Ferring Dog Training

22/05/2026

18/05/2026

Lots of dogs love to chase and bite — it’s natural behaviour.

This game gives them a safe and positive outlet for that instinct.
But alongside the fun, we can also add learning and thinking into the game.

Coach through the game:
• to release the toy
• to offer a different behaviour or position before play restarts
• to work through excitement and find calm again

Learning through games.
Building focus, communication and self-control together.

14/05/2026

🐾 We need our dogs to know that checking in with us , eye contact with us, focus on us , whatever you choose to call it , is super valuable. It underpins all our coaching.
🐾 Here are 3 simple fun exercises to help you build this skill.

13/05/2026

The more you practise the “Paws Up” exercise, the more your dog learns to become a confident problem solver.

It’s also a great introduction to proprioception — helping your dog develop awareness of their body and movement.

Here, even during a proprioception session he absolutely loves, he’s already working out where the blocks are positioned… and bingo — 4 paws on 4 blocks!

These exercises help improve:
• Balance
• Problem solving
• Mental stimulation
• Physical conditioning
• Confidence
• Focus and engagement
• Relationship building between dog and owner

Learning through fun is always the best way.

Have fun!

12/05/2026

🔹 Eye contact / focus from my dog on me is a huge aspect of coaching.
🔹It underpins everything.
🔹 Lots of classes consider sit, down , come as essential yes they have a part to play of course but if your dog does not know the value of looking at you your dog will always struggle in times of pressure.
🔹 Put lots of time in creating exercises that build focus on you . 👊🏻

11/05/2026

Why is Paws Up & Balance so useful to coach in dog training?

It’s so good for dogs because it develops several things at once:

* Body awareness (proprioception)
* Confidence
* Core strength
* Focus and impulse control
* Coordination
* Better communication between dog and handler

Plus it’s super fun and any dog of any age of any character can engage with it.
From puppies to dogs that suffer with nerves, anxiety or reactivity.

08/05/2026

A lovely day spent coaching with the fantastic team Dogstroll Doggy Daycare in SW London.

The staff put so much care and dedication into supporting the dogs in their daycare, and it’s always inspiring to see.

Today we explored the positive impact of platform coaching — a simple but incredibly effective activity that helps dogs who may struggle with nerves, anxiety, reactivity, or high energy levels.
By redirecting their focus onto the platform and strengthening their connection with the handler, dogs are able to feel calmer, more engaged, and more confident.

Wonderful to watch the progress and commitment from both the team and the dogs 👊🏻🐶🐾👏🏻❤️

05/05/2026

🔹 When coaching your dog . Observe them.
🔹 They talk to you all the time especially if they feel uncomfortable or are struggling with the coaching .
🔹 Be prepared to stop , reset and change.
🔹 The more we observe the better mentor you will become.

27/04/2026

How often & how long should I coach my dog?

As often as you can!

Adapt your coaching to your needs and the needs of your dog.

Here is a workout plan I find works for me.

20/04/2026

❓A little thought ! Management v Coaching:❓

🔹Pum is a pretty chilled dog . Something that reflects both strong genetics and consistent early guidance by myself.

🔹However, like many dogs, he has a clear trigger point: squirrels.

🔹This isn’t unusual. For some dogs( Dobermans ) , prey drive sits deeply within their instinctive behaviour, and in Pum’s case, it presents as a strong and predictable response.

🔹Rather than viewing this as a flaw that must be fully “fixed,” it’s more constructive for me to see it as an area to be understood and managed thoughtfully.

🔹Our approach is a balance between management and expectation. In environments where squirrels are highly prevalent, keeping him on lead is simply a practical and fair decision. In all other settings, he is able to enjoy freedom, engagement, and play without issue.

🔹This allows him to succeed consistently, rather than being placed in situations where instinct may override training.

🔹Importantly, this is not about avoidance—it’s about making informed, welfare-based choices.

🔹Not every behaviour requires intensive modification, or trying to change your dog’s behaviour particularly when it does not impact overall safety, quality of life, or day-to-day reliability.

🔹There is no such thing as a perfect dog.

🔹Like people, dogs have strengths and limitations, and effective coaching lies in recognising the difference.

🔹Knowing which behaviours to prioritise, and which to manage, is key to maintaining both progress and wellbeing.

🔹Ultimately, the goal is not perfection, but balance: a dog who can thrive within realistic expectations, and an owner who can guide with clarity, fairness, and understanding.

16/04/2026

Something to consider