North West Dog Training

21/08/2026

Being stuck on a short lead can actually make your dog’s reactivity worse. 🛑
​When Snoopy came to us, she was trapped in a classic loop: zero recall, a high drive to bolt after birds on the beach, and reactivity toward other dogs. Because she couldn't be trusted off-lead, the build-up of frustration was making her behavior worse every single day.
​To break that cycle, we rebuilt her recall from the ground up:
🔹 Strategic, high-value rewards
🔹 Layered real-world distractions
🔹 Step-by-step environmental proofs
​Now? Blindingly fast recall, zero stress, and complete freedom for Snoopy and her family.

Check out my recently posted Reel to see her recall in action!

​📩 Is your dog stuck in the lead trap? Send us a message today to learn more about our 1-on-1 and Take & Train recall programs!
​

21/08/2026

Being stuck on a short lead can actually make your dog’s reactivity worse. 🛑
When Snoopy came to us, she was trapped in a classic loop: zero recall, a high drive to bolt after birds on the beach, and reactivity toward other dogs. Because she couldn't be trusted off-lead, the build-up of frustration was making her behavior worse every single day.
To break that cycle, we rebuilt her recall from the ground up:
🔹 Strategic, high-value rewards
🔹 Layered real-world distractions
🔹 Step-by-step environmental proofs
Now? Blindingly fast recall, zero stress, and complete freedom for Snoopy and her family.
📩 Is your dog stuck in the lead trap? Send us a message today to learn more about our 1-on-1 and Take & Train recall programs!

18/08/2026

Don't do more, do less. Do less and do it more often. Consistency will always prevail

07/08/2026

Does your dog tow you down the street?

Do they react to everything when you leave the house?

Is recall non-existent the moment a distraction appears?

Deep down, you know how important training is... but finding the hours in a busy week to do it consistently? That’s the real hurdle.

That’s why I created Take & Train.

I do the heavy lifting for you. Over 3 structured sessions, I collect your dog, work on their core skills in real-world environments, and drop them back home.

After the training block, we do a dedicated handover session so I can coach you on how to maintain and enjoy your dog's progress seamlessly.

Ready to make walks enjoyable again? Send me a message to secure your spot

01/08/2026

When training a dog for the first time there is a lightbulb moment you see in the faces of most dogs.

Sometimes it takes less than a minute, with other dogs it might take half an hour but it happens with every dog.

I used to think that lightbulb moment was when they realised "oh if I do this when they do that, I get something nice".

Now while it's partly that, I do believe with the slightly older dogs and dogs past puppyhood, there is a relief and a happiness in the dog that at last they're starting to understand what is expected when the humans make those noises while looking at them.

It still surprises me how many people just presume a dog will just magically understand English. People will say a word over and over as if that helps, as if it would make any more sense than saying the same word over and over in Mongolian.

Dogs do understand when we are frustrated so when a channel of communication is finally opened up you really can see a dog come to life!

Your dog wants to understand so just help them get started:
1. Say less words, use single word commands not full sentences.
2. Teach a solid YES word and follow it up with praise, scratches, play attention, treats so it has actual value.
3. Say NO less, the more you say it the less meaning it has

24/07/2026

Check out Furry Friends Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Reg Charity No 20204741 Friends over near Charlestown if you're looking for a dog. I've met a few of their dogs similarly chilled personalities.
It's a small local charity that deserves any help you could give

17/07/2026

Gracie has gone to sleep for the last time 🌈

She had her challenges medically all of her life and eventually it was time, but she did live for much longer than I ever dared hope and in good health for most of her life.

She went Camping, Glamping and Hoteling and always walked in like she owned the place!

She took major changes and upheavals in her stride. She was patient with small kids, gentle with small dogs and went easy for older people even though she's still probably the most physically impressive and capable dog I've ever met.

For a dog that was abandoned by a man selling puppies at the Mart she had a hell of a life. She was my ride along, for 11 years wherever I went in the car she came along too.

I'll miss seeing those floppy ears in my rear view mirror

26/06/2026

There are other factors at play too but more often than not these are the two that are lacking the most in the lives of dogs and owners that are struggling

13/06/2026

It is incredibly frustrating when you buy a mountain of toys, get all hyped up to play, and your dog just blankly stares at you—or worse, grabs the toy and runs off to the opposite corner of the room.

You want a fun, interactive game, but they just want to hoard the prize.
If this is happening to you, there is a very good chance you accidentally trained them to do it.

When a dog has to fight too hard or struggle for too long to win a toy during tug, the game stops being fun. It becomes hard work.

Eventually, your dog figures out that it is much more enjoyable to just keep the toy and have a good chew by themselves, rather than bringing it back to do battle with you all over again.

The good news is that you can reset the rules of the game. Here is how to fix it:

1. **Get a friend to help:** It can really speed things up if you get a friend to help out. Dogs often play differently with a fresh face, especially someone who is good craic and brings plenty of positive energy.

2. **Make them play badly:** Have your friend initiate a game of tug with your dog. But here is the catch: they have to play badly. They need to let your dog win a lot.

3. **Fake a genuine win:** Most dogs are clever enough to know when they have genuinely won versus when a human has just given up and let go. If you just drop the toy, it feels like a letdown to them. To fake a genuine win, use a very weak grip. Literally hold the toy with just a single finger and thumb to start, letting it slip from your grasp easily.

4. **Plant the seed for fetch:** Once winning becomes effortless, the psychology shifts. The dog soon gets into the habit of returning to the human with the toy because they want to restart that easy, rewarding game. Without even realizing it, the foundation for fetch is set.

5. **Build up the distance:** After a while, when the dog is happily bringing the toy back, you can occasionally win the game. When you do, immediately throw the toy just a meter or two away and let the dog bring it right back to you to keep the fun going.

6. **Step back in:** At this point, it is just a matter of you joining the game again. Show your dog that the rules have officially changed, and that you are now much more craic to play with than you used to be.

Share this with a fellow dog owner that's sick of having to chase their dog around the garden!

+R Dog Trainer Registered and Certified with Distinction with The ISCP

16/05/2026

Recall and longlines

When teaching recall, it’s vital your dog doesn’t learn they can ignore you. Every time they choose not to come back, that habit gets stronger.

That’s where longlines come in. They’re basically extra-long leads that give your dog freedom to explore while still keeping you in control.

The beauty of a longline is you can relax knowing your dog can wander safely while you still have a backup if needed.

My advice? Get the longest line you can manage comfortably. Smaller dogs will need lighter lines, while bigger dogs need something stronger, so ask your local pet shop what suits best.

Summer is here (apparently), so it’s the perfect time to get out exploring with your dog!