K9 Manhunt & ScentWork Scotland

15/07/2025

“It’s Not Me, It’s You!” – A Dog’s-Eye View on Undesirable Behaviour (That’s Actually Perfectly Natural)
By Simon, with a little help from your dog

Let’s start with a simple truth:
Most of the behaviours we humans class as “undesirable” are, from the dog’s perspective, entirely reasonable, even commendable.

Barking? “I’m doing security work!”
Chewing the sofa arm? “You left me no enrichment and that bit of furniture smelt delicious.”
Lunging at the Labrador across the road? “He gave me the side-eye, and I don’t trust anyone with that many teeth and no eyebrows.”
Digging up the garden? “Mate, there could be a badger down there!”

You see, from the dog’s point of view, they’re not being naughty. They’re being doggy. And all too often, undesirable behaviours don’t appear out of nowhere, they develop slowly, subtly, often with our unintentional encouragement or neglect.

Let’s break this down properly.

The Slow-Burn of Behaviour

Undesirable behaviours typically don’t explode onto the scene like a bad soap opera plot twist. They build. Little by little. A nip that was cute at eight weeks is a liability at eight months. A bark for attention becomes a full-on karaoke session every time you leave the house. A tug on the lead becomes a full-body drag through the high street.

These issues develop and they often develop under our very noses.

What Causes “Bad” Behaviour?

Let’s not beat around the bush. A dog doesn’t wake up one morning and think, “You know what? Today’s the day I become a menace to society.”

Here are the usual suspects behind the behaviours we call “bad”:

1. Inconsistent Training

One minute Fido’s allowed on the sofa, the next he’s being shouted at for it. Sit means sit… unless it’s raining… or there’s a guest… or you’ve got a glass of wine in your hand. Inconsistency is confusing and confusion breeds frustration. And guess what frustrated dogs do? That’s right: They act out.

2. Lack of Socialisation

Imagine never being taken anywhere as a kid, then suddenly being plonked into a busy shopping centre as an adult. Sensory overload, awkward interactions, possible aggression, it’s no different for dogs. Poorly socialised dogs often struggle to cope with novel situations or unfamiliar dogs and people, leading to fear-based behaviours or reactivity.

3. Inadequate Exercise or Enrichment

A bored dog is a dog with time to kill and sofas, skirting boards, cushions, and your best slippers are all fair game. And let’s be clear: exercise doesn’t just mean physical. Dogs need mental stimulation too. Sniffing, searching, problem solving, these tire out the brain and reduce frustration-based behaviours. You can’t exhaust a dog by chucking a ball for an hour and then expect them to chill. That’s just cardio. You’ve created a super athlete with no off-switch.

4. Unclear Boundaries

Dogs crave structure. Without clear leadership, they’ll fill the void. Not because they’re plotting a household coup, but because someone has to make the decisions and if it’s not you, it’ll be them. And their decisions might not be ideal for harmonious living.

Let’s Be Fair: From the Dog’s Perspective

Dogs don’t come into the world understanding the rules of human life. They don’t know that toileting indoors is frowned upon. They don’t understand why barking is bad when it clearly alerts the house to incoming post. They certainly don’t get why the vacuum cleaner is allowed to make a racket but they’re not.

In other words, dogs aren’t being “bad.” They’re behaving in ways that are:
• Normal for their species
• Reinforced (knowingly or unknowingly) by their environment
• Developed in response to their emotional state, which is shaped by us

Take lunging and barking on the lead. We see a “reactive” dog. The dog sees a threat, feels trapped (because of the lead), and tries to make the threat go away. When the other dog walks off, your dog thinks, “Brilliant! My shouting worked!” and so the behaviour becomes learned and reinforced.

Or let’s talk about biting. Dogs use their mouths, to explore, to play, to defend, to communicate. If a dog hasn’t been taught appropriate bite inhibition, or hasn’t had clear boundaries, or is feeling cornered or unsafe, biting is as natural to them as swearing is to a frustrated teenager.

