Nala's Trails, Baxenden, Baxenden (2025)

23/04/2025

Wednesday Wanders!
Exploring, judging (thanks Martha), and belly rubs — what more could we want from a midweek adventure?

The day kicked off bright and early with the boys helping me scout out a brand-new trail — and they absolutely loved the peaceful vibes. It was the perfect start: fresh air, quiet woodlands, and lots of tail wags as we discovered new scents together.

As we carried on with the day, there was plenty of sniffing, Stanley’s usual hunt for the perfect stick (because average ones just won’t do), and some prime people-watching from Martha. Honestly, she doesn’t say a word, but the way she stares? Full of silent sass.

Our afternoon had a more chilled pace — Alice chose to bask in the sunshine rather than hit the trail, which is completely fair (sunbathing queen!). Nala, our ever-dedicated furry CEO, joined Tuppy’s walk to keep an eye on her loose lead progress… and possibly to steal a few treats along the way.

We finished up with the girls, who were feeling a little under the weather today. They weren’t quite their usual energetic selves, so we kept things gentle with a relaxed stroll and some well-earned scatter feeding — no need to work too hard for those snacks!

We also popped in to visit our friends staying at home, letting them nip out for the loo and, of course, topping up their belly rub quota for the day.

Another full day tomorrow — paws crossed the sunshine sticks around!

What's your pup’s ultimate "I'm judging you" look? Drop it in the comments or tag us in your photos!

🐾

23/04/2025

🐾 The Benefits of Structured Walking Routines 🐾

Walks are one of the best parts of your dog’s day, but did you know adding structure to your walks can do wonders for both you and your pup? 🐶 Structured walking routines provide mental stimulation, improve behaviour, and strengthen your bond. Here’s why it’s worth trying:

Builds Focus and Calmness
A structured walk encourages your dog to focus on you rather than pulling ahead or getting distracted. This helps them stay calm and engaged, making walks more enjoyable for both of you.

Improves Loose Lead Walking
By setting a clear routine—like starting with a short focused walk before allowing sniffing or exploring—you’re teaching your dog to walk nicely on the lead. Over time, this becomes second nature for them.

Reduces Overstimulation
Dogs thrive on predictability. A structured routine helps prevent overstimulation from exciting sights, sounds, or other dogs, making them feel more secure.

Provides Mental Enrichment
Incorporating training cues like “sit,” “wait,” or “heel” during walks adds mental stimulation, which is just as important as physical exercise.

Strengthens Your Bond
A structured walk reminds your dog that you’re a team. Clear guidance and positive reinforcement help build trust and deepen your connection.

Encourages Good Behaviour
Regular, structured walks give your dog a sense of purpose. They learn what’s expected of them, which can lead to fewer behavioural issues like pulling, barking, or jumping up.

Makes Walks More Enjoyable
When your dog knows the routine, it creates a calm and predictable experience for both of you, turning walks into a stress-free activity.

Tips for a Structured Walk:
✔️ Start with a few minutes of focused lead walking.
✔️ Allow time for sniffing and exploring as a reward.
✔️ Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour.
✔️ Incorporate cues like “heel” or “wait” to keep them engaged.

Do you have a walking routine with your pup? Share your tips in the comments! Need help with loose lead walking? Drop me a DM—I’d love to help. 🐾

22/04/2025

Tiring Tuesday! ☀️🐾 (With a side of chaos and cuddles)

After a much-needed day off yesterday for some rest and quality time with Nala, we were ready to roll into Tuesday full of energy — or so we thought… Turns out the car decided it needed a little recharge too! (Or a whole new battery, actually.)

A huge thank you to all of our lovely, understanding clients who were so patient while I dealt with the surprise morning hiccup. You’re absolute gems!

Once we were back on the road, we hit the ground running — quite literally in Lincoln’s case, who shot out the door like he’d been counting down the seconds! You really do feel like a celebrity when you walk dogs for a living.

There was foraging fun for those allowed, a few cheeky games, and of course some good old sniffaris. The girls took a more leisurely approach, savouring every new scent the wind carried in.

