http://elliesanimalacademy.co.uk/

Ellie's Animal Academy, Sutton (2025)

08/09/2025

Indoor & At-Home Skills Training

Home should be a calm, happy space 🏡🐶.
Indoor & At-Home Skills Training helps dogs of all ages feel confident, focused, and well-mannered indoors while building a foundation for success outdoors.

With a BSc in Animal Behaviour & Training 🎓 and practical experience, I guide owners through structured exercises to strengthen obedience, recall, impulse control, and calm behaviour in everyday home life.

This programme covers polite greetings, calm responses to stimuli, attention exercises, and multi-dog household strategies.
You’ll gain strategies for managing barking, window triggers, or general excitement while building a stronger, more positive bond with your dog.
By reinforcing calm behaviour and structured engagement, both dogs and owners enjoy a happier, more manageable home life 🐾💛.

📌 Booking opens October 2025, with in-person sessions starting November 2025.
Process: behavioural form → vet checks → 30-minute video call → book sessions.

Contact us now to get the process started and be first on the waitlist!

08/09/2025

Outdoor Skills Training

Walking your dog should be enjoyable, safe, and stress-free 🌳🐕.
Outdoor Skills Training helps dogs of all ages stay calm, focused, and confident in real-world environments, whether they are excitable, nervous, or just need a confidence boost.

With a BSc in Animal Behaviour & Training 🎓 and hands-on experience, I guide owners in creating calm, controlled walks, step-by-step recall, and structured engagement around distractions.

This programme focuses on practical, real-life skills, helping your dog understand expectations on walks, build confidence in new environments, and remain focused even when distractions appear.

Owners learn how to read canine body language, manage engagement, and encourage calm, confident behaviour.
By the end, walks become enjoyable and predictable, strengthening the bond between dog and owner and boosting both your confidence and theirs 🐾💛.

📌 Booking opens October 2025, with in-person sessions starting November 2025.
Process: behavioural form → vet checks → 30-minute video call → book sessions.

Contact us now to get the process started and be first on the waitlist!

08/09/2025

Autumn is a season full of wonders 🍂✨ – golden leaves crunching underfoot, crisp air, and the chance for long, cosy walks with your furry friends. But it’s also a season full of hidden hazards that can catch even the most careful dog owner off guard. 🐾

Take acorns and conkers, for example. They might look like harmless autumn decorations, but they contain tannins and saponins, natural compounds that can irritate your dog’s stomach, trigger vomiting, or even cause more serious health issues if eaten in larger quantities. From a zoopharmacognosy perspective, dogs are naturally curious about plants, sometimes tasting them instinctively as part of self-medication behaviours – but they don’t have the knowledge to pick what’s safe. Fallen fruit and damp leaves are another risk, often developing mould that produces toxins harmful even in small amounts.

So how can you keep your pup safe while still letting them enjoy the season? Start with careful supervision on walks, redirecting them away from acorns, conkers, or mouldy leaves. A short lead in high-risk areas can be a lifesaver, and positive reinforcement treats encourage them to leave risky items alone. At home, regularly clear your garden or paths of fallen toxic fruit and leaves. Providing safe chew toys, puzzle feeders, or enrichment games can satisfy their natural curiosity while keeping them out of trouble.

Autumn is meant to be explored, sniffed, and enjoyed. By understanding the seasonal chemistry of plants and keeping a few precautions in mind, you can make sure your walks stay safe, stimulating, and full of tail-wagging fun. 🌟💛 Your dog’s instincts and natural behaviours are wonderful to watch – let’s just keep them healthy while they explore this magical season.

