I am a qualified Behaviourist, having trained at Bristol Vetinary School. I treat each animal as if it was my own, using only positive methods.
Please get in touch for a free consultation.
Super proud of my Twist on Twix today.
We went to our very first British Dressage competition at Allens Hill Competition Centre.
He was amazing, listened , stayed relaxed and produced a fabulous 71.2% and 1st place. What a beginning. Here’s to more outings and gaining those qualifying scores.
Thanks to Polgreen Physiotherapy - Meg Lane - RAMP, Clara Peake and Colne Saddlery this week , checking that everything was spot on. Team work. 😃
I absolutely adore this chap. It’s not an unknown fact. I have since the day I rode him at 4 years old.
What I admire the most about Jake, is his ability and determination to give things a go.
Who tries to teach a thoroughbred how to do flying changes, at 22 years old. 🙋🏼♀️. Oh yeah. Me!
They aren’t perfect. A little behind a stride or 2 or his usual over enthusiastic attempts before being asked. BUT for a first attempt, pretty awesome and made me smile. Dressage with Levi Hunt I think we need those lessons quick before he’s too old 🤪
An awesome demonstration of “don’t believe everything you see/read”.
As a very simple stay command for the door. Obviously didn’t happen , as the dog appears in the window. On return it’s been made out the dog is still where it was left.
Sadly not true. But great TV.
It is completely possible though!
If you need help with door bolting!. Please give me a ring or message.
You know you’ve started the week well . When your watch tells you, you’ve reached your weekly exercise goal before 5pm on a TUESDAY!!
Thanks for all the support everyone. Absolutely love the job I do. Here’s to the rest of the week teaching and tidying 🥰
Hoof to Paw Consultancy
I am now fully booked right up until I leave for Oz.
If you’d like to book any appointments for my return. I have limited availability from 7th February
I’ve had quite a few bookings coming through for whilst I’m away. Sadly I can’t do them.
So here’s a reminder of the dates I am unavailable.
Many Thanks.
Great debrief on a bite!
It’s never ,
“it came out of nowhere”.
There are always signals. It’s whether you choose to acknowledge them.
Limited availability for clipping or teaching from now until Christmas.
Get in touch if you’d like an appointment
I know this clip off the BBC is trying to demonstrate how lovely XL Bullies can be. That I don’t disagree with.
BUT
For the love of all dogs. Use a person & canine that is not using a shock collar to achieve those goals - 12 months no lead, even through city centre.
There are so many XL bullies and other breeds out there, that haven’t had to be punished to achieve being a good citizen.
I have just copied and pasted the below quickly.
But if you’re not sure if this effects you or how to go about applying. Please do get in touch , sooner rather than later
Super proud of Hometomammy today at Hartpury.
We gained an incredible mark of 73.48% in the N24.
It wasn’t long ago. I was told by a dressage judge, training me. That id never achieve any score over 65% at Novice, on any horse! Safe to say. I stopped training with them and moved to the talented Levi.
He’s encouraging, yet disciplined and full of fantastic ring create tips, transforming our game.
My point. Always believe in yourself. There is always a way forward. Even if that means change!
Never rule out pain. We can’t see the discomfort but we can see the behavioural change.
Slower to eat
Grumpy after exercise
Sleeping more
A slight change in their gait
The list goes on. If I’m doubt seek medical advice.
What is ‘Silent pain?’ 🤔
Did you know that dogs are genetically predisposed to hide pain because in the wild, weakness or injury would make them vulnerable to predators.
According to some experts, more than half our dogs suffer from ‘silent pain’ that their owners are unaware of. Dogs will rarely vocalise even moderate pain and often just run through it and don’t show any signs.
Silent pain is difficult to diagnose as it is subtle and develops slowly over a long time and any slight changes in the dog are often just attributed to normal ageing.
Things to consider with your dog-
✳️ Dogs are very loyal animals - they will follow you for as long as they can- on walks, up the stairs, onto the bed, ignoring any pain because they want to be with you
✳️ When doing zoomies, playing, chasing squirrels etc your dog won’t feel pain as their endorphins (their powerful natural pain relieving hormone) will be at released - the pain will come later when the dog is home and resting.