Our furry CEO, Nala, enjoyed a peaceful solo stroll in the morning while I dealt with the RAC — making the most of her one-to-one time (and sneaking in extra sniffs and cuddles while I was distracted).

Later on, our new furry friends made great use of their garden pool and had a blast with their favourite toys. Foraging in the sun and splashing about — what more could you want from a Tuesday?

Thanks again to everyone for your patience today — everything’s sorted now and we’re back on track. Here's hoping for a smooth, sunny Wednesday!

What’s the cheekiest thing your dog’s done when they’ve been too excited to see you? Drop it in the comments — we love a good tail-wagging tale!

🐾

21/04/2025

📢Puppy & Adolescent Dog Owners—This One’s for You!📢
My Next 8-Week Puppy Academy Starts Saturday 24th May!

Ready to raise a confident, well-mannered dog who actually listens? Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy or your adolescent dog is going through the classic “teen phase,” this class is here to support you both—every step of the way.

Where & When?
The Little Dog Barn, Rishton
Saturday at 10am | Starts 24th May | 1 hour per week

❓️What makes my Puppy Academy Different?❓️

🐾Small group classes with personal support

🐾Access to our online community for extra help between sessions

🐾Recap videos for every behaviour we cover

🐾Your own training journal to track progress and wins

🚨What We Cover:🚨

🐶Reliable recall (yes, even at the park!)

🐶Loose lead walking (no more tug-of-war!)

🐶Confidence-building for a calm, happy pup

🐶Focus and engagement—even around distractions

Perfect for:

Puppies from 8 weeks+

Adolescent dogs who need help navigating the world

Let’s build your dog’s foundation for a lifetime of success—positively, force-free, and fun!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out. Book now to secure your spot!

www.nalastrails.co.uk

#

20/04/2025

Happy Easter from us!

Here, Easter means indulging in a few of mummy’s favourite chocolates (because who doesn’t love a Reese’s peanut butter treat?).
Of course, Nala doesn’t like doggy chocolate – but that doesn’t mean she misses out! She gets her very own Easter hamper packed with her favourite goodies and a couple of brand-new toys to enjoy.

Some of her top treats come from her favourite place – – and trust us, she knows when that bag arrives!

However you're spending the day, we hope it’s filled with joy and plenty of tail wags. Just a gentle reminder to keep all the chocolatey goodness and any other toxic foods well out of reach from your furry family members – they might be curious, but their tummies won’t thank you!

Sending love and licks from us both – have a lovely Easter!

🐰
🐣

18/04/2025

Is your pup's birthday coming up this summer? 🎉 Celebrate in style by treating your dog to a fun-filled party with their friends! 🎈Private hire and party packages are available to book. We also offer various party treats such as doggy cupcakes 🧁 donuts 🍩 and popcorn 🍿 for an extra special treat! Book online or message us to reserve your date today 📅

17/04/2025

Thursday Thrills! ☀️🐾

Our furry CEO kicked things off with a solo stroll this morning — taking full advantage of the sunshine and stopping at every sniffable spot. She really took her sweet time, soaking up the scents and scenery before a busy morning of meetings. A proper little professional, of course!

Once our schedule began, Nala joined our lunchtime walks, helping Lincoln splash around in the stream (not that he needed much encouragement — sunshine definitely means water fun in his books!). She also walked alongside one of our newer clients on her very first proper walk, showing her that it’s perfectly okay to take things slow and sniff everything in sight.

The afternoon was full of excitement too! Burt even cracked a smile on his walk and managed a full adventure — he’s much more of a sunshine boy than a rain dodger, and it showed. Meanwhile, the girls couldn’t wait to show off their paddling pool — starting their walk soggy and ending it with another dip. They’ve definitely figured out that cuddles and belly rubs come as standard!

We wrapped up the day with Nala and Rex following their noses through the fields and woodlands, taking me on a merry little adventure. There’s nothing quite like watching dogs explore with such joy.

We’re looking forward to the long weekend and fingers crossed this sunshine sticks around! We're still working over the bank holidays to make sure all our furry friends are well looked after while their humans are busy — but we do love the slightly slower pace.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter weekend! What’s your pup’s favourite way to celebrate the sunshine — paddling pool or forest sniffari?

