Cumbria Dog Training

Eighteen month old sisters Evie and Ziggie are very photogenic. Neither of these small Working Cocker Spaniels think twice about running through deep muddy water or into thick brambles if it means retrieving shot game. But when the day is over and they've been washed, dried and fed, there's nothing more comfortable than the high chair to share. " Can we try that butter trick ?? " Meanwhile brother Mick really is the clown. If ever a dog could smile than this one can. A quick nip on his nose from another dog when he was only a few weeks old initially made him made him cautious of his own kind and he lacked a certain amount of confidence. But careful introduction by his owner to the "right" dogs at an early age meant that Mick was soon running about with the other dogs and enjoying every moment of it too. While the running has got faster, it now includes pieces of tree and a smile !  Happiness is .... What is Sumo looking at ? I'll never know ...

8mth old Hanna is one of my training clients. She has a lovely temperament and as someone who's owned Rottweilers/Dobermans in the past, I found her to be representative of the breed. It saddens me that such beautiful dogs can get such bad publicity, largely due to a few thoughtless owners. Hanna Recently Rufus stayed with me for two months residential training. His stubbornness showed itself early on when he point blank refused to sit ! But over time he respected and obeyed the commands which Rachel and myself were using and we were both delighted to hand over such a well behaved and calmer dog to his owner. Rufus Meet Border Collie Alfie, who, along with his brother Charlie, is staying with me for a few days. Alfie Zara and Gerry came into the stable with me earlier today. While the former was inquisitive as to what I was doing, little Gerry didn't have the same confidence to stand up and be nosy .... but given time ! Zara Char...

Mick, a one year old Working Cocker Spaniel, assumes the position on our old high chair ! He shows great promise for his role as a gun dog, with an enthusiasm and determination for entering any type of cover in search for his training aids. Trained to the whistle, Mick is a very steady, sitting until told to do otherwise, irrespective of the distractions. But as his face shows, he also has a  mischievous side to him ! Mick Betty the German Shepherd came in recently for residential training. In truth this was much needed. With no eye contact, she would pull forcefully when out on a lead, and have no interest in anything other than the bleat of lambs in surrounding fields ! Six weeks later and things have certainly changed. All those faults have been resolved and she is now a much calmer girl, listening to commands and actually carrying them out. The following two weeks will be spent sharpening her up, which now we've come so far, I don't think will be too difficult. ...

Ziggy is one of life's high flyers - in every way. Fran's one year old Working Cocker Spaniel - who she bred herself - is showing all the signs of being not only a very good gundog but of having the potential to be a trialling dog. Ziggy  If ever a photograph summed up Honey, this one does. This bright eyed little Chihuahua likes nothing more than to lay on something soft, be it a bed or a cushion. The only proviso ? It needs to be in a warm spot, preferably next to an Aga ! Honey Luna went home recently, having stayed with us for two months of residential training. After one or two early set backs, progress was fast and she proved herself a quick learner, remembering what she'd been taught. These two photographs really do represent this lovely dog and the loyalty she showed us. Loyal Luna Luna If you want a real character around the house, look no further than Louis, an 11 mth old  Shih Tzu. When he first boarded with me a few months ago he was a...

If you don't think dogs show emotion, think again. Ten month old Cocker Mick is just too fast for Charlie, and the happiness he feels is expressed across his face in a smile ! Both are enjoying the frost and winter sunshine - something we could only have dreamt about a year ago, as we recovered from Storm Desmond. Mick - one happy little dog While one dog is racing at speed and staying on all four feet, another loses balance altogether and rolls down the hill - though never loses grip of the dummy he was sent out to retrieve. This is Sumo, Paul's beautiful little 'Working Cocker Spaniel. "Use your feet Sumo !" Time out for me and my dog Pixie. Pix is a year old Working Cocker Spaniel who's gun dog training has come a long way and I'm very pleased with her progress. I love the eye contact she's giving me. My own girl, Pixie A recent residential training guest was 6 month old Lula. After her initial stubbornness had been worked through, sh...

Nine month old sisters Ziggy and Evie know all the best hiding spots. These two Working Cocker Spaniels are full of energy and keen to enjoy life at a pace. But by the end of the day they're starting to slow down ..... thank goodness ! Terrible twins Ziggy and Evie Butter wouldn't melt in the mouth of this beautiful little dog - would it ?? Evie Now that's why I've had different coloured socks on today. Thanks Ziggy ! Ziggy  Bridie arrived from Amsterdam for residential training several weeks ago and her behaviour has really improved. We now have a little Patterdale who can enjoy the Fells as much as we do ..... without disappearing into the distance ! Bridie enjoys freedom on the Fells Caught and guilty as charged ! Sumo a true look of guilt as he's spotted going up the stairs - then reminded that's not what to do. It's a fair cop guv. Driving locally a few weeks ago, I was taken by this beautiful sunset .... and the solitary shee...

Enjoying his first experience of Autumn, 8 month old Mick tries desperately to catch any leaf as it falls to the ground. Initially he was wary of other dogs and lacked confidence, having been too nosy as a pup with the wrong dog ! But Paul helped the little lad come out of himself and at the same time created a dog who is energy and mischievousness personified, as shown in two of the pics. So near yet so far Mick's step ! Now they're falling !