Little Rascals Dog Coaching

07/05/2024

"I used to cry with frustration at his behaviour, now I cry with happiness. You've changed our lives"😍

Butch used to bark at everything that moved- crows, ponies, people, other dogs. 🐕

But Butch wasn't trying to be butch, he was just scared. And it turned out, his knee caps were sore too. And when you're in the land of the giants and you know you can't escape quickly, protecting your space is natural.

Over time we've built his confidence. Confidence that he can whisper and be listened to, by people and dogs, confidence in himself, confidence he can move away, confidence he's safe from harm 💪

Butch has graduated from Little Rascals a much happier little dog and with a much happier and relaxed human. What it's all about ❤️

Thanks to Poppy's Pals dog walking for your part in his journey x

02/05/2024

"But he wouldn't even come back for chicken"🍗

It's about the history, not what you have in your hand right now

Start your recall training at home 🏡

Ps my whistle to recall her is usually one whistle (when I'm not using an actual whistle) but I failed to get my lips round it on this occasion 🙈🤣 - it doesn't matter what your recall cue is, just pay into it ❤️

23/04/2024

Does your dog hate grooming? My article in the Herald this month is for you!

Link to the article in the comments or pick up a copy in one of the local businesses

You can send me a message if you'd like to book a free chat 🐾

15/04/2024

Teaching your dog to follow directions is useful but even more beneficial is teaching them to think for themselves. Choice and control in life are essential for well-being whether you're a dog or a human.

When dogs 'react' it's usually when they feel like they're losing control of a situation, much like humans.

Terriers are inclined to react to changing situations quickly - it's what makes them good at the job they were bred for. But when the situation on your walk is constantly changing (ponies, horse riders, dogs, what other dogs are doing, birds etc), it can result in a very frazzled walk, if they don't know what to do.

When training in real life environments, you need a variety of strategies for a variety of situations. It depends how busy it is, how far away you are from activity, what other dogs/animals are doing, what your dog might have experienced that week already, what your dog is communicating at any given moment and so on.

This little rascal has come on leaps and bounds when it comes to knowing what to do when she sees other dogs, thanks to the patience and hard work of her humans. Finishing her course with a lovely sniffy walk with Auntie Poppy to help cement her confidence (Thank you for your help Pops! Poppy's Pals dog walking ) 🥰

If you want to have a chat with me about your little rascal you can book a free call via the website www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/ -a-call

04/04/2024

One small step onto my knee, one giant step for this little Chihuahua.

Trust is fragile. Easy to break, hard to repair.

This little man did not trust me one bit and was very vocal about letting me know this.

Little dogs are expected to tolerate so much uninvited contact it's no wonder they start feeling wary around people. Yet when they ask to be left alone, they're the ones who are allegedly trying to dominate.

Once Paddy realised it was his choice to interact, and that interacting with me did not mean I was going to touch him without invitation he decided I was trustworthy enough to hop onto my lap ❤️

Choice and consent are important.

25/03/2024

The power of scent

My washing machine broke down just before the weekend so an emergency launderette visit was in order. I don't think I've been in one since my early 20's but when I walked in, the smell, whoosh, I was transported back to the terraced streets of the North East cities I lived in (no Costa then though!)

Smell has the power to evoke memories and feelings like this because of the way it's processed by the brain. It's processed by the same areas used to process memory and emotion. The smell of the launderette evoked happy feelings and fond memories. On the other hand, for many people, the smell of a dentist's waiting room or old school buildings evokes feelings of stress and apprehension.

When you've got a reactive dog, the environment plays a big part in how your dog feels. Every time you go for a walk you're creating memories. So if you're going for the same walk all the time and on that walk your dog always encounters things they find stressful, that's the memory that's being entrenched.

As soon as you arrive there, the scent of that place will evoke memories and emotions. If those emotions are negative then immediately your dog will be on alert, ready to react. It doesn't matter whether it looks quiet to you ("what are you grumbling about, there's nothing here")

If your dog has had a negative experience somewhere, don't keep going. Go somewhere else, start again and try to create positive memories.

If you're not sure where to start with this, book a free call via the website and let's have a chat
www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/ -a-call

21/02/2024

It's today so I thought I'd talk about the mother language of dogs - body language.

As verbal creatures, we tend to notice when warnings get loud - growls, barks, bites. This is when I most often get asked for help "my dog is biting without warning" or "my dog keeps growling/barking but it's not at every dog, there doesn't seem to be any pattern" or "my dog has started growling with no provocation"

Although it might not seem like it (especially if you have a terrier, a dachs or a cockapoo!), much of what our dogs are saying is silent.

