ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour

Two small, brown short-haired dogs sitting side by side

You can’t help but love this adorable duo! After working with Pippa on assistance dog training I got the chance to meet her sweet sister Beau too. 🐶

#dogtraining #dogtrainer #positivereinforcement #positivedogtraining #forcefree

Illustrations of a white mixed breed dog and a brown Malinois below the ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour logo. White text below reads: Statement on Generative AI

White text on a blue background reading: Statement on Generative AI 📢 As a dog trainer and behaviour professional who is also an artist, I am passionate about authentic creative expression. This statement concerns the use of generative AI, which I have had growing concerns around and is becoming more prevalent to see within the industry. Generative AI refers to image, audio and text generation that is usually done through the use of LLMS such as ChatGPT or Sora. The generation of content through use of AI has major concerns. These models are trained on stolen work from artists, musicians and writers who did not consent to this. AI generates no unique content, which means that AI-generated content always involves plagiarism. Artists and creatives are losing jobs due to gen AI. Gen AI also has a huge toll on the environment. As an animal lover and ethical, progressive professional, I have concerns about the impact that the tremendous amounts of water needed to power AI centres has on communities and the globe (and thus, humans and animals alike). There are large corporations that financially benefit from AI who are using their money to go towards human rights abuses and the funding of far right political movements that seek to further harm vulnerable communities. All content at ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour is proudly human-made, including the illustrations of my dogs Maya and Logan in this post that I made myself. 🖌️ For anyone who feels strongly about promoting real art and wants to support my work, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming original illustration pack that will be available to purchase! 👀 We also welcome the sharing of your own actual artwork and creations, and encourage other professionals and organisations to take a stand against gen AI too. - Jasper

Our statement on the use of generative AI.

All content at ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour is proudly human-made, including the illustrations of my dogs Maya and Logan in this post that I made myself.

#dogtrainer #forcefree #illustration

A white husky mix and a sable malinois sitting in front of Christmas lights.

Maya and Logan wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅
- Jasper (ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour)

#dogtraining #dogtrainer #ukdogs #dogsofinstagram #forcefreetraining

Most importantly - training your dog should be fun! 🐾

Train with joy! 🤩

#DogTraining #dogtrainer #dogsofbluesky #forcefree

It was great to visit the Loopypaws family fun Christmas dog show at the weekend, and I was proud to sponsor the Best Rescue class. The show was judged by the lovely Hels4Dogs. Congratulations to the Best Rescue winner: Jetty! 👏🐾

Maya loved her new treats from Canine Corner! 😋 #dogsofbluesky

A quote from one of our all-time best selling books: "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals" by Turid Rugaas

If your dog is worried, yes - you can (and should) comfort them! (Side note: puppy Cody is absolutely adorable!) #dogtraining #dogsofbluesky #forcefree

🚫 Myth: challenging, high-drive dogs with behaviour problems need harsh handling.

✅ Reality: these dogs benefit the most from force-free training.

✅ Dog-reactive Malinois
🚫 No prong, shock, choke (or slip/grot)
🚫 No corrections needed
🚫 No pain, fear or intimidation

#dogtraining #forcefree

A huge congratulations to Bingo who passed her assistance dog public access assessment last month! 🥳 🦮

To find out more or to book a space for you and your dog, contact us today! [4/4]

✅ Beat the weather - weekly dog training from the comfort of your home that won’t be cancelled due to rain or heat.
✅ Fully accessible learning - remote training options mean that those with disabilities that restrict them from in-person training can still be involved. [3/4]

🐾 For existing in-person or online assistance dog (AD) clients.
🐾 Refresh your obedience, work on assistance dog task skills, network with other AD handlers.

✅ Train with us from anywhere in the world. [2/4]

An image of a small crossbreed assistance dog with the text: Assistance Dog Club (Online) For Assistance Dog Teams Learn Partnership Skills Price: £12 Per Week Tuesday Evenings Pay As You Go Supportive & Inclusive Held Over Zoom

🦮 We are excited to share the news of our online assistance dog training classes starting from Tuesday 2nd December.

