My blog
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As a dog trainer and competitor, fitness is more than just a personal goal for me—it’s a vital part of my work and the relationship I share with my dogs. They give their all during every competition, so I make sure I’m in the…
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Gundog Training: Why It’s Not Just for Working Dogs (And Why It Might Be Perfect for Yours)
Looking for gundog training near Northamptonshire that’s fun, practical, and tailored to your dog? At Fresh Start Dog Training, we offer games-based gundog training to help both pet and working dogs improve their recall, focus, and off-lead control. Whether you’ve got a high-drive puppy, a…
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Rehabilitation Games for High Drive Dogs on Enforced Rest
How to Keep Your Dog Mentally Fit While Physically Healing When a high-drive dog is injured or recovering from surgery, rest periods are essential—but they can feel like a nightmare for both dog and owner. These dogs are wired for…
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Assistance Dog Training: How Tailored Sessions Can Empower Your Dog to Support You
When we talk about assistance dog training, we’re not just teaching tasks—we’re building a trusted partnership that helps someone live more freely and confidently. Whether your dog is being trained for mobility support, emotional stability, or public access skills, tailored sessions make all the…
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Training Through Play: Making Learning Fun for Your Dog
When it comes to dog training, many owners picture serious sessions filled with strict commands and plenty of repetition. But what if I told you that one of the most powerful training tools is something your dog already loves? That’s right—structured…
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Dog Obedience Training: How 1-2-1 Sessions Can Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour
When it comes to improving your dog’s behaviour, dog obedience training is essential. If your dog is struggling with aggression, reactivity, or separation anxiety, one-to-one dog training could be exactly what you both need. These private sessions are perfect for addressing specific behavioural challenges…
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The Importance of Clear Communication in Dog Training
Effective dog training relies on clear and consistent communication. Dogs don’t understand human language the way we do, so they rely on our cues—both verbal and non-verbal—to interpret what we expect from them. When commands are clear and consistent, dogs learn…
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Taking Training to the Next Level: Why Proofing is Essential and How to Gradually Increase Distractions
Training a dog isn’t just about teaching them a behaviour in a quiet, controlled environment—it’s about ensuring they can perform that behaviour reliably in real-world situations. This is where proofing comes in. Proofing is the process of gradually introducing distractions…
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Managing Multiple Dogs: Expert Tips for a Peaceful & Balanced Pack
Welcoming multiple dogs into your home is exciting, but managing a multi-dog household requires thoughtful planning to prevent conflict and promote harmony. From managing different personalities to preventing squabbles, ensuring harmony in a multi-dog household requires structure, leadership, and clear boundaries.…
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How Mantrailing Can Improve Your Dog’s Behaviour and Confidence
Mantrailing is hands down one of the best activities you can do with your dog. It’s fun, rewarding, and brilliant for building confidence—especially if you’ve got an anxious or reactive dog. It’s also a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation…