R+ certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. Helping dogs with complex behavior. Fear, reactivity, and social skills specialist. Vet recommended. Playgroups.
Private hire dog park - Stanley Park. Private and group training.
06/01/2025
Our 4 week Puppy Essentials Clinic begins on Feb 2 at 8:50AM. Puppies under 5 months old. This isn't your average puppy class!
Our classes are the smallest on the Island so you get ample 1:1 coaching and we do our utmost to avoid puppies feeling overwhelmed.
3 spots left.
You will learn how to set your puppy up for a happy and harmonious life together. Our focus is on teaching you how to meet your puppy's needs to promote well-being (dogs who feel better, behave better), how to read their body language, how to build confidence, quality socialization, house training, reducing puppy biting, building tolerance to home alone time, recall and much more!
Support in between sessions via WhatsApp and excellent handouts included.
Investing in an awesome puppy class is an essential first step on your journey together.
We prepare you on what to do AFTER class as well.
Sign up today!
05/01/2025
Tell me about your yays and nays with these topics. Or maybe some are it depends for you.
Got a question on one of them? Ask me below.
I can’t tell you how much puppy yoga gets under my skin! For the pups welfare, but also because of the commodification of yoga! Pups have been denied sleep and water, classes can go on too long and in hot rooms, pups can be taken too soon from mom, pups handled badly, pups have no option to opt out. It can easily lead to health and behavior issues.
It should be banned. Check the under cover footage from the UK!
04/01/2025
Just emailed out our upcoming group training roster to my email list. If you want it, please message me your email address.
In February we have: Puppy Essentials, Obstacle Clinic, Rockin Recall and Confidence Building Clinic.
If you are looking for small classes where you get ample 1:1 coaching in a great facility with a dynamic instructor, our classes are for you!
Spots fill up quickly because limited spots are available. Plan ahead!
31/12/2024
2024 gave me some awesome clients and some complex and rewarding cases. Some of which involved health issues that had been affecting behavior!
It is so important not to overlook how health issues and pain can affect behavior. Before we condemn dogs who bite or who have behavior challenges, let’s first rule out if they are in discomfort or pain.
Bring on 2025! Now taking new clients. I have about 4 spots left for January. Group training starts in February.
Happy New Year to all!
30/12/2024
Let’s talk about gaining an animal’s trust.
It can’t be rushed. It may take time. Pushing them too soon may result in a set back.
Sometimes clients sign up for basic life skills training but when I start working with the dog I discover that they are too fearful to work with me. They need to focus on behavior instead of teaching basic manners. The dog needs stress in his life reduced, confidence building and a focus on emotional health. This is complex and requires a holistic approach. Many clients struggle to recognize fear in their own dog.
Uneducated trainers will just slap on a shock, choke or prong collar and force the dog through submission to do tasks. This is unethical, inhumane and carries serious fallout like increased fear, anxiety, and aggression. It doesn’t address the root cause of the fear. It damages relationships and can even make a dog learn much slower. It can easily cause more behavior issues.
Living with a fearful dog is not easy. It usually takes more time, money and energy to help them. But many of these dogs have been turned around with the right training and patience. And then the behavior change lasts.
I’m committed to education and humane methods only! Steer clear of trainers promising quick fixes or who use pain and force to train. The fallout is huge and in some cases can’t be undone.
28/12/2024
There is a heavy emphasis in the dog training world on calm. Calm seems to be a popular goal.
While I get it, it’s helpful to remember that a certain amount of reactivity, excitement or drive is normal for dogs.
Dogs who appear calm may be struggling inside. I’ve seen shut down dogs mistaken for calm ones. Calm is a relaxed and positive mind state, shut down is not. Shut down is a welfare issue. The dog has given up trying to change their environment. They have learned that no one will listen or that they will be punished for reacting. Their feelings are not acknowledged. The fear, anxiety, or stress still persists.
Instead of a focus on teaching calm behaviors, checkin with how your dog is feeling first. True calm is a state of mind not just a taught behavior.
23/12/2024
Wishing a Happy Holiday to all! These are some messages I’ll be focusing on spreading in the New Year.
What are some other important things you would add?
15/12/2024
If we want well behaved dogs we must start early and we need to take a holistic approach. A focus on basic or obedience training alone won’t cut it.
