The Woof Pack

24/01/2025

Connecting with horses involves several key steps to build a strong and trusting relationship. As with all animals, start by spending time observing and understanding their behaviour and body language, as this helps in recognising their needs and emotions.
Approach horses calmly and confidently, using gentle and consistent communication to establish trust. Engage in grooming and care routines to create positive associations and strengthen your bond. Groundwork exercises, such as leading and lunging, are essential for building mutual respect and understanding.
Always prioritise safety and patience, allowing the connection to develop naturally over time. By following these steps, you can foster a deep and meaningful relationship with horses, enhancing both your experience and theirs.

24/01/2025

3 fence panels down in our garden this morning!

Not the end of the world but safety as always must be paramount! Please check your garden parameters before you let your pups out today!

24/01/2025

Yesterday, I shared a video post about an incident I witnessed where one of my neighbours repeatedly whipped his labrador across the face with a lead because the dog panicked when he was on a walk and he pulled in that panic.

It reminded me of something a lovely dog trainer colleague said that really stuck with me.

“It’s never just loose lead, is it?” she said.

It’s NEVER just loose lead.

And she’s right.

She said that over two years ago and for every single call I’ve had enquiring about loose lead walking, I’ve made a mental note of the times it really was just about loose lead.

Zero.

Zero times in two years.

Every single time I’ve had a call wanting to know if I can teach loose lead walking, it’s been about so much more.

Frustration. Impulsivity. Dysregulation. Fear. Anxiety. Panic. Lack of training.

Being a dog.

You’d be surprised by how many dogs out there are dogs and want to do dog stuff.

Pulling on lead is a symptom of so many other things.

But I’ll tell you one thing it’s not.

It’s not ever a problem on its own.

It needn't be work. I'm a big fan of a couple of very small hacks that turn dogs into happy heelers with brief, consistent practice.

But that work never starts with the lead. It starts by working out what's REALLY going on.

I wish more people knew that.

24/01/2025

Traditionally, most horses have no rights or say over their own bodies, their own lives, they’re often forced from their mother and grow up without any family.

They must put up with being touched anytime and anywhere, without protest and if they do, they often experience punishment.

It’s kind of creepy when we think about it.

Then there’s this thing humans have about hands reaching out and touching. Information is getting out there that children don’t have to put up with being touched or hugged by anyone if they don't like it, not even grandpa or aunty, if they don’t feel comfortable, but acceptance is slow.

Same with the animals in our lives.

We must touch things. We must reach out to a horse's head and stroke them.

Most horses do not like being touched on their heads, most horses do not like being touched at all except in specific circumstances and certainly not by strangers.

Horses don't have hands, they don't walk up to other horses and touch them on their faces or anywhere. When they are itchy, they may allogroom or when they are playful, they may play a game of bitey face. But horses do not regularly touch or hug each other in greeting.

Permission and agreement is important. Check and ask before you do, preferably you don’t and if you do, stop if you think it is not welcome.

You can also counter condition them to like being touched, because we do need to touch them for their care or if they injure themselves. It simply means pairing touch with food to make it a pleasant experience for them.

*** Always rule out pain, illness and injury just to be sure, as not wanting to be touched and being reactive to touch can be a symptom of an underlying health issues.

22/01/2025

.secret.dog.walker

20/01/2025

With Contented Canine Training & Scentwork Hub – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

Sounds about right! Just spent a lovely hour roaming around one of Nicky’s lovely fields with the clan 🥰

1 x Ben, 2 x toddlers and 3 x dogs = ENRICHED 🥰

19/01/2025

18/01/2025

Looking for a new activity for your dog? Want to grow a stronger relationship? Need more structured outlet for their excess energy? We have got you covered! Trick training is a fun, low impact activity suitable for dogs of all ages. Each trick can be modified and adapted to your dog’s individual n...

17/01/2025

17/01/2025

14/01/2025

Scentwork Taster Session - would you like to give Scentwork a go with your dog?
Sign up to the Taster Session taking place on Saturday 25th January from 12 noon to find out more.

Email - [email protected]

13/01/2025

Rescuing a pet is a special, rewarding experience, but for our new four-legged friend everything they are experiencing is unfamiliar and new. It can take time for our new pet to adjust into their new home.

Our ‘Settling in advice’ infographic shows the three stages of the settling in and adjustment period.

If you are planning to introduce a new dog into your household, whether this be a new puppy, or a rescue dog watch our FREE Settling in your Dog virtual talk where you will learn tips to help relax your new dog into their home.

Find out more and to access the course online at 👉 www.gawa.org.uk/settling-in-your-dog-workshop 👈

13/01/2025

Knowing which professional you need to contact to help you with your pet is vital. Use this handy infographic to decide whether you need a trainer or behaviourist. Keep In mind, some behaviour challenges may require both training and behaviour modification so often these go hand in hand. What's great is that when you choose a COAPE Certified Animal Behaviourist, you can be sure that they have the skills to help you with both training and behaviour. ​
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For a list of COAPE-endorsed trainers and behaviourists you can go to our website here: https://coape.org/find-a-behaviourist/

13/01/2025

❤️...!

12/01/2025

Highly recommend Laura ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

11/01/2025

🐶 Puppy classes!!

**2 spaces left!** starting this Thursday

For fully vaccinated pups 12-24 was old

Please message for more details 😃