Author: The Canine Hub

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Hubster Happenings

Too Hot to Walk? 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy, Calm & Engaged at Home

When temperatures soar, skipping the walk isn’t lazy—it’s smart. With the mercury rising to 30°C and beyond, it’s simply not safe to head out for your usual walk.

But that doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored, frustrated or bouncing off the walls. There are plenty of ways to keep them mentally engaged, gently stimulated, and beautifully calm—without setting paw outside.

Here are 7 simple, walk-free ways to help your dog stay cool, settled and satisfied.

1. Scatter Feeding

Ditch the bowl and let your dog forage! Sprinkle dry food or small treats across a cool room or shaded garden space and let them sniff out every last crumb.

✅ Builds calm focus

✅ Encourages natural behaviour

✅ Great for dogs who get bored easily indoors

2. Frozen Treats & Lick Mats

Stuff a Kong with their usual food, add a dollop of yoghurt or mashed banana, and freeze it. Or spread some wet food or soft cheese onto a lick mat and pop it in the fridge.

✅ Soothes and cools

✅ Encourages calming licking

✅ Keeps them busy with little effort from you-

3. DIY Scent Games

Use old cardboard boxes, flowerpots, or even rolled-up towels. Hide treats underneath, let your dog search, and reward when they find the right one.

✅ Low-energy enrichment

✅ Great for older or heat-sensitive dogs

✅ Mental exercise = physical tiredness

4. Teach a Slow Trick

Choose something gentle, like chin rest, touch, or spin. Use tiny treats and short, quiet sessions.

✅ Keeps their brain active without overexertion

✅ Strengthens your bond

✅ Ideal for rainy or too-hot days

5. Create a Chill Zone

Set up a comfy, shady spot with a fan, cool mat, and some soft background noise. Encourage your dog to relax there with a chew or frozen toy.

✅ Promotes natural resting behaviour

✅ Helps prevent overexcitement indoors

✅ Especially good for puppies and anxious dogs

6. Scentwork Indoors

Hide a scented item or even a toy with a bit of cheese scent rubbed on it. Let your dog sniff it out in one room at a time.

✅ Builds confidence

✅ Mimics working dog brain activity

✅ Great practice for anyone considering scent classes later on

7. Short, Structured Games

Play 2–3 minutes of calm games like:

Catch Me (you take a step away, they come to you for a treat)

Middle (come to stand between your legs)

Find It! (toss a treat, let them sniff and find)

✅ No high energy needed

✅ Reinforces cues and connection

✅ Keeps dogs mentally tuned-in

Final Thoughts

On hot days, your dog doesn’t need long walks to stay happy—they need the chance to use their nose, brain, and body in small, satisfying ways. Swapping your usual routine for cooler, calmer alternatives isn’t just OK… it’s brilliant.

So skip the guilt, stock the freezer, and let enrichment do the work.

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy a slower pace together 🐾☀️

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Hubster Happenings

Understanding Canine Body Language: What Is Your Dog Telling You?

At The Canine Hub, we always say that training is a two-way conversation — but half the time, the dog is “talking” with their body, not their voice!

Learning to understand canine body language is one of the most powerful skills you can have as a dog owner.

Relaxed Border Collie with soft expression in garden – example of happy dog body language

It’s not about memorising a checklist. It’s about noticing the little things your dog is already showing you — in their tail, their ears, their eyes, even how they stand.

Here’s a simple guide to help you start reading your dog’s signals:

1. The Tail: More Than a Wag

A loose, wagging tail usually shows happiness.

A high, stiff wag can mean excitement or stress.

A low, slow wag often signals uncertainty.

A tucked tail is a big flag for fear or nervousness.

Top tip: Watch how the base of the tail moves, not just the tip!—

2. The Eyes: Windows to Emotion

This dog’s wide, side-facing eyes — often called “whale eye” — can be a sign of uncertainty or discomfort.

Soft, blinking eyes show relaxation.

Wide, round eyes (that “whale eye” look) suggest worry.

Fixed, hard stares can be a sign of guarding or tension.

Top tip: A gentle glance away is often your dog’s polite way of saying “I’m not sure about this.”

3. The Ears: Early Warning System

Relaxed, floppy ears = calm and content.

Ears pinned back = fear or uncertainty.

Forward and tense = alert, excited or on edge.

Top tip: Learn your dog’s “neutral” ear position — every breed is different!—

4. The Body: The Bigger Picture

Loose, wiggly movement = relaxed and sociable.

Stiff, still posture = tension or unease.

Leaning forward = excitement or frustration.

