Happy Hounds Dog Training

08/08/2025

Spot on! ❤️

🚫 Not all dog trainers are created equal.

While the UK has made huge strides towards positive reinforcement, some so called “experts” still use outdated, harmful methods, leaving pets distressed and owners heartbroken.

With so many professional bodies and fancy acronyms, it can be hard to tell who’s truly qualified. Most people simply trust recommendations or Google, but your dog’s welfare deserves more than guesswork.

✅ The best trainers put ethics first.
✅ They keep learning and refining their skills.
✅ They work with your dog, never against them.

Let’s raise awareness, promote ethical training, and protect the pets who trust us most.

Drop a heart in the comments if you agree too!

20/04/2025

Wicket might be getting on a bit but he still likes to keep up with the trends. I know, I just couldn’t resist! Happy Easter everyone. 🥰

19/04/2025

21/03/2025

Visiting others with your dog or having other dogs come to your home can easily go wrong. Some useful advice here on practical steps you can take to make intros smoother. Also, just because your dog is friendly on walks it doesn’t mean they will be the same if another dog visits!

https://themuttyprofessor.co.uk/blog/introduce-dog-to-another-dogs-home/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0yvqhdvuxdKa6-XUD6pJRslnlD5-P_M54tzcfU1Tbtd5Hd9jGqpxDF6E0_aem_la0ElM4D6LEHuq44bjc59g

How to successfully visit another dog’s home with your dog Understanding the risks of dog visits Multiple times a year, I hear from clients about incidents occu

19/03/2025

Rather than seeing your dog walk as something that needs to be ticked off your list of daily jobs. Think of it as time spent outside together, don’t worry about step counts, or destination. Remember it’s their walk, so try to find a place where they can be a dog and do dog things 🐾🐾

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19AzufJ3Ts/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/03/2025

Lovely spring walk with Wicket. ❤️ his grey smoochable face 😘

14/02/2025

Happy Valentines Day from Wicket 😍😍😍

💕Happy Valentines Day from Jo and Wicket💕 Here you see Wicket ‘doing the Snoot or Boop’. This is a fun little trick which has the added bonus of looking super cute. If you’re looking for something fun to train then see the video below and also my troubleshooting information in case thing...

13/02/2025

We’ve all heard of the “terrible twos” with toddlers, but what about the chaotic teenage phase in dogs?

One minute, your pup is the most adorable, responsive companion ever. The next? It’s like they’ve completely forgotten every bit of training you ever did. Recall? Gone. Loose leash walking? Nonexistent. Listening? Only if there’s something in it for them.

Sound familiar?

The adolescent stage in dogs (typically between 6-18 months) is one of the most challenging yet crucial phases of their development. It's when their confidence soars, distractions become irresistible, and suddenly, the world is far more exciting than you.

But here’s the thing—it’s not just stubbornness or defiance. Your teenage dog’s brain is literally rewiring itself during this stage. They’re experiencing hormonal changes, testing boundaries, and learning how to interact with the world in a way that will shape their behaviour for life.

This is where my expert guidance comes in...

Socialisation in Adolescence, isn’t just about getting through this phase—it’s about setting your dog up for success so that you don’t spend their adulthood managing bad habits, reactivity, or regression.

Inside, you’ll learn:
✅ What’s actually happening in your dog’s brain during adolescence (understanding this is a game-changer!)
✅ How to fine-tune their socialisation skills—without overwhelming them
✅ Practical, easy-to-apply training techniques to keep your bond strong, even when they’re pushing boundaries
✅ How to avoid the common mistakes that lead to long-term behavioural struggles

Because the truth is, adolescence is temporary—but the habits your dog builds now will last a lifetime.

If you’re feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or like you’ve suddenly lost control—you’re not alone (and your dog isn’t broken). This course will help you navigate the teenage stage with confidence, patience, and a proven plan that works.

Ready to raise a confident, well-socialised adult dog? Enrol now and turn the chaos into calm.

Join us here today for £15 : https://sarahwhitehead.thinkific.com/courses/socialisation-in-adolescence

10/02/2025

Why do puppies bite so much???
Here are my thoughts on why puppies are actually baby sharks in fluffy coats.
See my blog post on why puppies bite and how best to deal with it.
https://www.happy-hounds.me.uk/post/puppy-biting-and-how-best-to-deal-with-it

24/12/2024

A very Merry Christmas to everyone.

08/10/2024

Perfectly said! 🐾🐾💕

It’s time to address a serious issue: unethical training practices in the dog training world. Despite progress in the UK toward positive reinforcement, some so-called experts still use harmful techniques that cause unnecessary stress to pets and their owners.

Not all dog trainers are created equal. With so many professional bodies and acronyms out there, it can be hard to find a truly qualified trainer. Many people rely on word-of-mouth or online searches without digging into credentials.

Great trainers uphold strong ethics, continually invest in their education, and always put the well-being of your pet first. Let’s raise awareness and promote ethical, positive training practices to keep our dogs safe and happy.