Optimum Canine

14/08/2024

Any dog can be taught to walk nicely on a lead - all you have to do is to teach them to focus and engage with you‼️…

First 5 people to drop us a message today will receive FREE virtual training…

13/08/2024

Old dogs can learn new tricks with Optimum Canine ‼️…

Here’s Bliss, a 10 year old Collie that has been deafening her owners in the car for 9 years 😳…
As soon as she saw the car she would go into a barking frenzy that would last the whole journey - no matter how long the journey was 😩…
But here we are, numerous trainers and behaviourists have come before me and none managed it 🫣…

I will confess, we are around 90% there, but only two lessons and we broke the back of Bliss’s barking 😎…

Well done Bliss and well done to her owners 👏…

If you have a problem you would like help with, why not book a FREE 15 minute discovery call with Optimum Canine 📞

01/08/2024

⚠️…Peggy Spam…⚠️

How has she managed this…⁉️
I let her out this morning for a toilet with her wearing her camouflage - (the magpies can’t see her 😉), and when I turned round her body suit was on the floor…🙃

What has baffled me more is that all the poppers are still connected…🤔
She most definitely is feeling more herself…☺️

31/07/2024

‼️…Peggy Update…‼️

Peggy is recovering very well, thank you for all your kind messages…❤️‍🩹
She has spent the majority of the day sunbathing in the garden…☀️
She is now playing hide and seek - can anyone see her…⁉️

31/07/2024

I have had a few requests to start posting more content from training clients dogs. Sorry it’s been a while but work is crazy, and I struggle to spend time on social media…

Welcome Dora…👋 Dora has been to a few trainers without any success, she would bark at people, dogs, cats and erm rubbish - yes that’s correct rubbish.

What did we do…⁉️ First we worked on the treat bar method, any time the triggers were presented in the environment, we “opened the bar” and any time the environment was clear, we “closed the bar.” We did this process with Dora wearing a head collar and harness for more control…👍

This worked fantastic with people and with rubbish…👏 However, dogs was still a problem. We decided to switch tactics and condition a word “enough” to mean if you insist on this behaviour a consequence that you would not like will be applied…⚠️

What did we use…⁉️

We simply applied gentle pressure to the head collar to have her look at us instead and within a few trials, the barking stopped & opened up a bigger window for positive reinforcement…☺️

Soon we only had to say the word “enough” and Dora stopped. Along with using a continuation marker and a reward marker - we were able to take the head collar off…🙌

⚠️ I have to mention that you MUST NOT use the head collar to give your dog leash corrections. This will cause injuries to your dog…⚠️

25/07/2024

I wanted to share an update on my Bulldog, Peggy, who had a sudden health emergency. I won’t name the veterinary practice involved, but I feel it’s important to detail what happened for awareness.

Yesterday, Peggy underwent emergency surgery for pyometra. When they scanned her, we discovered she was in a critical condition, full of pus. Both the vets and I were unsure if she would pull through.

Here’s why I’m frustrated: I had taken Peggy to the vet earlier, before we lost Orenji, suspecting pyometra. She had all the symptoms. Despite this, the vets “scanned” her and assured me she was fine. I strongly disagreed, but they sent us home. Yesterday, they insisted she didn’t have pyometra during the first visit, which was infuriating. With all their advanced equipment and expertise, they failed to diagnose what I, without their training, had suspected.

For those who know about pyometra, you understand the urgency it requires. The only treatment is an emergency spay. Peggy had this ticking time bomb for nearly four weeks.

Against the odds, Peggy made it through the surgery. She’s now urinating, drinking, and though she hasn’t eaten yet and is very sore, she’s fighting on. My frustration is not just with the vets, but with myself for not trusting my instincts and seeking a second opinion sooner.

If you ever feel your dog is unwell and your vet isn’t taking it seriously, please learn from my experience and seek a second opinion.

Thank you all for the kind messages and support—it means the world to us.

14/07/2024

💔 Saying Goodbye to Orenji: Lessons Learned and Memories Cherished 🐾

Today, I'm sharing a deeply personal story about my journey with Orenji, a dog who tested my skills, patience, and heart. Losing her has been incredibly tough, but the lessons she taught me and the bond we formed are unforgettable.

