The Good Dog Coach

21/04/2025

When I met little Hattie a few days ago, she did not stop moving.

Jumping on furniture, demanding cuddles, running in and out with leaves and sticks, parading her toys around like a one-dog carnival… She was non-stop. Adorable, yes — but also clearly exhausted. 🐾

What her family was dealing with wasn’t just a "hyper puppy" — it was a chronically overtired one.

This Canine Fitness Month, it’s worth remembering: a dog being hyper isn’t the same as a dog being fit.

Even energetic, athletic dogs need an “off switch.” Rest and recovery are just as important as movement — especially for puppies.

In fact, puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep a day. — and it's not just for rest. Sleep is essential for healthy development. Without it, they become dysregulated, frantic, and much more prone to behavioural issues. Sleep deprivation, especially when young, can lead to learning difficulties, emotional instability, even stunted growth. Just like an overtired toddler, they’ll fight sleep, make chaotic choices, and spiral fast. 😴💥

This is where crate training becomes a total game changer.
Think of a crate like a cot for a baby: a safe, cosy space that helps us enforce nap times, support healthy development, and prevent our puppies from getting into trouble when they’re too tired to make good decisions. It also gives us, as owners, a moment to breathe!

Crate training isn’t about restriction — it’s about structure, calm, and rest. And for dogs like Hattie, it can be the key to a happier, more settled puppy life.

If your pup is bouncing off the walls and you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t assume they’re just “naughty” or “too much” — they might just need a proper kip.

💬 Got a busy-body puppy and need help building better routines? DM me — let’s get you both some rest and balance!

20/04/2025

From Chaos to Calm-Otto’s Transformation ✨

When Otto’s lovely owner first reached out, walks were a source of stress and dread — not joy. His extreme reactivity made outings unpredictable and at times even dangerous, especially around certain types of dogs. But look at him now!

After five weeks of intensive training, Otto’s world — and his human’s — has changed. With clear structure, boundaries, and trust in place, he can finally relax and enjoy the outside world. No more red mist. No more fear. Just a sweet boy learning that he doesn’t need to take on the world alone. 💛

He’s still growing, still building confidence — but the difference is night and day. And best of all? Walks are something they both look forward to now. 🐾

To Otto’s owner- thank you for trusting me with your brilliant boy. And to Otto: you’re a star, mate.

You can read the full review on my Trustpilot.

17/04/2025

“My dog is so stubborn.”

I hear this a lot—and if you’ve ever said it, you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth- I’ve worked with countless dogs labelled as “stubborn”… and not one of them truly was. Not one.

Dogs aren’t being difficult out of spite or trying to get under your skin. They’re not little rebels plotting resistance. They’re often confused, unmotivated, overwhelmed, or just haven’t learned what we’re asking—in the way we’re asking.

Let’s pause and reframe “stubborn” into questions that actually move us forward:

1️⃣ Have I trained this behaviour clearly—in this environment, with these distractions?
2️⃣ Have I made the behaviour rewarding enough that my dog wants to do it?
3️⃣ How is my dog feeling right now? Could fear, stress, excitement, or confusion be getting in the way?

It’s not about being a “bad dog” or a “bad owner.” It’s about building a bridge of understanding—and sometimes that bridge needs a few extra supports.

If your dog is testing your patience lately, I see you. I’ve been there. And I promise: you’re not dealing with a stubborn dog. You’re just at the beginning of something better. 🐾💛

14/04/2025

Would You Know What to Do in an Emergency?

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month—and while I hope you’ll never need it, knowing what to do in those first critical moments could save your dog’s life.

This post walks you through real-life scenarios like choking and heatstroke—what to spot, and how to act.

These are the minutes that matter most. ⚠️

Swipe through 👉
✔️ Learn what to do
✔️ Stay calm under pressure
✔️ Be your dog’s first responder

📌 Save this post so you can come back to it when you need it most.

