Ruffmutz Training & Behaviour

Ruffmutz Training & Behaviour Dog and Puppy training & behaviour around Huddersfield & West Yorkshire. Fully insured / DBS checked

Dog and Puppy training and behaviour in West Yorkshire, Covering Huddersfield, Brighouse, Mirfield, Halifax, Denby Dale , Wakefield, Cleckheaton & Saddleworth areas. Puppy packages, First year of life VIP packages, classes, behaviour consultations, Train while you work packages, Scentwork & Tracking, and sessions via zoom for out of area clients. Qualified, experienced, supportive and friendly, with over 15 years working hands on with animals.

14/11/2025

Working on Leave is an ongoing training game! Jenga was distracted by some livestock by this footpath, so we took the opportunity to work on her leave-it cue so that she would disengage from her herdy dog instincts and relax.

I think Leave-It is vital to teach; it’s one of the first things I recommend clients work on with their dogs! Having clear criteria (what does leave it mean?) and a strong reward system are really important.

Did you know I offer training walks? Training walks are available to anyone on a training package with me (providing tha...
12/11/2025

Did you know I offer training walks?

Training walks are available to anyone on a training package with me (providing that it’s suitable and that your dog will be comfortable, of course!).

For a training walk, I will come to pick your dog up and take them for a walk, where we work on your training goals or specific training plan. I’ve had great feedback on training walks, particularly with puppy owners who have to work (see the home train package), or when training with owners who might be struggling to keep consistency with training.

Get in touch and see how I can help you!

09/11/2025

All important recall!

Dog trainers (including me!) talk a lot about engagement … but for me, engagement is not about my dog following me constantly and never taking her eyes off me.

You can see here Jenga checks in with me whilst we’re out and about; she’s free to do as she pleases (within reason 😂), but she knows to keep half an eye & ear on what I’m doing too, so she can respond quickly if I need her.

05/11/2025

The magic of using different rewards!

Gus and I were working on his engagement when out in a place that has lots of distractions (birds!).

Reward training is not just about treats..it's about what motivates the dog, and sometimes a game of tug might be more fun for the dog and more reinforcing than the poshest of treats.

I think a solid stay is a really important skill for dogs to have. 🧡 wait where you are while I make the situation safe🧡...
03/11/2025

I think a solid stay is a really important skill for dogs to have.

🧡 wait where you are while I make the situation safe
🧡 stay there while the neighbours cat leaves🤣🤣
🧡 stay put while I clip your lead on
🧡 or..building up patience and working on distance behaviours.

Barney is demonstrating his pro skills here!

Puppies grow up so fast! Gus is turning into a big, lanky boy with a lot of strength in those long legs. He has some fan...
30/10/2025

Puppies grow up so fast! Gus is turning into a big, lanky boy with a lot of strength in those long legs. He has some fantastic training foundations and everyone is really happy with how well he’s fitting into family life as he matures.

This is my advice for the worst nights of ‘Bonfire Night’, which seems to last longer and longer every year! I know some...
26/10/2025

This is my advice for the worst nights of ‘Bonfire Night’, which seems to last longer and longer every year! I know some dogs won't bat an eyelid, but if you know your dog is worried, or it's your dogs first fireworks season with you, this is for you!

🐾 Walk early, or skip it completely

🐾 Check your garden fences and gates are all secure, and if your dog is likely to be worried then do toilet breaks, garden time, and walks on lead

🐾 Have a cosy den area set up indoors ready for your dog.

🐾 If you’re utilising things like snoods, ear defenders, and calming wraps, put them on BEFORE the fireworks start, rather than waiting until after the first fireworks kick off

🐾 Some dogs do well with the classic fm calming music for animals that is usually broadcast on Nov 5th (and is probably available on some on demand services if the live one isn't on!), but some prefer the music their owner usually listens to (and this can help with masking if it has quite a strong beat). Some people also find taiko drumming (lots on streaming channels) helpful for their dogs. Test out beforehand which your dog prefers!

