Lead and Listen

01/08/2025

🐾 Ever feel like your dog has selective hearing?
You're not alone, and it's not disobedience; it's communication. 💬👂

At Lead and Listen, we believe training is a two-way conversation. Whether you're shaping your gun dog's steadiness or just trying to get a solid recall on a Sunday walk, the key is connection, not control.

✨ Ethical.
✨ Reward-based.
✨ Tailored to your dog, not the other way around.

Because training should never feel like a battle of wills, it should feel like a partnership.

💚 Ready to train with heart? Let’s go.

18/07/2025

🚨 Swollen ear flap? Your dog might have an ear hematoma! 🐾

I spotted a sudden lump on Woody’s ear after a few busy weeks of water training. He was uncomfortable and didn’t want me near it. A quick vet visit confirmed it: ear hematoma. 😞

👉 Ear hematomas are painful blood-filled swellings caused by trauma, often from head shaking or scratching due to infections, allergies, or even mites.

🔍 Symptoms include:
✔️ Puffy or deformed ear flap
✔️ Redness or warmth
✔️ Aversion to touch
✔️ Excessive head shaking or scratching

💡Treatment varies but often includes draining or surgery.

Underlying issues like infections must be addressed to prevent recurrence. Post-care? Think no-flap ear wraps, meds, and lots of TLC.

💧 Lesson learned: after muddy swims and field days, clean and check those ears!

🧼 Prevention = clean ears, allergy management & fast response to infections.

🐶 Want the full scoop (plus a real-life account with Woody)?

📖 Read the full blog: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/post/treating-a-dog-ear-hematoma

I noticed a swelling on one of the ear flaps of my German Wirehaired Pointer, Woody, and he didn’t want me to touch his ear. It was obvious that he was in pain and uncomfortable. I called our vet for an appointment, and my vet very quickly diagnosed an ear hematoma. What Is A Dog Ear Hematoma? Ear...

16/07/2025

🌟 Last Call! Join Us This Sunday for a Truly Special Cause 🌟

There are still a few tickets left for our charity event this Sunday, in support of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 💜 – and we’d love for you and your dog to join us!

We’re teaming up with Kassie Woods of Surrey Dog Behaviour for a day of connection, learning, and community – all while raising funds to help families make every moment count.

🐾 Expect wagging tails, kind-hearted people and the warm feeling of doing something amazing together.

📅 Date: Sunday, 20th July 2025
📍 Where: Oakhurst Farm in Loxwood
🤝 In collaboration with: Surrey Dog Behaviour
🎟️ Book your spot now: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/event-list

💜 Let’s make every moment matter. See you there!

11/07/2025

☀️ 🐶 Sun’s out, tongues out! 🐾 🏖️

Beach days and summer strolls are brilliant fun, but our dogs rely on us to keep them safe in the sun.

Here are a few quick seaside survival tips:

🌊 Always offer plenty of fresh water (saltwater is a no-no for doggy tummies!).
🏖️ Give your dog shady spots to chill, a beach umbrella or pop-up tent works wonders.
🐾 Hot sand can burn paws! If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog.
⚠️ Watch for strong currents, even strong swimmers can get into trouble.

Most importantly? Keep it positive and stress-free. Bring tasty treats, reward calm check-ins, and make those beach recalls worth their weight in sausages! 🌭🐕

Here’s to safe, sandy sniffs and happy dogs all summer long.

03/07/2025

🌟 Making Every Moment Count – Together! 🌟

We’re so excited to team up with Kassie Woods of Surrey Dog Behaviour for a very special charity event on 20th July 2025, supporting Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 🧡✨

This incredible charity provides 24/7, specialist care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions – helping families make every moment count, however long or short.

🐾 Expect a day of connection, inspiration and a few wagging tails too!

💜 Only 20 spaces available – so don’t miss out!

📅 Date: 20th July 2025
🤝 With: Kassie Woods, Surrey Dog Behaviour
🎯 Cause: Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
🎟️ Book Now: https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/event-list

Let’s come together, raise funds and make a real difference.