✳️ Your dog will not, however, be able to make that connection between the earlier exercise and the pain they’re now experiencing due to the time delay so they will repeat it the next day and the next and so on…..
✳️ Ball orientated dogs will ignore pain and continue to chase the ball as long as you throw it for them until they tire
✳️ Over a period of time and as your dog ages, the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons become less able to deal with these demands and that’s when injuries start to happen.
✳️ You may at this point start to notice some changes in your dog, they might start to move a little
differently or be less enthusiastic on walks but again, it might not be physical signs. Your dog may develop behavioural problems, become noise sensitive, nervous or agressive with other dogs or may just pant more or find it harder to settle.
✳️ So …..just because your dog can leap for the ball/ jump up and down off the bed/ do ten zoomie laps of the field etc doesn’t mean you should let them and it does NOT mean they are not in pain!
Please share to increase awareness
And just to finish - a pic of my gorgeous arthritic girlie enjoying some autumn sun ☀️ !!
This is how we cool down on a warm day ☀️ 💦 🐶
When you escape the coop but thankfully Debbie is there to catch you before Mr Fox 🦊
Although you can’t stay cross , when the girls produce this many eggs 🥚
Patience with your 4 legged teenager.
Check out the latest blog post from Rachael, all about puberty and how to get through it.
https://www.teachdog.co.uk/teach-dog-blog-1/why-is-puberty-such-a-pain
We all know that our dogs can become challenging during puberty. We may have worked hard to train them to be the “perfect dog” and got to a stage where they came back when called and sat when we asked them. We felt pleased and proud. Then all of a sudden, our perfect dog starts running over to other dogs who are on the lead, we can say “sit” until we are blue in the face, and they still stand, and we find ourselves being taken for a walk, but Fido knows perfectly well how to heel!
Welcome to puberty!
Lets talk about why this happens and what we can do about it.
Boys
In male dogs’ puberty starts when the te**es begin producing a large amount of the hormone testosterone, at around 6 months old. Over the next few months, the levels of testosterone will keep going up and up until around 10 months. The levels then slowly come down until about 18 months, at which point levels will remain mostly constant for the rest of the dog’s life, unless you have him neutered.
This will bring about some physical changes as well as behavioural changes.
Your boys head will widen, and he will become much bigger and more muscular. The behaviours you will start to see will be sexual mounting, thrusting and when they have a wee, they will start to c**k their leg.
This increased testosterone will make boys boisterous, especially with other dogs. They may become over aroused quickly and mounting behaviour, which is naturally rewarding, can easily become a behaviour of choice, to help cope with their feelings.
Girls
In female dogs’ puberty begins when they start to ovulate (eggs are released from the ovaries). You may be able to see slight changes in your girl’s behaviour that signal the start of puberty. Just before ovulation, the female dog will increase marking behaviour and may be more playful and submissive to male dogs, she will also show greater interest in the scent marking of male dogs in comparison to female ones. The posh name for “being in heat or season” is, oestrus, and during this time she may seek out males, be more vocal, restless and wish to explore. Owners often wonder how long the heat goes on for. The average is about three weeks, but it can be longer and to be on the safe side you should keep your dog away from entire males for three to four weeks. It is not advisable to take your dog to parks, or anywhere dogs maybe off lead. Entire male dogs will be able to smell your in-heat female from very far away and being on a lead won’t make your girl safe from his advances!
Behavioural issues are more likely to occur after your girl’s season. This is when a phantom pregnancy can occur. After a season the females body behaves as if she is having puppies, even if she isn’t. This affects every female dog after each season, but many won’t show physical or behavioural symptoms. If your dog is having a bad phantom pregnancy, you will see her mammary glands increase in size and they may start to produce milk. She may also start digging holes in the garden to “nest” or do so inside with beds. She may gather soft toys and put them in her nest and treat them like she would puppies. At the more extreme end of things, she may start guarding her nest and/or become generally grumpier and more reactive.
