Tails of Success - Labrador Training

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Tails of Success - Labrador Training Tails of Success deliver training, behavioural, food and nutrition services for Labradors, allowing

Many owners jump straight into busy environments like cafés or pubs and expect their Labrador to just know how to behave...
05/04/2025

Many owners jump straight into busy environments like cafés or pubs and expect their Labrador to just know how to behave.

But settling, or relaxing calmly on a mat, is a skill that needs to be taught.

Starting in busy settings too soon can make it much harder for your dog to succeed.

Here’s what might be getting in the way:
• Choosing a spot that’s too loud, crowded or exciting
• Giving them too much freedom to wander on a long lead
• Reinforcing the wrong behaviour, such as offering treats when they’re unsettled
• Not using a consistent settle spot like a mat or blanket

If your Labrador finds it hard to settle, it’s not because they’re being “naughty”. They simply haven’t had the right setup or support to get it right.

Start by helping them feel calm and relaxed on their mat in quieter, low-distraction spaces.

Be clear with the rules. Let them know that the mat is the place to stay when it’s time to settle.

Offer calm verbal praise when they’re doing well. Small moments of encouragement can make a big difference.

And practice often, so settling becomes a familiar and easy part of your routine.

It might take time for your dog to learn to settle in busy places, but the effort you put in now will open up so many more social opportunities later on.

If you need some personalised support, check out our Real-World Training session. ☕️🐾

There’s no such thing as a perfect Labrador… and that’s OK.Your Labrador might be totally brilliant at so many things, b...
01/04/2025

There’s no such thing as a perfect Labrador… and that’s OK.

Your Labrador might be totally brilliant at so many things, but chances are, there’s at least one behaviour that isn’t quite how you’d like it to be.

Maybe they steal the odd shoe…
Maybe their recall has selective settings…
Maybe they still get way too excited when guests arrive…

That doesn’t make them a “bad” dog. It makes them normal.

We can absolutely work on improving things because progress is always possible.

But if you’re hung up on chasing perfection?
That just sets everyone up to feel like they’re not enough.

So give yourself and your Labrador a bit of grace.
They don’t need to be perfect at everything to be absolutely wonderful.

Your focus should be on making progress and everything else will fall into place 🐶

Your Labrador deserves more than a quick loop around the block.They need purpose and they need walks that work their bra...
29/03/2025

Your Labrador deserves more than a quick loop around the block.
They need purpose and they need walks that work their brain and body.

When you turn every walk into a mini training opportunity, you build a stronger bond, boost behaviour, and actually enjoy your time together.

Don’t train on the go during walks?
If not, give it a try!

When I head out with my Labrador, it’s not just to stretch her legs or let her go to the toilet.
She’s a smart, active, ...
25/03/2025

When I head out with my Labrador, it’s not just to stretch her legs or let her go to the toilet.

She’s a smart, active, working-line Lab and a simple stroll just doesn’t cut it.

If all I did was attach a lead and let her drag me around the streets while she sniffs and entertains herself, she’d still have energy to burn at the end of her walk… and a brain begging for more.

So instead, we train as we go.
Not in a strict, formal way — but in little moments during every single walk:
• A little trick training
• Practising a bit of heelwork
• Adding in some retrieves
• A bit of patience work
• Some recall practice

It keeps things fun, purposeful, and helps us stay connected — and honestly, it makes me enjoy our walks more too.

If your walks feel like a chore, or your Labrador comes home just as wired as when they left...
Try turning your walk into a training opportunity.

It’s not about what you train, or how good at it you are — it just matters that you give it a go and do something.
✨ Trick training
✨ Functional skills
✨ Scent work
✨ Focus games
✨ Or anything you enjoy

Don’t just walk your Labrador. Train them.

Letting an excitable Labrador launch out of the car boot and sprint off into the distance is setting you both up for pot...
22/03/2025

Letting an excitable Labrador launch out of the car boot and sprint off into the distance is setting you both up for potential struggles.

