Spot That Dog - Training and Services

31/08/2026

🐾 HERE AT SPOT THAT DOG, WE ARE MAKING IT…

🎉 PUPPY WEEK! 🎉

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your family, you’ll know there’s A LOT to learn! From toilet training and biting to socialisation, sleep, separation, adolescence and everything in between… sometimes it can feel like there’s no instruction manual! 😂🐶

So this week, we’re making things a little easier.

📚 Every day this week, we’ll be sharing something specifically for puppy owners!

Our aim is to help you understand what’s going on with your puppy, what’s normal, what you can expect as they grow, and how you can set them up for a happy, confident life.

We’ll be covering things like:

🐶 Puppy life stages – understanding what your puppy is going through at each age
😴 Sleep – why your puppy needs MUCH more sleep than you might think
🦷 Puppy biting – why they do it and how to help
🌎 Socialisation – it’s about SO much more than meeting other dogs!
🏠 Separation – helping your puppy learn that being alone is okay
🧠 Training – when to start, what to teach and why it matters
👀 Adolescence – because yes… your lovely puppy may suddenly become a teenager!
❤️ Building confidence – helping your puppy navigate the big wide world

And we’ll be answering some of those questions that you might be wondering but are too afraid to ask!

So, to kick off PUPPY WEEK, let’s talk about…

🐾 LIFE STAGES! 🐾

Did you know your puppy doesn’t simply go from “puppy” to “adult”?

There are several important developmental stages along the way, and understanding them can help you adjust your expectations and training as your dog grows.

Your puppy’s behaviour, needs, confidence, ability to concentrate and even their sleep requirements can all change as they develop.

And importantly…

👉 Not every puppy develops at exactly the same rate.

Breed, genetics, environment and the individual puppy all play a part.

So if your puppy seems to be doing brilliantly one week and then suddenly forgets EVERYTHING the next… don’t panic! 😂

They’re learning, developing and growing.

Over the next few days, we’ll break down these stages and explain what you can expect from your puppy at each one — and what you can do to help them along the way.

🐾 Welcome to Puppy Week!

Make sure you’re following Spot That Dog so you don’t miss tomorrow’s post! 💙💚

IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY GOT A PUPPY AND NEED SUPPORT -

- FOLLOW US FOR PUPPY WEEK
- SIGN UP TO OUR PUPPY CLASS
- BOOK A PUPPY 121 PACKAGE

30/08/2026

Lazy fetch

Teaching Bucky to put the toy directly in my hand will forever be one of my favourite things 😂

If you’re dog can’t do this yet, each time they bring their toy back just get them to bring it closer and closer each time BEFORE you then play again. The play is the reward for bringing it closer, if they drop it further away or in the same place as last time ask them to bring it closer.

When they bring it closer, play continues.

There are so many things you can teach a dog 🙌🏻

30/08/2026

30/08/2026

NEXT WEEKS CLASSES -

🐾 Monday 31 August

* 6:30pm–7:00pm — Dog Socialisation
* 7:00pm–8:00pm — Fun Gun Dog Class

🐾 Tuesday 1 September

* 6:30pm–7:30pm — Clever Canines Class
* 7:30pm–8:30pm — Bark to Basics Obedience

🐾 Wednesday 2 September

* 6:30pm–7:30pm — Puppy Class
* 7:30pm–8:30pm — August Puppy Classes – Final Session

🐾 Thursday 3 September

* 6:30pm–7:00pm — Puppy Socialisation
* 7:00pm–8:00pm — Scent and Search

🐾 Friday 4 September

* 6:30pm–7:30pm — Rolling Agility
* 7:30pm–8:30pm — Puppy Foundation Agility

🐾 Saturday 5 September
- 11-3:30pm - Canine First Aid Training

30/08/2026

We still have spaces available on both our puppy class starting this week, and first aid course on Saturday

Head to our website to book

www.spotthatdogtraining.com

30/08/2026

What a busy weekend, animals galore!

We have an announcement to make.

From September we will not be accepting any more bookings for Weekend dog walks/visits, and will not be booking anymore overnight sits.

Any bookings already in the diary will be honoured.

30/08/2026

Common misconceptions about being a dog owner:

Owning a dog is not just endless cuddles and cute photos.

"Dogs only need food and walks."
They also need training, mental stimulation, routine, and consistent care.

"All dogs are naturally friendly."
Every dog has its own temperament, fears, and boundaries.

"A dog needs a walk everyday."
Dogs still need structured walks, enrichment, and time with you. But rest days are an important part of their wellbeing.

"Bad behavior means a bad dog."
Most behavior issues come from stress, confusion, lack of training, or unmet needs.

"Crates are cruel."
Crates can be a life saving tool for some dogs, and a place of comfort for others!

"Love is enough."
Love matters, but responsible ownership also means patience, time, money, and commitment.

Being a dog owner is rewarding - but it is also a real responsibility.

29/08/2026

What does a responsible dog owner look like?

To me, any owner who seeks advice from a trainer is already showing responsibility. Whether they attend classes for fun, work on everyday skills, or seek support with a specific issue, they are actively investing in their dog's wellbeing.

Responsible ownership can look like:

- Having a dog with a reliable recall.
- Keeping a dog on a lead or long line if their recall is not reliable.
- Calling a dog back when approaching an unfamiliar dog, person, livestock, or wildlife.
- Seeking support from a qualified trainer or behaviourist when problems arise.
- Training proactively rather than waiting for an issue to develop.
- Understanding that not every dog wants to say hello.
- Respecting another owner who asks for space, rather than saying, "Don't worry, mine is friendly."
- Asking permission before allowing a dog to approach another dog or person.
- Paying attention to canine body language and stepping in when a dog appears uncomfortable.
- Meeting a dog's needs through appropriate exercise, enrichment, rest, healthcare, and companionship.
- Doing everything reasonably possible to keep the dog and those around them safe.
- Picking up dog poo and disposing of it properly.

A responsible owner does not need to have a perfectly behaved dog. They need to be considerate, proactive, willing to learn, and prepared to manage the dog in front of them.

28/08/2026

Tonight we had a blast!

SOLD OUT agility, and they all had so much fun!

Well done everyone!

28/08/2026

DON'T FORGET WE HAVE A RANGE OF DISCOUNT CODES AVAILABLE FOR YOU!

K9Connectables - SPOTTHATDOG
PawAid - SPOTHATDOG - (only one T)
PetImpact - WOODYBUCKY10
Global Herbs - SPOTTHATDOGTS
W'zis - SPOTTHATDOG
Tug-e-nuff - www.tug-e-nuff.com/spotthatdog