Hammond’s Hounds Dog Training

14/03/2026

07/03/2026

Struggling with lead walking?

Check out this FREE loose lead walking online course for dog owners by PACT 🐾 🐕

This is a free course offered by PACT Dogs Ltd. There are no hidden costs. By registering with Thinkific and enrolling on the course, you confirm that PACT can sign you up to our mailing list (which you can then unsubscribe from at any time)

13/02/2026

A professional is asked about what’s causing the rise in dog bites. They’re given the opportunity to educate the public on a big media platform on how to prevent their dog biting.

They don’t….

❌ Mention unethical breeding practises. That owners should get a dog from a breeder who considers the health and temperament of both parents, who proactively socialises any litters they bring into the world as well as pairing puppies with suitable homes.

❌ Mention the rise in ‘power’ and working breeds due to the influence of breeds frequently featuring in dog training social media videos, and how more and more people are getting a breed of dog who is beyond their current capabilities. All because they like and have been sold the idea of controlling such a powerful dog via social media.

❌ Discuss that an increase in dog population parallel to a busier world where people have less time (to train, walk and BE with their dog) will by default increase the risk of incidents.

❌ Describe how it’s important to systematically increase a puppy or dog’s experiences parallel to helping them develop coping strategies and confidence in navigating what is an ever increasing challenging world.

❌ Meeting the physical, social and mental stimulation needs of the dog as an individual, ensuring training takes into consideration what life skills the dog may need to live a fulfilled life safely.

❌ Being someone who your dog wants to listen to, not because they fear you, but because you are a calm, consistent communicator who helps them try to succeed in this complicated word.

❌ Being someone who listens to their dog by learning to understand (in the moment) canine body language, so you can be better able to respond to situations and help your dog not escalate their behaviour.

❌ Discuss how more dogs than ever are struggling with muscular skeletal issues, skin disease and gastro intestinal issues that could be the cause or maintaining factor in their aggression (and link this back to responsible breeding but also why it’s important to get a health check for any dog with behaviour problems!).

❌ Describe the rise in popularity in dog training as a profession resulting in trainers (using any method of dog training) taking on extreme cases without adequate practical experience or knowledge (including qualifications) on dog behaviour.

❌ Acknowledge the overwhelming amount of information on social media and online that can lead to owners hop skotching from one method or approach to another, often trying to bypass professional support.

A missed opportunity to highlight that growling, barking, lunging and biting are behaviours symptomatic of an underlying feeling that is often motivated or influenced by health problems, stress, historic or current negative experiences, as well as the relationship and interactions we have with our dogs.

What they do with that opportunity instead is…

✅ Refer to the force free ‘movement’ - a supposedly new 'movement' that's been around since the 80s- as ‘woke’ and largely responsible for the increase in dog bites.

✅ Prioritise the need to correct dogs with behaviour problems instead of (or before) understanding and supporting them by identifying why they are aggressive in the first place.

So focused on defending and advocating their preferred method of training, they used the platform to target those who do different and sensationally misrepresented and insulted them (or tried to).

Thank goodness the wonderful Ann BD had a larger section on this feature to bring some less emotive and more intelligent points into the discussion.

In a world where the number of followers can be mistaken for expertise…. I encourage everyone to follow professionals who demonstrate a deep understanding of behaviour and who showcase their process AND long term results.

Clients/owners walking/training/enjoying their relaxed and happy dogs - ideally months after their session- is my criteria for longterm success.

Please be cautious of those who struggle to communicate diplomatically and thoroughly, resorting to labels, name calling, insults and making sweeping generalised statements without acknowledging a single nuance of what is almost always a very complicated thing.

Professional conduct is waning within this industry and that need not be the case regardless of our stance on opposing methods of training.

Note- whilst it's not overly difficult to learn the identity of this professional, this post reflects on a broader issue within our industry. I acknowledge that this post cuts VERY close to my 'no name and shame' rule, but I will delete any naming of the individual in question.

29/12/2025

Some people change an industry not by being the loudest voice but by changing what everyone looks for.

Sarah Fisher did exactly this. We are devastated to hear she has passed 💔

Sarah taught us to notice the quiet things: posture, breath, tension, hesitation, curiosity. She reminded us that behaviour is communication, and that dogs need safety and agency before they can learn well.

Through ACE and previously through TTouch, Sarah’s influence reached far beyond dog training and into rescue, vet teams, grooming, therapy support, and everyday homes. Her work helped dogs feel safe enough to engage with the world, and helped humans become calmer, kinder observers.

Thinking of Sarah’s loved ones today and of the many people grieving across our community.

If you’re able, honour her by practicing what she modelled: slow down, watch, and let the dog lead ❤️

29/12/2025

So incredibly saddened at the news of Sarah Fisher’s passing.
I remember fondly my first ACE - Tilley Farm workshop with Sarah, and just being mesmerised by her, her knowledge, and the unique way she had with dogs.
The best way I can describe it was like she was on another wavelength to everyone else in the room when it came to understanding dogs.
She taught me so much and I know that has had a trickle down effect on the people and dogs I have worked with since.
She leaves an amazing legacy but the world is a much sadder place without her in it 💔 🐶

18/12/2025

Delighted to say I am now a full member of PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) 🫶 🐾

14/12/2025

✨ That’s a wrap for 2025 ✨ (this is the brilliantly named Brian, a 6-month old Whippet and my final consult of the year)

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to share a little update.

