Paws & Minds

30/01/2025

Desk day today which meant a lot of settle and calm needed from Woody and Callie so I could concentrate.

These behaviours weren’t always as easy to achieve, and certainly not for long periods of time.

Like other behaviours settling and calm often need practise to establish, and then gradually build duration.

Dogs don’t always know how to be calm naturally, for all sorts of reasons.

Meeting your dog’s individual needs, with relevant mental and physical stimulation helps with overall emotional balance.

Pairing that with rehearsing the behaviour you want in a suitable environment results in your dog’s skills progressing.

The course had a short break morning and afternoon and a slightly longer break at lunch.

During the breaks we did some scentwork practise, emergency stop training and a short walk.

Making the most of the time available and increasing the likelihood both dogs would be able to settle consistently.

Today’s course has given me ideas for developing future Workshop, Class and Club content, and elements for 1:1s too…

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

29/01/2025

Some days can be a bit like this…🤣

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

28/01/2025

You’ll know, particularly you’ve worked with me, that choice is something I encourage you to offer your dog as much as possible.

However small the options, offering choice gives more purpose, relevance and value to any experience.

Bottom line, choice is good for your dog’s wellbeing on so many levels.

When you offer an activity consider if your dog wants to engage with you. What does their body language tell you? If your dog does want to engage, in what way would they prefer to participate?

Reflect you dog's individual needs and preferences as part of what you are going to offer.
How does your dog prefer to learn, to engage, to play, in what sort of environment, ...? So many things you could consider here!

Health, rest and recent events (number, type and frequency, etc.). No one is at their best when tired, under the weather, in pain, or trigger stacked! What factors will be influencing responses that you need to consider?

Watch your dog closely, what are they telling you in the moment? It's not simply about knowing what your dog can be capable of. Would some extra support and guidance be welcome, or time and space to figure things out?

There are so many aspects to offering choice, these are just a few of them.

Including choice that’s relevant to your dog everyday is part of both looking after their wellbeing, and building their skill sets.

The trust you build as a result of really listening to each other, whether you’re actively training or not, is invaluable. You’re a team.

Make choice a fundamental part of all you do with your dog and you'll both benefit.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

27/01/2025

Well, that was an interesting few days!

Hope you’re ok and haven’t had too much damage as a result of Storm Eowyn?

I know there are areas still without power, and the SPEN teams are working round the clock to rectify supply. Fingers crossed it’s not too long a wait now.

We lost part of our house roof, mostly along the ridge line.

Thankfully no one was hurt by flying slates, but they have done some damage to other parts of our and our neighbours homes.

Power was intermittent over 3 days but seems to be stable now.

Woods and Callie dealt with it all really well.

They were accepting of the fact garden access was restricted, and slept through some incredible noise levels as the ridge line flapped about for several hours before departing!

It was quite a relief to return to the normality of Puppy Class this morning.

Puppies Frankie and Gill are very different in their approaches to life.

Class content is tailored to work at their individual pace.

Today we continued with settle skills, investigated novel items, built on loose lead walking, and introduced food enrichment.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

23/01/2025

Tomorrow Storm Eowyn is due to arrive, with unusually high gusting wind speeds anticipated.

Locally we're in an 'amber warning' area, with advice not to travel unless necessary.

The noise and force of the wind combined with lower than normal air pressure will all influence your dog's behaviour.

You might have already noticed some changes in your dog's behaviour today. Perhaps more responsive to noise or movement, or changes in normal energy levels.

The wind speeds are predicted to be high from earlier morning which will mean some changes to usual routines for many.

A reminder and some thoughts for preparing for, and keeping your dog safe tomorrow;

Outside
🔹 On lead in the garden/outside space in case gates or fencing have blown down, or your dog is scared.
🔹 A day off from walking if you can. Shorter walks close to home if you need to go out.
🔹 Secure moveable items in your outside space so they can't cause injury or damage if caught by the wind.

Inside
🔸 Prep any food, medication, etc. you need power for, in case there is a power cut.
🔸 A safe space, particularly if your dog doesn't like louder noise and can feel unsettled with change.
🔸 Prepare some enrichment - food and toys to occupy your dog, and have some fun!
🔸 Start training that trick or skill you've been meaning to, if your dog is not worried by the weather.
🔸 Take the opportunity for some extra snuggle time, if your dog enjoys this.

