Dingo & Fox

27/06/2024

Bobby always blisses out when Nicole from comes to visit. As he gets older (but seemingly no wiser about running around like an absolute goose), these sessions are becoming more and more important

16/01/2024

Check out my latest article here!

https://dingoandfox.com/2024/01/15/fido-here-unlocking-the-secrets-to-effective-recall/

15/01/2024

"The true test of recall is not in the park but in your dog's decision to choose you over distractions. Build that connection" - Suzanne Clothier

Recall under distraction is an advanced skill. It takes time, practice and a strong sense of trust, connection and communication to succeed.

14/01/2024

🐾 Unlock the secrets to an effective recall! 🐾

While we all love the idea of our dog running free and exploring, it's fundamental for their safety and the safety of others (people and animals) to have an effective recall before we drop the leash.

Here are some tips to help get you started with recall:

1️⃣ Motivate: Discover what makes your dog's tail wag the fastest! Whether it's a tasty treat, a game of tug, or a thrilling game of fetch, find the ultimate motivator. Use this high-value reward to reinforce their recall word ("come" or "here"), with the idea that this needs to be irresistible amidst distractions.

2️⃣ Manage: Lay the foundation in a distraction-free zone. Begin recalls during your regular walks with a standard leash; after all, a well-behaved leashed dog sets the stage for off-leash excellence. Gradually extend to a 5m long-line, maintaining control. If missteps happen, don't hesitate to leash up and regroup.

3️⃣ Momentum: Build up the challenge gradually. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a reliable recall. Increase distractions bit by bit, ensuring your pup masters each level before moving forward. Slow and steady wins the recall race.

10/01/2024

Flashback to the video series we ( ) worked on with Barwon Coast

A great video to help you with your Loose Leash Walking.

If you're still struggling with walking your dog, get in touch today.

Barwon Coast has recently produced a series of dog training videos that are free to the public to effectively improve the way we Share our Shores. The videos...

09/01/2024

Check out my latest article on Loose Leash Walking!

https://dingoandfox.com/2024/01/09/mastering-loose-leash-walking-a-guide-to-more-enjoyable-walks-with-your-dog/

07/01/2024

🐾 Loose Leash Walking Tips 🐾

Tired of the tug-of-war on your daily walks?

Mastering loose leash walking takes time and patience. Here are some tips to make your strolls more enjoyable for both you and your pup! 🚶‍♀️🐕

1️⃣ Start with the Basics: Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

2️⃣ Reward Good Behaviour: Positive reinforcement is key! Reinforce when your dog is in the correct position on your left side and engaged with you. Treats, praise, and even a quick game can motivate your dog to stay close.

3️⃣ Change Directions: In the early stages of training, changing directions frequently helps your dog stay engaged. If your pup pulls ahead or disengages, change direction while calling their name.

4️⃣ Be Patient: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is perfect leash walking. Celebrate small victories and have patience for yourself and your dog (you're both learning).

5️⃣ Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistent training is crucial. Practice in various environments and slowly increase distractions to reinforce good behaviour.

Remember, every dog is unique and will have different needs in training. If you need further assistance, get in touch today🐾💙

07/01/2024

I'm Sophie, the passionate dog trainer behind Dingo & Fox 🦊.

I dived into the world of dog training after facing challenges with my dog Lou (the little fox).

🐕 Training became my calling, leading me to earn my Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training.

After a year of solo adventures, I teamed up with Kate to create 🌟.

Together, we dedicated 5 amazing years to helping dogs and their owners on the Bellarine Peninsula and in Geelong. 🏖️🐾

Last year, Kate and I decided to hit pause on Pawtastic, seeking a healthier work-life balance.

Now, I'm back with Dingo & Fox, offering personal training sessions.

🌈 I understand the struggles of dog ownership, having been there with Lou.

My focus is on fostering a strong bond between you and your canine companion, emphasising communication, trust, and understanding. 🤝

I still remember feeling lost when Lou was a pup - not seeing a way forward in helping her behaviour. With help from trainers and over time, we found our way and now I love helping others on their training journey.

Ready to builda new relationshipwith your dog? Let's start on this journey together! 🐾

02/01/2024

A great quote from 🙌🙌🙌

🤝🐾 When I work with clients, it's as much about the humans as it is the dogs.

🐕💕 Building a strong bond between you and your furry friend requires effort on both ends.

🗣️🌟 It's all about nurturing a relationship and fostering communication.

🎉🐶 It's about infusing fun into the lives of both you and your dog.

🤗💜 It's about creating harmony.

💪🐾 It's about empowering you to be the best possible canine companion.

📅 Book your session now and let the journey to a better-behaved and happy dog begin!

📩 [email protected]
☎️ 0411 836 030

#

02/01/2024

🌟 Have you welcomed a new puppy into your life?

💰 Vet bills, food, toys – the expenses add up.

❓️ So why add to costs with training? Think of it as an investment in your dog's lifelong well-being.

Discover the advantages of early training:

🐶 Socialize your puppy effectively in the first 16 weeks
🏠 Set up your home with expert puppy management
🗣 Establish clear communication, preventing frustration
💰 Avoid future expenses on vet bills, property damage, and behavioral issues

🗓 Book your private puppy lessons today to pave the way for a harmonious life with your new companion! 🐾

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0411 836 030
👇 drop us a message on socials

29/12/2023

🐾 Exciting News from Dingo & Fox Dog Training! 🦊🐶

After a wonderful 6-month break, I'm thrilled to share some tail-wagging news with all of you! 🌟

Dingo & Fox Dog Training is officially open for business, and I can't wait to embark on this new journey with you and your furry companions!

