Lothian Dog Training

22/06/2025

This week, I received a gift from a couple and their dog — a team I’ve known for 10 years.

A decade. Of showing up. Of training, adjusting, learning, growing — together. That kind of commitment isn’t something I take lightly. It’s rare, and it’s beautiful.

The gift they gave me means more than they’ll ever know. It made me pause and reflect on just how far we’ve all come — not just them, but me too.

Over the years, I’ve watched so many of my customers move through big life chapters: getting married, starting families, welcoming new dogs. And through it all, they’ve kept showing up for their dogs. That takes heart. That takes dedication.

My approach has changed so much since the beginning. It’s no longer just about teaching exercises. Now, it’s about understanding the dog in front of us — deeply. I love working with complex teams: sensitive dogs and the humans who are ready to really see them.

I love watching body language, subtle shifts, the quiet moments where trust grows.

This gift reminded me of all that. Of the shared journey. Of everything we’ve learned along the way.

I’m so grateful. For the friendship. For the gift. For the reflection it sparked. And for every human and canine who’s let me walk alongside them on this path.

14/05/2025

New Blog: Preventing Resource Guarding.

Lately, I’ve had a wave of people getting in touch about resource guarding—dogs growling over chews, hovering over toys, or tensing around their food bowls. It’s more common than you think, and often totally preventable with the right approach from the start.

If you’re raising a puppy or welcoming a new dog, this one’s for you.

Read it here: https://www.lothiandogtraining.co.uk/post/but-i-did-everything-right-when-traditional-resource-guarding-prevention-tips-backfire

Today I spoke with someone who was heartbroken.“We did everything to prevent this,” they said. “We were told to stop him mid-meal so he’d get used to it. To take his food away and give it back. We always made sure we could take toys out of his mouth.”Now, two years in, their dog is guardin...

14/05/2025

Nothing feels better than hearing that something I've shared has made a real difference. Grateful for kind words like this, and for the incredible people who trust the process. It's all about the small steps, and it’s truly heartwarming to see them pay off.

27/07/2024

You know what's amazing? Dogs learn by association. At our mantrailing classes I hardly ever engage with the dogs because they have a skill to learn and focus on working as a team with their handler. They don't get food or much attention from me during lessons, however... Good things happen- they get to play this hide and seek game where they're encouraged and celebrated for making their own choices and get rewarded with their favourite things by the trail layer and just so it happens that I'm always around, like that cool aunty that comes around and the kids get to do fun stuff. Through the years I've been honoured by voluntary interactions from some very sensitive dogs who trusted me with cuddles because I became their safe person. We keep laughing during the lessons that some of the dogs are on their best behaviour and try their hardest when I'm around , we jokingly call them " teacher's pets ".
Today I was volunteering at the German Shepherd Rescue Scotland fun dog show and got to play with a few of my customers/ friend's dogs at the have a go agility ring. The truth is, Willow( the girly in the picture) knows more about agility than I do and does it well with her mum. She came into the ring, stayed with me and performed to her best ability with the information that I was giving her (Very poorly on my part, may I add.). We did have fun though 😊
So I guess this is a thank you post to all of the customers for allowing me to be part of their dog's trust circle and for letting me be the cool aunty.

P.S. : Our mantrailing classes are currently full.

28/06/2024

Thanks for inviting me to judge Good Citizens Bronze. Many congratulations to these guys for passing the test. 🥳❤️

17/06/2024

You know best what works for your reactive dog to keep them below the threshold and distance is always your best friend if you want a less stressful walk. Here's my review of The Hermitage and it's suitability for walking a reactive dog 🙂 Where should we visit next?

29/04/2024