So What’s the Solution?

1. Start Early, Be Consistent

Whether it’s a pup or a rescue, from day one you need to show them not just what not to do, but what to do. Don’t just say “no.” Say “no, but do this instead.” Redirect. Reward. Reinforce. Rinse and repeat.

2. Provide Proper Enrichment

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical. Sniffing games, food puzzles, hide and seek, scentwork, tracking, even a good old-fashioned training session. A fulfilled dog has less need to seek out “fun” in your furniture or flower beds.

3. Set Clear, Fair Boundaries

Your dog isn’t a mind reader. If the rule is “no jumping,” that needs to apply always, not just when you’re in your nice clothes. Clarity breeds confidence. Dogs relax when they understand the rules.

4. Train for Real Life, Not Just the Living Room

Can your dog listen to you in the park? Outside the school gates? When someone rings the doorbell? Train in real-world situations, not just on the kitchen mat. Reliability is built through proofing, not hoping.

5. Watch Your Own Behaviour

Dogs are experts at reading us. If you’re erratic, emotional, or inconsistent, your dog will pick up on it. Be calm, fair, and confident. That’s leadership. That’s what dogs respond to.

A Word on Patience

Behaviour takes time to build and time to unpick. If your dog has had months (or years) practising an undesirable behaviour, it’s not going to vanish overnight. But with consistency, structure, and understanding, progress will come.

And remember: most dogs aren’t “bad.” They’re just doing what dogs do, in a world that often misunderstands them.

Final Thoughts (from your dog)

“I bark because you never told me when not to.
I chew because you didn’t leave me anything else.
I pull because the world is exciting and you walk like a sloth.
I lunge because I’m scared, and no one taught me to feel safe.
I misbehave because I’m lost, not defiant.

I don’t need shouting. I need showing. I need structure. I need you. I need you to lead me”
“ Because if you don’t I’ll have to try and figure it out myself!”

So next time you look at your dog and think, “Why are you doing that?” flip the script and ask, “What have I done to help you know what to do instead?”

Because behaviour isn’t built in a day. But nor is a brilliant bond.
And the good news? You’ve got all the time in the world to make it right.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

14/07/2025

1. Breed Name and General Overview

Breed Name: Alaskan Klee Kai
Common Nicknames: Klee Kai, Mini Husky

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a compact, strikingly beautiful companion dog that closely resembles a miniature Siberian Husky. With their wedge-shaped heads, prick ears, and captivating mask-like facial markings, they have all the aesthetic appeal of their northern cousins—but in a smaller, more manageable package. They come in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard), with weights ranging from 2.5 to 10 kg and standing 23 to 43 cm tall at the shoulder.

2. Origins of the Breed

Developed in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin in Alaska, the Klee Kai was created by selectively breeding smaller Huskies with American Eskimo Dogs and Schipperkes to reduce size while preserving the Northern breed appearance. The breed was designed to be a companion dog rather than a working sled dog, maintaining the Husky’s allure but tailoring it for domestic life.

3. Breed Traits and Characteristics
• Physical Traits: Compact and athletic with a double coat (either standard or long), curled tail, and expressive eyes (blue, brown, or even bi-eyed).
• Colours: Black and white, grey and white, red and white, or solid white (the latter being less desirable under breed standards).
• Temperament: Loyal and loving with their family, but often aloof or reserved with strangers. Naturally alert, they can be vocal watchdogs.
• Energy Level: Moderate to high. These dogs love a good sprint and benefit from daily exercise and play.

4. Ease of Training
• Trainability: Intelligent and quick to learn, especially with positive reinforcement and clear structure.
• Challenges: Can be independent and stubborn. Their high prey drive means recall around wildlife or small animals can be hit-or-miss.
• Best Activities: Agility, trick training, scent work, and structured games. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical outlets.

