Ruff Start Dog Training.

08/04/2026

spotted a beautiful Doberman this morning had a quick chat with the handler. Eight months old and a bit of a handful. With that in mind.

The Joys… and Challenges… of Living with an Adolescent Dog

That sweet, well-behaved puppy you brought home? Suddenly they’ve turned into a whirlwind of energy, selective hearing, and chaos. Welcome to adolescence!

One minute they’re cuddly and affectionate… the next they’re ignoring cues they definitely knew yesterday, pulling on the lead, or “redecorating” your home with chewed-up belongings.

But here’s the truth.
Adolescence is a completely normal (and temporary!) stage of development.

During this phase, your dog is:
Testing boundaries.
Becoming more independent.
Easily distracted by the world around them.
Full of energy with a brain still under construction.

It can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and even disheartening. And sadly, this is exactly why so many adolescent dogs end up in rescue centres.

Owners often feel like they’ve “failed” or that their dog has become “too much”… when in reality, the dog just needs guidance, consistency, and patience during this tricky phase.

The good news?
With the right support and training, adolescent dogs grow into incredible companions. This stage doesn’t last forever—but the bond you build by working through it will.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, you’re not alone… and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

At Ruff Start Dog Training, I specialise in helping owners navigate these exact challenges—especially with rescue dogs who need that extra understanding.

1-1 tailored sessions
Clear, practical training plans
Ongoing support so you’re never stuck

If your dog feels like “too much” right now, let’s turn that around—together.

Message me to chat or book your session.

31/03/2026

Let’s talk honestly about getting a puppy

Getting a puppy is not a casual decision. It’s a long-term commitment that comes with sleepless nights, frustration, and a lot of hard work—especially in those first few weeks.

Too often, puppies are brought home without fully understanding what’s involved, and when things get difficult, they’re quickly given up. At just 8 weeks old, a puppy is completely dependent on stability, patience, and guidance.

Those early days are not a “trial period.” They are a critical stage in a dog’s development that shapes their future behaviour, confidence, and wellbeing.

If you’re struggling, ask for help. That’s what training and support are there for. I've run classes at a loss and given away hours of my time not to mention resources. Walking away should never be the first option.

If, in genuine circumstances, you cannot keep your puppy, any reputable breeder will take them back. Failing that It is your responsibility to ensure they are rehomed safely and ethically. Please go through a reputable organisation such as a trusted rescue—this gives your puppy the best chance at a secure, suitable, and permanent home.

24/03/2026

not exactly the most trusted of sources but it's good to keep an eye out for the symptoms.

https://www.facebook.com/100064419534660/posts/1395481309275840/

⚠️An urgent warning has been issued to dog owners after a confirmed case of a killer disease in Wales. A leading animal charity has warned that some dogs die within days of first showing symptoms after becoming infected.

The disease has been identified in the Cwmbran area in south Wales.

22/03/2026

Slaps a little hard for my taste but it's true. I was reading about one of these that was taken to court. Barely got a slap on the wrist.

There's a scary number of unlicensed boarding/daycare places about. They see it as an easy way to make money. If they take offence at you asking to see a licence. They don't have one.

20/03/2026

More dogs and people being attacked in Porth. If anyone in the area wants to get in touch I'll put together some free advice on what to do in the event of a dog attack. Methods on how to prevent it and worse case scenario.

16/03/2026

So... Been ask for my opinion on Crufts one too many times.

here it is.

I think the breeding standards don't consider the dogs overall health.

There are some excellent handlers who care about their dogs welfare and some terrible ones. Unfortunately the bad always seem to overshadow the good.

Some sins are forgivable some aren't.

The demonstration of training was how not to do it.

Yeah I don't really support it.

17/02/2026

Ruff Start Dog Training – Helping Dogs & Their Humans Get It Right From the Start

Struggling with your dog’s behaviour?
Just adopted a rescue and not sure where to begin? Just want to learn something more?

At Ruff Start Dog Training, we don’t just train dogs – we coach owners to understand, support and build a better relationship with their dog.

Specialist support for rescue dogs
Kind, practical, training
Real-life solutions for everyday problems
Clear guidance you can actually stick to at home.

Your session includes:
• A full behaviour and lifestyle consultation
• Hands-on training in your home or local area
• A personalised written training plan
• Two weeks of ongoing support via WhatsApp and video (live & recorded)

Now check are the cars going in the garage sale! for a limited time I'm offering up to 60% off my normal price.

Local, friendly and focused on long-term results – not quick fixes.

Message Ruff Start Dog Training to make inquiries and give your dog the best possible start.

11/02/2026

Why is dog training so expensive?
Well invest in good quality puppy classes, persevere through adolescence and you're pretty much made.

I know my prices probably put people off so ..
Here’s what goes into just one consultation:

About 3 hours with you and your dog. it can be more.
2 hours research and preparation before your session.
About 4 hours writing your personalised plan and providing follow-up support including video calls. It can be more.
Call it 1 hour total travelling.

That’s a total of 10 hours of time for one client.

A typical session fee before any discounts is £150

To deliver that session :

Travel and vehicle costs (around 50p a mile in an older car) – so variable
General business overheads including things like my insurance– £20 ish

Total running costs for that session = around £22
Take-home before tax = £128

When this is spread across the full 10 hours of work:

£128 ÷ 10 hours = £12.80 per hour

I don’t share this for sympathy. I'd be very surprised if any trainer makes more than that.
I share it to be honest about the level of care, time and professional support that every good trainer puts into every single client.

02/02/2026

https://threebestrated.co.uk/dog-trainers-in-rhondda-cynon-taff

I'm ranked as one of the top three trainers in the area.
Well that's nice.

Expert recommended Top Dog Trainers in Rhondda Cynon Taff. How do we actually find? ThreeBestRated.co.uk 50-Point Inspection includes everything from checking reputation, history, complaints, reviews, ratings, satisfaction, trust and price to the general excellence.

18/11/2025

Been even more quiet on here than normal reasently.
I'd rather spend my free time with the dogs or trying to up skill.

What else have I been doing?
Trying to write a Free Ruff Guide to fireworks and noise sensitivity. Why? Well mine are ok with them but I'm tired of seeing animals stuggling.

The idea is to build up your dogs ability to cope until it becomes just another day.

Hope to ask a behaviourist to look it over when I'm done.

Keep getting dragged into the looking glass that is behaviour. Expect to see a grinning cat any day now.

18/09/2025

Unpopular opinion.

It's ok to work full time and have a dog.

While not ideal I'd rather a dog be alone for eight to ten hours a day and you spend quality time with them.

The alternative is being shut in a six foot cell for twenty three hours in twentyfour.

Your dogs likely to spend months there, if lucky. Most shelters have such ridiculous criteria for adoption I've been turned down.

I'm not having a go at anyone. (Well I kinda am). Life is really hard.

I would just ask people to volunteer at a shelter, not walking the dogs but cleaning out the s**t from the cages. Before they make that choice.

12/09/2025

https://youtu.be/ABDrhNBwdpk?si=PKPdk4nA7c3fIbyM

2015 video I think.
I friggin hate Disney for giving kids (and adults) unrealistic views on what life with a dog is like.

It's estimated in the UK 1 in 5 primary age kids have been bitten by their family dog, the reality is it's probably higher.