Stay safe everyone!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

23/01/2025

I'm not able to receive phone calls at the moment, they go straight to voicemail. Slight hiccup is I can't access my voicemail either 😫

If you're one of the people who've tried to get in touch by phone this afternoon and have left a voicemail 📞please send me a WhatsApp 📲message or a text if you see this. Otherwise I'll be in touch when I can retrieve your voicemail!

Thank you!

22/01/2025

Novice & Intermediate Scentwork class started this week.

Bounder and Hamish showed us they have been practising ready for Intermediate class to progress their skills. Great work from both returning teams!

Eden is a very busy WCS, starting from scratch in our Novice class. She finished her first hour with a beautiful indication, and a very proud guardian.

Looking forward to next week…

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

21/01/2025

Please act now and sign to support the ban of shock collars in Scotland.

I'm not advocating any party politics here. Ross Greer MSP has tabled amendments to the Welfare of Dogs Bill banning the use of shock collars.

It also 'restricts the use of other harmful training tools'. This latter part being at least a step in the right direction in protecting the welfare and well being of dogs.

Scottish Government has ignored this matter for far too long.
(Wales outlawed their use in 2010, 15 years ago!)

No pain, No fear.

https://greens.scot/ban-electric-shock-dog-collars

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

Ban electric shock dog collars -

20/01/2025

Mel’s workshop is really informative and has lots of great practical advice…

🎉 Workshop Countdown: Only 4 Days to Go! 🎉

Are you ready to:
✅ Understand your dog’s anatomy?
✅ Master gentle massage techniques?
✅ Strengthen your bond with your furry friend?

📅 When: Saturday, 25th January, 2-4 PM
📍 Where: Geltside Farm, Brampton
💷 Price: £30

✨ Don’t miss out—spaces are limited! Comment 🐾 if you’re excited, and I’ll send you the details to sign up.
https://pages.brownsvetphysio.co.uk/understanding-canine-anatomy-and-at-home-massage-techniques

16/01/2025

Meet Ralph 🥰

Ralph joined his forever family about a year ago.

His guardians got in touch when they realised Ralph really struggled around unfamiliar people, and he was protective over items he picked up.

Ralph lives with two canine siblings with their own stories.

One of the tricker aspects of multi-dog households is the influence each dog can have on the others’ behaviour choices!

As part of Ralph’s training package we’ve put management in place to help promote confidence and calmer choices.

Importantly, these measures help Ralph to feel safe, including when anyone other than his family are around.

As Ralph gains confidence, some of his other challenges including guarding items, and lead walking all start to improve too.

The festive period generally means change and more people visiting. It can be a difficult time for our dogs.

With the new routines in place Ralph remained much more relaxed throughout Christmas and New Year.

He was happy to mix with guests, following the protocols put in place, and chose to have a gentle cuddle with one of them!

Ralph still likes to take one of his guardians’ slippers and the TV remote control back to his bed. Now though he’s happy to exchange any items without worry.

We took advantage of the sunshine this afternoon with Ralph to work on building his lead walking skills.

It’s lovely to see this boy, and his household all looking more relaxed around each other now.

This is Ralph’s focused face!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

15/01/2025

🐶 Puppy Class - starts Monday 20th January, 10:30am
🐕 Novice Scentwork Class - starts Monday 20th January, 7:00pm
Limited number spaces available now in each class, more information ⬇️.

🐶 Puppy Lifeskills Class - running 10:30-11:30am
From Monday 20th January for 6 weeks.
5 weeks in hall, final week out and about locally.
Learn skills for lead walking, recall, settling, focus on you, greetings, and a whole lot more with your puppy.
Suitable for puppies up to 20 weeks at class start date.*
WhatsApp group for class recaps and support between weekly classes.
*Older puppies that haven't had a typical start to life may also benefit from this class, please ask.

