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The Ladder of Communication: How to Read Your Dog's Secret Body Language
Dogs don't bite out of nowhere. Learn how to read the subtle signs of canine stress and aggression using the behavioral Ladder of Communication.

Teaching Tails
Aug 113 min read
My Journey to becoming a level 6 Qualified Behaviourist in Northern Ireland.
How Cathy, founder of Teaching Tails, graduated top of her class (93%) with a Level 6 COAPE qualification to bring expert canine behavior support to Belfast.

Teaching Tails
Aug 93 min read


Barking Mad!
Is your dog constantly barking for attention, food, or toys? Learn exactly why dogs demand bark and how to fix it using kind methods.

Teaching Tails
Oct 26, 20236 min read


Keeping Possession!
Is your dog resource guarding food, toys, or spaces? Learn the subtle signs of resource guarding and how to fix it safely using kind, reward-based methods.

Teaching Tails
Oct 18, 20237 min read


Beyond the PacK
Discover why the concept of being the pack leader is based on flawed science, and how to build a respectful relationship using kind methods.

Teaching Tails
Oct 5, 20236 min read


The Myth of The Quick Fixes in Dog Training!
We live in a world of instant gratification, but when it comes to dog training, quick fixes simply do not work. Discover why using corrections to suppress reactive behaviour fails long-term, and learn why a professional, force-free approach is the only way to build genuine, lifelong confidence.

Teaching Tails
Sep 17, 20234 min read


Ball Games
Discover why playing non-stop fetch can create chronic stress and injury in dogs, and how to use the ball more safely, and for enriching brain games.

Teaching Tails
Aug 2, 20236 min read


The ‘Friendly Dog’ Dilemma - Why Off Lead Control Matters 🐶
Discover why out-of-control off-lead encounters ruin walks for reactive or training dogs, and what the local legislation actually says about control.

Teaching Tails
Jun 22, 20235 min read


Telling Tales! Why You Should Say “No Thank You” to Park Trainers in Belfast
A certified Belfast dog trainer explains why letting strangers "train" your dog in public parks is risky, and why science-based, professional advice matters.

Teaching Tails
May 30, 20235 min read


Kindly Setting Boundaries!
Discover why shouting "no" fails to teach your dog household manners, and how to proactively reward the calm, desirable choices you actually want.

Teaching Tails
May 7, 20236 min read


Understanding Canine Anxiety: The Surprising Signs and How to Help
Is your dog pacing, barking excessively, or showing sudden reactive behaviour? In honour of Dog Anxiety Awareness Week, discover the hidden signs of canine stress. Learn how our Carryduff puppy classes, adolescent packages, and specialist behavioural consultations work together to build lifelong confidence.

Teaching Tails
May 3, 20235 min read


Dogs at Christmas: The Ultimate Guide to a Safe and Stress-Free Festiv e Season
Keep your dog safe this holiday season. Read expert Christmas safety tips on toxic foods, decorations, anti-freeze, and holiday enrichment from a certified Belfast trainer.

Teaching Tails
Dec 13, 20225 min read


Ditch the Bowl: The Ultimate Guide to Canine Enrichment Feedin
Ditch the dog bowl! Read essential canine enrichment feeding tips, easy Kong recipes, and upcycled recycling hacks from a certified Belfast behaviourist.

Teaching Tails
Aug 18, 20225 min read


The Teenage Phase! Understanding Canine Adolescence.
Understand what happens to your dog during adolescence and get some tips on how to navigate this developmental stage together.

Teaching Tails
Aug 11, 20224 min read


The Fussy Cockapoo Verdict: My Honest Review of Butternut Box Dog Food ((5 years on!)
Read an honest 5-year Butternut Box review from a certified Belfast dog behaviorist. Learn how fresh food keeps a fussy Cockapoo happy and healthy.

Teaching Tails
Nov 6, 20213 min read


5 Minutes with Your Dog: The Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Day
Ditch the stress of long training sessions. Learn how 5 minutes of balanced play, nose work, and enrichment can settle your dog. Certified Belfast trainer advice.

Teaching Tails
Nov 1, 20213 min read


Surviving Halloween Fireworks: A Guide to Keeping Your Dog Calm and Safe
Is your dog terrified of fireworks? Read essential sound desensitisation tips, calming supplement guides, and safety hacks from a certified Belfast dog Behaviourist.

Teaching Tails
Oct 29, 20214 min read


The Ultimate High-Value Training Treat: Homemade Liver Cake Recipe
If you are looking for the absolute holy grail of dog training rewards, look no further. This is my signature, tried-and-tested Homemade Liver Cake recipe. As a certified trainer, I can tell you that when it comes to teaching complex behaviours, building a reliable off-lead recall, or working through teenage reactivity, your standard supermarket dog biscuits aren't going to cut it. You need a high-value reward that smells incredible and tastes even better. This liver cake is

Teaching Tails
Oct 29, 20213 min read


Things to teach your puppy in those first weeks at home.
A TOILET ROUTINE - Be proactive about taking your puppy outside to go to the toilet. They need to go out when they have woken from asleep. after eating after playing after relaxing with a chew throughout the night. Reward generously when the puppy gets it right and they will soon learn where the best place to go to the toilet is. SLEEP ROUTINE - Healthy development in any species requires proper sleep and rest. A tired puppy can become over-aroused, are more prone to bite and

Teaching Tails
Oct 27, 20212 min read


Peak Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Your Dog in Northern Ireland
Planning a mountain hike with your dog? Read essential tips on livestock rules, weather prep, and packing lists from a Belfast trainer hiking with her Cockapoo.

Teaching Tails
May 31, 20213 min read
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