Midlands Puppy School -Howick

24/04/2026

We have new groups starting in both our schools. Saturday 2 May. Join us and get the best start with your puppies. For Howick WhatsApp Rachel and PMB Sandy. We look forward to meeting you and your puppies.

20/04/2026

Most people waste it.
Right before you move, there’s a moment.

Two seconds.
That’s all this takes.

A moment where you’re both about to move, and you add a word.

It doesn’t feel like much.
It isn’t, yet.

Because right now, it’s just a word. Something you say as you walk.

But repeat those two seconds, cleanly and consistently, and it turns into something far more powerful.
It becomes a well rehearsed “we’re moving” signal.

That moment they just spot a trigger?
You can use it.

That pebble they’ve been stuck on for seven minutes?
You can move on.

A quick, simple cue that brings focus back to you and it means movement.
You’re putting in a smoother transition from one thing to the next.

And the more you use it, the clearer, cleaner, and more effective it becomes.

Simple.

Now all you have to do?
Choose a word,
and remember to use it.

07/01/2026

We are back after the Christmas holiday and ready to get going.

I have 1 space left in my baby puppy class, starting next Sat, 17 Jan.

I am also looking at doing a group for puppies between 6 and 12 months.
Pop me a WhatsApp on 079 605 8474 to discuss details.

27/10/2025

Fit your training into your life, keep it fun. It mustn't become a chore.

14/10/2025

🐾 Last Puppy Class of the Year! 🐾

Don’t miss this final chance to join our fun, confidence-building puppy training session!
Let’s end the year by strengthening your bond and improving communication with your pup. 💕

📅 Limited spots available — book now to secure your place! Sat 25 October
📍 Dargle Dale Kennels and Cattery

Let’s make your puppy’s training journey a positive one to remember! 🐶✨
Contact Rachel on 079 605 8474

13/10/2025

⚡🎆 Keep your pets safe this thunderstorm & fireworks season! 🐾💕

With Diwali and Guy Fawkes just around the corner, those loud bangs and flashing lights can be overwhelming for our furry friends. 🐶🐱✨

At Dargle Dale Kennels, we offer a safe, calm, and secure space where pets can feel relaxed and cared for while the celebrations are in full swing. 🌿🏡

📞 Book now and give your pets the peace of mind they deserve. 💜

08/10/2025

26/09/2025

We have a few spaces left in our new Pmb class. Please contact Sandra Inggs to book your spot. 082 330 6636

06/09/2025

Should I crouch down?
Some will say "Yep", it makes us less threatening.
I tend to say "Nope".
Worried, anxious, stressed dogs can react in ways we "can't" predict.
Those sweet puppy dog eyes, yearning for love.
They are more than likely yearning for space and for this situation to be over with.
When we push them, want to hug them and take away their discomfort we can come from a place of wanting desperately to make things better for them.

We tend to rush this.
We also tend to look at them through our human rose tainted glasses.

Crouching down in front of or in the vicinity of a stressed dog puts your centre of gravity off balance.
it's another second or two before you can react to anything that may be about to occur.
We also tend to crouch way to close.

So for me.
I keep actions slow and deliberate (without being unnatural).
Lot's of space is given (where possible)
I make sure I give them options to leave (I don't block the exits).
Weirdly, I tend to mimic others movements in the household (wee thing that I notice works well over the years).
I offer calming signals to them.
No direct eye contact and I don't approach.

This is the fastest way I know to help anxious dogs.

I don't want confliction.
It's connection I really want.

06/09/2025

It’s a really good question and the short answer is no. Treats are a powerful tool in training, but they are not meant to be something you rely on endlessly or in every situation.

Why We Use Treats in Training

Clarity: Treats make it crystal clear to your dog when they’ve made the right choice.
Motivation: Food is a natural reinforcer for most dogs, which helps them learn faster.
Positive association: Especially for fearful or reactive dogs, treats can change how they feel about a trigger, building safety and trust.

Treats are like training wheels. At the start, you need them consistently so your dog builds understanding. But once your dog knows a behaviour, you don’t have to reward every single repetition.

We begin with continuous reinforcement (treat every success).
Then we move to variable reinforcement (reward some of the time, unpredictably).
Eventually, behaviours become habitual and are maintained by life rewards: access to play, praise, freedom, sniffing, your attention, etc.

Where Training Can Go Wrong

If it feels like you need treats all the time, forever, a few things may be happening:
The behaviour was never fully learned before rewards were reduced.
The environment is too distracting, and your dog is struggling to focus without extra help.
Treats are only being used as a bribe (“look what I’ve got!”) rather than as a reward after the behaviour.
Alternative reinforcers (play, praise, sniffing, freedom) haven’t been built into the training plan.

It’s important to remember: dogs don’t do things “just because we say so.” Every behaviour is motivated by something whether that’s food, play, comfort, or avoiding something unpleasant. Treats are just one way of paying your dog for their effort.
Over time, you can replace food rewards with other things your dog enjoys, but rewards never disappear completely. Just like us, dogs like to know that their effort is worthwhile.