Date of Project: 2025
Type of Client: Residential dog owner
Client/Project Name: Natasha & Murphy
Project Location: Coventry
Service Provided: Dream Dog Programme (8 weeks) followed by Maintenance Programme
Helping a Young Sproodle Learn Focus & Calm Behaviour
Murphy, a male Sproodle living in the Coventry area, began training at 11 months old during the challenging adolescent stage of development. Like many young doodle and spaniel-cross breeds, Murphy was energetic, intelligent, and eager to interact with people and dogs. However, his enthusiasm was difficult to manage in everyday situations.
Murphy’s owner, Natasha, reached out for professional support through the Dream Dog Programme, an eight-week one-to-one dog training programme designed to address behaviour challenges while strengthening the relationship between dog and owner.
While Murphy had attended previous training classes and had good foundations, Natasha felt they needed personalised guidance tailored specifically to Murphy’s temperament and breed traits.
The Challenges Natasha & Murphy Were Facing
At the start of the programme, several behaviours were making daily walks and outings stressful.
Murphy displayed severe lead pulling, particularly at the beginning of walks when his excitement levels were highest. When encountering other dogs while on a lead, he would whine and bark in frustration because he wanted to greet them.
In open environments such as fields, Murphy struggled to focus. Windy conditions or moving objects, such as leaves or insects, would quickly capture his attention and pull his focus away from Natasha.
At home and when out meeting people, Murphy would also jump up in excitement, making it difficult for Natasha to manage him calmly in social situations.
Importantly, Murphy was not reactive or aggressive. Instead, he was what trainers often describe as a “frustrated greeter”—a friendly dog with high excitement levels who found it difficult to regulate his emotions.
For Natasha, these behaviours were starting to have a real impact on daily life. Murphy’s strong pulling had caused shoulder pain, and she had begun avoiding certain walking routes to reduce the chances of encountering other dogs.
She also felt embarrassed during walks and began comparing Murphy to other dogs she saw behaving calmly. Despite her efforts in training, she felt she was not making progress and was starting to lose confidence in her ability to manage him.
A Structured Training Approach Tailored to Murphy
To address these challenges, the training programme focused on positive reinforcement methods and owner education. The goal was not only to change Murphy’s behaviour but also to give Natasha the skills and confidence needed to continue training independently.
Training began by resetting lead work in quieter environments. This allowed Murphy to practise calm walking behaviours without the overwhelming distractions of busy parks or crowded paths.
High-value reinforcement was carefully chosen based on what Murphy found genuinely rewarding, rather than what people often assume dogs should like. This helped maintain his motivation and focus during training.
Several engagement games and exercises were introduced, including:
- Scatter feeding before walks to reduce arousal
- “Magic hand” and 1-2-3 counting games to encourage focus
- Hand touch, middle position, and leg weaves to strengthen engagement
- Impulse control exercises to build emotional regulation
Because Murphy is a Sproodle—a cross between a Spaniel and a Poodle—the programme also incorporated gundog foundation exercises. These activities channelled his natural breed instincts into productive outlets.
Training included place board work, retrieve games, and the introduction of training dummies. These exercises allowed Murphy to use his natural drive in a structured way that supported calm behaviour.
Before & After: Murphy’s Transformation
Before training began, walks were often chaotic and physically demanding for Natasha. Murphy’s excitement made it difficult for him to concentrate, especially when distractions were present.
Over the course of the eight-week programme, Murphy began to develop stronger impulse control and engagement with his owner.
One particularly meaningful milestone came when Murphy “turned a corner” and began walking calmly beside Natasha, something that had previously felt impossible.
Other improvements included:
- Significant reduction in lead pulling
- Improved recall reliability
- Greater focus and engagement during off-lead time
- Ability to remain calm around other dogs on lead
Murphy also demonstrated his progress in real-world environments. During a hike up Snowdon in challenging, windy conditions, he remained calmly on lead throughout the walk.
Another memorable moment occurred during a visit to Pets at Home. Using the techniques practised during training, Murphy settled in the queue and lay down with his chin on the floor—an impressive display of emotional regulation for an adolescent dog.
A Positive Impact on Owner Confidence
While Murphy’s behaviour improved significantly, an equally important transformation happened for Natasha.
As Murphy’s lead walking improved, her shoulder pain reduced. She also began to feel comfortable walking him in busier environments again.
Natasha reported that she now feels confident taking Murphy to coffee shops, pubs, holidays, and busy public spaces.
Perhaps most importantly, she realised that part of the challenge had been her own confidence. With the tools and understanding gained through the programme, she now feels capable of continuing Murphy’s training independently.
Murphy and Natasha now operate as a true team, and she is enjoying life with him far more than before.
Client Testimonial
Natasha left a five-star review following the programme:
“Murphy improved especially in impulse control and recall. My confidence has improved massively too. I now feel like I have the tools to continue training on my own, and it’s reassuring knowing I can return for support if needed.” – Google Review
Natasha continues to share updates and videos showing Murphy’s ongoing progress and consistent application of the training techniques.
Project Outcomes
- Training Duration: 8-week Dream Dog Programme
- Follow-Up Support: Maintenance Programme
- Behaviour Improvements: Reduced lead pulling, improved recall, increased impulse control
- Owner Confidence: Significantly improved
- Real-World Success: Calm behaviour during hikes, shopping trips, and social outings
- Client Satisfaction: 5-star review and continued engagement with training support
Professional Credentials and Training Standards
Carrie’s Canines and Friends provides professional dog training in Coventry and surrounding areas, with programmes designed to support both dogs and their owners.
The training approach follows modern, reward-based methods and is supported by recognised industry credentials, including:
- IABTC Accredited Instructor
- SA Pro Behaviour Consultant
- Member of the Pet Professional Guild
- Ongoing professional development and education
This case demonstrates how structured one-to-one dog training in Coventry can transform not only a dog’s behaviour but also the confidence and enjoyment of their owner.
Through the Dream Dog Programme, Murphy’s natural enthusiasm and intelligence were channelled into productive behaviours, helping him develop into a calmer, more focused companion.
Start Your Dog’s Training Journey Today
If you’d like support with lead pulling, recall, overexcitement, or building better focus with your dog, professional one-to-one training can make a lasting difference. Get in touch with Carrie’s Canines and Friends today to discuss your dog’s needs and learn more about the Dream Dog Programme in Coventry and the surrounding areas.
Call: +44 2476 932110
Email: info@carriescanines.co.uk