Muddy Trails dog coaching

08/04/2025

Being a Positive reinforcement trainer it’s much more then a job it’s a way of life and a supportive community behind us 🥰

Love you Esme and you and your mum are doing amazing 💛

When your teenager is too cool to sit with you.

Working with your adolescent dog can feel like an uphill battle. I've learnt to ask for help, even though I'm a trainer and know what to do, sometimes you just need outside perspective and support.

Esme is lucky to have the support of her Aunty Joanna Muddy Trails dog coaching when she won't take reinforcement from me, she'll take it from her. When I need support with my training plan she's there to help.

If you're struggling, this is your sign to ask for help, even if you know what to do, sometimes you need a helping hand.

Joanna and I are both positive reinforcement trainers, drop either of us a message for training advice and support.

09/02/2025

🌟 **We Don’t Get the Dogs We Want; We Get the Dogs We Need** 🌟

Reflecting on my journey with dogs, I feel incredibly lucky to have had Evie before welcoming Zach. Growing up on a farm in the Azores, my first dog, Nani, a German Shepherd, was my eternal guardian. While dogs were seen as working animals, our bond was special, filled with adventures that still warm my heart. 🐾❤️

After Nani, our family embraced various breeds, from small crossbreeds to labs and a Saint Bernard, each teaching me valuable lessons.

Fast forward to Portsmouth, where my partner and I welcomed Evie into our lives. 🐶💖 Raising a dog indoors was new territory, and we tried to find a dog trainer, but it was a struggle. We knew we needed to learn how to train Evie… This was the beginning of my journey to become a dog trainer. Evie was just over 2years old when I signed our with 🥰

Then came Zach—our “little”whirlwind! Unlike Evie, nothing seemed to work for him, revealing his need for a different approach focused on choice and exploration.

Evie led me to dog training, while Zach deepened my understanding of behavior. Their unique personalities remind me that we don’t always get the dogs we want; we receive the dogs we need, guiding us on a journey of growth. 🌈🐕✨

03/02/2025

🐾 **Join Our Dog Scent Training Class!** 🐾

Unlock your dog’s natural instincts and enhance their skills with our engaging Dog Scent Training Class! Perfect for all breeds and ages, this class is designed to deepen the bond between you and your dog while developing their olfactory talents.

🌟 **What Your Dog Will Learn:**
- The fundamentals of scent detection
- How to track scents and locate hidden objects
- Fun games to stimulate their minds and keep them active
- Techniques for improving focus and teamwork between you and your dog

🗓️ **Class Schedule:**
- Weekly sessions: starts on 15th of March at 10.30 (5weeks)
- Location: PO4 8HB
- Cost: £120

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now! For more information and to register DM now

🌼🐶✨

30/01/2025

🌟 Exciting News🌟

We’re pleased to introduce Joseph, our new dog walker! 🐾 As I focus on training sessions, Joseph will be helping to handle the exciting walks and welcome new walking clients.

With his experience and passion for dogs, you can trust that your pets will receive the best care and attention during their walks. Please join me in welcoming Joseph to the team! 🎉

25/01/2025

Do you ever feel lonely or misunderstood? Like even “dog people” just don’t get it? 🐕💔

These incredible dogs, especially those from working lines abroad, have a story that goes beyond just being pets. Unlike the UK LGDs, who have been bred for generations to be companions, our foreign rescues are rooted in a history of guarding and surviving in challenging environments. Imagine a lineage built over centuries, living in the mountains, only to find themselves lost and alone in the streets, shelters prior to a long journey to the UK, the trauma it’s comes with it. 😢

Transitioning from that life to our homes can be stressful for them—different surroundings, new people, and an entirely different lifestyle.

If you have a livestock guardian dog, just know that the effort you’re putting in is enough! 💪 You’re doing an amazing job! 💖 Let’s celebrate these brave souls and share our experiences. You’re not alone in this journey!

🧠 always choose force free, reward based methods

24/01/2025

Is your dog muzzled trained?

Let’s try to break the stigma around muzzles!!!