#

16/04/2025

🐾 Tips for Walking Reactive Dogs 🐾

Walking a reactive dog can feel like a challenge, but with patience, preparation, and the right techniques, you can turn those walks into positive experiences for both you and your dog. Here are my top tips to help make walking a reactive dog more manageable:

Understand Their Triggers
The first step is identifying what causes your dog’s reactivity—whether it’s other dogs, people, or specific situations. Knowing their triggers helps you manage and avoid them where possible.

Keep Your Distance
Distance is key! Stay far enough away from triggers so your dog remains under their threshold. Gradually work on reducing this distance as they grow more confident.

Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or a favourite toy. This helps your dog associate positive outcomes with staying relaxed around their triggers.

Practise Engagement Cues
Teach focus cues like “watch me” or “leave it” to redirect your dog’s attention to you when a trigger appears. Practise these in low-distraction environments before using them on walks.

Plan Your Routes
Opt for quieter routes with fewer triggers while building your dog’s confidence. Parks during off-peak hours or open fields are great options.

Stay Calm and Positive
Your dog looks to you for guidance. Stay relaxed and avoid reacting to their behaviour, as this can escalate the situation.

Celebrate Small Wins
Progress might be slow, but every small step counts. Celebrate moments where your dog remains calm or reacts less intensely than before.

Seek Professional Support
If your dog’s reactivity feels overwhelming, a force-free trainer can create a personalised plan to help you and your dog succeed.

Remember, reactivity isn’t about your dog being “bad”—it’s a sign they’re struggling with something. With love, patience, and the right support, they can learn to feel safer on their walks. 🐾

Do you have a reactive dog? Share your progress or challenges in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

15/04/2025

Tuesday Thrills! 🐾🌤️

With no early walks on the schedule this morning, our furry CEO Nala made the most of the quiet start — taking me on one of her walks where she gets to decide the route (and of course, it was full of sniffing, nose-led detours and little treasures only she could find!).

Once our regular walks kicked off, the sniffaries kept coming, with some foraging fun for those allowed. There’s nothing quite like watching them hunt down those hidden treats — tails wagging, noses working overtime!

We also spent some time helping one of our younger pups get used to the sound of passing traffic. She was doing brilliantly until some unexpected pavement work gave us both a little jump — but we recovered with cuddles, treats, and a slow stroll back. Building confidence step-by-step is what it’s all about!

In the afternoon, Nala rejoined the crew and took her job very seriously — helping Rex explore some new side paths (and keeping me on my toes in the process!). I love letting them lead the way sometimes — it’s the best way to discover little hidden gems on our walks.

Fingers crossed for a bit more sunshine tomorrow — though we’re loving these spring adventures either way!

Does your dog love to lead the way too? Let us know what kind of routes they pick in the comments!

14/04/2025

Monday Madness! 🌿🐾

The day kicked off early with the boys up to their usual antics, making sure I was definitely wide awake and keeping my eyes peeled for any mischief! Stanley, as always, took me on several unexpected side quests — because why stick to the path when there might be an even better stick hidden elsewhere, right?

The girls were back after a little time off and made the most of a lovely, chilled walk. They took their time sniffing out all the new smells they’d missed and enjoyed some prime people-watching while there were a few Easter Egg hunts going on nearby — very nosy but very cute!

In the afternoon, our furry CEO Nala joined in, and you could tell by her beaming smile just how much she loves helping mummy with work. The afternoon kept a lovely relaxed vibe, with Nala leading the way, getting her friends involved in foraging and encouraging some playful frolicking.

There was a lovely breeze today, keeping everything fresh and cool — paws crossed it stays this way for tomorrow too!

Where does your dog love to take you on a “side quest” during walks — straight through puddles, into hedges, or towards the best stick stash? Let us know in the comments!

14/04/2025

Unpopular dog trainer opinion:

You can’t ‘fix’ a reactive dog.

Reactivity is an emotional response — not a fault or a glitch.

Just like you can't ‘fix’ your own instinct to get startled, scared, or anxious sometimes, you can't erase a dog's emotions.

