Positive Training For Canines

03/09/2026

How many more appointments, family events or special occasions are you going to miss because your dog can't be left home alone? 💔

Living with a dog who has separation anxiety can feel incredibly isolating. Every trip out needs planning, and even a quick appointment can seem impossible without finding someone to stay with your dog.

The good news? It doesn't have to be this way.

With a personalised training plan, patience and the right support, your dog can learn that being home alone is safe.

✨ One of my recent clients was finally able to leave their dog for a full hour—long enough to attend an important doctor's appointment without worry. Small steps like these can make a huge difference.

My Separation Anxiety Programme includes:
🐾 A detailed initial assessment
🐾 Bespoke training plan tailored to your dog
🐾 Virtual coaching sessions at times that suit you
🐾 WhatsApp support throughout your journey
🐾 Ongoing feedback from your recorded training sessions so you're never tackling it alone

You don't have to keep missing out on life.

For more information on how I can help you and your dog please check out my website
https://positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk/separation-anxiety/

Or contact me directly
💻 [email protected]
☎️ 0777 131 4947

02/09/2026

When can Separation Anxiety start?

Many people are told they cause their dog's separation anxiety because the dog sleeps in their bedroom, shares the bed, or hasn't had enough exercise. None of this is true.

Separation anxiety can begin at any stage of a dog's life and is often linked to genetics, breed tendencies, or even discomfort or pain. We've bred dogs to live closely alongside humans - so struggling when left alone is far more common than people realise.

This is why it's so important to check how your dog copes when you leave and whilst you are gone, even if there are no obvious signs like destruction, barking or toileting. A camera connected to your phone gives you a true picture of what's happening. Many dogs look 'fine' from the outside but show subtle signs of stress once you're gone.

If you're unsure how your dog feels when left, or you're worried separation anxiety may be starting, let's talk. I support dogs through gentle, structured desensitisation - always at their pace - with virtual guidance, daily support and personalised training plans.

You can explore my Separation Anxiety support through my website www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk/separation anxiety

Or contact me directly
☎️ 0777 131 4947
💻 [email protected]

Happy training
Leah 🐾

01/09/2026

Many people try to leave their puppies home alone by waiting until they're fully asleep and then sneaking out. It feels logical.....but it can have devastating consequences.
Imagine your puppy waking up, realising no one is home and panicking because they had no idea you had gone.
When we teach puppies to cope with being left, we make sure they're settled but awake, fully aware of what you're doing, having toileted, and feel comfortable with the whole process. Sneaking out doesn't build confidence it can build fear.
If you're unsure when or how to leave your puppy for the first time, or you're already seeing signs of separation anxiety, let's talk.
I help dogs feel safe when their humans leave the room or the house through gentle desensitisation, always working at the dog's pace.
All Separation Anxiety work is carried out virtually with daily support and personalised training plans.
If you'd like to explore this, either check out my website https://positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk/separation-anxiety/ or contact me:
💻 [email protected]
☎️ 0777 131 4947

30/08/2026

Why Regular Vet Visits Matter More Than You Think

When do you take your dog to the vet?
Is it when they've eaten something they shouldn't?
When they've hurt themselves?
Or perhaps just for their yearly vaccination?

If we think of vet visits like filling a bucket with water, where the water represents positive experiences, many dogs end up with an almost empty bucket - because the only time they go is when something unpleasant or stressful happens.

But it doesn't have to be that way.

If you pop in from time to time just to hang out, say hello to the staff or hop onto the scales, you start adding small amounts of positivity to that bucke. Then, when something does go wrong and your dog needs treatment, they have a reserve of positive experiences to draw from - making the whole process far less stressful.

These tiny visits are a powerful part of socialisation and confidence building. A dog who feels comfortable in the vet environment is a dog who copes better when life throws a curve ball.

If you'd like help building confidence at the vets why not book a one to one with me?

💻 [email protected]
☎️ 0777 131 4947
🌍 www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk/perfect-puppy-one-to-one/

29/08/2026

As we head into the bark-to-school week, many of you will be getting ready for the school run again. If you're planning on taking your puppy with you, it's worth thinking about how this busy, noisy routine can affect them.

I've written a blog that explains what puppies experience on the school run - the excitement, the overwhelm, the distractions.

If you're planning on taking your puppy along next week, have a read before you go

Is Taking a Puppy on the School Run a Good Idea? The Surprising Effects You Need to Know by Leah | Jan 30, 2025 | Uncategorized Are you taking your young pup on the school run? Have you considered the effects this could be having on your pup? Have you weighed up the Pros and Cons? Each pup is differ...

28/08/2026

'Can I bring my husband/wife/kids to the classes?'

This is a question I get asked a lot - and the answer is absolutely! 🐾💙

If your family is living with your new dog, or visit regularly, then getting them involved in training is a fantastic way to spend time together and start building those important bonds.

It also means everyone can learn the same skills and understand what your dog is learning, so you can ll be consistent at home.

