Enriching hounds

14/10/2026

🐾 BEYOND THE LEAD: THE ENRICHING HOUNDS DIARIES 🐾

Part 2: Same Behaviour. Different Dog. Different Reason.

🔥 Here's something that might ruffle a few feathers…

Just because two dogs are doing exactly the same thing doesn't mean they need exactly the same training.

Let's take barking.

One dog might bark because they're frightened. Another because they're frustrated. Another because they're ridiculously excited and have absolutely no idea what to do with themselves. 😂

Same behaviour. Three very different emotional states.

And this is where I think dog training sometimes gets a little too caught up in labels, methods and what we're supposed to do.

At Enriching Hounds, I train the dog standing in front of me.

Not the dog in a textbook. Not the dog in a viral TikTok. And certainly not the dog somebody on Facebook has diagnosed from a 15-second video. 👀

Because behaviour doesn't happen in isolation.

We need to consider the environment, the dog's experiences, their body language, their emotional state and what's happening around them.

💜 The behaviour is what we can see. The reason behind it is what we need to understand.

And sometimes, what looks like disobedience is actually a dog struggling to cope.

That doesn't mean we ignore unwanted behaviour. It means we need to understand what we're dealing with before deciding how to address it.

🐾 So here's my question for you…

Have you ever been told your dog is being naughty, stubborn or dominant, when you suspected there was something more going on?

I'd genuinely love to hear your experiences!

And if you're struggling to understand your dog's behaviour, we're always happy to help you look beyond what's happening on the surface. 💜

👀 COMING NEXT: Part 3 — Socialisation Doesn't Mean Saying Hello!

Because contrary to popular belief, your dog doesn't need to be best mates with every dog they meet. 😉

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

🐾 BEYOND THE LEAD 🐾
The Enriching Hounds Diaries

Part 1: “My dog is just stubborn!”

Oh, if I had a pound for every time I've heard that one! 😂

But here's a question...

Is your dog actually being stubborn, or is there something else going on?

We humans are very quick to put labels on behaviour.

Stubborn. Naughty. Dominant. Ignorant. Dramatic. 🙄

But what if that dog isn't deliberately ignoring you?

What if they're overwhelmed? Confused? Overexcited? Anxious? Or simply haven't learnt what you're asking of them in that particular environment?

And here's where I might ruffle a few feathers...

Understanding why a dog behaves a certain way doesn't mean we have to accept every behaviour they offer.

We can acknowledge how a dog feels whilst still teaching boundaries, expectations and appropriate alternatives.

The important bit is understanding what's driving that behaviour in the first place.

Because two dogs can display exactly the same behaviour for two completely different reasons.

And treating them both exactly the same? Well, that's where things can get interesting! 👀

At Enriching Hounds, I don't believe in training from a rigid script. I believe in understanding the dog standing in front of me.

🐾 So tell me, what's one behaviour your dog does that you've always put down to stubbornness?

And keep an eye out for Part 2, because we're going to tackle another common misconception...

Does socialisation really mean your dog needs to meet every dog they see? 👀

12/10/2026

But here's something I feel very strongly about...

Most training tools require proper guidance, education and an understanding of how to use them appropriately.

And before we even start talking about equipment, we need to talk about understanding the dog.

Can you recognise when a dog is uncomfortable?

Can you spot subtle signs of stress before they escalate?

Do you understand thresholds, displacement behaviours, calming signals and the difference between a dog complying and a dog actually feeling comfortable?

Because a dog doing what you've asked doesn't automatically mean they're happy, confident or emotionally comfortable doing it.

You can have all the equipment in the world, but without an understanding of canine behaviour, learning theory and body language, you're missing the most important part of training.

The dog.

And that's why I believe education, appropriate guidance and individual assessment should always come before choosing a tool or technique.

Side note : i edited the photo to remove the bag i was holding

12/10/2026

🐾💜 NOLAN'S PROGRESS – TRUST, CONFIDENCE & LITTLE VICTORIES! 💜🐾

Sometimes the biggest achievements don't look like much to the outside world. But to us, they mean EVERYTHING! 🥹

When Nolan first joined the Enriching Hounds pack, we knew that building his trust was going to be our first priority.

No rushing. No forcing interactions. Just patience, consistency and allowing Nolan to learn that he's safe, supported and understood. ❤️

And now? Just look at him! 🥹🐶

With the help of our very own Kali, we've been giving Nolan opportunities to build his confidence, have fun and discover that new experiences can actually be pretty brilliant!

This is why we love what we do.

It's not just about walking dogs. It's about understanding the dog in front of us, working at their pace and celebrating every bit of progress along the way.

Trust isn't given. It's earned. And Nolan, we're so proud of you! 💜🐾

Here's to many more little victories, big adventures and a whole lot of confidence! 🐕

12/10/2026

🐾 WE DON'T EXPECT PERFECT DOGS. 🐾

And quite frankly, we wouldn't want to. ❤️

At Enriching Hounds, we don't expect every dog to walk beautifully on a lead, have flawless recall or be best friends with every dog they meet.

