St Trainians School for Dogs

15/09/2025

Huge congratulations to Rachel Marshall and Ember who is only just 18 months old, gaining two 6th places in what were very large entries for their level, on Saturday at Lichfield obedience show. 6th place in Pre beginners and also 6th place in the Kennel Club Good Citizens Special Pre Beginners.

Also many congratulations to our friend Steph Jones for coming 3rd in pre beginners on Sunday at Lichfield with her Irish Red and White Setter Hugo. Caley and Breacan's cousin.

30/08/2025

Over the years I've tried many different types of headcollar as training aids, and safety for people with strong dogs who make sudden unexpected movement. They all have a downside to them, either being poorly constructed for dogs, great for horses, ponies, goats etc but not for dogs who are much lower down, thereby causing issues with head/neck positions leading to general discomfort.

Those of a better construction for dogs have turned out to be incredibly fiddly to put on, causing them to become twisted, and creating yet more discomfort for the dog.

However, quite recently this type has been recommended to me, and I must say, so far these ones score 10 out of 10 at every level. My dogs are much happier wearing them. I will in fact say they are very happy. No rubbing to get off. They look good. Feel good and from my perspective, very simple to put on.

Join our stress free dog walking revolution, stop your dog pulling

06/08/2025

Sunday at Hatchford Brook obedience was Rachel and Ember's big day. 2nd place in the Kennel Club Good Citizens Special Pre beginners class, also placed in Introductory and Pre beginners, along with our friend Steph Jones and Hugo Irish Red and White Setter (cousin to Breacan and Caley). Very well done to you both on your achievements.

Not such a good day for Breacan, but that's how it goes, they are dogs and not robots, with Breacan finding the environment too exciting and then too hot for his final class.

10/07/2025

Heed warnings. Not only do we have hot weather, but we have very high humidity too being an Island. Despite advice to the contrary circulating on social media, allegedly coming from vets, the old advice still very much applies.

If your dog starts panting excessively, then they are at high risk of getting into trouble. Dogs aren't as good at regulating their body temperature as humans, as their main mechanism for cooling down is panting, whereas we sweat.

If you are concerned, get them into water, wetting legs, belly and head. If this fails, douse completely, preferably plunge. Lift the coat and try to get water onto the skin, especially if you have a collie type dog. Put fans on.

If this fails, get them to eat ice cubes, yes do it. The advice circulating on social media is false. Your job is to bring internal body temperature down.

Should this fail, call the vet and be prepared to be seen immediately. This is a genuine veterinary emergency.

Do not use cool coats or wet towels as they trap the heat!

If you have a flat faced breed, please be even more vigilant.

Keep your dogs safe, and it's better to miss a dog show, or miss winning an agility rosette than to end up loosing your dog! There will be other events.