At the moment the car boot opens, your Labrador is FULL of excitement, fuelled by energy, and definitely not in the best headspace to take in any guidance or information from you.

And if you’ve already let them off lead, they’re probably already running into the distance. Once that happens, you’ve lost the chance to help them make good choices or keep them safe.

Before any walk, I take a couple of minutes to ensure my Labrador is capable of being calm, capable of listening, and capable of following some basic instructions.

The dog comes out of the car on a lead, and we pause...

I wait for calm. I look for connection. I ask for a sequence of simple tasks such as a sit, down, and heel — and only when I see they’re in listening mode and capable of acting with a calm head will the walk begin.

Because if your Labrador can’t focus on you while they’re still on lead, there’s not much chance they’ll be able to do it once they’re let off.

That tiny pause at the start of your walk will help make sure your dog is tuned into your frequency before you let them off lead. 🦮

Do you wait for calm before your walks?

Struggling with lead walking? You’re not alone!Pulling on the lead can make walks stressful and frustrating. But often, ...
18/03/2025

Struggling with lead walking? You’re not alone!

Pulling on the lead can make walks stressful and frustrating. But often, small mistakes are making things harder than they need to be.

Swipe through to see 6 common lead walking mistakes (and how to fix them!) ➡️

🐕 Which mistakes have you made? Let me know in the comments! 👇

And if you need help getting your Labrador to walk with you rather than against you, let’s chat!

Choosing the right training method and the right tool for your unique dog in your unique situation can make all the diff...
15/03/2025

Choosing the right training method and the right tool for your unique dog in your unique situation can make all the difference when teaching loose lead walking.

But let’s be honest… simply choosing a lead or harness because someone recommended it and hoping for the best is unlikely to be the long-term solution.

To truly teach loose lead walking, focus on:
✔️ Understanding what you’re doing
✔️ Committing to a training method
✔️ Helping your dog understand what you want
✔️ Rewarding their efforts
✔️ Guiding them when they go wrong

Sure, use a tool that works for you—but choose it based on YOUR dog, YOUR needs, and YOUR situation. Not just because of what someone at the pub swears by or an idea about what’s “kindest.”

The real goal is a dog who can walk on a loose lead—no matter what it’s attached to.
So, pick a tool. Pick a method. Stick with it. Then aim to replicate that same success on a collar, a harness, a slip lead, or any other tool you like.

What gave you the breakthrough in your lead walking training? ⬇️

Slip Leads: Misused, Misunderstood, or Must-Have? Let’s Talk…Slip leads are one of those topics that spark debate—often ...
11/03/2025

Slip Leads: Misused, Misunderstood, or Must-Have?
Let’s Talk…

Slip leads are one of those topics that spark debate—often from people who’ve never even used one!

Some say they’re unfair. Some say a quick fix. Some won’t leave the house without one. So what’s the truth?

My take?
✅ THEY ARE MISUSED.
✅ THEY ARE MISUNDERSTOOD.
✅ AND THEY CAN BE A MUST-HAVE.

🔴 Misused? Absolutely.
But is it the lead that’s the problem—or the person holding the other end? 🤔

Any tool can be misused. A poorly fitted harness, a collar, even a lead in the wrong hands can cause issues. The problem isn’t the slip lead itself—it’s a lack of knowledge behind how to use it.

A slip lead is not something to use without understanding. If you loop rope around your dog’s neck and hope for the best, you’re setting yourself (and your dog) up to fail.

Do your research. Work with a reputable trainer. Learn to use it properly so it helps, not hinders.

🔴 Misunderstood? 100%.
I hear it from both sides:
“Slip leads are harsh on dogs!”
“Slip leads stop pulling instantly!”

Neither is true. A well-used slip lead sits loosely around the neck and a slip lead isn’t a magic fix for pulling. It’s a tool that supports training, not replaces it. If a dog walks nicely on a slip, it’s because of training, not because the lead itself did all the work.

