Positive Direction Dog Training & Behaviour

21/12/2025

It’s nearly time! 😂

19/12/2025

Christmas is just around the corner! 🎄

It can be a really tricky time of year for nervous dogs, especially those who struggle with having visitors over. With all the unfamiliar people, new things, noisy gatherings and food smells, it can be a LOT!

How do you help your dog through the festive period? Share your tips in the comments below ❤️🎅🏻🎁🐾

18/12/2025

I love turning dog novices into fully blown dog people!

I’ve worked with quite a few first-time dog owners over the years, and I’ve loved witnessing their journeys. Some of these people had never lived with, let alone had their own dog before, and felt a bit daunted by all the things they had to learn.

I’m still in touch with many of my former clients, and it’s so rewarding to see where they are now. Some have added more dogs to their family, some little humans, and some are fully blown dog obsessives like me 😁 Seeing dogs AND people grow in confidence over time is my favourite part of what I do.

So if you’re new to dogs, and feeling out of your depth, don’t worry! I can help ❤️🐾

17/12/2025

Meet Pip! 😍

Such a cutie and such a little livewire (you wouldn’t know from the pic), Pip is settling in really nicely. The only sticking point?..

CATS! 🐱

Pip shares her home with 2 beautiful moggies, and it’s taking a little while for her to get used to them. We’re working on some calm, neutral behaviours while keeping everyone safe - canine and feline. We want Pip to understand that cats are SO BORING and they definitely don’t want to play with her!

She’ll get there, I’m sure of it ❤️🐾

16/12/2025

It’s very easy to get fixated on long-term goals for our rescue dogs. Thinking about the places we want to go, the things we want to teach them. And with this mindset, it’s easy to feel disappointed when things don’t go to plan.

So instead, try to break things down into teeny tiny baby steps. Celebrate small victories, like the first time your dog lies down at your feet, or the first time they sleep peacefully through the night. Their first game of tug, the first time they come when you call their name.

Because these aren’t small things for your rescue dog - they’re HUGE. Everything is. And they’re all worth celebrating. You’ve got your whole lives together to achieve the rest ❤️

14/12/2025

😂😂

13/12/2025

Pre-arrival sessions for rescue dogs

As a rescue specialist, I already do pre arrivals for all expectant Barking Mad Dog Rescue adopters, and many from Meadow of Hope. Both rescues have been in touch to tell me how valuable these sessions are, and how much it helps adopted and dogs to settle into their new homes. Adoptions are more likely to succeed long-term, if everyone is prepared in advance.

Are you involved in a rescue organisation, and looking for a way to better prepare your adopters for the first days, weeks and months? This could be the answer!

All adopters also get written documents and resources to take away.

Get in touch today if you’d like to find out more! ❤️🐾

Link below ⬇️

An online meeting to discuss what to expect, how to prepare and how to help your new rescue dog settle in. Includes pre-arrival tips and information document.

12/12/2025

Love this from Pet Harmony! Traditional walks aren’t the only way to ensure your dog gets enough exercise/stimulation ❤️

11/12/2025

Easy wins!

I absolutely love teaching dogs tricks, playing pattern games, and doing enrichment activities. I do these things with many of my clients, and from the outside that might seem a bit strange… how will teaching my dog a trick help with their reactivity? 🤔

It’s all about those easy wins. When we ask, or show a dog how to do something, and they’re able to get it right and receive a reward, it gives them an instant dopamine boost. Repeat this often, increase the challenges, vary the activities, and over time you’ll see a more optimistic and engaged doggy.

Give it a try! The simplest things can make a big difference ❤️