Look for puppy classes that include ample well monitored free play, confidence and resilience building, information on enrichment and how to do it properly, information on how to continue socializing after puppy class, how to build engagement and secure attachment, how to reduce stress, cooperative care, tolerance to alone time, and how to provide safe choices. There are more important things than a sit or stay!!! Dogs that feel good will behave better.
Our next Puppy Essentials Clinic starts in February! Dates coming soon. Only 3 spots left!
07/12/2024
Aggression is a label that gets people’s backs up. But it is normal for animals to show aggression in certain scenarios.
I often hear people label their dogs or other dogs aggressive when the reality is that they are behaving normally. Some of these dogs have never even bitten anything! Some are just playing rough!
I’ve heard people label breeds aggressive. This is inaccurate. Many different breeds show aggression and any dog can bite.
Dogs should be judged individually on their present and past behavior, not on their breed alone. Hence why behavior experts are against breed specific legislation. BSL doesn’t address dog behavior at all. It does not address irresponsible dog guardianship. Safe dogs and their people suffer. It’s ineffective. It’s the same as segregation.
A flight or fight response is a natural reaction to a perceived threat. Some dogs may choose to fight in order to get the threat to move away, especially if they are trapped and flight isn’t an option. This response is linked to survival.
04/12/2024
I like dogs that growl, you know where you stand with them.
Growling is a warning to back off. If you punish it, you risk a dog no longer giving a vocal warning and instead biting.
If you ignore it, you risk a bite too and a dog that doesn’t trust you and doesn’t feel safe with you. Ignoring it and forcing the dog anyway, takes away the dog’s agency. Studies prove how beneficial agency is to dogs. We need to give them a say in how they interact. Agency promotes confidence, reduces stress, and builds healthier behavior.
Respect the growl. Work on changing the emotional state to a positive one vs. focusing on punishment.
28/11/2024
Dog trainers that aren’t qualified and are using unethical methods aren’t people I wish to argue the science with.
It is science, not mythology or folklore. Not oh I’ve lived with dogs my whole life so therefore I know what I’m talking about.
Be careful what you read on the internet and who you hire to train your dog. Dogs and their people deserve a regulated dog training field.
27/11/2024
Excellent news. Bermuda, this will one day be illegal here too. It's only a matter of time. Until then, please don't support it.
A New York state ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits begins Dec. 15.
23/11/2024
Two spots left for our 3 week Lead Skills Clinic that starts on Dec 1. Dogs over 5 months old.
Does your dog pull a lot and not pay any attention to you? This clinic is for you!
You will learn how to teach your dog to walk on a loose lead and pay attention to you when you ask. In addition, you will learn how to use a long line safely, and what dogs NEED on walks to be successful.
Please note: This class is NOT for reactive dogs (those who bark and lunge at other dogs).
FEE: $165 (10% off for playgroup members and those who have already done a class with us)
DATES: Sundays - Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15 9:50AM
LOCATION: Stanley Park, Smiths
Dogs must be friendly and up to date with vaccines and dewormed within the last 6 months.
As a dog behavior expert these things are no goes for me.
Invisible shock fence is proven to increase anxiety and aggression. It’s a risk I’m not willing to take. Anecdotally, I’ve seen it f up many dogs, including create excessive anxiety based barking and contribute to bites! It’s inhumane and unnecessary. It doesn’t keep your dog safe.
I believe daycares and pack walks are a flawed concept when we look at canine behavior and needs. Most aren’t run well and are chaotic, over-crowded and exhausting. It's not uncommon for dogs to get injured there or develop behavior challenges like reactivity, aggression, and play skill deficits. Sometimes they even pick up diseases!
On lead pack walks prohibit a dog from what they want and need. Choice, and to stop and sniff! Dogs aren’t even pack animals! 😉 Loading multiple dogs in a van is not going to sit well for many dogs. Forced close proximity to other dogs can be very stressful! My choice is individual walks.
I chose to train using positive methods only because it is proven to be the best way to train. Dogs learn faster, are happier and bonds are nurtured, not broken. Behaviors taught are more reliable. Plus it feels good.
Mental and physical health is so important when we talk about dog welfare and well-being. Health affects behavior so we must take a holistic approach to behavior change. My goal is true and lasting behavior change, never suppression.
I ask myself what are my dogs needs to live a good life? Sometimes it may be inconvenient for me, but their needs and happiness are important. Plus when their needs are met, they behave better!