5. Suitability for Pet Homes
• Best For: Active singles, couples, or families with older children.
• Children/Pets: Generally fine with older, respectful children and other dogs. Small pets like hamsters or rabbits may trigger prey drive.
• First-Time Owners: Not ideal unless the owner is well-informed, structured, and willing to provide training and enrichment from day one.

6. Intelligence and Cognitive Ability

The Klee Kai is highly intelligent, often compared to a bright primary school child—quick to learn, cheeky, and capable of outsmarting a novice owner if allowed. Problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness are strong, and they excel at puzzle feeders, nosework games, and agility tasks. However, they’ll also learn how to open cupboards or sneak through small gaps in fences if left to their own devices.

7. Biological Needs and Fulfilment
• Instincts: While not bred for sledding, they retain strong prey and chase drives.
• Fulfilment Activities: Scent games, flirt poles, chase-based recall drills, structured fetch, and controlled social exposure.
• Mental Needs: Thrive on learning new tricks, engaging tasks, and variety in training. Long daily walks alone won’t cut it—this dog needs a “job.”

8. Health Considerations
• Lifespan: 13–16 years
• Common Issues: Patellar luxation, thyroid problems, heart conditions, and liver shunts. They can also suffer from sensitivity to anaesthesia.
• Preventative Care: Regular vet checks, controlled exercise to avoid joint stress during development, and watching their weight—these dogs are agile, not chunky.

9. Living Conditions
• Ideal Homes: Well-fenced homes with secure gardens. Rural or suburban settings are fine as long as mental stimulation is prioritised.
• Adaptability: Can adjust to flat living if their energy is properly managed.
• Climate Tolerance: Excellent cold tolerance, but care is needed in heat—always offer shaded areas and avoid overexertion in summer.

10. Final Thoughts

The Alaskan Klee Kai is the perfect dog for someone who admires the Husky aesthetic but wants a smaller, more manageable companion—with the caveat that they still need work, structure, and proper engagement. Don’t be fooled by the size—this is not a lazy lapdog. They’re loyal, agile, clever, and at times mischievous. With the right owner, they’ll shine; with the wrong one, they’ll run rings around you (literally).

Tip: If you want a dog who’s clever, charming, and just the right amount of sassy—but you’re ready to offer leadership and engagement—then the Klee Kai could be your perfect match.

14/07/2025

🐾 NEW SERVICE LAUNCH – K9 DAY SCHOOL 🐾

📅 Starting Friday 1st August

Not doggy daycare. Not just a dog walk.
This is structured, purpose-driven training. All. Day. Long.

From the 1st of August, every Friday, we’re offering a brand-new K9 Day School, a full-day training experience designed for dogs who need more than a stroll around the block.

Drop your dog off in the morning, and collect a calmer, more focused companion in the afternoon. While with us, your dog will receive:
✅ Structured 1:1 training sessions
✅ Guided rest and crate time (essential for learning)
✅ Controlled walks and calm social exposure
✅ Time to play and decompress

Whether you’re looking to boost your dog’s training, need a day to yourself, or have plans that don’t include your four-legged shadow, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Initially running on Fridays only
📈 More days to be added as demand grows

This isn’t a daycare. It’s not a quick walk round the park.
It’s dog training with purpose. All day long.

📧 For more information email us at:
[email protected]

Or to book a place:
Https://bookwhen.com/k9manhuntscotland

14/07/2025

Two Books. One Purpose. A Better Bond with Your Dog. 🐾

Whether you’re just starting your journey or already knee-deep in the world of tracking and trailing, I’ve got the perfect read for you.

“Introduction to Tracking” is exactly that, a no-nonsense, practical guide aimed at complete beginners. It breaks down the basics of tracking in simple terms, helping you understand how scent behaves, how your dog reads the world through its nose, and how you can work together to build those all-important foundations. If you’ve ever thought about getting into tracking but weren’t sure where to start, this is your sign.

On the other hand, if you’ve already got your boots muddy and your dog’s nose to the ground, it might be time to level up.