Some dogs bark.
Some pull.
Some struggle with big feelings.
Some are nervous, reactive, overexcited or simply haven't been taught what we're asking of them yet.

And that's okay.

Because behind every behaviour is a dog that's communicating something.

That doesn't mean we ignore unwanted behaviours or simply accept them without question. It means we take the time to understand why they're happening and work towards changing them.

We believe in clear communication, fair boundaries, appropriate guidance and advocating for the dog in front of us.

Sometimes progress looks like walking calmly past another dog.

Sometimes it's choosing to disengage rather than react.

Sometimes it's a nervous dog finding the confidence to explore.

And sometimes it's simply a dog learning that the world isn't quite as overwhelming as they thought. ❤️

We're not here to judge you because your dog isn't perfect.

We're here to help you both move forward.

Because every dog deserves to be understood, not just the easy ones.

🐕 Reactive dogs welcome.
🐾 Nervous dogs welcome.
🐕‍🦺 Big personalities welcome.
❤️ Owners who feel like they've tried everything? You're welcome too.

Enriching Hounds
More than just a walk. 🐾

11/10/2026

🐾 SUNDAY BEHIND THE SCENES AT ENRICHING HOUNDS 🐾

Ever wondered what your dog walker gets up to on a Sunday? 👀😂

Contrary to popular belief, running a dog walking and training business isn't quite a Monday–Friday, 9–5 job!

While the walking boots might get a little rest, there's still plenty happening behind the scenes.

🐾 Organising the week's rotas (which sometimes feels like a game of Tetris!)

🐾 Responding to enquiries and messages

🐾 Planning walks and matching dogs into suitable groups

🐾 Sorting invoices, paperwork and general admin

🐾 Making sure everything is ready for another busy week with your four-legged family members!

And somewhere amongst all that, there's my own family, pets and a house that apparently refuses to clean itself! 😂

I'm certainly not complaining — I absolutely love what I do. ❤️

But I think it's easy to forget that being self-employed doesn't necessarily mean switching off when the weekend arrives.

So if you spot me with a coffee, my diary open and a slightly bewildered expression on a Sunday afternoon... now you know why! ☕🐕

Because Enriching Hounds is so much more than just walking dogs. 🐾❤️

10/10/2026

🎆🐾 BONFIRE NIGHT IS COMING… OR SHOULD WE SAY FIREWORK SEASON?! 🐾🎆

Let's face it, gone are the days when fireworks were just for the 5th of November! These days, it feels like firework season starts in October and doesn't finish until the New Year. 🙈

For some dogs, fireworks are just background noise. For others, they can be absolutely terrifying.

Here at Enriching Hounds, we believe preparation, understanding your dog's behaviour and building confidence are key.

And the good news? There's plenty we can start doing NOW! 🐶

🐾 1. BUILD A SAFE SPACE BEFORE YOU NEED IT

Your dog's safe space should be somewhere they already associate with relaxation, not somewhere they're suddenly expected to go when they're frightened.

Consider:

🏡 A crate with a blanket over it (if they're already crate trained and comfortable).

🏡 A cosy bed in a quiet corner.

🏡 Familiar blankets and comforting scents.

🏡 Closing curtains to minimise flashes.

🏡 Having the television, radio or white noise playing to help mask outside sounds.

Encourage your dog to use this space during normal, calm periods. Offer chews, enrichment and positive experiences there.

The aim is to build a positive association before the fireworks begin.

Never force a frightened dog into a crate or prevent them from leaving their safe space.

🐾 2. THUNDERSHIRTS & ANXIETY WRAPS

Some dogs benefit from gentle, consistent pressure, which can have a calming effect.

Thundershirts and similar wraps may be worth considering, but remember, they're not a miracle cure and won't suit every dog.

Introduce them gradually, pairing them with positive experiences.

Don't wait until your dog is already panicking to try one!

🐾 3. NOISE DESENSITISATION – START NOW!

One of the biggest things we can work on before firework season is changing how our dogs respond to unfamiliar or frightening sounds.

Start with firework recordings at a VERY low volume, ideally so low your dog barely acknowledges them.

Pair the sounds with something enjoyable, such as food, play or calm enrichment.

Gradually increase the volume over time, but only while your dog remains relaxed.

We want to build confidence, not push a dog beyond their threshold.

If your dog becomes anxious, stop and reassess. Dogs with established noise phobias may need an individual training plan.

🐾 4. THINK ABOUT WALKING TIMES & SAFETY

During firework season, even the most confident dog can be startled.

🐕 Walk during daylight hours where possible.

🐕 Make sure harnesses and collars fit securely.

🐕 Keep dogs on lead when fireworks are likely.

🐕 Check microchip information is up to date.

🐕 Don't force a frightened dog out for a walk.

Remember, one unexpected bang can be enough to send a frightened dog into flight mode.

🐾 5. USE ENRICHMENT TO ENCOURAGE RELAXATION

Licking, sniffing and chewing can all provide opportunities for dogs to settle and engage in natural behaviours.

