APDT-ATI -ABTC member My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses. Come and have some fun!
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.
24/03/2025
Looking for a puppy and socialisation class? Look no further. 🥳
📢 Bookings are now open!!
Lolas Luxury doggy day care are pleased to announce our new puppy training and socialisation classes, starting the 24th of April , this 5 week block will be run in partnership with Heather's Happy Hounds.
Why choose us?
✅️ Award winning professional trainer
✅️ Outstanding facilities
✅️ Priority for daycare
✅️ Affordability
✅️ Safe and controlled environment
✅️ Video homework
✅️ Limited class size to allow for individual needs
For further information please use the following link. Payment instructions will be sent once you have confirmed your booking. http://heathershappyhounds.co.uk/services
23/03/2025
Fourth year in a row ! Happy to be included 😍🐕🐾
02/03/2025
Cocker Rage Syndrome! You may have heard about it, but what is it?
It is a rare neurological problem that cannot be 'cured' by training or behaviour modification, but it's rare, and can be found in other breeds. So why are cockers labelled with it?
In my humble opinion, the cocker and cockapoo became popular very quickly, meaning inexperienced breeders took advantage of the trend, selling working cockers as companion dogs, and then these dogs were not given the outlet they were bred for, which resulted in an increase of Resource Guarding, but the good news is that this behaviour can be modified. 😀🐕
30/01/2025
Classes run on a Tuesday night in Stewarton Area Centre , don't miss out!
Did you know I offer the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme? And also a listed member on their website to offer training classes. Get in touch for more details! 👇🏽
In light of some troubling posts , especially where some dogs where lost during the storm in the care of their dog walker, I thought this was an excellent post.
24/01/2025
My dog took one look outside and decided to go back to bed, but if you don’t have a garden or your dog will only toilet in a certain location, make sure you have a harness and lead on, as this weather may change your dogs behaviour , making them stressed, confused or overly curious. Stay safe 🐕😍
17/01/2025
Update:MSPs reject bid to bring in outright ban on shock collars for dogs. This is extremely disappointing, as it was overwhelming rejected by 84 to 28, I really don't understand their justification. 😪
Did you know that next Thursday (23rd), Parliament will vote on the Welfare of Dogs Bill, a private Members Bill that might finally ban ecollars and prong collars. Most people believe that these instruments of torture are already banned but unfortunately there is only 'guidance' around their use. Wales outlawed them in 2010. Can I ask you to please take a few seconds to sign the following letter. Thank you.
Ban electric shock dog collars -
05/01/2025
The world has lost a very special lady. Karen Pryor has died aged 92, and her book 'Don't shoot the dog!' was probably one of the first dog training books that helped me understand how dogs learn , which in turn lead me to become a reward based trainer, she also introduced me to the use of clickers. RIP Karen Pryor
24/12/2024
Although my classes are finished, the Good Citizen Award Scheme will resume in Stewarton Area Centre on the 7th of January with my friend and colleague Lorna Atkinson of Paws for Walks at the helm. My 121 service will resume in the New Year, when I look forward to meeting new students and reviewing the progress of my current students. Merry Xmas 🎄☃️😍🐕
07/12/2024
Some of you may know that after a recent bereavement, I decided to relinquish my Good Citizen Classes in Stewarton Area Centre to my good friend and colleague Lorna MacKenzie of Paws for Walks. However, I will continue to provide 121 training, behaviour modification and coaching in the New Year, and hope to run a few reactive rascals classes in Eglinton Park when the weather improves... if it ever does!! I want to thank all my students past and present for their support over the years, my business would never have been so successful without you all.
For a list of my 121 services have a look on my website. https://heathershappyhounds.co.uk/services
06/12/2024
My last Xmas party in Stewarton Area Centre. A fun packed night, and thanks to the answer in the Xmas trivia quiz , I will always think of George Michael, rather than Bing Crosby when I hear the song White Xmas ! 😆🥳🙃🐕
13/11/2024
A huge congratulations to Isabell Torrance with her Dog Meg who sailed through their Gold Good Citizen Assessment. Both have been with me since puppy class and it has been a pleasure to watch their training journey together. I wish you all the best for the future. Well done🐾👏🥇🌟🏆
13/11/2024
Congratulations to my Bronze Good Citizen Graduates. This is a great achievement and you should all be very proud. I would like to thank Lynne Mcewan for assessing the class and making everyone feel at ease. Well done! 🐾🍾🥂🥉
13/11/2024
Congratulations to my Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Class graduates. All the puppies loved the class and although some could be very vocal, they all got down to work when the class started. Well done everyone 👏
05/11/2024
Remember Remember we are off the 5th of November! Keep your dogs safe inside, and mask the noise with some music. Some studies have shown that Reggae music decreases stress levels in dogs, so give it a try.... don't worry be happy! See you next week.
30/10/2024
If your location is noisy ,then this might be the solution you are looking for.
🎆🐾 Nae Fireworks Night is back! 🐾🎆
Join us on Tuesday 5th November where we will be attending Whitelee Windfarm for their annual Nae fireworks night! It's a peaceful evening, perfect for dog owners looking to escape the fireworks. Enjoy a quiet walk in the company of other dog lovers, Whitelee's team does their best to keep the area firework-free (although they can’t guarantee it!). You will find our stall there and you can catch up with our team with all things SSPCA, our team are there for any advice or information you may need! 🙌
🍰☕ Visitor Centre will be open from 6-9pm for hot drinks and cake. Bring your reusable cup for a discount and help reduce waste!
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Videos
Having some fun with hand signal recalls, stays with distractions and teaching the puppies how to settle, which is essential 😀
My next puppy class starts on the 1st October, book online or drop me a message.
https://heathershappyhounds.co.uk/services
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! 😍🐾🐕👏
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! 👏🐾🐕
A fun packed 4 weeks in my puppy Playstation class. Learning through play to be happy and content with other dogs. 😍🐕🐾
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.🐕🐾😍
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 👏
I want to thank Heather Smith for accepting my invitation to run a heelwork to music class for my advanced students. She is a very talented lady who competes at Crufts, and if you want to see more then please check her out on Facebook or YouTube . My class absolutely loved it. 🐾🐕💃😍
Look no hands!! My advanced class demonstrating an emergency stop and a distance down with voice cues only. Fantastic work! 🌟😍🐕🐾
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.
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. Come and have some fun!