🔴 Must-have? In the right circumstances.
I don’t use a slip lead for everything, but I always carry one.

It’s quick to put on, it helps me guide my dog, It’s lightweight and effective when used correctly.

But I also use fixed collars, harnesses, short leads, long lines—because no single tool is right in every situation.

No judgment here. Just open discussion.
🔹 Think slip leads are misused? Let’s talk about how people can use them better.
🔹 Think they’re misunderstood? Let’s bust the myths.
🔹 Find them invaluable? Own it and share why they work for you!

Your dog, your rules. But let’s make sure those rules are based on knowledge, not misconceptions.

5 Things in My Labrador Training Kit & Why! I hate lugging a huge bag of kit out on every walk or training session, so I...
08/03/2025

5 Things in My Labrador Training Kit & Why!

I hate lugging a huge bag of kit out on every walk or training session, so I keep things simple & effective with just a few essentials.

These 5 things help me train, engage, and communicate with my Labrador and those I train —without overcomplicating things!

🐕 What’s in YOUR training kit?
Let me know in the comments—what do you swear by and why? ⬇️

Need recommendations on the kit I use?
Drop me a message and I’ll be happy to help! 😊🐶

Dogs are a huge part of family life, and there is no reason they shouldn’t join in with celebrations. 
Use this easy to ...
04/03/2025

Dogs are a huge part of family life, and there is no reason they shouldn’t join in with celebrations. 

Use this easy to follow, dog safe pancake recipe... we are sure your dog will love them! 🐶

To make 6 American style pancakes
You’ll need:

* 1/2 a cup of gluten-free flour
* 1 mashed banana
* 1/4 cup of peanut butter (xylitol free)
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup of water

For toppings, add:

* Strawberries 🍓
* Blueberries 🫐
* Natural yoghurt
* Chia seeds
* ANYTHING else your dog LOVES

Method:
1) Add the gluten-free flour, mashed banana, peanut butter, eggs and water to a large bowl and mix well.

2) Add a splash of vegetable or sunflower oil to a pan and place on a medium heat.

3) Once the pan is hot, add enough of your mixture to make a pancake and cook for three minutes on each side. Repeat this process for each pancake. 

4) When cooked on both sides, remove the pancake from the pan and cool for a few minutes. (beware... your dog may start drooling)

5) Pop the cooled pancake on your best dog-related plate or bowl and get creative with the toppings.
Add chopped banana, some strawberries, a few blueberries, a dollop of natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of Chia seeds

6) Take a photo to show off your cooking / decorating skills

7) Give it to your dog and press record on your phone to capture them enjoying their feast.

8) Tag us in your posts

9) Enjoy the extra tail wags, and wet nose kisses that they give you to reward your efforts

10) Convince someone else to wash the dishes while you do “dog stuff”

If your Labrador is constantly pulling or zig-zagging in front of you, their position on the lead might be the culprit! ...
01/03/2025

If your Labrador is constantly pulling or zig-zagging in front of you, their position on the lead might be the culprit! 😬

Where your dog walks in relation to you makes a HUGE difference to their focus and engagement—and it’s often one of the most overlooked aspects of loose-lead training.

In the latest episode of , we’re diving into why position matters, and how you can fine-tune your walks for success.

👉 Tap the link in my bio to listen to episode 40 now! 🎧

Does your Labrador ignore you when off-lead and only come back when they feel like it?You’re not alone!Many owners strug...
25/02/2025

Does your Labrador ignore you when off-lead and only come back when they feel like it?

You’re not alone!

Many owners struggle with recall, the good news- It’s fixable!

In today’s post, I’m breaking down the key mistakes that are sabotaging your recall and showing you how to turn things around.

Swipe through for common recall mistakes and simple fixes to build reliability

💬 Tell me—what’s your biggest recall challenge right now? Let’s tackle it together!