📣 Introducing our NEW SERVICE: 3 x Private Lessons (Additional lessons available after the initial 3)

Whether you've got a playful puppy, a testing adolescent, or a seasoned canine companion, private lessons are tailored to meet your specific needs.

From puppy development to obedience training, loose leash walking, recall, and even tackling those complex behaviour challenges, we've got you covered.

📆 Availability:
Weekday availability, making it convenient for you to schedule private lessons that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.

📞 Ready to embark on a journey to a well-behaved and happy pup? Contact us today to schedule your first private lesson!
📩 [email protected]
📞 0411 836 030

Thank you for your continued support, and I can't wait to meet new faces and greet familiar ones!

22/08/2022

Who said black dogs aren't cute?!

06/08/2022

Super proud of this boy working with me at classes this morning.

Lots of demo Heel, Middle, Drop at distance and on Agility.

Focused on getting the job done and working with me rather than on the other dogs in class 👌

We've come a long way.

05/07/2022

There are great benefits to training over the winter months:
✅️ Enjoy quieter locations with more space and less distractions;
✅️ Give yourself time to get your training right;
✅️ Build lots of quality repetitions to build reliable behaviour;
✅️ Enjoy training with a naturally increasing amount of distraction leading into the summer months.
Our next round of Out & About classes start on Saturday 16th July: https://pawtasticdogtraining.com.au/product-category/training-services/

12/06/2022

Had a blast at the over the weekend.

It was nice to be back after a 3 year hiatus (3 years ago the tiny human was almost due, then covid caused the last 2 years cancelled).

It was a bit more hectic juggling the toddler - didn't get to see the Stockmans Challenge or Hill Climb on Saturday (but spent a lot of time at the kids farm). On Sunday, I loved watching the dog demonstrations and the auction.

Seeing these dogs in their element is such a joy to see and looking forward to being back next year!

10/03/2022

05/03/2022

Super proud of little Mouse at classes this morning.

My work was cancelled so took the opportunity to do some exposure work with Lou. She did brilliantly at everything except posing for the camera 😂

03/03/2022

So proud to be a part of this project. Bobby managed to get a starring role too ❤

In recent years Barwon Coast has received strong community feedback that education campaigns are needed to support beach users to better understand dog behaviour and to keep themselves, their pets and wildlife safe at the beach.

25/02/2022

Bobby and Mousey enjoying their dinner last night ❤

28/01/2022

Happy 6th Birthday to the little Mouse!


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25/01/2022

Playtime with Bobby 🥰

On Sunday we did some play and Heel work with Bobby in the yard.

Super proud mum moment as well when my tiny human decided to have a go at Heel and had Bobby following him up and down the yard while the tug was tucked under his arm. He even had his cues down pat and would say "Go" before throwing the tug 👌

Bobby is absolutely loving his tug. We will shortly be stocking some of these tugs at after enjoying them with our own dogs (thanks so much to for getting us on to these).

23/01/2022

Nicole from visited Bobby today and gave him a massage.

In typical Kelpie style, Bobby tends to go too hard and then pulls up sore. We've worked through a number of pre-existing injuries around his back and hind legs. Now it's about maintaining his health and ensuring he doesn't do any serious damage when he runs around crazy.

Between hydrotherapy and massage, we keep him on track.

Nicole is absolutely fantastic - Bobby loves her visits and as you can see he's quite relaxed and comfortable with her. This is the same dog that gets touch sensitive and freaks out at the vet.

Thanks so much Nicole for your visit!

19/01/2022

I haven't posted many videos of late - Christmas holidays, organising work for the new year and getting in some new routines have kept me busy.

We've still been chipping away at our heel - I'll get my sh*t together and post progress soon.

One of the areas in which I'd like to improve this year is getting snappier with my cues and handling. I've started working on my heath and fitness with the hope that this will tie back in to sharper training.

Bobby enjoyed coming on a Couch to 5K run although was a bit confused about why we kept stopping and starting. I was quite proud of how well he ran next to me - he's a notorious puller and 18 months ago he would have seen my distraction as an opportunity to pull me all over the place. The benefits of training filter down everywhere.

For accountability in my health, Just like for accountability in my dog training, I've started an IG account for my health

10/01/2022

Bobby wasn't the only one excited about his new tug we bought from yesterday...

I've had to hide it from the tiny human as well - he's determined to find it and keeps searching through the cupboards saying "Bobby tug". Definitely a trainer in the making 😉

05/01/2022

We've been enjoying some downtime over the break including a quick camping getaway. Mousey and Bobby were both so well behaved throughout, including off leash at our secluded camp site (the toddler could have learnt from their example).

While we haven't had completely consistent training through the chaos of 2021, the work we've in is definitely paying off!

03/12/2021

While I've tried to keep consistency in training this year, in reality it's been a real challenge - lockdowns, managing a toddler and a business, personal health issues and helps out a family member has meant my cup has been full for most of this year.

With life (hopefully) returning to normal next year, I'm excited to start putting together a more organised, considered and consistent training plan.

03/12/2021

Bobby had his hydrotherapy session today.

Don't let the sad face fool you - he just knows he gets more treats if he sulks.

He gets excited when we turn down the road and loves Nicole from . Nicole also spends his towel down checking over his back and legs.

It's so important to keep on top of your dog's physical health. A dog that is well will be calmer, happier and more motivated to learn!

05/11/2021

We had a ball today! Super well behaved Lou too with a lot of distractions around ❤

Love having some down time with the crew 👌

05/11/2021

Lou always knows where the treats are at....

I love using as training treats - healthy and the dogs love it.

I chop the rolls into tiny treat sized pieces, portion it out into meal sizes, and use their meals for training. You'd be crazy to feed from a bowl!