Back To School...

September always seems like a new start, kids are going back to school with new enthusiasm after the summer break. No more long walks in the light summer evenings, the nights are drawing in and Autumn is nearly here. As we lose the light maybe you could think about doing a little more ‘brain work’ so that on the dark nights and rainy days you can tire them out polishing up your training skills.

We have put our heads together and come up with our favourite training games and basic skills to practice. Give it a go, it will not only be lots of fun it will build your relationship, focus on you and for those of you in class will help you with your exams!

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karen henley
Kids & Dogs

So the summer holidays are upon us, children are off school and everywhere is busy with families enjoying time together and this got me thinking about the family dog. Growing up I had a dog she was wonderful, calm, clever and sweet and she never put a foot wrong. However, some dogs struggle, some children have never spent much time around dogs and occasionally it ends up in conflict. Not great for anyone.

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karen henley
Sun, sea and dog training

So summer is finally here, the sun is shining and a lot of people of planning their hols. We are all excited and feeling good. But what about our dogs? We all know that hot weather can be difficult and even sometimes dangerous for our pouches but also holidays can be very stressful. So we put our heads together and came up with some top tips

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karen henley
Just DO IT!

Do you want a dog that is obedient? A dog that does everything you say and hangs on your every word? It’s the dream, isn’t it? The reality of course is often very different. The most common phrase I hear is ‘he is great at home but as soon as he sees ______’ insert your very own nemesis here! Dogs, people, and squirrels are the most common.

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karen henley
Focus

Crufts was finally back on TV in March, whatever your thoughts it is a massive spectacle and celebration of things canine. All those dogs showing, agility, fly ball, dancing to music, obedience. What did they all have in common? They were all utterly focused on their person. Until you have your dog’s attention, they will struggle to be able to do what you are asking them to do.

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Tug!

Tug is one of the absolute best games to play with your dog! It helps to build a bond, is physically and mentally tiring, helps to teach impulse control and is a fantastic high-value reward.

But hang on won’t it make my dog more aggressive? Or even dominant?

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Bored!

First, there was Dudley, then Eunice and most recently Franklin - the storms have been coming thick and fast these last few weeks and they’ve caused their fair share of problems. Not only have we had to deal with blown away fences and fallen trees there have also been days where it has just not been safe to walk our dogs. For some pet families, this is an absolute nightmare - with stir-crazy canines kicking up their own storms whilst confined to their homes.

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karen henley
Fluffy pup seeks human family for snuggles and long walks

Adopting dogs is wonderful, and I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. But it can be challenging, and the reality is so often very different from your dreams of fun adventures together, long walks, cuddles on the sofa, and relaxing evenings in the pub. To achieve the transition from shelter pup to a totally awesome family pet, consider these simple tips:

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karen henley
Puppy Power!

Having a new puppy in the house is of course cause for much joy and celebration. Super cute fluffy pup and everyone is oh so excited. Then comes the reality, sleepless nights, toilet training, biting toes and chewing shoes. All totally normal dog behaviour but doesn’t quite fit in with our lifestyles. Many people struggle, get frustrated. Why can’t the dog just do it!

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karen henley
Guy Fawkes has a lot to answer for!

Love them or hate them, fireworks season is upon us and we want to share with you our best advice to get through this.

It is important to remember that animals have hearing outside of our range so fireworks can be more intense for them. They don't understand why their once-peaceful home is now enveloped in bangs and flashes.

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karen henley
Goals

I have been thinking a lot about goals this week as we look forward to the next term of classes starting on 26 October 2021. I love my dogs; I love studying, training, and working with people and their dogs, building solid foundations and helping them thrive.

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karen henley
SHARK! Or Five Tips For Managing Puppy Biting.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths; it’s a natural and essential part of their development. But it can be hard when you are on the bitey end of those needle-sharp teeth. So what can you do to safely navigate the land shark stage?

These are my 5 top tips

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karen henley