Does your Labrador only come back when they feel like it? Or maybe they ignore you completely when there’s something mor...
22/02/2025

Does your Labrador only come back when they feel like it? Or maybe they ignore you completely when there’s something more exciting around?

Fixing recall isn’t just about calling them back—it’s about making sure they want to return to you every time!

Here’s how to build rock-solid recall the right way:

✅ Reward EVERY recall (even if slow!) to start with – If you only reward the “good” ones, your Lab won’t see the value in coming back every time. Build reliability first, then phase out treats gradually for the ‘not so good’ recalls.

✅ Use a clear recall cue (not just their name!) – A specific word like “Here!” or “Come!” works best. Their name should get their attention, but their recall cue should mean run back now!

✅ Stay in control – Giving them freedom too soon is one of the biggest recall mistakes. Use a long training lead to proof recall before going fully off-lead and don’t put them in a place or situation where they are likely to fail.

✅ Make coming back exciting – If recall only means “fun is over,” or “it’s time to go home,” they’ll start ignoring you. Be upbeat, exciting, engaging and a source of fun for your dog to make recall worth it!

✅ Call them & release them again – If every recall ends the fun (lead goes on, home time), your dog will hesitate. Call them, reward, then let them run again to keep recall positive!

🎯 Want better recall?
Try these 5 steps and let me know how your Lab improves!

If your Labrador ignores you when you call, chances are you’re making one of these common mistakes! 👇❌ Mistake  #1: Call...
18/02/2025

If your Labrador ignores you when you call, chances are you’re making one of these common mistakes! 👇

❌ Mistake #1:
Calling your dog only when the fun is over.
If recall always means the lead goes on and playtime ends, your Lab will start avoiding coming back.
Would you rush over if you knew it meant the fun was over?

❌ Mistake #2:
Repeating the recall cue over and over.
Saying “Come! Come! Come!” teaches your dog that they don’t need to respond straight away—they’ll wait until the tenth time instead!

❌ Mistake #3:
Sounding boring or frustrated.
If you don’t sound exciting, why would your dog hurry back? Would you be eager to return to someone who sounds annoyed or dull?

❌ Mistake #4:
Not rewarding recall enough.
If coming back to you isn’t worth it, your dog will prioritise more exciting things.
Would you run to work every day if you weren’t getting paid?

❌ Mistake #5:
Moving too fast.
Expecting perfect recall in a high-distraction environment before properly training it sets your Lab up to fail.
Would you pass a driving test if your first lesson was on a motorway?

These mistakes are easy to make—but don’t worry, they’re also easy to fix! ✅

👉 Keep checking my next few posts for solutions to each mistake and step-by-step recall training tips! 👀🐾

🐾 Struggling with loose-lead walking? You’re not alone! But here’s the truth… your dog’s position on the lead makes ALL ...
15/02/2025

🐾 Struggling with loose-lead walking?
You’re not alone! But here’s the truth… your dog’s position on the lead makes ALL the difference.

If they’re constantly ahead, pulling, zig-zagging, or rushing into situations without you, then you’re not walking together- you’re working against each other.

📢 Swipe through the carousel to find out why position matters and how to fix it!

🔹 Walking by your side = teamwork, connection, and trust.
🔹 Walking ahead = pulling, distractions, and disconnection.

If you’ve tried every lead, harness, and gadget with no success, this could be the missing piece of the puzzle!

✨ Want to dive deeper? Check out my last four posts for even more lead walking tips, techniques, and solutions!

💬 Does your dog love to lead the way, or do they stick by your side? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

Is your Labrador up ahead, leading the walk… or maybe zig-zagging across your path as they pull you to every smell?Yes, ...
11/02/2025

Is your Labrador up ahead, leading the walk… or maybe zig-zagging across your path as they pull you to every smell?

Yes, walks are for your dog to enjoy, but that doesn’t mean they should be dragging you from A to B like a sled dog on a mission!!!
Walking on lead should be pleasant for both of you.

