Lucy Ward Dog Training is a new business offering a range of training, both in person and online, for puppies and dogs of all ages and breeds. Lucy, based in Wootton Rivers, is a qualified dog trainer with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, a Mantrailing UK Instructor and World Scent Dog Association scent work instructor.
One of the effects of the pandemic and working from home has meant more and more of us have become dog owners. Lucy is on hand to offer guidance. There is a Personalised Puppy Programme for new puppy owners with 1-2-1 training and professional guidance, 1-2-1 dog training, an online course and Mantrailing workshops and training sessions. Lucy has also developed online resources for clients.
Lucy told Marlborough.news, “I really love helping to grow the bond between dog and owner and assisting owners to develop the skills needed to live their best life with their dog. I specialise in practical and effective training that is backed by science and evidence.”
For anyone thinking of getting a puppy, Lucy offers a pre-puppy session advising on creating the right environment and common puppy problems as part of her Personalised Puppy Programme. Lucy provides a new puppy e-book guide which explains what can be expected during the first few months and beyond and covering such topics as biting, toilet training and crate training. She monitors progress and offers ongoing support throughout the programme to ensure the best success.
“There are,” she says, “lots of misconceptions around puppy ownership such as it’s ok to let a puppy cry for extended periods when left alone – this causes unnecessary stress. And then there’s the old fashioned thinking that the owner should be the ‘pack leader’ and dominant over their dog. You have to realise that you’re living with another species with their own needs, own genetic desires and own doggy motivations and they’re not going to be the same yours.”
Lucy also has plenty of strategies to help with dogs aged around 6 months to two years who are in the ‘tricky teenage adolescent stage’. “Working with a dog’s natural desires, preventing the rehearsal of unwanted or dangerous behaviours and doing things like scent work can be very beneficial.”
After 10 years working in the film industry, qualifying as a dog trainer and moving to the country has been quite a change for Lucy. She is now also the proud owner of two dogs – Wooster, an Airedale Terrier and Oscar, a Springer Spaniel x Collie. “They offer great companionship and a lot of joy. They are hilarious. I’m laughing at them all the time.”
To find out more about Lucy Ward Dog Training click here.
Lucy can be contacted on info@lucywarddogtraining.co.uk or phone 07896 645547.
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