Thank you for explaining all of this Lisa and how dogs brains work! I was really confused about why she was behaving this way. I've learnt alot over these sessions, thank you.
Award winning dog training and dog behaviour services
Lisa Sinnott - Dog Behaviourist and Dog Trainer
Training for people and their dogs so you can live the happiest of lives together.
Bonds built on trust and understanding.
Lisa Sinnott is an award winning dog trainer and behaviourist. She has studied dogs extensively – completing a postgraduate diploma in clinical animal behaviour with the University of Edinburgh Royal Vet School. She offers one to one training in Hertfordshire and is the founder of the Polite Pup Club – a vault of online courses, information and live sessions with Lisa. Lisa has over 7 years experience working with different dog breeds, finding out about their behaviour and what makes them tick. She understands the motivation of behaviours and the emotion behind them. By changing the emotion, or channelling it in a different way, the dog will change their behaviour.
Lisa can help you bring out the best in your dog, enhance your bond and this makes sure you have the happiest of lives together.
Lisa works with all breeds of dogs, at any life stage. Her extensive studies at University and experience mean she has an understanding of laying the foundations with new puppies, to teenage dogs with selective deafness or more acute behavioural challenges such as dog to dog reactivity.
“We have recently completed a 6 week private training course for our 18 month old Schnoodle. I would highly recommend. Lisa went above and beyond to ensure our whole family benefited from the training and support. Lisa ensured all aspects of training were adapted to our individual needs and she clearly has a passion for dogs and her work. The support before, during and after sessions has been excellent. Lisa’s advice, training and tips have made such a difference. I would happily recommend to anyone looking for help or support in training their dog.”
Paul Hauff
The polite pup club is an online vault full of resources for all your training needs whether you have a puppy or a senior dog. It can be a great resource for vet nurses too if their clients have questions.
It was designed to have all the resources you need to ensure you have a happy and emotionally resilient dog.
“There is so much information on here” Nikki McCleod, Vet Nurse
Your dog is an individual.
A dogs genes, breed specific traits, life experiences and environment all play apart in their behaviour. I work with you to help you set your dog up for success. I listen to you to understand what you want yours and your dogs life together to look like and create a plan to
help you achieve this.
“Been a great experience all round. Lisa is calm, collected and great with animals and I feel very heard when I've talked to her about any issues we've had with Murph in the past. Definitely recommend!!” Olivia Riddle, St Albans
Here’s how St Paws Training Academy can help…
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PUPPY TRAINING
LEARN MOREIn person sessions focusing on toilet training, recall and no nipping.
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DOG TRAINING
LEARN MORETeaching your dog how to come back when called, not to jump up and walking politely
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Hello, I'm Lisa, and this is a gorgeous Leonberger
I am the founder of St Paws and a qualified dog trainer and behaviourist.
I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh Royal School of Vet Studies. I graduated in the incredible McEwan Hall, Edinburgh.. a beautiful city!
I set up the Academy so people can be in the know and feel supported every step of the way with their relationship with their dog, whether that be laying the foundations for a new puppy or helping a dog to feel safer around other dogs.
What makes me different?
- I am committed to continued professional development - I am qualified at university level.
- I have shadowed behaviourists and trainers.
- I am a member of FAB Clinicians which means I work within strict levels of competency.
Would we be a good fit working together? If..
- You would like to understand why your dog is behaving in certain ways and want to help them.
- You want to learn how to read their body language and take steps to help them feel happier.
- You want to understand how to use methods that have your dog's welfare at the heart of them. You don't need to worry - I never use methods that use fear and intimidation.
- You are struggling with your dog's recall and you are scared that they will hurt themselves
- They seem scared of other dogs and are barking and lunging at them and telling them to go away.
- You want to train and help your dog but you are feeling overwhelmed and want support.
- You want to work with someone who is qualified, polite, caring and knowledgeable and is committed to helping you as much as possible.
Want to find out more?
Take the first step and
book in a free 20 minute conversation
and see how I can support and help you and your family.
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PUPPY CLASSES
LEARN MOREGroup sessions focused on life skills and socialisation
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DOG BEHAVIOUR
LEARN MOREFor dogs who lunge at other dogs or people or have other anxieties.
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Come and see what we get up to over on
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Happy St Patrick's Day! ☘️ Can you guess this beautiful irish breeds? #Dogs #DogTraining #DogBehaviourButton -
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Hello boys! 👋 It was a pleasure to meet these two handsome chaps today. We are teaching them to walk politely and calmly on the lead - it's an exciting world out there! They did a great job for their first seesion. Well done - see you again soon. 🤩 #Boxer #Dogs #Training #Boys #BrothersButton -
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It was brilliant to talk to Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist Antonella from @animal_wellbeing_centre about dog to dog reactivity.. Stay tuned for the video! #Dogs #Reactivity #DogBehaviourButton -
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New Month.. New things! As some of you know, the @princestrust originally helped me set up my first business. They were a brilliant source of support , gave a low interest rate loan and gave me alot of confidence and a plan of action (setting up a business can feel like climbing a huge mountain and you may feel you can't do it). Did you know that 35 % of girls feel their confidence drops aged 13-18? That is a key time of learning. There's lots to be done to improve girls confidence and aspirations to go after the life they want and I really admire the charities out there doing this. I'm thrilled to share that I am now a role model speaker for @InspiringGirlsUK. I'm planning to share my topsy turvy business journey at an assembly with students on International Women's Day! 😊 The charity has reached over 25 million people in 2023!Button -
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❗️This photo is worrying as is the headline. There is tension in the dogs forehead, muzzle and their ears are back. The idea that there are only certain breeds that bite, or there are perfect dogs is misleading. A dog can experience stress over time, be in pain, missed the critical socialisation period or have poor socialisation - these are just some reasons a dog may bite. #Dog #DogBehaviour #DogsButton -
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Children and dog safety. 3 things to consider. #DogBodyLanguage #Training #DogsButton -
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FLIGHT - One of the Four F's Flight behavior in dogs involves their attempt to move or flee from a source of fear or discomfort. Prior to exhibiting this behavior, dogs may display certain signs, such as scratching, checking their genitals, licking their lips, yawning, sniffing the ground, scratching the ground, or lowering their head. These actions often signal their preparation to escape from perceived threats or stressful situations.Button -
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Does your dog lunge, growl and bark at other dogs to tell them to Go Away?! Did you miss the reactivity webinar but do you still want access? Comment yes below and I'll send you the link to watch it. #Reactivity #Webinar #Dogs #AggressionButton -
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FIGHT This can manifest through behaviors like barking, lunging, and other overt displays, signaling an attempt to deter a perceived threat and prevent it from approaching further. This reaction may stem from feeling confined on a leash, frustration due to inability to retreat, or a buildup of various stressors such as discomfort. Additionally, if earlier, subtler warning signs have been disregarded or punished, it may escalate behaviour.Button -
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Little dogs often have to shout louder to be heard (growl, snap) etc and get told they have 'little dog sydrome' as they experience lots of people touching them and picking them up. Quite often people won't listen to smaller dogs requests for space.. whereas if you have a Great Dane growling you're going to listen! I ❤️ how Blue has been given agency and training has been used for her to opt in to being on a lap and then carried when needed. Consent based training which has been done well - well done Blue and her family. What have you taught your dogs to do? #Dogs #DogTraining #PuppyClassButton -