These will be held every Tuesday evening over Zoom and are Pay As You Go.

Assistance Dog Club: 6:00 pm - 6:50 pm [1/4]

[2] While I arrange a replacement, there will be a delay in responding to communications and/or arranging bookings for sessions due to having limited access to emails / scheduling.
If you have any urgent enquiries please contact me via mobile, & thank you for your patience & understanding.
-Jasper 🐾

Hello everyone 👋
Unfortunately I have been facing some recent technical issues and now my laptop has decided to completely stop working. 😖 [1]

Well done to assistance dog Daisymay for successfully flying with her handler for the first time to go on holiday to Barcelona. ✈️
You have worked so hard towards this and Daisymay has done brilliantly.
We hope you are having lovely time on your holiday. ☀️
#assistancedog #forcefree #dogtraining

Hopping on the trend! #dogtraining #forcefree

A big congratulations to Psychiatric Assistance Dog Adela for passing her public access test with us! 👏

Well done team for your hard work and incredible achievement. ⭐️ #assistancedog #assistancedogsuk

#NowIsTheTime to speak loudly about equality, diversity and inclusion, against injustice, and drown out the voices who wish to incite hatred and division.

#forcefree #dogtraining #queerowned #transowned #disabledowned [5]

This week we are delighted to take a strong stand and encourage you all to speak up - #NowIsTheTime to make your commitment to equality and inclusion known.

We recognise that for many, the world is a very frightening place at the moment. [4]

💚 You are always safe with us.
💚 Everyone is welcome.
💚 We support LGBTQ+ rights & liberation.
💚 We don’t believe human beings are illegal.
💚 We stand against the genocide of human beings & animals.
💚 We stand against racism, queerphobia, sexism, ableism, xenophobia/any forms of discrimination. [3]

As a disabled, trans, queer-led business, these values underpin all of our work.

At ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour, we accept everyone no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability, or any other features of their background. [2]

This week is National Inclusion Week, and it is more important now than ever to push for diversity, inclusion and equality both in the animal training and behaviour profession and in society as a whole.

We are proud to champion these values. [1]

I am looking forward to receiving my badge order, beautiful designs by Lili Chin in support of the wonderful work done by Sulala Animal Rescue in Gaza. #animalprofessionalsforgaza 🇵🇸💚 #freepalestine

Assistance Dog Daisymay has officially passed her public access assessment as of last month & is fully qualified!
This partnership have worked so hard towards this tremendous achievement & it has been a joy to support their training as a team.
Wishing a very big well done to Debbie & Daisymay! 👏

The LGBTQ+ Human-Animal Relationship Research on the LGBTQ+ person-animal bond shows that pets provide valuable support and encourage self-acceptance, but that more inclusivity is needed.

A recent review explores the social support that pets can provide to LGBTQ+ people. My latest at @psychologytoday.com www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fell...

Why Do People Use Outdated Dog Training Methods? For the welfare of pet dogs, it’s important for more people to learn about the value—and effectiveness—of reward-based dog training methods.

Why do people use outdated dog training methods? My latest at @psychologytoday.com www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fell...

Enrichment makes feeding fun and stimulates your dog!
You can get dedicated puzzle toys for these activities, like the Kong Wobbler, or you can create your own with cardboard boxes, tubes and old towels.
Think about using a portion of your dog’s daily food allowance in foraging and training. 🐶

🐾 DOGS DESERVE FORCE FREE TRAINING 🐾
We are proud to advocate for force free, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods.
Our mission is to help educate about how you can teach your dog with kindness, empathy and science - no matter the breed, background or issue.
#forcefree #dogtraining

Happy pride month - this is my message for the Kids Around Dogs pride month calendar which I was asked to participate in! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Here at ThinkDogs Training & Behaviour you are always accepted for who you are. #queerowned #pridemonth