Slate merle Border Collie standing alert with forward-leaning posture, showing signs of focus and anticipation.
This alert stance and forward lean suggest Drift is focused and anticipating something ahead — a typical posture for excitement or high arousal in many dogs.

Leaning back or avoiding = discomfort or caution.

Top tip: Don’t zoom in on one feature — take in the whole picture and the context.—

Why It Matters

Understanding your dog’s body language builds trust, helps you avoid conflict, and makes training smoother and more enjoyable.

It’s like learning your best friend’s favourite expressions — over time, it becomes second nature.

At The Canine Hub here in Oakley, Bedfordshire, we focus on listening to dogs first — so every class, from our Pup St🌟rter Class to our progression courses and 1-2-1s, is built around cooperation, connection and calm communication.

Looking for a friendly, local puppy class in Bedfordshire?At The Canine Hub, we offer fun, practical training for real life — from our brand new Pup St🌟rter Class to Beyond the Basics, social clubs and private sessions.

Whether you’ve just brought your puppy home or want to build on the basics, we’d love to welcome you to our next course.

Click here to view and book your place.-

Click here

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Hubster Happenings

5 Quick Games to Play with Your Dog This Week

Got 10 minutes and a dog with energy to burn? You don’t need fancy equipment or loads of space to give your dog a mental and physical workout. These 5 simple games are perfect for daily enrichment, training reinforcement, and good old-fashioned fun.

Try one a day this week and watch your dog’s tail wag a little harder!

1. Find It

How to play:
Toss a handful of treats into the grass, on a rug, or across the floor and say “Find it!” Let your dog sniff and hunt them out.

Photo by Alexas Fotos on Pexels.com

Why it’s great:

  • Encourages natural foraging
  • Great for all ages and energy levels
  • Calms overexcited dogs

2. Middle

How to play:
Lure your dog to walk between your legs from behind and sit facing forward. Say “Middle!” and reward when they land in position.

Why it’s great:

  • Builds confidence
  • Creates a safe position in busy areas
  • Reinforces focus on you

3. Catch Me (a recall boost!)

How to play:
Call your dog, then run a few steps away and let them chase you. When they reach you, mark and reward with a treat or toy.

Why it’s great:

  • Reinforces recall
  • Builds handler focus
  • Makes training fun and interactive

4. Scatter Chase

How to play:
Toss treats gently across the ground one by one. Your dog chases, sniffs, and finds them as you toss more.

Why it’s great:

  • Combines play with calm sniffing
  • Perfect for pre-walk energy release
  • Useful for impulse control

How to play:
Start with two toys. Ask for one by name—“Find monkey!”—and reward when they bring the right one. If they guess wrong, try again!

Why it’s great:

  • Sharpens memory and problem-solving
  • Builds calm focus indoors
  • Can be played in small spaces

Final Thoughts

Quick games like these are a brilliant way to sneak extra training and enrichment into everyday life. Whether your dog is full of beans or needs a confidence boost, these simple ideas can make a big difference.

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Hubster Happenings

Top Toxic Spring Plants Every Dog Owner Should Know

Spring is in the air—buds are blooming, birds are singing, and your dog is probably itching to sniff every fresh blade of grass. But before you let them explore freely, it’s worth knowing that some of the most beautiful spring plants are also some of the most dangerous for dogs.

In this post, we’ll cover:

✔ Common spring plants and flowers that are toxic to dogs

✔ Symptoms to watch out for

✔ How to keep your dog safe on walks and in the gardenBecause a curious nose shouldn’t lead to a trip to the vet!

Top Harmful Spring Plants for Dogs

Here are some of the most common—and often overlooked—plants to be cautious of during springtime:

1. Daffodils

Toxic parts: Bulb (most toxic), leaves, and flowers

Why they’re dangerous: Daffodils can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and even heart or breathing issues in serious cases.

2. Tulips

Toxic parts: Bulbs primarily, but all parts can cause irritation

What to look for: Drooling, vomiting, and lack of appetite. In severe cases, dogs may appear unsteady or show signs of depression.

3. Bluebells (UK Native)

Toxic parts: Entire plant

Risk: Ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart issues in larger quantities. These beautiful woodland favourites are often scattered across walking paths.

4. Crocuses

Two types:Spring crocus (milder)—may cause an upset stomach

Autumn crocus (much more toxic)—can lead to organ damage

Tip: Always treat unknown crocus species with caution.

5. Lily of the Valley

Toxic parts: Entire plant

Effects: This sweet-looking flower can cause vomiting, heart arrhythmias, and seizures. Just a small amount can be dangerous.