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Well done to our graduates Blue, Winnie and Mia! ❤️ You are super dogs. We hope you're having a good holiday Maggie! #Dogs #TrainingButton -
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FLIRT A dog might employ this tactic when experiencing inner conflict. They may exhibit body language cues like lifting their paw and flicking their tongue while simultaneously jumping up at a person. A dog may do this when you are putting on their harness and they don’t like the feeling.Button -
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I'm really delighted to have been chosen as a UN Women UK delegate with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68). ✨The CSW is focused on gender equality and empowerment of women. The commission has been running for over 70 years! 🐾From a companion animal perspective, people can stay with someone who is physically or mentally abusing them because financially they cannot afford to move out. Quite often the abuser hurts the animal too. The Links Group (CIO) has more information https://lnkd.in/eT-2fHcu. @CatsProtection Lifeline service offers cat foster support https://lnkd.in/eWh3S_RC and @dogstrust Trust Freedom Service offer help too https://lnkd.in/egkaaiDy The theme this year is 'Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective'. I'm excited to meet everyone and get involved. If you want to learn more about the gulf of gender inequality and enjoy reading I recommend Shami Chakrabarti's book 'Of Women'. #UNwomen #Women #Change #EqualityButton -
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The predictive brain in action 🧠 Have you heard of the term the body keeps the score? You may have read the book too. Lisa Feldman Barrett, author of How Emotions Are Made - The Secret Life Of the Brain, talks about how trauma is stored in the brain. The brain is constantly predicting what happens next based on past memories. Therefore, if you have lots of negative experiences, potentially in combination with a depleted body budget as explained below you’re likely to predict that they will occur the next time. Have you ever felt grumpy because of lack of sleep, poor diet, or insufficient exercise? A depleted body budget can result in your brain thinking that your body needs energy over and over meaning your body budget is in the red. These can all affect your perception of experiences and If you are working with a dog who is reactive you may minimise or even miss the glimmers (the good things on walks). It is really important to look after yourself when you have a reactive dog too. ❤️ This will be different for everyone based on budget and things they like to do, but here are some ideas to help yourself: Yoga – stretching and breathing are good for you and can help people calm down more quickly. Acting, improvisation can help you hash our experiences, set up lunch dates with friends and take it in turns to treat each other, read an interesting novel (so you are being plunged into someone else’s story and less involved in yours).. or if you prefer TV Corrie or Eastenders may have the same effect! You can’t pour from an empty cup. ☕ I'm running a group coaching programme in March for people who share their lives with dogs who are reactive. You can read more here if you like: https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/helping-hands---reactivity-programme---st-albans #Dogs #Reactivity #SelfCareButton -
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🐾 If you've ever experienced the frustration of your dog pulling on the lead, you're not alone. This PDF aims to provide valuable insights, practical tips, and effective techniques to help transform those walks into enjoyable, stress-free experiences for both you and your canine companion 🐾 You can download the guide here: https://st-paws-training-academy.ck.page/43a0026f27Button -
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AVOIDING ON LEAD ANGST A lot of dogs can react if they’re on lead. They can often either feel: • Trapped on a lead (and scared) • Frustrated on a lead (as they can’t access something that they want to) Behaviour can look like lunging, barking, standing on back legs, and vocalising. It is important to distinguish if the dog is scared or frustrated. Some dogs feel threatened on the lead as they can’t move away from the dog. This can often occur if the lead is kept very taught by the owner. It can also occur if the lead is kept very short as the dog physically cannot move away. Utilising a long lead so a dog can move away and around is important, as this will allow them to sniff, assess a situation and also have the freedom to move away from it if they would like to. Sniffing can be a displacement activity. If you want more guides on lead techniques join the Polite Pup Club https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/online-academyButton -
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Does the language we use in training matter? I’d say yes. Commanding a dog to do something suggests an order. A cue meanwhile suggests you have built a relationship based on trust and reward. The behaviour and training industry is unregulated. If someone you are thinking of working with uses terms such as balanced training, being the pack leader and suggests using punishment based methods avoid them. Punishment based training increases the risk of aggressive behaviour and compromises a dogs physical and mental health.Button -
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✨Delighted to have been accepted into the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC . Provisional members have demonstrated that they meet the ABTC role standard for required Knowledge and Understanding to be a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. ✨ #APBC #CAB #ClinicalAnimalBehaviourist #DogBehaviourButton -
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OBESITY This can cause osteoarthritis, hypertension and affect a dogs ability to exercise as they may be in pain on their joints and their paw pads. Some breeds can be particularly susceptible to negative effects on their health such as brachycephalic breeds who can suffer with breathing challenges already. If they find it hard to breath anyway because of their stenotic nares obesity will add to this challenge. The problem with those weight cups! A study by German et al., 2011 suggests some care givers overestimated food by a whooping 152% when using the measuring cups! Some of the weight cups have canine and feline (cat and dog) measurements on the same cup – you can easily make the mistake of feeding your pet the incorrect amount so ditch the cup and opt for weighing scales instead – this will give you the exact amount your pet should be eating. References Coe et al., (2019), Dog owner’s accuracy measuring different volumes of dry dog food using three different measuring devices, Veterinary Record. German AJ, Holden SL, Mason SL, et al. Imprecision when using measuring CUPS to weigh out extruded dry kibbled food. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 2011;95:368–73.Button -
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CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION CCD is common in dogs 8 years and older. It is described as the canine version of Alzheimer disease. Signs can include : sleep issues anxiety confusion difficulty with stairs getting lost in environments they are used to excessive vocalisation It involves vascular disease of the brain and an accumulation of (Aβ) protein. How can it’s onset be delayed? Studies suggest new toys and regular exercise may delay ccd in dogs as they get older. As always talk to your vet about options. You can join the polite pup club if you would like advice on how to make adaptions to your home to make it easier for your dog. Reference: Curtis Wells Dewey, Emma S. Davies, Huisheng Xie, Joseph J. Wakshlag, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, Volume 49, Issue 3,Button -
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PUPPY PARTIES There’s an activity called pass the puppy which concerns me. Many puppies are not used to being handled by their owner or even the breeder in some cases. Early handling is a huge component to puppy welfare with it being identified as having an impact on responses to challenges (Cirulli et al., 2003). Many people may do the following behaviours which can intimidate a puppy. These include: • Leaning over a puppy. • Squeezing them and pulling them towards their face resulting in a nip on the nose. • Not pairing any handling with treats For the puppies being handled by someone they have only just met, smelt and seen can be a concerning experience. They may have not experienced being handled by their owner that much yet, therefore being handled by a stranger can be a scary experience. If you want to find out more about puppy socialisation and doing it the right way, consider joining our puppy class: www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.ukButton -
