Cumbria Dog Training

Well we've turned the corner ! By "we" I mean Merlin and myself. My young Australian Labradoodle guest is with me for a month for residential training and after a frustrating beginning, things suddenly took a turn a few days ago. It just happened in an instance - the sudden realisation that this little lad was both looking at me and following my commands was a fantastic feeling ! In the morning it was still the "old" Merlin that I was working with, but my perseverance suddenly came good later in the day - and in truth I just gave him a hug as I knew things were only going to get better from then on. Yes he can be stubborn and awkward at times, but he's the equivalent to a teenager, a Kevin and Perry dare I say it !! But with careful training, these traits will disappear. Merlin's desire to follow the leader's instructions really benefitted him this morning. He was one of five dogs (inc. Honey and Jaffa) Paul took onto one of the lower Fells nea...

Paul has managed to catch some rather wonderful photos of Tasha, my German Shepherd guest and Barney, my Lab x Staffie guest. These two certainly have bonded with Paul, especially Tasha, a 2yr old rescue dog. For her, Paul can do no wrong (!!!). But this love affair is mutual, so much so that after much deliberation and research, Paul has put his name down for a German Shepherd of his own. Due to be born next year, he's opted for a long haired dog .......  there's nothing like planning ! As for Barney. Forget the grey hairs - this lad is very young at heart. His favourite walking spots must include water and wood. From absolutely nowhere, this friendly lad will find a piece of wood and bring it to me, wanting it to be thrown. Add water to the game and "hey presto", one very happy dog! "Steady Tasha, what is that ????!!" Barney can't get enough  h2o - whatever the colour or smell ! "Where am I ?" "Right, I'...

For some dogs, chasing a stick is so much fun. And judging by the photo below, Milly and Barney are having a great time - even if Barney's chain is blinding him ! Things have certainly improved with Milly, who arrived with the warning "she can run and run and run". So to begin with, she wasn't allowed in the garden without a lead on. But as can be seen, things have greatly improved and she's allowed a short time off lead before she loses interest in the game and heads off to who knows where! Meanwhile, Merlin, an Australian Labradoodle has arrived. This handsome young dog will be with me for the next month while I train him so there will be alot more pics of him to come. Janet Barney flying blind with his chain coming off Out of breath Milly "Hello there, I'm Merlin"

We have a new addition to the family. Well, when I say "we", I actually mean Fran. Let me introduce to you Nelly. One very happy owner ! Now obviously butter wouldn't melt etc and she's most definately the apple of her owner's eye ...... but ! Nelly is into everything. Poor Honey thinks a mini tornado has hit the house and won't leave. Just this morning I had to laugh as I saw one 9 week old Cocker Spaniel come along and start to bury herself under "the small dog's" bed. Now awoken but looking less than pleased, Honey, who is now only half in her bed, decides to get out altogether and make camp elsewhere! But all dogs need to know who the boss is and the photo below shows that Fran is beginning to establish her authority as top dog ........... but these are early days ! "We'll walk when I'M ready!"   But when resistence proves futile, it's time to get some sleep - in Honey's bed !! "I hope H...

Business is still as hectic as ever, with boarding, residential training and home visits still in full flow - not to mention the sheep chasing. After three weeks of residential training, I said "goodbye" to my little Sprocker guest Reggie, who was collected by his lovely owners. I'd really bonded with this little character and knowing his background pulled on my heart strings as well. I was very pleased to see how much progress had been achieved in just 3 weeks, given how he arrived. And yes I did have a few tears when it came to saying "goodbye". But in my sadness there was a bright light as I also knew that he was returning to owners who, like me, wanted the very best for this young dog. I am able to do all this training because I am very lucky to have a great husband,...... Paul. He is now helping me to run my business by doing alot of the walking of my boarding guests, so all my guests are very well cared for with all their individual needs. Janet

Last Sunday I had a very enjoyable day at the Coniston Country Fair, where I'd pitched my Cumbria Dog Training stand for the day. Fran came with me and of course where Fran goes, Maddie goes to. Thankfully the weather held and we met some lovely people. With Coniston Lake behind us, there can't be many shows with a more beautiful backdrop. Making new friends and with Maddie to my left A recent guest has been Olive - aka known as Honey's playmate (poor Olive!). These two play non stop, both inside and outside the house, and it was noticeable that the day after Olive had been collected, Honey did nothing but sleep. Don't worry about the fierce Chihuahua - when the going gets too hot, she can be seen running under the car for safety. Honey 1 - 0 Every Other Dog ! Honey chooses Olive's left ear for dinner Meanwhile, taking a leaf out of the The Three Bears nursery rhyme, Honey decides that a larger bed fits quite nicely, thank you very much! The fact that my...

Let me introduce you to Harry, an Italian Spinone. Harry arrived yesterday for a day's "try out", prior to any long term boarding. He's as gentle as he looks and those eyes .... ! Janet