6. Azaleas & Rhododendrons

Where they grow: Gardens and park borders

Danger: Even a few leaves can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases, coma or death.

Symptoms of Plant Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has eaten something unknown, watch for:

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Drooling or foaming at the mouth

Lethargy or collapse

Difficulty breathing

Tremors or seizures

When in doubt, contact your vet immediately. If possible, bring a photo or sample of the plant your dog may have eaten.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe This Spring

Know what’s growing in your garden: Remove or fence off toxic plants

Stay alert on walks: Especially in wooded areas and landscaped parks

Discourage random snacking: Train a solid “leave it” or use a long line to guide their exploring

Supervise curious puppies: Young dogs are more likely to chew unfamiliar plants

Final Thoughts

Spring is a time of renewal and outdoor fun—but it comes with its risks. By knowing what to look out for and staying aware of your surroundings, you can keep your dog safe while still letting them enjoy the season.Keep those tails wagging—and those noses safe!

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Hubster Happenings

Golden Oldies: How to Keep Your Senior Dog Happy, Active & Engaged

Millie was our dogs bestest friend 🧡

Dedicated to Millie Moo – the original Border Terrorist. You taught us that being cheeky is a form of enrichment in itself. You were small but mighty, and your friendship made the world brighter. This one’s for you, gorgeous girl. Run free at Rainbow Bridge 🌈🐾

Just like us, dogs change as they age—but that doesn’t mean their world should shrink! Whether your dog is slowing down a little or is firmly in their golden years, there’s still so much joy, connection, and learning to be had together.

Smiling senior dog outdoors, enjoying a relaxed moment

In this blog, we’ll explore:

✔ What to expect from older dogs

✔ Why training and enrichment are still important

✔ How to adapt activities to suit ageing bodies and minds

✔ How The Canine Hub’s Social Club, Variety Club and Scentwork options can help your older dog thrive

What Changes as Dogs Age?

Every dog is different, but many start showing signs of ageing around 7–10 years old, depending on breed and size. You might notice:

  • A little more stiffness in the mornings
  • Slower responses to cues
  • Reduced interest in long walks or busy environments
  • New sensitivities or anxiety in situations they previously handled with ease

These changes are natural—but they don’t mean your dog is “done” with learning or playing!

Why Enrichment & Training Still Matter

Older dogs still benefit hugely from mental stimulation, gentle physical activity, and positive reinforcement.

Senior dog sniffing in an enrichment activity .

In fact, continuing training in later life:

  • Helps maintain cognitive function and focus
  • Builds confidence when physical abilities change
  • Provides an outlet for dogs who still want to “do something” but need a lower-impact routine
  • Keeping the brain busy keeps the spirit bright!

How to Adapt Activities for Senior Dogs

Here are a few senior-friendly ideas to keep your dog engaged and enriched:

1. Keep Training Sessions Short & Rewarding

Revisit basic cues like settle, touch, wait, and find it. These are gentle, fun and great for maintaining connection.

2. Try Low-Impact Enrichment

Puzzle toys, slow walks where they can sniff everything, and short trick sessions can be more enjoyable than long hikes.

3. Let Them Sniff!

Older dogs often love scent-based games. It taps into their natural abilities and is mentally stimulating without physical strain.

Looking for Inspiration?

Join One of Our Senior-Friendly Sessions!

At The Canine Hub, we believe every dog deserves a fulfilling, enriched life—no matter their age. That’s why we offer several options to help older dogs stay engaged, happy and confident:

Social Club

A relaxed, low-pressure environment where dogs can interact, observe, and take part in activities at their own pace.

Perfect for:

✔ Dogs who enjoy being around others but don’t want full-on play

✔ Maintaining social skills

✔ Gentle exposure to new things

Variety Club

Each session includes a mix of fun games, trick training, brain work, and confidence-building activities.

Perfect for:

✔ Older dogs who still love to “do stuff”

✔ Dogs who enjoy 1:1 time with their humans

✔ Adding gentle structure to your week

Scentwork

One of the best activities for senior dogs! It’s mentally enriching, low-impact, and builds amazing confidence and focus.

Perfect for:

✔ Dogs who love to sniff

✔ Dogs with reduced mobility

✔ Boosting calmness and connection

Final Thoughts

Age is just a number—but enrichment, connection, and joy are timeless. Your senior dog still has so much to give and gain, and with a few small adjustments, you can keep life interesting, rewarding, and full of tail wags.

🐾 Want to explore what suits your golden oldie best?

📅 Join our Social Club, Variety Club or Scentwork sessions—designed with your dog’s wellbeing in mind.

Click here to find out more and book your place!