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EASY TO MAKE TOILET TRAINING MISTAKES When you have a new puppy toilet training is often top of the list important skills to master. Here are some mistakes to avoid: -Not having treats on hand to reward your puppy. Pop a lockbox container in an easily accessible location (but away from your pup of course!) -Being over enthusiastic too soon. Reward your puppy after they have gone to the bathroom, not during -Allowing them access to areas where they are not supervised. They may go behind the sofa or find a spot beside a plant! Join the online polite pup club for more guidance on toilet training your puppy and get your questions answered: www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.ukButton -
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TAILS TELL A TALE A tail wag doesn’t always mean a dog is happy. I used to think that but it's not true. If it is stiff and wagging slightly and looks like a clock hand that is going back and forth as if it has run out of batteries it suggests a dog is feeling worried. If it is going round and round like a turbo wind mill this is a great sign. Just like we may smile when we are not happy a tail wag does not automatically mean a happy dog. Context is key! What signs does your dog show that they’re not impressed?Button -
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🌳SUNDAY STROLLS AND SUNDAY VIBES🌳 1. Explore a new walking location! If you're around St Albans, Nomansland woods offer a rich environment with wildlife like foxes, and squirrels, creating an incredibly stimulating scent experience for your dog. Ayot St Lawrence also boasts wonderful walking spots. Allowing your dog to lead the way on a "sniffari" is an excellent way for them to exercise mental energy and have some fun while venturing off the beaten path. Variety is the spice of life, and your dog will appreciate the change in scenery! 2.Treat them to a satisfying chew session. Chewing can be both entertaining and calming. Discover what types of chews your dog enjoys most, making sure to avoid anything that could splinter or shatter. 3. Dedicate 15 minutes to something they love. You know your dog's preferences best, whether it's swimming, digging, being pampered with a brush, or playing a fun game of "find it."Button -
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TEETHING Puppies have razor sharp teeth! Long dangly toys that you can redirect them on to can help prevent grabbing behaviour. Ensure they have lots of chews and remember sometimes puppy biting can be because of pain, hunger, tiredness, over excitement and play.Button -
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RESOURCE GUARDING/ POSSESSIVENESS A dog does not know that picking up certain items is wrong or dangerous. Establishing a solid leave it cue (not touching the item) and a drop cue (dropping the item) will prevent possessiveness. Ringing the doorbell or dropping treats can often get a dog to drop an item. There is a risk that they will swallow an item if you take it from their mouth, or they might bite you. Possessiveness can occur if we are consistently taking things away from dogs. They start to learn that our hands take not give. Muzzles can be a helpful tool, also consulting with your vet about their diet if they are eating things such as tissues etc.Button -
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HYPED UP, BOUNCY CASTLE PARTY BEHAVIOUR! Overstimulation in dogs can result in biting on the lead, mounting, mouthing and not being able to listen and focus. Think about your dogs triggers and where the behaviours are occurring. Do they bark at the postman? Can you block out the visual stimulation of people walking past? Are play sessions in the park broken up into sniffy activities as well as play with other dogs? Lots of chasing and high impact activities can result in a dog being overstimulated. Are you walking somewhere where it’s squirrel heaven or hell (!), this can result in a dog becoming fixated. Book a free consultation to find out how I can help https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/Button -
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Some highlights from 2023 🤩 Graduation for a postgraduate diploma in clinical animal behaviour with @thedickvet, making the final out of nearly 1000 nominations in the @everywomanuk awards and days with lots of beautiful dogs! Looking forward to what 2024 brings! 🤩🎉🎁Button -
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FIREWORKS To prevent unsettling encounters with those pesky friggin fireworks take your dog for a walk earlier in the day. Each dog has a unique temperament, and what one dog can tolerate, another may not. For highly anxious dogs (they may have hated bonfire night), consult your vet. Create safe hiding spots for your dog, such as behind the sofa, under blankets, or in a crate (without closing the crate), to provide them with a sense of security. -The bathroom could be an option as it often has small windows that help reduce noise. -If you plan to use music to drown out the sound of fireworks, introduce it well in advance rather than waiting for the fireworks to start, as sudden music can become a predictive cue. -Studies suggest a connection between pain and sound sensitivity, so it's crucial to rule out any underlying pain issues with your vet. -If your pet exhibits intense fear even with distant or quiet noises, takes several hours to recover, or reacts fearfully to various noises even at low volumes, they may be highly sound-sensitive, and you should seek further guidance from your vet. We can help with desensitising your pet to sounds, to help them feel safer.Button -
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I read a great book called ‘No Walks No Worries’ and it got me thinking about games to play with our senior companions. They may be experiencing arthritis and other conditions so here are some ideas. Let me know if there is anything you would add! Simple scent work – hide treats or your dogs kibble around the house and allow them to hunt them out. A cardboard box that is upturned on it’s side can be good fun! Layer it with paper and hide your dogs treats and toys in it, then layer it again. You can also have empty boxes so your dog searches for the treats. You can teach your dog the name of toys – just dm me and I’ll send you the instructions.Button -
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3 FUN GAMES Life is about having fun! Here are 3 fun simple and inexpensive games. Touch the target. Hold your hand out and as soon as your dog boops it with their nose say “good” and give them a treat. Repeat this and start saying the word “boop” just before you present your hand. You can transfer this on to different items. Grab a towel/blanket and layer it with some treats for your dog to find. They will be using their incredible nose! Teach them to read! Get a piece of paper and write the word sit on it. Present it to your pup and say sit. Say yes if they do and give them a treat. Repeat this. Then practice without the word. Just present the sign and give your dog lots of treats if they read the sign. Want more ideas? Join our polite pup club! https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/online-academyButton -
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Well done to our puppy class graduates Axl, Flynn, Biru and Isla! Looking forward to meeting some new puppies on Thursday! #PuppyClass #Puppy #PolitePupButton -
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PHANTOM PREGNANCY IN DOGS This is when a dog shows signs of pregnancy but they are not actually pregnant. Signs can include: Lethargy. Nesting – where they bring blankets or other toys to their bed. Swollen belly. Becoming attached to a toy. There are lots considerations when neutering a female dog including age and timing. Reach out.Button -
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WHAT DOG BALLS TO GET 🎾 Chuck it balls don’t get wet and soggy and many of them have holes in so a dogs air way is not restricted if the ball got caught in their throat (depending on the position). Throwing a ball into the long grass can help your dog engage their powerful nose. Placing treats in a baking tin and then popping a ball on top so your dog has to hunt for the treats can be a fun and low impact game. Join the polite pup club for more information.Button -
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Merry Christmas. Thank you for supporting my small business this year. I’ve loved meeting and helping new dogs and their people this year. Have fun and be merry! What did your dog get?Button -
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Day 24 - our last installment of the Christmas Countdown Calendar as tomorrow is the big day! I hope you've found the content helpful and if you want to know about something else let me know. The video at the start is a snippet from raising the criteria for a dog. She could cope with me moving my arms initially but as they got more exuberant it was too much and she jumped. I then adjusted what i was doing (less movement) to set her up for success. #ChristmasCountdown #Training #DogTrainingButton -
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🎁 Christmas Countdown Day 23 - stress signs 🐕 Christmas may be a time friends and children come to visit. This can be intense for some dogs. #Dog #DogStress #BodyLanguageButton -
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Christmas Countdown Calendar - Day 22! 🎁 This time we have a lovely guest blog from Ellie at @exactdoggrooming - she gives advice on how to help habituate your puppy to grooming. There will always be time we need to give a dog a bath - fox poo is eau de doggie! Thanks Ellie for the advice! Head over to the Knowlege Centre on our website. Want more advice? Ping me an email to join the waiting list for the Polite Pup Club - have access to courses, how to guides and live sessions with me. Next intake is January. #Puppy #Grooming #PuppyTrainingButton -