What are some things you won’t do to your dog? Comment below.
16/11/2024
The more cases I work and the more I study, the more I see.
The majority of dogs are food motivated IMO but when I come across one who isn’t, it is investigation time!
I’ve worked with dogs who I struggle to motivate to learn, and discovered through vet referrals that pain was present.
I’ve worked with dogs who were clearly anxious and needed behavioral medication. Once they were treated by a vet, coupled with training, progress was made on the behavior front!
Don’t be so fast to label your dog a picky eater. Something else may be at play. Be curious.
15/11/2024
Only 2 spots left for our Dec 1 puppy essentials clinic which runs for 4 weeks!
This is not your average puppy class and is the smallest class on the island, so you get ample 1:1 coaching and attention!
You will learn about the MOST important things to teach your new puppy - hint - it isn't a sit!!!
• Build confidence by exploring new surfaces and heights
• Socialization checklist provided and discussed
• Get them used to handling/grooming/restraint
• Puppy mouthing: what to do and what NOT to do
• Teach them to come when called
• Build positive dog to dog play skills (our classes include ample organized dog to dog play, and you'll learn about why this is important)
• Learn about body language and how to make positive associations
• Teach them to target your hand (helps with recall and to move them without restraining them)
• Discuss how to build a tolerance to alone time
• Intro to Housetraining
• What is enrichment? Dogs that have their needs met and feel good will behave better!
• Intro to lead skills
Set puppies up for success in your world, you can teach manners at any age! Puppies that feel safe and secure will behave better.
This class includes handouts and support in between classes via email or WhatsApp. Ask me anything in the 4 weeks we are together!
We do our utmost to ensure puppies do not get overwhelmed and have a positive experience.
FEE: $220 DATES: SUNDAYS: Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15, Dec 22 at 8:50AM (you are expected to do all 4 classes)
Puppies must have received at least two core vaccines, lepto vaccine, and been dewormed. Stool must be firm. Vet documentation required.
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Videos
Would you have guessed that the Boston terrier lacks some confidence in this clip?
Short video clips can be deceiving but I know this puppy well and when she first came to me she avoided the other puppies. She is now engaging with them but the body language indicates there is still a lack of confidence!
Really important that we keep working on this and only expose her to suitable playmates. Also important to continue quality social interactions through adolescence (approx 6 months to 2 yrs).
The Frenchie is doing a great job of being a gentle playmate!
The transformation with this pit bull puppy in 4 weeks has been awesome. He came to us very timid and would avoid the other puppies. Now he’s seeking them out and asking to play.
It was critical that he started our puppy clinic when he did, any longer delay would have likely lead to more fear developing and therefore becoming harder to modify.
What else is critical is that he continues positive social interactions through adolescence (approximately 6 months to 2 years old). If he is isolated it could lead to devastating effects on his behavior. Think fear, anxiety, aggression and/or play skill deficits that could get him into trouble with other dogs.
It is a common mistake to complete a puppy course and then stop socializing or to offer overwhelming social experiences.
Please don’t stop socializing your puppy as they age and please be sure what you offer them is of quality and not overwhelming or negative.
What items does your dog cach? Sometimes dogs will cach the air. They are pretending to hide something for later!
Caching is a natural behavior for predators and doesn’t have to be learned. Not all dogs will do this but it is harmless.
Tell me what you’ve caught your dog caching.
It’s common that dogs don’t want to be mounted or humped.
They may want to play but they want to other dog to knock it off with the mounting or intrusive sniffing.
Mounting has nothing to do with dominance. Both males and females mount but typically you see more males do it.
Mounting is a rehearsal of reproductive behavior. But it can happen when a dog is stressed or overwhelmed and it becomes a displacement behavior. It can become excessive and anti-social. Mounters need to be heavily monitored, as this is a risk taking behavior which could get the dog bitten. In addition, the dog being mounted could become very scared and this could create a negative association.
We interrupt this behavior in a positive manner if needed. Here the Dalmatian didn’t need our help to stop. He listened to the warning growl.
Want to see more play videos? Follow us!
Timid to frolicsome! When we see fear in puppies we need to help them right away. Early intervention is essential. If left the fear could get worse and may even develop into aggression.
I’m so proud of Koda and his mom!
We have a good chance of turning timid puppies into confident ones if we do the right things right away. We can’t overwhelm them and must make loads of positive associations.
