The first two years of your dog’s life are the most important.
They are also the most neglected.
Your puppy was cute, happily followed you around, and came bounding up to you whenever you called. But now he is seven months old and it has all changed. He is more independent, easily distracted, and drags you from tree to tree like you are just a dead weight at the end of his lead. You have tried all the tips people gave you, you have done your research online, and you are doing your best, but it is still not enough to see any real change in his day to day behaviour. You feel exhausted, defeated and frustrated. And desperate for a clear path forward.
I see so many great dog owners struggling when their adorable puppy hits adolescence. It is the most difficult phase in a dog’s development and it needs a different approach. Over the last fifteen years I have helped hundreds of owners and their young dogs learn how to communicate with each other, find the right motivation, and build a real bond, so they can have stress-free walks and a stress-free life together.
I have raised four dogs from puppies. The first was a real struggle in his adolescence. I did not know much, so I followed other people’s advice and read books, and it was not really working. He grew up to be an amazing dog, but there were times I wanted to give up.
The other three were raised differently. I knew what was ahead of me and I prepared for it. Through the dreaded teenage phase I focused on the relationship, on play, self control and engagement with me, and far less on obedience and strict rules. They were cooperative, eager to engage and easy to live with. My current dog Merrick, the Border Collie, is a joy to have. Full of energy but he settles when it is time to settle, he is great on and off lead, and he has been like that since he was around a year old. Mission accomplished.
That is what I want for you too. The programmes I offer focus on teaching you AND training your dog. Not one or the other. If you doubt your abilities right now, if you are worried that your dog might run off, or pull you off your feet, or lunge at another dog or a jogger, there is no point in me telling you to calm down. But that is what other trainers might do. You need to see that with the right handling and training your dog can walk next to you, come back when called, ignore distractions and engage with you. Only then can you relax and start enjoying your walks. I will show you, teach you and let you practise all the skills you need, and I will train your dog the basics so it is all easier for you.
That does not mean you will have nothing to do. There is plenty for you to train and improve, so you need to be willing, even excited, to spend time with your dog and build the relationship and teamwork you want. There are no quick fixes. I will do as much as I can, but ultimately he is your dog, so you need to put the effort in. If I do my job well, you will want to carry on, because you will realise how awesome your dog really is.
If that sounds like what you have been looking for, request a call back and tell me about your dog. We will talk it through and work out together whether I am the right person to help.
What owners say
Highly recommend. We can't thank Agata Brzek enough for the help and support she has given us and our two cockapoos. Helping us with lead walking, recall and learning to ignore distractions has made ours and our dogs' life better and more relaxed. Work continues. Thank you Agata.
Karen, Molly and RoloCockapoos, Scone
Our super bright but slightly crazy adolescent pup has had a blast training with Agata. Using positive rewards and games Agata has helped us to enrich our pup's experiences of daily life. Cassie now loves her "walks with games" and benefits hugely from the mental stimulation. She's a much calmer and more manageable dog now and I cannot thank Agata enough.
Andrea and CassieBearded Collie x Border Collie, Perth
When we worked with Agata we saw results quickly. She's very knowledgeable and the training is focused to your individual dogs, she doesn't have a one size fits all approach. She picks up on what the dog needs very quickly. The training and advice have helped our adolescent collie hugely. We felt comfortable with her from the start and highly recommend her.
Kelly and StorrBorder Collie, Scone
My background
I have been working with dogs since 2005, and as a professional dog trainer since 2011. I started as a sled dog handler in Scandinavia, but also worked with sheepdogs in Scotland, and with rescue dogs in Manchester and at Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society (for over 15 years). I have lived with my own Alaskan Malamute, 2 Border Collies, 2 Belgian Malinois, a German Shepherd, and nearly 40 dogs, of all breeds and ages, fostered from PADS in my time with the charity.
I hold a Diploma of Dog Training and Behaviour Consulting with Companion Animals Sciences Institute, I’m a certified Family Dog Mediator (Applied Ethology), and I have completed numerous courses with various providers like The School of Canine Sciences, Absolute Dogs, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, Suzanne Clothier, Emma Lee, Michael Ellis, and many others.
I am a proud Tug-E-Nuff partner. You can shop their tug toys and training gear through my partner link.
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