DogMa Dog School

DogMa Dog School DogMa Dog School. An independent
Dog Trainer/
Behaviour
Specialist and
Canine Consultants
based in Dorset and Hampshire. Covering all of Dorset and Hampshire.

I also offer limited dog walking on a 121 basis. Rated "Excellent" in top three trainers in Dorset by ThreeBestRated.co.uk Dorset. An independent Dog Trainer/Behaviour Specialist and Canine Consultants based in Dorset. We provide the knowledge and skills that you need to be the owner of a well balanced and well behaved dog.

Happy Gotya day Rexx. 5 years ago this beautiful soul came into my life. I didn't want another dog after loosing my Nell...
26/08/2026

Happy Gotya day Rexx. 5 years ago this beautiful soul came into my life. I didn't want another dog after loosing my Nelle even though it had been a year since she died I was still grieving her loss but he came into my life at the right time, although I didn't know then. He's a blessing that's for sure 🤍🤎💙💛

09/08/2026

Your dogs behaviour is a reflection of you! NOT the breed you choose to share your life with.

Why Dogs Need Controlled Stress to Become Balanced Dogs.Many owners believe the best way to help their dog is to avoid a...
22/06/2026

Why Dogs Need Controlled Stress to Become Balanced Dogs.

Many owners believe the best way to help their dog is to avoid anything that causes stress. While this may come from a place of kindness, completely shielding a dog from challenges can actually create more anxiety, fear, and behavioural problems in the long run and eliminates opportunities for them to learn anything.

Just like people, dogs develop confidence through experience.
Stress Isn't Always Bad
There are two types of stress:
Positive stress (controlled and manageable) helps dogs learn, adapt, and build resilience.
Negative stress (overwhelming and prolonged) can cause fear, anxiety, and behavioural issues.

The goal is not to eliminate stress from your dog's life. The goal is to expose them to manageable levels of challenge so they learn they can cope.
What Happens When We Avoid Stress?
When owners constantly avoid situations that make their dog uncomfortable, the dog never learns that those situations are safe.
Examples include:
Never leaving the dog alone because they show signs of separation anxiety.
Avoiding all other dogs because the dog becomes reactive.
Picking the dog up whenever it appears nervous.
Never exposing the dog to busy environments, traffic, or unfamiliar people.
While these actions may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce the belief that the world is something to fear.
Over time the dog's environment becomes smaller and smaller.
Confidence Comes From Overcoming Challenges

A confident dog is not born confident.
Confidence develops when a dog experiences something unfamiliar, works through it, and discovers nothing bad happened.
Examples of healthy challenges:
Spending periods alone.
Walking in new locations.
Meeting calm, well-behaved dogs.
Travelling in the car.
Learning new training exercises in lots of different places.
Experiencing different surfaces, sounds, and environments.
Each successful experience builds emotional resilience.
The Importance of Controlled Exposure
The key word is controlled.
Throwing a fearful dog into an overwhelming situation can make the problem worse.
Instead, expose the dog to manageable levels of challenge where they can remain calm enough to learn.
Think of it as exercising a muscle. Too little exercise creates weakness. Too much exercise causes injury. The right amount builds strength.
The same applies to emotional resilience.
Balanced Dogs Need Life Experience
Dogs that experience appropriate levels of stress often become:
✔ More adaptable
✔ More confident
✔ Better able to cope with change
✔ Less dependent on their owners
✔ More relaxed in unfamiliar situations
Dogs that are protected from every challenge often become:
✘ More anxious
✘ More dependent
✘ More reactive
✘ Less capable of handling everyday life
The DogMa Approach
At DogMa, we focus on building resilient dogs through structure, guidance, and controlled exposure to the real world.
We don't seek to avoid every challenge. We teach dogs how to navigate challenges successfully.
Because confidence doesn't come from protection.
Confidence comes from experience.
DogMa – Creating balanced dogs through structure, leadership and understanding. 🐾

🐾

STILL DONT THINK HAVING CRASH TESTED CAGES IS IMPORTANT? These dogs are safe because they are crated correctly.KEEP YOUR...
15/06/2026

STILL DONT THINK HAVING CRASH TESTED CAGES IS IMPORTANT? These dogs are safe because they are crated correctly.

KEEP YOUR DOGS SAFE WHILE TRAVELLING IN A CAR. THAT INCLUDES WHEN THEY ARE BEING TRANSPORTED BY A DOG WALKER!!

