Cleaver Dog Training

13/10/2026

SPAY/NEUTER OR NOT?

The decision should not be purely based on preventing unwanted pregnancies. More and more research is coming out showing that when/if you neuter can have implications on growth, behaviour and chances of suffering other diseases. This article shows that neutering may well increase the chances of your dog getting mast cell cancers. It is definitely worth doing your own research as well as discussing the pros and cons with your vet before making any decisions…..after all, you cannot stick them back on when they have gone!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Eveyy9tdk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

✂️🥜🐶 WHAT IF WHEN YOU SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR DOG MATTERS JUST AS MUCH AS WHETHER YOU DO IT?

Preventing unwanted litters matters. But is it time to rethink HOW we sterilize dogs? Hormone-sparing procedures, including hysterectomy and vasectomy, can prevent reproduction while preserving natural s*x hormones.

🔬 NEW 2026 PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH

Over 10 years, researchers reviewed records from 56,254 veterinary patients, including 313 dogs with mast cell tumors and 638 tumor-free comparison dogs. The study was accepted for publication in The Veterinary Journal.

🤯 1. TIMING MATTERS!

Dogs spayed or neutered before age 2 had 343% higher odds of a mast cell tumor diagnosis compared with intact dogs. Dogs sterilized after age 2 showed no statistically significant increase.

🐕 2. SIZE MATTERS!

Compared with small dogs, medium dogs had 2.6 times the odds and large dogs 5.2 times the odds.

⚖️ 3. WEIGHT MATTERS!

Overweight dogs had 80% higher odds than dogs at an ideal weight.

🧬 4. BREED MATTERS!

Compared with mixed-breed dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers had 7.5 times the odds and Boxers 3.9 times. Some breed groups were small.

❤️ 5. WHAT ABOUT SURVIVAL?

Neutering status wasn’t significantly associated with survival after surgery. Tumor grade and size were more important predictors.

🔬 WHY MIGHT HORMONES MATTER?

S*x hormones influence immune function and development. Researchers propose that early hormone removal and changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) may play a role, but this remains unproven.

🐾 THE BIG TAKEAWAY

Preventing unwanted litters doesn’t always mean removing hormone-producing organs. It’s time for individualized conversations with veterinarians about WHEN and HOW we sterilize dogs.

📄 Download the FREE PDF with the latest research surrounding Spay & Neuter Syndrome. Link in comments!

30/09/2026

I know it’s early but…,,
Saw there lovely customised dog toy/Christmas tree ornaments at The Range yesterday.,,,,although I wouldn’t recommend letting them know they are toys while they are still on the tree!

Is your dog’s name there? Only one of mine was but the so had some more generic ones so your dog wouldn’t need to miss out.

Anyone else seen anything good for Christmas yet?

18/09/2026

So on a day off, what does a trainer do? Go to a dog show of course!
Smartie having his first experience in a proper show environment today in the park

04/09/2026

WEEKDAY BEGINNERS AGILITY COURSE
Before we finalise dates for the next course, is there anyone else who fancies joining and has any timetable requests?
Small groups in non competitive friendly fun environment with experienced qualified trainer in our dedicated tra Ning centre in Old Amersham.
For more information call Vikki Cleaver on 07773784402 or see www.cleaverdogtraining.co.uk/agility

02/09/2026

NEW BEGINNERS AGILITY COURSES
We focus on non competitive agility in a safe friendly environment with a qualified instructor.
For more information please call Vikki Cleaver 07773784402 or see https://cleaverdogtraining.co.uk/agility

27/08/2026

INTRODUCING SMARTIE (aka Smart Move)

Unfortunately Smartie’s owners circumstances changed and he needed a new home. As I have wanted a collie for over 40 years but the time was never right, when I saw him advertised I couldn’t resist and I finally got my wish.

He is 15 months old and came from a small holding in Wales, where he was very much loved, but not done much training or socialising outside his home. Over the past 6 weeks he has been slowly introduced to new places, met new dogs, cuddled new people, started to learn lots of cool new tricks, had now toys, tasted new food and treats. Today we had our first proper doggy trip away and he had 3 Heelwork to music training rounds. I am absolutely thrilled with how he coped today - he was happy and focused so we even tried a few of the new moves he has learned in the ring. He is now tucked up in bed in our campsite ready for another day of new experiences tomorrow.

Exciting times ahead as we learn to dance together 😍🐾❤️💃

19/08/2026

URGENT DOG FOOD RECALL

If you feed Years dog food, please read and consider stopping asap

Following the voluntary recall of all Years Fresh Meals, we know your first thought will be for your dog, whether they’re safe, what you should feed them and how you can continue caring for them.

To be clear, this recall is a precaution. Our investigation has identified a potential link between buckwheat, an ingredient used in many dog foods, and reported cases of dry eye. Lab testing will confirm this, but we've taken the decision not to wait.

Dogs' health & wellbeing have always driven us, and that means acting now rather than waiting for absolute certainty.

Please stop feeding any Years Signature Meals immediately, even if your dog seems well. When choosing an alternative, we recommend continuing with complete & balanced fresh food with wholefood ingredients.

We’ve paused all Years subscriptions. Upcoming orders will be cancelled and refunded automatically to your original payment method. If an order is in transit, please refuse this and contact Customer Care to receive your account credit.

Alongside our ongoing investigation, we’re reformulating our meals without buckwheat, with your dog's wellbeing at the heart of every decision, so, when Years returns, you can feel fully confident filling their bowl again.

We're thinking of every dog who’s been affected and every family caring for them through such a worrying and difficult time.

We’re deeply sorry for the worry this has caused. We know how much your dog means to you, and we want to ensure you’ve clear information, guidance and help throughout.

If your dog has experienced dry eye (KCS) while feeding Years, please let us know, even if you've told us before. The more detail you can share, including your dog's symptoms and any veterinary notes or costs, the better our team can understand what happened and respond personally. https://moreyears.typeform.com/to/bC8fm7AC

We're experiencing a high volume of emails and messages and are working our way through them as quickly as we can. Thank you for your patience while we do.

For full details on this recall, including symptoms to watch for, what to do with Years meals, and how to reach our Customer Care team, please visit years.com/pages/care.

01/08/2026

FANCY TRYING AGILITY?
Based in Amersham,our agility classes focus on providing fun non competitive agility for everyone. With a secure well maintained level paddock, full sized equipment and a qualified experienced trainer as well as indoor carpeted training hall twitch air conditioning, our classes run throughout the year with a maximum of 4 dogs per group.
Feel free to get in touch with Vikki Cleaver on 07773784402 to discuss the classes and if this would be suitable for you.
www.cleaverdogtraining.co.uk

04/05/2026

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN STARTING AGILITY?

We pride ourselves in offering friendly fun agility training for typical pet dogs and owners rather than those aiming for Crufts. Groups are kept to a maximum of 4 to ensure maximum attention.

For full details on the courses currently available see https://cleaverdogtraining.co.uk/agility
If these dates do not suit or you wish to discuss it further, please get in touch with Vikki Cleaver on 07773784402 and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

All classes take place in our dedicated training centre in Old Amersham with both indoor and outdoor facilities.

23/04/2026

Pleased to report the paddock is cut and new agility course set in advance of starting bank at work tomorrow. I will be having a soft start initially and building up over the next few weeks.
Thanks for everyone’s help, well wishes, home cooked food and support since I went in for surgery a few weeks ago. It was fantastic to know I had such an amazing bunch of friends and clients around me 😁😁
Fingers crossed I can now put that horrible chapter behind me and go back to where I left off pre big C diagnosis in September 2024 🤞🤞