Dog and Ball Training

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Dog and Ball Training Dog behaviour modifications training

30/10/2026

This is a Play and Train session with Robin, going over sit, down and loose lead walking.
30 minutes sessions, exercising, training obidence and builid impulse control, message if this interests you at all.

29/10/2026

This is one out of many confidence games, confidence doesn't just come from what the dog encounters, it also comes from having clear communication, with out it there is confusion.

Build skills that allow you and your dog to communication, have fun and build a bond so your dog can rely on you to make the right decisions, building confidence in the dog and handler.

27/10/2026

Here we have Robin for her play and train session. We did roughly 15 minutes play of tug with random sits, I like to make sure whilst in a high state of arousal she can still tune in and listen. After this we walked around the training area building her loose lead skills. Shame it got dark so quickly, very glad we had light available 😅🐶

Make training fun and you'll be consistent.

27/10/2026

4 AM. While most of the world is still asleep, we're already out working with our dogs. 🐾

Some people walk their dogs at 5 AM to avoid encountering other dogs. And for owners working through reactivity, that can be a sensible part of managing their dog's environment.

For us, the 4–6 AM window is about something else.

It's about making time for our animals before the demands of the day begin.

Time to walk. Time to train. Time to build engagement, develop focus and strengthen the relationship between dog and handler.

Because there's a difference between simply taking a dog for a walk and deliberately investing in its development.

A walk gives your dog exercise. But how you use that time can also help build communication, confidence and the skills you need when life gets more challenging.

Real progress rarely comes from one big training session. It comes from the small things repeated consistently, day after day, even when it's dark, cold and your bed is calling.

Our dogs depend on us to provide more than food, shelter and a lead around the block. They depend on us to give them opportunities to learn, explore and become the best dogs they can be.

And that takes commitment.

You don't need to wake up at 4 AM. You need to find the time that works for you and your dog, then use it with purpose.

The question isn't what time you walk your dog. It's what you're building together when you do.

What does your morning routine with your dogs look like?

25/10/2026

🐾 TRACKING IS ABOUT READING THE DOG, NOT JUST FOLLOWING A SCENT.

Meet Atlas, working through a scent track and showing us what makes this discipline so valuable.

🌧️ Tracking in a storm brings its own challenges. Wind and heavy rain can affect scent conditions, making the job harder for the dog and handler. But training in difficult conditions builds experience, resilience and adaptability, helping you and your dog learn to work through challenges rather than give up when conditions aren't perfect.

🔎 What to look for:

- Nose and head position: Atlas keeps his nose close to the ground, gathering scent information.
- Movement: He works forward, investigating the track and adjusting as he goes.
- Body language: His active sniffing and forward focus show engagement with the task. Reading the whole picture is essential.

👤 The handler matters, too. My job is to manage the line, give Atlas room to work and avoid unnecessary interference. Good handling means supporting the dog without taking over the search.

Tracking develops concentration, confidence, problem-solving and the bond between dog and handler.

The goal isn't simply to get from A to B. It's to build a dog that can think, search and work with purpose—even when conditions are against you. 🐕💪

24/10/2026

Our new client Robin, nearly 2 years old this beautiful German Shepherd has got a number of reactive issues that need addressing, the first thing I noticed was her energy. This GSD needed to be worked, so before tackling any issues we worked her for an hour with a play and rope, once those energy levels came down we conveniently had a dog walk past, there was no reactivity, just curiosity, she went in had a sniff and went straight back to play.

She is going to be difficult for her two handlers but I can say with confidence she will come on leaps and bounds.

🐕 THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DOG IN PLACE 🐾One of the most underrated skills in dog training is teaching your dog to go ...
22/10/2026

🐕 THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A DOG IN PLACE 🐾

One of the most underrated skills in dog training is teaching your dog to go to their bed and settle calmly until released.

It might look simple, but a reliable place command can make a huge difference in everyday life!

🏡 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

✅ Builds impulse control – teaches your dog that they don't always need to react to everything happening around them.

✅ Encourages calmness – helps your dog learn to settle instead of constantly pacing, following you or demanding attention.

✅ Improves household manners – useful when guests arrive, you're eating dinner, cooking or spending time with family.

✅ Creates structure and clarity – gives your dog a clear job and teaches them what you expect from them.

✅ Helps around distractions – with gradual training, your dog can learn to remain settled while everyday activities happen around them.

🎯 HOW DO YOU TEACH IT?

1️⃣ Start with the bed.
Choose a comfortable mat or dog bed in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.

2️⃣ Introduce the command.
Guide your dog onto the bed and reward them for getting onto it. Introduce your chosen cue, such as "PLACE", once they begin to understand the behaviour.

3️⃣ Reward calm behaviour.
Don't just reward getting onto the bed. Reward staying there, relaxing and making calm choices.

4️⃣ Build duration gradually.
Start with a few seconds and slowly increase the time. Avoid asking for too much too soon.

5️⃣ Introduce distractions carefully.
Once your dog understands the exercise, gradually add movement, household activity and other distractions. If they repeatedly leave, make the exercise easier.

6️⃣ Teach a clear release cue.
Use a word such as "FREE" to tell your dog when the exercise has finished. Until then, the expectation is to remain on their bed.

🐾 REMEMBER: Place training isn't about forcing a dog to lie down and stay there. It's about teaching a clear behaviour, building duration and helping the dog develop the ability to settle.

For dogs that struggle with frustration, overexcitement or constantly seeking attention, this can be a useful part of a wider training programme. However, it isn't a standalone fix for anxiety or reactivity; those issues need to be addressed according to the individual dog.

A calm dog isn't created by chance. We teach calmness through consistency, clarity and repetition.

At Dog and Ball Training, we believe good training is about helping owners understand their dogs and build better behaviour for everyday life. 🐶

📩 Interested in improving your dog's manners, focus or ability to settle? Get in touch to discuss training options!

This is Leo, a Livestock Gaurdian. He has come to train with us for reactive toward humans and dogs. His tolerance of pe...
21/10/2026

This is Leo, a Livestock Gaurdian. He has come to train with us for reactive toward humans and dogs.
His tolerance of people has come along extremely well, but his progress towards dogs is a slower race, the key is consistency with rewarding good behaviour and correct any mistakes so it doesnt become more ingrained

21/10/2026

Golden retriever has to be up in the top 10 best dogs, pleasure to work with and a pleasure to train.


21/10/2026

4-6am walks include 1 GSD, 1 Mali and 1 cat.

Without fail this girl will walk the entire route with us as if she is a dog. She definitely has better off lead skills than some dog.

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