Nightsabre Dog Training and Behaviour

Nightsabre Dog Training and Behaviour All our classes from the Pawdawan Puppy Class through to our Canine Hoopers Classes are carefully pl
(1)

Nightsabre Dog Training and Behaviour is run by Natasja Lewis DipCABT a fully qualified and experienced Dog Training Instructor and Behaviourist with over 25 years of experience. We offer dog training courses for puppies from inoculation to adolescence and adult dogs, as well as pre-vaccination puppy visits, one-to-one training sessions and behavioural consultations in Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset.

20/07/2025

Got a new puppy and finding it all a bit overwhelming?

You’re not alone — I hear this from new puppy owners all the time!

It’s completely normal to struggle with things like:

➡️ Puppy biting that feels like a battle
➡️ Pulling on the lead every time you try to go for a walk
➡️ Getting ignored when you call them back
➡️ Or your puppy getting totally distracted by every other dog, person or leaf blowing past!

But the good news? You don’t have to figure this all out on your own.

My Fun Focus Play® Puppy Classes here in Dorset are designed to guide you and your puppy through those tricky early months — so you can build a partnership based on fun, focus, and trust.

Here’s what we’ll cover together:
✅ Building a strong connection with your puppy
✅ Growing their focus and confidence
✅ Helping them become resilient in new and distracting environments
✅ Loose lead walking that actually works in the real world
✅ Reliable recall — so they WANT to come back when you call
✅ Learning to ignore distractions
✅ Building solid impulse control

These aren’t just skills — they’re the foundation for a calm, focused, and well-mannered dog that you’ll enjoy sharing life with.

📅 My next classes start Saturday 26th July & Monday 11th August — but spaces are limited and they always go fast!

If you want to get things right from the start and avoid those common puppy headaches later on,
👉 click the link below to book your place:
funfocusplay.co.uk/pawdawan-start

I’d love to see you and your puppy there — and help you both enjoy the training journey together! 🐶🎓🐾












Over 30 years ago, I sat on the lawn with my first dog a Sheltie called Dali, watching fireworks light the sky—he was re...
04/07/2025

Over 30 years ago, I sat on the lawn with my first dog a Sheltie called Dali, watching fireworks light the sky—he was relaxed, tail wagging, utterly unfazed. Then one day, out on a walk, a sudden thunderstorm caught us by surprise. Torrential rain, booming thunder… Dali bolted home in sheer panic. From that moment on, every crack of thunder or distant bang sent him darting for cover, his confidence shattered.

That learned fear doesn’t just go away. Noise sensitivity affects up to 40% of UK dogs, triggering chronic anxiety, frantic escape attempts and even self-harm. It strains the bond you share and can turn quiet evenings or festive celebrations into episodes of dread for both dog and owner.

In my new blog post, “When Every Bang Feels Like the End of the World,” I break down why noise sensitivity takes hold—from genetic predisposition and missed socialisation windows to traumatic exposures like Dali’s storm. You’ll find clear, positive strategies based on Fun Focus Play principles:

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Pair low-volume recordings of triggers with a favourite game or treat so your dog learns “bang = brilliance.”

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲-𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Set up a cosy den—bedding, interactive toys and familiar scents—where your dog chooses to retreat.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: Consistent mealtimes, walks and rest periods build resilience against surprise noises.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝘁𝗼-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: For severe cases, tailored sessions ensure each step builds confidence without overwhelming your dog.

🔗 Read the full post here:
https://funfocusplay.co.uk/post/understanding-your-dogs-noise-sensitivity

💬 Have you experienced noise sensitivity with your dog? Share your story below—and let’s support each other in guiding our dogs from panic back to play.

🐾 Adolescent Dog Driving You Mad? You're Not Alone. 🐾Just like human teenagers, adolescent dogs go through a stage where...
26/06/2025

🐾 Adolescent Dog Driving You Mad? You're Not Alone. 🐾

Just like human teenagers, adolescent dogs go through a stage where everything you thought they knew suddenly vanishes into thin air. That lovely recall? Gone. Loose lead walking? What’s that? And manners? Let’s not even talk about those! 😅

💥 Most dogs enter adolescence between 5 to 8 months of age, and this phase can last around 10 months — sometimes longer in certain breeds. So it’s not just a ‘bad week’ — it’s a full-on developmental stage.

A lot of dog owners I speak to say the same thing:
❝ My dog didn’t really start to calm down until they were around 2 or even 3 years old. ❞

That’s because adolescence is a long game — and how you handle it has a massive influence on your dog’s adult behaviour.

It’s also the stage where many dogs start to push boundaries, seem less connected, and suddenly “forget” their training. But this isn’t naughtiness — it’s brain development and a flood of hormones that change how your dog sees and responds to the world.

💡 Here’s the truth:

𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 — 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁.