From her mischievous puppy days to becoming my loyal companion, Orenji has been a significant part of my life and my growth as a dog trainer. If you're dealing with a challenging puppy or facing the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet, I hope my story offers you some comfort and perspective.

Read the full blog post here: https://wix.to/cxH1hZ6

Let's remember our dogs for the joy and lessons they bring into our lives. Share your own stories and memories in the comments below. 🐶❤️

31/05/2024

Being predominately a dog trainer - yes I have trained other animals, you can use these skills in life to resolve problems 💡…

My lawn had about 20 ant hills pop up and my conservatory kept having them find their way in 😔…
I tried salt and I tried baking soda around the edges to try and stop them from coming in - didn’t work…

I then when back to the drawing board. What could solve my issue? I then thought birds 🐦…
But how ⁉️…

I came up with the amazing idea of sprinkling mealworms over the ant hills, with the hypothesis that once the mealworms were eaten, the birds would start eating the ants 🔍🐜…

It worked 🥳…
I only have three ant hills left 🎯🐜🐜🐜…

26/04/2024

Eddie the French Bulldog’s story is a true testament to patience and understanding in dog training. By respecting Eddie’s pace and curiosity, we’ve nurtured his confidence and transformed his walks into sessions filled with mutual enjoyment. Now, Eddie and his owner share delightful strolls, a bond strengthened by trust and companionship.

Stage one; Let Eddie explore the environment how he wants to build confidence and forward motion.
Stage two; Focus and engagement training.

If you’re looking to achieve the same positive change with your dog, regardless of the walking gear you use, we have a spot opening up next week—don’t wait, as the next one might only come in 3 to 4 weeks!

Discover the joy of a confident, happy dog with Optimum Canine. Contact us to book your session and experience the difference our approach can make.

22/04/2024

🌟 Meet Monty, the Springer Spaniel who’s rewriting his walking script! Known for their pulling, Springers can be a handful, but not Monty anymore! His dog walker might have given up, but we doubled down on our unique training methods. 🐾✨

It’s all about communication, focus, and engagement. These aren’t just techniques; they’re the foundation of a deep, understanding relationship. See the difference in Monty’s demeanor and leash manners for yourself!

18/04/2024

📣 Attention, Dog Lovers! 📣

It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but in the world of dog training, originality reigns supreme. Recently, we've seen our unique, ethical results-based training method ©️ emulated by others, but rest assured, the original can never be outdone. We've further innovated and officially copyrighted our proven approach, so when you choose Optimum Canine, you're choosing a standard of excellence that can't be duplicated.

Experience the difference with a method that's all heart and results, only at Optimum Canine.

Read about our authentic approach here: https://www.optimumcanine.co.uk/post/what-is-ethical-results-based-dog-training

Our Approach to Ethical, Results-Based Dog Training ©: The Comprehensive Assessment atOptimum Canine, we recognise that every dog is an individual, with distinct needs, behaviours, and characteristics. Our commitment to ethical, results-based training © commences with a thorough Comprehensive Asse...

17/04/2024

Meet Lonnie, the Border Collie prodigy, already making strides in his focus and engagement training. 🐾 With his keen eye and eager spirit, we’re laying the groundwork for impeccable lead manners – and he’s a natural!

We’re mixing up rewards to keep things interesting – food treats are just the start. Can you guess what other rewards Lonnie’s loving? Drop your answers below! 👇

14/04/2024

Meet Hugo, the accomplished Cockerpoo whose lead walking skills are setting the standard high! 🐾 With patience and practice, he’s turned every stroll into a harmonious dance. Just look at that focus and form!

Join us in a round of applause for Hugo’s latest triumph on the lead and we didn’t even do any specific lead training - it was all done on my philosophy of focus and engagement!

13/04/2024

Nova, the Border Collie with a mind as sharp as his herding instincts, never ceases to amaze. 🧠🌟 We’ve journeyed from the thrills of car chasing to beginning the zen of lead walking. With focus and engagement training, not even 20 cars whizzing by can break his stride now.

It’s more than training; you come across very few dogs in a lifetime that you automatically click with - Nova is one of these dogs, his owners often joke that he is mine, and I’d have him in a heart beat 😂

See the video in the comments section, to see Nova in action, and remember, even instinctual behaviors can find a positive outlet! We use a flirt pole for Nova to herd and chase in our training.

