Paws & Minds

Paws & Minds Kind, ethical, evidence-based training and behaviour support for dogs and their families.

1:1 and group work – building confidence & life skills.
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Based in Dumfriesshire, covering North Cumbria, West Northumberland & parts of the Scottish Borders. Need help and advice with training or behaviour struggles? Would you like to understand your dog better, and why they behave as they do? Find out how to communicate more effectively with your dog. Use positive reinforcement, force free training to work together as a team. Learn essential life skill

s - for all dogs of any age. Have fun!

* Training for all life stages, breeds and backgrounds
* 1-2-1
* Group classes
* Experienced with rescue/rehome struggles
* Positive reinforcement, force free training
* Behaviour advice
* In person and online options

Based near Gretna, England/Scotland border

Get in touch to find out how I can help you and your dog.

A quiet reminder that listening goes both ways...When we think about communication with dogs, it’s easy to envisage cues...
11/11/2025

A quiet reminder that listening goes both ways...

When we think about communication with dogs, it’s easy to envisage cues like “sit”, “stay”, “come”.

But real understanding happens in the quiet spaces between those words...

It’s in the flick of an ear when something catches your dog's attention.
The slight hesitation before approaching a stranger.
The deep sigh as they settle beside you after a long day.

Our dogs are speaking all the time, often in whispers about how they feel.

When we start listening beyond 'obedience', we begin to understand what truly builds trust.....being heard.

What’s one small way your dog “tells” you something that isn’t through a cue?

Tara
Paw & Minds
🐾🧠

Travelling with a sensitive dog isn’t always easy, even with all the planning in the world. We’re currently on holiday i...
10/11/2025

Travelling with a sensitive dog isn’t always easy, even with all the planning in the world.

We’re currently on holiday in the Scottish Highlands, somewhere I’d been really looking forward to visiting with John, Woody and Callie.

We’d researched the property carefully, picked a quieter time of year, and planned the journey with plenty of peaceful stop-offs.

On paper, it all looked ideal, but real life, as we know, doesn’t always follow the plan.

The journey itself went better than I’d expected, despite being long, very wet and blustery.

It was once we arrived that things got tricky.

Woody found it hard to settle. Every sound seemed amplified in the quiet, and he was on high alert to every creak and rustle. He was restless, unsettled, short-tempered with Callie, and honestly, it was hard to watch.

Change has always been a big deal for Woody. We knew this trip would have its challenges, but even with all the planning and understanding in the world, you can’t fully predict how another being will feel.

When it’s your own dog, the one you know inside out, it hits differently.

By day four, I hit a low point. An off-lead dog approach really didn’t help, and yes there were tears afterwards.

In an odd way, that day also became the turning point.

Since then, something has shifted. Woody has been more relaxed, sleeping soundly, playing with his sister, walking further than he’s managed for some time, and recovering beautifully afterwards.

He seems more balanced, more content in himself, able to move between rest and activity with ease again.

What changed? I’m not entirely sure.

I think part of it was time. Giving him the space he needed to acclimate. Part of it was me. Resetting my own expectations and drawing a quiet line in the sand to meet him where he was, not where I hoped he’d be.

Perhaps part of it came from the gentle homeopathic support he self-selected. One of those moments that reminds me to stay open to what helps this dog, in this moment.

I’m sharing this not as advice, but as a gentle reminder for anyone travelling with a sensitive dog, or living alongside one, that even when things feel hard, they can shift. It might not be quick or predictable, but change and calm can come.

That moment of ease means even more when it follows the storm.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

If life’s been busy and training has taken a back seat, here’s a little reminder that dogs don’t forget what they’ve lea...
07/11/2025

If life’s been busy and training has taken a back seat, here’s a little reminder that dogs don’t forget what they’ve learned, they just need time to recalibrate.

Life gets busy, that's well, life!
Training plans pause. Walks shorten.

Suddenly, we start worrying our dogs will forget what they’ve learned.

The good news? They won’t forget.

Dogs don’t forget skills or routines because of a break.
They just need time to recalibrate, to adjust to the world as it changes around them.

A few gentle refreshers, some quiet practice, and a bit of structure again… and it all clicks back into place.

If you’re having a slower season, or life’s taken over for a bit, this is a gentle reassurance to you that your dog’s learning isn’t lost...
..it’s waiting patiently, ready to pick up where you left off, when you're both ready.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

If the sofa’s calling your name this week… this one’s for you (and your dog)...As the days grow shorter and the air turn...
06/11/2025

If the sofa’s calling your name this week… this one’s for you (and your dog)...

As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder many of us, dogs included, start to slow down a little.

You might find your dog curls up more quickly after walks, or seems less enthusiastic when the rain’s tapping at the window.

That’s not laziness, it's balance.

Rest is a vital part of learning, emotional recovery, and confidence building.

Just like us, dogs need time to process the world. Especially those still finding it a bit overwhelming at times.

So if your week includes shorter walks, quiet evenings, or sofa snuggles instead of adventures…

Don't worry, you’re not falling behind.