08/09/2025

Happy Ginger Cat Appreciation Day! 🧡🐾 Today we’re celebrating all the fiery, fluffy, and utterly charming orange cats that brighten our homes and our hearts. September 1st is the perfect excuse to give your ginger feline extra cuddles, a few bonus treats, and maybe a cheeky play session – because they deserve it! 😺

Ginger cats owe their gorgeous coats to genetics – a gene carried on the X chromosome, which is why so many ginger cats are male. But while their coat colour doesn’t dictate personality, there’s a fascinating behavioural twist: our own expectations about coat colours can subtly influence how they behave. If we expect ginger cats to be mischievous, bold, or affectionate, we may interact with them differently – offering more attention when they display certain behaviours, or responding in ways that reinforce them. Over time, cats can adapt to these cues, creating a kind of “self-fulfilling prophecy.” It’s a brilliant reminder of just how much our interactions shape our pets’ behaviour, even in subtle ways. 🐾💛

So why are ginger cats so adored? Perhaps it’s their striking, sunlit fur, their tendency to demand belly rubs at exactly the right moment, or the warmth and cheer they bring into a home. Whatever the reason, today is about celebrating their charm, their fluff, and the joy they bring into our lives.

Give your ginger cat an extra treat, snap a cute photo, and share why your orange friend is special. Let’s flood Instagram with ginger love – after all, these sunny-coated companions deserve a little spotlight! 📸🧡

08/09/2025

Foundation Training — Adult Dogs

It’s never too late to build confidence, skills, and good manners in an adult dog 🐕✨.

Foundation Training for older dogs focuses on reinforcing core obedience, recall, impulse control, and household manners while boosting focus and responsiveness.
Many adult dogs missed early socialisation or foundational training, but it’s never too late to help them feel secure, confident, and engaged.

With a BSc in Animal Behaviour & Training 🎓 and years of practical experience, I guide owners to understand their dog’s personality and learning style, giving you clear, achievable strategies to succeed together.

This programme covers essential commands, loose lead walking, reliable recall, and strategies for managing everyday life at home and in public spaces.

You’ll see improved attention, calm behaviour, and responsiveness, alongside a stronger bond and clearer communication with your dog.
By the end of the course, your dog will feel more confident navigating outdoor, social, and multi-dog situations, while you gain practical tools for everyday life 🐾💛.

📌 Booking opens October 2025, with in-person sessions from November 2025.
Process: behavioural form → veterinary checks → 30-minute video call → book individual or block sessions.

Contact us now to start the process and be first on the wait list!

08/09/2025

Foundation Training — Puppies

Every puppy deserves a confident start in life 🐶✨.

Foundation Training for puppies (8 weeks – 9 months) focuses on helping your little one develop essential skills, polite manners, early socialisation, and, importantly, confidence.
Puppies are little sponges, learning every day, and the foundations you set now shape how they handle challenges in the future.

With a BSc in Animal Behaviour & Training 🎓 and years of hands-on experience, I guide you to understand your puppy’s learning style, set realistic, achievable goals, and make training enjoyable for both of you.

This programme introduces essential commands, polite interactions, leash skills, and confidence-building exercises, all tailored to your puppy’s pace and personality.

You’ll gain practical strategies to manage everyday challenges, build a trusting, positive bond, and give your puppy the skills they need to thrive at home, in outdoor spaces, and around other dogs and people 🐾💛.
Every small win is celebrated, and together we make learning feel safe, rewarding, and fun.

📌 Booking opens October 2025, with in-person sessions starting November 2025.
Process: complete a behavioural form → veterinary checks → 30-minute video call → book individual or block sessions.

Contact us now to start the process and be first on the wait list!

27/08/2025

School term is in full swing 📚✨ and with packed mornings, homework, and extracurriculars, life can get hectic for families – but your pets still need their walks, playtime, and a bit of attention to keep them happy and healthy! 🐾

That’s where I step in, making sure tails keep wagging and paws stay active, even when schedules are busy.