🐕 Novice Scentwork Class - running 7:00-8:00pm. 1 space available.
From Monday 20th January for 5 weeks.
Harnessing the power of your dog's nose, and work as a team to locate finds.
Learn skills for both Passive - indicating where an item is, and Active - retrieving item to you, searches.
WhatsApp group for class recaps and support between weekly classes.
Suitable for puppies and dogs from approx 5 months, no upper age limit, all breeds and mixes.

An outline of each of the classes, including prices, is on the Paws & Minds website.

All classes run in collaboration with The Creative Canine to provide you with twice the amount of individual teaching time.

Get in touch via WhatsApp or Messenger to book you space.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

14/01/2025

Woody was booked in for a long list of tests and full body X-rays with our Vet today.

The exams were to see if we could gain more information about what’s going on for him.

Super proud of how well Woody has managed with the change in routine over the last 24hrs.

He doesn’t enjoy Vet visits, they can be quite worrying for him.

Thanks to Dan, Emily, Sarah and the rest of the team at Brampton for all their preparation, expertise, kindness and patience.

All went smoothly with getting into the Practice and getting a current weight.

I held him whilst he was sedated, and sat with him until he was out, helping him to remain as calm as possible.

A nail biting wait for me was made a lot easier thanks to Krysia, Eddie and Blaze with a walk at Talkin Tarn.

Phone rang, everything had gone to plan. Phew!

Woody was woosy and wobbly, but recovering well from the sedation and I could go and sit with him until he was ready to return home.

Back home and he’s having a restful later afternoon and evening, snoozing in the sofa.

Thanks to everyone being flexible with appointments and follow-ups this week, and for the kind messages too.

We don’t have any real answers as to what’s going on from today, but we do at least know what’s not a factor now.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

13/01/2025

At the start of the year the days are still short and it can feel like the optimism that often arrives with Spring is a long way off!

Starting some training or behaviour work with your dog is maybe the last thing on your mind, especially if that behaviour is a bit more of a challenge.

I thought I'd share an update that might give you a bit of a boost to either continue working, or start working with your dog.

You might remember Murphy the handsome, but very worried Labrador. I started working with him and his guardian in November.

Murphy was becoming increasingly anxious about the wider world, including anyone not living in his home. His behaviour choices were causing his guardian to lose trust in him.

Fast forward a few months:

"Murphy is doing really really well I'm super chuffed with him. The last week or so I've been taking him for a 20 minute walk around the street at night and he's able to focus and do some of the skills we have been practising inside.... he has actually been waiting for the piece of food which is massive because I didn't think I would ever get this far."

Really great work from Murphy's guardian, being consistent with practise and supporting Murphy to see this progress together! I'm looking forward to working with again them later this week.

If you're thinking of getting started on a training or behaviour challenge with your dog and would like to know more about how I can help you, book in for an initial call via the Paws & Minds website or send me a message.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

10/01/2025

⭐️ January Group Classes - Start Dates ⭐️

Puppy Lifeskills, Scentwork - Novice, Intermediate & Advanced.

Starting Monday 20th January, at Evertown Village Hall, DG14 0TJ.

🐶 Puppy Lifeskills Class - Morning 10:30am - 11:30am OR Evening 5:00pm - 6:00pm
6 weeks block, 1 hour each week.
5 weeks in the village hall, 1 week out & about locally.
Learn everyday, essential skills - including: lead walking, greetings, settling, recall, focus.
Practical advice and support for puppy raising, including weekly 'puppy problem' topic.
Group WhatsApp for class recaps and support between classes.
Suitable for puppies up to 20 weeks*
*Please ask about this class too if your puppy is a bit older but is nervous, or has not had a typical puppy start to life for any reason.

🐕 Scentwork Classes - running from 6:15pm
5 weeks block, 1 hour each week.
- Novice Class - suitable for complete beginners.
- Intermediate and Advanced for those continuing through the levels.
Scentwork is a great way to work with your dog, and find out how to harness the power of their nose.
Start from scratch in our Novice Class or if you've already worked with us move onto the next level and take on new challenges!
All Scentwork equipment is provided.
Group WhatsApp for class recap and support between classes.
Your dog will need to be comfortable in a group class environment, if you're not sure please ask before booking.

Spaces for all classes are limited, some have waitlists with places already booked.

