Myth Busting – Dogs aren’t Stubborn

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Treats aren’t bribes

Myth: “If you use treats, you are bribing your dog”
Truth: Treats are a positive reward — payment for a job well done! Just like we get paid for work, dogs need motivation to learn new skills.
Using treats isn’t bribery –  it’s giving your dog a clear, positive signal that they did the right thing. Treats or toys can both be used as rewards for any age, but with very young dogs, treats are usually the easiest and most practical option.
As training progresses, you can keep things fun and engaging by mixing in different kinds of rewards alongside food:
  • Toy Rewards: a quick game of tug, fetch, or chasing a favourite toy.
  • Praise: enthusiastic verbal encouragement, petting, or tummy rubs.
  • Life Rewards: letting them go outside, sniff around, or explore a new area.
  • Challenges and experiences: learning a new trick, navigating a short obstacle, or solving a puzzle toy.
By varying rewards, your dog stays motivated and engaged while building positive associations — training becomes an enjoyable experience for both of you.

The Teenage Years

 

Is your once-perfect puppy suddenly ignoring you?

Welcome to the teenage stage! Between 6–18 months, dogs often go through a second “testing” phase. Just like human teenagers, they may:

  • Ignore cues they know well
  • Get distracted more easily
  • Push boundaries or develop new undesirable habits

This stage is completely normal—it’s your dog’s brain and body maturing.

Why training doesn’t stop at puppyhood:

Even though your pup has grown, they’re still learning how to behave in the big wide world. Without consistent guidance, habits like jumping up, pulling on the lead, or not coming when called can creep in.

That’s where we can help.

We run Junior Dog Classes and can offer 1-2-1 training to support you through this phase—giving you the tools to manage challenges and set your dog up for lifelong confidence and good manners.

Tips to help your teenage dog thrive:

  • Keep training sessions short, fun, and consistent
  • Reward good choices—don’t just correct mistakes
  • Give them plenty of mental stimulation (puzzle toys, sniff walks, trick training)
  • Practise recall and focus exercises in different environments

With patience, practice, and the right support, this tricky phase passes—and your young dog will come out the other side calmer, more focused, and a joy to live with.

Contact us: info@pawsibilities.co.uk for more information

We all love the idea of our dogs running free

A reliable recall isn’t just a trick – it’s a lifesaver.
Whether it’s avoiding danger, enjoying off-lead freedom, or simply making walks more fun, a recall is one of the most important skills your dog can learn. That’s why we teach it in our Puppy and Junior schools and can also offer tailored 1-2-1 training.
Why a recall matters:
  • Safety – protects your dog from traffic, wildlife, unexpected dangers, and undesirable situations.
  • Freedom – allows safe off-lead exploration and more enjoyable walks.
  • Trust – strengthens the relationship between you and your dog.
  • Reliability – ensures you can confidently manage your dog in any environment.
  • Essential life skill – recall is one of the foundations of responsible dog ownership.
A recall should always feel like a game! When your dog loves coming back to you, training becomes fun, rewarding, and reliable.
  • If a recall with your dog is a challenge, we can guide you to build a recall you can trust — for every adventure, big or small.
Contact us: info@pawsibilities.co.uk

Which are your dog’s favourite toys?

When people ask what to bring along to training sessions —whether it’s to our Agility, Hoopers, 1-2-1 Life Skills, Puppy, or Junior classes—we always say: Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys
Of course, as dog owners, we all have that overflowing toy box, but we want to know: What’s the toy that your dog really loves
  • The squeaky one?
  • The half-destroyed teddy?
  • The chewed-up ball?
  • A stolen sock?

Big futures start with small paws

 

Now Open for Registration!

  • Start Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025.
  • Location: Secure Outdoor Training Venue, Inverurie
  • Spaces are limited – pre-registration is required.
What’s included?
  • The course runs for 6 weeks, with a live 1-hour session each week. These interactive sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct engagement with the trainer
  •  Access to a free, video-based, 8-week online puppy program or a 12-week junior program for 6 months from your registration date that complements the live sessions.
  • Membership in a private Facebook group to share progress and get feedback.
How to Register
Email: info@pawsibilities.co.uk
Or sign up directly:
Why Choose Us?
With over 20 years of experience, your puppy is in expert hands!
Accomplishments include:
  • Winner of Scottish Agility Dog of the Year (2011)
  • Member of Agility Team Scotland
  • Certified Canine Fitness & WSDA Scent Work Instructor
  • Veterinary Physiotherapist & Canine Massage Therapist
  • Experienced Agility & Hoopers Trainer (Championship Level)
  • Successful Puppy & Junior Dog Schools since 2013
Start your puppy or junior dog’s training journey with CANINE Pawsibilities today!