“Mastering the Craft: Tracking and Trailing for Real Teams” goes far beyond the basics. This book is written for those ready to step up, people who want to become proper team players. It digs deep into environmental influences, weather conditions, terrain transitions, and how scent actually works out in the real world, not in a sterile textbook, but in that unpredictable field where your dog is trying to tell you a story in scent.

These aren’t just training manuals. They’re written from a handler’s point of view, with the dog always at the heart of the work. Because it’s not just about following footprints, it’s about reading the scent picture, building trust, and learning to communicate as a team.

Grab your copy now:
• Introduction to Tracking – for beginners who want to get it right from the start
• Mastering the Craft – for teams ready to work smarter, not just harder

Available via Amazon (paperback and e-book)
Introduction to Tracking:
https://amzn.eu/d/dtmOYpV
Mastering the Craft:
https://amzn.eu/d/6kx0sRe

and from my website for signed copies:
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk/shop

Train smart. Track better. Trust your dog. 🐾

14/07/2025

“Don’t Do That!”, But What Can the Dog Do?
Why Saying ‘No’ Isn’t Enough in Dog Training

Let’s be honest, most of us are experts at telling our dogs what not to do.

“Don’t jump!”
“Stop barking!”
“Leave that!”
“Oi! Get off the sofa!”
“Don’t pull!”
“Don’t eat that poo!”

Sound familiar?

It’s like we’ve become the party-poopers at the canine carnival, constantly shouting “No!” as if that word alone will unlock some divine understanding of what we actually want our dogs to do. But here’s the rub: dogs aren’t mind readers. (If they were, the fridge would have been emptied and the postman permanently traumatised years ago.)

And herein lies the problem.

We’re incredibly skilled at identifying and reacting to behaviours we don’t like, but far less proficient at clearly communicating what we do want instead. This creates an information void. And in that void? Confusion, frustration, conflict… and eventually, a poisoned “No.”

The Problem with “No” on Repeat

Let’s break it down. Imagine you’ve just started a new job. You’re sat at your desk, trying to figure out what’s expected of you. You send an email, your manager barks, “Don’t do that!” So you try making a phone call, “No, not that either!” You open a spreadsheet, “Definitely not that!” And all the while, you’re sitting there wondering, Well what the hell am I supposed to be doing then?

That’s how your dog feels.

If every interaction is a correction without direction, your dog becomes unsure, hesitant, and possibly anxious. They might test other behaviours to try and please you, or they might shut down altogether. And over time, “No” stops being a useful interrupter and starts being interpreted as, “You’re always wrong.”

The “No” Becomes Poisoned

In the early stages of training, “No” should simply mark an unwanted behaviour, not punish the dog, not shame them, and certainly not scare them. But if it’s used constantly, without follow-up guidance or a clear alternative, it becomes a sound the dog associates with negativity… or worse, with you. They learn to tune it out or brace themselves for conflict. Either way, the communication between human and dog starts to fray.

Dogs thrive on clarity, structure, and understanding. Without those, they don’t see you as a reliable leader, they see you as unpredictable, inconsistent, and hard to please.

So What Should We Do Instead?

Here’s the golden rule:

Don’t just tell the dog what not to do, show them what to do instead.
And make it worth their while.

We’re not saying “No” is bad. It’s essential that dogs learn boundaries and that there are certain behaviours that aren’t acceptable. But unless we balance that with clear, consistent alternatives, the dog is left to guess. And they’re usually wrong. (Sorry, Fido.)

Examples:
• Don’t pull on the lead?
Great. But have you shown your dog where you want them to walk, what pace you expect, and rewarded them heavily when they get it right?
• Don’t jump on people?
Super. But have you taught a reliable ‘sit to greet’ behaviour and consistently reinforced calm greetings with praise or treats?
• Don’t steal from the worktop?
Fine. But have you provided a solid “Place” command, or redirected their nosey habits with food puzzles and structured activities?
• Don’t chew the sofa?
Fair. But have you given them an outlet for that need to gnaw, such as a frozen Kong, a beef tendon, or something more constructive than the arm of your IKEA furniture?