(Not my car. Mines has DT Boxes built in cages)

When a puppy or dog seems to hit a training plateau and becomes less responsive, it's usually a sign that something in t...
15/06/2026

When a puppy or dog seems to hit a training plateau and becomes less responsive, it's usually a sign that something in the training process needs adjusting rather than the dog being stubborn or unwilling to learn.
Common reasons include:
1. The dog has become too comfortable at its current level
Learning isn't a straight line. Dogs often make rapid progress, then appear to stall while they process and consolidate what they've learned.
What to do:
Reduce the difficulty slightly.
Reinforce known behaviours.
Build success before progressing again.
2. Rewards have lost value
What motivated your dog last week may not be motivating enough now.
What to do:
Increase reward value.
Use a variety of rewards (food, toys, praise, play, environmental rewards).
Match the reward to the difficulty of the task.
3. The environment is too distracting
Many dogs perform well at home but struggle elsewhere because they haven't fully generalised the behaviour.
What to do:
Train at a distance from distractions.
Gradually increase difficulty.
Remember: new environment = lower expectations initially.
4. Mental or physical fatigue
Young puppies especially can become overwhelmed if training sessions are too long or too frequent.
What to do:
Keep sessions short (2–5 minutes for puppies).
Ensure adequate sleep and rest.
End sessions while the dog is still engaged.
5. Inconsistent criteria
Sometimes handlers accidentally change the rules without realising it.
What to do:
Be clear and consistent.
Mark and reward the exact behaviour you want.
Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
6. Adolescence
Many dogs between 6 and 18 months seem to "forget" their training. This is a normal developmental stage.
What to do:
Stay consistent.
Manage the environment.
Continue rewarding good choices.
Avoid assuming the dog "knows better."
7. Stress, discomfort, or health issues
A dog that suddenly becomes less responsive may be dealing with pain, illness, stress, or hormonal changes.
What to do:
Look for changes in appetite, energy levels, movement, or behaviour.
Consult a vet if the change is sudden or significant.
A practical approach
If your dog hits a plateau:
Lower the difficulty.
Increase the value of reinforcement.
Reduce distractions.
Keep sessions short and engaging.
Focus on success rather than repetition.
A useful saying in dog training is:
"If the dog isn't getting it, change what you're doing."
Training plateaus are normal. The best trainers don't push harder—they adjust the environment, motivation, or training plan until the dog can succeed again.

Acclimatising a dog to a kennel or crate should be done gradually and positively. The goal is for the dog to see the ken...
08/06/2026

Acclimatising a dog to a kennel or crate should be done gradually and positively. The goal is for the dog to see the kennel as a safe, comfortable place rather than somewhere they are forced to stay.

1. Introduce the Kennel Gradually
Leave the kennel door open and allow the dog to investigate at their own pace.
Place treats, food, or favourite toys inside.
Never force the dog into the kennel.
2. Build Positive Associations
Feed meals in or near the kennel.
Give high-value chews or stuffed enrichment toys only when the dog is in the kennel.
Reward calm behaviour around and inside the kennel.
3. Start with Short Periods
Encourage the dog to enter the kennel.
Close the door for just a few seconds, then release and reward.
Gradually increase the duration over several sessions.
4. Teach Relaxation
Wait for the dog to lie down or settle before rewarding.
Calmness should earn rewards, not excitement.
A comfortable bed and familiar scents can help relaxation.
5. Increase Distance and Time
Once the dog is comfortable with the door closed, move a short distance away.
Gradually leave the room for brief periods and return before the dog becomes distressed.
Slowly extend the time spent kenneled.
6. Practise at Different Times
Use the kennel when you're home, not just when you're leaving.
This prevents the dog associating the kennel solely with being left alone.
7. Avoid Common Mistakes
Don't use the kennel as punishment.
Don't release the dog while they're barking, whining, or scratching if it's attention-seeking behaviour.
Don't progress too quickly; setbacks often occur when owners increase duration too fast.
For Adult Dogs New to Kennelling
If the dog is going to stay at a boarding kennel, try:
Visiting the facility beforehand.
Taking familiar bedding (if the kennel allows it).
Arranging a short day stay before an overnight stay.
Ensuring the dog has had adequate physical and mental exercise beforehand.
From a behaviour perspective, I often focus on creating predictability and routine. Dogs cope far better with kennelling when they understand what is expected and have learned that confinement leads to rest, relaxation, and rewards rather than frustration.
For working breeds and high-drive dogs, it's especially important to teach an "off switch" and relaxation skills before expecting them to settle happily in a kennel for extended periods.

This is an important reminder for dog owners.Many people assume that because their dog is calm in the car, it doesn't ne...
08/06/2026

This is an important reminder for dog owners.
Many people assume that because their dog is calm in the car, it doesn't need to be restrained. However, under Rule 57 of the UK Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained while travelling. This isn't just about legal compliance—it's about safety for both you and your dog.
A loose dog can:
🐾 Distract the driver by moving around the vehicle
🐾 Interfere with steering, gear changes, or pedals
🐾 Be seriously injured during sudden braking or a collision
🐾 Become a projectile in an accident, potentially injuring other passengers
🐾 Escape onto a road if a door or window is open.