*NOTE: Advice on heatstroke used to be to cool the dog gradually. In recent years, this advice has changed to cooling the dog as rapicly as you can. The shock of cold water being of less risk to your dog than the devastating effect of heatstroke.

04/04/2025

“I Didn’t Think Life With My Dog Could Feel This Good” 💬

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour—feeling trapped, exhausted, or like nothing will ever change—I want you to know you’re not alone.

I see you. I know the stress, the frustration, the isolation. But I also know something else…

➡️ Life with your dog CAN be different.
➡️ You CAN enjoy them instead of managing them.
➡️ You CAN feel relief instead of anxiety.

Swipe through to read real stories from owners who have been exactly where you are. Some have fully turned things around, others are still on the journey—but every single one of them now feels hopeful, in control, and free to enjoy their dog again.

The right training doesn’t just change your dog—it changes your life. ❤️

If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to help. Drop me a message, and let’s talk about what’s possible for you and your dog.

31/03/2025

Imagine Where You Could Be by Summer… 🌟

Right now, you might be feeling frustrated, exhausted, or even hopeless about your dog’s behaviour. Maybe walks feel like a battle, maybe reactivity or poor recall limits your freedom, or maybe you just don’t enjoy life with your dog the way you dreamed you would.

But what if that changed?

What if your dog was walking calmly beside you instead of pulling?
What if you could enjoy off-lead adventures instead of worrying about recall?
What if you felt relaxed, confident, and truly connected with your dog?

That transformation can start now.

🚨 London bookings for May are over halfway full! 🚨 I’ve also started taking bookings for my longer June trip, so now is the time to secure your place.

📍 Find the booking link in my ‘London Bookings’ Story highlight, or DM me to chat about your dog’s training needs. Book now to avoid disappointment—let’s make this your year of real change.

28/03/2025

Paddy Has Found His Forever Home! ✨

I’ve been a bit quiet about Paddy recently, and now I can finally share the wonderful news—he has found his family! 🏡❤️

His new family took him on a three-week trial to see if he was the right fit for them… but honestly, I had a feeling this would be the one! I didn’t want to jinx it, but sure enough, they fell head over heels in love with my sweet boy, and the adoption is now official! 🎉

I couldn’t be happier for Paddy—he truly deserves the best life, and I know he’s found it. Please join me in wishing him all the love, cuddles, and adventures in his new home! 🐾💛

27/03/2025

I'm just going to leave this here for you to ponder.

YEAR ROUND DOSING FOR BIG VETERINARY PROFITS

Imagine a doctor telling you that "just to be safe," he was going to dose you every month with penicillin because "you never really know."

Also, since you do a lot of gardening and are around dirt and manure a lot, he was going to worm you every month as well.

Would you consider that outrageous health care?

Well, it's not outrageous in the world of dogs, where veterinarians routinely counsel every client that their dog should be on year-round poisons so they can avoid fleas, ticks, heart worms and roundworms, whether they have them or not.

Roundworms are uncommon in an adult dog, and dosing your dog on a monthly basis is not needed unless you are feeding your dog the raw flesh of wild animals.

Dose your dog once a year for worms (no vet visit is needed, no f***l test is needed, and no prescription medication is needed) and be done with it.

As for fleas and ticks, it really depends on how and where you live. If you have several dogs and are in field and forest several times a week, that is one thing. But if you only have one dog which rarely leaves the sidewalk (i.e. most dogs in America), your dog probably does not need to be on year-round flea and tick medication. Get a flea comb, and if you find fleas, bathe your dog in a cheap over-the-counter flea shampoo, and you should be fine.

As for heart worm, it can only be transmitted if the temperature stays above 57 degrees for at least 45 days straight, both day and night. If the temperature drops below 57 degrees even once during that 45-day period, the life cycle of the heart worm is broken. And if your dog is dosed with heart worm medication even once during any part of a heartworm's 90-day life cycle, all of the microfilaria larvae will be killed. In short, year-round monthly dosing for heart worm is never needed.