Think in Pairs: “You Can’t Do That, But You Can Do This”

Here’s a handy little mental exercise: every time you correct or interrupt your dog, ask yourself, “What can I offer instead?”

Let’s turn your “No” into a two-part sentence:
• “No, you can’t jump on visitors. But yes, you can sit nicely and get a biscuit.”
• “No, you can’t bark out the window all day. But yes, you can lie on your mat and chew your toy.”
• “No, you can’t pull ahead. But yes, you can walk beside me and sniff when I cue you to do so.”

Dogs aren’t trying to wind you up. They’re simply navigating a human world with canine instincts. If we give them nothing but barriers, they’ll eventually stop trying to engage. But if we offer structure, direction, and positive reinforcement, they’ll not only get it, they’ll want to do it.

Communication, Not Condemnation

Training is a conversation, not a lecture. It’s about back-and-forth understanding. The clearer we are, the more confident our dogs become. And confident dogs? They’re calmer, more focused, and much more fun to live with.

So next time your instinct is to shout “No!”, take a breath and ask yourself:
• “Have I taught the dog what I actually want?”
• “Have I practised it enough in a low-distraction environment?”
• “Have I made that behaviour rewarding enough to make it worth their effort?”

If the answer’s “No,” then maybe it’s not the dog that needs correcting. Maybe it’s the plan.

Final Thoughts

If dogs could talk, some of them would probably say,
“Look, mate, I’m not being naughty, I’m just winging it because no one gave me a flipping manual.”

So, let’s stop making “No!” our first, middle, and final training tool. Let’s start showing our dogs what they can do, not just what they can’t. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence builds reliability. And a confident, reliable dog? That’s a joy to live with.

Now off you pop, go teach your dog something useful… like how not to photobomb your Zoom meetings.
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

13/07/2025

1. Breed Name and General Overview
• Name: Finnish Spitz
• Nicknames: Finkie, Suomenpystykorva (Finnish name)
• Appearance & Size:
The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized, fox-like dog with a proud, square build, a pointed muzzle, and small erect ears. Its most striking feature is its plush golden-red coat and bushy curled tail. Males typically stand at 43–51 cm, females slightly smaller, and they weigh between 11–16 kg.

2. Origins of the Breed
• Origin: Finland, with early ancestors arriving alongside migrating tribes over 2,000 years ago.
• Historical Purpose:
Bred primarily as a hunting dog, particularly for treeing birds such as the capercaillie and black grouse. The Finnish Spitz works by using its keen senses and high-pitched “yodel-like” bark to locate and indicate game for hunters—a role it still excels in today.

3. Breed Traits and Characteristics
• Physical Traits:
Dense double coat (water-resistant outer coat with a soft undercoat), curled tail, fox-like face. Comes in rich golden-red shades.
• Temperament:
Alert, independent, vocal, and good-natured. Finnish Spitz are loyal to their families but may be aloof with strangers. They can be comical, playful, and have a strong sense of self.
• Energy Levels:
High. Bred to move and think all day, these dogs need both physical and mental outlets to stay content.

4. Ease of Training
• Trainability: Moderate to challenging.
They’re intelligent but independent thinkers—not bred to take constant direction, so recall and obedience require patience and creativity.
• Training Challenges:
Can be stubborn or distracted. Highly vocal, so training a “quiet” cue is vital early on.
• Best Activities:
Scent work, trick training, tracking, agility (with patience), and anything that taps into their hunting instincts. They excel in tasks requiring alertness and focus.

