Jack Fenton - Dorset Dog Trainer

12/06/2026

Black dogs get attacked constantly.

All to do with the eyes.

If you've got a black dog, you know the struggle. If you have a dog that dislikes black dogs, you understand it even more.

It can be dealt with though! Reach out if you'd like help with this!

12/06/2026

Why does your dog bark at people/dogs by themselves?

Your dog might be totally fine in crowds of people, or seeing loads of dogs.

But a single person/dog, walking down the street by themselves? Carnage. Why is that?

I call it the Lone Person effect. It's all to do with focus.

We'll use a human example. Let's say you're walking down a dark street. As you're walking, you spot a group of people walking towards you.

You might be a bit nervous, but honestly? You're feeling pretty solid.

Let's switch it up. Imagine you're walking down a dark street, and a single person is walking towards you.

You'll most likely be more tense, right? And your brain will fixate on them.

The same thing can happen with dogs. Your dog might be fine with men in hats in a crowd, because there's so much else to focus on. But when that's the only thing?

Reactions happen.

It's why it's important to expose you dog, and work around, different levels of stimulation. Seeing a crowd of people is just as important as seeing a single person.

So that's why!

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Nosework doesn't discriminate.

But first, an introduction - This little fella is Kevin, and he searched a plane.

Someone asked me why Nosework (getting your dog to find people, objects and scents using their nose) is my favourite thing ever.

It's all about accessibility.

When I was a baby trainer, I went on a Tracking instructors course with this little guy. We were surrounded by Malis, Shepherds, Spaniels and the occasional terrier (shout out to Pumba!).

French Bulldogs are not known for their training prowess. But he smashed it! He went from searching in rooms to search tractors, from tractors to searching a 747!

Over the course of those few days, I realised that dog training can be quite inaccessible.

Age, breed, reactivity level, health problems - it didn't matter. It could all be adjusted and tweaked.

That's not even discussing how effective it is at channeling a fizzy dog's energy, or building confidence in dogs around their triggers.

It's been life-changing for so many dogs.

Whether you work with me or not, make sure your dog is using their nose. Whether it's finding food, playing hide and seek with a favourite person, or more formal stuff, it'll be their favourite thing in the world.

10/06/2026

Don't discount a piece of kit because of something untrue.

Harnesses don't cause pulling. For some dogs, they can make it a bit easier. But if you're training, it shouldn't matter.

Focus on the best piece of kit for you and your dog.

Follow for more!

10/06/2026

I don't care what equipment your dog walks on, provided they can walk on it properly.

There's an odd idea in dog training that there is a one size fits all argument for loose lead walking equipment.

It's not true. Provided the equipment isn't working by hurting or punishing your dog, it's valid.

Does your dog barely pull at all, and might be sensitive to wearing a collar/harness? Walk them on a non-tightening slip lead.

Does your dog only pull occasionally, and dislikes wearing specific equipment? A flat collar might be a good shout.

I prefer harnesses personally, but plenty of my students walk on a flat collar or with a non-tightening slip lead. Provided they are actually walking on a nice loose lead, it's all good.

None of it matters if you're not teaching them to loose lead walk though.

If you're letting them pull you from pillar to post, it doesn't matter what they're wearing. It matters what you're doing.

Want help with this? Ask away! I'll be happy to offer feedback.

09/06/2026

You can't out-train stupid.

During our social walk on Saturday, all the dogs were working beautifully. In the distance, we spotted a person walking three dogs.

For context, we were working on a massive field. Plenty of space to go around, or go a different way.

They didn't. Instead, they walked straight through our group.

All of the dogs were fine (we trained for this!), but there's always an annoyance when something could be avoided.

To be clear, it is a free country. People can do what they like. But I personally would not just walk my dogs through a group of dogs, or people, in that way.

The reality is that people will do things that are 'stupid'.

They'll be on their phones while their dog is half way across the field. They'll ignore all your signals that your dog won't like another dog in their face.

We can't avoid it. You can't out-train other peoples behaviour.

But you can prepare for it.

You know these incidents will happen, and it's up to you to work with your dog enough to avoid them.

We don't want you hiding forever, do we?

Work on your worst case scenario. So that when it happens, it becomes a stressful event, not a world-ending catastrophe.

09/06/2026

Imagine working eighteen dogs together, with zero issues?

Our social walks are part mingling, and part training. Dogs have the opportunity to interact with each other, but also tackle any issues they might have.

Friendships form, reactivity gets squashed, and fun is had. Next time we just need less wind!

Social walks are only available to Nosework class students. Let me know if you'd like more info!

08/06/2026

This is what my students are saying!

They're crushing it at the minute, all with different goals and aims, but all nailing their Nosework class and 1-2-1 work.

🔹Koda has gone from lunging at other dogs to passing them by with no problems.

🔹 Quinn used to be dog reactive and chase all wildlife - now she can go off lead and is making loads of dog friends.

🔹 Otis is now going into towns and working around dogs, something his caregiver wouldn't have done a few months ago!

🔹Humphrey is smashing his reactivity work and gets better each and every week!

🔹 Margot is smashing her Scentwork searches, and has become loads more confident out and about!

They are smashing it - excited to share more of their progress soon.

Let me know if you want to achieve the same results as these guys.