Bluebell Dog Walking and Training

08/07/2025

Labradors. I love love love them. 🥰

But do you know the difference between a working line lab and a show one?

For most people, they might not even be aware such a thing exists.

My heart will always belong to the working lab. It's no secret that whilst I might protest otherwise I thrive on being challenged and having to put work into my dogs. I probably even like a little bit of crazy.

With the goal being a dog good at hunting and retrieving they are usually much smaller dogs of higher athleticism and stamina.

They need considerably more training and entertaining. Often being quite hard work, particularly when young.

In contrast show labs are bred for conformation. With more emphasis on looks and less on their ability to do a good job they are often bigger, blockier more laid back dogs.

They still need training and exercise but no where near the level of a working lab.

This is the type of Labrador that would be most suited to those looking for a lovely family pet. And if I had any sense it would be the type I'd go for.

So if you're looking to introduce one of these wonderful dogs to your home, have a look at what type they are and think about whether they are the best fit for your lifestyle.

Both our working labs have hit double digits in years and had no problem keeping up with the powerful fast young Dobermann they've lived with. I think that says alot. 😂

07/07/2025

Dogs in cars/vans at training or events.

It's not uncommon for dogs to rest in vehicles when training. Sometimes boots or van doors will be left open to provide ventilation through the bars of crates or tail guards.

Duke is very comfortable with this setup, it gives him chance to rest during breaks and process his learning.

Repeatedly I find people walk their dogs within an inch of the guard, some dogs have even been allowed to stick their nose through the bars into his space.

Now no harm was done, I'm very lucky that he doesn't bat an eyelid at this, but for many dogs, even otherwise friendly dogs this is likely to cause them real distress. They may feel frightened they have no escape, they may be frustrated they can't greet properly or they may have guarding instincts towards their space.

Please protect your own dog and those around you by giving open vehicles plenty of space.

03/07/2025

Quick snack stop to refuel the Dobermann 😂

02/07/2025

Discomfort is not always obvious.

When Duke was younger teaching him a sit stay was a real challenge. Tbh getting him to do a sit full stop was difficult.

But we worked at it. With varying success.

I didn't think too much of it. Bella was never one for a sit either.

He was also really fussy about having his back feet towelled off after walking in the rain.

But again, I didn't think much. 50% of the dogs I walk are towel avoidant.

So we just started training co-operative care exercises. None really helped this issue.

When we took up hoopers I took Duke to see the lovely Equine & Canine Chiropractor & Canine Conditioning Coach. If he was going to do alot of running I wanted to know he was sound.

Emmaline was amazing and put alot of work into helping Duke get to place where he was comfortable with the treatment.

After his first treatment his sits dramatically improved. His towelling issue pretty much vanished.

We didn't have a training issue. We had a discomfort issue.

If your training isn't progressing as you'd expect it never hurts to have a professional give your dog a wellness check.

My vet is amazing. But vets only get a small 10-15 mins appointment to check your dog. Other professionals like Emmaline and canine physios get a much longer appointment (60-90 mins) and are specially trained in assessing gait and posture.

We have some amazing professionals locally who can help look after our dogs wellness (alongside your vet).

28/06/2025

Our Sunday afternoon summer workshops in Severn Beach village hall are now available to book on the website!!

🐾 Lead Walking and Recall 3rd August

https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/lead-walking-and-recall-workshop?referral=service_list_widget

🐾 Fun and Games 10th August

https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/fun-and-games-workshop?referral=service_list_widget

🐾 Puppy 24th August

https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/puppy-workshop?referral=service_list_widget

🐾 Warm Up and Cool Down! 31st August

https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/warm-up-and-cool-down-handler-place?referral=service_list_widget

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

28/06/2025

We all want to keep our dogs fit and healthy, so why not book yourself onto one of Emmaline's courses and learn how you can help keep them in tip top condition.

Our dogs lead such active lives, whether you're a sports competitor or just want to help protect your canine companion from injury, Emmaline has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Duke and I will definitely be booking. Why not join us.

🐾 NEW Canine Conditioning Courses 🐾

Fully Qualified & Insured Canine McTimoney Chiropractor & Conditioning Coach
12 Years of Practical Experience | Small Group Sizes | Tailored Programmes | Life Enhancing at All Levels

———

🗓️ Wednesdays: 15:15–16:30 & 19:15-20.30 (Earlier slot available 13.45-15.00 if enough requests)
📍 Max 4 dogs per session - ensures personal attention & individual guidance
🌍 Pilning Village Hall, BS35 4JB.
💰 £120 per dog – 7-week rolling course
Existing participants can complete 3 consecutive courses to progress from foundation to advanced.

⸻

What’s Included:
✅ 2 Full Assessments (pre and post Programme)
✅ 5 Tailored Practical Sessions
✅ Pre-Reading Pack – Guidance, Tips & Background Info to maximise time in session
✅ Bespoke Conditioning Plan Based on Individual Assessment
✅ Instruction and review of approx. 12-15 Targeted Exercises (Foundation–Advanced)
✅ Use of Conditioning Equipment
✅ Out of session support and guidance to maximise practice at home
✅ Aftercare Plan for continued support
✅ Guaranteed 1.15hrs of fun for you and your dog each week!