5. Suitability for Pet Homes
• Best Suited For:
Active individuals or families who enjoy the outdoors. Ideally suited to those with prior dog experience.
• Children & Pets:
Generally good with respectful children and can live with other dogs if socialised early. They have a high prey drive, so small pets may be a challenge.
• First-Time Owners:
Not ideal unless the owner is committed, patient, and willing to learn. Their independent streak and strong vocal nature may overwhelm novices.

6. Intelligence and Cognitive Ability
• Intelligence: High, but selective.
The Finnish Spitz is clever and observant, but their intelligence doesn’t always translate into blind obedience.
• Cognitive Comparison:
Like a smart, cheeky six-year-old—aware of what you want, but often choosing when (or if) to comply.
• Problem-Solving Skills:
They’ll figure out how to open doors or sneak treats but may pretend they don’t understand “sit” if there’s no reward on offer.

7. Biological Needs and Fulfilment
• Instinctual Needs:
Barking to indicate, chasing, alerting, and hunting. They were bred to bark persistently to indicate prey in trees—so silencing them entirely is both unkind and unrealistic.
• Stimulation Requirements:
Daily exercise, scent games, long walks in nature, and structured enrichment such as puzzle feeders and nose work.
• Working Heritage Connection:
Activities that simulate hunting—like controlled tracking, trailing, or free shaping scent detection—help channel their instincts appropriately.

8. Health Considerations
• Common Issues:
Generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to:
• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Epilepsy
• Allergies or skin sensitivities
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Preventative Care:
Regular vet check-ups, weight control, and coat maintenance. Early health screening recommended for breeders.

9. Living Conditions
• Ideal Environments:
A house with a secure garden or rural setting is ideal. They thrive with space to move and things to observe.
• Adaptability:
Can adjust to suburban or semi-urban life if well exercised, but flat living is discouraged due to their tendency to bark and their energy levels.
• Climate Tolerance:
Well suited to cooler climates thanks to their thick coat. May struggle in hot, humid weather—enforced rest and shaded walks essential in summer.

10. Final Thoughts
• What Makes Them Special:
Their melodic bark, expressive personality, and unique hunting style make them unlike any other breed. In Finland, they’re affectionately known as the “Barking Bird Dog” and are the country’s national breed.
• Ideal Owner Type:
Confident, outdoorsy, patient individuals who appreciate an independent dog with a strong sense of character.
• Tips for Potential Owners:
Embrace their voice, not suppress it. Focus on engagement games to build a strong relationship. Don’t expect robotic obedience—earn their respect through fairness, routine, and intelligent training.

13/07/2025

Beyond the Basics
This afternoon’s Beyond the Basics session was a scorcher, quite literally, so we wisely opted to work indoors for most of the time, keeping both dogs and handlers comfortable. We had three teams join us, and the focus was on engagement drills, encouraging each dog to tune into their handler even when surrounded by other dogs and people. We worked on duration sits and downs, adding in distractions from myself and Lottie (our ever-reliable stooge dog, who also happens to be rather large and hard to ignore!). The session wrapped up with some loose lead walking outside in the compound, where all the teams performed really well despite the heat. We also incorporated The Power of Four, which proves especially effective in hot weather, tight spaces, or when time is limited. By cycling through play, rest, obedience, and more play, we tapped into the four main motivators and ensured the dogs remained focused, fulfilled, and calm. A solid session all round.

13/07/2025

Hide and Seek Club

This morning’s Hide and Seek Club saw five enthusiastic dogs take part in what turned out to be a highly productive session. Much like our foundation training earlier in the day, we moved the venue to a wooded area to provide shade and keep the dogs cooler in the warm weather we’ve been experiencing. We were also delighted to be joined once again by Lars and his stunning German Shepherd, Rasta, who are visiting from Sweden. Having already participated in our foundation session, they stayed on to make the most of their time with us by joining in with the Hide and Seek Club as well.

Despite the shade from the trees, the weather remained quite humid and muggy, creating an extra challenge for the dogs. Today’s focus was on surface transitions: beginning in the forest car park, working across compacted gravel and onto tarmac road, then following a natural small animal trail back into the forest undergrowth, and finally returning to the main forest path. Each dog handled the changes in terrain admirably, maintaining focus and drive throughout. All teams performed brilliantly, well done to everyone involved!