11/04/2024

Plenty of spaces for Solo Strolls - only a single placement for new clients until August on Petiquette Program.

Rise and shine with Diva’s first solo walk debut! 🌅 This bright-eyed Lurcher amazed us with her smarts, catching on to our basic communication cues faster than you can say ‘treat!’ 🦴

Gone are the days of head halters—Diva’s mastering the lead with finesse and joy. And guess what? We celebrated her success with a spirited round of flirt pole fun, channeling her breed’s instincts into a fabulous workout. 🐾💨

Join us in giving a round of ‘appaws’ for Diva’s fantastic progress. It’s all about the joy of learning, the thrill of the chase, and the bond that grows with every step we take together.

11/04/2024

Rise and shine with Diva’s first solo walk debut! 🌅 This bright-eyed Lurcher amazed us with her smarts, catching on to our basic communication cues faster than you can say ‘treat!’ 🦴

Gone are the days of head halters—Diva’s mastering the lead with finesse and joy. And guess what? We celebrated her success with a spirited round of flirt pole fun, channeling her breed’s instincts into a fabulous workout. 🐾💨

Join us in giving a round of ‘appaws’ for Diva’s fantastic progress. It’s all about the joy of learning, the thrill of the chase, and the bond that grows with every step we take together.

10/04/2024

Handover day👏

Look who’s leading the way now! 🐾 River, the charming Cockerpoo, has gone from tugging at the leash to walking in sync with Ian on their first smooth stroll together. Swipe to see the transformation from our training to Ian taking the lead — a seamless handover that’s got tails wagging!

Big applause for Ian and River, stepping out in style and harmony. 🎉 Ready to turn your walks from drag to fab? Let us guide you through it!

09/04/2024

Meet Bonny 🌟, the Cocker Spaniel extraordinaire, and Jon, her trusty human with newly polished acting chops—believe it or not! 😂 Together, they’re rehearsing the delicate art of ‘stay’ while simulating baby’s nappy time. With a baby on the way, we’re all about creating a safe, serene environment. 👶🍼

Bonny is not only learning to respect the new tiny human’s space but also the new house rules—sofa privileges included! Cheer her on as she embarks on her journey from beloved pet to protective big sister. 🐾💜

Video in the comments section 🎥

Your thumbs up and shares help us teach more families about harmonious dog-baby bonding. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Jon’s improved thespian efforts?

08/04/2024

Peaches, our Presa Canario, is paving her path to perfect lead walking with a focus on focus! 🌿👀 Before we tackle the walks, we’re mastering the art of engagement. Check out the difference in focus. Swipe to see her journey from distracted to dedicated.

Your likes and shares help us spread the word on the importance of foundational focus in training. Show some love and support Peaches’ training adventure! 🐾💜

07/04/2024

Meet Mabel, the Patterjack who’s outsmarting her escape artist tendencies! 🐾 She’s left her rushing out the front door days behind her, choosing thrilling games with her owner over the fleeting thrill of an open door escape. Watch our latest video to see Mabel’s transformation from a doorbell sprinter to a focus game champion. 🏆

The video is in the comments 🎥

Is your furry friend a Houdini at heart? Share your story and let’s celebrate the wins together as we teach the joy of staying put.

05/04/2024

🐾 Discover Penny’s transformation from reactive to relaxed with our Solo Strolls dog walking service! Penny was originally a client of our ‘Petiquette Program’ which has turned her walks into joy-filled adventures.

🎥 Watch as Penny remains unfazed by other barking dogs, showing the effectiveness of our training. Experience her journey from tension to tranquility. Video in the comments.

🐕 At Solo Strolls by Optimum Canine in Gravesend, Kent, we specialise in giving your dog the one-on-one attention they deserve.

✨ Ready for a walking revolution? Contact us to book a Solo Stroll for your furry friend or if you have any behavioural issues.

31/03/2024

🐣 Easter Training with Hugo the Cocker Spaniel! 🐣

This Easter, we’re celebrating more than just chocolate and bunnies – we’re celebrating Hugo’s leaps in learning! 🌼 The doorbell, once a signal for excitement, is now a cue for calm. By associating the ding-dong with ‘down’, Hugo has found a new way to greet the season – with serene style.

