Ok, so this is new, and well out of my comfort zone. But I thought why not. My name is Kathryn (or Kat), and for the past 6 months my house has been home to a lovely dog named Jess. She had a rough 3 or 4 years, but I'm determined to make up for them. I have just completed the course thingo and it mentioned to write on the community page. Jess started at Walkys academy 2 days ago and I can already see a difference in her walking, I know that is more to do with her new lead than because of me. There's loads of things I have no idea how to do, but in time I'll work on, and help Jess with them too. I think that's enough for an introduction, no one will want to read all the bad n boring bits. Kat 🐾

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to move stubborn cattle across long distances, making independent decisions while staying connected to their handler. They are incredibly resilient, intelligent and driven, thriving when they have a job to do. What an Australian Cattle Dog Needs to Feel Fulfilled 🐄 Herding & Control * Treibball * Controlled ball work * Directional exercises * Herding (where available) * Moving objects on cue 🧠 Problem Solving * Shaping exercises * Puzzle feeders * Advanced obedience * Trick training * Decision-making games 👃 Scent Work * Scent detection * Tracking * Find It games * Hidden object searches * Food trails 🤝 Working With Their Handler * Structured heel work * Engagement games * Recall drills * Precision obedience * Target training 💪 Physical Challenges * Hiking * Agility * Obstacle courses * Tug with rules * Fitness and conditioning 🌿 Exploration * Sniff walks * Environmental confidence * New locations * Different surfaces * Confidence-building obstacles Things to Avoid ❌ Endless ball throwing without structure. ❌ Constant high-arousal activities that never teach the dog to switch off. ❌ Allowing them to invent their own "job," such as herding children, bikes or other dogs. ❌ Physical exercise without enough mental stimulation. ❌ Inconsistent rules or boundaries. Great Genetic Outlets * Scent Detection * Tracking * Treibball * Obedience * Rally Obedience * Agility * Structured Tug * Search Games * Puzzle Solving * Confidence Courses * Hiking * Target Training A Fulfilled Cattle Dog A fulfilled Australian Cattle Dog isn't simply a tired dog—it's a dog whose **mind, instincts and natural desire to work alongside its handler have been meaningfully satisfied. When given structure, purpose and clear leadership, a Cattle Dog becomes calm, focused and an incredibly loyal partner. Without those outlets, they'll often create their own job—which may include chasing, nipping, barking or controlling movement around them.

Little Archie working through some sniffari games. Using some cones and every time Archie looks at them he gets a treat, then we encourage him to put his nose in them and treat release. After a few reps he was all over the game! What a little champ! @Maria Sirianni

A Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle) is a companion breed with intelligence from the Poodle and affection from the Cavalier. They thrive when their social, mental and physical needs are balanced. While they don't require the same intensity of work as a Border Collie or German Shepherd, they still benefit from purposeful activities. What a Cavoodle Needs to Feel Fulfilled 🧠 Mental Stimulation * Puzzle feeders * Shaping exercises * Trick training * Food enrichment * Learning new behaviours 👃 Scent Work * Find It games * Scatter feeding * Food trails * Beginner scent detection * Hidden toy searches 🤝 Connection With Their Handler * Engagement games * Loose leash walking * Recall games * Target training * Interactive play 🎾 Play & Retrieving * Structured fetch * Soft toy retrieves * Tug with clear rules * Flirt pole (short sessions) * Interactive games 🌿 Exploration * Sniff walks * New environments * Confidence-building obstacles * Different surfaces * Calm social outings 🐾 Social Fulfilment * Time with their family * Calm interaction with people * Positive experiences with other dogs * Training sessions together * Daily quality one-on-one time Things to Avoid ❌ Relying only on physical exercise. ❌ Leaving them alone for long periods without enrichment. ❌ Constant excitement without teaching them to settle. ❌ Carrying them everywhere instead of building confidence and independence. ❌ Inconsistent routines and boundaries. Great Genetic Outlets * Scent Detection * Find It Games * Puzzle Feeders * Trick Training * Engagement Training * Loose Leash Walking * Recall Games * Structured Retrieve * Food Enrichment * Confidence Courses * Target Training A fulfilled Cavoodle isn't simply a tired dog—it's a dog whose mind is challenged, whose nose is engaged, and whose strong desire to connect with its family has been fulfilled. When you combine mental stimulation, structured play, scent work and quality time with their handler, you'll build a calm, confident and well-rounded companion.

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. They are independent, determined and incredibly scent-driven. Their fulfilment comes from using their nose, solving problems and having opportunities to dig, search and work. Dachshunds are courageous little working dogs with a strong hunting instinct. They thrive when given outlets that satisfy their natural desire to search, investigate and problem-solve. 👃 Scent Work (Highest Priority) - Scent detection - Find It games - Food trails - Hidden toy searches - Tracking 🕳️ Digging Outlets - Designated digging pit - Sandpit treasure hunts - Buried toys - Buried food searches 🧠 Problem Solving - Puzzle feeders - Shaping exercises - Trick training - Food enrichment - Interactive toys 🐾 Hunting & Searching - Searching long grass - Woodland sniff walks - Scatter feeding - Search boxes - Natural foraging opportunities 🤝 Working With Their Handler - Engagement games - Loose leash walking - Recall games - Target training - Basic obedience 🌿 Exploration - Sniff walks - New environments - Confidence-building obstacles - Different surfaces - Safe environmental exploration Things to Avoid ❌ Repetitive ball throwing ❌ Long periods without mental stimulation ❌ Punishing natural hunting behaviours instead of redirecting them ❌ Expecting them to simply "walk nicely" without fulfilling their instinct to sniff and investigate Great Genetic Outlets - Scent Detection - Tracking - Find It Games - Digging Pit - Food Trails - Scatter Feeding - Puzzle Feeders - Search Boxes - Trick Training - Target Training - Confidence Courses A fulfilled Dachshund isn't simply a tired dog—it's a dog whose nose, hunting instincts and determination have been given an appropriate outlet. When you satisfy their natural instincts through structured scent work, searching and problem-solving, you'll often see a calmer, more focused and content companion both at home and out in the world.