13/07/2025

Foundation Mantrailing

This morning’s Foundation Mantrailing session was a brilliant mix of progress, precision, and international flair. Two of our regular teams were back, continuing their foundation work and really beginning to pull all the essential components together. Their progression has been fantastic to watch, confidence is growing, communication is sharpening, and the dogs are becoming more methodical with every session.

We were also delighted to welcome Lars and his stunning German Shepherd, Ratsa, visiting us all the way from Sweden. Lars and Rasta work in tracking for the Swedish Defence Force and are currently on holiday in Scotland. It was an absolute pleasure to have them join us for some training this morning.

Although we had originally planned to work on the beach, the ongoing heatwave prompted a last-minute venue change for the dogs’ welfare. Instead, we headed to a densely wooded area to ensure the dogs had shade and cooler ground underfoot. Trails began in a compacted forest car park with varied start articles and progressed through multiple transitions of surface. Each trail included junctions and backtracks before the dogs located their missing person. They weren’t long trails, but they were packed with challenges and every single team rose to the occasion. It was a cracking morning’s training, and all the dogs absolutely nailed it.

13/07/2025

Mark. Reward. Reap the Benefits: A Guide to Marker Training

Training your dog shouldn’t feel like guesswork, for either of you. Mark. Reward. Reap the Benefits is your go-to guide for building clear, consistent, and clean communication with your dog through the power of marker training. Whether you’re using a clicker or a marker word, this book helps you cut through the confusion and create a training dialogue your dog actually understands. No more grey areas. No more mixed messages. Just clarity.

Dogs don’t speak English, and they certainly don’t do well with “sometimes yes, sometimes no.” They thrive when communication is black and white, yes means yes, good means good, and timing is everything. This book explains why that precision matters, how to implement it, and how to build stronger engagement, faster learning, and better behaviour, all by simply learning to mark the moment.

If you want to train with purpose, reward with precision, and reap the long-term benefits of a well-behaved dog who gets it, then this is the book for you. It’s not just training, it’s communication done right.

Grab your copy now:
E-book or Paperback –
https://amzn.eu/d/dxcIYSf

Signed Paperback Copy – Order via our website: www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

” is a practical, no-nonsense guide to marker and clicker training that cut through the confusion and gives you the tools to train clearly, calmly, and with structure. Written by experienced trainer Simon Chapman — whose career spans Military, pet obedience, all the nose work disciplines an...

13/07/2025

Sort the Small Stuff: Why the Details in Dog Training Matter More Than You Think

In dog training, it’s easy to become preoccupied with the “big picture” goal, off-lead reliability, rock-solid recall, or perfect behaviour in distracting environments. But ask any seasoned trainer, and they’ll tell you: it’s the small stuff that truly matters. The tiny, seemingly insignificant moments, how you deliver a command, the exact timing of your reward, your body language as you approach your dog, are what shape lasting success. Ignore these subtleties, and you risk building a house on shaky foundations. Pay close attention, and you’ll forge a responsive, trusting, and well-rounded canine companion.

This article is a call to all dog owners and handlers, novice or experienced, to start thinking small. Because in the world of dog training, small doesn’t mean unimportant. It means essential.

The Foundation is Built on the Finer Points

Every behaviour, whether desirable or problematic, begins as a small moment. A dog that jumps up didn’t start with a massive leap, they began by pawing at you, which was likely laughed off or ignored. A dog with selective hearing on recall probably learned that sometimes, coming back late still earns praise or treats.

These early moments are the “small stuff” that set the tone. Address them promptly, clearly, and consistently, and you guide the dog in the right direction. Let them slide, and you allow confusion, conflict, or bad habits to settle in.

Dog training is not just about teaching behaviours, it’s about shaping understanding. And understanding is forged in the details.