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PULLING ON THE LEAD This can be an infuriating behaviour and particularly painful. Sometimes dogs pull on the lead to get home – this is a different theme, this post will focus on lead pulling from an over stimulation/excited aspect. -Health Pulling on a collar has been shown to increase pressure inside dog's eye (Pauli et al., 2006) In brachycephalic dogs, such as the pug and french bulldog pulling on the collar can exacerbate breathing challenges due to the way their face is designed. Senn et al., describes how brachycephalic obstruction airway syndrome arises due to a mismatch in the proportion of the skull and soft tissues within the animals nose. Clinical signs include laboured breathing and heat intolerance – perspiration and increased respiration are consequences of exercise. The majority of airway resistance happens in the nasal cavity and with this skull type the dogs have narrowed nostrils – ‘stenotic nares’. The nostrils can resist airflow and thus the animal may have heavy, laboured breathing. -The lead Think about the position of the lead. If you're yanking it or holding it tightly this can exacerbate pulling. Try and aim for a nice smile in the lead. A lead that is suitable for your dog's weight is important so that it does not break. Flexi leads can be dangerous if they get caught around the dog's or walkers legs. -Reward what you like Ensure you're rewarding your dog for looking up at you and in your direction. Reward them with a tasty treat. If you're concerned about weight gain then reduce your dog's food at meal time. Having a treat pouch will mean you can access the treats easily - there's a lot to handle when training loose lead walking!Button -
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Christmas countdown day 21 🎁 Safety at Christmas 💙 #Christmas #Pets #Dogs #ChristmasCountdownButton -
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Christmas Countdown Day 20 🎁 3 things you can do to make your dog smile. Do 10 mins of something they love - a walk in the woods or a game of tug. You know what they like best 🐕 Go for a walk somewhere new - the enriching smells will interest them 🌳 Give them a big fat chew to enjoy! ❤️ Christmas Countdown Calendar - Day 22! 🎁 Want more inspiration? Ping me an email to join the waiting list for the Polite Pup Club - have access to courses, how to guides and live sessions with me. Next intake is January. #Dogs #DogButton -
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SCARED PUPPIES Here are some body language signs a puppy is scared in a situation with other dogs. Rather than curved approaches, face on approaches where the head and spine are aligned can be threatening to dogs. Eyes - staring and dilated pupils suggests a dog is worried. Equally a whale eye - where the dog shows the whites of their eye suggests they are scared. Paws - If a dog raises their paw it suggests they are unsure. Muzzle - tension around this area and a closed mouth rather than lolling tongues suggests trouble ahead. Body - if the other dog leans away and they lick their lip quickly this is a sign that they are worried. Hiding - if your dog hides behind you they are asking for your help. Mounting should be avoided and if one dog is constantly chasing the other and the dog is not reciprocating and does not approach the dog this should be broken up. If you are worried then walk the other way and return to play another day. You can't undo things so it's best to just get out of the situation.Button -
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Christmas countdown - Day 19 🎁 CHRISTMAS STRESS STACKING Body language is important all year round, but Christmas time can be a source of stress for some dogs with new visitors, crackers making noises and tipsy uncles! Did you know that laying down with a leg up can be a sign of fear? It does not always mean a dog wants a belly rub! It is on Kendal Shepherds ladder of aggression and should be considered if you are doing something with your dog such as wiping their paws, or visiting the vets. Look out for other body language signs such as lip licking and showing the whites of their eyes. Make sure your dog has: 💤A place to relax and not be disturbed. 🐕People are aware of any painful areas they have and aware not to touch them. 🐾Things to chew. #Dogs #Christmas #Behaviour #DogBehaviourist #Dogs #Awareness #Dog #SpeakDog #Stress #MentalHealthButton -
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Christmas countdown day 17 🎁 Recall and distractions #Puppy #RecallButton -
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Christmas coundown day 16 - off lead dogs running towards your on lead dog. Don't forget to breathe! The Yellow Dog Company have lots of great gear 💛 https://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk #Dogs #DogTipsButton -
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WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT BALL CHUCKING? I follow the page Canine Arthritis Management and have learnt a lot about ball chucking with ball throwers that I wanted to share with you. It can cause a dog to break, skid and stop on the surface and twist their spine when they turn to catch the ball. They result in repetitive activities and hyper excitable activities which can result in over stimulation. This can also look like clothes grabbing. A dog will still do it if they are in pain. Slippery surfaces can be especially dangerous. Cortisol is released with ball chucking. Scentwork is a fun activity which incorporates sniffing and is a low impact activity. Christmas Countdown Calendar - Day 22! 🎁 Would you like to be in the know? Ping me an email to join the waiting list for the Polite Pup Club - have access to courses, how to guides and live sessions with me. Next intake is January. #Puppy #DogButton -
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Christmas countdown day 15 🎁 - body temperature in dogs. #Dogs #DogFirstAidButton -
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WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR TERRIFIC TERRIER? 🧡 A sandpit in the garden can be fun for terriers so they can dig for their toys. Short games of tug can be fun too. Encourage them to sniff with the game ‘find it’. Sprinkle treats and while their nose is engaged and working say the words ‘find it’ over and over. What games does your terrier love? Are you thinking about welcoming a terrier or another breed home? Join the polite pup club to find out all about different breeds and how you can enhance your dogs life: https://www.stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk/online-academy.Button -
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Christmas countdown calendar - day 14 🎁 It is important to remember that behaviours can occur because of a range of different emotions. A frustrated dog can bark and lunge - this can look like reactivity and fear but actually sometimes it's just frustration. They want to say hello - but the lead is preventint them. This is important as the way we handle this would be different. Equally a dog can bark and lunge and approach a dog even if they are scared of them (sometimes offence is the best defence). #Behaviour #DogBehaviourButton -
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Congratulations to our graduates Monty, Delilah and Peggy! Thank you for the scrummy biccies 🎄 #PuppyClass #Puppy #DogsButton -
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UNPOPULAR OPINION – HARNESSES Harnesses aren’t always the best option. There are about 700 plus harnesses on Amazon (and other reputable retailers!!), so it can be hard to find the right one and there are many designed for us and our preferences rather than the dogs. For example I saw a harness that had angel wings on, which is incredibly cute and pleasing for us, but likely to be grabbed and chewed on by dogs in the park – so definitely not a good option for the dog wearing it. Here is some info I hope you find helpful: Think about the design of the harness. If your dog has thick hair it may mat depending on some harnesses. Look at the clip location. If you pull it does it constrict around the chest/neck? This is something to avoid. Will it chafe under your dogs arm pits? Do you have to lift up your dogs legs to put it on? Lots of dogs find this uncomfortable. Does it restrict their movement at all and does it have attachments that could get caught on branches? If your dog has sticky up ears and big eyes a harness going over their head can be very uncomfortable. Also as your dog grows you’ll need a new harness. Perfect Fit have options where you can purchase different parts as your little one grows. Why not join the Polite Pup Club to get more information on harnesses and other equipment so you're not purchasing something that makes your dog sore . #Dogs #DogBehaviour #DogTraining Button -
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BABY GATES 🐾 Baby gates are excellent tools. Here’s why: They can keep your dog safe – they can’t run out of the door if the baby gate is locked and tall enough! They can help prevent your dog following you around everywhere which is important for their emotional resilience to stop separation related challenges from forming. They can be great tools to separate cats and dogs while you are working on building their relationship. Did you/do you have a baby gate? #Dogs #DogTraining #DogBehaviour #ManagementButton -