Check out our latest post to see Hugo’s progress, and maybe even pick up a tip or two for your own furry friend this holiday.



Let’s hop into a well-mannered Spring with Hugo leading the way! 🌷🐕

30/03/2024

🐾 Buddy’s Behavior Breakthrough! 🌟

Meet Buddy, the merle Goldendoodle with a herding heart! Discover how we’ve turned his coat-tugging and barking into calm, composed sit-stays. This clever doodle isn’t just about good looks; he’s got the smart herding instincts from his Australian Shepherd lineage!

🎥 See the amazing transformation in our comments section and learn how a simple sit and strategic lead placement can make all the difference.



Buddy’s journey is a paw-some reminder that understanding your dog’s breed instincts is key to successful training.

29/03/2024

🐾 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Kenny & Mabel’s Journey 🐾

Remember Kenny? He’s the dog who was a little shy at first but look at him now - a leash-walking pro! After an injury setback, he’s back and better than ever, and he’s got a new walking buddy, Mabel! Though she’s still finding her paws outside, together they’re making strides.

Catch the latest reel in the comments section to see this dynamic duo in action, working paw-in-paw for those well-earned rewards. It’s not just training; it’s building confidence, step by step!



Join us in cheering on Kenny and Mabel’s journey - double the trouble, double the fun, and double the learning!

26/03/2024

🌟 Transformation Tuesday with River the Cockerpoo! 🌟

Back with River 😍 Check the comment section to witness River’s journey from puller to poised partner on the lead. With patience and a tug toy in my pocket, every step River takes is now in perfect sync with her human. 🐾🚶‍♂️

From a tugging tail-wagger to a walking wonder, see the before and after that’s setting goals!



🐶💙 Embrace the lead, embrace the change

23/03/2024

🐾 Meet Hugo, the Cocker Spaniel with a heart full of love and a habit of over-enthusiastic greetings! Today marked the first step in transforming his “hellos” from jumpy to gentlemanly. With a bit of guidance, Hugo’s already learning that a calm sit earns him the best kind of attention.

🎬 Check the comments for a video on Hugo’s incredible progress—it’s sit-to-see-to-believe!

22/03/2024

Taking training to new levels with River! 🐾🚀

Generalising behavior is key in dog training, and River’s mastering it like a champ. Just because she could do the behaviour out the front of the house, doesn’t mean that it carries to the rear garden.
Here’s the breakthrough: River learning to switch from playtime to indoor-time without missing a beat. It’s all about balance – teaching her that coming inside doesn’t mean the end of fun, just a pause before the next round of adventures. 🌳➡️🏠

Video in comments section, to watch the progress unfold. It’s not just training; it’s transforming mindset!

21/03/2024

🌟 Buddy’s Breakthrough: Mastering Manners at the Door 🌟

Swipe left to witness the transformation of our charming Goldendoodle, Buddy, who once turned greetings into overzealous adventures. 🐾 ➡️

Buddy, the embodiment of joy and enthusiasm, faced challenges with his door manners. His excitement knew no bounds, leading to torn coats and unbalanced guests. But today, we celebrate a milestone in Buddy’s journey. 🚪✨

In our latest session, Buddy demonstrated incredible progress. With a gentle reminder and his favorite toy at stake, he maintained his position perfectly, showcasing his newfound respect for boundaries. This moment was more than just about staying put; it was about understanding, patience, and the joy of greeting friends the right way. 🏆🐕

We leaned on hand signals, a testament to the power of body language, especially in moments of high excitement. Dogs, like Buddy, respond remarkably well to visual cues, bridging communication gaps and reinforcing positive behaviors. And guess what? Buddy is already advancing to verbal cues, a testament to his adaptability and intelligence. 🤝🧠

Join us in applauding Buddy’s journey towards becoming the most courteous greeter. This is just the beginning, and the best is yet to come!

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Your support and encouragement mean the world to Buddy and his human family. Let’s cheer for every small victory in our pets’ lives, for it’s these moments that make the biggest difference. 👏 🐶 🏆

Video in comments

06/07/2022

This makes the job worth while 😁...
When clients go out their way to write reviews and e-mail you as well 😊...