Click Here
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Hubster Happenings

The Teenage Dog Survival Guide: What No One Tells You!

One day, your puppy is a training superstar—coming when called, sitting on cue, and walking beautifully on the lead. The next? They’re completely ignoring you, pulling like a sled dog, and acting like they’ve never heard “sit” before in their life! 🤯

If this sounds familiar, congratulations—you have a teenage dog! 🎉

A colorful illustration of a dog with an expressive face standing in the snow, accompanied by humorous text about adolescent dogs.

Adolescence (typically 6-18 months old) is a challenging but totally normal stage in your dog’s development. It’s a time when they:

✔ Become more independent and start testing boundaries

✔ Get easily distracted and seem to forget their training

✔ Experience hormonal changes that impact behaviour

✔ Develop bigger emotions, making them more excitable (or sometimes anxious)But don’t worry!

In this guide, we’ll cover:

✔ Why your teenage dog is suddenly ignoring you

✔ What’s actually happening in their brain

✔ How to stay consistent with training using positive reinforcement

Plus, we’ll share why it’s the perfect time to move from The Canine Hub’s PupStar class to Beyond the Basics class—and for those who missed PupStar, our Basic Fundamentals class is a great place to start! 🐶✨

Why Is My Adolescent Dog Ignoring Me?

1. Their Brain Is Rewiring 🧠

Just like human teenagers, adolescent dogs go through major brain changes. Their impulse control isn’t fully developed, which means distractions (like squirrels, smells, or other dogs) become way more exciting than you!

2. Hormonal Changes Are at Play 🌀

If your teenage dog is suddenly more excitable, reactive, or even a bit stubborn, hormones could be playing a role! Adolescence is a time of big emotional changes, which can affect focus and behaviour.

3. They’re Testing Boundaries 🚀

Teenage dogs are more independent and love to experiment. You might notice them ignoring cues they used to follow perfectly—not because they’ve forgotten, but because they’re testing what happens if they don’t listen.

4. Reinforcement History Matters 🔁

If a behaviour wasn’t reinforced enough in different environments, your dog might struggle to generalise it. That’s why a perfect sit at home doesn’t always mean a perfect sit in the park.

5. The World Is Just More Exciting! 🌍

At this stage, dogs are adventure seekers. Their desire to explore, chase, and play is stronger than ever, which means training needs to be engaging and rewarding to compete with the distractions!

How to Survive the Teenage Dog Phase

Step 1: Stay Patient & Keep Training Fun 🎉

Your teenage dog isn’t trying to be difficult—they’re just going through a natural developmental phase. Instead of getting frustrated, make training fun!

✔ Use high-value rewards (chicken, cheese—whatever your dog loves most!).

✔ Keep sessions short and playful to hold their focus.

✔ Reward before they ignore you to reinforce engagement.

Step 2: Increase Engagement Through Games 🏆

Teenage dogs love to play, so use that to your advantage!

✅ “Catch Me” Recall Game: Run away from your dog, call their name excitedly, and reward them when they chase you!

✅ Find It Game: Toss treats in the grass and let them sniff them out—this reinforces focus on you while keeping things fun.

✅ Impulse Control Games: Practise “sit and wait” before releasing them for play or food.

Step 3: Reinforce Good Choices in Everyday Life 💡

Many owners only reward their dogs when they get things wrong—instead, focus on reinforcing good behaviour before bad habits form.

✔ If your dog checks in with you on a walk—reward them!

✔ If they sit calmly before you ask—reward them!

✔ If they ignore a distraction and focus on you—reward them!

A close-up of a dog holding a red chew toy in its mouth, sitting in a cozy indoor setting with a person in the background.

These small wins add up to long-term training success.

The Best Way to Navigate the Teenage Dog Phase?

Join Our Training Classes!

If your adolescent dog is suddenly ignoring you, this is not the time to stop training—it’s the time to level up! 🚀🐶

If you’ve completed PupStar: Move on to Beyond the Basics—our class designed specifically for teenage dogs who:

✅ Struggle with recall and loose lead walking

✅ Get distracted easily and ignore cues

✅ Need better impulse control and focus in real-life situations🐶

If you missed PupStar: No problem! Start with Basic Fundamentals, a perfect class to build foundation skills before progressing to Beyond the Basics.

Both classes use positive reinforcement methods to keep training fun, engaging, and effective for your teenage dog!

Final Thoughts

The teenage phase can feel like a rollercoaster, but remember—it’s just a phase! With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your teenage dog will come out the other side as a well-trained, confident companion.🐾

Struggling with your adolescent dog? Ready for the next step?📅

Join Basic Fundamentals or Beyond the Basics and keep your training on track! Sign up here!