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Festive dangers 🍫 🍸💊 . For day 13 of the Christmas countdown I will be talking about festive dangers like glass baubles, baileys, crackers and party poppers. #Puppy #Christmas #PreparationButton -
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SLEEP 💤🥱 Sleep is so important for dogs! Dogs need time to sleep and relax. Noisy environments, busy homes and lack of opportunities to rest can compromise dogs wellbeing. Here are some tips on encouraging your dog to get some all important shut eye. Have a cosy spot that is layered with cushions and blankets for them to rest on. Have a variety of resting spots available so they can choose. Have a routine so they are used to going to sleep at regular intervals. Make sure they are warm/cool enough. Do an activity budget for your dog – see what they get up to. What percentage of their day is sleeping, playing, exercising, chewing, eating, enrichment. This can give you a good overview of what percentage of their day is spent asleep. Do you get grumpy if you have less sleep? #Dogs #DogBehaviour #DogTraining #InfoButton -
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Christmas countdown calendar.. day 12 🎁 This one is all about little bundles of joy... puppies! Here are 5 things you can do to start things off on the right paw.Button -
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ARE PUPPIES BLANK SLATES? Puppies are not blank slates. Their early experiences with the breeder can all have an impact on their behaviour as can the genes they inherit. Lots of studies show that trauma and maternal stress can cause stress susceptibility and this can be inherited through generations. Therefore a dam (mother) can pass stress on to puppies. It is not true that getting a puppy that is a same breed as another will mean that they have the same personality. Positive interactions such as play may increase resilience. Resilience is important to help dogs bounce back from experiences. Does any of this surprise you? Is your pup nervous of certain things? #PuppyTraining #DogTraining #BehaviourBites Button -
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Christmas countdown tip - day 11 🌲 Muzzle training 🐾 Muzzle training is a life skill. If a dog has an accident and is in acute pain, it can lash out (it does not matter if this is the friendliest dog in the world). The right muzzle can allow a dog to be safe and keep vets safe too. Here are tips: 1. THE PERFECT FIT Ensure it's the right size for your dog's muzzle and they can still pant, breathe and take treats from it. Different face shapes will require different styles. 2. TRAIN BEFORE YOU NEED IT Introduce it from a young age if possible so that your dog has built up positive associations with it. A dog may wear a muzzle because they are reactive or pick up rubbish. 3. HAVE TREATS TO HAND Have tasty treats to fill the muzzle with. This can include liver paste or squeezy cheese. 4. SLOW AND STEADY Go at the dog's pace, not your own! We are very goal orientated and it's important to do everything in stages so that your dog is comfortable. 5. PAIR IT WITH GOOD THINGS Pair it with walks and treats and things your dog enjoys! 6. WATCH BODY LANGUAGE Look for signs a dog is not comfortable when training such as showing the whites of their eyes, tension, running off. You can get money off Muzzles with the @the.muzzle.movement shop with the code STPAWSTRAINING #Muzzle #MuzzleUp #DogsButton -
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For the Christmas countdown calendar ✨ we will be talking about overstimulation. A child who goes to two parties in a row where there is candy floss, bouncy castles, cake, coca cola, smarties and musical chairs probably will have a very fun time but they are likely to be wired and very overstimulated. The same thing can occur in dogs if they are in an environment where there is sensory overload. This could involve puzzle feeders that they pick up and drop and clatter or intense running around with other dogs. This can result in mounting/humping behaviours, inability to focus and pulling on the lead. It could thought that doing high impact exercise will help tire a dog out – things such as ball throwing, running or intense activities such as fly ball. If a dog takes part in these things they will build up stamina and need this level of stimulation. Instead, activities that engage the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest) such as sniffing and foraging and licking could help. Check out Ace Connections on Facebook for more on free work. Share this with someone you think would find it helpful. #Dogs #DogTraining #DogBehaviour Button -
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Christmas countdown tip day 🎁 Allow your puppy to experience different surfaces such as - sand - stone - shiny surfaces - slippery surfaces - concrete - grass - wet surfaces - wobbly ones this is so they get used to the sensations they may feel on walks. Want more advice on raising your puppy? Ping me an email to join the waiting list for the Polite Pup Club - have access to courses, how to guides and live sessions with me. Next intake is January. #Puppy #Training #Pup #ChristmasCountdownButton -
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I provide free talks in schools about how to care for dogs. I think this is important because it teaches children kindness and compassion for living creatures who have feelings. This compassion and thoughtfulness can translate into other areas of their life including caring for people less fortunate and the environment too. Here are some easy ways children can care for pets as well as some games • Filling up their water bowl. • Attending vet visits when appropriate so they learn that pets need health care and how preventative health care such as flea treatment is important. • Simple scent work sessions. Hiding treats around the home and in the garden is a fun activity and great for bonding! Hiding behind a tree can be fun for recall. Meat flavoured bubbles can be fun - just make sure they are not blown directly in the dogs face. What things does your child do for your dog? #DogBehaviour #DogTraining #Dogs #ChildrenButton -
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3 toilet training tips on our Christmas countdown calendar. ✨ Reward your dog with lots of praise when they go in the right place ✨Repeat a word such as quick quick while they are peeing. Do this calmly. It will help them associate the word with going ✨Be boring! Don't give your puppy lots of fuss before they have been and pop toys away. #PuppyTraining #Puppy #TipsButton -
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Day 7 of the Christmas countdown 🎅 HELPING DOGS TO BE ALONE Separation anxiety or separation related problems aren’t just a dog defecating or chewing in someone’s absence, although that’s what the press would make you believe! They can be a lot more subtle and including pacing, salivating, starting and barking. Separation related challenges don’t go away so it’s important to reach out for help. Here is some guidance on helping a dog get used to being alone. Don’t allow them to follow you everywhere. Baby gates can be a great tool. Have a settle mat that they can relax on and do nothing. Don’t leave them with chew toys every time you leave or put the tv on as this can be a predictive cue that you’re leaving. Pop a cushion between you and your dog if you’re on the sofa together so your dog gets used to not having body heat all the time. Set up a camera to see what your dog does when they are alone. It can be tempting to be around a puppy all the time but then the puppy gets used to having constant companionship so do short departures straight away. Calmly reward relaxed behaviour – capture calmness – quietly say “good” when they are engaged in relaxed behaviours. #SepAnx #Dogs #DogBehaviour #DogTrainingButton -
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Some of the gorgeous puppies in puppy class! Wait to see exponential growth of those little legs in 3 weeks! #Puppy #PuppyClass #StAlbansButton -
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IS DAY CARE A GOOD IDEA TO SOCIALISE MY DOG WHEN THEY ARE SCARED OF OTHER DOGS? If a dog is growling, lunging or barking at other dogs people may say that you need to socialise them. What does this mean though? People seem to interpret that word differently. I see videos of uncontrolled free for all’s where dogs are bouncing off each other in the name of socialisation, presumably to help a dog ‘get used to it’. This can leave lasting negative emotions and connotations with dogs. This does not help a dog who is scared. If a dog learns that barking and lunging or growling does not work then they can shut down. Shut down does not, though it may look, like the dog is calm and relaxed – they have just learnt that their behaviour is not having an effect. The stress is still there and will overfill elsewhere. A dog won’t overcome their fear by being placed into overwhelming situations with lots of other dogs. It’s best to work with someone to help them overcome their fears. I know there are alot of people on tik tok and tv that would make you think that issues are fixed quickly but remember anyone can edit anything they want! #Dogs #DogBehaviour #DogTraining #Flooding Button -
