Paws & Minds

Paws & Minds Need help and advice with training or behaviour struggles? Would you like to understand your dog better, and why they behave as they do?
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Proudly positive force free Dog Training & Behaviour Support

1:1 Training | Classes | Workshops | Puppies | Adult Dogs

Based in Dumfriesshire covering North Cumbria, West Northumberland & the Scottish Borders

Message via WhatsApp below to enquire 👇 Find out how to communicate more effectively with your dog. Use positive reinforcement, force free training to work together as a team. Learn essent

ial life skills - 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.

'Out of office', back Monday 21st July.I’m taking this next week to spend dedicated time with my family - human and cani...
11/07/2025

'Out of office', back Monday 21st July.

I’m taking this next week to spend dedicated time with my family - human and canine!

We'll be making some progress on a garden project, taking a few trips out locally both with and without dogs to familiar and new places, slowing down and relaxing (or trying to!), and of course there will be time made for coffee and cake too 😉.

There will consequently be a longer than typical delay in responding to enquiries, messages & emails.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Tara
Paws & Minds
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Mixed Sports Class started this week. First up - Agility introduction.After the initial excitement of being in a class e...
11/07/2025

Mixed Sports Class started this week.

First up - Agility introduction.

After the initial excitement of being in a class environment all the dogs settled well, worked hard and had fun trying some foundational skills for:

- wing wrapping
- start line waits
- eye contact
- forward drive

Well done everyone 🤩

Scentwork next week!

Tara
Paws & Minds
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Been thinking about doing a Canine First Aid course?They’re as much an essential for dog guardians as for professionals ...
10/07/2025

Been thinking about doing a Canine First Aid course?

They’re as much an essential for dog guardians as for professionals working with dogs in any capacity.

Would you know what to do, when and how to help your dog in an emergency?

Gemma - Cydymaith Dog Training is hosting a Canine First Aid course on 24th August at Kettleholm Village Hall, near Lockerbie.

Please contact Gemma for information and to book. Contact and general information is on the photo.

Let me know if you’re going in the comments ⬇️

Tara
Paws & Minds
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Meet Esme & Daisy...These Jack Russell sisters may share the same genes, but they're three years apart and each bring th...
09/07/2025

Meet Esme & Daisy...

These Jack Russell sisters may share the same genes, but they're three years apart and each bring their own quirks to the mix!

Their lovely guardians got in touch from a small village near Dumfries, wanting support with some of the common, and often overwhelming, challenges that can come with sharing life with energetic terriers.

They mentioned wanting help with the essentials:
🐾 Understanding ‘no’.
🐾 Coming back when called.
🐾 Walking calmly on the lead.
🐾 Barking at home and especially in the car.
🐾 Socialisation skills.

What stood out most from the information they provided was that they were feeling disheartened and a bit stuck, knowing things could be easier and more enjoyable for everyone with the right help, and wanting to make life better for their dogs.

That honesty and caring is where the change starts.

My job is to support dogs and their humans, with kindness, clear guidance, and a plan that fits real life.

I’m really looking forward to working with this little duo and helping them build calmer, more connected walks and experiences together.

If you’re finding things tricky with your own dog and don’t know where to start, get in touch to find out how I can help.

Tara
Paws & Minds
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How good do these lick mats look?👀 Great for cooler and warmer days… All sorts of lovely ideas on Hedgerow Hounds page.
08/07/2025

How good do these lick mats look?👀

Great for cooler and warmer days… All sorts of lovely ideas on Hedgerow Hounds page.

Max’s milestone moment...This week marked the final in-person session of Max’s 1:1 training package, and what a journey ...
04/07/2025

Max’s milestone moment...

This week marked the final in-person session of Max’s 1:1 training package, and what a journey it’s been!

Max, a 5'ish-year-old bull lurcher, joined his forever family last autumn, bringing with him a history that left him uncertain of other dogs and wary of new people.

