Barkshire Dog Training

22/05/2025

🐿️ From Chaos to Connection: My Journey with Poppy & Predation Substitute Training (PST)

Does your dog light up at the rustle of leaves or the flash of a squirrel’s tail? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
I used to dread walks with Poppy. The moment her nose hit the trail, I lost her to the chase. Frustration, disconnection, guilt—it all felt so hard. Until I discovered Predation Substitute Training (PST), a science-led, force-free approach that changed everything.
Now? We walk together. We play, pause, and watch wildlife as a team. No fear, no frustration—just connection.

In my latest blog, I share our story and explain how PST can turn chaos into calm for dogs with strong prey drives.

✨ If your dog loves to chase, this might be the shift you’ve been looking for.

📝 Read the blog: https://www.barkshiredogtraining.com/post/from-chaos-to-connection-understanding-predation-substitute-training-pst
📩 Want to chat about how PST could help your dog thrive? Drop me a message or Chase below!

19/05/2025

Join me for a live chat with the brilliant Kiara Claeys, Chartered and Veterinary Physiotherapist and founder of Advance Veterinary Physiotherapy, as we explore how physio can support your dog’s mobility, comfort, and quality of life—right from the comfort of your own home.

19/05/2025

🌿 The Power of Patience 🌿

This simple moment with Poppy says so much. She’s walking ahead, the lead is loose—a little smile in the line—and every so often, she checks in with me. No pulling, no pressure. Just soft steps and shared space.

But this didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of quiet repetition, slow progress, and choosing patience again and again. Not rushing the process. Not needing “perfect.” Just being there for each other, one step at a time.

Patience isn’t passive—it’s an act of love. It’s giving your dog the time and support they need to succeed. When we help them regulate their arousal and invite them to engage with us, everything shifts. That’s where the magic happens.

When we meet them with calm consistency, they show us what they’re capable of 💛

18/05/2025

Reminder tomorrow evening live with Advance Veterinary Physiotherapy so looking forward to this. 7pm here on Facebook

16/05/2025

✨ Hierarchy of Rewards for Rocket Recall – Patience Pays Off ✨
"The greatest rewards aren't rushed—they're earned."

In Predation Substitute Training (PST), we know that meeting a dog's needs isn't about suppression—it's about partnership. And when it comes to Rocket Recall, understanding your dog’s Hierarchy of Rewards is key.

🐾 Hierarchy of Rewards means recognising that not all rewards are created equal for your dog.
Some rewards — like watching wildlife, chasing a toy, or a special tug game — are much higher value than a simple treat or pat.

✨ Patience is power in May: By practicing patience and observing what truly motivates your dog, you can carefully match the reward to the effort your dog makes in returning to you — even when temptations are high (like spotting a deer!).

How does this work?
🐇 Your dog leaves the scent of a rabbit to recall to you? That deserves a top-tier reward — maybe a game of flirt pole chasing or a special jackpot treat!
🚶‍♂️ They check in quickly on a calm walk? A simple treat or verbal praise might be enough.

By making the rewards worth it, and by having the patience to let them choose you even when it's hard, you're strengthening your bond — and helping your dog learn that you are the gateway to the best things in life. 🌟

➡️ Curious how to build your dog’s individual hierarchy?
I can help you tailor it for your Rocket Recall! Drop a 🐕 if you want a top tip.

13/05/2025

Whether it’s rabbit poo, chicken bones, or mystery snacks in the hedge—some dogs just can’t resist scavenging. And if you’ve ever felt like every walk is a battle over what not to eat, you’re not alone.

That’s where Simone Mueller’s “Don’t Eat That!” protocol comes in—something I now bring into my training sessions with clients who are struggling with this issue.

It’s not about harsh corrections or constant shouting "leave it."
It’s about helping your dog make better choices voluntarily.

Here’s what we focus on: 🐶 Building food awareness through choice-based games
👃 Encouraging sniffing without eating
✅ Teaching a positive interrupter that actually works
🧠 Rewiring your dog’s impulse to scavenge into something more manageable

✨ The goal? A dog who can explore the outdoors without turning every walk into a snack hunt.

If your dog’s nose is always on the ground and their mouth is always full of “surprises,” I’d love to help you apply this gentle, effective protocol.

📩 Message me or drop a 🐾 to learn more about how I use “Don’t Eat That!” with clients.

12/05/2025

🌟 LIVE CHAT – Supporting Your Dog’s Body & Wellbeing

📅 Monday19th May | 🕖 7:00pm | 📍 Live on this page

Ever wondered if your dog could benefit from physiotherapy?

