Cumbria Dog Training

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 !

German Shepherds, staying for residential training, have featured prominently over the past few weeks. They've arrived with a variety of issues though needless to say it's been great fun to work with them all. Luna arrived recently, anxious of other dogs due to being attacked when younger. She was fearful of all dogs - big and small - and would react on the premise that "attack is the best form of defence",  with her hackles up as she barked and lunged at any dog she cross paths with. But what a different dog we now have. Gone is the insecurity and wariness of the old Luna, replaced by a calm and confident girl who's since been collected by her owner. Luna, socialising in Keswick ... .. end enjoying a break on a walk Meanwhile Mac has been making tremendous progress. This young lad was full of energy on arrival and was reactive to anything and everything ...... apart from commands ! Roll on four weeks and things have really changed. We now have a lo...

Introducing a young dog to the "big wide world" brings benefits which can last a lifetime.  An array of different objects coupled with a multitude of noises and smells allows the the pup to become familiar with many things and initial fears give way to confidence, resulting in a happy dog and a relaxed owner holding the lead. Here a calm Evie and Mick, aged 5 months, meet anything and everything as they negotiate once more everything dog friendly Keswick has to put in their way.  Evie and Mick Lily the French Bulldog who's in for residential training is really making progress and is now off lead and coming to the recall. Hopefully the next pic will feature both her and sister Penny sitting on my lawn or field, free of any lead. Lily deep in concentration I think we can forget about harvesting this field for now. The recent heavy rain brought about flooding and the depth was actually greater than the photograph shows .... and all this in mid August ! ...

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and with temperaments to match. Meet Nico, who came to board with me recently. This Chihuahua X was great company to have staying, both for me and by the way he played with other dogs, for them to - something that can never be overlooked. Nico For a few short worrying moments this morning, I thought Tilly had decided to up and leave us. Her bed was empty and she was no where to be found - until Fran asked me in all sincerity, "Why's Tilly sleeping on the kitchen chair ?" "Ssshhhh ...... Tilly doesn't like to be disturbed" Paul's smiling 4 month old pup Mick thinks his owner is the "bee knees" - as this simple photograph suggests.  Rest assured, wherever Paul is, Mick and Sumo will be very close by ! Mick running to Paul Meet Penny and Lily, my two fierce looking French Bulldog guests who are staying with me for residential training.  Ignore the expressions though. These two small...

Mick, a cheerful 15 week old Working Cocker Spaniel, was born at Toddle Cottage and is destined to remain here, due to Paul becoming his owner. The two have already formed a great bond and Sumo, Paul's lovely black Working Cocker, has adopted his new mate really well with the two often seen playing together. One week old One month old And now fourteen weeks Dogs make me happy, especially when they are as responsive as Maddie, a 6 year old Working Cocker Spaniel. Owned by my daughter Fran and mother to two litters, including Sumo and Mick, this little dog has won cups at trialling. Happiness is .....  Paul insists that this is part of Sumo's training, in readiness for when his 3yr old Working Cocker has to pick up pheasants that have been shot and fallen on the far side of some mysterious wall !! Personally I think it's just an excuse for the two of them to have fun together ! Sumo showing great eye contact wherever he is. Few dogs can resist the...