You’re giving your dog the space to breathe, recover, and grow in their own time.

Cosy isn't lazy, it’s care in action.

I'm certainly planning some sofa time this week!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Update on Belle...Belle’s family recently got in touch after welcoming a new (human!) addition to their household. Under...
05/11/2025

Update on Belle...

Belle’s family recently got in touch after welcoming a new (human!) addition to their household.

Understandably, everyone was feeling a bit of extra pressure with all the changes, exciting as they are.

Earlier last month, we had our first session together to look at:
- ways to ease stress for everyone at home,
- helping Belle feel more comfortable with her new routines (and the attention not always being on her),
- reducing barking having established what was behind it
- and giving lead walking a little refresh.

Getting an update and video from Belle’s guardian absolutely made my day!

"So proud of her! Still a lot of work to do but she's improved so much and lead walking is not a chore anymore 🐾💕... It's nice to see all the hard work paying off!
At home has been much easier as well. She still has her puppy dog eye moments at the gate to try and make me feel guilty but she soon settled again with one of her puzzles. "

It’s lovely to see how Belle’s family are taking things at her pace, and recognising how important it is to support her through big life changes too. It’s a great reminder that kindness and empathy go such a long way.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Paws & Minds Dog Training & Behaviour has been named one of the Top 3 Dog Trainers in Dumfries & Galloway by ThreeBestRa...
04/11/2025

Paws & Minds Dog Training & Behaviour has been named one of the Top 3 Dog Trainers in Dumfries & Galloway by ThreeBestRated!

A huge thank you to everyone who’s already trusted me to be part of their journey.

It means a lot to have the work I love recognised, supporting dogs and their families across Dumfriesshire, North Cumbria, West Northumberland, and beyond!

Quiet wins matter, and this one feels a little bit special 😊.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Wearing winter well...The cold creeps in quietly, doesn’t it?One morning you notice the first frost on the grass, see yo...
03/11/2025

Wearing winter well...

The cold creeps in quietly, doesn’t it?

One morning you notice the first frost on the grass, see your breath hanging in the air, and your dog giving you that “Do we really have to?” look before stepping outside.

Around this time each year, I start seeing more questions about coats for dogs;
which ones are best, when to use them, and how to help dogs actually enjoy wearing them.

The truth is, not every dog needs a coat, but for many, it makes a real difference.

Puppies who can’t yet regulate their temperature, older dogs with arthritis, any dogs with medical conditions, and those with short or fine coats often benefit from a bit of extra warmth. For some, a coverall can even help soothe stiff joints by keeping the cold from settling in.

What matters most isn’t just the coat itself, it’s how we introduce it.

Putting a coat straight on and heading out can feel strange or uncomfortable, even for confident dogs. The fabric moves differently, it smells new, it changes how their body feels.

That’s why it helps to take time to let them explore it first. Lay it out on the floor at home, let them sniff, pair it with treats, and build up to wearing it in short bursts at home before stepping outside.

Fit is everything: no pinching, rubbing, or restricted movement.
A good coat should feel like a second skin, not a costume.

The goal isn’t just to keep dogs warm, it’s to help them feel good in what they wear, so they can move freely and enjoy their walks, whatever the weather brings.

As the frost returns, those little acts of care; a coat, a gentle introduction, a slower start, remind us that comfort and confidence always go hand in hand.

Woody had a new coat before we headed off on our break. He's used to wearing fleece coats, but this one is a different fabric and style to the ones he's worn most recently, with the addition of straps around hind legs. We introduced it at home and then on short outings until he was completely comfortable.

He gets a choice to wear a coat or not, and which type before we go out. The new coat is a definite hit and he's already choosing to wear it with the cooler days we've had recently.

Does your dog wear a coat in the cooler months?

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

🌿 Out of Office 🌿From 1st November, I’m off exploring in the North Highlands.This time it’s a real break; no messages, n...
01/11/2025

🌿 Out of Office 🌿

From 1st November, I’m off exploring in the North Highlands.

This time it’s a real break; no messages, no emails, no sneaky admin.
Just fresh air, long walks, and a slower pace (with a bit of coursework and assignment preparation too!).

I’ll reply to any enquiries once I’m back and settled from Monday 17th November. Thank you for your patience.

I've schedules posts for while I'm away so you will still be hearing from me regularly.
..and if you’ve been needing a reminder to rest too, this is it. 💚

See you in a few weeks!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

👻 Halloween fun… without the frights for your dog! 🎃Dressing up as ghosts, skeletons and ghouls is all part of the Hallo...
31/10/2025

👻 Halloween fun… without the frights for your dog! 🎃

Dressing up as ghosts, skeletons and ghouls is all part of the Halloween fun, but for our dogs it can be a very different story!

Masked faces, strange scents, flashing lights and unexpected shrieks can all feel unsettling (or a little too exciting!) for even the most confident canine.

