Sharon West Dog Training & Behaviour

26/05/2026

New puppy class, small classes so your pups aren't overwhelmed, pre booking essential as places go fast

23/05/2026

Congratulations to May's Foundation class, what a brilliant group and onto Level 1

09/05/2026

Clicker can be a powerful tool during training, makes the communication between you and your dog clearer.

03/05/2026

A fundraising event held on Saturday has raised valuable funds for The Hullabaloo Sanctuary, as supporters came together to help the animal rescue charity continue its work.

23/04/2026

There is so much misinformation regarding walking nicely on the lead, but for me, it's about the dogs welfare and always has been, and before anyone starts, no, the harness doesn't stop pulling, but how you use the harness does, and being trained to walk on the lead does, but ethically it's a nicer way to walk your dog when they pull.

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

Only 3 places left, so pre book to ensure you don't miss out, they have filled really quickly

08/04/2026

these classes fill up quickly, pre booking essential

05/04/2026

It doesn’t mean playing.
It never did.
“Socialisation” has a lot to answer for.

It has a far more important meaning, and it’s often missed because of that one word.

It’s not all about interactions with other puppies or dogs. That’s a very small part of it.
Yet we get stuck thinking socialisation = play.

That’s the issue.

Socialisation is the whole world around them.
The one we’re used to. They’re not.

And if we reduce it to just play with other dogs?
Problems are on the way.

Socialisation is about teaching safety.
Creating safety.
Letting your puppy feel safe.

Even if they’ve never seen a plane or heard a crowd, the goal is the same.
Slow, careful exposure so they can take it in without overwhelming them.

We forget, or maybe don’t fully appreciate, how much they need to get used to in our world.

Socialisation is careful, positive exposure.
Acclimation.
And yes, a level of "neutrality".

Wet grass.
Stairs.
Rain on their head.
A cat passing by.
A scooter moving past.

The goal was never just play.