🐾 If your dog has medication or supplements to help cope during noise, make sure you give them as directed to ensure they have time to kick in and be effective.

🐾 Make sure the contact details held by your dogs Microchip database are up to date! It makes it much faster to reunite you should the worst happen. If your dog has a tracker, CHARGE it, and make sure they are wearing it!

🐾 Be there for your dog! If your dog comes to you seeking support and safety, give it to them! Imagine being terrified of a situation and you go to the person you trust the most for support, and they ignore you ...💔 That doesn't mean we should panic as soon as fireworks start and rush to scoop up our dogs when they're busy snoozing and minding their own business, but if your dog comes to you for reassurance, please please give it to them!

💥💥Calling dog owners in Huddersfield, Brighouse, Mirfield, Halifax, Cleckheaton, Horbury and surrounding areas 📣📣Do you ...
24/10/2025

💥💥Calling dog owners in Huddersfield, Brighouse, Mirfield, Halifax, Cleckheaton, Horbury and surrounding areas 📣📣

Do you need help with your dog?
Are you bringing a new puppy home and looking for some support to ensure you get things right from the start? 🐕
Has your adolescent dog gone a bit … teenage? 🫣
Are you wanting to work towards some specific training goals?🐾
Or is your dog struggling with a problem behaviour and you'd like some support?🐶

Here at Ruffmutz Training and behaviour, I offer one to one tailored training support for your and your dog. Get the help you need, when you need it.

No judgement, just support tailored to you and your situation.

Qualified, experienced, Insured and DBS checked.

Get in touch now for more info or take a peek at the website.

www.ruffmutz.co.uk

20/10/2025

Here's Ted, working so hard on his loose lead walking! His family are doing an amazing job, and topped up his training with me on Training Walks, which is a great way to keep on top of his foundation.

Walking nicely on the lead isn’t about suppressing Ted’s natural instincts or taking the joy out of a walk. Did you see Ted’s happy jump for joy?

If your dog asks for a cuddle, or wants to sit next to you when the fireworks are going off, please give them some love ...
15/10/2025

If your dog asks for a cuddle, or wants to sit next to you when the fireworks are going off, please give them some love and support. You aren’t reinforcing a fear response; your dog is already afraid!

Other dogs may find that being touched or cuddled during stressful times is too overstimulating, and will be better given space. Let them know you’re there by talking calmly and gently, and respect their need for space.

You can find more tips for handling fireworks with your dog on my website ruffmutz.co.uk

How grown up is Ted looking?!It’s been such a privilege to work with this lad through his early puppy training, and he’s...
15/10/2025

How grown up is Ted looking?!

It’s been such a privilege to work with this lad through his early puppy training, and he’s in a very positive place as starts adolescence. There will likely be some new challenges that pop up as Ted grows up, but he has a brilliant foundation in place that means his owners will be able to handle anything smoothly.

Is your pup ready for growing up?

Address

Huddersfield

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

07900895265

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ruffmutz Training & Behaviour posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ruffmutz Training & Behaviour:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Ruffmutz

My name is Jemma and I am a Dog Trainer based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Before working in rescue I fostered dogs as a volunteer and this sparked my interest in dog training and behaviour. I, like many others, turned to high profile trainers in search of knowledge and soon realised that just because it’s on TV does not make it the best!

During my 7 years working in rescue, I met dogs of all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of training needs and/or behaviour problems; particularly nervous, fearful, reactive, boisterous and sometimes aggressive dogs. I was fortunate enough to work alongside and learn from some great colleagues and mentors including some extremely caring and experienced rescue and rehoming teams, some great vets, and several highly experienced trainers & behaviourists. I have a real passion for rescue and for seeing a dog who may have been struggling, turned around and loving life in their new home, and I understand only too well how hard it can be when you share your life with a dog who may be struggling to cope with everyday things other dog owners may take for granted in their own dogs.