Sign Up Here
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Hubster Happenings

Socialisation Mistakes: What Not to Do With Your Puppy

Smiling person with a happy Border Collie puppy in a car, showing a positive and relaxed socialisation experience
Drift 8 weeks old

Puppy socialisation is one of the most important parts of raising a confident, well-adjusted dog. But did you know that socialisation isn’t just about meeting lots of dogs and people? 🚨

Many owners make common mistakes that can actually lead to fear, reactivity, or overexcitement later in life. The good news? With the right approach, you can set your puppy up for success and avoid these pitfalls!

In this blog, we’ll cover:

✔ What socialisation really means

✔ Common mistakes owners make

✔ How to properly socialise your puppy using positive reinforcement

Plus, we’ll share how The Canine Hub’s PupStar class and Social Club can help your puppy learn essential social skills in a safe, structured environment! 🐶✨

What Is Puppy Socialisation (and What It’s NOT)?

✅ Socialisation IS:

✔ Exposing your puppy to different sights, sounds, surfaces, and environments in a positive, controlled way.

✔ Teaching them how to interact appropriately with other dogs and people.

✔ Helping them build confidence in new situations without feeling overwhelmed.

❌ Socialisation is NOT:

✖ Just letting your puppy meet as many dogs and people as possible.

✖ Forcing them into situations they find scary.

✖ Overwhelming them with too much, too fast.

Now that we know what good socialisation looks like, let’s dive into common mistakes to avoid!

5 Common Puppy Socialisation Mistakes

1. Letting Your Puppy Meet Every Dog They See 🐕🐾

Many owners think, “The more dogs my puppy meets, the better!” But too much uncontrolled interaction can actually cause problems later on.

🔹 Some puppies learn to expect every dog to be a playmate, making it harder to teach calm behaviour on walks.

🔹 Others might have negative experiences with pushy or reactive dogs, leading to fear.

✅ What to Do Instead:

✔ Focus on quality over quantity—choose calm, friendly dogs for early interactions.

✔ Practise ignoring other dogs on walks to teach neutrality.

2. Taking Them to Overwhelming Environments Too Soon 🌏🔊
Drift at the pet shop

Crowded markets, loud parks, or busy city streets can be too much for a young puppy.

🔹 If they feel overwhelmed, they may develop fear or avoidance behaviours.

🔹 Puppies need gradual exposure—not sudden, high-stress situations.

✅ What to Do Instead:

✔ Introduce new places gradually and watch for signs of stress (lip licking, yawning, turning away).

✔ Reward calm behaviour in low-distraction environments first, then build up.

Happy Border Collie puppy sitting on grass with a lead, looking engaged and confident. Ideal example of positive socialisation in a new environment.
Drift camping at 10 weeks old
3. Forcing Your Puppy Into Interactions 😨👋

If a puppy backs away or hides from a person, dog, or object, forcing them forward can make things worse.

🔹 They may learn that avoiding things doesn’t work, leading to fear-based reactivity.

🔹 A confident dog isn’t one that has been forced to “get over it”—it’s one that has built trust through positive experiences.

✅ What to Do Instead:

✔ Let your puppy approach at their own pace.

✔ Reward bravery but never force them into an uncomfortable situation.

4. Relying Only on Public Parks for Socialisation 🏞❌

Many owners take their puppies to public parks where dogs run off-lead, thinking it’s great socialisation. However, this can be overwhelming and unpredictable for young puppies.

🔹 Not all dogs in public spaces are well-mannered or under control, which means your puppy could have a scary or negative experience.

🔹 Puppies may learn that every dog is a playmate, making it harder to teach calm behaviour and recall around distractions.

🔹 Over-excited play with unfamiliar dogs can lead to bad habits, like rough play, ignoring recall, or becoming over-reliant on other dogs for confidence.

✅ What to Do Instead:

✔ Choose structured social opportunities (like The Canine Hub’s Social Club!).

✔ Practise one-on-one playdates with well-socialised dogs instead of free-for-all play.

✔ Focus on teaching neutrality—help your puppy learn that not every dog is an invitation to play!

5. Skipping Socialisation After Puppyhood 🐶➡️🐕

Many owners think, “My puppy is socialised now—I’m done!” But social skills need ongoing practice.

🔹 If socialisation stops after 16 weeks, puppies can lose confidence and become reactive or fearful later.

🔹 Adolescence (6-18 months) is a critical time when puppies reassess what they find safe or scary.

✅ What to Do Instead:

✔ Continue exposing them to new experiences, places, and people throughout adolescence.

