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When Should You Start Puppy Training? Everything You Need to Know About Puppy Classes in Southampton
Puppy classes are not just about sits and stays. They are about building a relationship with your puppy under the careful guidance of a qualified trainer.
Rachael Henson
Apr 296 min read


How to choose a dog trainer in Southampton: what to look for
When looking for dog training classes in Southampton ask any trainer you consider what their formal qualifications are. If they cannot provide any and are not associated with a governing body then you have nowhere to go should you be unhappy with their service.
Rachael Henson
Apr 285 min read


What comes after puppy classes? Bronze, Silver and Gold explained - Dog Training Classes After Puppy Training
Dogs are always learning and adolescence (6 to 18 months) is a key developmental stage where many behaviours solidify and really take root, which is why ongoing dog training in Southampton is so important to continue beyond puppyhood.
Rachael Henson
Apr 226 min read


Is scent work good for reactive dogs?
By introducing scent work to your reactive dog's enrichment schedule you can help them feel braver, reduce their anxiety and build on your bond together.
Rachael Henson
Apr 165 min read


What is scent work for dogs and why your dog will love it!
10 minutes of scent work is the equivalent of an hours walk in terms on mental tiredness and it provides an opportunity for you to fulfill your dogs needs completely.
Rachael Henson
Apr 154 min read


Children and Dogs: Building Safe, Happy Relationship
Building a Happy Home: Children and Dogs Together Children and dogs can form wonderful bonds and learn a great deal from growing up together. To make that relationship safe and positive, clear rules and thoughtful management are essential. Dogs and children experience the world very differently, so adults need to set everyone up for success. This guide explores the benefits, the common pitfalls, and the practical steps you can take to help children and dogs live together safe
Rachael Henson
Jan 155 min read


The Essential Guide to Puppy Socialisation in Southampton
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, overwhelming, and often a little confusing. One of the biggest areas new owners feel pressure around is socialisation. You might have heard that you need to expose your puppy to everything as quickly as possible before the “window closes.” This advice often leads to rushed experiences that do more harm than good. In this blog, we’ll explore what puppy socialisation and habituation actually mean, why they matter, and how to do them in a way t
Rachael Henson
Jan 85 min read


Helping Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night: A Guide for New Dog Owners
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting… right up until bedtime. If your puppy is crying, screaming or refusing to settle at night, you’re not alone. In this blog I’ll walk you through why it happens, what’s normal and the simple changes you can make tonight to help your puppy sleep calmly and confidently.
Rachael Henson
Nov 27, 20256 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Toilet Training Your Puppy in Southampton
In this blog, we’ll cover the best way to toilet train your puppy, what to avoid, and how to make the process as smooth as possible. Toilet training can feel frustrating and confusing at first, but with the right plan in place, you’ll both get there in no time. The aim is to help your puppy learn quickly while keeping your bond strong and positive. What’s the Fastest Way to Toilet Train a Puppy? The fastest way to toilet train your puppy is to make sure they’re in the right p
Rachael Henson
Nov 4, 20254 min read
Understanding and Stopping Puppy Biting: A Guide for Dog Owners
In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes of puppy biting, effective methods to stop it, and how to get back to enjoying your puppy. Why Do Puppies Bite? Puppies begin teething between 12 and 24 weeks of age. During this time, they experience significant discomfort in their gums. This discomfort can lead them to bite down on their caregivers to alleviate the pain. Other reasons puppies bite include: Frustration from being handled or restrained too often. Communication needs—re
Rachael Henson
Oct 16, 20254 min read


Imperfect - just like us.
When I chat with dog owners about their training progress, I often hear the same phrase: “They’re doing well, but... they’re not 100% yet.” And I get it—many of us strive for perfect loose lead walking or flawless recall. We imagine a dog that never pulls, never fails to come back, never misses a cue. But here’s the truth: 🐾 Dogs aren’t robots. They’re sentient, emotional beings—just like us. Let’s Talk About Progress We’re often so focused on what’s not working that we mis
Rachael Henson
Jul 15, 20252 min read


Puppies Are Puppies: Why We Shouldn't Expect Them to Be Perfect
“Don’t make a rod for your own back.” “Start as you mean to go on.” “Don’t create bad habits.” These are phrases we hear all the time when talking about puppy training—online, in books, and in person. I heard them myself when I brought home my first puppy. And, on the surface, they sound like good advice, right? After all, we want a well-trained dog, so setting high standards from the start feels like the best way forward. But here’s the thing— is that really the most effect
Rachael Henson
Jul 7, 20253 min read


Why do we train, the way we do
Whenever I’m thinking about why I train in an ethical and positive way I often think back to my previous jobs and the managers I had at the time. I’ve had managers who told me off every time I did something wrong and never praised me for doing something right, and then I’ve been lucky enough to have mostly managers who praised me when I did something right and showed me a better way when I did something wrong. These were the managers who had empathy and understanding for thei
Rachael Henson
Aug 2, 20242 min read


Why does my dog run from their harness?
It’s that time of day again where you walk the dog. You’re looking forward to a peaceful stroll with your pooch while listening to your favourite podcast. Your dog is excited too as it’s their favourite time of day. However when you pick up their harness they run away! You manage to coax your dog towards you and wrestle to get their legs into the harness, maybe they roll on their back to make it even more difficult. But when you finally get it on and head out for the walk the
Rachael Henson
Aug 2, 20243 min read


Why won’t my puppy walk?
You’ve had your new puppy for weeks, they’re running wild round the house and you can’t wait to take them out for their first walk. It finally gets to the day they can safely go out, you put on their brand new harness and lead and head out the door ready for a wonderful stroll with your dog, just like you always imagined. But they won’t walk. You feel sure your dog much better broken, it doesn’t like Walkies! This is something I get asked all the time by puppy owners. Their d
Rachael Henson
Aug 2, 20243 min read
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