This year I’ve worked with 66 dogs, meaning I’ve *hopefully* helped to improve the lives of 142 dogs since I started my little side business in December 2023. I’m genuinely proud of this - especially as this has always been a side business alongside my full-time role with the UK’s largest dog welfare organisation.

It’s also been a big personal year for me. I took a big chunk of time off after losing my father and also becoming a Dad, both of which completely reshaped my priorities (in the best and hardest ways).

Right now, I’m finding it increasingly difficult to fit in consultations while balancing family life and my new role at work. Because of that, I’ll be taking on only a very small and limited number of clients going forward.

The page will stay open, my website is still live, and you’re very welcome to enquire - just please understand availability will be limited. I want to make sure that when I do work with a dog and their people, I can give them the time and headspace they deserve.

If you’re looking for support in the meantime, I strongly recommend Dogs Trust Behaviour Support Line - it’s a free service for all dog owners and a great starting point to help guide you in the right direction.

And a gentle reminder to anyone searching for a trainer or behaviourist: please do your research. There are a lot of different methods and ethics out there, and it’s important to find support that truly aligns with your values and has your dog’s welfare at heart.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me with their dogs this year - it means a lot.

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas with your dogs, and a happy, healthy 2026 🐾🎄

15/11/2025

There is no “right or wrong” when it comes to letting your dogs sleep in your bed, everyone is different - but I do share this post having woke up with our two in our bed every night, even if they do disrupt our sleep 😂 (glad this research shows they sleep better as a result though!)

New peer-reviewed study, and the first scientific proof, shows dogs sleep better when they’re close to the people they love. Researchers found dogs took longer to relax, tossing and turning more and had poorer sleep quality when their human was gone. Your presence helps them relax, fall asleep faster, and rest more deeply especially in new or stressful environments.

The study found:
• Dogs fell asleep faster when their owner was in the room.
• They slept more deeply (more time in non-REM or “deep” sleep).
• Their sleep was more efficient — meaning less tossing and turning.
• When the owner was gone, dogs took longer to relax and had poorer sleep quality.
• These results suggest that dogs feel safer and more relaxed when near their humans, even during sleep.

24/10/2025

Was great to join Puppy Training North Devon this week and teach a class again! 🐾

24/10/2025

Important message below about dogs and hiding pain 🐾

Many people are surprised to learn that dogs rarely show pain in the way humans do. When we’re in pain, we often rest, complain, or seek help because we understand that help is possible. Animals don’t. They have no concept of treatment, pain relief, or medical care. So instead of showing vulnerability, they do what evolution has taught them: they cope, hide it, or change their behaviour to get through it.

Showing weakness can make an animal a target. Predators and competitors notice when another animal is limping, moving slowly, or acting “off.” To stay safe, most species have evolved to mask discomfort as long as they can. Because dogs don’t understand that pain can be treated, they adjust their behaviour instead of seeking help.

They:

Move differently or avoid certain positions.
Growl, snap, or shy away from touch.
Refuse stairs or jump less often.
Become irritable, restless, or withdrawn.
Lick, chew, or fixate on one area of their body.

These changes are often subtle at first, which is why owners sometimes assume their dog is “being difficult,” “stubborn,” or “suddenly reactive,” when in fact the dog is simply coping with discomfort the only way it knows how.

Pain changes behaviour and many people may respond with punishment or increased pressure, which only adds fear and tension to the mix. Recognising pain isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important parts of behavioural work. Many “behavioural” issues improve dramatically once pain is identified and managed.

Watch for changes in posture, movement, or mood even small ones.
Record patterns of behaviour (time of day, activity, weather, etc.).
Seek a veterinary check if your dog’s behaviour changes unexpectedly.
Avoid confrontation or punishment. A dog in pain needs compassion, not correction.

Animals don’t mask pain because they’re stoic or dramatic; they do it because they don’t know there’s another option. They can’t connect “I hurt” with “someone can help me.” So they cope, compensate, or protect themselves the only way evolution taught them to.

08/10/2025

✨ A Little Update from Hammond’s Hounds Dog Training ✨

Since launching back in December 2023, I’ve been blown away by the support, trust, and success we’ve achieved together. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made — especially in offering ethical, reward-based training to North Devon and beyond.

I’ve recently taken on a new role with the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, whilst also doing behaviour consultancy work for The Pointer Rescue Service, and combined with becoming a new dad (the most important job of all 🍼 👶), life is fuller than ever. This does mean my availability for Hammond’s Hounds will now be more limited.

That said, Hammond’s Hounds is very much still running. I’ll continue working with clients, but I may need to set clearer boundaries and, if I can’t personally fit you in, I’ll happily recommend a trusted local dog trainer or behaviourist.

Please do keep enquiring — I’ll always be honest about my availability.

❤️ Thank you so much for your continued support, it means the world.

— Phil