Clarity Through Consistency

Consistency is one of the cornerstones of effective dog training, and it lives and dies in the details. Take, for example, the way you give commands. If you say “Down” one day and “Lie down” the next, or if your tone fluctuates dramatically, your dog is left to guess. That uncertainty creates hesitation, erodes trust, and weakens obedience.

Likewise, body language plays a crucial role in reinforcing verbal cues. Dogs are highly attuned to visual signals. If your posture is relaxed during one command and assertive during another, even when you’re using the same word, you send mixed messages.

These inconsistencies may seem small to you, but to your dog, they can be the difference between understanding and guessing. Guesswork in training is dangerous. It creates stress, reduces engagement, and delays progress.

Timing Is Everything

Reinforcement timing is one of the most overlooked elements in dog training. Praise or reward that comes even two seconds too late often fails to reinforce the desired behaviour. Worse, it can unintentionally reward something else entirely.

If a dog sits beautifully but then jumps up before you reward, and you still deliver the treat, what you’ve reinforced is the jump, not the sit. Over time, the dog learns that the behaviour that earns reward is not obedience, but movement or impulsivity.

That split second between correct behaviour and reward is where true communication happens. It’s not about overthinking or becoming robotic, it’s about being present, observant, and intentional in your interactions.

Preventing Problems Before They Begin

When we focus only on fixing “big” problems, we fall into the trap of reactive training, waiting until something goes wrong before we step in. But by attending to the small details from the outset, you operate proactively.

For example, a dog that pulls slightly on the lead at six months is often ignored because “he’s just excited”. By eighteen months, that same dog is dragging the handler down the street. Early correction, boundary-setting, and reinforcement of polite lead behaviour would have prevented the escalation.

Minor nuisances, door dashing, barking at the window, fidgeting during grooming, can all snowball if not addressed early and correctly. Good training is about prevention as much as correction. And prevention lives in the details.

Relationship Over Rules

Focusing on the small stuff isn’t about being pedantic or harsh, it’s about respect. It’s about creating an environment where your dog understands what’s expected of them, and where you, as the handler, understand how your dog thinks and learns.

Dogs thrive on clear communication and predictable outcomes. When we get sloppy with our signals or erratic in our expectations, we create an environment of uncertainty. That’s not just unhelpful, it’s unfair.

When your dog knows they can rely on you to be consistent, fair, and clear, they feel safe. And when they feel safe, they are more likely to engage, learn, and enjoy training.

It’s a Matter of Well-Being

We often talk about enrichment, mental stimulation, and biological fulfilment, but let’s not forget that a dog who is constantly confused, corrected inconsistently, or trained without clarity is not thriving. They’re coping.

Attention to detail in training reduces frustration, builds confidence, and helps your dog understand the world around them. That understanding translates into reduced stress levels, improved behaviour, and ultimately, a better quality of life.

Training isn’t just about getting a dog to do things, it’s about helping them feel good while doing them.

A Message to Handlers: Raise Your Standards

As handlers, it is our responsibility to raise our standards. Not just in what we expect from our dogs, but in what we expect from ourselves. Sorting the small stuff requires discipline, self-awareness, and commitment. But the results are worth it.

Every moment of interaction is a chance to either teach something valuable or accidentally reinforce something problematic. When you commit to noticing and shaping the little things, eye contact, response latency, posture, lead tension, you step into a new level of training. One where communication becomes seamless and the bond between dog and handler becomes unshakeable.

Final Thoughts

The truth is simple: the little things aren’t little. They are everything.

Dog training is not a series of grand gestures, it’s a sequence of tiny moments, repeated daily, layered over time. Ignore them, and you risk building a relationship based on confusion. Honour them, and you build something extraordinary: a calm, confident, well-adjusted dog who trusts you implicitly.

So, next time you think something is “just a small thing”, pause. Sort the small stuff. Because that’s where the magic truly happens.

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