So why do vets routinely prescribe year-round medications toxins for dogs?

Simple: Money.

As Dr. Tai Federico, a Tennessee veterinarian confessed to the Veterinary Information Service: "Merial has paid for my house, basically, (through) the profit I’ve gotten on Frontline.”

Not only are there real profits to be made from the monthly application of flea, tick and heart worm medications, but simply getting clients to keep coming back for regular prescriptions means that more "well dog" visits can be scheduled during which unnecessary vaccine "booster" shots and dental cleanings can be sold. .

Ironically, while many dog owners have a misplaced obsession with the quality of food they are feeding their dog, these same pet owners often think nothing of dosing their canine companions with insecticides on a monthly basis.

26/03/2025

Ever asked your dog to sit and they look at you like they’ve never heard the word before? Frustrating, right? But here’s the thing… they’re not being stubborn – they’re just confused.

Dogs learn contextually, which means they see the world in pictures. 🖼️

When you teach “sit” in the kitchen, your dog learns sit-in-the-kitchen. But take them outside, and the picture changes—new smells, distractions, different flooring—and suddenly, sit doesn’t mean what you think it does.

To us, sit means sit. To your dog, sit in the kitchen ≠ sit in the garden ≠ sit in the woods. 🌲🏡

So, when your dog “ignores” you, it’s usually because:
❌ They don’t fully understand the expectation in that environment.
❌ The distractions are too big for their level of training.
❌ They don’t see what’s in it for them.

Instead of labelling them as stubborn, help them learn! 🐕💡
✅ Teach commands in multiple places.
✅ Start easy and build up distractions gradually.
✅ Use rewards that actually matter to them!

Your dog isn’t being difficult on purpose—they’re just trying to make sense of our human world. Give them the right guidance, and you’ll be amazed at what they can do.

24/03/2025

Imagine this…

🔹 The daily frustration of being dragged down the street, your shoulder aching.
🔹 The embarrassment when your dog ignores you, running off while you call their name.
🔹 The guilt of knowing they’re stressed, reactive, or scared—but not knowing how to help.
🔹 The heartbreak when their behaviour means you can’t take them to the places you dreamed of.

You might think training is too expensive—but the real cost? Your peace of mind. Your freedom. Your bond with your dog.

And here’s the hard truth: dogs don’t grow out of behaviours, they grow into them. Every time they pull, bark, ignore you, or react, they’re getting better at it. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets.

You’re already paying—in frustration, stress, time, and money (on broken leads, damaged furniture, vet bills…).

But imagine the relief… 🧘‍♂️
✔️ Walking your dog without stress.
✔️ Trusting them off lead, knowing they’ll come back.
✔️ Feeling proud, instead of overwhelmed.

Training isn’t just for them—it’s for you. Because life with your dog should be joyful, not stressful. 💛

24/03/2025

THIS!

22/03/2025

London Training Recap 🐶✨

What a weekend!

Four new clients, four follow-ups, and one fantastic advanced group session—London, you kept me busy!

✅ Stopped lead pulling & improved loose-lead walking
✅ Addressed reactivity, helping dogs stay calmer in everyday situations
✅ Empowered owners with better communication skills
✅ Provided dogs with more clarity, structure & confidence

It’s always rewarding to see the progress both dogs and owners make. Now back home, recharging before the next London trip—can't wait to do it all again! 🚆🐾

📍Want to join my next London sessions? Drop me a message! 📩

19/03/2025

The Myth of “I’ve Always Had This Breed”

One thing I hear often: “I’ve had [insert breed here] all my life and they were all great—until this one.”

This one is different. This one is more difficult. This one isn’t what you expected. 👇

Breed gives us some idea of what we might be able to expect, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. If your dog comes from a different breeder, different breed lines, or even just has one different parent, those differences will be greater.