When I’m pet sitting, your furry friends will get as many walks as they need – usually up to 2 per day – tailored to their energy levels and personality.
This isn’t just about exercise; it’s about enrichment, mental stimulation, and providing the companionship that helps pets feel secure while you’re out.
From a brisk morning stroll to a playful romp in the afternoon, these visits keep behaviours on track and your pets feeling content and loved. 🐕🐈

For other families, I also offer up to 2 additional walking or drop-in sessions per day, making it easier to maintain consistency during the school week.
Pets thrive on routine, and regular visits help reduce stress, prevent boredom, and keep them emotionally and physically healthy.
Each session is more than just a walk – it’s a chance for them to burn energy, explore safely, and get that one-on-one attention that strengthens their bond with you. 🌟

Consistency, care, and understanding your pet’s individual needs are what makes all the difference. Whether it’s a cosy cuddle, some mental enrichment, or just a calm check-in, every visit is designed with their wellbeing in mind. 💛

Spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to get in touch and secure your term-time sessions. Together, we can make sure this school term is smooth, stress-free, and full of happy tails for everyone! 🍂🐾

27/08/2025

Ever noticed how some pets dash straight into a new room or sniff every corner of the park, while others hang back, watching from a safe spot? 🐾

The science of pet comfort zones explains this beautifully – it’s a mix of genetics, early experiences, and socialisation that shapes every animal’s confidence and bravery.

Genetics provide the foundation – some animals are born naturally curious and bold, while others have a predisposition toward caution. Think of it as a personality blueprint: “sires dictate personality, bi***es shape it.” The genes set the stage, but it’s the environment and early experiences that guide how that personality unfolds.

Early socialisation is crucial. Puppies and kittens exposed to varied people, surfaces, sounds, and gentle challenges during critical developmental periods often grow into adults who navigate the world with curiosity instead of fear. Those who miss out on these experiences may remain cautious or hesitant, even if their genetics favour boldness. 🐕🐈

Environmental influences continue to shape behaviour throughout life. Positive exposure to new experiences, reward-based encouragement, and patient handling help animals build confidence safely. Conversely, overly stressful or inconsistent environments can reinforce fear, even in naturally brave pets. Essentially, comfort zones are dynamic, not fixed – they expand or contract depending on experiences and support. 🌟

Understanding this interplay allows us to nurture every pet effectively. Shy animals benefit from gradual exposure and positive reinforcement, while bolder pets thrive with structured challenges that channel their curiosity productively. By respecting individual temperament and guiding development, we help pets feel safe, confident, and ready to explore their world. 💛

Every pet’s journey toward bravery is unique. Recognising the balance of nature and nurture empowers us to support their comfort zones, making their lives fuller, happier, and braver one step at a time.

26/08/2025

Happy National Dog Week! 🐾💛
It’s the perfect moment to celebrate the incredible bond we share with our dogs – a connection that’s as scientific as it is heartwarming.
Every wag, every cuddle, every game of fetch isn’t just fun; it actually releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both humans and dogs. This chemical reaction strengthens trust, reduces stress, and deepens the emotional connection you share with your furry friend. 🐕💞

Humans and dogs have evolved together for thousands of years, developing a relationship unlike any other.
Dogs are uniquely skilled at reading our emotions, picking up on subtle body language, facial expressions, and even the tone of our voice. That means every calm word, every encouraging smile, and every playful gesture is being noticed and appreciated – your dog feels it in their heart as much as you do.

National Dog Week is a wonderful reminder to nurture this bond. Spend extra time playing, teaching new tricks, or simply cuddling together on the sofa. 🐾🎾
Structured play and positive reinforcement during training not only stimulate your dog mentally and physically but also strengthen your connection in ways that last a lifetime. Even quiet, gentle moments are meaningful – a soft scratch behind the ears, a shared nap, or a leisurely walk together all contribute to a secure, happy, and confident dog.

Science shows us that dogs give unconditional love, understanding, and joy – and that this bond works both ways.
The more attention, affection, and enrichment we provide, the stronger the emotional link becomes. So this National Dog Week, celebrate your companion by making memories, sharing laughs, and embracing every tail wag, every cuddle, and every trick learned together.

Your bond is powerful, rewarding, and worthy of celebration every single day. 💛🐾

18/08/2025

📚 The school holidays are over, the house is quieter… and your pet is wondering where everyone went.