But for small dogs, especially, these warnings often get missed or misinterpreted.

If this sounds like your little dog, check out my blog post to learn more about some of the silent ways your dog is telling you something and get in touch if you'd like a chat

Dog bites are on the increase and while XL Bullies are getting a lot of press; accurate figures about breeds most likely to bite are limited by the fact that many bites go unreported and often happen in the dog's own home. In owner surveys and anecdotal accounts, small dogs like terriers, dachshunds...

19/02/2024

"It's my birthday and I'll bark if I want toooo....!"🎶

Our Hope, the inspiration for Little Rascals Dog Coaching is 7 today! She's been out having fun with her friends from PPoppy's Pals dog walkingand one of her favourite humans Lucy, while I've been busy helping other little rascals learn how to use their indoor voices.

The rest of the day will be spent sleeping and dreaming of squirrels 😴 🐿 ...(her not me 🤣)

08/02/2024

Hope says: "I said it was weather for DUCKS not Dachsies!"

The face of regret after chasing bigger and hairier friends through deeper than anticipated puddles 🤣 ❤️

31/01/2024

"Children aren't colouring books. You don't get to fill them with your favourite colours" - Rahim to Baba in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (recommend if you're looking for your next read btw!)

I love this quote, it's so true and it's just as relevant to dogs. They choose their own colours.

Most behaviour 'problems' are not problems from your dog's point of view, they're solutions to problems.

Barking, biting, jumping up might not be desirable to us, but they're normal responses for the canine species in given circumstances.

Furthermore, through breeding, we've strengthened traits that make dogs good at a particular job. Your terrier needs to have quick reactions, an independent nature and bravery to be good at going after predators with teeth of their own. The cocker in your cockerpoo needs to have a strong desire to pick up and keep hold of things to make a good bird dog. Your collie needs to be responsive to minute changes and movements to be a good herder.

Your dog doesn't know that you just wanted a pet dog, or that you liked their coat (!) They only know what their instincts are telling them to do. They only know how to be a dog.

Repeatedly shouting "No!" or resorting to physical corrections is only going to lead to frustration. And frustration has to go somewhere. Often barking, or biting or other 'problem' behaviours.

What will calm your dog down and help everyone feel less frustrated is giving these instincts somewhere to go. If your dachshund keeps digging up your plants, give them a sandpit. If your terrier keeps chasing and biting your clothing, introduce them to a flirt pole or tug toy to scratch that itch. If your cockapoo keeps nicking your laundry, keep your old socks so you can swap instead of competing (they'll always be quicker!)

If your dog has gone self-employed and you need some help. Or you're thinking about getting a dog but you're undecided on breed you can book a free 20 minute chat with me via the website

Specialist training and behaviour services for small dogs in the New Forest and Southampton areas. One-to-one training at your home and with you on your walks

17/01/2024

Most of us would like to enjoy a meal in public with our children.
But do we take our toddler for a 3 course meal in a fancy restaurant? Not if we can help it!
We plan! We burn off some energy first, we want to know what's on the menu, we want quick service, we take colouring books, we finish before anyone has a melt down and get out of there! But over time, with practice and patience, it gets more relaxed.

If you've got visions of your dog lying angelically at your feet in a pub or cafe, now is the time to teach them. When it's nice and quiet and neither of you is under pressure. Don't wait til summer when it's rammed and everyone is hot and bothered!

One of my bigger rascals here, likes his space but with little ones in the family, life has got a bit busier. So we're building up his familiarity and confidence in family friendly spaces while it's quiet. Rather then chucking him in at the deep end and expecting him to swim.

NB: There is an element of accepting the dog you have. If you have an 'introvert' - one who prefers the company of a few trusted friends and a quiet night in, it's often a case of working on resilience so they can tolerate it only when they need to, rather then expecting them to join all your outings. Often we can feel under pressure from others who might think all dogs should be 'extroverts'. Try not to listen, your dog will thank you for it! ❤️

You can book a free call via the website if you'd like my help
www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/ -a-call

02/01/2024

Happy New Year!

For many of us, a time for a reset and refocus on what's important to us. For me, it's the New Year's Day run I do every year that helps blow away the cobwebs, and get me in the right mind frame- to start as I mean to go on.

Hands up, success does vary from year to year and I'm not alone. According to research by Strava (the exercise app popular with runners and cyclists), the second Friday of the month is the most likely day that people will give up on their New Year's resolutions.

Resolutions for dog training and behaviour challenges often suffer a similar fate. But why and what can we do about it?

Check out my article to find out how to set your dog up for success so that your resolutions for them last the rest of the year and not just for January.

