It's ONE to ONE!
A Helpful Approach to Your Dog's Walk...
Hello!
My name is Louise, I offer SOLO Bespoke Dog Walks in Leeds, within areas of Horsforth, Adel and Yeadon.
SOLO Bespoke Dog Walking offers a dog walking service that prioritises your dog's emotional and mental wellbeing.
SOLO walks are entirely customised and BESPOKE for your dog ONLY.
It's ONE to ONE!
What do I do?
My approach is kind and force free by using methods backed by modern science.
Walks are tailored to your dog as every dog is individual, it's not one size fits all!
Using food and toys in an appropriate way helps create positive associations and build trust. I play brain games with dogs which teaches them new skills and in turn helps with their emotional responses, build confidence and focus as well as optimism whilst on our walks. Dogs are given choice and time to process the environment, which is empowering for dogs.
How?
I look at their body language, the ever changing environment and try to pre-empt situations to help set your dog up for success.
Each walking location is carefully chosen with a view to promote your dog's comfort and happiness.
What do dogs do best?......SNIFF!
Your dog will be given plenty of opportunity to sniff and will be encouraged to do so! It allows them to gather all the wonderful information the environment has on offer, it helps their well-being in countless ways! Afterall, it's what their noses are designed to do!
I Understand...
I rescued this gorgeous, tiny fella, named Sam. He was seven years of age at the time. He is proof you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Sam had spent the majority of his previous life indoors as a lap dog. When outdoors he was a different dog, he would bark and lunge at dogs and people, particularly people with carrier bags or walking sticks!
Whilst reactivity can occur for different reasons, I learnt Sam's behaviours were due to him feeling fearful and anxious. Sam wasn't being bad or aggressive (despite how he looked in the moment), nor was he being naughty or stubborn, he was being a dog and communicating he was deeply uncomfortable. In his eyes barking at the passing dog/carrier bag/stick worked, he thought he'd made it go away! I was intent on learning about how dogs see the world in order to help him flourish and love the outdoors.
I chose force free and fun training methods backed by modern science, which take into account a dogs emotional needs and teaches them alternative behaviours. I provided Sam with the right motivators and outlets and learnt to read his body language which was essential to understanding him. I also met his needs in terms of quality nutrition, adaquate sleep, enrichment (snuffle mats, licki mats, kongs, destruction boxes, natural chews etc) and exercise.
Most importantly I had him checked for pain and he was diagnosed with arthritis and given pain relief. I suspect he had started with it earlier than age 7, before we adopted him. Pain isn't always obvious in dogs however it has a huge impact on their behaviour and mental wellbeing as it does if we are in pain. Never underestimate the effects of pain in a dog!
I began to notice a shift in Sam's reactions when out and about, he was able to make better decisions as his confidence increased and his associations changed from negative to positive. Dog training isn't linear! It certainly wasn't always simple or perfect and required patience, time as well consistency. We both benefitted from the results in abundance as he was much happier. Our trust and understanding in one another grew and our bond deepened.
I had the honour of having Sam another eight years. It was wonderful watching him enjoy the outdoors, particularly the beach! He taught me the importance of understanding how dogs see the world and what amazing, loyal, sentinent beings dogs are. He filled our lives with love, laughter and joy.
Sam; you will forever remain in our hearts and minds, you will never be forgotten
xxx
