Marta's Dog Behaviour

08/08/2025

The Up and Down game by the great Leslie McDevitt is a simple, focus-building game. It is super easy and effective, especially for anxious or easily overwhelmed dogs. It helps them feel safer, more confident, and in control in challenging environments.

How it works:
1. Put a treat on the ground between your dog’s front paws (that’s the “DOWN”).
2. Let your dog eat the treat and wait for him to orient towards you again (the “UP”).
3. The moment he does, mark by clicking or saying ‘yes’ and throw another treat between their paws
4. Repeat!

🐾 It gives your dog a clear, calming pattern to follow.
🐾It’s low-pressure, no cues, no expectations, just observation.
🐾 It reinforces that checking in with you is safe and rewarding.
🐾 It helps shift their focus away from triggers and onto a predictable, positive interaction.
🐾 Builds confidence and trust through choice-based training.

It’s a great game to play before a walk and set you and your dog up for success. You only need about 3-5 minutes to see the results. Try it and see for yourself!

06/08/2025

Roxy came to my confidence clinics I was running at Uplands Way Vets.

Her lovely owner brought her along consistently for a few months to change her association with the vets. We also wanted to build her confidence around the muzzle before a busy family weekend they had planned.

Well as you can see the weekend went amazingly and Roxy was able to fully chill at a social event, she also pulls to come to the vets now too! 🐕

Here is the message I have received from her owner:

‘Hi Marta,
I just wanted to let you know that Roxy was absolutely amazing when my family came to camp! I explained to everyone to keep their hands away from her and ignore her until she was ready to say hello which they did and she soon made friends on her own terms.

My sister who was very nervous of her as she’d snapped at her ankles on a previous visit even said at the end that her opinion of Roxy had changed and what a lovely dig she was ❤️
So thanks again for helping build her confidence, it really has made a difference, she was like a different dog! 🐕 😊’

04/08/2025

Positive reinforcement training not working out for you?

This might be why! Listen to some of the most common mistakes owners do when they train their dogs using positive reinforcement ❗️

31/07/2025

It is an approach that teaches dogs to actively participate in their own care by using clear, positive communication and consent-based handling. Instead of restraining or forcing a dog through stressful procedures, we help them feel safe, heard, and in control.🐾

Cooperative care includes:

🔸 Consent-based handling (e.g. chin rests and voluntary positions).
🔸 Clear communication and predictable routines.
🔸 Choice and control meaning your dog can opt in or pause the session.
🔸 Respecting stress signals and body language.

Cooperative care isn’t just about easier grooming or vet visits—it’s about building trust, reducing fear, and making your dog a confident individual in their own well-being.

Although Bruce has always been great at the vets, due to his recent diagnosis he is going to be experiencing more discomfort and one day may struggle more with being touched so we are working on his cooperative care now to make our future easier 💕

P.S. The tennis ball in the background was found on a walk and we don’t throw it for him! 🎾

29/07/2025

New puppy classes coming to Hingham in September!🐶

The first set of puppy classes will be held at Lincoln Hall in Hingham on Wednesday the 10th of September at 6pm.

This new 6 week course will cover:
🐾Mat work
🐾Loose lead walking
🐾Recall
🐾Drop training
🐾Handling
🐾Engagement and focus
🐾Controlled and safe puppy play

Each class will last approximately 45 minutes and will be filled with fun exercises and activities for you and your puppy. You will receive a puppy pack and write up after each class.

Classes are suitable for puppies up to 20 weeks old. Maximum of 6 puppies per class.

Sign up before the end of August and receive an introductory offer: 6 week puppy course for only 🌟🌟£99!🌟🌟

Price after this will be £120.

Sign up today using this link: https://MartasDogBehaviour.as.me/puppyclasses

Schedule your appointment online Marta's Dog Behaviour

28/07/2025

Hazel was zonked after today’s session!! 😴

Isn’t she pretty though 😍😍

Very excited to work with this amazing girl, she’s not had the easiest start but her current owner has been wonderful with her and I look forward to working with both of them 🐾🐾

24/07/2025

One of the most common things dog owners struggle with when they are walking their dogs - recall!

Whether your dog is chasing a squirrel in the woods or enjoying a game of chase with their doggy friends, sometimes dogs don't want to come back when called.

Lets change that and learn how to get your dog to enjoy running back to you whenever you call them. Book on to our recall workshop today!

https://MartasDogBehaviour.as.me/?appointmentType=63252155

22/07/2025

The dog's tail is possibility one of the most misunderstood parts of their body.

We all grew up with the thought that as long as a dog is wagging their tail, they must be happy/excited. This is not the case at all!

The tail is a representation of the dog's emotions, these could be positive or negative. The way our dog moves the tail, how they position their tail and how the rest of their body is postured can mean more than just one thing.

Did you know that some dogs will wag their tails just before they will bite or snap?
Did you know that a dog that lies on their back with their tummy up, wagging their tail, usually means they DO NOT want their belly rubbed?
Did you know that dogs are more likely to react towards a dog with a docked tail because it is a lot harder for them to read their body language?

Would you like to see example videos of different tail wags? Comment below!

17/07/2025

Is your dog stressed — but staying silent about it? 😟🐾
Dogs rarely “tell” us they’re stressed by barking or growling. More often, the signs are subtle — and easy to miss.

Here are 6 common stress signals every dog owner should know:
1️⃣ Lip licking (with no food around)
2️⃣ Yawning when not tired
3️⃣ Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes)
4️⃣ Pacing or restlessness
5️⃣ Avoidance or turning away
6️⃣ Refusing treats — even their favourites!

🚩 If your dog is showing any of these signs, they may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or fearful. Learning to read their body language helps build trust, prevent behaviour issues, and keep everyone safe (especially kids).

🧠 Remember: A calm dog is a learning dog. A stressed dog can’t focus — even with treats!

💬 Have you noticed any of these in your dog? Comment below or DM me with questions.
📍 Marta's Dog Behaviour | Ethical Dog Training and Behaviour
📲 Now booking 1:1 sessions and behaviour consults.

16/07/2025

Have I helped your dog feel happier, calmer, or more confident? 🐶💛
If you’ve had a great experience with my training or behaviour support, I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a quick Google review.

🌟 Your words help other dog owners find support too — and every review helps small businesses like mine grow!

Featuring gorgeous Cooper and Ozzy 🥰

👉 https://g.page/r/Cfla1oLp-BmREBM/review

🐾 Thank you for trusting me with your dog’s journey.
– Marta's Dog Behaviour | Ethical Dog Training and Behaviour