Our puppy classes are small on purpose. The last thing I want to do is frighten dogs, I know how hard it is to undo.
I want my puppies to develop into confident and secure dogs. I want their people to get the help they need.
We have 3 spots left for our February Puppy Essentials Clinic. We will also offer some puppy play dates in January.
Pups under 5 months old. DM me!
Instead of buying your dog toys, outfits, crappy Christmas cookies, or a Christmas themed collar and lead, just give them your time. That’s free!
My dogs are happiest when I arrive home after an absence, not when they see gifts under the tree.
They are well behaved when I meet their needs including exercise, enrichment and quality meals.
Give your time this Christmas. Your dog will be so happy!
If you want to buy something, up grade your harness to a Y shaped one (if you don’t already have one) (I love the Perfect Fit from the UK), or head over to @rowespurlingpaint for a biothane long line. You’ll love the grip and your dog will love the freedom.
#bermudadogs #dogsofbermuda
Once you go long, you won’t go back to short! Long lines check many positive boxes for our dogs.
They provide choice and we know how important that is. Choice helps dogs engage and improves confidence. It makes life more interesting! It promotes overall well-being.
Long lines are great for dogs who don’t have reliable recall. They reduce pulling because dogs can sniff and move more. They can check out what they want without tension in the lead.
They give dogs more opportunity to decompress.
Go long, you won’t regret it!
What benefits have you found from a long line? Comment below.
The ticket to pleasant walks and a happy dog isn’t about teaching a focused heel. You can teach heel, but dogs need to explore, to sniff, to trot ahead, and they need choice on walks. This ensures their needs are met and promotes well being.
A focus heel is boring and ignores a dog’s needs.
My dogs are rarely in a focused heel, but they rarely pull and we have pleasant walks. Building a connection with your dog is key and rewarding what you like!
Bring treats on every walk!
Many dogs experience conflict in different situations. I see it often in dog to dog interactions.
The pointer had been struggling throughout the session and was unable to handle more than 1 dog at a time. Sometimes we can turn this around in a group setting, but sometimes a group is not beneficial for an individual dog. Some do better with 1:1 social interactions.
This dog was easily overwhelmed on this day and not feeling very confident. She would often go low to the ground exposing her stomach. This can be a sign of anxiety or conflict and is often mistaken for solicitation of play.
What are your thoughts? Comment below.
Qualifications/Experience:
CTC (certified trainer and counselor) from the world-leading, Academy For Dog Trainers
• City & Guild Level 3 certificate Dog Grooming Stylist
> Intensive hands on training with top UK and USA groomers.
> Courses with Sarah Whitehead of the Clever Dog Company:
• Think Dog! Intermediate certificate in canine behaviour & training
• Think Dog! Practical course on dog behaviour & clicker training
• Dog-Dog Aggression Masterclass
Training & Playgroups: Positive reinforcement training methods (force-free!). It is effective, evidence based and helps build a wonderful relationship between you and your dog. No pain, fear or intimidation is used to get behaviours, so there are no negative side effects, like increased fear and aggression that these methods can cause. Transparent and comprehensive.
Private one-on-one training at your home (owner involved)
Private day training (owner absent) Great for owners that work long hours or who aren’t interested in training. Transfer session included so I can show you what I accomplished with your dog and how to maintain it.
Organised playgroups on private property. Bookings in advance and all new dogs are screened for pro-social behaviour for safety purposes. Great way to socialise your dog in a safe environment. Spots are limited. Puppy, juvenile and adult dog groups. Playgroups are for friendly dogs, they are not training sessions to address behaviour issues.
Mobile Grooming: My goal is for your dog to be comfortable and feel safe being groomed, not frightened. The comfort of the dog’s home, combined with kind handling techniques & treats, will keep stress to a minimum. Salons can be hectic environments. Why not save time and minimise stress by having the work done at home? Your dog will thank you for it!
Bath & dry, brush out, sc******ng, clipping, handstripping (wire coats), nail and ear care.
Decoding Dogs class - Watch a live playgroup and learn about dog body language and play and how to do a consent test. What is fact and what is myth.
Walk + Train. This is much more than a walk. Have a qualified dog trainer teach your dog lead manners while getting a walk. No more pulling, weaving in front of you or not paying attention. This is for lead manners only, fear & aggression cases require an initial consult.
Group Recall Training class - teach you dog to reliably come when called even with distractions.