Phantom pregnancy is a natural event but if your dog shows aggressive signs and/or is distressed it is important to go to the vet, as they can prescribe medication to help bring her out of it. You may see advice saying to cut back her food and remove all her toys and bedding. This may help reduce the length of the phantom but also may be psychologically damaging for your dog – especially removing the bedding and soft toys which she will feel are her pups. The most up to date advice is to just support her through it or visit the vet if you are worried.
We now understand what happens to our dogs during puberty – hormones galore – but why does this make them go “daft?!”
Although our dogs are becoming sexually mature, unfortunately their brains are not socially mature. The surge in hormones, especially in males, encourages risky and rash behaviours, but the part of the brain that enables dogs to control their urges, is not yet working properly. Between the ages of 18 months to 3 years, connections will form between the frontal cortex and temporal lobes in the brain, and they become fully mature. If temporal lobes are damaged, then it is difficult to learn new things. If the frontal cortex is damaged, then it is hard to control emotions and there is a lack of impulse inhibition. This helps us understand why our teenage dogs suddenly don’t “perform” at dog training classes and why they might decide to go off hunting on their own, instead of coming back to you when you call.
So, what should we do to help our dogs through this time?
Show them understanding, expect them to behave like idiots and be pleasantly surprised when they don’t! If they mess up, just move on, and think about how you can stop the situation occurring in the future. This is the key. You, their owner, need to be their impulse inhibition. You need to prevent their idiotic behaviour. The reason this is important is because some of the behaviours your dog will “try out” during this time will actually be ALOT of fun for your dog. These behaviours maybe very rewarding, remember that rewarding behaviours get repeated, so if these behaviours are unwanted, we don’t want the dog to do them.
A classic example is when recall goes out of the window. Up until puberty your dog probably has come back when called. The surge of hormones may have given them the courage to go after the rabbit they saw in the distance and ignore you calling. Your dog may then go off and have a great time hunting the rabbit – a very rewarding activity. Next time you call them they will remember how rewarding it was to ignore you and therefore ignore you again. The more this is practiced, the harder it is to reverse. If this is happening with your dog, use a long line to prevent the behaviour. Be wary of using enclosed dog areas, they are great, but you must also use a long line here. Allowing your dog to ignore you in an enclosed field will do the same as allowing your dog to ignore you out in the open!
Another common scenario is when training suddenly is forgotten! Actually, it isn’t forgotten but it seems that way on the outside. You are at the park and its busy and to get out of the way you move and then ask your dog to sit. They always used to sit whenever you asked, but you start to be ignored. This is because the surge in hormones make our dogs quickly aroused. There will also be newly interesting smells about, the male dogs may smell females and the female dogs may be interested marking more and smelling every bush. They have no interest in you, your request, or the reward if they do it! Don’t get frustrated or cross. Just say ok and next time don’t ask for a sit in somewhere so busy and interesting. Remember how when you had a puppy you start asking for behaviours in the garden, then the front of the house, then the street, then a busier street, then a quiet park, then a busier park and so on. Do the same again, make the task a little easier and reward big when your dog gets it right.
So that is the low down on puberty. It doesn’t last forever and when your dog is 2-3 years old, they will begin to come out the other side. If you follow this advice, they won’t have acquired too many unwanted behaviours and will have increased impulse control and become a little more sensible!
If you are struggling, please ask for help. The relationship between you and your dog is so special and it can take a battering at this stressful time, but getting help can make both of your lives easier.
Book a free call with me today and we can work out a plan to sort out any issues you are having. If you are regularly standing in the park with a lead and no dog, you need our reliable recall course. If you are getting pulled down the street check out our loose leaders course. Rachael can also help with any other issue, so give her a call or email today.
Well done for getting to the end of this guide, celebrate by playing with your dog.
www.teachdog.co.uk
email: [email protected]
Further Reading
Beaver, Bonnie V. (2009). Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers. 2nd Edition. Missouri, Saunders Elsevier.
Overall, Karen L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Dogs and Cats. St Louis, Mosby.
🙏🏻 PLEASE PLEASE 🙏🏻
Help Save Teckles Rescue (Gloucester)
As a small animal rescue they often get forgotten about. The team work tirelessly to give the cats & dogs in their care, the very best they can.
Sadly now the rescue is in danger of closing.
Please help by donating or sharing this post.