And let's be honest....mistakes are going to happen. That's completely okay. In fact, that's what I'm there for. If something isn't quite working or someone is struggling with a particular exercise, we can work through it together in class.

The more the family gets involved, the more confident everyone becomes - and the easier it is for your dog to understand what's expected of them.

So yes, bring the family! The more the merrier! 🐾💙

Happy Training
Leah

💻 [email protected]
☎️0777 131 4947
🌍 www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk

25/08/2026

Why I became a dog trainer🐾

Before Positive Training For Canines existed, I spent several years working with dogs at the RSPCA and Southampton City Council.

I cared for so many dogs who had found themselves in the rehoming system and I quickly realised just how much the right training and support could change a dog's future.

I spent time training the dogs, not only to give them something positive to focus on while they waited, but also to help prepare them for life with their new family.

But the more dogs I worked with, the more I found myself thinking...
What if we could prevent some of these dogs from ending up in the rehoming system in the first place?

What if owners had the support and knowledge they needed from the very beginning?

And that's where the idea for Positive Training For Canines was born.

In 2009, I took the leap and started my own dog training business, with the aim of helping people build happy healthy relationships with their dogs through kind, force - free training.

And all these years later, that's still exactly why I do what I do 🐾💙

Because sometimes, helping a dog starts long before there's ever a problem.

24/08/2026

🐾Easy Recall Game🐾

When it comes to recall, it's not about getting your dog back - it's about teaching them to stay with you 💙

Here's a simple, fun game you can play at home to build those recall skills:

1️⃣ Start between your legs
Make sure your dog is happy and confident going between your legs. Drop a piece of food between your feet and see if they're comfortable moving through to get it.

If they are, gradually drop the next piece a little further behind you until they're happily running through your legs

2️⃣ Add movement
Once they're confident, drop the food and, while they're eating it, take a small step away.

Just be careful not to accidentally kick your dog!!

3️⃣ Add the recall
As your dog finishes the food, get ready to call them. Then throw another piece of food through your legs and move away again.

Your dog learns that coming with you = fun things happen!

4️⃣ Build it up gradually
Start slowly and keep the distance short. As your dog gets the hang of it, gradually increase your speed and the distance you move away.

🎯 The goal isn't simply to get your dog back. It's to build a dog who thinks 'Where are you going? I want to come too!'

Give it a go and let me know how you get on! 🐶💙

Remember to practice in a safe, secure environment and use treats your dog really loves

Happy Training
Leah 🐾

🌍 www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk
☎️ 0777 131 4947
💻 [email protected]

17/08/2026

Many of you will have heard about the major fire in the New Forest that has closed the A31.

When the fire took hold, a number of vehicles had to be abandoned for safety. I’m not entirely sure where all those people ended up, but it did get me thinking about something important: what happens in an emergency when you’re travelling with your dog?

If you break down or need to leave your vehicle quickly, can you safely and easily get your dog out with you? Do you have what you need to keep them secure and calm?

Here's some simple tips to help you plan ahead:

⭐ 1. Keep your dog accessible, not buried under luggage

⭐ 2. Make sure your dog can be removed safely
In an emergency, you may need to get your dog out fast. Keep a secure lead within arm’s reach, not packed away. If your dog travels in a crate, ensure the door isn’t obstructed.

⭐ 3. Have a “grab‑and‑go” dog kit
A small pouch kept in the car can make emergencies far less stressful. Include:

A lead
Poo bags
A small bottle of water
A collapsible bowl
A spare ID tag
A lightweight blanket
High‑value treats
Muzzle

⭐ 4. Keep ID details up to date

⭐ 5. Teach a reliable “come with me” cue
In emergencies, dogs can be frightened or overwhelmed. A simple, well‑practised cue — like following your hand or stepping out of the car calmly — helps enormously.

⭐ 6. Plan for breakdowns

⭐ 7. Consider how your dog copes with stress
Some dogs panic with loud noises, flashing lights, or unfamiliar people. If your dog is sensitive, plan how you can help him in the situation

Let's hope you don't need this but life is unpredictable so you never know!

Leah 🐾

13/08/2026

Top Tips For Toilet Training Your Puppy 🐾

* Frequent Trips Outside - take your puppy out frequently, around every 30- 45 minutes while they are awake

* After Meals, Drinking and Play - these moments almost always trigger the need to go

* Go With Them - even if the door is open, accompany your puppy to the garden and gently verbally praise them when they toilet

* Last Thing At Night - and be prepared for a middle of the night trip during the early weeks

* Watch For Signs - sniffing, circling, wandering off, or suddenly going quiet often means they need to go

As the weather cools and we start closing doors, be prepared for a few accidents. Revisit the toilet training tips to help your puppy.

If you'd like help with toilet training or want support building a calm daily routine, why not get in touch about one to ones?

Happy Training
Leah 🐾

💻 [email protected]
☎️ 0777 131 3947
🌍 www.positivetrainingforcanines.co.uk