Muzzles can be an emotive topic, but I feel that muzzles are a great management tool, allows dog to be safer, and have more freedoms.

They show responsible ownership - as long as it's the right muzzle for your dog of course.

Listen here to find out more, and about how to get the right muzzle for your dog.

I refer to the Muzzle Movement, the Muzzle Shop, Chirag Patel's muzzle training on youtube and the Dogs In Yellow day on 20th March (to respect space for muzzled dogs who are in yellow).

The Muzzle Movement has a great factsheet too to help you decide the right material and sizing for your dog - go to their website for more info.

If you need help with muzzle training then get in touch - Pippin Pets Dog Training

What is scent detection training for pets?

We teach our dogs to hunt for a specific target scent, and get prizes for finding it.

Most dogs find their way through their noses, and it taps into their natural instincts to give them pleasure. It also lowers their heart rate so its perfect for all dogs, especially the nervous or reactive ones.

It can be done indoors or outside, and ideal for all ages and mobility levels.

It's my girl's favourite game, and it tires her out much more than any physical exercise, as it uses a larger part of the brain.

If you listen to this on the release, February 2024, then I have new 2 part workshops at Rokers in Guildford (so excited for this venue!) that you can book via my website www.pippinpetsdogtraining.co.uk/training or if after this date, look out for more dates or book your dog for 1-2-1 scent training. I've even taught this online.

If you are further afield, then head to the UK Sniffer Dogs to find a more local instructor to you.

I have the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful Tom Candy, champion and specialist of rescue dogs, as well as being Senior Behaviourist for Dogs Trust.

Rescue dogs sometimes get the unnecessary labels of broken or helpless dogs, and for that reason can be easily overlooked.

We bust a few myths about some of these labels, talk about the reality of these dogs, and just how much work and effort is done by some of the amazing rescue centres to help these dogs not only adjust but thrive so that they get snapped up into new homes as soon as they can.

It's a long chat- an hour, but so insightful and I loved every minute listening to Tom.

Here is the link to his facebook page - Simplifying Shelter Behaviour - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550613461377

Need help settling in your rescue dog?

Get in touch about my 1-2-1 coaching packages to help and support you with your dog.