivitytraining #Bexley #offlead #papillons #chihuahua #minipoodle #toypoodle #yorkshireterrier #tricktraining #scentworktraining #scentdog

Does your dog know how to use their brakes? Can your dog stop on cue? Teaching our dogs to have emergency brakes can help in all sorts of situations, especially for off lead walks. Such as: - Something unexpected coming round the corner towards you and your dog - To prevent your dog running up to others - To keep them away from busy roads - To keep everyone safe when you come across bikes or runners And so much more. Here's my girl just starting to learn this. To start with, she's facing me. But, with time, we'll build more distance, speed and have her in different positions in relation to me. Want to know more? I'll be posting our progress and how to get started here on my page #Bexley #offlead #recalltraining #reactivity #dogtrainersdog #dogsrunningfree #dogtrainingvideos #tricktraining #londondogs #offleadwalkies #offleadfun #AdultDogs #multidoghousehold #yorkiesofinstagram🐾🐾 #yorkshireterrier #minisessions #girldogs #girldogsrule #bexley #terriersofinstagram

Does it seem like your dog has put their paws over their ears when you're out on a walk? Here's a snippet of a mini training session today with my pup where we upped the ante whilst working on her indication for scentwork 🐾 There's many reasons that a dog might not listen to you, or it seems like you're being ignored. One of the reasons is that something is too close, it could be a dog or person, something that is taking their attention away. The video shows my pup learning to pay attention to what I'm asking for (nose touch to the coin) even when there's something in the environment that she wants (food on the floor). The decision to nose touch gets more difficult the closer the food is to her. The closer your dog is to what is taking their focus, the harder the choice will be, at the beginning. To start with, when teaching something new, we start with few distractions around. We can work up to including distractions and proofing it in other situations :) #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #Bexley #offlead #papillons #rescuepup #reactivity #fearfuldogs #souldogs #trickdog #yorkie #forcefreedogtrainer #toypoodle #minipoodle #tumbletales #pomeranian #chihuahuas #Kent #scentworkdog #yorkiesofinstagram #girldogsrule #girldogs #minisessions #Scentwork

With the year coming to an end soon, I just wanted to pop in and say thank you. To each and every one of you who've helped support my business, this year and previously. Whether we've worked together (this year or previously), you've recommended me to other people, interacted with my posts, everything. It all means the world to me #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #Bexley #offlead #rescuepup #reactivity #AlexandrasPracticallyPawfect #dogtrainer #dogwalker #recalltraining #dogtraining #enrichment #poodle #cockerpoosofinstagram #yorkie #onetoonetraining #trickdog #fearfuldogs #forcefreedogtrainer #souldogs #London #adultdogs #scentworkdog #trainingsessions

Throwback to puppy zoomies ❤️🐾 I've been sifting through some of our training videos for various things. Whilst doing so, I came across A in an early training session. She's just too cute not to share ❤️ #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #Bexley #offlead #papillons #rescuepup #recalltraining #dogwalker #dogtrainer #AlexandrasPracticallyPawfect #reactivity #pomeranian #chihuahuas #minipoodle #poodle #toypoodle #tumbletales #Kent #yorkie #forcefree #confidencebuilding #adolescentdogs

Will you have wrapping paper everywhere? Or some empty cardboard boxes? Try this simple game for your dog(s) This game can be used: - To give them their own space away from the hustle and bustle - To keep them happy and settled - Allows them to use their nose If they are new to scatter feeding, start easy and throw some treats in and around some flat discarded wrapping paper. If they are know this game we'll, you can make it more difficult for them. E.g. more paper, crumpled paper or a bigger search area. Happy sniffing 🐾 #reactivedogs #dogtrainingtips #Bexley #offlead #papillons #rescuepup #recalltraining #yorkiesofinstagram #distractiontraining #frenchbulldogs #daschunds #setter #labradors #trainingsessions #kent #gundog #foxlab #forcefreedogtrainer #London #terriers #fearreactive #gundogs

When you've been working extra hard for your human (and helping other people's dogs) recently, it's time for some solo adventure time ❤️ Woodland offlead walkies. Then it was time for coffee and cake and a spot of indication training for scentwork whilst in the cafe. #reactivedogs #offlead #Bexley #rescuepup #recalltraining #dogtrainer #dogwalker #reactivity #bexleysmallbusiness #soloadventures #souldogs #trickdog #trainingsessions #yorkiesofinstagram #Yorkshireterriers #kent #distractiontraining #fearfuldogs

Working with dogs, you just get to have puppy cuddles all day, right? Sometimes, but not as often as you might think for me, especially when it comes to training sessions. Often, dogs come to me when they reach adolescence (around 6 months old) upwards. This little lady's owners reached out to me right from the start for some help and advice whilst searching for their next dog. A rescue in this case, as it's a big decision, lots to think about. Well, I'm very pleased to say that they have chosen to welcome in this cutie to their home, a 17 week old rescue Red Fox lab puppy. She's been in her forever home about 3 weeks. So, it's super early days, and she's already been through a lot in her little life. We started straight away on some sessions at home, to begin with, focusing on confidence building and lifeskills for now. She's a sensitive soul who can find noises, new things, and people scary. What a difference from our first to yesterday was our third session already, for the first time I was met with wiggles. Our sessions have included: - Confidence building exercises - Teaching her to use her nose - Scent transference (of a toy giraffe to get her used to my scent in between sessions as well) - Tips on crate training, micro absences, puppy biting, toilet training, introducing a lead and collar (especially as she's had a scary experience with them in the past) - Enrichment ideas This week, we focused on: - Blending familiar cues with the idea of being on lead as well - Settle training to help with counter surfing when they are cooking - Loose lead walking - Marker training You'll be seeing a lot of this little lady as she grows up. As she's going to be quite the regular across the board here at Alexandra's Practically Pawfect ❤️ #labrador #foxlab #puppytraining #fearfulpup #rescuepup #gundog #dogtrainer #Bexley #onetoonetraining #dogwalker #puppysfirstChristmas

"The difference in how she is on walks, there's just something that has changed- clicked for us. The work we've been doing together are really making a difference" This is how we kicked off our final scentwork session of the year for this pair 😊 And what a Christmas scentwork session to finish off on with some challenging weather conditions to work through, but they smashed it 👏 She started off very excited, partly due to the weather as well as the novelty of the search items. But we broke things down to gain a little focus, and by the third search, she'd switched gears. She did the most focused searching we've had by far, taking her role as scent dog very seriously. Working through very windy conditions, the novelty of search items moving mid-search and resisting the temptation to take the fluffy santa hat to play with. Not only that, she did laser focused searching even when a dog and his owner came to watch and when a breed of dog that she struggles with walked past as well #reactivedogs #offlead #Bexley #enrichmentfordogs #dogtrainer #AlexandrasPracticallyPawfect #reactivity #bexley #scentworktraining #London #forcefreedogtrainer #smallbutmighty #terriersofinstagram #scentgames #terriers #scentworkdog #girldogsrule #adultdogs

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