At Battersea, we’ve spent over 165 years helping dogs and cats find love, safety and companionship. This autumn, we’re sharing expert tips to help you care for your dog and a heartwarming story of two greyhounds who bonded through training, trust and tennis balls.
Meet Arnie and Cassie
Loveable greyhounds Arnie and Cassie arrived at Battersea separately, but they soon became firm friends and built a special bond through their shared love of walks and tennis balls. The adorable duo became inseparable, and even spent some time together in a Battersea foster home.
Our team could see that when Arnie and Cassie were together, they were able to grow in confidence and became more affectionate, so we created a tailored training plan to help them thrive. This included:
- Recall training for safer outdoor adventures.
- House-training for a smoother transition into home life.
- Positive association techniques to build trust and reduce anxiety.
Thanks to their training, their unique personalities shone through. Cassie became the more vocal of the pair and she always liked to know what the humans closest to her were getting up to. Arnie, on the other hand, preferred a more relaxed approach; having a nice long snooze was top of his daily to do list, followed by cuddles.
It took a little longer to find Arnie and Cassie the right home where they could be together. But after almost 5 months in Battersea’s care, they found a suitable home in scenic Suffolk, where they’re now continuing their love story with their new family.
Training Tips from Arnie and Cassie
- Use positive reinforcement
Reward good behaviour with treats, praise and affection. This will build trust between you and your dog and encourage them to repeat the behaviour. Never use negative reinforcement, as this can lead to stress, anxiety or aggression.
- Be consistent
Establish clear boundaries from early on and stick to them. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them and reduce confusion or anxiety.
- Be patient
Remember to be patient when training your dog. What may seem like a little bit of progress to you, will be a big step for them. Having patience and staying positive will make training a more enjoyable experience for you and your dog.
Want to help your dog thrive like Arnie and Cassie?
Our free Battersea By Your Side guide is packed with expert advice to help you care for your dog this autumn and beyond. From toxic foods to avoid, to DIY brain games and tasty homemade recipes — it’s everything you need to keep your pet safe, happy, and engaged.
