Blue Lemon Dog Training

19/06/2026

Before we arrive at many concerts, sports games, theatres, films or airports, behind the scenes there are some very hard-working, thoroughly dedicated and highly trained, four-legged doggos making sure these places are safe for us. ❤️🐾

They are using their amazing noses to detect the presence, or absence, of their target odours- odours that we really do NOT want to be there. 🫣

When they are not working, however, they are just your normal, goofball, big-hearted dogs. 🐶

Please meet Gunner! An 8 year old spaniel who was assigned to my friend Rachel Kuttner as her working detection dog.

Rachel says of Gunner
“Gunner is an eight-year-old, recently retired search dog who has spent his working life helping to keep people safe.

From concerts and sporting events to motorsport venues, football stadiums, airports, private estates, and many other exciting locations, Gunner has carried out his duties with dedication, skill, and loyalty”.

He is now ready to retire and learn how to live life as a family pet. Rachel has been lucky enough to be allowed to offer him his retirement home where he will join her three pet dogs and her human family.

Unfortunately, Gunner suffers from significant elbow problems affecting both legs. After veterinary assessment, he now requires bilateral elbow surgery to improve his mobility, reduce pain, and give him the best chance of enjoying a happy and comfortable retirement.❤️‍🩹

The cost of surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and follow up care is substantial. We are raising funds to help cover his veterinary expenses and ensure that Gunner receives the treatment he needs.

If you are able to contribute anything to help fund Gunner’s operations and his “happy ever after” please visit Rachel’s Just Giving page below. Thank you so much.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpgunnerforhisretirement?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=WA

25/05/2026

Hot dog? What is their tongue telling you?

Useful real life video from Impact Behaviour below

05/05/2026

Apologies

I will be closed all of this week for personal reasons.

I will not be checking emails this week.

If your query is urgent please contact your vet if for behavioural support please contact either
Emma So Help Me Dog
Ryan Oxfordshire Animal Behaviour and Training

23/04/2026

“Why do scent detection?”
“My dog sniffs all the time anyway…!”

I get asked this ALL the time.

Finding a target odour is very different to everyday sniffing on a walk.

These dogs problem solve.

They have to work in a systematic and structured way. As a team with their handler. Efficiently. Around deliberate distractions. They have to build search stamina. A high sniff rate.

That problem solving uses their brains.

What does that mean?

It’s builds self confidence. It makes them feel good when they solve the problem. And it’s tiring. In a much more productive way than endlessly chasing a ball.

This target odour hide was hidden in a crevice under the stage. The barn doors were open on either side so there was wind blowing through. Just off camera, the resident cat was stalking us, highly suspicious of us in his domain.

You can see how Pongo has to come out of the odour plume to work out where the scent was strongest.

We have a new beginner class opening soon and it will be EVENINGS!!

Email [email protected] to register your interest.

22/04/2026

A select few dogs stepped up to test out a new venue for some sniffer dog adventures.

We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the magnificent Braziers Park.

Braziers Park is a historic Grade II, 57 acre, country estate that has evolved from a 17th-century farmhouse into a modern education and events centre, run by an intentional community focused on social research and shared living.

This local gem combines heritage, ecological land management, and cultural exchange and is a living experiment in community and sustainability.

We loved chatting with some members of the community and are very grateful that they opened their home to us. One of the resident cats took a keen interest in Pongo all the way around his barn search, thinking he must have insider information on some hidden treasure!!

Thanks to community at Braziers Park for opening your grounds to us- what a special place!

17/04/2026

Look at this little fella I met recently.

I can’t decide what is more endearing:

*paws 🐾

*teeth 😁

What do you think?

17/04/2026

Updated advice from BVA on neutering.

It should be on a case by case basis and I particularly like the advice about male dogs, based on my own experiences of living with a male dog neutered at 6 weeks’ old.

“Castration in male dogs is complex and should be assessed case-by-case in the context of the breed and lifestyle of the dog. If the decision is made to neuter, medical or surgical castration should not be carried out before physical maturity for the breed, unless there is a compelling contextual reason for doing so”

“https://www.bva.co.uk/news-and-blog/news-article/updated-neutering-guidance-from-bva-and-bsava-moves-away-from-one-size-fits-all-approach/?fbclid=IwVERDUARO6I5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeOJ6CIZvtR1CCfrmzPUXmePVtdYKwuQ4p-RWsdpUFyxS-OpqI0nKUfhJnCnc_aem_3lZOQpSum43w4umSNU1sFg

New BVA and BSAVA policy position recommends a contextualised approach to neutering dogs, while advice for cats remains unchanged.

12/04/2026

Brilliant three days’ CPD with Jens Frank and North West Scent Work, looking at all things Premack.

Can’t wait to get started applying the training we’ve worked on these last three days.

07/04/2026

Good morning!

Hope those that celebrate had a lovely Easter weekend.

I am nearly back to fighting fit- it’s been a full on virus!

I snapped the P dawg this morning when he was making a conscious, off- lead choice. What do you see?

24/03/2026

Apologies but I’m not feeling great so there will be a delay with replies to emails / messages and reports this week