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Naughty Dog School, Creekside Playing Fields, Benfleet (2025)

19/08/2025

🌟 Simba TJ’s Big Win! 🌟

I couldn’t be prouder of Simba TJ and how far he’s come in his training journey. 🐾

Lately, Simba has been doing brilliantly at disengaging from other dogs in the park and in the woods. He’s even been able to calmly meet unknown dogs at a distance while I stop and chat with their owners — something that felt impossible not so long ago. 💛

Wanting to gently reintroduce Simba back into training, I knew it had to be on his terms. I always wait until the other dogs are settled on the field to keep Simba’s anxiety as low as possible. Then, on a long line (with no pressure), we tag onto the end of a small group — simply walking alongside at a distance.

And you know what? Simba made the choice himself to ignore the dogs and just walk with me. Huge success! 🙌

I am always mindful of Simba’s emotions, watching for signs that he might not be coping — becoming hyper-vigilant, struggling to disengage, or laying down (his signal to me that it’s too much). But today, he showed none of these. To finish on a positive note, we left the group with a huge win under our belt.

Well done Simba TJ — I am so proud of you! Step by step, we’ll get you back to feeling confident and happy around other dogs again. 💛

At NDS, we understand that every dog has their own pace. That’s why we offer 1:1 sessions to help dogs like Simba build confidence and learn safely, with their emotions always front and centre.

06/08/2025

🎉🏆 MOLLY HAS DONE IT!!! BEST FEMALE IN SHOW!!! 🏆🎉

A couple of weeks ago, Molly absolutely outdid herself and proudly took home 3rd place in a dog show — an achievement that once felt completely out of reach before her journey with us at Naughty Dog School.

Well… hold onto your hats, because she’s only gone and done it again — but this time, she’s gone ALL THE WAY to the top!! 🥇✨ Molly has been crowned BEST FEMALE in the show!

This is no small feat. When Molly, an Alapaha Bulldog, first joined us, everyday life was tough. She was reactive towards other dogs, and walks were a stressful, fraught experience for both Molly and her mum. But her incredible mum refused to give up. She chose to believe in Molly’s potential and teamed up with the Naughty Dog School family to help Molly learn a different way to navigate the world.

Here’s what Molly’s mum has to say about their journey with us:

🗣️ “We’ve been bringing our Alapaha bulldog, Molly, to The Naughty Dog School for just over a year now, and the progress she’s made is nothing short of incredible. When we first started, Molly was very reactive towards other dogs and everyday walks were stressful for everyone involved. Thanks to the patient, knowledgeable and supportive trainers at Naughty Dog School, Molly has come such a long way. The classes are structured, positive and tailored to each dog’s specific needs. Today, we had one of those moments that really shows just how far she’s come—Molly entered a National bull breed dog show, not only stayed calm around other dogs, but won her class and took home Best Female!” 🏆

We are so incredibly proud of Molly and her mum. This is what happens when patience, understanding, and belief in a dog’s potential all come together.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That could never be my dog” — we get it. We’ve heard it before. But we also know what’s possible when you have the right support. Whether it’s group classes or bespoke 1:1 sessions, we’re here to help dogs like Molly — and yours — rewrite their story.

Molly, you’re a superstar. 🌟

29/07/2025

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🐾 Simba’s Healing Moment: Chewing as Calm Therapy
In the latest video, you'll see Simba chewing contently on a cow hoof filled with cream cheese. It’s not just a cute clip—it symbolizes a deeply important step in his emotional recovery.

After his heroic act of protecting Theo from a prong-collared Rottweiler, Simba has become more anxious and alert around other dogs. Though he stood firm when needed, that bravery came with consequences: fear and caution where there was once calm neutrality.

Now, we're helping him process that trauma—one chew at a time.

🧘‍♂️ Why Chewing Is Part of His Healing Journey
🐶 Self-Soothing Through Instinct:
Chewing triggers the release of endorphins, natural calming chemicals in the brain that help reduce anxiety and tension.

🧠 Mental Engagement & Distraction:
Staying focused on the chew occupies his mind and offers a steady, predictable activity—grounding his energy and reducing stress.

🦷 Oral & Dental Health:
Chewing helps remove plaque and supports dental hygiene while offering a safe, satisfying outlet for natural behaviours.

📚 Cognitive Recovery:
Studies show that dogs who chew regularly demonstrate better memory and attention—especially after stressful events.

😀 Emotional Regulation:
Research confirms long-lasting chews help dogs display calmer, happier emotional states—making chewing a valuable enrichment during recovery.

💡 How Simba’s Chew Therapy Supports Him
Restores a sense of safety. As he calmly works on the hoof, he relearns how being relaxed and focused feels normal again.

Offers structure and calm. First, chewing—then possibly a game of tug or enrichment—builds predictable, confidence-boosting routines.

Teaches empowerment. By choosing to chew, Simba takes part in regulating his own emotional response.

📝 Tips for Safe & Supportive Chewing
Choose long-lasting chews like hooves or freeze-dried chew toys—ideal for easing stress and keeping engagement steady.

Always supervise chewing, and replace any pieces that become small enough to swallow.

Tailor chew size and hardness to your dog’s chewing strength.

Use chew time strategically—especially during rest periods, after sessions of social exposure, or when he might be feeling on edge.