✅ Training during adolescence helps your dog:

Build focus when their hormones are raging

Practise self-control in a world full of distractions

Strengthen the bond with you, not every passing squirrel

Learn how to choose you even when the environment is exciting or stressful

❌ Skipping training during this stage is like skipping school in your GCSE year. You might scrape through, but you’re going to miss out on crucial life skills.

That’s why my 8 week Rogues Course is designed specifically for adolescent dogs. We use fun, science-backed games to help them focus, think, and succeed — all while supporting you through the rollercoaster ride of dog puberty.

🐾 If your once-perfect puppy is turning into a “teen with fur”, don’t panic — join a class that understands what’s going on under the surface.

📅 Next courses start:
🗓 Saturday 28th June - classes start @ 10:30 am
🗓 Tuesday 8th July @ - classes start @ 10 am
📍 Milborne St Andrew Sports Ground, nr Dorchester, Dorset

👇
Message me or visit funfocusplay.co.uk/rogues-start to book your spot now before spaces go!

😟 Is your once-adorable puppy now testing every limit? Does walking on the lead feel like a battle, and recall seem like...
26/05/2025

😟 Is your once-adorable puppy now testing every limit? Does walking on the lead feel like a battle, and recall seem like a distant dream?

🔎 I understand the unique challenges of training adolescent dogs—it’s like the “teenage phase” for pups—and I’m here to help!

🌟 Introducing the Rogues Course – the ultimate solution to your adolescent dog training struggles! 🌟

🐾 Say goodbye to endless pulling, selective hearing, and those embarrassing lunges at every passing dog or bird. These behaviours can make outings stressful and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

🔥 Imagine the frustration of your dog ignoring your recall or struggling to stay focused. This phase can feel impossible, but with the right guidance, you can turn it around!

✔️ I specialise in helping dog owners like you transform their adolescent pups into focused, well-mannered companions.

Using my proven 𝗙𝘂𝗻 | 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 | 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 training system, I’ll help you tackle these challenges and create a stronger bond with your dog.

🎯 My Milborne St Andrew-based 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 offers:
✔️ Reliable recall training that gets your dog back to you, even in distractions.
✔️ Calm, controlled loose lead walking—no more tug-of-war on walks!
✔️ Self-control and focus, so your dog makes the right choices, even with temptations nearby.
✔️ Fun, engaging games that make training enjoyable for both you and your dog.

📅 Next Saturday Course: 28th June 2025 at 10:30 am.
📅 Next Tuesday Course: 8th July 2025 at 10 am.

👉Spaces Available
Spaces are limited to 4 dogs and handlers to ensure personalised attention, so don’t wait to book.

📩 Contact me to reserve your spot or visit https://funfocusplay.co.uk/rogues-start for more details.

Jayne-marie Appleyard and Myla assisting me with the demo during my talk on positive reinforcement training.
26/05/2025

Jayne-marie Appleyard and Myla assisting me with the demo during my talk on positive reinforcement training.

Reactive Doesn’t Mean HopelessCassie used to really struggle around other dogs.She’s a sensitive soul—and that meant wal...
21/05/2025

Reactive Doesn’t Mean Hopeless

Cassie used to really struggle around other dogs.

She’s a sensitive soul—and that meant walks were often stressful. Over time, with trust, patience, and positive training, things have improved hugely.

One of the biggest breakthroughs?

Dog Parkour.

Letting her “claim” natural obstacles—like fallen trees, boulders, or benches—gave her something purposeful to focus on. It built confidence. It shifted her attention. It gave her ownership of her space.

When Cassie is balancing on a log or climbing a stump, she’s not just being clever—she’s practising calm, self-control, and resilience. She’s learning that the world isn’t so scary when she’s got a job to do and a handler who’s got her back.

It’s not about obedience. It’s about empowerment.

Reactive dogs don’t need more rules. They need more clarity. More agency. More wins.

Parkour gave Cassie that.

If you’ve got a dog who finds the world a bit overwhelming, this might be worth trying.

Let them climb.
Let them balance.
Let them feel strong.

Want help turning your reactive dog’s walks into confidence-building adventures?
Send me a message or visit funfocusplay.co.uk to find out how we can work together.












Looking for something to do this coming bank holiday weekend? Join us at PAWS AT THE PARK fun dog show at the Weymouth ...
19/05/2025

Looking for something to do this coming bank holiday weekend?

Join us at PAWS AT THE PARK fun dog show at the Weymouth Rugby Club for a fun day out on Sunday the 25th May.

I'll be there giving a talk about Positive Reward Based Dog Training and will be offering Free 15-minute Ask the Trainer session at my stand.

Looking for something to do this coming bank holiday weekend? Join us at PAWS AT THE PARK fin dog show at the Weymouth ...
19/05/2025

Looking for something to do this coming bank holiday weekend?

Join us at PAWS AT THE PARK fin dog show at the Weymouth Rugby Club for a fun day out on Sunday the 25th May.

I'll be there giving a talk about Positive Reward Based Dog Training and will be offering Free 15-minute Ask the Trainer session at my stand.