What we can do is understand, listen, and help them manage those feelings so that reactivity happens less often or at lower intensity.

Compassion over correction.

If you have a reactive dog, know this: You’re not failing. You’re learning, together.

13/04/2025

📢Exciting News! Our New Training Journals Are Here!📢

At Nala’s Trails, we know that consistent training and reflection are key to building an amazing bond with your dog. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our brand-new Training Journals!

If you're joining our Puppy Academy, you’ll now receive one on your very first class.
These journals are designed to help you:

🐾 Log your training sessions as you go

🐾 Stay consistent and accountable

🐾 Track your progress with a review section every 4 weeks

🐾 Celebrate how far you’ve come over 12 weeks

Whether you're working on loose lead walking, recalthose all-important life skills, your journal will become a proud record of all the amazing progress you and your pup make together.

Already finished Puppy Academy or want an extra journal? You can now purchase them on our website for just £5 (+ p&p).

Let’s make training easier, clearer, and more rewarding — for you and your dog!

11/04/2025

Funday Friday! ☁️☀️🐾

We kicked off the day early with the boys, and although it looked a little overcast this morning, these guys didn’t mind one bit! In fact, it was perfect — fewer people around meant more off-lead time for sniffaris and proper adventures!

The fun continued as we let our furry friends follow their noses, enjoying some foraging, scatter feeding for those allowed, and lots of sniffing to their heart’s content. No Nala-monitored walks today as our furry CEO was having a well-earned rest at home, but that meant these guys got to enjoy some peaceful sunbathing of their own during breaks.

We finished up the day with some relaxed afternoon walks, sticking mostly to the woodland areas and shaded trails as the sun decided to show its face and bring the heat! Some of the gang even got treated to a splash in the stream to help cool off — nothing better than soggy paws and wagging tails on a warm day.

Later on, Nala had her own solo stroll over the farms — feeling nosey as ever! She fancied a change of scene and definitely knows where the best streams and ponds are hidden for a proper splash about.

It’s a busy one tomorrow with a new client meet and greet, one-to-one training sessions, and a vet check-up for Nala too. Please remember as the weather continues to warm up, keep an eye on your furry friends and take extra care in the heat. Hydration and shade are a must!

Does your dog love to splash in water to cool down, or are they a shady snoozer? Tell us in the comments!

🐾

10/04/2025

Thursday Thrills! ☀️🐾

We started a little later today thanks to a lighter schedule during the holiday time — and I think our furry CEO, Nala, definitely appreciated the extra snooze! She had a busy morning ahead, helping me spread smiles and keeping everyone in line on their walks.

Nala made sure the morning was full of sniffaris, foraging fun and sunshine strolls. We stuck to routes with plenty of shade to keep everyone cool, and even took a wander down by the canal where both Nala and Barney got very excited spotting some ducks! (Thankfully, no one decided to take a swim after them — just lots of wagging tails and curious noses!)

On Nala’s last visit of the morning, she enjoyed some playtime with one of our lovely new clients and made full use of their garden for a spot of sunbathing before heading home for a well-earned rest. She wasn’t able to join us for the afternoon walks, but she definitely made her mark on the morning crew!

The afternoon adventures continued with some of the gang enjoying a splash in the stream, and plenty of playtime among tree stumps and old platforms. We love using nature’s playground to sneak in a little extra agility work — it’s amazing what hidden treasures you can find on a good wander!

It’s shaping up to be a busy day tomorrow too — looking forward to even more giggles before we slow things down ready for the weekend!

What’s your dog’s favourite thing to do on a walk — chase ducks, splash in streams, or climb tree stumps? Let us know in the comments!

09/04/2025

Wednesday Wanders! ☀️🐾

We kicked off the day bright and early with the boys, who made sure everyone was wide awake with their excitement and energy, diving straight into their morning Sniffari and soaking up that gorgeous early sunshine!

Our furry CEO, Nala, then joined in to help out with Tuppence, whose lead work is coming on leaps and bounds — so proud of how far she’s come! Nala even came along for a quick visit to check in on some of her friends staying home before we dropped Tuppy back safely.