———

🐕 Ideal for ALL dogs: From companions to competitors, conditioning optimises physical condition and therefore, lifestyle of all age ranges and capabilities.
🥇Optimises performance
💪🏻Maximises general physical capabilities
🧠 Offers mental stimulation
🫀Improves overall fitness and well-being
🫶🏻 Relationship building- important to highlight only positive reinforcement methods of teaching will be utilised
👌🏻Fine tuning for those already completing conditioning work-improves form
🙌🏻 Injury or ailment prevention and management
👩🏼‍⚕️Supports weight loss
✨ Improves strength, balance, coordination, posture, proprioception, speed, agility, mobility, encourages correct way of going and promotes optimum physical condition for your dog. All incredibly important for basic life skills to competition level.

⸻

7 week rolling courses;
Upcoming Start Dates:
📅 Aug 20 • Oct 08 (skipping Nov 5 for fireworks) • Dec 03

📩 Message via here now to reserve your spot!
📱 Call/Text: 07765 914564
💳 Payment required at booking. No refunds unless space is filled.

🩺 To get the best results, I advise your dog be treated by a Musculoskeletal Therapist within 6 weeks of starting.
💬 If your dog isn’t deemed physically able at the initial assessment, a treatment plan will be provided instead.
⸻

❗️1-1 sessions available upon request. £50 per hour session.

❗️Additional 2 hour workshops to be held on ad hoc Sundays, dates and details to be confirmed.
- Puppies (6 months and under)
- Seniors (9 years and over)
- Warm up, keep warm, cool down and stretch it out
- Fine tuning and form focus

- Unwind from your sport (sport specific)
~Flyball
~Agility and Hoopers
~Obedience
~Running and Canicross

💪 Let’s ensure our dog’s are the best that they can be and most importantly, let’s have fun while we do it!

Always grateful for a share or recommendation 🙌🏻

26/06/2025

Yesterday I had the pleasure of teaching Falco and his family how to introduce toy searches.

Falco was a little superstar and will absolutely excel at Scentwork.

I was really moved to read such a lovely review. Not only do humans like a bit of positive reinforcement aswell but reviews are a brilliant way of supporting small local businesses.

Thank you ❤️

25/06/2025

As a dog owner I've always held myself heavily accountable for my dogs training and behaviour. Often feeling guilty or frustrated at myself when we are struggling.

When I became a trainer the pressure I put on myself and still often do to have perfect dogs is overwhelming.

But the truth is my older dogs challenges are what prompted me on this journey and whilst I know more with the younger ones I'm not immune to the challenges their various life stages come with.

I work really hard with my dogs. Really really hard. But I also love my dogs and want a partnership not a relationship with a robot too scared and supressed to put a paw wrong.

On my page I like to talk honestly about the ups and downs. About real life dog ownership. About how if you keep trying you'll see results but your journey is your own at your own pace. To help you not be like me putting unnecessary expectations on yourselves.

What do you think? Does honest and open help you or would you prefer to just see training videos of really slick cool training that might make me look good but potentially make you feel it's unachievable for you?

Despite the grief I give myself I am good at what I do and my clients see results. Do I need to be perfect to prove it?

24/06/2025

Food Manners. We all want our dogs to have them but for me it's all about balance.

I regularly see pictures/videos on social media of dogs desperately refraining themselves in front of a food bowl, as if they've been there forever.

For me that's not good training. It's cruel.

Of course I want my dogs to wait politely whilst I prepare their food, to not launch at me as I put the bowl on the floor, to not dash for every piece of food I drop incase something is unsafe for them.

But staring endlessly at the bowl at every meal time awaiting a release cue is just unnecessary. Imagine being really hungry, the waiter finally brings you food but tells you not to eat it.

The same goes for incessant nagging at dogs that sn**ch to leave it.

Yes a leave it cue can be useful.

But when you have dogs that are over enthusiastic about food and humans that over do leave it and constantly nag, all you have is frustrated humans and frustrated dogs. In some cases I've even seen dogs that struggled to follow a simple food Lure because of their internal conflict over whether they were or weren't allowed the food. Food is an integral part of reward based training, we should be able to utilise it.

Instead teaching impulse control, good things come to those that wait, alongside simple games around taking food gently you get calmer dogs and calmer humans. No more nagging, no more stress, just dogs making good choices.

Everyone's ethics are different and I can't tell you what yours should be. But next time you see something have a think about that training, is it for the dogs benefit, does it make life easier and safer, or is it all about the humans ego?

If you'd like some 121 training around impulse control please get in touch.

22/06/2025

This afternoon I had the pleasure of introducing the dogs and humans at Halcyon Hounds classes the fun of Scentwork.

It's always a real pleasure for me to share my passion for Scentwork. My favourite part is always how all the dogs were happy and how much the handlers lit up having fun with their dogs.

The recent heatwave has been challenging for dogs and their families, less physical exercise often means our dogs might go self employed finding other entertainment.

Scentwork is such a great low key way of working the dogs brain and body from the safety of the cool indoors and means dogs are more contented and calmer.

If you'd like to try Scentwork check out our classes and 121's bookable via the website.

I have been lucky enough to share my home with four amazing dogs, each of which has challenged me in different ways. My dogs are not perfect, nore would I want them to be, I want them to be free to be themselves and do dog things. Most of my dogs have struggled with anxiety and sensitivities. Their....

22/06/2025

If you are in the area today check out Kim's stall.

Her toys, leads and other goodies are a firm favourite with my dogs. ❤️