Heather's Happy Hounds

Heather's Happy Hounds My Stewarton classes are kennel club listed for the Good Citizen Award Scheme. APDT-ATI -ABTC member Come and have some fun!
(39)

My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses. My Grandfather had a small holding in Kilwinning where he bred Clydesdales and Springer Spaniels, so I think it’s definitely in the genes. After many years of working with the Council as an IT Technician I decided to start studying dog behaviour in the hope that I could become a Dog Trainer

when I retired, lucky enough for me I was given the opportunity to take early release (sounds like a prison sentence!) and follow my passion . In 2017 I gained an Ofqual recognised level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and Training from Animal Jobs Direct, and passed an Animal Behaviour and Welfare course from the University of Edinburgh, successfully completed a Dog Emotion and Cognition course with Duke University , then went on to assist a fully qualified Kennel Club Instructor with her Canis Dog Training Classes , which where invaluable, and gave me the hands on experience I needed to start my own classes. I continued my education and became a member and accredited trainer with the IMDT , having passed my exam with a distinction in 2021. At present I am also a member of the Kennel Club and my club is listed for the Good Citizen Award Scheme, which is probably the most well known training scheme in the world, but if you would like to find out more then please visit https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/ some of my students just attend for fun, but if you feel ready why not try it? I also provide 1-2-1 training for those people who need to set their own timetable or need help with unwanted behaviours. In the near future I hope to become a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor which is a Kennel Club accreditation for Companion Dog Training, which is highly valued in the Dog Training Industry. In the distant future my hope is that I can study dog behaviour science and be able to add behaviorist to my list of services. I think training should be fun , and I believe happy dogs make for happy owners so that’s why I chose the name Heathers Happy Hounds.

18/07/2024

Meet Mac, the standard poodle. This boy was fearful of strange dogs after an incident with an off-lead dog, but he would also become excitable and uncontrollable around dogs he knew, so walks with him could be unpredictable and sometimes scary. He attended my Reactive Rascals class and although he still has his moments, he is much more relaxed, and his owner is now loving their walks together. Shortly after this video they went to a dog friendly cafe where he calmly laid outside and watched the world go by. Well done Mac! πŸ˜πŸΎπŸ•πŸ‘

Dates and prices announced! A must for all dog professionals.
17/07/2024

Dates and prices announced! A must for all dog professionals.

PRICE DROP!!!

We are delighted to announce that we are dropping the price for our 'Doglaw in Scotland' seminar which will take place at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh on Monday 18th November 2024 10am to 1pm.

Due to changing the promoting company, we are now reducing the price per person from Β£90.00 to Β£75.00

If you would like to book on, please contact us by freephone on 0800 999 3647, or email [email protected]

Congratulations to my graduates on passing their Silver Good Citizen Award.  All very different characters,  a very wise...
17/07/2024

Congratulations to my graduates on passing their Silver Good Citizen Award. All very different characters, a very wise and mature girl, a big boisterous fun boy, and a little bundle of mischief. Fantastic work and I hope you will all go for gold! A big thank you to Beverley O'Lone for running the assessment. πŸΎπŸ•πŸ˜

16/07/2024

A light bulb moment happened this morning for Connelly ! This boy lacked any social skills , but longed to meet other people and dogs, but his behaviour , size and strength meant people and dogs were unwilling to meet him, which added to his frustration. We met up weekly and worked at distance , and today his wish came true. His owner was beaming with pride ,and so she should be, she put all the work in. Well done! πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ•

FULLY BOOKED!!!Online Bookings are now open for my Kennel Club Puppy Foundation class held in Stewarton Area Centre, whi...
12/07/2024

FULLY BOOKED!!!

Online Bookings are now open for my Kennel Club Puppy Foundation class held in Stewarton Area Centre, which starts on the 13th of August and runs for 6 weeks.
This fun class covers all the basics and allows your dog to socialise in a safe and controlled environment. You will receive a goodie bag on the first night, and a Kennel Club Rosette and Certificate on completion. The course includes weekly notes and videos so you can practice at home.
This package is great value at Β£80 and has proved very popular, so grab a space now and come and have some fun.
For online bookings please use the link attached
https://heathershappyhounds.co.uk/services

A huge congratulations to my students who passed their Bronze Good Citizen assessment. I would like to thank everyone wh...
11/07/2024

A huge congratulations to my students who passed their Bronze Good Citizen assessment. I would like to thank everyone who took part for their patience and understanding after the hall closure , and then having their assessment rescheduled. For those that were marked 'not ready' please don't be disappointed , as the assessor said, we all go home with the best dog ' A big thank you to Beverley O'Lone who ran the assessment and put everyone at their ease. πŸΎπŸ•πŸ₯³πŸ˜

10/07/2024

Assessments are on tonight! I look forward to seeing everyone later. If you are taking part please check your inbox.πŸΎπŸ•

09/07/2024

Urgent!! The Stewarton Area Centre is closed, and I have been unable to contact a caretaker, which means all mock assessments will have to be cancelled. I will contact everyone by email when I am able to find out what has gone wrong. I apologise for any inconvenience.