⚠️ When your Labrador is up ahead, you’re likely to experience:

❌ Pulling & lunging – Say goodbye to relaxed arms!

❌ Zig-zagging – Leads tangled, legs tripped, and frustration rising.

❌ Disconnection – They can’t sense your pace or direction, and you end up working against each other.

❌ Increased stress – If they’re anxious or reactive, they’re the first to meet distractions, making them feel alone in tough situations.

👉 Here’s the thing:
Off-lead, they can do all the dog stuff they love. But on lead, you should be walking as a team. Calm, connected, and in sync.

📲 Check out my last post on why your dog should walk by your side—plus a reel full of loose-lead walking tips!

I’d love to know what works for you. 👇

Why should your dog walk by your side- not ahead, not crisscrossing in front, but right there with you?
Because when the...
08/02/2025

Why should your dog walk by your side- not ahead, not crisscrossing in front, but right there with you?
Because when they do, everything about your walk becomes easier.

✔️ They take guidance from your leg—matching your pace, direction, and position without constant lead tension or being pulled around.
✔️ You can communicate better—they’re close enough to see and hear what you’re doing, making walks feel more connected.
✔️ No more tug-of-war—a relaxed lead means less pulling, fewer frustrations, and a more enjoyable time for both of you.
✔️ Fewer trip hazards—no weaving, dodging, or getting tangled in the lead!
✔️ They don’t face the world first—you lead the way into new, exciting, or even challenging situations instead of them tackling it alone.

From day one, I have one simple rule for my dogs when on a lead: Stay to the left of my leg, within a metre, and not in front.
Not a rigid heel position—just close enough that we’re walking as a team. If they drift too far, we stop, reset, and go again. It doesn’t take long before they realise this is their spot, and from then on, we can all enjoy our walks together.

✨ Try this today:
Starting now, choose a walking position for your dog (I recommend beside you!) and begin rewarding them every time they naturally position themselves there. Calm praise helps them learn that being by your side is the best place to be!
If they drift out of position, gently correct their position before moving forward again. Practise this at home, in the garden, or in another low-distraction environment to set them up for success.

💬 Where does your dog prefer to walk—by your side, ahead, or behind? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

Dog walks are more than just exercise - they’re an opportunity to bond with your dog, build their focus, and practise go...
04/02/2025

Dog walks are more than just exercise - they’re an opportunity to bond with your dog, build their focus, and practise good behaviours.

But when walks become predictable or boring, your dog might start tuning you out.

And when that happens? You’re more likely to see:

🐾 Ignored recall.
🐾 Running off to other dogs or people.
🐾 Unwanted behaviours creeping in, like pulling or chasing.

The good news?
It’s easy to turn things around!

By making walks more engaging and exciting, you’ll have a dog who’s happy, focused, and eager to listen.

✅ Switch up your routes.
✅ Play games and practise training.
✅ Introduce new skills or tricks.
✅ Reward and connect with your dog every step of the way.

Remember, walks are your time to shine as the most exciting thing in your dog’s day!

What is the one thing you do to keep things exciting for your dog walks?

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About Tails of Success

My name is Vikki Sharpe, the founder and owner of Tails of Success.

Tails of Success is a canine consultancy that delivers training and behavioural services to dogs and their owners. Our proven techniques and skills, recognised by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and the British College of Canine Studies (BCCS), allow families to live a stress-free life together, using positive, force free training methods.

Whilst we deliver training and behavioural services to all types of dog, we have a special love for Labradors, making this our speciality. Being Labrador owners ourselves, we know the Labrador breed inside out and back-to-front, allowing us to offer specialised training and guidance to help you deal with specific challenges, or take preventative steps to deal with them before they arise.

We offer small group training, personal consultations and one-to-one training for families and their dog in The Cotswolds, plus other surrounding counties. Not limited to the UK, Tails of Success also delivers online consultations and training packages worldwide, using the latest video technology