Here are a few easy ways to help your dog enjoy a calm and safe Halloween:
🦴 Create a cosy retreat.
If you’re hosting a party or expecting visitors, set up a quiet space with their bed, favourite toys, and some tasty treats. This helps them relax away from the noise and commotion.

🚪 Keep door greetings low-key.
Answer the door by yourself if you can. Costumes and sudden appearances can be confusing or scary, even for dogs who usually love people.

🍬 Watch those sweets!
Keep trick-or-treat goodies well out of reach. Chocolate and anything containing xylitol are potentially very dangerous for dogs.

✨ Bonus tip:
If your dog does enjoy joining in the fun, let them do so safely. Perhaps a cute Halloween-themed bandana instead of a full costume, and lots of positive reinforcement for calm behaviour.

Wishing you and your four-legged friends a spook-tacular and safe Halloween!

Tara
Paw & Minds
🐾🧠👻🎃

Update from Arlo...He and his guardian completed a foundation package with me during spring. Arlo had been recently adop...
30/10/2025

Update from Arlo...

He and his guardian completed a foundation package with me during spring. Arlo had been recently adopted at that time and was still finding his paws in his new home. He found the presence of dogs an overly exciting experience that involved a lot of pulling and barking, ran the fence line after traffic, cyclists and dogs, had no recall motivation and was a wee bit of a hairy tearaway!

"...He has had a very good summer enjoying his outdoor life and adjusting to his many new experiences and making friends. The motorhome was out of action for a time but he took it in his long stride on the trips we have managed over the summer. He has been very polite with visitors and with their dogs!

He has been introduced to many new experiences and he seems well and truly settled in, with an affectionate relationship with Stan.

He really surprised us on a visit down south to a big family event, when he behaved impeccably in a holiday rental, travelled very well and remained interested but calm when walking with many visitors and their dogs on a National Trust site! On top of that he joined everyone at lunch in a dog friendly pub where he lay under the table and gazed at other dogs. We couldn't believe he was the same dog...

He does still like to bark at the terriers, and will bark if a dog barks at him. He has play dates with our neighbour's dog... he likes being groomed and has a daily cuddle with Stan. Arlo responds very quickly to the whistle but I do not let him loose if it is not enclosed as he chases pheasants, hares, etc.

He is a delightful companion and certainly has his own personality.

So a big thank you to you!"

Way to go Arlo! ⭐
Enjoy the rest of your adventures with your family.

It's always lovely to receive an update, do you have one you'd like to share?

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Photo from Arlo's guardian.

If your dog struggles around fireworks, you’re not alone. For many dogs, fireworks season can be confusing and frighteni...
29/10/2025

If your dog struggles around fireworks, you’re not alone.

For many dogs, fireworks season can be confusing and frightening.

Loud bangs, flashes of light, unfamiliar smells. It’s a sensory overload that can leave lasting tension even after the noise has faded.

A reminder of what can help most...

In the run-up, think about ways to help your dog feel safe:
🌟 Create a calm, comfortable space in the quietest room in your home where they can retreat. A covered area - a blanket over the backs of chairs or a crate if your dog uses one can be supportive. Or your dog may choose to make their own safe space, as Callie has in the photo.

🌟 Close curtains early and play gentle music, or have easy watching programmes on the television to help mask sudden sounds as much as possible.

🌟 Offer comfort if they seek it. You're not going to make your dog's fear any worse by having them snuggle in to you, or calmly stroking them. If your dog prefers to be alone, that's ok too.

🌟 Naturally calming products like those from Pet Remedy and Dorwest can help to reduce the worry around louder noises for some dogs.

🌟 If your dog needs extra help, talk with your vet about options. Medication can mean the difference between being terrified and being worried but able to cope. The medications are designed to reduce stress levels, which also allows a window for learning new skills to help your dog to feel better prepared next time round.

And afterwards? Go easy.

Even if your dog seems fine, their stress levels may still be higher than usual.

Give them a few calmer days, sniffy walks in quiet places, skip anything overwhelming, and keep routines predictable.

Safety, comfort, and calm recovery. Those are the real essentials this time of year.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Progress doesn’t always mean doing more, sometimes it’s about slowing down.....and stopping.Sometimes the most meaningfu...
28/10/2025

Progress doesn’t always mean doing more, sometimes it’s about slowing down...
..and stopping.

Sometimes the most meaningful step we can take in training, or in life, is to pause.

A pause gives space for emotions to settle, for confidence to return, for understanding to sink in.

It reminds both us and our dogs that learning isn’t about constant activity, it’s about moments of reflection too.

So if you’re taking a break, slowing things down, or giving your dog a few easy days, that’s not a setback.

That’s part of the process, and in this case the pause is the progress.

Dotty and her guardian practised exactly this during their most recent training session.

The walk we did was a real step-up in difficulty. Dotty and her guardian rocked it, but adding in some stops to pause and regroup was a huge benefit to both.

A pause allows for space to think more clearly and relax a little, rather than potentially letting overwhelm set in.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

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