As an independent animal welfare charity, we are close to breaking point, and we need your help t… Teckels Rescue needs your support for HELP SAVE OUR CENTRE
After a gruelling 10 years campaign.
The UK government have officially banned the use of electric shock collars, from 1st February 2024.
One step closer to a positive, force free approach to guiding our canines.
How Lucky was I to get a quick spin on this chap today.
The last time I jumped a course of fences on him was July 2022.
What fun I had. Paddy gives everything you ask of him. Such a versatile guy.
An unlucky rail put us in 6th place. I think maybe next time we go bigger. 🤪
Thank you Annie Perkins
Feline Enrichment
It’s not something I often talk about. But enrichment is just as important to a cat as it is any other house pet.
Pickle here has decided to become a house pet She rarely goes outside. Quite sensible to be honest. Therefore she required more enrichment. Natures best.
Grass is super important for their diet. It helps with digestion!
An easy choice to make. Grow my own for the purrfect free will munches. An added bonus being next to the fish.
Other enrichment toys/games she has; a scratching post, wool balls, plastic balls, fur and kiki the kiwi (she hilarious with this guy)
A little but if Cross country schooling yesterday. In preparation for the forth coming event season.
Ill do a proper update with videos ASAP
Here’s a pic of a Twix jumping our last fence. Believed to be in the BE100 section. 🤗
This weeks brave award goes to Will.
We’ve not long moved onto a bigger pony and started cantering into fences.
Wills improved so much in such a short time. I can see a great summer of jumping fun ahead. 🤩
Proud as Punch with Hannah in today’s session.
Overcoming many reasons not to ride!
Firstly the wind.
The horses in the field
The tractor & trailer.
A big horse with a powerful movement.
We started on steady. Walk transitions. Incorporating poles as this works as a great focal point. Added in a bit of trot and increased the distance. Then before you’d know it. We were happily cantering away.
What an important. Both mentally & ability. Can’t wait to keep helping them both improve 🥰
❄️ When you just don’t know what the weathers going to do!
🏇🏼You’re prepping for your first run of 2023 in 2 weeks time!
⛄️ It’s a case of poles whilst it’s snowing
Evesham
WR113AL
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I absolutely adore this chap. It’s not an unknown fact. I have since the day I rode him at 4 years old. What I admire the most about Jake, is his ability and determination to give things a go. Who tries to teach a thoroughbred how to do flying changes, at 22 years old. 🙋🏼♀️. Oh yeah. Me! They aren’t perfect. A little behind a stride or 2 or his usual over enthusiastic attempts before being asked. BUT for a first attempt, pretty awesome and made me smile. Dressage with Levi Hunt I think we need those lessons quick before he’s too old 🤪
This is how we cool down on a warm day ☀️ 💦 🐶 #dogs #water #playtime #caninefun #cotswolds #housesitting #ford #Labrador #collie
First time in the lunge pen. Quick and easy session for 3 year old Bounty. My first youngster. Taking each training session gradually. Whether it’s moving away from me, trotting in command, leading up, biting, washing off. All I’d achieve through listening to his body language - when he’s had enough and when he’s comfortable. I’ll keep posting snippet of his progress over the summer. #sporthorse #youngstock #homebred #horse #breakers #hooftopawconsultancy
After a gruelling 10 years campaign. The UK government have officially banned the use of electric shock collars, from 1st February 2024. One step closer to a positive, force free approach to guiding our canines. #positivereinforcement #forcefreetraining #noshockcollars #noaversivetechniques #dogtrainer #hooftopawconsultancy
How Lucky was I to get a quick spin on this chap today. The last time I jumped a course of fences on him was July 2022. What fun I had. Paddy gives everything you ask of him. Such a versatile guy. An unlucky rail put us in 6th place. I think maybe next time we go bigger. 🤪 Thank you Annie Perkins #showjumping #bsclub #equineconfidencecoach #funtimes