The Highway Code recommends using:
✔️ A seat belt harness
✔️ A secured pet carrier
✔️ A dog crate or cage
✔️ A dog guard fitted behind the rear seats

If police believe an unrestrained dog has caused you to drive without proper control, you could face fines, penalty points on your licence, and in serious cases, disqualification from driving.
As dog owners, we should spend time training our dogs to behave safely in everyday life. Safe travel should be part of that training too. A properly restrained dog is not only safer but often feels more secure and settled during journeys.
Ask yourself: If you had to perform an emergency stop at 30mph, where would your dog end up?
Don't think the law doesn’t apply to you.......keep your dog safe!

NOSE EYES EARS V EYES EARS NOSEDogs evolved as scent-first animals. Their primary way of gathering information about the...
31/05/2026

NOSE EYES EARS V EYES EARS NOSE

Dogs evolved as scent-first animals. Their primary way of gathering information about the world is through their nose, not their eyes. Humans, however, are highly visual creatures. We rely on what we see far more than what we smell, and because we build the environment our dogs live in, we often unknowingly encourage dogs to become more visually focused, which creates an imbalance.
Think about it........if your dog remains calm in given situations watch their nose, it will be already scenting the air, twitching constantly to read situations, people, objects and of course other dogs......
The problem is that visual information often triggers arousal much faster than scent information. A dog watching another dog, a squirrel or a jogger can quickly move into excitement, frustration, prey drive or reactivity.
Scenting, on the other hand, tends to be calming and information-gathering. When a dog is sniffing, they are processing their environment in a way that is natural to them.
What isn't common sense to many owners is that dogs don't communicate primarily like humans do. We assume because we use our eyes first, dogs should too.
In reality:
Humans are visual communicators.
Dogs are scent communicators.
Humans talk.
Dogs smell.
This is why many behaviour issues improve when owners benefit dogs more opportunities to use a neutral state of mind, giving the dog access to their natural communication system rather than forcing them to rely on ours, by becoming overwhelmed, too aroused and too excited by using eyes first.
A useful way to think about it is:
Humans see the world and then investigate.
Dogs smell the world and then decide what is worth seeing.
For many reactive, anxious or highly aroused dogs, to be calmer and slower, encouraging more nose work and less visual fixation can be a game changer. The dog starts behaving more like a dog instead of trying to navigate a human-designed world using human priorities.

🐾 Dogs Are Masters at Reading Energy and body language 🐾As humans, we're constantly talking, moving, reacting, and givin...
29/05/2026

🐾 Dogs Are Masters at Reading Energy and body language 🐾

As humans, we're constantly talking, moving, reacting, and giving off energy. Our dogs are experts at reading all of it but only from a dog's perspective. Which is often why our intentions are misunderstood by a dog.

The problem is that many owners focus on what they're saying rather than what they're communicating through their actions, body language, consistency, and leadership.

Your dog lives in your world, not the other way around. That's why someone needs to provide guidance, structure, and direction. If we don't step into that role, many dogs will make their own decisions based around the environment you provide, their genetics and what works in the moment—and those decisions aren't always the ones we'd like!

Being an authority figure doesn't mean being harsh or intimidating. It means being calm, fair, consistent, and trustworthy. It means setting clear boundaries and helping your dog understand how to successfully navigate the human world.

Leadership builds trust. Trust builds confidence. Confidence creates better behaviour and respect builds good choices.
The strongest relationship you can have with your dog isn't based on friendship alone—it's built on guidance, respect, and understanding.

🐕 Be the leader your dog needs, not just a friend!

🐾

A dog’s behaviour is never just about “training.”Breed traits, genetics, life experiences, and the relationship they hav...
29/05/2026

A dog’s behaviour is never just about “training.”
Breed traits, genetics, life experiences, and the relationship they have with you all play a huge role in how they respond to the world around them.
A high-drive working breed was never designed to think and behave like a calm companion breed. Genetics influence energy levels, prey drive, sensitivity, confidence, nerve strength, resilience, and how quickly a dog reacts under pressure.
But genetics are only part of the picture.
Your relationship with your dog determines whether they trust your guidance, respect your direction, and feel safe enough to remain calm and neutral in challenging situations.
Correcting behaviour is not about punishment, fear, or domination. It is about:
• Clear communication
• Fair boundaries
• Consistency
• Accountability
• Trust
• Leadership your dog can rely on
Without a relationship built on clarity and structure, behaviour work often becomes confusion, conflict, or emotional reactions from both dog and owner.
Good behaviour starts long before the correction.
It starts with understanding the dog in front of you and creating an environment that sets you and your dog up for success!

Address

Poole
BH177LY

Telephone

+447711887405

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