Managed to do the obligatory Bluebell walk this morning.
04/05/2025

Managed to do the obligatory Bluebell walk this morning.

Adolescent Dog Driving You Mad?Your sweet puppy now pulling like a train?Ignoring recall?Lunging at birds, dogs, or the ...
07/04/2025

Adolescent Dog Driving You Mad?

Your sweet puppy now pulling like a train?
Ignoring recall?
Lunging at birds, dogs, or the wind?

You’re not alone.
Adolescence is a wild ride—but there is a way through it.

The Rogues Course is built for this stage.

Using my proven
Fun | Focus | Play
training method, I’ll help you:

✔️ Stop lead pulling
✔️ Nail recall—even with distractions
✔️ Build self-control + focus
✔️ Enjoy training through games!

Next course starts:
Saturday, 12th April 2025, 10:30 am
Milborne St Andrew

Spaces are limited so each dog gets the help they need.

Book now via the link in bio or
funfocusplay.co.uk/rogues-start

Let’s make walks fun again!

😟 Is your once-adorable puppy now testing every limit? Does walking on the lead feel like a battle, and recall seem like...
07/04/2025

😟 Is your once-adorable puppy now testing every limit? Does walking on the lead feel like a battle, and recall seem like a distant dream?

🔎 I understand the unique challenges of training adolescent dogs—it’s like the “teenage phase” for pups—and I’m here to help!

🌟 Introducing the Rogues Course – the ultimate solution to your adolescent dog training struggles! 🌟

🐾 Say goodbye to endless pulling, selective hearing, and those embarrassing lunges at every passing dog or bird. These behaviours can make outings stressful and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

🔥 Imagine the frustration of your dog ignoring your recall or struggling to stay focused. This phase can feel impossible, but with the right guidance, you can turn it around!

✔️ I specialise in helping dog owners like you transform their adolescent pups into focused, well-mannered companions.

Using my proven 𝗙𝘂𝗻 | 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 | 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 training system, I’ll help you tackle these challenges and create a stronger bond with your dog.

🎯 My Milborne St Andrew-based 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 offers:
✔️ Reliable recall training that gets your dog back to you, even in distractions.
✔️ Calm, controlled loose lead walking—no more tug-of-war on walks!
✔️ Self-control and focus, so your dog makes the right choices, even with temptations nearby.
✔️ Fun, engaging games that make training enjoyable for both you and your dog.

📅 Next course starting Saturday, 14th April 2025 at 10:30 am.

👉2 Spaces Available
Spaces are limited to ensure personalised attention, so don’t wait to book.

📩 Contact me to reserve your spot or visit https://funfocusplay.co.uk/rogues-course for more details.

BREAKING NEWS – New Tech Revolutionises Recall!After months of testing with top trainers (including a few of us who were...
01/04/2025

BREAKING NEWS – New Tech Revolutionises Recall!

After months of testing with top trainers (including a few of us who were sworn to secrecy), a revolutionary new tool is being released: the Scent Recall Collar (SRC).

This clever collar uses a micro-cartridge that releases a small puff of your dog’s favourite scent (like sausage, cheese, or fox poo – we don’t judge) when you press a remote button. The idea is that the scent travels on the wind and instantly cuts through distractions, prompting your dog to come flying back to you, nostrils flaring.

During field trials, one participant’s dog ignored an actual deer to come back for the smell of their nan’s roast chicken.

Another tester reported their dog “recalls like a rocket” the moment the scent of tennis balls and wet grass is triggered.

They're even developing a dual-scent mode for multi-dog households, and the next-gen model is rumoured to sync with Alexa for voice-activated recall.

We asked our dogs to vote on it…
They said, “Sniff ya later!”

Luckily, we’ll just keep using Fun Focus Play instead – proven, personalised, and fox poo free.

Address

Milborne Street Andrew Sport And Recreation Ground
Milborne Saint Andrew
DT110JA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 1pm - 4pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+447896275357

Website

https://funfocusplay.co.uk/distracted-puppy-start, https://funfocusplay.co.uk/5-rally-games

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nightsabre Dog Training and 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 Nightsabre Dog Training and Behaviour:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

Regardless of whether your cute and adorable puppy has turned into a Rogue, Delinquent and Out Of Control Rascal or your Wild and Untamed Adult seems a lost cause, a train wreck in your home and a bulldozer on walks, my unique and bespoke Canine Development “Fun | Focus | Play” Program will help you turn your Rogue, Wild and Untamed Rebel into the Perfect Canine Citizen.

The Canine Development “Fun | Focus | Play” Program came to fruition after a long search for the perfect dog training recipe. Utilising the best bits from the world of reward based and games based training methods with at the heart of this unique mix:

The secret sauce: Choice!

In our classes you will not be asked to get your dog to repeat behaviours over and over like a broken record. Instead you get to play games with your Rascal and offer him the choice to interact with you by harnessing the power of Play.