Feline Enrichment It’s not something I often talk about. But enrichment is just as important to a cat as it is any other house pet. Pickle here has decided to become a house pet She rarely goes outside. Quite sensible to be honest. Therefore she required more enrichment. Natures best. Grass is super important for their diet. It helps with digestion! An easy choice to make. Grow my own for the purrfect free will munches. An added bonus being next to the fish. Other enrichment toys/games she has; a scratching post, wool balls, plastic balls, fur and kiki the kiwi (she hilarious with this guy) #catenrichment #feline #felinetraining #catcare #catgrass #petenrichment
This weeks brave award goes to Will. We’ve not long moved onto a bigger pony and started cantering into fences. Wills improved so much in such a short time. I can see a great summer of jumping fun ahead. 🤩
Proud as Punch with Hannah in today’s session. Overcoming many reasons not to ride! Firstly the wind. The horses in the field The tractor & trailer. A big horse with a powerful movement. We started on steady. Walk transitions. Incorporating poles as this works as a great focal point. Added in a bit of trot and increased the distance. Then before you’d know it. We were happily cantering away. What an important. Both mentally & ability. Can’t wait to keep helping them both improve 🥰 #confidencebuildingcoach #equinecoach #confidence #horsetrainer #hooftopawconsultancy
❄️ When you just don’t know what the weathers going to do! 🏇🏼You’re prepping for your first run of 2023 in 2 weeks time! ⛄️ It’s a case of poles whilst it’s snowing
I can’t explain how happy I am when I get to walk clients dogs and they are so well behaved. Beautiful loose lead off Moose. Jasper was fab too, we only had 1 grumble at 6. Yes 6 passing dogs and the others we saw. Nothing!! Great work off the owners.
The powers of training! How lucky am I? My fabulous Bliss can retrieve a chocolate orange and evens brings it to me, without damage. Yummy. Thank you. #dogtrainer #hooftopawconsultancy #cotswolds #terryschocolateorange
Uber proud of Will in his lesson today. He’s only had 3 lessons on his new ride and still learning the ropes. It’s always daunting when you try something new or different. The aim always to keep confidence high and a want to try again. This is the first ever canter he’s achieved on his new steed. How awesome do they look! Onwards and Upwards
All set up for a bit of pole work. A combination of walk, trot and canter placings. These exercises will encourage your horse to engage his core, pushing through from the hindquarters and lightening the forehand. All helping towards working on rhythm, balance and straightness.
My beautiful Twix doing his first grid session with Steve at Stanway Grounds Equestrian He was so relaxed and I think enjoyed having some company too. He is so much more positive and confident jumping this year. 🥰 I will also believe that the crows were singing rounds of applause #equestriantraining #hooftopawconsultancy #jumptraining
I couldn’t love this little horse any more if i tried. Our first outing of 2022 and one with John. He loaded like a saint. Travelled quietly. Arrived so chilled. What more could I ask of a rising 5 year old. To then produce so fabulous moves , just makes it complete. Little Twix has learnt so much in the relatively short time I’ve owned him. He’s getting stronger and using himself more effectively with every session. That canter 😍 I can tell you is awfully bouncy. So proud of him!!
Beautiful Paddy looking after Oli on their first hack together. Oli is 11 and learning to ride. What a great job he is doing, gaining in confidence with every lesson. Paddy was purchased with my help. He’s such a versatile horse , as he’ll also pick up his game for a more advanced rider. 🥰 Wish I could have 10 of him.
Desensitisation/ Enrichment / Brain training /Bonding All of the above. Whilst the yard was quiet today with most off competing. I decided to have a little play with 4 year old Twix. I love introducing horses to novel environments to help engage their own brains without cohesive rider techniques! There’s no pressure-simple head collar and long line Only rewards - praise via voice, touch & pony nuts Hope you enjoy a glimpse of what we did 🎥 🎞 #hooftopawconsultancy #equinetraining Debbie Barritt
❌ No fair weather riders here ⛈ With winter approaching it’s best to get desensitised early 🤣
We’re still in full swing of puppy season. 🦴 IF you’re thinking of purchasing a puppy and would like advice, please get in touch. It’s FREE 🦴 IF you’ve just purchased a puppy and need extra advice. Then also get in touch. I do one off training and packages, tailored to your families needs. 🦴 Alternatively, if you’ve had your dog a while and need advice. Guess what!! Get in touch. 📞 📧 💬