✔ Join structured group classes, like The Canine Hub’s PupStar and Social Club, to keep skills sharp!

The Best Way to Socialise Your Puppy?

Join The Canine Hub’s PupStar & Social Club!

🐾 PupStar Class: Our reward-based puppy training course covers:

✅ Socialisation done right in a controlled environment.

✅ Confidence-building exercises for real-life success.

✅ Loose lead walking, recall, and impulse control skills.🐾 Social Club: A fun, structured environment for:

✅ Safe and positive dog interactions with trainer supervision.

✅ Practising good manners around other dogs.

✅ Building confidence in a variety of settings.

🌟 Give your puppy the best start in life! Click here to book your spot.

Book Now

Final Thoughts

Socialisation isn’t just about meeting dogs and people—it’s about creating positive, confidence-building experiences! By avoiding common mistakes and using reward-based training, you’ll help your puppy grow into a calm, well-adjusted adult dog.

🐾 Want expert guidance? Join our PupStar class or Social Club and give your puppy the best start possible!

📅 Book your place today! Sign up here.

Book now
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Hubster Happenings

Loose Lead Walking: How to Stop Pulling and Enjoy Stress-Free Walks

Do your walks feel more like a tug-of-war than a relaxing stroll? If your dog pulls on the lead, you’re not alone! Many owners struggle with loose lead walking, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can transform your walks into an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Gem loose lead walking past a jogger

In this guide, we’ll break down:

✔ Why dogs pull on the lead

✔ How to stop your dog from pulling on walks

✔ Positive reinforcement techniques that make loose lead walking fun and rewarding

Plus, we’ll share how The Canine Hub’s in-person and online Loose Lead Walking courses can help you master this essential skill! 🐶✨

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?

Before we dive into the solution, let’s look at why pulling happens in the first place:

1. Excitement and Lack of Impulse Control

Dogs love exploring the world, and when they step outside, their senses go into overdrive! If they haven’t learned impulse control, they naturally pull towards exciting sights and smells.

2. Reinforcement of Pulling

If your dog pulls and still gets to move forward, they’re being rewarded for pulling—so they keep doing it! This becomes a self-reinforcing behaviour.

3. Discomfort from Equipment

Tight leads, uncomfortable harnesses, or collars that cause tension can actually increase pulling due to pressure and frustration.

4. Lack of Understanding

Many dogs simply don’t know that staying near you is the best choice because they haven’t been taught in a way that makes sense to them.

The good news?

Loose lead walking is a skill that can be taught using positive reinforcement! 🎉

How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on Walks

Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment

The right gear can make a huge difference in training success.

🐾 Harness: A well-fitted Y-front harness allows free movement and comfort.

🐾 Lead: A longer lead (1.5m – 2m) gives your dog room to walk without tension.

🐾 Treat Pouch: Keep rewards easily accessible to reinforce good behaviour.

Step 2: Reinforce Calm Walking Indoors First

Before heading into a high-distraction environment, practise at home or in the garden. Reward your dog for:

✔ Checking in with you

✔ Walking calmly beside you

✔ Responding to movement cues

✨ Pro Tip: Reward before the lead tightens to prevent pulling from happening in the first place!

Step 3: Teach the “Reinforcement Zone”

The Reinforcement Zone is the area next to your leg where rewards happen.🐶 How to teach it:

1️⃣ Stand still and reward your dog for being by your side.

2️⃣ Take a step forward—reward when they stay near you.

3️⃣ Gradually increase steps, keeping rewards frequent at first.

🎯 Goal: Your dog learns that staying near you = treats, praise, and fun!

Step 4: Use a “Be a Tree” Technique (The Right Way!)

If your dog pulls, stop moving—but don’t just stand still for too long!

🐶 Instead:Pause briefly (1-2 seconds).When your dog reorients to you, mark and reward.Encourage them back to your side and resume walking.This teaches your dog that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere, but walking calmly does!

Step 5: Reward Engagement on Walks

Many owners only reward their dogs when they are already pulling—instead, focus on rewarding attention before pulling starts!

💡 Ways to reinforce engagement:

Call your dog’s name and reward when they check in.

Change direction often to keep them focused on you.

Practise “Find It” (toss a treat on the ground) to keep their nose busy without pulling.

Want Expert Help?

Join The Canine Hub’s Loose Lead Walking Course!

Walking your dog shouldn’t be a battle—it should be fun, stress-free, and rewarding for both of you!

🐶 Join our Loose Lead Walking Course to learn:

✅ Step-by-step training techniques that actually work

✅ How to stop pulling using positive reinforcement

✅ Real-life strategies for high-distraction environments

✅ Personalised coaching from expert trainers

🌟 Choose from:

📍 In-Person Course – Train with expert guidance in real-life settings.

