Hello everyone and thanks for visiting my rescue dog training and care page. 

I’m an experienced dog trainer, specialising in helping rescue dog parents with training advice, and for the older rescues I also offer health & behaviour consultations. 

If you live in Portsmouth, Gosport, Alverstoke, Lee on Solent or Stubbington, my in-person senior dog care training and support service is for you. If you live anywhere else in England, sessions can be conducted via Zoom, and in almost all cases are just as effective as in person.

If you live anywhere outside of the UK, take advantage of my virtual training sessions. This page will detail all the services I offer. 

**Details for how to get started working with me are below!

Here are the various ways I’m here for you, as you navigate life with a senior dog.

Packages

All sessions are conducted in person, or via Zoom if you prefer. The investment is £25 for a 30 minute appointment, £36 for 45 minutes. 

FREE 15 Minute Phone Consultation

This is a no obligation opportunity for us to get to know each other, at least a little bit! Tell me about your concerns, what behaviours or issues you’re dealing with, how you’re coping and I’ll explain how I can help.

No charge

Pay As You Need

As the name suggests, book an appointment anytime you have a question, or need advice about one or more issues. Here are some examples of what we can cover:

• Excessive barking
• Jumping on everyone that comes to visit
• Leash walking issues such as pulling and lunging at dogs and people 
• Neighbours telling you your dog cries and whines when you’re out
• Doesn’t listen when you tell him to do something
• You’ve been noticing changes in behaviour, and aren’t sure what they mean or what to do

There’s no limit to how many times we chat, it’s just “as and when” you want!

Annoying Behaviours

The behaviours listed below are definitely annoying, and depending on how long it/they’ve been going on can challenge any dog parent! The good news is, there is a lot we can do to get them under control.

• Pulling when walking
• Housetraining issues
• Counter surfing
• Jumping on people whether in the house or when out and about
• Barking…a lot!
• Chewing/nipping
• Urine marking
• Begging at the table
• Running out the door
• Eating poop (outside or from the litter box)

Problem Behaviours

The issues mentioned below not only cause your dog anxiety, they can increase the stress levels of everyone living in  your home. Does your dog growl or snap when you reach for his toy, treat or food bowl? Do your neighbours regale you with stories of listening to your dog bark all day when you’re out? Does he shake or cower when fireworks go off? Bright side? There are things you can do that will help.

• Resource guarding (food, toys, bed, people)
• Separation anxiety (is your dog really anxious or just plain bored?)
• Stress/anxiety
• Fear of loud noises, going to the vet, men…

Rescued Senior Dog (7+)

If you’ve just rescued a dog 7+, congratulations!! You’ve done the kindest thing you can do, giving an older dog a home.

Some rescues are well-behaved, have some (or a lot) of training and just need a refresher course and time to get used to a new home and new routine. Others have been through a lot, and sadly have the behaviour issues that go along with coming from an abusive or traumatic background.

Whatever life your dog had before, his new one starts now.

Here are some of the issues we can talk about:

• Creating a routine
• Preparing your home for the new arrival (it can still be done even if your dog is already with you)
• What to expect during the first few days/weeks/months
• Developing trust
• Common behaviours you may see, and how to deal with them
• Training tailored to what your dog does and does not already know – i.e. walking nicely on a leash, come, look at me, aggressive/reactive behaviour (which could also be due to a physical problem)
• Keeping your senior dog comfortable
• Is it aging or something more serious
• Changes you may see as your dog gets older and what to do about them
• Symptoms to look out for that may indicate a health problem

Rescue Dog 7+ Prep

Perfect for anyone who wants to get a head start before their dog comes home. Even if he or she is already home, you could still benefit from this prep session.

Not sure what supplies to buy? No idea if your pup needs a schedule or what that even means? Worried about keeping him safe both inside and outside of your home? Don’t know what to expect those first few days and nights?

We will cover these topics during this consultation, and answer any other concerns/questions you have:

• Supplies
• Schedules
• Diet/nutrition
• Toys – mental stimulation and boredom busters
• Exercise
• Senior dog proofing your home
• Finding a vet/pet sitter/dog walker

Senior Dog Care and Support

Whether you’ve shared your life with senior dogs for years or it’s your first time, I’m here to help you navigate an challenges you may encounter as you care for a dog 7+.

I provide specialized senior dog care and support that includes:

• General advice and tips about living with and loving a senior dog
• How to identify natural signs of aging vs health problems
• Ways you and your dog can adapt to hearing and/or vision loss, incontinence, dementia…
• Creative ways to get your senior dog to eat
• Exercising a dog, even with mobility issues
• Preventing boredom
• How to give your dog medication (pills, liquid, ear drops, eye drops, injections)
• Keep your dog warm/cool and comfortable
• Choosing a vet and ensuring you get the best care
• Quality of life issues and when to say goodbye

Even if your senior dog is not experiencing any health issues, I am here to offer a shoulder if you need someone to talk to who understands.

 Pet Bereavement Counselling Service

Sadly I have a lot of personal experience saying goodbye to much loved cats and dogs. I’ve experienced grief so profound I couldn’t stop crying, and wasn’t able to say my dog’s name for years. I’ve also had less severe reactions, but felt the loss just as deeply.

I also know what it’s like to not have anyone to turn to who understands, and to feel so lost and alone you don’t know how you’re ever going to feel better.

Grief doesn’t look one way, and working through it doesn’t look one way either, which is why each session is personalized to your needs.

In addition to my pet loss experience, I have a diploma as a Pet Bereavement Counsellor, and I volunteer in an online pet loss chat room.

Testimonials from happy clients

 

Are you interested in working with me? Here’s how to get started.

I look forward to supporting you, as you help your dog live their best life.