Starbarks Dog Training

Woohoo!! Congratulations puppy schools for an amazing course!!

Memories of sweet bella bloodhound, her snoring was the thing of great beauty 🤣🤣🤣

I love this, so often I hear how much we want an independent pup and the worry that because they are following "everywhere" they will become dependant.

Lovely Louis followed me everywhere. As a rescue, working back through his development to repair, there wasn't a moment where he wasn't near me, he laid ontop of me, needing the safety. Pretty challenging on a 40 degree day!!!

We have moved through this stage of development, he knows me, he knows he is safe, now he lays next to me, and I when I move he no longer follows.

Working through this with my lad has taught me alot, showing me how important understanding why we need to be there and just what can be achieved when we are... 😍

One of the hardest things for dogs to understand and manage is the noise and movement of our human world—often experienced at the same time. For puppies, this begins at home, where unfamiliar sounds and activity may feel overwhelming even though they seem completely normal to us. Beyond the home, the sheer volume of new experiences can feel like a tsunami.

We do not always recognise that dogs need our support as they explore these experiences. With thoughtful guidance, they can learn how to cope and how to seek help from us when they need it.

For a new puppy, the process begins by building a secure relationship at home and introducing new things gradually, with us as the anchor. The same approach applies to older dogs learning to navigate a busy human world. Three Factors to Consider

• Ourselves: Are we calm and unhurried, or are we stressed and rushing?
• The dog: What does this individual dog need to feel safe, supported and able to learn?
• The environment: Is it manageable, or is it too busy and overwhelming?

All three factors influence how a dog responds and what they learn. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; each dog and situation must be considered individually.

Gus is a wonderful lad, but movement can be difficult for him. In the past, he has sometimes coped by barking and struggling to listen—does that sound familiar? He has been doing brilliantly, so it is time to assess whether he is ready for a new environment: one I know well, but which offers unfamiliar experiences for him. I am not throwing him in at the deep end without floaties!

It is important to remember that any video is only a snapshot in time. We have not seen what happened before or afterwards, so the footage can easily be misinterpreted. In this case, I have already worked with Gus and established a strong relationship with him. Although the new environment is challenging, I believe that relationship can support the change—and I continue to assess that as we work.

The area is large, and offers plenty of opportunities for sniffing and choice, it is also an on lead area. I particularly value being able to observe children safely from a distance during recess or sport; their movement and activity create a wonderful teaching opportunity.

Now that I have seen Gus in this setting, we will not rush on to the next challenge. Instead, Gus and his wonderful owners will return at different times, continue exploring, and help the experience become familiar. Slow and steady wins the race.

WHATS NEW!!?

Welcome to a new opportunity...

Im so excited to launch Puppy life skills, this is a 5 week course for pups 14-20 weeks.

Whats the focus?

Understanding how to provide practical support for your puppy as they explore the world, using real world outings, and fun activities.

Unravelling how dogs communicate, so you can support your pup as they learn how to talk Dog. Yes, they need our support!!

Recognising when your pup is struggling and asking for help. So that you can help them BEFORE the behaviour becomes challenging. Every dog is different, learn how your dog sees the world.

Teach practical skills to prepare for vet and grooming visits, when to stop and why!!

This course will be run at Swanbourne vet and will commence Sunday 13th at 1pm.

We are keeping numbers small, to enable us to focus on you and your pup, you even have the opportunity to share videos and questions on your private FB group during the course.

Contact me, or swanbourne vet, asap.

Congratulations!! A lovely group of pups graduated puppy school today, it's been a pleasure, good luck team🥳

One of the biggest joys in my job, is being part of the journey as pups build friendships, through supported learning. Being able to practice their communication in a safe environment, with support from owners, is so special.

Little mouse and Toki, have slowly built a relationship, we can see lovely pro social communication, they pause to check safety cues, and Toki slows down as Mouse looks for trust, answering her questions.

A beautiful, joyful moment in class

Time just flys bye, as another fabulous group of puppies finishes puppy school, a well deserved congratulations to Hoomans, and fur babies. It's been an absolute pleasure to share Sunday mornings with you all

I often get asked "how do I manage my pup when they are being biting, jumping, needy fur beasts". As pet owners we often find managing our fur babies very challenging in these moments.

Now let's look at the unconditional tolerance, understanding and patience that is shown in their world, this humbling ability to understand what pup needs and support through relational connection.

This is the blue print for us, and for our pets dogs, when pups are challenging, but we often struggle and so do our adult dogs, sometimes creating more issues with our responses to pup in these moments than we realise.

Take a moment to watch unconditional emotional connection in action, this should be what we strive for, and how we teach our fur babies...