Try preparing:

🦴 Frozen LickiMats

🦴 Stuffed KONGs

🦴 Snuffle mats

🦴 Appropriate long-lasting chews

Introduce these during calm periods so your dog already associates them with relaxation.

If your dog is too frightened to engage, don't force it.

🐾 6. BE MINDFUL OF HOW YOU RESPOND

This is an important one!

Dogs learn through associations and consequences, so we need to be mindful of what we're encouraging.

Fear is an emotional response, but the behaviours that accompany fear, such as barking, pacing or seeking attention, can be influenced by how we respond.

Our aim should be to encourage calm, confident behaviour rather than unintentionally creating additional excitement around the situation.

✅ Remain calm and predictable.

✅ Offer reassurance without overwhelming your dog.

✅ Reward relaxed behaviour and positive choices.

✅ Allow your dog to seek closeness if they need it.

✅ Respect their decision to retreat to a safe space.

❌ Avoid panicking or making a huge fuss.

❌ Don't punish barking, trembling or other fear responses.

❌ Don't force your dog to confront something they're frightened of.

Comforting a frightened dog isn't the same as rewarding fear. We can provide security while still being thoughtful about the behaviours we're encouraging.

🐾 7. DON'T WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER TO SEEK HELP

For dogs with significant noise sensitivity, preparation may need to go beyond a cosy bed and a LickiMat.

Speak to your vet ahead of time about appropriate support, including medication where necessary.

There is absolutely no shame in needing additional help.

Training, environmental management and veterinary support can work together to improve your dog's welfare.

❤️ UNDERSTANDING THE DOG IN FRONT OF YOU

Not every dog needs the same approach.

Some need space. Some need gentle reassurance. Some benefit from structured confidence-building exercises, while others may require professional intervention.

The important thing is recognising the difference between a dog who is mildly startled and one who is genuinely overwhelmed.

Our goal isn't simply to stop the barking, shaking or hiding. It's to help change how the dog feels about the situation in the first place.

🐶 PREPARATION STARTS NOW, NOT ON THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER!

If your dog struggles with fireworks, don't wait until they're already terrified to start thinking about a plan.

Here at Enriching Hounds, we're always happy to discuss your dog's individual needs and help you explore ways to build confidence.

And we'd love to know…

💬 How does your dog cope with fireworks? Are they completely unbothered, a little unsure, or absolutely terrified?

Let us know in the comments! 👇

Enriching Hounds 🐾
Understanding the dog in front of us.

10/10/2026

🐾🎓 ENRICHING HOUNDS – PUPPY CLASS OF 2026! 🎓🐾

Small paws, big personalities and even bigger adventures ahead! ❤️

We've had a bit of a puppy takeover at Enriching Hounds recently, and we thought it was about time we introduced some of our youngest recruits!

Normally, our new pack members get their very own welcome post, but with so many little paws joining us, we thought we'd do something a little different! 🥹

🐶 BROC – Those floppy ears and innocent puppy eyes! We're sure there's absolutely no mischief hiding behind that sweet little face. 👀

🐶 KING – Our handsome Rottweiler youngster! A big personality with plenty of growing and learning still to do. ❤️

🐶 NOLAN – Our gorgeous spaniel boy! Already looking like butter wouldn't melt, especially when there's a teddy involved! 🧸

🐶 WINNIE – Already officially welcomed to the family, but we couldn't leave this curly little sweetheart out of the class photo! 🐾

At Enriching Hounds, we believe those early experiences really matter.

It's not about throwing puppies into the deep end or expecting them to get everything right straight away. It's about building confidence, encouraging curiosity, teaching boundaries and helping each dog develop at their own pace.

Whether that's exploring new environments, learning to settle, practising manners or simply discovering the world one sniff at a time, we're delighted to be part of their journeys.

We can't wait to watch these little personalities grow into the dogs they're destined to become. ❤️

So please give a huge Enriching Hounds welcome to our Puppy Class of 2026! 🎓🐕

Different breeds. Different personalities. One very special pack. 🐾❤️

09/10/2026

🐾💜 PROUD IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT! 💜🐾

Wenesdays pack walk was one of those moments that reminds me exactly why I love what I do! 🥹🐶

Watching the dogs walking together, enjoying each other's company, respecting boundaries and just being an absolutely fantastic little pack made me incredibly proud! ❤️

People often see a group of dogs walking together, but what they don't always see is the time, patience, training and trust that goes into making moments like these possible.

Every dog has their own personality, quirks and needs, and seeing them come together so beautifully is what it's all about. 🐕🐾

It's not about having perfect dogs. It's about building confidence, encouraging good choices and creating positive experiences.

Wednesday, this pack absolutely smashed it! 🌟

A massive well done to all my four-legged superstars. You make me proud every single day, but wednesday was something special! 🥰

And a huge thank you to our wonderful owners for trusting us with your dogs.

This is Enriching Hounds. More than just a dog walk. 💜🐾