Out on walks, he was highly reactive, barking and lunging, with past incidents in rescue that understandably had his new guardians feeling a bit anxious about how best to support him.

Reactivity in the car, to sounds at home, visitors, and people near the garden made day-to-day life feel pretty intense.

But… just look at him now.

With consistency, understanding, and some tailored support, Max has made huge progress 🤩.

His training journey is ongoing, but things are so much more manageable for his guardians now.

Max is making great choices for himself, showing growing confidence, and adapting to a more peaceful rhythm of life.

One of his guardian’s hopes was to be able to enjoy a quiet drink at the local pub with Max, and they’ve done just that! 🐾🍻

He’s also been away on holiday in the family motorhome 🚐, navigating new places with increasing calm.

During our final session this week, Max was a world away from the unsure, on-edge dog I first met back in February.

It’s been a privilege to walk alongside Max and his family during this part of his journey.

I’ve got a real soft spot for this boy, and I’m delighted it’s not goodbye, as he and his guardian are joining our Canine Confidence Collective this summer for supportive group work.

Here’s to Max, a brilliant reminder that progress isn’t always fast or flashy, but with patience, empathy, and the right kind of support, big changes are possible. 🧡🐕

Tara
Paws & Minds
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Let’s talk about diet...It can feel like a bit of a minefield, can’t it?There are so many different opinions, bold claim...
03/07/2025

Let’s talk about diet...

It can feel like a bit of a minefield, can’t it?

There are so many different opinions, bold claims, and clever marketing messages. It’s hard to know what’s truly best for our dogs.

Think about how many adverts you see for dog food, treats, and chews during your favourite TV programme. Or what’s stacked on the shelves at the local supermarket or pet shop.

Have you ever paused to check what’s actually in those products?

Sometimes the ingredients list is surprising, and not always in a good way!

I’m not a Canine Nutritionist, so I don’t give advice on what guardians should feed. However, I do talk about diet because it’s often a key part of the picture when we’re looking at a dog’s overall wellbeing and behaviour.

Gut health is closely linked to brain function, immune response, and mood. It’s no surprise that certain foods (or combinations of ingredients) can influence how a dog feels, copes, and behaves.

I encourage guardians to get curious and make informed choices about what they’re feeding. A helpful starting point is the website allaboutdogfood.co.uk, which breaks down ingredients and makes it easier to compare foods, including treats.

There’s no 'one size fits all' when it comes to diet, but informed choices really can make a difference.

My dogs have both been fed on kibble, cooked, and raw diets in the past, while I tried to find options that suited them, for their health and, consequently, their behaviour.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been aiming to keep things as minimally processed as possible, so they’re now raw fed. I also find this makes it easier to trial individual ingredients, especially with Woody, who benefits from a more tailored approach.

There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ choice, every dog is an individual, and what they eat needs to suit them.

Have you checked out your dog’s food on the website and been surprised by what you discovered?
I’d love to hear in the comments.

Tara
Paws & Minds
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🐶 Agility Foundations Class starts Saturday 12th July, running fortnightly.Paws & Minds Training Field, Chapelknowe, DG1...
02/07/2025

🐶 Agility Foundations Class starts Saturday 12th July, running fortnightly.
Paws & Minds Training Field, Chapelknowe, DG14.

Looking for something fun and focused to enjoy with your dog at the weekend as part of a small, friendly, group class with a supportive approach, to help you and your dog thrive.

Will suit anyone interested in agility as a complete beginner, and for anyone whose dog would benefit from practising with those life skills of staying focused around others, with the bonus of learning some new skills too.

These fortnightly sessions are ideal if you’d like to build solid foundations for agility, or simply enjoy training time together in a non-competitive environment.

Class will include:
✅ Building reliable wait and release cues.
✅ Sendaways and directions.
✅ Movement and handling skills.
✅ Confidence on equipment.
✅ Staying connected while on the move.