Alice is still on “sunbathing princess duty” and made the most of it today, happily stretching out in the sun — although she was not impressed when I stopped the fuss and belly rubs (the face said it all!).

Our lunchtime walks were a little more relaxed, with some fun in the stream to help everyone cool off. We mixed in some calming exercises and stayed tucked away in the woodlands during the peak heat, making sure foraging and sniffaris were top priority to keep minds (and bodies) busy but cool.

To finish the day, Nala jumped back in for our last walk, helping Rex discover some new trails and keeping him company as we ventured through the more hidden and wild paths — proper little adventurers!

Now it’s time for me to get organised for some exciting new things coming soon… and hopefully enjoy a relaxing evening while I do it!

What's your dog's favourite way to cool down — stream paddles, shady snoozes or a cold treat? Tell us in the comments!

🐾
#

09/04/2025

🐾 What to Pack for a Long Dog Walk 🐾

Planning a long adventure with your pup? 🐶 Whether it’s a countryside trek or a day exploring your favourite trails, packing the right essentials can make all the difference. Here’s your ultimate checklist for a stress-free, fun-filled walk:

Water and Bowl
Always bring plenty of water for both you and your dog. A collapsible bowl is lightweight and easy to carry—perfect for quick hydration breaks.

Poo Bags
Don’t forget enough poo bags for the journey. A spare bag is always handy in case of surprises! Be sure to dispose of them responsibly.

High-Value Treats
Bring your dog’s favourite treats to reward good behaviour, reinforce recall, or simply keep them motivated along the way.

Long Line or Lead
If you’re exploring areas where off-lead isn’t an option, a long lead gives your dog freedom to sniff and explore while staying safe.

First Aid Kit
A small canine first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tick removers—just in case.

Towel or Blanket
For muddy paws, unexpected swims, or resting in comfort, a lightweight towel or blanket is always a good idea.

Weather-Appropriate Gear
Pack a raincoat for your dog in case of showers or a cooling vest for hot days. Adjust to the season to keep your pup comfortable.

Toys or Chews
A favourite toy or chew can help keep your dog entertained during rest stops or while travelling to and from your walking spot.

Snacks for You
Don’t forget to pack snacks for yourself—long walks require energy for both of you!

Identification
Ensure your dog is wearing an ID tag with your contact details and is microchipped, just in case they wander off.

Packing these essentials ensures you’re ready for anything, leaving you free to enjoy your walk with your furry companion. 🐾

What’s your must-have item for a long dog walk? Let me know in the comments! Need advice on planning the perfect walk or keeping your pup enriched along the way? Drop me a DM—I’m here to help!

08/04/2025

Tuesday Thrills! ☀️🐾

The day kicked off nice and early with our furry CEO, Nala, joining in on our morning to early afternoon walks. She made sure the Sniffaris were plentiful and took full advantage of the sunshine for some well-deserved chill time — a perfect balance of fun and relaxation!

Alice is still on strict sunbathing duties while she recovers, and I must say, she’s settling very nicely into her role as pampered princess! A bit of sun, a comfy spot, and plenty of fuss — she’s got it all figured out.

As the afternoon rolled on and the sun got warmer, we switched things up by keeping to shady trails, making sure everyone stayed cool and comfortable. Luckily, a few of our pups were more than happy to join me in seeking out the cooler, shady patches (and if you know me, you’ll know I’m all about hiding from that midday sun too!).

Water was packed and offered regularly during our walks, along with some extra special treats to help keep everyone hydrated, happy, and energised.

There were plenty of smiles, wagging tails, and even a few cheeky sun-soaked naps along the way today — just how we love it!

Fingers crossed the fun (and maybe a little less heat!) continues tomorrow!

Is your dog a sunshine soaker or a shady spot seeker? Let us know in the comments!

🐾

Nala's Trails

23/04/2025

23/04/2025

22/04/2025

21/04/2025

20/04/2025

18/04/2025

17/04/2025

16/04/2025

15/04/2025

14/04/2025

14/04/2025

13/04/2025

11/04/2025

10/04/2025

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

08/04/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category