November updates from The Dog Coaches

Hello!

We’ve been very busy this month planning for next year and exploring new ways to support you and your dog. If there’s any specific training, you’d like help with, please do let us know. For now, here’s some updates and a few more tips to help make Christmas feel calmer for everyone. 

Classes:

We’ve had a big month of graduations: 11 puppies and 2 older dogs completed their courses. Each team worked so hard, and it really showed. They even picked up a few Halloween tricks along the way (and naturally, plenty of treats). 

You’ll see some photos of the graduates with their certificates below. And as always, every dog that completes a course goes home with a little goodie bag to celebrate their achievement. 

Little Brandi up for adoption!

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre 

We were back at Bristol ARC this month to support some of the dogs in their care. We were especially excited to see how Brandi was getting on. When she first arrived, she was terrified, barely able to step out of her kennel. With gentle, consistent support, she now happily comes out for a run, enjoys her sessions, and is close to perfecting her muzzle training. We’re thrilled to hear she’s now up for adoption you can find out more on https://www.bristolarc.org.uk/pets/brandi/

What’s Coming Up in December 

December will be a slightly quieter month as we wind down and prepare for new things in January. But don’t worry, we will still be checking emails and phone messages throughout the holidays. If you have questions, need advice, or want help planning ahead, just send them through. 

Get your dog ready for Christmas now!

Training Challenge – Getting Ready for Christmas Part 3 & 4🎄

Christmas is officially on the way- decorations are going up, Black Friday deals are everywhere, and Mariah Carey is nearly fully defrosted. With all the food, guests, presents, and decorations, supporting your dog now will make the busy days much easier. 

We shared Part 1 & 2 last month, so if you missed them, you can still find them HERE

Part 3: Settle 

A solid settle is one of the most helpful skills you can teach your dog for the festive season. A well-trained settle gives your dog a clear “off switch” for moments when you need them to relax. Whether you’re prepping the turkey, eating Christmas dinner, or watching Love Actually for the fifteenth time. 

Here’s how we teach it in classes: 

• Choose a blanket or mat that clearly signals “this is where we settle.” 

• Sit somewhere comfortably yourself- sofa, dining chair, whatever feels natural. 

• Start by removing attention: no talking, no touching. This helps your dog learn to settle even when you’re busy later. 

• Reward any calm behaviour: standing still, sitting, or lying down. Reward by placing a treat quietly between their front paws. 

• At first, reward frequently (around every 5 seconds). As they get the idea, space the treats out gradually. 

• If they bark, whine, or jump up, wait until they’re calm again before rewarding. 

• If they step off the blanket, gently guide them back with a treat and reward once they’re on it. 

• Practice short sessions (around 5 minutes) in different rooms or environments. Over time, the mat itself will prompt your dog to relax. 

• For longer settling periods, offering a chew or a lick mat on their bed can help them stay content on their own. 

Teaching this now gives you a tool you can rely on during busy holiday moments. 

Part 2: Managing Guests 

Once your dog has a great settle and a comfortable safe space, the next challenge is guests, especially when Auntie Sally has had too many Proseccos, or the kids are dropping pigs in blankets everywhere. 

Here are ways to make things easier for your dog: 

• Meet guests outside first. A short walk together before entering the house can make arrivals feel calmer and more familiar for your dog. 

• Advocate for your dog. It’s your home and your rules. Let guests know the boundaries before they arrive. If someone offers unhelpful advice, a simple: “I know that’s not how you do things, but this is what works for us,” keeps things light but firm. 

• Support children kindly. Show them how your dog likes to be touched, ask them to help with treats during a settle, or use a “Stop” sign to remind them to give space when your dog is eating. 

• Plan for breaks. A full day ,or a full weekend, of guests can be a lot for dogs. Think about what counts as a break for your dog: a toilet trip, a quiet walk, or a little downtime upstairs. 

These small steps help your dog feel safe and supported, even in the festive chaos.

Barney loves coming to visit us and show off his tricks

Dog of the Month:

Our Dog of the Month is Barney! He and his owner Jade have been with us for a long time. They came to puppy class, 6+ months, and even a couple of one-to-ones. Watching him grow into a confident, handsome boy has been a joy. Well done, Barney! 

Fireworks 

Bonfire Night meant lots of bangs and flashes this month. You may have caught our tips on social media about helping dogs stay comfortable around fireworks. Sam’s dog Moo needed extra support on the night too, proof that even experienced dogs sometimes need a bit more reassurance. With New Year’s Eve approaching, please get in touch if you’d like help preparing your dog for the noise.