Book In person Loose Lead Walking course

💻 Online Course – Learn from home with step-by-step video lessons.

Enroll on online Loose Lead WalKIng course

🚀 Start your journey to better walks today! Click here to enrol!

Final Thoughts

Loose lead walking is an essential life skill that can turn stressful walks into enjoyable bonding time. With patience, the right techniques, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn that walking calmly = rewards and fun!

🌟 Ready to say goodbye to pulling?

📅 Join The Canine Hub’s Loose Lead Walking Course today! Sign up Today

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Hubster Happenings

Agility for Beginners – The Foundations That Make All the Difference

Dog agility is an exciting sport that strengthens your bond with your dog, builds confidence, and channels their energy into something positive. But before you start tackling jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, you need a solid foundation. Without it, agility can become frustrating, overwhelming, or even unsafe for your dog.

Drift at an agility training day.

In this guide, we’ll break down why foundation skills matter, how to teach agility basics to puppies, and how you can set your dog up for success with our online course: Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift—a step-by-step programme following Drift’s training journey from 20 to 36 weeks old.

Why Are Foundation Skills Important for Agility Training?

Just like a house needs a strong base, your dog needs solid foundation skills before stepping onto an agility course. Without them, you risk confusion, injuries, and setbacks. Here’s why these early skills are crucial:

1. Body Awareness and Coordination – Young dogs are still developing their coordination. Teaching foundation exercises like balance work, rear-end awareness, and controlled movement helps them navigate obstacles safely and efficiently.

2. Confidence Building – A puppy that has been introduced to different surfaces, objects, and movements from an early age will be more confident when facing agility equipment. Confidence prevents hesitation and fear-based refusals on the course.

3. Engagement and Focus – Agility is a fast-paced sport that requires attention and teamwork. Puppies who learn to engage with their handler early will have an easier time following cues and staying on task in a high-energy environment.

4. Clear Communication and Handling – Agility is all about teamwork between dog and handler. By establishing early communication skills, your dog will better understand directional cues, body language, and verbal markers, making transitions to obstacles much smoother.

How to Teach Agility Basics to Puppies

🐾 Tip: Start foundation training early! Even though full agility training should wait until your puppy’s body is fully developed, foundation work can begin as early as 20 weeks old.

Step 1: Focus and Engagement Games – Before agility, your dog needs to stay connected with you, even in distracting environments.

🔹 Reward eye contact and name recognition.

🔹 Play fun games like “find me” to encourage focus.

🔹 Use reward-based training to make engagement exciting!

Step 2: Body Awareness and Strength Building – A well-balanced dog is a confident agility dog!

🔹 Teach your puppy to step onto different surfaces (rubber mats, wobble boards, platforms).

🔹 Use cavaletti poles at ground level to improve stride awareness.

🔹 Encourage rear-end awareness by teaching your pup to move their back feet independently.

Step 3: Foundation Handling Skills – Handling begins long before the agility equipment!

🔹 Teach directional cues (left, right, forward).

🔹 Introduce verbal markers that will later transfer to obstacles.

🔹 Practise reward placement so your pup learns to move in the right direction.

Step 4: Confidence on Equipment – Puppies should not be jumping or weaving at a young age, but they can explore safe, puppy-appropriate agility equipment.

🔹 Start with normal tunnels, wobble boards, and planks.

🔹 Reward calm interactions with new obstacles.

🔹 Keep sessions short and fun to build a positive association.

Step 5: Foundation Sequences and Relationship Building – Before tackling full courses, puppies should practise small movement sequences to build drive and confidence.

🔹 Use reward-based games to encourage movement in a specific direction.

🔹 Practise handler movement (running together, changing direction smoothly).

🔹 Reinforce quick recalls and impulse control.

Take Your Puppy’s Agility Training to the Next Level!

Want expert guidance to get your puppy’s agility foundations right from the start? Join our online course: Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift!

🐶 What’s Inside?

✅ A step-by-step agility foundation programme

✅ Training videos following Drift’s journey from 20 to 36 weeks old

✅ Fun, structured exercises to build engagement, confidence, and skills

✅ Low-impact, puppy-safe agility training to set your dog up for future success

🌟 Start your agility journey the right way!

Click here to enrol in Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift.

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You Made It! Here’s a Special Reward Just for You!

🎉Since you’ve read this far, you’re clearly serious about setting your puppy up for agility success—and we love that!

