Do you dream of relaxed, off-lead walks?
There’s nothing better than the joy of watching your dog run freely and happily. But for many owners, that dream feels out of reach, replaced by the frustration of a dog who won’t listen, runs off, or is obsessed with everything except you. I understand that feeling completely, because I’ve been there myself.
This is the story of my wonderful, mischievous Cocker Spaniel, Rocket, and his journey from chaos to calm, confident, off-lead freedom.
Meet Rocket: My lovable troublemaker
Rocket was a bundle of energy with two major challenges. Firstly, his obsession with other dogs often led to rude, unruly behaviour and zero focus on me. Secondly, he loved to go “self-employed,” following his nose wherever it took him, completely deaf to my calls. Trusting him off-lead was simply impossible.
But instead of giving up, I knew that with the right approach, patience, and consistency, we could turn his struggles into strengths.
Our training plan: How we achieved success
Rocket’s transformation wasn’t magic; it was a clear, games-based plan that focused on the whole picture, not just the recall itself.
1. We powered up the recall cue
We started in the house with zero distractions, using extra-special rewards to make coming back to me the best thing in the world. We used a long line in the garden and parks to set him up for success, gradually adding distance and distractions over time.
2. We harnessed his natural instincts
A spaniel’s desire to hunt and sniff is a powerful instinct. Instead of trying to stop it, I redirected it. We played scent work games and structured “hunting” games together, which fulfilled his needs and taught him that working with me was more fun than going solo.
3. We built self-control in the home
A reliable recall isn’t just for the park; it starts at home. We played simple games to build his impulse control and focus. This taught him that calm, controlled behaviour was the key to unlocking all the fun things in life.
4. We stayed consistent and practiced
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of short, fun, daily training games and unwavering patience. Through this consistent practice, Rocket slowly learned to control his impulses and make better choices, even when distracted.
The result: From chaos to calm confidence
Today, Rocket is a shining example of what can be achieved. Through consistent training and a positive, games-based approach, he has learned to control his impulses. He no longer needs to run up to every dog, and he can happily disengage from an interesting scent to check in with me.
His story is why I’m so passionate about helping other owners. I have first-hand experience with these challenges, and I know how to guide you through them.
Your dog can have this freedom too
If Rocket’s story sounds familiar, please don’t lose hope. With a tailored plan and the right guidance, you can achieve the same amazing results. A One-to-One Session is the perfect way to get started on your own journey to off-lead success — get in touch with me today.
