Cumbria Dog Training

The training of an adult dog can be very rewarding. It's different to that of a puppy, as it will already be living its life based around certain parameters - usually not very good ones ! Having to gradually change those to a set of positive ones takes time, dedication and alot of patience. And so as I sit here I can honestly say we have turned things around on another dog. Wilf, a lovely Working Cocker Spaniel, arrived somewhat misguided. But it quickly became evident this youngster didn't have a bad bone in his body - just highly charged and with no manners or commands. Rachel has worked frequently with him and it's all starting to pay off - no more long line and no more lead. Well done Rachel - and well done Wilf !  Wilf Meet Coco, one of my boarding guests. Coco is a young Spoodle (Springer x Poodle) and is exactly as the photographs imply - war, friendly and alot of fun. Coco Megan is a young, innocen t looking Black Labrador who's been boarding ...

Paul's frequently photographed young Working Cocker Spaniel Ella is now 10 months old and one of the most loving and loyal dogs I've known. If she's not laying near his feet she's discretely trying to get onto his lap - and usually winning ! Ella When Rosa arrived 10 weeks ago, the last thing we would have done is allowed her complete freedom - and on a Fell !! But what a difference structured training has made to this youngster. Rachel has helped in turning this beautiful Yellow Labrador into a dog who's a real joy to have around, and in truth who we are going to miss when she returns home shortly. Rosa The 25 obstacles spread over 10km of Shap Fells was a challenge like no other.  The Total Warrior course was fantastic fun ! In doing so I raised over £1500 of money for the charity NASS, who deals with  the medical condition Ankylosing Spondylitis, which my husband suffers from. And if you're going to pair up with anyone, who better than a Roy...

Eight month old Ella is part dog / part otter. This is her usual style for getting into water - providing it's deep enough. On this occasion there was a purpose, with a yellow ball bobbing on top. Only trouble is, despite her eyes being on the subject, the final pic shows that she rather overshot the mark ! Whoops - overshot the ball completely ! When Rosa arrived 10 weeks ago, the last thing we would have done is allowed her complete freedom - and on a Fell !! But what a difference structured training has made to this youngster. Rachel has helped in turning this beautiful Yellow Labrador into a dog who's a real joy to have around, and in truth who we are going to miss when she returns home shortly. On our secret walk ..... ...... so secret we never meet anyone else. 14 week old Etta is a Flat Coat Retriever who I recently had staying with me. I took a shine to this big pup, who is full of energy and a willingness to learn. 14 week old Ett...

While Rachel is a trainer and partner in Cumbria Dog Training, my other daughter is a professional in gun dog trainer. Fran has been training dogs for owners from all over  the UK, as well as being asked to judge dogs in in the very male world of trialling. Not bad for a young lady still in her 20's ! Paul's six month old Working Cocker Spaniel Ella loves riding in the cars. She has tremendous spring in her skinny legs and gets into the back of the Hilux with little effort. It's a different story when it's time to leave. She's been trained never to jump out but to be patient and wait for her owner to pick her up, thereby preventing injuries ..... and vets bills !! When are we going to be there Dad ? Boarding dogs Charlie and his brother Alfie are staying with me for a few days, and as can be seen, a ball is something that creates a real bond. These two young dogs are lovely characters. Is this the cool way to carry a ball ? Scarlett, a yo...

Mick likes snow. And Mick also likes running. So when the opportunity presents itself, I doubt you'll see a happier dog anywhere !               One happy little character 2 yr old Mick  A momentary break for Sumo and Mick. Sumo & Mick Okay .... not everyone likes the cold winds from the East, and snow blowing over their heads. Honey chooses to stay warm in her bed ..... until late April ! "Wake me up when it's warm again - outside !" 14 week old Ella loves the white stuff and is determined not to be left behind..... ........ even if that means running after Sumo looking more like a Polar Bear than a black puppy ! Bella is all eyes for a snowball - although it appears her mouth isn't as big as she thought it was ! "Does anyone know who the Pack Leader is ??"

This is a picture of Paul's Working Cocker Spaniel named Sumo, holding a training aid - in this case a rabbit ball. It was interesting to see how Sumo's behaviour - as a full male - changed once Paul took on another full male dog.  Having been a very calm character, he slowly started to guard his owner, with the inevitable "handbag fight".  Finally (!), Paul made the decision to have him neutered.   And as he proudly tells me, he has his "old Sumo back". Sumo Meanwhile the pups have all gone to new homes. It's a quieter place without them but I miss that little something only a puppy can provide. I'm not quite sure what it is - maybe the softness of the coat, their inquisitive attitude and a desire to investigate places they should go to ! Nevertheless, these three photographs are some of the last I took.

An unnamed one day old puppy lays safe and secure by her mother. Minnie gave birth to four healthy Working Cocker puppies, all of whom have homes to go to. Over the next few weeks we have the joy of watching their development, starting with them opening their eyes. These coming weeks are truly wonderful and a real joy to watch. Minnie and pup sleep soundly. Meanwhile Joss, a 10 week old Working Cocker Spaniel demonstrates just how natural he finds carrying shot game to be ! This photograph was taken over a week ago and it was very reassuring to see that this little lad has a one aspect of his training sorted out already ! Joss with his pigeon And a tennis ball is always a collectable item !