🌱 Final Thought
If your dog has experienced trauma or emotional shock—like Simba has after bravely intervening—you don’t just need training. You need emotional recovery tools. Chewing isn’t a distraction—it’s a therapeutic tool that helps rebuild calm, focus, and confidence from the inside out.

22/07/2025

🌟 Otto & Selma Shine in Their 4‑Week Assessment! 🌟

This week marked a meaningful milestone for Otto and Selma—their 4‑week assessment at Naughty Dog School. We always assess our dogs before welcoming them into group sessions, ensuring both dogs and their humans have the skills needed to succeed in a shared environment.

This week, we focused on a crucial skill: disengagement. In social settings, dogs often face triggers—other dogs, people, distractions—that can overwhelm them. Disengagement means a dog is able to notice those triggers, pause, and choose to return focus to their handler. It’s a foundational ability for emotional resilience and reliable group training.

🎥 In the Video Clip:

Watch as Otto and Selma notice distractions—but choose us instead. That means they’re calmer, emotionally balanced, and ready to safely join group work.

Huge applause to Team Otto & Team Selma—you are absolute stars!

🧠 Why Disengagement Matters
Disengagement training helps dogs:

Develop impulse control

Learn self-interruption

Feel less anxiety around triggers

Participate calmly alongside other dogs

Every time a dog chooses to disengage, they gain more confidence and trust—both in themselves and in their handler.

👏 What Otto & Selma Demonstrated:

Happily noticing triggers without reacting

Choosing to focus on their human instead of a distraction

Emotional control and self-regulation at work

Because they practiced at the right pace and stayed calm throughout, they passed with flying colours.

💡 For Dog Parents Getting Ready for Groups
Ask yourself:

Can your dog pause calmly at the sight of another dog?

Do they willingly look back at you to reset focus?

Can they stay relaxed even when others are nearby?

If yes—like Otto and Selma—they’re set up to succeed.

Congratulations again to these two and their committed humans! We’re all about setting dogs and their parents up for success—and it’s shining through. 💛🐾

19/07/2025

Kara & Kiki 💜 A Journey of Change

When Kara first reached out to us, life with Kiki felt hard. Kiki, a sensitive Vizsla, struggled deeply with the world around her — unable to walk past people or dogs without a big reaction. Kara had tried everything, but nothing seemed to make a lasting difference.

Then they joined Naughty Dog School.

At NDS, we focus on the emotional roots of behaviour. We helped Kara and Kiki work through those big feelings using force-free, positive reinforcement games — and everything started to change.

✨ "I came to Naughty Dog School with a scared Vizsla, unable to walk past people or dogs without having a reaction. Forward on 6 months of training with the most incredible team, and we are now able to manage any situation that comes our way without panicking or reacting." ✨

Today, their bond is built on trust, understanding, and calm confidence. Kiki is showing the world just how clever and resilient she really is.

"They taught Kiki and myself that through positive reinforcement games she was smarter than that — and she has proved that to be true."

Huge thanks to Kara for sharing her journey — and to Kiki, for reminding us how powerful emotional connection can be. 🐾💛

13/07/2025

🐾💛 Is This Good Play? You Bet It Is! 💛🐾

Just look at Dolly and Ernie — two happy dogs enjoying a perfect game together. 🎉

So… what makes this good play? Let us show you:

✔️ Both dogs are having fun — there’s give and take, chase and be chased
✔️ They keep checking in with each other — making sure the game is still on!
✔️ Their bodies are loose and wiggly, never stiff or tense
✔️ And those tails? Wagging like mad! 🐕💨 The purest sign of joy on four legs!

But what really seals the deal? When Helen calmly brings the game to a close, both Dolly and Ernie respond straight away — sitting beautifully when asked. That’s emotional regulation in action. 👏👏👏

At Naughty Dog School, we love helping dogs learn how to play well — it’s such an important skill, especially for dogs who struggle socially. Play is where confidence grows, communication sharpens, and friendships form.

Well done, Dolly and Ernie — what a wonderful example of positive, happy, balanced play! 🐶💕

11/07/2025

🎶 In Sync – The Magic of Calm Connection 🐾✨

Here’s a gorgeous clip featuring our wonderful Elsie, with her two equally wonderful training partners Ernie and SEB.

What you’ll see is more than just well-behaved dogs — you’ll see connection, engagement, and the kind of teamwork that makes your heart swell. 💛

Elsie walks with Ernie and SEB, one dog on either side, both completely in tune with her — not because of force or demand, but because they want to be with her. She pauses, gives a hand signal, and both boys sit with perfect timing. 🐾🐾

Then — cheeky Elsie throws in a challenge: the Emergency Down, which they’ve both been learning as part of our current project. With a foot cue and barely a moment’s hesitation, down they go. In sync. Calm. Confident. Connected.

And of course — the reward isn’t just food… it’s the fun of the game. 🎉 She throws food for them to find, and off they go, still together, still engaged.

This is exactly what we’re aiming for at Naughty Dog School:
🐾 Calm focus
🐾 Happy communication
🐾 Mutual understanding
🐾 Training that feels like play

Big well done to Elsie, Ernie, and SEB — a dream team in motion! 💫

Naughty Dog School

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