Author: Christine
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The Essential Skills Every Puppy Needs: Early Puppy Training Classes for Long-Term Success
The First Steps to a Well-Behaved Puppy Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. As a puppy parent, one of the most important things you can do is to start training early. Enrolling your puppy in puppy training classes not only teaches essential skills but…
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Puppy Training Class Near Northampton: Beyond the Basics
Choosing your puppy’s first training class is an important step – one that can shape not just your dog’s behaviour, but your relationship with them for life. If you’re currently looking for a puppy training class near Northampton, you may already know how many different options are out there. So how do you know which class…
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🌦️ One Minute Sunshine, the Next a Storm: Puppy Training Weather Advice
Yesterday I was judging at an agility competition, and the weather was having a full identity crisis. One minute blazing sunshine, the next pouring with rain—and the wind? At one point, it was so strong I had to pull the seesaw from the course because it was lifting off the ground. When contact equipment starts…
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🐶 Sports Training for High-Drive Puppies: Boost Focus and Build Confidence
Discover how early sports training builds confidence, focus, and physical awareness in puppies—especially those from working or high-drive breeds.
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Tracking and Nosework for Reactive and High-Drive Dogs
This weekend just gone, I took the dogs away for a bit of a training getaway, focusing on the different Working Trials exercises. The weather was baking hot—so no mud this time—but it added an extra layer of difficulty, especially for the nosework. It gave the dogs a proper challenge and reminded me how much I enjoy…
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Dog Behaviourist Tips: Loose Lead Walking, Obedience & Confidence
When you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour—whether that’s pulling on the lead, reacting to other dogs, or ignoring recall—it can feel overwhelming. Many owners wonder: do I need a dog trainer, or is it time to bring in a dog behaviourist? Let’s unpack the difference—and how the right tools and techniques can transform even the…
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Why Staying Fit is Essential for My Dog Training Success: My Fitness Journey
As a dog trainer and competitor, fitness is more than just a personal goal for me—it’s a vital part of my work and the relationship I share with my dogs. They give their all during every competition, so I make sure I’m in the best shape to match their energy and dedication. Staying fit allows me to perform at…
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Gundog Training: Why It’s Not Just for Working Dogs (And Why It Might Be Perfect for Yours)
Looking for gundog training near Northamptonshire that’s fun, practical, and tailored to your dog? At Fresh Start Dog Training, we offer games-based gundog training to help both pet and working dogs improve their recall, focus, and off-lead control. Whether you’ve got a high-drive puppy, a reactive adolescent, or a working-line dog who needs direction, we’ll help you build a calm,…
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Rehabilitation Games for High Drive Dogs on Enforced Rest
How to Keep Your Dog Mentally Fit While Physically Healing When a high-drive dog is injured or recovering from surgery, rest periods are essential—but they can feel like a nightmare for both dog and owner. These dogs are wired for purpose. Take away their outlets, and you’ll often see frustration, stress behaviours, or even regression…
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Assistance Dog Training: How Tailored Sessions Can Empower Your Dog to Support You
When we talk about assistance dog training, we’re not just teaching tasks—we’re building a trusted partnership that helps someone live more freely and confidently. Whether your dog is being trained for mobility support, emotional stability, or public access skills, tailored sessions make all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at how personalised approaches using positive reinforcement dog training can empower…