Holistic Hounds Oxford

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Holistic Hounds Oxford

I help dog guardians solve training and behaviour challenges using ethical, positive and effective methods in Oxfordshire.

I am Rhiannon, a qualified dog trainer with the Institute of Modern Dog Training with a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

03/06/2026

Worried that all of your training progress is ruined after one difficult walk? 🫣

I always say that behaviour is communication, if your dog’s behaviour is different to normal - there’s usually a reason for it!

If you usually beat yourself up, feel really frustrated at your dog and yourself after a difficult walk, you need to read this post to help you the next time!

Now of course if you’re having frequently challenging walks then that’s usually a sign of a bigger issue and continuous walks like this will have a more long term impact on behaviour.

But ups and downs are normal, what matters is how we deal with them.

Save this post for the next time you need it!

02/06/2026

The mistake people make about muzzles!

Pant room is not a choice, it’s a necessity 🤝

And you’re right, some muzzles are not safe for dogs to exercise in – especially if they keep the mouth closed tight or don’t allow enough opening to pant and regulate their temperature.

And that’s why I LOVE muzzles from .muzzle.movement - They give ample room for panting whilst maintaining their function as safe and secure muzzles.

I offer muzzle fittings in and around Oxfordshire (message me to book) and you can get 10% off .muzzle.movement muzzles following the 🔗 in my bio.

19/05/2026

My dog used to struggle with noise sensitivity.

Machinery like this starting across the road from us would have caused acute stress, her tail would be tucked right under, she would be spinning on the lead and dragging me to get away 😬

With a holistic plan where I:
- Checked for and treated pain
- Gave her opportunities to explore noises in the safety of home/garden
- Exposed her to the outside triggers at a distance which she was aware of but didn’t overtly worry her
- Made her feel safe and trust that I would support her through it

Now, most situations look like this. We acknowledge the thing, do something fun, and then move on 😌

Does your dog become worried about noises either in or outside of the home? Let me know below ⬇️

18/05/2026

A lot of my clients begin unsure about getting a muzzle for their dog, and I get it - I took a long time to finally get one for my own dog.

But whenever I see a dog wearing a muzzle, I just know how much their guardian cares about their dog’s wellbeing, otherwise they wouldn’t go to the effort!

“But they won’t be able to play anymore”

Not true! A well-fitted muzzle allows your dog to continue doing all of the (safe behaviours) that they enjoy - playing with friends, sniffing, taking treats, toy play, rolling in smelly things (Holly’s favourite 🤭)

I offer muzzle fittings in Oxford, as well as online and in person muzzle training support. Comment MUZZLE and I will send you the details 🙌🏼

Dog muzzles, muzzle training, muzzle fitting Oxfordshire, qualified behaviourist

19/04/2026

The harsh truth about seeing change and making progress with your dog’s behaviour, is that it takes imperfect and sometimes messy action.

These single leg box squats were added into my physiotherapy plan 4 weeks ago (I am rehabbing a knee injury).

And when I tell you I COULD NOT do them. I could control the descent to the box, but with the box at this height, no amount of willing it got me back up on a single leg.

So I went away and worked on the exercise - it was messy, the reps weren’t perfect, and there were days that I got half way through and couldn’t do anymore.

This week though, I did it at the height I could originally not manage!

But I could of got put off during that phase that was hard, that there wasn’t huge leaps in progress. But if I had just stopped, I now wouldn’t be able to do it...

Dog training is the same! If you want to see change for the benefit of you and your dog, the work has to be done, the consistency has to be there, and you’ve got to trust the process even during the times where progress seems minimal.

Because the moment will come when you realise they can do a thing that they couldn’t do before!

Make sure you’re following me if you find maintaining consistency with your dog’s training challenging, because I am going to be sharing small ways to keep that motivation going when it gets difficult!

13/04/2026

The game you need to be playing if you have a puppy/adolescent dog 🐕

Toy play is such a wonderful way of building your dog’s confidence, your relationship, and skills around impulse control, prey drive.

With just two toys (I love using the furry chaser toys from ) you can teach your dog to bring things to you and release it from their mouth - all whilst having fun and tiring them out.

Save this to come back to later 👋

AND use the link in my bio for a discount on toys 🐾

20/03/2026

I’m so excited to be able to offer a lovely field to work 1-1 with you and your dogs, as well as where Buddy Sessions will be held 🐕🐕

It provides a really safe space for you and your dog to come to, where we won’t bump into anyone else and can really focus on our training together.

Whether that’s reactivity work, recall, loose lead walking, or fun scent and gun dog training!

Message me discuss how I can support you and your dog with your training goals 🙌🏼

Reactivity dog trainer, Oxfordshire dog trainer, Behaviourist in Oxford

26/02/2026

Here’s what you need to know when looking for a dog trainer 📋

It can be difficult finding the right professional for your needs, but hopefully my list of green flags will help you on your way!

Share this with someone looking for a dog trainer so they know what to look out for.

And follow for more dog training tips! 👍🏼

Dog trainer in Oxford, Oxfordshire dog training, puppy training in Oxford, helping fearful dogs, rescue dog training

24/02/2026

This advice could be having a really negative affect on you and your dog’s training 😬

Behaviour is communication, we just have to take that time and be critical to work out what they’re trying to say.

Stress, confusion, big feelings, unmet needs, and pain all influence behaviour - and these needs to be understood and addressed ahead of typical ‘obedience training’.

If you have a dog who struggles with their feelings and behaviour, follow along for more behaviour tips 🩷

Dog behaviourist in Oxford, supporting guardians of reactive dogs, help with dog barking and lunging

21/01/2026

If you have a Spaniel/Retriever/working breed, and want a fulfilled, calm dog - you NEED to be doing this with them 👌

The simple swap is going to benefit your dog physically, mentally, and behaviourally.

Fetch puts so much stress on the body, sudden twists and turns, and slamming on the breaks.

It raises arousal super high and fails to work your dog’s brain, making them more likely to be destructive, reactive, and generally a bit more wired!

Whereas a game of ‘search’ has less risk of injury, is mentally and physically tiring, and reduces boredom.

SAVE this video for later to work on with your dog 🐕

Gun dog trainer, helping dogs be calm, dogs behaviour on walks

Address

Oxford

Website

https://holistichoundsoxford.co.uk/

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