Muddy Trails dog coaching

22/08/2025

☕️ Time to spill the tea…

This September we’re not just launching one, but TWO brand new classes for you and your dogs:

✨ Gundog Training – perfect for spaniels, retrievers & other breeds who need focus, structure and a way to channel all that energy.

✨ Scentwork – because every dog loves to use their nose, and this class gives them the confidence, stimulation & fun they crave.

🐾 Two classes. Two ways to bring out the best in your dog.
📅 Starting September
📍 Southsea (PO4)
💌 Spaces are limited — DM now to secure your spot!

20/08/2025

Living with a reactive dog can feel overwhelming — the barking, lunging, and constant stress on walks. But here’s the truth: your dog isn’t “bad” or “aggressive”… they’re just struggling to cope. 🐾

With the right support, reactive dogs can absolutely learn to feel calmer, build confidence, and enjoy a full, happy life. ✨

This is exactly what I help my clients achieve. Together, we create a training plan that works for both ends of the lead — so you can finally enjoy those peaceful walks you’ve been dreaming of. 💛

💬 If your dog struggles with reactivity, send me a message today. Let’s turn those stressful walks into something you can look forward to.

03/08/2025

I watched Rescue Roulette with a heavy heart.
And to be honest—I’m deeply disappointed in the
⠀
The documentary raised valid concerns.
But it painted a one-sided picture, with very little space for nuance, success stories, or the good work so many ethical rescues are doing—here and abroad.
⠀
It leaned into fear, not fairness.
And for those of us who live and work with rescued dogs, it felt like being spoken about, not with.
⠀
Zach came from abroad.
His journey has been messy, meaningful, and full of lessons.
He’s not a risk. He’s a relationship.
⠀
We need more regulation. More transparency.
But we also need more compassion, more listening, and a willingness to see the full picture—not just the most dramatic version of it.
⠀
Rescue is not one-size-fits-all.
And we deserve better than fear-based storytelling.

18/07/2025

🎯 Hot Take: Your Reactive Dog Isn’t Trying to Embarrass You — They’re Doing Their Job.

Yep. You hired them.
They saw a stranger in a hoodie?
🔊 “Alert! Possible threat!”
Another dog staring too long?
🔊 “Could be a fight! I got this!”

You didn’t mean to hire private security with anxiety, but here we are.

Reactive dogs aren’t broken — they’re just running old software on high alert.
What they need isn’t punishment.
It’s a system update:
✅ Safety
✅ Distance
✅ Predictability
✅ Support (and snacks)

And guess what?
You can help them rewrite the code.
Not overnight. But day by day.
With curiosity.
With compassion.
With a damn good treat pouch.

💥 Let’s stop treating reactivity like a malfunction.
It’s a system screaming for support — not shutdown.

16/06/2025

🐾 Why Dogs Aren’t Pack Animals: The Science Behind It 🐾

While dogs are often labeled as pack animals, their social behavior is more nuanced than you might think. Here’s a look at some scientific insights that reveal why dogs don’t strictly adhere to pack dynamics:

1. Domestication Process: Research by Dr. John Paul Scott and Dr. John L. Fuller in their study “Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog” highlights how domestication has altered canine social structures. Dogs have adapted to live alongside humans, leading to a shift in their social behavior away from traditional pack hierarchies.

2. Social Bonds with Humans: A study published in “Animal Behavior” (2012) by Dr. Takefumi Kikusui demonstrated that dogs form strong attachments to humans, much like children do with their caregivers. This bond often takes precedence over pack dynamics, indicating that dogs see their human families as their primary social group.

3. Individual Differences: Research published in the journal “Applied Animal Behaviour Science” (2016) emphasizes that dogs exhibit significant individual differences in temperament and behavior. These variations mean some dogs are more sociable while others prefer solitude, further indicating that they don’t fit a one-size-fits-all pack mentality.

4. Resource Availability and Cooperation: A study in “Behavioural Processes” (2013) showed that domestic dogs tend to cooperate rather than compete for resources in home environments, contrasting with wild pack dynamics where competition is common. This cooperative behavior reflects their adaptability to living with humans.

5. Flexibility in Social Structures: Research by Dr. Brian Hare and Dr. Vanessa Woods in their book “The Genius of Dogs” discusses how dogs are versatile in their social interactions. They can thrive in various settings, whether with other dogs, humans, or alone, showcasing their ability to adapt rather than conform to strict pack roles.

Understanding these scientific findings helps us appreciate the complexity of our canine companions! 🐶❤️

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! 🐶❤️

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

🌼🐶✨