Cumbria Dog Training

My working week introduces me to new dogs and owners all the time, and while I often get emails thanking me for how the dog now behaves, I rarely get a photograph. But that changed this morning and it's made my day ! Zee, a beautiful GSD, couldn't resist chasing sheep and even more alarming, grabbing a mouthful of fleece. So I worked with her on this bad habit and she now has a lot more respect for the animals. But I only did the ground work. Well done to her owner - A - for continuing with Zee's training. A recent email mentioned a breed I was unfamiliar with - a BRT. The Black Russian Terrier is a mix of approx. different breeds, inc. Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers. One of their key attributes is a strong protective instinct, which is why the owners had purchased theirs'. But at only 14 weeks old, I didn't have too much to worry about when I made a home visit to help out. The two pics are off the web as I didn't have my camera with me at the time. ...

With day courses, training lessons, residential training dogs and boarding dogs starting to put a strain on us, we have asked our eldest daughter Rachel to join the business - something she did with a huge smile on her face !filling up my days from dawn to dusk, Rachel is very capable of working with dogs, be it training or walking on the hills, though her main work is being a Reiki Practitioner working with animals. Her first role - and with the blessing of his owner, has been to train the basics to a 5 month old Miniature Schnauzer who goes by the name of Henry. Proof of her ability to train has been demonstrated over the past 2 weeks since Henry arrived. He'd become far too big for his boots at home with no respect for his owner, whose hands he would bite ! However Rachel's calm but firm approach has seen this little lad change from a thug into a dog who fully respects her and the commands she gives. At 5 months of age there's still much he has to learn but he has mad...

Wally needs a new home. This 2 year old Collie who has been staying with me for residential training over the past few weeks. For personal reasons, Wally's owners are unable to have him back, meaning he is now looking for  a new home. So what does this lad need ? At the very least :- A person / couple with experience of the breed is a must. No families. A rural home. The person / couple must be prepared to give time in continuing with his training must have patience in abundance. Wally is a young lad with issues ( NOT due to his owners), but as I have found, if you work hard you will slowly gain his trust, the issues diminish and with it he obeys commands. I have put alot of time and emotion into this youngster and we have started to really bond so expect a few tears from me when I say goodbye to him. If you think you could offer Wally a home with the above and a whole lot more, contact me through FB or my website -  http://www.cumbria-dog-training.com/ But ...

The challenges thrown up by a dog staying for residential training can be many and varied - that's why they're here in the first place. Wally, a young Border Collie is a prime example. A real fear of traffic made lead work very difficult, with the young lad pulling furiously, but little by little we are achieving success. These are still early days, but I feel Wally is trusting us more and more and with that will come even better results. The sight of a loose lead when faced with on-coming traffic is wonderful - well done Wally ! A loose lead on a relaxed dog The sharpness of Wally's eyes "Car ? What car Janet ?" A beautiful young dog giving me his undivided attention. The BFG -aka Chester- has returned for a few days boarding. By the looks of things, his relaxation in the river was quickly disturbed by Sumo- who can't understand why any dog would want to relax on holiday. Surely that's when you can have more fun than usual ?! Po...

Dogs have always been a part of my life, even as a child. But it wasn't until the summer of 2010 that I finally had my own dog. I collected Tilly, a Clumber Spaniel when she was only 8 weeks old and I think the world of her. Training was not always easy due to her stubborn and headstrong nature but I persevered and she's turned into a wonderful dog and friend. Last year she had a litter of pups and I kept one - Annie. On a recent (and rare) day out with just our own dogs, Paul took these two photographs of me and my gang ! This is my advanced training class Me, Tilly and Annie The only dog I lack confidence in handling personally is an Akita - and the reason is simple.  Several years ago I was attacked whilst training. One minute I was standing, talking to the owner, the next I was on the ground trying desperately to defend myself from being bitten (in vain), as the owner finally managed to drag the damned animal off me. Now you have a little backgroun...

Sophie has just returned home having spent the past few weeks staying with me as a residential training guest. An 11 month old German Shepherd, she was very responsive and a quick learner which has made it a joy to train her. At different stages of training Paul took over, just to make sure the she would  do the same thing for him as well as for me, which she did. And on collection, Sophie's owner was met by a new, calmer dog who wouldn't run away !  Sophie Meet Buster, an 18 month old Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles x Bichon Frise). It took a day or two to see the real dog but now I know I've one cheeky and very affectionate lad living with me. This photograph seems to sum Buster up ! At the moment he's working in my field on the long line but it's only a matter of time before this is removed and he'll have more freedom ..... and I'll be confident that he will return to me on his name or whistle every time he hears it ! Buster

Meet Dolly, a young German Shorthaired Pointer who's a residential guest of mine. She really is a lovely dog and has grown in confidence over the past three weeks. On arrival she wouldn't sit to the command and never have stayed - how things change ! Her willingness to please has made Dolly a real pleasure to work with. Dolly enjoys a blow dry Ten month old Sophie arrived only a few days ago for residential training. A German Shepherd, she had started to make her owner's life somewhat of a misery with her antics and behaviour. Paul, who likes German Shepherds, has been helping me to train her and we agree that she is on her best behaviour with both of us. Sophie's road work, heel work etc. is really good and I think this photo says alot about her. Being early days, she is not off the lead but being trained in our field on a long line which in time will come off when we're confident she will come to the recall every time. Sophie Recent floods have been ...