After weeks of noise, fun, and constant attention, the sudden change in environment can feel confusing – even stressful – for dogs and cats alike. If your usually calm companion is now vocalising, pacing, chewing, toileting indoors or sleeping far more than usual, it might not be misbehaviour – it’s more likely emotional fallout from routine disruption. 🐾

When the environment changes suddenly, pets often struggle to process the shift – especially if they’re social or have been closely bonded to a child who’s suddenly not home during the day. Boredom, frustration and anxiety can all look different depending on the pet, but the root cause is the same: a lack of mental stimulation and predictability. 🧠

All pets need mental enrichment – but what that looks like depends on their energy levels and personality. High-energy dogs and working breeds tend to need daily outlets for problem-solving and sniffing, while even older or lower-energy pets still benefit from novelty, structure and solo confidence-building. This is how we help them cope with change and prevent unwanted behaviours before they take root. 🐶🐱

Here are a few simple ways to support your pet this season:
🧩 Add puzzles, snuffle mats or foraging games to their day
🐕 Practise short absences to build tolerance gradually
🐈 Create solo safe spaces with soft beds and scent items
⏰ Stick to a predictable feeding and exercise routine
🐾 Book enrichment visits or walks with a trusted pet professional

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether it’s preventing stress, boosting confidence or creating independence, we’re here to help. Explore our pet care and training services to see how we can support your pet through every life stage and seasonal shift. 💻🐾

18/08/2025

✨ New month, new bookings! ✨

We’ve just updated our availability and we’re beyond excited to offer even more ways to support your pets and their people 🐾

💬 Whether you’re after expert-led training support, reliable overnight and day sitting, or consistent dog walks and drop-ins, we’ve got space open from October through February — but it’s first come, first served!

🐶 Training is now open for bookings! We’re offering individual, one-hour sessions tailored to tackle cheeky behaviours, build confidence, and support both pets and their humans across the autumn and winter months. Please note, we’re limiting this to just two training bookings per week to ensure you get focused, quality time.

🏠 Overnight & Day Sitting slots are also available — perfect if you’re heading away or need a helping hand at home. We’ll keep your pets comfy and stress-free in their own environment, with the love and care they deserve.

🚶‍♀️ Dog Walking & Drop-ins continue too, with flexible options designed to fit around your schedule and your dog’s individual needs.

As always, we’re behaviour-first, force-free, and fully insured — led by a BSc-qualified animal trainer with a passion for practical, real-life pet support. Expect not just love and care, but structure, understanding, and expert eyes on every visit 💛

Spotted the dates you need? Drop us a message to book before slots fill up! We can’t wait to meet more brilliant pets and their lovely humans in the coming months 🐾

11/08/2025

Pain Before Brain: Is your furry companion acting out, or could it be a silent cry for help? 🐾 One of the biggest myths about pet behaviour is thinking ‘bad’ behaviour is just stubbornness or naughtiness. Often, it’s your pet’s way of communicating discomfort or distress.

Before jumping into behaviour training, always rule out pain or health issues first. Whether dogs, cats, rabbits, or any beloved companion, pets can’t tell us when something hurts — their behaviour is their voice. A vet check is the essential first step to ensure there’s no underlying problem causing those tricky behaviours. 🩺❤️

Once health concerns are ruled out, understanding your pet’s signals becomes a powerful tool. Recognising subtle signs of stress or discomfort helps you respond with compassion, preventing unwanted habits from developing.

At Ellie’s Animal Academy, I combine science-backed training with gentle care, always prioritising your pet’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Because lasting behaviour change begins with trust, patience, and kindness — never punishment.

What behaviour would you love to understand better in your pet? Drop your questions or stories below — I’m here to help you decode those messages! 💬✨

Give us a follow for more honest, science-based training tips that honour every pet’s unique voice.

Ellie's Animal Academy

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

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08/09/2025

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26/08/2025

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18/08/2025

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