Muddy Trails dog coaching

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Muddy Trails dog coaching

Welcome to Muddy Trails
🎓certified dog trainer
🦮specialist in reactivity, gundog & scent work

03/11/2025

This page isn’t about perfect dogs.
It’s about real ones — the ones who bark, react, feel big emotions, and teach us patience we never thought we had.

It’s about learning to listen.
To understand before we label.
To connect before we expect.

Because dog training isn’t about control — it’s about communication.
It’s not about making your dog obey — it’s about building a language only you two share.

Here you won’t find dominance charts, alpha talk, or “quick fixes.”
You’ll find stories of growth, compassion, and the messy, beautiful work of connection.

If you’re here to build trust, not fear —
to train with heart, not ego —
then you’re in the right place. 💛

Welcome to my little corner where dogs are family, not followers.
Let’s change the conversation together.

02/11/2025

Rich because I get to experience this kind of love every day 🐶✨

26/10/2025

Training your dog isn’t about control — it’s about connection.

It’s not about being “in charge” or showing who’s boss.
It’s about trust. Understanding. Communication.

When we stop trying to control every move our dogs make, we start to see who they really are — sensitive, intelligent beings doing their best in a noisy human world.

The recall, the calmness, the focus… they all come naturally once your dog feels safe with you.

Because true training isn’t about power — it’s about partnership 🐾

20/10/2025

For us, training has never been about power — it’s about partnership.
It’s not about proving who’s in charge, but about building a bond based on trust, safety, and respect.

Yes, boundaries matter. But connection matters more.
When our dogs feel safe enough to relax, snore, and sprawl across the bed, that’s not disobedience — that’s trust. That’s them saying, “I feel at home here.”

True leadership isn’t about control — it’s about creating a space where your dog can be confident, calm, and connected to you.
So no, the bed doesn’t ruin training. It deepens the relationship that makes training even possible.

🐶💤
Because the best-trained dogs are the ones who feel most understood

18/10/2025

Zach might be bred to guard flocks in open fields…
But these days, his flock lives in a city flat.
And he’s doing an amazing job. 🏙️🐕💛

10/10/2025

⸻

🌿 World Mental Health Day 🌿

Today’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always come in the ways we expect.
For me, it came on four paws.

My dogs have been my lifeline in some of my darkest moments — their presence, their unconditional love, their ability to sense when I needed them most.

But little Evie… she’s something else.
She’s the one who made me laugh again when I didn’t think I could.
Who curled up beside me when everything felt too heavy.
Who reminded me, just by existing, that there’s always light — even on the days you can’t see it yet.

They didn’t just make my life better.
They saved it. 💚

So today, if you’re struggling — please know you’re not alone.
Reach out. Speak out. And hold onto whatever brings you peace, no matter how small it seems.

❤️🌻

09/10/2025

Let’s be real — Zach isn’t ignoring me out of spite. He’s a livestock guardian breed, and that means his brain is wired a little differently.

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) were bred to think independently — to make decisions on their own when watching over flocks miles away from humans. That instinct doesn’t just switch off because they live in a modern world or go for walks on a lead.

When Zach “doesn’t listen,” what’s really happening is that his genetics are whispering:

“Assess the situation yourself… make the call.”

That’s what makes training with dogs like him so fascinating — and humbling.
It’s not about control. It’s about collaboration, communication, and learning to respect who they are at their core.

Ever lived with a dog who thinks for themselves first and listens second? 👀
Tell me below — what breed, and what’s their most “independent thinker” moment? 🐕💭

28/09/2025

⚡ Dog training isn’t about what looks good on the outside — it’s about what’s really going on inside your dog.

Some of these truths will rub people the wrong way. Some will make you nod in agreement. But all of them matter if we care about our dogs beyond just “obedience.”

👉 Swipe through and tell me honestly:
🔥 Which one makes you say YES, finally someone said it!
😡 Which one makes you want to argue with me?

Drop it in the comments 👇 let’s have the conversation no one else wants to start

15/09/2025

🍂🐶 Conkers & Dogs – Be Careful This Autumn!

They might look like shiny toys, but conkers are poisonous to dogs.
Here’s why ⬇️

⚠️ Contain a toxin called aesculin → can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling & tummy pain.
⚠️ Hard and round → risk of choking or blockages if swallowed.
⚠️ Tempting → they roll like a ball, so many dogs try to pick them up.

✅ Keep a close eye on your dog on autumn walks.
✅ Redirect them to safe toys.
✅ If they eat one, call your vet for advise.

Let’s enjoy autumn walks safely — conkers are for squirrels, not dogs 🐿️💛

13/09/2025

Most trainers talk about obedience.
I don’t.

Because your dog isn’t a soldier — they’re your partner. 🐾
I believe in cooperation, clear communication, and cues that actually make sense to your dog.

When you stop trying to control your dog and start working with them, everything changes:
✨ Walks become calmer
✨ Training becomes easier
✨ Your bond becomes stronger than ever

That’s what I teach. Not obedience — but teamwork. 💡

👉 If you’re ready to build a better relationship with your dog, send me a DM today.

18/05/2025

🌟 Celebrating three amazing years of my dog training business! 🎉 For the first two years, I worked as a nurse alongside dog training and walking on my days off. It was hard to juggle it all at the time, but then I decided to go full-time a year and a half ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. This journey has been incredible and a rollercoaster ride. I could not have imagined it going so well and at such a fast pace! I also have been able to hire Joe our very first dog walker for the business in a short space of time! To who is always here for me as a fellow local positive dog trainer. A huge thank you to all the incredible clients—humans and theiDOG Training with Laura Marshave made this possible.

Leaping from a 15-year nursing career to follow my childhood dream was risky, but it was the best decision ever. A special thank you to Laura for that phone call, which finally gave me the courage to hand in my resignation letter! While I loved nursing for many years, the last seven were tough, with paperwork overshadowing patient care. Now, I wake up excited to work with dogs and their guardians, and it truly doesn’t feel like a job!

If you’re feeling stuck or dreading your mornings, remember: it’s never too late to pursue what makes yDog Training Collegee support aRenee Rhoades at R+Dogs | Dog Behavioristshoutout to my amazing partner, Marie, and my menClair Litster-Huckle@scratch_and_sniff, for guiding me daily. Thank you to all my clients, and Renee .plus.dogs, for making this journey possible, and to Clair for the weekly training clinics and support.

Here’s to many more years of joy and growth!

06/05/2025

🐾 Transform Your Dog’s Behavior with Muddy Trails🐾

Are you struggling with unwanted behaviors from your dog? Whether it’s excessive barking, reactivity, chase after wildlife, jumping on guests, or pulling on the leash during walks, I’m here to help!

At Muddy Trails, I believe every dog can become a well-mannered companion. With my personalized training approach, I use positive reinforcement techniques tailored specifically to your dog’s unique personality, ensuring a fun and effective learning experience.

✨ Why Choose Muddy Trails?

➡️Customized Training Plans: Every dog is different, and I create individualized training strategies to suit your dog’s needs and learning style.

➡️One-on-One Attention:** As the sole trainer, I provide dedicated, hands-on support to guide you and your dog through each step of the training process.

➡️Flexible Scheduling:I offer various training options, including private sessions and group classes, to fit your busy lifestyle.

🛑Don’t let frustration hold you back from enjoying quality time with your dog. Contact me today to learn more and take the first step towards a happier, well-behaved pup!

Let’s unleash the best in your dog together at Muddy Trails! 🐶❤️

Address

Portsmouth

Website

https://muddytrails.wixsite.com/my-site

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