09/07/2024

A fun packed 4 weeks in my puppy Playstation class. Learning through play to be happy and content with other dogs. πŸ˜πŸ•πŸΎ

A fun day out over at Stevenson beach. Pleased to say the dogs behaved impeccably, especially the stuffed ones!!.   Lots...
06/07/2024

A fun day out over at Stevenson beach. Pleased to say the dogs behaved impeccably, especially the stuffed ones!!. Lots of questions answered and I hope everyone enjoyed all the free entertainment . I was tempted to go on the rodeo bull ...for a second! Then I came to my senses. πŸ€£πŸ™ƒ

01/07/2024

The first time this firm , who specialise in dog law in England and Wales will be holding a seminar about dog law in Scotland. A must for all dog professionals and XL Bully owners.

Cooper & Co are solicitors that specialise in dog law operating across England and Wales providing a

I have been working with a rescue dog for @2 years, and in the past few weeks all our hard work has started to pay off. ...
29/06/2024

I have been working with a rescue dog for @2 years, and in the past few weeks all our hard work has started to pay off. This dog was so nervous of people and dogs outside the home, we had to ensure she always felt safe, so we drove to remote areas where we could work at distance. We are now going on group walks every week with a variety of dogs, and her confidence is soaring. This is her happily ignoring my JRT in an off lead area. Don't listen to anyone who tells you they can change a dog's emotional response overnight, its simply not true. Well done Angie 😍

A fun day out in a beautiful setting.
26/06/2024

A fun day out in a beautiful setting.

Save the Date - Fun Dog Show 2024 🐢

The hugely popular Dumfries House Fun Dog Show will return on Wednesday 7 August.

Between 10am until 1pm, the show will feature classes including Best Trick, Dog That Looks Most Like Their Owner and Best Rescue Dog.

Sign up for classes from 1 July in the Visitor Centre for only Β£2 per class, while registration on the days costs Β£3.

All proceeds will be donated to BRAVEHOUND and spectators are encouraged to come along to observe the fun 🐾

Lots of fun at flyball with Maggie's Muddy Mutts , a big thanks to Cain9 Photography for the pics.
24/06/2024

Lots of fun at flyball with Maggie's Muddy Mutts , a big thanks to Cain9 Photography for the pics.

20/06/2024

The weekend is approaching, and most of us might have a drink or two with our friends, but if you have a dog then you may have noticed a change in their behaviour, and that's because drink changes our odour, how we walk and talk and our facial expressions, which can be confusing for dogs, especially If your dog is already fearful or nervous. keep them in another room or behind a baby gate to prevent any unwanted interactions. Have a great weekend πŸ₯³πŸ•

Why not pop along? We will be happy to answer any questions on training, first aid or daycare. πŸ•πŸΎβ›‘οΈπŸ€•πŸ«
20/06/2024

Why not pop along? We will be happy to answer any questions on training, first aid or daycare. πŸ•πŸΎβ›‘οΈπŸ€•πŸ«

06/06/2024

Do you have a reactive dog? What does that mean? We usually think of reactivity as aggression or fear based behavior, but if a dog is excited or frustrated we may see an unwanted behavior, so if you dread visitors coming to your home, or hate going on walks then please get in touch , it doesn't matter what age your dog is, scientific canine modification works, and can help you and your dog lead a happier life.

Congratulations to Meg,  Lexi and Harley,  who sailed through their Silver Good Citizen Assessment.  Dependable and devo...
05/06/2024

Congratulations to Meg, Lexi and Harley, who sailed through their Silver Good Citizen Assessment. Dependable and devoted Meg, bouncy and funny Lexi and last but not least, loveable mummy's boy Harley, all very different characters , but every one a credit to their owners hard work. A big thank you again to Lynne Mcewan for assessing the class.πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ•

Congratulations to Buzz, who passed his Gold Good Citizen Assessment. This fun boy with mischievous eyes could carry out...
05/06/2024

Congratulations to Buzz, who passed his Gold Good Citizen Assessment. This fun boy with mischievous eyes could carry out any exercise asked of him , but only if he had a mind to do it. Well done, and well deserved. I look forward to seeing you in my Platinum class. Thank you to Lynne Mcewan for assessing the class, and for putting everyone at ease. πŸ‘πŸΎπŸ•

Congratulations to the graduates of the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Course. A very mixed group, with lots of different ...
04/06/2024

Congratulations to the graduates of the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Course. A very mixed group, with lots of different personalities, and its been such a fun class I hope you will continue your training journey with me. πŸΎπŸ‘πŸ•

UPDATE...fully bookedStill, a few spaces left!  This fun class is open to dogs of all ages and abilities,  just bring lo...
02/06/2024

UPDATE...fully booked

Still, a few spaces left! This fun class is open to dogs of all ages and abilities, just bring lots of treats and be ready to party!

