Poppy's Positive Pooches

Poppy's Positive Pooches Dog Trainer, R+, VSA DTC Graduate. Part of the Dog Behaviour and Training Charter. Portsmouth UK. This was the start of Poppy's Portsmouth Pooches.

As a lifelong dog lover, Poppy found herself getting lots of questions, from friends and family, who had become first time dog parents, asking for help and advice. At the time, she felt she was unqualified to give this advice, but it inspired her to learn more, and become a certified dog trainer - through VSA, to be able to help all dog parents. Poppy love’s working with dogs and their families to

help develop and nurture their bonds. Each session is tailored to the needs of the dog and their families, and are centred around positive and rewarding experiences, to help you learn together. As with people, all dogs are different too, in personality, learning techniques and needs. This is reflected in the training plan, as well as being educational, it is clear Poppy puts thought and heart into all she does. Poppy will never put you and your dog in a situation where you are set up to fail. Each session is always about progress and the little wins. During your sessions with Poppy, you will be guided through each training exercise, ensuring that you and the dog are comfortable, enjoying yourselves and always working towards building confidence together. Using her knowledge of science-based training techniques Poppy also explains why, what and how each training method is useful. It is clear Poppy is passionate about what she does. Poppy's goal is to encourage and enable you and your dog to find a common language, build a partnership and keep it all positive, rewarding and fun!

27/08/2026

A day late, but Happy National Dog Day!
The dogs were good yesterday.

🐶

27/08/2026

My whole world ❤️

21/08/2026

When she gives you the Hard Stare Collies are famous for, you know she's asking for something.
Sometimes she does choose training, but right now she wants a destroy box and something to chew inside it.

I love that Esme and I have built this language and form of communication. This was mainly through her clear engagement and my consistency (with follow through).

19/08/2026

I love singing with Esme, today she learnt a new song and kept asking for it with short sharp barks.

19/08/2026

How I handle corners with a reactive dog.
We do not like jump scares!

Using 'Swoop' to mean curve or arch away, ideally move behind me, but we're still moving in the same direction. So different to 'This way' (our changing direction cue.

When there isn't space for a 'Swoop', we walk our hands down the lead to shorten it, keeping the dog slightly behind our leg (inside leg is better in case you need to body block against wall). Make sure you release once coast is clear.

28/07/2026

Working with the Vets to make visits easier for Esme.
- We make sure we see the same vet, (poor Justin),
- We sit in the same place when possible, in the corner away from the door and main paths of travel, where the receptionists aren't looking directly at her and their movements are predictable.
- She has Trazadone and Gabapentin to take the edge off her and help settle her stress levels post appointment.
- Justin stays the other side of the desk for most of the appointment, only moving close once she's in held position for the jab
- Mummy gives the Kennel cough medication (I'm getting good at it now).

Then a short sniff walk post vets, then home to have breakfast, and a nap!

Muzzle from .muzzle.movement

Hello all, Just to let you all know that I'll be away; 4th-12th August, and 16th-23rd September. If you are wanting to b...
20/07/2026

Hello all,
Just to let you all know that I'll be away; 4th-12th August, and 16th-23rd September.
If you are wanting to book in training sessions please let me know asap as I'll be doing my best to fit everyone in before the 4th August.

May this cooler weather continue!

23/06/2026

Looking for things to keep your dog entertained during the heatwave?
Destroy boxes for the win!
Only suitable for dogs who don't consume inappropriate items.

02/06/2026

Caught in a thunderstorm just at the beginning of a training walk, so pivoted to an indoor session in
Great opportunity to work on existing in a very distracting environment.
Working on lead etiquette, sniffing, leaving toys/treats that don't belong to you... Yet. And working in settling.
It's also a great alternative for enrichment when it's hot (there's air conditioning!).

27/05/2026

Spider man pose engaged in order to check the surfaces my dogs walk on to see if they're safe. You should KEEP CHECKING the whole walk.
First pavement had been in shade all morning so was only just heating up.
Second paving had been under the sea so was very cool.
Third pavement had been in direct sun all morning and was Boiling!

Hold your hand down (sensible people use the back of their hand to make sure they don't get burnt) for 5seconds. If you can't handle it, your dogs' paws can't handle it.

Address

Portsmouth

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 7pm
Tuesday 7am - 7pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 7pm
Friday 7am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Poppy's Positive Pooches posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Poppy's Positive Pooches:

Shortcuts

Share

Category