Do you Know?

Many of you know us for our popular Puppy and Junior Dog training Schools, but did you know we also offer one-to-one training sessions?

If your puppy is struggling with a specific issue, or you’re looking for personalised help with an older dog, we can help!
We offer custom, one-on-one life skills sessions for:

Junior training – Tackle those tricky adolescent behaviours with targeted guidance.
Puppy training – Perfect for getting your new family member started on the right paw.Young and Adult dogs – Learn how to manage everyday situations and build a strong bond with your dog.

Our private sessions are tailored to your needs, your dog’s personality, and your schedule.
They’re a great way to get personalised attention and address specific challenges.

Interested in a one-to-one session?

Send us a message to learn more and book your consultation today!
info@pawsibilities.co.uk

August Puppy & Junior Schools

Start Date: Sunday, 10th August 2025
Location: Secure Outdoor Training Venue, Inverurie
Spaces are limited – pre-registration is required.
  • The course runs for 6 weeks, with a live 1-hour session each week. These interactive sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct engagement with the trainer
  • Access to a free, video-based, 8-week online puppy program or a 12-week junior program for 6 months from your registration date that complements the live sessions.
  • Membership in a private Facebook group to share progress and get feedback.
Email: info@pawsibilities.co.uk
Or sign up directly:
With over 20 years of experience, your puppy is in expert hands!
Accomplishments include:
  • Winner of Scottish Agility Dog of the Year (2011)
  • Member of Agility Team Scotland
  • Certified Canine Fitness & WSDA Scent Work Instructor
  • Veterinary Physiotherapist & Canine Massage Therapist
  • Experienced Agility & Hoopers Trainer (Championship Level)
  • Successful Puppy & Junior Dog Schools since 2013
Start your puppy or junior dog’s training journey with CANINE Pawsibilities today!

Puppy and Junior Schools – Starting 10th August

CANINE Pawsibilities Puppy & Junior Schools


Now Open for Registration!
Start Date: Sunday, 10th August 2025
Location: Secure Outdoor Training Venue, Inverurie
Spaces are limited – pre-registration is required.

What’s Included:

  • The course runs for 6 weeks, with a live 1-hour session each week. These interactive sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct engagement with the trainer.

  • Access to a free, video-based, 8-week online puppy program or a 12-week junior program for 6 months from your registration date that complements the live sessions.

  • Membership in a private Facebook group to share progress and get feedback.

How to Register:


Email: info@pawsibilities.co.uk
Or sign up directly:
Puppy School Live: https://hub.pawsibilities.co.uk/learning/the-puppy-school/
Junior School Live: https://hub.pawsibilities.co.uk/learning/the-junior-school/

Why Choose Us?


With over 20 years of experience, your puppy is in expert hands!
Accomplishments include:

  • Winner of Scottish Agility Dog of the Year (2011)

  • Member of Agility Team Scotland

  • Certified Canine Fitness and WSDA Scent Work Instructor

  • Veterinary Physiotherapist and Canine Massage Therapist

  • Experienced Agility and Hoopers Trainer (Championship Level)

  • Successful Puppy and Junior Dog Schools since 2013

Start your puppy or junior dog’s training journey with CANINE Pawsibilities today!

Puppy and Junior Schools – June 2025

CANINE Pawsibilities Puppy & Junior Schools

Now Open for Registration!
Start Date: Sunday, 22nd June, 2025.
Location: Secure Outdoor Training Venue, Inverurie
Spaces are limited – pre-registration is required.

What’s Included:


The course runs for 6 weeks, with a live 1-hour session each week. These interactive sessions are designed to provide hands-on learning and direct engagement with the trainer.
Access to a free, video-based, 8-week online puppy program or a 12-week junior program for 6 months from your registration date that complements the live sessions.
Membership in a private Facebook group to share progress and get feedback.

How to Register:


Email: info@pawsibilities.co.uk
Or sign up directly:
Puppy School Live: https://hub.pawsibilities.co.uk/learning/the-puppy-school/
Junior School Live: https://hub.pawsibilities.co.uk/learning/the-junior-school/

Why Choose Us?


With over 20 years of experience, your puppy is in expert hands!

Accomplishments include:
Winner of Scottish Agility Dog of the Year (2011)
Member of Agility Team Scotland
Certified Canine Fitness & WSDA Scent Work Instructor
Veterinary Physiotherapist & Canine Massage Therapist
Experienced Agility & Hoopers Trainer (Championship Level)
Successful Puppy & Junior Dog Schools since 2013

Start your puppy or junior dog’s training journey with CANINE Pawsibilities today!