Use the code “muddytrails” to get 10% off on .muzzle.movement

18/01/2025

Reactivity it’s the same as aggression?

**Myth: Reactive dogs are aggressive.**

**Reality:** It’s a misconception that reactive dogs are inherently aggressive. Reactivity often stems from fear, anxiety, stress, or even pain rather than a desire to harm. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, or growl when confronted with triggers like other dogs or loud noises, as a way to communicate discomfort.

Understanding the root cause of reactivity is crucial. Many reactive dogs have limited socialization experiences, past traumas, or underlying pain that contribute to their fearful responses. Each dog’s reactions should be understood in context, as factors like genetics and environment also play a role.

Training for reactive dogs typically involves desensitization and counter-conditioning, where dogs are gradually exposed to triggers at a safe distance and rewarded for calm behavior. This helps them develop positive associations and reduce reactive responses.

In summary, labeling reactive dogs as aggressive ignores the emotional and physical factors involved. By understanding reactivity and using compassionate training methods, owners can help their dogs feel more secure and improve their behavior.

12/01/2025

As the weather gets colder, it's important to take extra care of your senior pets. From cosy bedding to joint protection, our blog has helpful tips to ensure they stay comfortable and happy this winter.

Read more here 🔗 https://cloud9vets.co.uk/how-to-keep-older-pets-comfortable-during-the-winter/

10/01/2025

🐾 **Join Our Reactive Dog Class!** 🐾

Are you struggling with your dog’s reactive behavior? Whether it’s barking at other dogs, lunging at strangers, or feeling overwhelmed in public spaces, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help!

Our **Reactive Dog Class** offers a safe, supportive environment where you and your dog can learn and grow together. Led by a specialist trainer, this class focuses on:

🌟 **Positive Reinforcement Techniques**: Build trust and confidence with effective training methods tailored to your dog’s needs.

🌟 **Real-Life Scenarios**: Participate in controlled settings that mimic everyday situations, helping your dog learn to manage their reactions.

🌟 **Socialization Opportunities**: Gradually expose your dog to other dogs and people, fostering positive interactions and reducing anxiety.

🌟 **Customizable Training Plans**: Each dog is unique! We’ll work with you to create a personalized approach that fits your dog’s temperament and triggers.

🌟 **Supportive Community**: Connect with other dog guardians facing similar challenges, share experiences, and celebrate progress together.

**Class Details:**
🗓️ Start Date: 01/02/2025
🕒 Time: 12pm
📍 Location: Southsea
🐕 Suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Sign up today for an assessment and take the first step towards a more enjoyable and relaxed life with your dog.

📞 Call us at 07493176357 or DM to register and learn more!

Together, we can turn reactivity into responsiveness! 🐶❤️

08/01/2025

🐾✨ We’re thrilled to share some of the amazing reviews from our wonderful clients! Your feedback means the world to us and motivates us to continue providing the best dog training experience possible. 🐶❤️

Swipe through to read how we’ve helped pups and their guardians build stronger bonds, learn new skills, and overcome challenges. If you’re looking to train your companion, we’re here to help!

📩 DM us for more information or to book your first session. Let’s unleash the potential in your pup together! 🐕💪

31/12/2024

What a transformative year 2024 has been! I took a brave leap and left behind a solid 15-year nursing career to fully dedicate myself to my passion for working with dogs.

I’m thrilled to share that my business has grown beyond my expectations 🤩 I’ve specialized in training reactive dogs, gundogs, and scent work, and I’ve successfully organized my first classes. Additionally, I created a support group for guardians of reactive dogs, fostering a community of understanding and encouragement.

Spending quality time with my partner, dogs and little kitten has been incredibly rewarding.

Zach faced a challenging setback due to a resistant bacterial ear infection, but after a month of antibiotics, his latest test came back negative. He’s now healthier than ever and truly looks like a different dog!

As I look forward to 2025, I’m filled with anticipation for what’s to come. One thing is for sure: my partner and I are committed to having lots of fun along the way!