This Puppy Playstation 4-week session, is a fun , family-friendly class that uses games and play to teach your dog life skills, giving them confidence and resilience, along with a good mix of socialisation in a safe and controlled environment. Starts on the 11th of June for 4 weeks.

01/06/2024

When someone contacts me and tells me that their
dog is acting out of character, the first thing I need to ask is if their dog is undergoing medical treatment, in recovery from treatment, or if they have had a recent full medical check up. Pain can alter behaviour, just as it can change ours. I know I am grumpy with a toothache or an ear infection, but I can explain how I feel to those around me, but sadly our dogs can't , or their body language is misread. Getting a vet to rule out pain means I am not trying to change a behaviour that is pain related. πŸΎπŸ•

28/05/2024

Kennel cough is always with us, but this highly contagious infection can effect every dog, including those that have had the KC Vaccination ,which is given using a nasal spray. Signs to look out for are runny eyes, noses ,dry gagging or coughing. Keep your dogs on rest, but if their breathing is rapid or laboured you should see a vet asap. I use Manuka honey which soothes sore throats and helps support their immune system. 🀧 😷😒

28/05/2024

Please remember that all my classes in Stewarton Area Centre tonight , have been cancelled due to a show being staged in the main Hall. See you next week πŸΎπŸ•

A busmans holiday weekend! Stewarton Agricultural Show on Saturday,  and then a fun flyball session on Sunday with Maggi...
27/05/2024

A busmans holiday weekend! Stewarton Agricultural Show on Saturday, and then a fun flyball session on Sunday with Maggie's Muddy Mutts , thank you to Cain9 Photography for the amazing action shots. πŸ˜πŸ•πŸΎ

Bookings are now open for this fun 4 week socialisation class, which will give your puppy confidence through play and ga...
22/05/2024

Bookings are now open for this fun 4 week socialisation class, which will give your puppy confidence through play and games. Come and have some fun together!

This Puppy Playstation 4-week course, is a fun , family friendly training class that uses games and play to teach your puppy basic obedience, life skills, and socialisation in a safe and controlled environment. Starts on the 11th of June for 4 weeks.

Puppy classes are invaluable, not just for training the basics, but for teaching your puppy to listen to you in the pres...
19/05/2024

Puppy classes are invaluable, not just for training the basics, but for teaching your puppy to listen to you in the presence of other dogs and people. Socialisation with other dogs is extremely important, but teaching young dogs good manners is equally important, and ensures safe and happy meetings.
Come and have some fun!

This is a 12 week Kennel Club Bronze Good Citizen Award course held in Stewarton Area Centre. Β There is no requirement to sit the exam if you don't want to, Β but it's a great achievement to receive. Students who have attended my KC Puppy Foundation Class will be considered first. New students are ...

16/05/2024

My Reactive Rascals class provides a safe and controlled environment for dogs who might show fearful aggression, or exhibit uncontrollable excitement. These two dogs could never have walked together just a few weeks ago. I am so proud of them and this is only the beginning of their journey.πŸ•πŸΎπŸ˜

10/05/2024

My advanced students all off lead and with the freedom to choose whether to interact with other dogs, or have fun with their handlers. I am happy to report that every dog made the right decision. Well done everyone πŸ‘

Puppies and adolescent dogs learning to how to pay attention and listen to their handlers in the presence of other dogs ...
09/05/2024

Puppies and adolescent dogs learning to how to pay attention and listen to their handlers in the presence of other dogs and people. πŸ•πŸΎπŸ˜

Address

Irvine
KA11

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm

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A Doggy Tail

My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses. My Grandfather had a small holding in Kilwinning where he bred Clydesdales and Springer Spaniels, so I think it’s definitely in the genes.

After many years of working with the Council as an IT Technician I decided to start studying dog behaviour in the hope that I could become a Dog Trainer when I retired, lucky enough for me I was given the opportunity to take early release (sounds like a prison sentence!) and follow my passion .

In 2017 I gained an Ofqual recognised level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and Training from Animal Jobs Direct, and passed an Animal Behaviour and Welfare course from the University of Edinburgh, successfully completed a Dog Emotion and Cognition course with Duke University and went on to assist a fully qualified Kennel Club Instructor with her Canis Dog Training Classes , which where invaluable. This experience gave me the opportunity to to start my own Dog Training classes in Stewarton Area Centre and Lanfine Community Hall. I also provide a 1-2-1 training service for those people who need to set their own timetable.

I am a member of the Kennel Club and my club has listed status for the Good Citizen Award Scheme, which is probably the most well known training scheme in the world, but there is no pressure for you to sit any exams, just have fun training and if you change your mind you can go for it! so if you would like to find out more then please visit https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/ . I hope to sit both my exams for IMDT which is the institute for modern dog trainers and my and KCAI which is a Kennel Club accreditation for Companion Dog Training this year., both of which are highly valued in the Dog Training Industry. In the future my hope is that I can study dog behaviour science and be able to add behaviorist to my list of services.


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