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Day 6 of our Christmas Calendar Daily Tip Countdown! 🎄Grooming... get your puppy used to the brush and comb for a few moments every day on different parts of their body. That can help with future grooming. 🐕 #Grooming #Dogs #Puppy #PupsButton -
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Today was the day! So lovely to meet all the other finalists in person. It was a brilliant celebrating everyones achievements today! I was at the 21st everywoman awards - an awards ceremony founded by Karen Gill MBE and Maxine Benson MBE. Great to hear of all the women starting, growing, scaling and their businesses across the UK and helping so many. 💪Brilliant to see the @princestrust Trust was a supported charity too . They were an amazing source of support. I was even in the same room as the lady who was the voice of Peppa Pig... 🐖🐷 .. a year of firsts! We got sparkly…🪩🪩🪩🪩🎉🎉🎉 @everywomanuk #Business #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneur #ewentrepreneurawardsButton -
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Well done to all the finalists and winners at @everywomanuk . So many amazing businesses in the room. 💪What a super day ✨✨✨ #PrincesTrust #Business #WomenSupportingWomen #Everywoman #WomenInBusinessButton -
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THINKING ABOUT GETTING A SENIOR DOG? Oldies are golden! Here are some things to consider if you are welcoming an older dog home. Obviously different dogs will have different needs but here are some considerations: Rotate their toys to keep them novel. Invest in some raised bowls so they don’t have to crick their neck to eat and drink. Make sure it’s easily accessible. Purchase a jacket asking people to make sure they give your dog some space. Big bouncy introductions and puppies nipping at them won’t be appreciated by lots of dogs. Slippery surfaces can aggravate pain so covering them with rugs and carpets with non slip tape will help. Be aware of loose wires and things around the house that your dog could stumble on. Use ramps and steps to help a dog get in and out of the car. Think about their nutrition and health needs - they will be different. Is there anything you’d add? If you’re thinking of getting a dog and want some advice book a free consultation to find out how I can help (link in bio). #SeniorDog #Dogs #DogTraining Button -
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DOG BREEDS – WHAT’S TINDER GOT TO DO WITH IT? DON’T GET ALL ADVICE FROM PEOPLE IN THE PARK Have you ever dated someone purely based on looks? Did their hobbies, values and general personality not come into it? This may seem an odd question on a dog related platform, but bear with me think about this in terms of welcoming a dog home? Many people will base their decision on how a dog looks. There are a few issues with this. Dogs come with breed specific traits. Take spaniels for example. Spaniels are dogs who love to carry things in their mouth, they need a job or they get very bored and become self-employed. They are busy dogs and have lots of energy. If you have a small home, without a garden and don’t have lots of time to invest into training this is a bad match. As you’ll know there are so many dogs without homes living in rescue at the moment, so before welcoming any dog home really consider if you have the time and research the breed and whether it is right for you and your family. If you’d like support, join the online polite pup club for guidance. What advice would you give to someone when choosing a dog? #Spaniels #Dogs #WhatDog #DogTraining Button -
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Welcome to day 5 of St Paws Daily Training and Behaviour Tip Calendar! 🎁 Embracing play with your dog can help cement bonds and keep them interested in you. If they are in your magic circle they will realise fun happens around you and there recall will improve as they naturally won't go further away. Try different toys and see what your dog likes the best based on past experience. Think about their breed needs- do they dig or do they carry? Think about what games you love to play the most with your dog. That will keep you both entertained. Play is powerful.. have fun! Video desc: A beautiful Vizsla is running around the grass with a pink kong wubba! He is wearing a blue harness. A wubba is a round shaped toy with a squeak in. It has long pieces of material sticking out from it so the dog can shake it. #Christmas #Dogs #Tip5 #Training #BehaviourButton -
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SHOULD YOU AVOID DOGS WHO COME FROM RESCUE? Dogs can find themselves in a rescue environment for a host of different reasons. Many times it is not to do with physical or behaviour reasons. It could be that: • Their owners are going through a divorce • Can no longer afford them – their financial circumstances may have changed and they may be facing redundancy. The cost of living crisis is having a huge impact. • They may be allergic. A good rescue centre will take a full overview of a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing as well as any training they need. They can give a good picture of the dogs current behaviour and will have looked at them via various stimuli such as cats, children and noises. They will look at whether you are a good fit for the dog as well as them for you. Many of the dogs will be that bit older so toilet training won’t be needed and razor sharp puppy teeth won’t be experienced! There are lots of gorgeous dogs in rescue, young and old waiting for a new home. 🏡 #Dogs #RescueDog #DogBehaviour #DogTraining Button -
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Christmas countdown - day 4 🎄. When purchasing a long lead to practice recall think about the texture of the lead, the length, weight and that it won't chafe or slip out of your hand. Also is it suitable for your dogs weight? #LeadTips #Leash #Dogs #DogTrainingButton -
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Day 3 ✨ A settle station can be a great way of encoraging your dog to relax rather than run towards the door or jump up. I recommend it is a different place to their bed which is a place for them to sleep and relax (like a bedroom is for kids). #Dogs #ChristmasCountdown #TipsButton -
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Tip 2 from the Christmas Countdown. How to handle puppy nipping ✨ A puppy can nip because they are: - tired - overstimulated - hungry - teething #Puppy #Nipping #DogTraining #DogBehaviourButton -
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Happy #SmallBusinessSaturday! Check out @smallbizsatuk for some awesome businesses to support! Remember I'm at the great pet shop @creature_comforts_southdown 2-4pm #ShopLocal #Shop #SupportSmallBusinessButton -
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Welcome to our Christmas countdown tip! Here is day 1 🌲 #NoticeTheGood #Dogs #DogTraining #DogBehaviourButton -
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IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN? Did you know there is a huge link between pain and problem behaviour in dogs and cats. Here is some information from a paper by Daniel Mills and colleagues. The paper is open access on MDPI so check it out. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/2/318 • Chronic musculoskeletal pain and aggressive behaviour and noise sensitivities can be linked. • An animal who is painful will be more anxious • Aggression can help prevent interaction with dogs and people – therefore aggressive displays can work. • Hip pain can result in a reluctance to sit. Ouch! • Arthritic pain can cause house soiling in cats as its painful to walk in and out of the litter tray. This can also occur with dogs who are arthritic. •Clinginess can be due to pain • Calming behaviours such as yawning (this is on the ladder of aggression) may increase endorphins and help assist with pain temporarily. This is why vet checks are so imperative before working with a behaviourist. Otherwise you may be doing things that don’t help or even make things worse. There is no point attempting to shove a square in a round hole. I've got a sore knee but I still head to the @onepeloton 🚴 #VetCheck #Dogs #BeAwareButton -
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JUMPING UP Quite often a dog is inadvertently reinforced for jumping up. We give eye contact, touch them or speak to them. Remember to reward for all four paws on the floor and start this from puppyhood. #rewardon4paws #puppytraining #dogsjumping #hertfordshire Button -
