Cumbria Dog Training

I'm lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful rural areas of the UK. And if that wasn't enough, it's a quiet area too, free in the main from tourists and visitors. Why is this important ? Because it means there are lots of "secret" places that, despite their beauty, nobody knows about. This allows myself or Rachel to exercise the dogs in complete solitude ! One such place is a beck deep enough to swim in (I know), and a fantastic place to take the dogs on hot days. It's a strangely satisfying feeling seeing the dogs swimming around, cooling off and looking totally happy and content. And I guess no dogs exemplify this more than Bert and Charlie, Rachel's own two dogs The whirlwind is back AKA Peggy ! This photograph sums her up - she seems to fly around, not stopping for breath, just an absolute bundle of energy. But what a cracking little Cocker Spaniel she is. Bear chasing Bryher became a feature when these two recently stayed. ...

George is a Vizsla who stayed with me recently for home boarding. Paul - with his photography eye - was immediately attracted to the youngster, and before he knew what he was doing, George was sitting by our glass door listening to the click of a camera. To see George, along with other dogs, visit  cumbria-dog-training-photography.com Meet a four legged Ferrari and Lamborghini. Jasper is an incredibly fast little Working Cocker Spaniel, while just behind him is liver coloured Bryher. Both characters are wonderful dogs and great fun to have around. Meanwhile, at just 4 months of age, Czech Shepherd Kimba is already displaying her natural serious expression. Springer Spaniels can be alot of fun, and this is well demonstrated with Finch, a 9 month old dog who is finally photographed sitting down ! Finch is a lovely lad who's wants to explore anything and everything - so why would he want to sit down ?? And this is part of my office - taking time out b...

Winter sun cheers everyone up - including Mick, Ella and Sumo. This photograph is a great example of  how these three happy dogs are. Mick, Ella and Sumo But with winter comes rain - and what Cocker Spaniel doesn't like water ?? Pixie absolutely loves it .... not that you could tell. Pixie  But while the youngsters play, 14 year old Border Collie Misty relaxes on the warm wooden floor of my office. Misty  "Bear" the Leonberger stayed with me for two months of residential training.This big dog was a real handful to begin with and the thought of being off a lead was a distant dream. Nevertheless, persistent training paid off  - although the sight of him "charging" kept me alert ! Bear Peanut is a wonderful young dog. This year old Cocker is such a happy little character and is great company. Peanut 

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...