23/06/2025

🐾 Welcoming a new pup into a household with multiple dogs?
It's an exciting time—full of wagging tails and new friendships! But introductions can be tricky if not handled thoughtfully. 🐶🧡

In our latest blog post, we dive into:

🏡 Proven step-by-step strategies for smooth, stress-free introductions

🦴 How to set boundaries and build bonds with non-coercive techniques

🎉 Expert insights for both puppy newbies and seasoned pack members

Whether you’re bringing in a rescue or welcoming a playful puppy, this guide helps everyone feel comfortable, confident, and loved.

👉 Read more and let the pawsitive reinforcement begin:
📖 https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/post/introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-multi-dog-household

Let us know in the comments: what’s been your biggest challenge (or joy) when adding a new pup to your pack? 💬

13/06/2025

🌞 Weekend Vibes Incoming! 🌿⁠

This weekend might be your last chance for a cooler-weather training session before the real summer heat sets in next week!⁠
⁠
☁️ Cooler temps = perfect conditions for longer retrieves, steadiness drills, or a bit of scentwork without the risk of overheating. ⁠
⁠
💧 As we head into the warmer days, remember:⁠
🐾 Train early or late in the day⁠
🐾 Always have fresh water on hand⁠
🐾 Watch for signs of heat stress⁠
⁠
Make the most of this weekend—your dog will thank you for it! 🐕💚⁠
⁠
📸 We'd love to see what you're up to—tag us in your training snaps or countryside rambles!

06/06/2025

06/06/2025

Whether your dog’s a high-energy spaniel or a couch-loving Cavapoo, every dog deserves a training approach that’s kind, clear, and confidence-building.

At Lead and Listen, we believe in listening to your dog just as much as leading them. That means no harsh corrections, no quick fixes—just science-backed, reward-based methods that work with your dog’s brain and body, not against them.

✅ Build trust
✅ Encourage curiosity
✅ Strengthen your bond

Training isn’t just about sit, stay, or recall—it’s about communication and connection. 💛
Let’s raise happier, healthier dogs, one wag at a time.

Please click the link to view the available training courses we offer https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/book-online

29/05/2025

🐾 ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT! 🐶✨

Our next 6-Week Puppy Course kicks off on 14th June, and it's filling up fast!

Designed for pups under 6 months, this course helps you lay the pawfect foundations using kind, reward-based training 🦴💛.
From sit and settle to confidence and recall, we cover everything you need for a happy, well-rounded pup.

📍 Held in a supportive group setting, perfect for early socialisation!

👉 Book your spot here before they’re gone:
https://www.leadandlisten.co.uk/service-page/6-week-group-puppy-course-1?referral=service_list_widget

Our 6-week puppy course is suitable for all puppies and we welcome all breeds. You can join with your new puppy up to the age of 8 months once your puppy is fully vaccinated and cleared by your vet to mix with other dogs. We will help you so your puppy grows up to be a happy and well-balanced dog. E...

23/05/2025

🐾 Small Wins, Big Wags! 🐾

In the world of dog training, it’s not about rushing to the finish—it’s about building trust, one paw at a time. 💚

Whether your pup just held a sit for the first time or nailed a recall in the face of a feathery distraction, celebrate it! 🎉

Every moment of connection is a step towards a confident, responsive dog—and a stronger bond between you. At Lead and Listen, we believe in progress through patience, praise, and positive reinforcement.

✨ Kindness is not a shortcut. It’s the way.

📸 Tag us in your training journey—we’re here for the tail wags and the training hiccups!

16/05/2025

🌤️ Weekend Vibes: Training in the Sunshine! 🐾
This weekend is set to be a beauty, with lots of sunshine

It’s the perfect time to grab your lead, your treats, and your dog’s favourite toy, and head outdoors for some joyful training sessions. The pleasant weather provides an ideal backdrop for positive reinforcement training, whether it's a recall refresher, a new trick, or simply reinforcing good manners.

Remember:

Keep sessions short and fun

Reward generously

Stay hydrated (both of you!)

Enjoy the sunshine and make the most of this lovely spring weekend! 🌼