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UNPOPULAR OPINION – CRYING DOGS You may have heard that you should let a dog ‘cry it out’ so they can learn to ‘self soothe’. You may have heard that if you go to your dog every time that they cry that you’ll be making a rod for your back and teach them to cry. For people who have bought a new puppy home and are having sleepless nights and are just knackered, it’s understandable that they will try to do whatever will help. Let’s unpack this a bit. When a puppy first comes home they are in a place where there are new sights, sounds and smells. They are away from everything they ever knew including their mother and litter mates which provided warmth and companionship. It is highly likely it will take them some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Leaving them to cry will heighten their stress response and may lead them to go into panic mode. Panic mode can have outward signs that are listed below. Separation related problems may include: Destruction Such as biting, chewing, or scratching. Vocal Expression Including barking, whining, or howling. Excretion Problems Involving urination, defecation, or even vomiting. It's important to note that there can be individual variation in the specific signs presented. Additionally, owners may also observe: Pre-departure or during departure behaviours, like: Reluctance to remain in their bed crate or room Exhibiting aggressive behaviour towards the owner. Loss of Appetite Not eating or drinking when home alone. Inability to Achieve Rest or Relaxation Demonstrated through actions like pacing, vigilant monitoring at windows or doors, or resting with open eyes. It’s important to reach out for help if you need it. Book a free consultation to find out how I can help (link in bio). #Dogs #DogBehaviour #DogTrainingButton -
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PREVENTING ISSUES AT XMAS There are lots of changes around Christmas time which can overwhelm some dogs. Here are some adaptations that you can make to help your dog stress less and keep them safe: Make sure they have a safe haven to get away from all the merriment. Make sure children (or adults!) don’t disturb them. Make sure visitors don’t leave glasses on the floor or chocolates on the side. While a dog may tolerate or enjoy being hugged by you, their human, being hugged by a complete stranger can be scary and overwhelming for many dogs. Ask visitors not to do this. Narrow areas such as hallways can be crowded and scary for dogs as they don’t have exit points. Utilise baby gates so your dog can move away. Crackers and party poppers can scare dogs. #adogisforlife #christmastime #dogtrainingtips #keepyourdogsafe #dogtipsforchristmasButton -
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Hey @theopaphitis I am a dog trainer and animal behaviourist. Here is one of my puppy class graduates! ✨ #SBS #Puppy #PuppyClass #PuppyTrainingButton -
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DOGS AND AUTISM Autism can result in social challenges, repetitive behaviours and difficulty with conflict management. The charity dogs for good in association with the Uni of Lincoln did some research and found that owning a pet dog could research stress in parents who had an autistic child. It is open access and you can read it here: https://www.dogsforgood.org/how-we-help/family-dog/research-project/ #autismanddogs #dogsforgoodButton -
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I had an incredible time graduating at @edinburghuniversity in clincial animal behaviour with @thedickvet. What a day! ✨🏴 Thanks to my Mum for all her support and for all my great colleagues #EdinburghGrad #Graduation #AnimalBehaviourist #DogTraining #DogBehaviour @thedickvetButton -
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STRESS IN THE WOMB Are you thinking of welcoming a puppy home? Here are some things to ask the breeder: How many litters has the mother had? They should not have had more than 4. Where are they bred? It’s important to see that the area is clean and the conditions they live in are good. Have they been screened for inheritable conditions? Can you see the mum and dad? Did the mother have a c – section or natural birth? The mother should not have lots of c – sections. This is not an exhaustive list and there are lots of other aspects to consider. Please reach out if you have any questions. #stressinwomb #destress #dogadvice #puppyadvice #dogtraining #hertfordshireButton -
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LADIES AND LADS IN THE PARK Lots of people will have an opinion on the best thing for you dog, despite you requesting otherwise. Here are some things you can do to get out of a situation if you find that an off lead dog is hurtling towards yours and yours is reactive/nervous/recovering from an op: Shout that your dog is sick – this often works better than my “dog tells other dogs off” sometimes an infuriating response is “that’s fine, he needs to be put in his place”. Throw treats in the direction of the other dog. Train your dog with a “let’s go” cue. Quickly turn on your heel and reward your dog for following. Say the words “let’s go as you do”. Book a free consultation to find out how I can help (link in bio). #DogTraining #StAlbans #Dogs #ReactivityButton -
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Well done Hugo and Percy our ace adolescent graduates! We missed you Bear and Blueberry! Our next class starts 21st Dec - see you then! https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=29596072 #Training #Dog #StAlbansButton -
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Cats navigate the world through their sense of smell. We cannot comprehend how important it is to them. Being able to smell a new dog when they arrive while they are in a different room is not enough. The preparations have to come way before that... ask the dog breeder/centre to post you a small blanket that has been rubbed on the dog (ask them to pop it in a zippable sandwich bag) and rub it around your house so your cat can smell it. Leave it around for your cat to smell. Then gradually gently rub it on your cat. This can really help and they are steps not to miss. Do the same with your cat's scent - post the cloth to the dog breeder/centre.Button -
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Pop this one at the top of your to do list :)Button -
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We love our golden oldies! Advocate for your dog by asking people with puppies to only allow polite interactions - no ear or tail biting or pulling! Get lots of non slip rugs (this is recommended for any dog of any age!) See what adaptations you can make to your home to make life easier - make different resting spots available.Button -
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Not a nice thought but it can happen.. with any breed! - Try to avoid shouting or screaming, as it can exacerbate the situation. · Seek assistance from others. · If the dog is not wearing a harness or collar, fashion a makeshift leash using a belt or tie and safely secure it on the dog. · Apply pressure to the bite (push into it) do not attempt to pull them apart. · Employ a bite stick, such as a wooden spoon, to separate them (refrain from using your hands). Insert the bite stick into the roof of the dog's mouth. · Utilize a three-legged wooden chair to pry them apart. That will keep your hands away. · Throwing water can sometimes be effective if it is near the dogs mouth - if they need to cough they will release. · Try obstructing their view with a blanket.Button -
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A dog can experience a fear period. It often occurs in adolescence and they can be wary of sights and sounds. Here are some body language signs that suggest a dog may be uncomfortable with interactions (as with all body language context is key) Ears: Pinned back. Tail: Tucked underneath their body. Stiff short and fast wag. Face: Tension in their forehead. Head tucked. Moving head away. Showing the whites of their eyes (whale eye). Licking their nose very quickly. Yawning. Blinking eyes. Body: Moving away and hiding behind you. Stiffening up and freezing. Cowering. Shake off (as if they are shaking off water). Hackles raised (fur on the back).Button -
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I'm loving one to one sessions with this gorgeous girl. She was rescued from Bosnia. She's doing a super job of her recall training. Looking forward to seeing her soon. #Dogs #RescuedDogs #DogTrainingButton -
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Prong collars consist of a series of metal links with blunted spikes on the inside. When a prong collar is tightened, these blunted spikes apply pressure to the dog's neck. Why I don't recommend these: They cause pain. They do not teach the dog what to do instead. Pain and discomfort can lead to stress. Stress can contribute to stress stacking and aggressive behaviour. The dogs are at risk of ear and eye injuries with these contraptions.Button -
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Me and Doobie made a trip to Kimpton Primary School to do a talk about dog care and safety to year 2 children. They asked some brilliant questions about how many animals the @the_blue_cross have helped and how to tell if a dog without a tail is happy. ✨ It was a blast to the past as this was the first school I ever did a talk with the Blue Cross for when I started volunteering for them 7 yrs ago! 💙 #BlueCross #Education #Talks #DogsButton -