Join me for a live chat with the brilliant Kiara Claeys, Chartered and Veterinary Physiotherapist and founder of Advance Veterinary Physiotherapy as we explore how physio can support your dog’s mobility, comfort, and quality of life—right from the comfort of your own home.

Whether your dog is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or just feeling a bit stiff on the stairs, Kiara will be sharing how personalised physiotherapy can:
✅ Reduce pain and discomfort
✅ Improve movement and mobility
✅ Speed up recovery after injury and prevent injury
✅ Support ageing dogs or those with chronic conditions
✅ Bring a boost to everyday wellbeing

🐾 Kiara’s calm, compassionate approach aligns beautifully with our May theme of Patience —and I can’t wait to hear her insights!

📣 Pop the date in your diary and bring your questions—we’d love to have you there.
📍 Follow this page so you don’t miss the live!
Let’s keep learning how to help our dogs move, feel, and live better—together.

10/05/2025

Living with a dog who’s obsessed with sniffing out wildlife or always chasing the next adventure can feel tough—especially when progress feels slow or inconsistent.

That’s why I’d love to introduce you to Lilly 🐶

Lilly is a 10-month-old Spaniel with an extremely strong drive to sniff out pheasants, making walking on a lead a real challenge.
When I first met her, just stepping outside was too much: – She couldn’t take food
– She didn’t notice her person at all
– And she couldn’t settle, let alone train

In our first session, we didn’t go for a walk, we introduced games that built engagement with her owner, slowing things down so that she noticed her owner more and less about her surroundings.

Her guardian was so committed, she had heard of Simone, read her books but wanted some hands on support to help with Lilly’s loose lead walking.

They followed the Predation Substitute Training plan I’m qualified to deliver—using patience, kindness, and gentle structure.

🌟 And today? Lilly checks in with her guardian. She walks close by on a loose lead. She’s present, not just pulled by instinct.

It didn’t happen overnight. It happened with consistency ….one step at a time.
If you have a dog like Lilly, and you’d love to enjoy countryside walks together again, I’d love to support you.

📩 Drop me a message or comment below to find out how to get started.

09/05/2025

We have some thing special for this annual event we support .. 💛

🐾Oakley’s Annual Dog Show is back! 🐾

Join us on 14th September 2025 at Balmore Park, Caversham, Reading RG4 8PX for a day packed with wagging tails, friendly competition, and community spirit – all in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 🐶💙

🎟️ Dog Show Classes & Schedule:
📌 10:00 – Registration opens
🐶 10:30 – Cutest Puppy
🐾 11:00 – Golden Oldie
🐕 11:30 – Waggiest Tail
👧 12:00 – Best Junior Handler (U16)
💃 12:30 – Prettiest Bitch
🧍‍♂️ 13:00 – Most Handsome
👯‍♂️ 13:30 – Dog Most Like Its Owner
🏅 14:00 – Best Rescue
🌟 14:30 – Best in Show

There’s something for every pup and plenty of fun for the whole family!

Interested in becoming a vendor? We'd love to hear from you — email us to book a spot.

📅 Save the date, bring your furry friends, and let's make it a day to remember!

🐾 🐾

07/05/2025

Does your dog freeze, crouch, and lock eyes on birds, rabbits, or joggers?
Do they stalk, then explode into a chase?
That intense stillness is part of the predatory motor pattern—and it’s incredibly rewarding for dogs. But when left unmanaged, it can make your walks feel chaotic or stressful.

That’s where The Stalking Game comes in—a real, structured game from Predation Substitute Training™.

What it teaches:
Your dog learns to: ✔️ Keep four paws on the ground
✔️ “Chase” movement with their eyes instead of their body
✔️ Practise impulse control while still fulfilling natural stalking needs

How to play:
1) Cue your dog with “Stalk” or “Mouse” or "Watch" to let them know the game is starting
2) After a short pause, move a treat slowly in front of their eyes—just like a twitchy little mouse
3) The moment they stay still (feet on the ground), mark, and throw the treat ahead
4) They get to chase the reward—safely and under control

🌟 You can even use this game after a successful recall from chasing wildlife
➡️ For example: recall your dog from a rabbit → reward with the stalking game
They still get the chase with their eyes—but the real chase is avoided.

This game builds control, connection, and confidence on walks.
It’s not about stopping your dog from being a dog—it’s about meeting their needs safely, with you in the picture.

📩 Drop "Stalk" below and I’ll send you a free Stalking guide!