To have a chat with me about what you'd like your dog to achieve this year, head to the website to book a no-obligation free call

https://www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/post/dog-training-resolutions-2024

15/12/2023

Are you a stressed out puppy owner questioning your life decisions as Christmas rapidly approaches?!
Are you panicking about how you're going to juggle the competing demands of your hyperactive, piranha of a puppy with excited children, visiting relatives and cooking dinner?

Check out my 'Puppy Proofing Christmas' article for sanity saving tips that will help everyone feel less frazzled

NB- This doesn't include the usual list of toxic foods since you've probably read these about 100 times already - but the practical solutions for routines will help keep puppy safe

Puppy's first Christmas is an exciting time for you as well as puppy, however it can also be really hard work. The house is full of new scents, sights and sounds, there are lots of things around which are potentially poisonous or harmful, routines change and there are often more people in the house....

02/12/2023

Winter edition of the Little Rascals Roundup is out! A quarterly newsletter written especially for small dog owners in the New Forest and Southampton areas.

Big thanks to Helen Love Phodography for her fantastic tips for getting amazing autumn photos of your rascals! If you're looking for the perfect gift, ask her about gift vouchers

If you have a pet business and think your clients would enjoy reading please ask for copies. Or if you would like to write a guest piece for the next one get in touch via [email protected]

02/11/2023

"But it worked"

Well yes crash diets do 'work'. But they come with a number of hidden costs -
- The 'fix' is temporary, so you get trapped in a cycle
- Your body adapts, so you have to keep turning up the dial to get the same effects
- It damages your relationship with food- it gets tied up with negative emotions
- It doesn't build sustainable new habits
- There are unintended consequences, fatigue, impaired immunity etc

Often quick fixes in dog training 'work' too but there are the same hidden costs
- The 'fix' is temporary, trapping you in a cycle
- Dogs adapt to corrections, so you'll have to keep turning up the dial to get the same effects
- It damages your relationship, training gets tied up with negative emotions, reducing your dog's motivation for training
- It doesn't teach your dog what to do instead, leading to frustration and frustration needs to go somewhere (often biting)
- There are unintended consequences - common ones are a tendency for your dog to avoid eye contact and to try to maintain a certain distance from their humans on walks - not helpful for training!

So avoiding 'corrections' isn't about being permissive or fluffy. It's about being proactive. About building habits which are sustainable, that don't rely on your constant attention and also about not creating new or making the current problems worse

If you need help breaking the cycle of quick fixes and returning behaviour with your dog, book a free call to see how I can help

www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/ -a-call

31/10/2023

Happy Howl-a-ween! We've been messing about with pumpkins in our training walks/ visits over half term, using them for learning 'paws up', send around and weaving 🎃

16/10/2023

Just some of the Little Rascals from the last few weeks. I don't always take photos, especially in the early weeks when I'm getting to know you and your dog.

So much of what I'm teaching you involves observation and timing and if I'm focusing on getting good photos, we're going to miss the things your dog is trying to tell you, which isn't going to set your dog up for success. This lovely lot have been working with me for a while now though and are all making fantastic progress ❤️💪🐾

Thanks also to the gang at Poppy's Pals dog walking for helping the little rascals learn how to feel confident about encounters with other dogs x

28/09/2023

Ladies (or gents!), you know when you just want to read your book? To enjoy the company of your partner without needing to interact?

Dogs often enjoy sitting with us and next to us, but this isn't necessarily an invitation to touch. They want our company, but often don't want to be petted any more than you do when you're enjoying your book or favourite programme!

Overhandling often contributes to biting, especially in small dogs who tend to get picked up more, and fluffy dogs because us primates can't resist touching!

If you've got a small dog or puppy who is mouthing a lot or biting, be mindful of how much they are getting handled - when they're sitting with you, when you're asking them to move, when you have visitors and especially if you have children.

If you need help with biting or excessive mouthing, you can book a free call via www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/ -a-call

The earlier you ask for help, the easier it is to resolve

09/09/2023

Poppy: "Come on in, it's lovely!"
Butch: "I'll hold your towel" 🤣

Butch's past experiences with big dogs haven't been great but the lovely Poppy from PPoppy's Pals dog walking has been a great ambassador and his confidence has come on leaps and bounds.
He even passed another dog a few metres away without a peep 💪

When I met him for his first 121 in April, this little lad used to swear at everything he saw. He's followed the Little Rascals path of success from 121, to solo walks and is now able to walk with other dogs ❤️

www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk

26/08/2023

Happy ! A good excuse as any to share photos of our Hope, Chief Rascal at Little Rascals Dog Coaching.
It was this month, 6 years ago that we adopted our Hope after a few weeks of fostering (who was I kidding?!) from the amazing Glendee Rescue and Rehoming. ❤️
Wishing you and your rascals a great bank holiday weekend! 🐾