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A puppies temperament is dependent on their genes and their environment. It is thought that the critical socialisation period for puppies is between 3-12 weeks1, therefore there are many things we can do to help prevent fear and aggression in our puppies, as early life experiences can shape behaviour. A puppy should have as many positive experiences as possible with different sights, sounds, people and surfaces. Socialising means socialising them to things that they will have interactions with such as other animals, people and children. Habituation relates to a puppy getting used to things in the environment so they hear, see them but they do not evoke a response (such as the sound of a car). They should also be habituated to being handled with focus being placed on their paws, tail, ears and face to help prepare them for handling by vets, groomers and others in their life. Early handling can help a puppy cope with stress. Allowing them to explore the item and move away if they want to is key (they shouldn’t for example, be passed from person to person, this is likely to be scary for them). Pair experiences with treats and watch things from a safe distance, then get closer and closer. You can make a list in your phone and note your puppies response so you can spot any items /situations that they are unsure of and work on these in steps. Classical conditioning is when you pair a stimulus such as food with another stimulus such as the sound of a whistle. Button -
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WEBINAR TIME! This time it's all about puppies, puppies are precious. 🐶Here's what we will be covering: Get clarity on what socialisation and habituation exercises to focus on first to set your puppy up for success. Be in the know regarding canine body language and how to avoid challenges from arising. Find out about puppy nipping prevention and also toilet training to avoid wet socks! Sign up here https://st-paws-training-academy.ck.page/afeeca7026 #Puppy #Dog #WebinarButton -
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Yesterday was enrichment day! Here are some ideas: Kong wobblers A kong wobbler can be a fun tool for your dog! You can put their kibble inside (fill it right to the top at first) so they know what do do. Splish splash splosh A swimming pool that a dog can splash in can be great fun. A sandbox that has a lid on can be used to hide toys and let a dog dig them out. Rotate your chews and toys Keep them varied and interesting so that your dog does not get bored of them. Sniffing on walks Allow a dog to sniff around the edges of the field that hasn't been walked on alot. It will smell more interesting! Contact hello@stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk to be added to the waiting list for our enrichment boxes! They are delivered to your door with instructions for a specific behaviour in mind. #Enrichment #Dogs #WorldEnrichmentDayButton -
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Muzzles 🐕🦺 I saw a dog wearing a muzzle in the park. There were dogs running up to it and the dog was visibly distressed. It was recovering from an operation. The owner said "oh it's okay to say hi my dog is wearing a muzzle." Wearing a muzzle may protect the dogs from getting bitten but it does not protect the dog emotionally. Regardless of whether they wear a muzzle or not their feelings around dogs are still the same and are likely to become worse because they are being exposed to lots of them. Training, behavioural modification and management (choosing where to walk them) and what situations we put them in will help change their emotions, but just wearing a muzzle won’t. #Muzzles #MuzzleUp #BodyLanguage Button -
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🌺 this Remembrance Day we're thinking of all the people and animals who supported and helped during the war and those that lost their lives. 🐖 Tripitz the pig was a mascot on HMS Glasgow - what a cutie! Pigs are incredibly intelligent. 🏇 Horses and mules helped to carry ammunition and faced extreme weathers in different countries. 🐕Dogs ran messages, laid telegraph wires, detected mines, and help to dig out bomb victims. 🕊 Pigeons did an incredible job and saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages, sometimes over long distances, when other methods of communication were impossible... there was no zoom back then! 🐈Cats were faithful companions on board ships to soldiers and did what they do best.. hunting rodents on ships. Has anyone seen the beautiful animals in war memorial in Park Lane? https://lnkd.in/egXY8uip #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #Animals #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmallButton
Testimonials
“We recently completed 3 weeks of private one-on-one training sessions with Lisa and are SO glad we did so!
Our keeshond puppy was only around 3 months but was extremely receptive to the training.
Every session was packed with information and Lisa expertly answered every question we had with great suggestions.
We will definitely be getting in tocuh if we need further training sessions in the future!”
Ash & Kirby
“I have just completed the 5 week puppy class with Lisa and both me and my Beagle Hugo really enjoyed the classes. Lisa gave us really useful tips and lots of support to make some really good progress.
Hugo was very excited in the classes but having the information sent out after the session too meant it was easy to replicate and practice at home. It was also great to meet some like minded puppy parents to chat through challenges!
I would definitely recommend Lisa's classes.
Karen & Hugo
“We recently completed the 5-week puppy class and had a brilliant experience.
Lisa was very friendly, knowledgeable and patient and we would definitely recommend her to other new puppy owners. E
ach session was structured, informative and fun and our puppy loved them.
We learned loads and Lisa answered all our questions, thanks so much!”
Tom & Teddy
“Lisa helped us with our pup a few months ago.
Lisa was super professional and really took the time to understand our pup and us prior to training her.
She provided videos of their training sessions which were super helpful and talked us through everything needed to continue the training at home!
I’d highly recommend Lisa!!”
Rhema & Mochi
My dog Monty and I had a great experience working with Lisa at St Paws. I'd been struggling with him being quite nervous around other dogs, and reacting and growling as a result. We worked on association with other dogs and Lisa shared alot of things to train in to help us in different situations. It's a long process but we've definitely seen positive progress and continue to work on what Lisa has taught us. Lisa was very patient, gave lots of good insights and clearly has alot of experience and knowledge around dogs, their triggers and reactions.
Sarah, Brixton (but travelled to St Albans for the in person sessions)
I've seen a definite improvement over the course of the sessions.
Karen
We can leave him longer than in the first week now. It feels we are heading in the right direction.
Tracey
Lisa is a calm well organised teacher - Tyson has really enjoyed and was relaxed in the classes. Lisa made it fun.
Kam
Lisa is great! Very passionate and knowledgable.
Matt
We like that you are proactive in getting to know the puppies and checking on their progress. Being able to ask questions to get answers tailored to our issues. We also really liked tips on recall, like, "touch" command or "spin" to divert dog's attention from jumping.
Michael
The sessions were fun!
Kirsty
Lisa is very clear and understanding in helping us through the training and very patient. I felt listened to and Lisa answered all my questions with background explanations to clarify, which was very helpful
Sarah, St Albans
The children found Lisa very helpful, friendly and informative. She was very inclusive with them, and did not make any of us feel that we asked a silly/pointless question.
Naomi
Lisa was amazing and the training techniques were so useful. She understood our dogs needs, listened to our concerns and it was great working with her!
Jane
Lisa was great at formulating and communicating the plan. She provided amazing support not only during sessions but over messages and calls in between. Lisa was particularly kind. I am finding the experience difficult and she has showed amazing compassion which I really appreciate. I was surprised by the level of support and advice Lisa provided. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities and shows clear understanding and knowledge, as well as a love and passion for what she’s doing. She also displays good humour which I always appreciate! The literature, links and videos she sent me has been extremely useful. Lisa does not advocate for punitive techniques which had been advised to me by countless people. She explained to me why these are not effective.
I am very glad I chose her to help me with my puppy and I feel confident that with her help I’ll have a happy, well trained canine companion.
I am very glad I chose her to help me with my puppy and I feel confident that with her help I’ll have a happy, well trained canine companion.
Josie
CONTACT
01727537289
hello@stpawstrainingacademy.co.uk
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Lisa Sinnott BA (Hons). Dog Behaviourist and Trainer
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- Professional Development Programme in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- Canine Coaching Diploma
- Enhanced DBS Certificate
- Candidate Member of Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians
- Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist - Provisonal Member of the The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC
- Insured
- Educational speaker for the Blue Cross UK
- Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
- Finalist in the national everywoman Entrepreneur 2023 Awards founded by Karen Gill MBE and Maxine Benson - out of nearly 1000 nominations 30 women made the final 🎉
- Silver Winner Best Business Women Awards 2022
- Check out our sister site that is exclusively for cats.