Get in touch via WhatsApp or message if you'd like to book, and if you'd like more information about any of the classes.

All classes are run collaboratively with Krysia - The Creative Canine so you get double the individual teaching time, and support between classes.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

09/01/2025

How cold is too cold 🥶?

Today the temperature has dropped further, certainly locally.

There is a genuine risk to your dog’s wellbeing if you’re out for even moderate periods of time with the type of temperatures we’re experiencing just now.

Puppies, dogs with any kind of health condition, older dogs and those not used the this kind of cold can be at risk.

Even if your dog has a naturally thick fur coat it’s hard work to keep warm so any physical exercise will ideally be reduced from their normal.

Paws can be at risk with both the level of cold, being exposed to both ice and colder surface.

Please make sure you wash off any salt/grit too.

The chart below give you some guidance with temperature ranges and what’s likely to be safe for your dog.

There are lots of options to do at home instead of walking/outdoor exercise whilst it’s so cold:

Playtime - fun, for both physical and mental exercise.

Training - everyday or why not try a new trick!

Scentwork - hide and find bits of food or toys or using a trained scent if you’ve done this with your dog.

Enrichment with food - lick mats, snufflemats, cardboard boxes, the list is endless!

We’ll be having quality time at home today!

Let me know what you and your pup are doing today to stay warm and have fun.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

07/01/2025

It’s great to be back…and quite a shift in gear for my brain!🤣

My office buddies have been on squirrel watch today whilst I’ve been catching up with clients, and on initial calls.

I’ve now worked through emails and messages from over the holiday.

If you’ve been in touch you should have had a response from me now. If not please give me a nudge!

For those waiting to hear about Jan & Feb class start dates thank you for your patience, they’ll be available by the end of the week.

Normal service is resumed…almost!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

06/01/2025

A very warm welcome to Paws and Minds!

It's been a while since I introduced myself, the start of a new year seems a good time so here goes...

I’m Tara, IMDT Qualified and Approved Trainer and the face behind Paws & Minds.

Woody (right) and Callie (left) in the photo with me are regulars on the page. You'll be hearing more about them throughout the year. You might also see the odd photo of my husband and greatest champion, John.

I take a scientific approach (probably my engineering background!) to dog training and behaviour work, combined with a holistic, dog-centred perspective.

My promise is no pain, and no fear with any training I do. Regardless of breed, training or behaviour challenge.

I love my job, helping guardians and dogs live together in harmony. Working together to make changes in a supportive way so you and your dog benefit from the process and long lasting results.

Bespoke, individual puppy and dog training services are delivered at or near to your home, and group class, masterclass and workshop options near Canonbie / Chapelknowe.

When you work with me on an individual basis I'll guide you step-by-step through your tailored training plan, with ongoing support between training sessions. All designed to meet your and your pup's individual needs in a structured, low pressure, and enjoyable way.

With activities and rewards your dog enjoys, I’ll help you both to understand how to work as a team, and build a lifelong partnership based on trust.

Whether you're looking for support with a puppy, a 'new to you' dog, an old friend, single or multi-dog household, or rescue / rehome, I work with dogs of any breed and in all life stages.

Don't worry, if you have a dog who has some trickier challenges to overcome (they're my favourite!), or if you're feeling a bit lost and unsure of next steps with your dog. I can relate, and I can support you with practical solutions.

To find out how I can help you and your dog working on a 1:1 basis your first step is to send me a WhatsApp message, or book an Initial Call via the Paws & Minds website. (www.pawsandminds.co.uk)

If you're looking for group learning opportunities Paws & Minds runs a variety of Group Classes and Skills Masterclasses in collaboration with a Dog Sports specialist.

More information on regular Classes, and both regular and specialist Workshops on the Paws & Minds website.

Register interest in a class or event, and sign-up for the newsletter to keep up to date with Paws & Minds on the website too.

You'll see regular Facebook posts from me with 1:1 client and class updates, upcoming events and news, helpful tips and advice, Woody & Callie news, and the odd musing about dog behaviour too!

Thanks for being here and part of the Paws & Minds family.

I'm looking forward to working with many of you, both familiar and new this year.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

05/01/2025

Someone’s enjoying the snow this morning 🤣