And here’s something else to consider: You have changed too. The way we raise a dog in our thirties is not the same way we raise one in our fifties. Our life circumstances, priorities, and time commitments shift over time—so the result will be different, even if the breed is the same.

But the biggest factor? Individuality. No two dogs are the same, no matter how closely related they are.

Your new dog isn’t your old dog—and that’s okay. Accept them for who they are, train the dog in front of you, and build the best relationship you can with the individual you have. ❤️

19/03/2025

This is a very good read indeed. Not all dog trainers do the same things. You want to take your dog shooting? I'll refer you to a specialist gundog trainer. Want to compete in IPO, PSA or similar? I'll refer you to a specialist protection dog trainer, ideally with titles in the chosen sport. We specialise just the same as any other industry professional.
Unfortunately, some trainers think they can do it all and that ends in doing many things badly. I can teach your dog to retrieve to hand and how to get directional control needed to take your dog shooting. But I know gundog trainers who can do it better. Because that's what they do.

When it comes to my work, I work with pet dogs specifically and specialise in the rehabilitation of unwanted, difficult and dangerous behaviour. What I want is for every dog owner to enjoy their dogs and for both dog and owner to be happy and fulfilled in the relationship.

18/03/2025

Why Work With Me? No Fluff, Just Real Results.

Dog training isn’t about gimmicks, trends, or endless sessions—it’s about getting real results that actually improve your life with your dog. That’s exactly what I do.

🔹 I get results—fast. My experience means you won’t need to see me every week for months on end. Most of my clients need fewer sessions than they expected.

🔹 I don’t do cookie-cutter training. Every dog is different. Every owner is different. Your training is tailored to you and your dog, not a one-size-fits-all programme.

🔹 I don’t lock you into unnecessary packages. You book sessions when you need them, not because you’ve prepaid for a bundle.
🔹 I specialise in difficult behaviours. Reactivity, aggression, dangerous behaviour—I don’t shy away from the hard cases. In fact, those are my speciality.

🔹 I give full support between sessions. You’re not left guessing what to do next—you’ll have direct access to me for questions and guidance.

🔹 I train without the frills—just real, practical solutions. If it doesn’t work in real life, I don’t teach it. Simple as that.

🔹 I use both reward and correction to give dogs clarity. When dogs have clear expectations, they become confident, reliable, and easier to live with.

🔹 I give you back your freedom. Off-lead reliability, stress-free walks, calm behaviour at home—training with me means you can trust your dog again.

If you’re looking for real training and real results, you’re in the right place. Message me to book your initial session!

15/03/2025

Did you know? Since August last year, I’ve been writing a regular column for the village news magazine! 🐾

This month, I’m covering an important topic: lambing season and the risks of dogs worrying sheep. With spring in full swing, it’s crucial for dog owners to understand the impact their pets can have on livestock and how to prevent incidents.

Responsible dog ownership keeps both pets and farm animals safe—let’s do our part! 🐑💛

13/03/2025

Group training might sound like a good idea, but in reality, it’s one of the least effective ways to train your dog. If your dog is struggling with behavioural issues, they are not only ineffective, but wholly unsuitable. 😬

"But wait, Sarah, you do run group sessions in London!"

Yes I do, their format is very different to your usual group dog training set up. The group sessions can only be accessed by existing clients who have advanced through their training to the point where their dog can handle this environment.

The class is designed to provide the dogs and their owners with controlled exposure in a structured setting. But for most dogs—particularly those dealing with reactivity, aggression, or other behavioural challenges—group training is overwhelming and simply not a learning-friendly environment.

Dogs with behavioural issues have individual needs that cannot be addressed in a group setting. While group classes can cover general handling, luring techniques, reward timing and placement, and basic commands, they don’t provide the individual focus and tailored solutions that troubled dogs require. 🤔

That’s why I focus on one-to-one training, where your dog gets the attention they need to be fully understood and make real progress—without the stress of a group environment!