The fortnight between sessions gives you time to consolidate skills and build confidence at your own pace, with a group chat to ask questions and for feedback.

Send me a message to book your space.

Tara
Paws & Minds
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**2 spaces available** (02/07/25)Mixed Dog Sports Taster Class (4 Weeks), Starts 8th July.Tuesdays at 6:15pm. Paws & Min...
01/07/2025

**2 spaces available** (02/07/25)
Mixed Dog Sports Taster Class (4 Weeks), Starts 8th July.

Tuesdays at 6:15pm. Paws & Minds Training Field, near Chapelknowe, DG14.

Have a go at some outdoor fun with your dog each week!
No previous experience necessary.

This relaxed and varied class introduces you to a range of dog sports, offering brilliant ways to build focus, confidence, and connection, all while having fun together.

Each week you'll try a different activity:
• Agility Foundations – develop teamwork, focus and body awareness.
• Scentwork (Active Search) – build independence, calm approach and scenting skills.
• Movement Puzzles – boost thinking skills, problem-solving and coordination.
• Dog Parkour – great for growing confidence and responsiveness in new environments.

Suitable for dogs of all ages, whether you're brand new to dog sports or just looking to try something different.

The Mixed Sports Class is a fun way to build on those important life skills through engaging, low-pressure activities too.

Send me a message to book your space.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

The Creative Canine and I are all set up and ready for a fun afternoon at Woofstock 🐶!Come along and find us at the Cric...
29/06/2025

The Creative Canine and I are all set up and ready for a fun afternoon at Woofstock 🐶!

Come along and find us at the Crichton on Church Green near the Memorial Church, 12:00 - 4:00pm!

There are ‘have-a-go’ activities to try with your dog, dog sport demonstrations, and all sorts of stalls to browse.

We’ll be answering any dog training and behaviour questions you have, and you can try out some scent sports and an agility wing wrap!

Sun is shining ☀️ , see you soon!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

On the road, and Puppy Class revamp...One of the best parts of my job is heading out to work 1:1 with dogs and their gua...
27/06/2025

On the road, and Puppy Class revamp...

One of the best parts of my job is heading out to work 1:1 with dogs and their guardians, from Dumfries to Hexham and all the villages and winding roads in between.

Why 1:1?
Sometimes dogs (and humans!) just need space.

Space to go at their own pace. To learn without the pressure of a group.

To ask questions that feel a bit “silly” (spoiler: they’re never silly).

To build confidence before stepping into a more social setting.

That’s why Puppy Class has had a revamp and is now a blended programme, starting with two individual sessions before gently introducing group classes.

It gives pups time to settle, and gives us the chance to really understand each family’s needs before bringing everyone together.

It’s the best of both:
✨ More individualised support when it matters most
✨ Real-life social learning in a supportive group

Each journey I make reminds me that the real magic of dog training isn’t in quick fixes.
It’s in connection, consistency, and creating the right environment for learning.

Looking for the right start for your pup?
The newly updated puppy programme offers the perfect combination of 1:1 support and small, friendly group classes, so you and your puppy can build skills and confidence together, at your own pace.

Message me to find out more or book your place!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

A lovely update on Clova's progress received today... "Just wanted to check in as it’s been a few weeks since we finishe...
26/06/2025

A lovely update on Clova's progress received today...

"Just wanted to check in as it’s been a few weeks since we finished our time with you.
We’ve had some really positive things happen the past few days.

No barking at all from either dog when the postman arrived yesterday and some amazing recall when they have gone out to see whoever it is this past week.

We’re also a lot more relaxed on the lead and when I stop, she turns to look at me now 😊. Distraction techniques have been very good too when she’s been eating things she shouldn't such as the odd rabbit 🥴 but quickly dropped it when offered something else.

Really pleased with Miss Clova!"

I love getting updates, and hearing how training journeys are going.

Do you have an update to share?

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

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Canonbie

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

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