Pirate Dog. Behaviourist, trainer, photographer & 1-2-1 dog walker

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Pirate Dog. Behaviourist, trainer, photographer & 1-2-1 dog walker

Dog behaviourist, trainer, photographer, adviser & 1-2-1 dog walker

08/12/2025

The light was lovely for photography this afternoon.

26/11/2025

When low tide lines up with sunset, it creates the perfect moment for a bit of beach training with one of my reactive clients.
The wide, open space (important for a reactive dog) makes such a difference — plenty of room to relax, learn, and build confidence without the pressure of busy crowds.

Autumn really is a beautiful time of year. The soft light, quieter days, and calmer pace make these sessions feel extra special. 🌅🍂

24/11/2025

Bea has been on holiday for the past two weeks, and it was such a joy to have a session with her again today. ❤️
Us dog professionals really do get attached to the dogs we train and walk — they become a big part of our daily lives — and we miss them when they’re away.

It was lovely to have her back. 🐾

03/10/2025

🌧️ 36,000 steps today — and every single one of them in the rain! This afternoon, Storm Amy decided to join the party and add a little extra “fun” to the mix 💨🐾

By the end of it, we were all a bit soggy, but every dog went home happy, tired, and full of adventure. 🐶❤️✨

02/10/2025

Last night my bestie Nova came for a sleepover. We thought it would be funny to keep the humans awake most of the night (mission accomplished 😎).
Today we both slept alllll day while the human worked… apparently that wasn’t as funny for him.
This afternoon, we had an epic game of chase at the weir before Nova went home.
The human says he’s looking forward to a “peaceful evening and an early night” — good luck with that, Dad. 🐾😂

27/09/2025

So today I spotted a deer… and obviously had to chase it! 🦌💨 Only problem was, it ran across a bog and I got very stuck. Had to be rescued (slightly embarrassing). I came out smelling like a swamp monster, and then—horror of horrors—got put straight in the shower when we got home. 😩🚿

P.S. My mum, Serena, provided running commentary of the whole ordeal… apparently it was hilarious. 🙄🎥😂

26/09/2025

What an amazing day exploring the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve 🌿 It’s the largest area of lowland heath managed as a single reserve in England – over 8,000 acres! We didn’t quite cover it all, but we did manage over 10 miles. Bertie is now snoozing away, a well-earned nap 🐾💤

23/09/2025

Even when you’ve got the best job in the world (and I really do 🐾), it’s nice to step back for a little recharge now and then.

Bertie is loving every second of having me all to himself while we wander around the beautiful Dorset countryside. We’ve been spoiled with sunshine so far ☀️—paws crossed it stays that way for the rest of the week! 🌿🐶

Where’s your dog’s favourite place to explore? 💕🐾

05/09/2025

Building Trust with a Reactive Dog
For reactive dogs, trust is the foundation of progress. A dog that feels safe and secure with their owner or trainer is less anxious, more cooperative, and more willing to engage in positive behaviours. Trust reduces fear and helps prevent defensive or aggressive reactions, creating a calmer and more stable mindset.
A strong bond also provides a psychological “safe space.” When a dog knows they can rely on their owner for reassurance and guidance, they feel more confident navigating stressful or unpredictable situations. This sense of security not only improves their emotional wellbeing but also strengthens the partnership between the dog and handler.
With trust in place, training becomes more effective. A dog that feels understood and supported is more open to learning, adapting, and developing healthier coping strategies. Ultimately, trust and connection turn challenges into opportunities, laying the groundwork for long-term behavioural change and a deeper, more rewarding relationship.

30/08/2025

This evening, Bertie and I walked across to Northcott. The sky was already brooding when we set out, and by the time we reached the beach, the rain had begun. What started as a light shower soon turned into a heavy downpour, the wind driving it in from the sea until we were both soaked through.
The walk back was a wet one, clothes clinging and water dripping, but Bertie trotted along happily, unfazed by it all. Despite the soaking, there was a beauty to the freshness of the rain.
All part of life with a dog, all part of the adventure.

25/08/2025

Dog Parkour 🐾
Just like the human version, it’s all about conquering obstacles—climbing over, balancing on, jumping, weaving under or around. The best part? You can do Dog Parkour anywhere, anytime!

It’s fantastic for:
✅ Mental stimulation
✅ Physical exercise
✅ Building confidence (especially for anxious dogs)
✅ Strengthening your bond

Start simple: try a “paws up” on a bench, log, or tree stump. As your dog gets the hang of it, add more challenges and make your walks into little adventures. Suddenly, those everyday outings become fun, fresh, and full of teamwork!

23/08/2025

Emotional contagion - your emotions affect your dog's behaviour.

Studies show that dogs perform better in training and show fewer problematic behaviours when their owners are happy compared to when their owners are sad or anxious.
This is a deep-seated emotional response that affects everything from your dog's stress hormone levels to their behavioural choices.
This means your dog's body literally changes in response to your emotional state, creating a biological foundation for behavioural changes, including reactivity and aggression.
When you feel anxious about a potential dog encounter, your emotional state essentially tells your dog, "Be on alert" Something threatening is happening.
Studies show that anxious owners often have dogs that display more reactivity and aggression than dogs whose owners maintain a calmer emotional state.
If you are calm, your dog is less likely to react.

Address

Bude
Bude
EX23

Telephone

+447746303002

Website

http://www.piratedog.co.uk/

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