24/08/2023

Our Hope delighted with new boyfriend, Freddie on her walk with the wonderful Poppy's Pals dog walking She does like big hairy blokes! 😂

Now here’s the thing. We tried introducing Hope and Freddie quite a while ago, when Freddie was about a year old and doing solo training walks with me. We met at a distance but it was immediately apparent that they would just wind each other up. Freddie was a typical adolescent boy, Hope is a typical terrier. So we didn’t even let them greet, we encouraged a bit of sniffing from afar then went our separate ways.

And this is important when it comes to teenagers. If we’d kept going neither dog would have been learning anything useful, both dogs would have been practising unwanted behaviours and practice makes permanent. Especially in adolescence.

Teenage dogs don’t need to socialise with everyone they meet any more than teenage humans. What they need is to gradually build up their social circle, with the sort of dogs who can model what interactions between dogs should look like.

Freddie is nearly 3 now and patience has paid off, these two can now enjoy a friendship that wouldn’t have been possible if we’d rushed it. 🥰

Adolescence is tricky. That’s why I offer solo training walks as an add-on to my one-to-one training packages. Once we’ve got through this tricky phase, you’ve got the option of graduating to my limited availability Little Rascals Group Adventures or I can help your little rascal gradually integrate into a group walk with one of the lovely professional dog walkers. 🐾

Email me at [email protected] if you'd like to find out more

22/08/2023

Another lovely review, thank you! 🥰

I will say it's the dogs who are doing the whispering! It might not feel like that if you've got a dog who is barking or growling, but it's only because we haven't heard the whispers.

People are often surprised by how much their dogs are trying to tell them something when I go for a walk with them or visit at home. "I did not notice that" - because it is often so fleeting - a second, so easy to miss.

Little dogs are living in the land of the giants. The more we listen to and respond to the whispers, the less they need to shout ❤️🐾

www.littlerascalsdogcoaching.co.uk/reactive-dog-training

20/08/2023

Did you know we also offer care for cats and other small animals? Cats are territorial and tend to be very attached to their own home. Sharing an unfamiliar space with unfamiliar cats could be quite stressful compared to being cared for in their own home while you're away. Cat customers regularly comment on how happy their cats are on their return.

This service is provided in partnership with my daughter Isla, who has been helping me with cat care since I started my business 8 years ago.

We visit your cats, provide affection and play with those who want to interact, it's always the cat's choice so wary cats need not worry. Top up food and water, clean litter trays, administer medication as per your instructions and do small jobs like watering plants and closing/opening curtains.

SO45 postcode only

17/08/2023

Biig thanks to Auntie Poppy from Poppy's Pals dog walking who took time out of her usual duties to come and help me this week. A diamond of a dog who knows how to 'dog' so the youngsters and the worriers can follow her lead.
Dogs learn through association & habits are formed through repetition. Pops is helping these little rascals associate the presence of another dog with positivity, feeling safe and calm activities. At the same time, through repetition, mooching, sniffing, listening, quiet conversation will become the habit around other dogs ❤️🐾

15/08/2023

Little Rascals Roundup! A few of the Rascals from the last week. Honey and Max have both just finished their 121 Teen Tearaway course (ideal for youngsters who didn't do puppy training or who need a reset/refresh), Poppy's Pals dog walking fabulous gang have been helping us with confidence building (solo training walks with me that relieve pressure on time pressed pup parents and help accelerate progress). Theo is learning to trust the grooming process and that he doesn't have to use his teeth to ask for a break. Recently adopted Freddie the border cross is experiencing the joys of splashing in streams as well and finding his feet after living a bit of a sheltered life. And finally some sunshine! 🌞

06/08/2023

Hope and I spending a sunny Sunday morning helping the lovely Jenni record the group class part of her assessment to become a qualified IMDT trainer. Great class, we think she smashed it!
Good luck with the rest of the assessment Jen! 🐾

04/08/2023

When it comes to questions that start with the words "How can I stop my dog from...." the first step is to think about how to prevent opportunity because once it's happened it's already been rewarded.

I was reminded of my own advice just now after committing the school girl error of leaving my laptop open, logged into Facebook, in the same room as the comedian that is my 17-year-old son. 🤦‍♀️

So if you see any notifications that this page has liked anything questionable, please blame him! 🙈 In the meantime, a mental note to myself: lock my screen!! 🤣