As a thank-you for your dedication, we’re giving you an exclusive 25% discount on our online course:

🌟 Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift 🌟

💥 Use code: SPRING25 at checkout to save 25%!

📅 Hurry – this special reader reward is only available until April 30th 2025!

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Final Thoughts

Dog agility is more than just speed—it’s about teamwork, confidence, and clear communication. By focusing on strong foundation skills, you’re giving your dog the tools they need to succeed and enjoy the sport for years to come.

Start your training today with Foundation Agility: Driven by Drift, and set your puppy up for agility success!

🌟 Ready to build an agility superstar? Don’t forget to use code SPRING25 for 25% off—offer ends April 30th!

📢 Enrol now and start training with Drift’s proven foundation methods! Sign up today.

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Hubster Happenings

Why Do Puppies Bite? A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Bite Manners

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of those tiny, razor-sharp puppy teeth, you know just how persistent and painful puppy biting can be! But don’t worry—it’s completely normal. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a natural part of their development.

In this blog, we’ll break down why puppies bite, how to teach your puppy not to bite, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you stop those playful nips—without harming your bond. Plus, we’ll show you how The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes can turn your pup into a well-mannered superstar!🚀

Want a step-by-step guide you can keep handy? Download our FREE ebook: ‘The Puppy Biting Survival Guide’ for expert tips and solutions! Click here to get your free copy.

Why Do Puppies Bite?

Puppies bite for several reasons, including:

1. Teething Troubles

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where their gums feel sore, and chewing relieves discomfort. This typically happens between 3 to 6 months of age.

2. Playfulness and Exploration

Puppies learn about the world by mouthing and biting everything—including you! In a litter, they bite their siblings, and when one stops playing, they learn that biting too hard ends the fun. Without littermates, they rely on us to teach them.

3. Overstimulation or Frustration

When puppies get too excited or frustrated, they may bite as a way to release energy. This is common during playtime or when they’re trying to get your attention.

4. Learning Social Skills

Puppies need to learn bite inhibition, which means controlling the force of their bite. This skill helps prevent accidental injuries when they grow into adults.

How Do I Teach My Puppy Not to Bite Me?

The key to stopping puppy biting is consistent, positive training. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you teach bite manners effectively.

Step 1: Redirect to a Toy

If your puppy bites your hand, immediately redirect them to a chew toy or tug toy. This teaches them that biting hands is not acceptable, but biting toys is.

Step 2: Reward Gentle Behaviour

Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement! When your puppy licks or plays gently, reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. This encourages them to repeat good behaviour.

Step 3: Avoid Rough Play

Games like wrestling or letting your puppy chase your hands encourage biting. Instead, use structured play like fetch or tug-of-war with clear rules.

Step 4: Teach “Leave It” and “Gentle” Cues

At The Canine Hub PupStar classes, puppies learn impulse control through cues like “Leave it” and “Gentle”. These cues teach them to be more mindful of their mouths.

Step 5: Give Plenty of Chew Toys

If your puppy is teething, provide safe chew toys like frozen Kongs, rubber chews, or soft teething toys. This prevents them from using your hands as a chew toy!

Step 6: Use a Calm Timeout if Needed

If your puppy is overly excited and biting excessively, calmly remove your attention. Stop playing, stand up, and give them a moment to settle. Once they are calm, resume interaction.

Step 7: Be Consistent

Everyone in the household should respond the same way to biting. If one person lets it slide, your puppy will get mixed signals and keep biting.

✨ Need more help? Our free ebook, ‘Understanding and Managing Puppy Biting’ has everything you need to stop those sharp little teeth in their tracks!

Grab your Free E-book on Puppy Biting

Why The Canine Hub PupStar Classes Are a Game-Changer

If you’re struggling with puppy biting, The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes can help! These classes provide:

✅ Expert guidance on stopping biting and teaching impulse control

✅ Socialisation with other puppies to improve bite inhibition

✅ Fun, reward-based training that builds confidence and manners

✅ Personalised support from professional trainers

✨ Want a step-by-step guide you can refer to anytime?

Download our FREE ebook: ‘Understanding and Managing Puppy Biting’ for expert tips and easy-to-follow solutions!

DowLoad your Free Puppy Biting E-book Here

Final Thoughts

Puppy biting is a normal part of growing up, but with patience, consistency, and the right training techniques, your puppy will learn to use their mouth appropriately.

Remember to redirect, reward good behaviour, and stay consistent—and if you need extra help, The Canine Hub’s PupStar classes are here for you!

Ready to turn your pup into a well-mannered star?

📅 Book a PupStar class today and say goodbye to sharp little teeth!

Click to book The Canine Hub PupStar course