West Cornwall Dog Training

West Cornwall Dog Training www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk - kind and effective training and behaviour My name is Carolyn Boyd.

I help dog owners with their training and behaviour challenges in 1 to 1s and workshops. I am qualified with the IMDT as a Trainer and a Behaviour Counsellor IMDTB (Institutute of Modern Dog Trainers - Behaviourist) and offer one to one consultations and behaviour programmes. See my website for more information, message me or give me a call. For anyone looking for my details on price range please

visit the website as all the information is on there. My hours differ each week, but I am available for booking on both week days and weekends. Carolyn
Call: 01736 788747 or 07815 167247
Email: [email protected]

Full member of the Pet Professional Guild www.petprofessionalguild.com

Full member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (Trainer and Behaviourist) www.imdt.uk.com

If you are holidaying in the area check out www.lebanoncottage.co.uk for a dog friendly holiday home, and give me a call and pop along for some training while you are visiting. Offensive posts, adverts (if prior approval has not been given) and anything which is posted on this page that does not fit with the ethos of our page will be deleted.

🎯 How long will it take?It’s the big question, isn’t it?  And here’s the honest answer … it takes time.I know that’s not...
04/01/2025

🎯 How long will it take?

It’s the big question, isn’t it? And here’s the honest answer … it takes time.

I know that’s not the quick-fix response most people hope for. TV shows might make it seem like everything can be sorted in a neat 30-minute episode, but real life? It’s far more complex than that. Those programmes often skip the struggle, effort, and the time needed—and honestly, I find them hard to watch!

Over the years, I’ve become pretty good at giving an idea of how long progress might take, but the truth is, every dog, situation, and family is unique. There are too many variables to guarantee a timeline or outcome.

For some, progress happens quickly. For others, it’s a gradual journey over months of consistent effort.

And here’s where we often begin.

👉 Start small. Set realistic, bite-sized goals.

Instead of expecting a complete transformation overnight, focus on manageable behaviours to work on daily. Small wins build momentum, boost your motivation, and set the foundation for bigger successes down the road.

Remember: Progress doesn’t always look like a straight line. It’s okay to adjust goals as you go, celebrate small achievements, and be kind to yourself (and your dog!) along the way.

You’ve got this! Let me know if you'd like to schedule a chat to figure out your starting point. 🐾✨

📞 Let's Chat! 🐾Over the holidays, I took a little time off. A lot of messages came through while I was unplugged includi...
03/01/2025

📞 Let's Chat! 🐾

Over the holidays, I took a little time off. A lot of messages came through while I was unplugged including a number of you scheduling a call for January.

I always offer an initial free call (or you can some in person if you are local to me). It's a great way to have a quick chat and find out what help you need and whether we are a good match to work together.

If you’ve been waiting to book a call with me or want to get started, now is the perfect time to reach out!

Just send me a quick message and you will get a link to schedule your session. Whether you're tackling a challenge with your dog, looking to start a fresh plan, or simply curious about how I can help, let’s chat and get things moving in the right direction.

Looking forward to hearing from you! 🐶❤️

🌟 Tilly’s Tale 🌟Tilly is a special toy with quite the history. Originally belonging to my dog Molly, who, being a gentle...
02/01/2025

🌟 Tilly’s Tale 🌟
Tilly is a special toy with quite the history.

Originally belonging to my dog Molly, who, being a gentle soul, kept him intact for years (despite the name, Tilly has always been male in our household!).

Then Stan arrived—and Tilly’s days of perfection were numbered. In moments, Stan had destroyed poor Tilly.
Enter Tilly #2 who was safely tucked away in a toy basket, only brought out when Stan wasn’t around.

Years passed, and both Molly and Stan are no longer with us.

While clearing out before Christmas, I came across Tilly, gave him a bath, and introduced him to Jess.
It’s funny how we grow attached to toys and keepsakes from our dogs, isn’t it? But I felt it was time for Tilly to either be enjoyed—or possibly destroyed.

Jess, now almost 10, has had her fun with Tilly. She’s picked at a bit of fluff here and there, but, surprisingly, Tilly has survived! For now, he lives to see another day.

Do you have any special toys or possessions from your pets that you’ve held on to over the years? Let me know—I’d love to hear your stories! 🐾❤️

A quick reminder that I’m finishing up with clients tomorrow, Friday 20th December, and after that, I’ll be taking a fes...
19/12/2024

A quick reminder that I’m finishing up with clients tomorrow, Friday 20th December, and after that, I’ll be taking a festive break. I’ll be back doing some admin on 2nd January 2025 and will respond to messages when I return.
If you’re planning ahead for the New Year, you can still:

👉 Learn more about my programmes here: https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/a-fresh-approach
👉 Book a discovery call for 2025 here: https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/newenquiry/discovercall/

Wishing you and your dogs a wonderful Christmas and New Year! 🎅🎁 Enjoy the holidays, and see you in 2025! 🎉❄️☃️🐾

🐾 Stop aiming for perfection—start aiming for progress. 🐾When I first meet clients, there’s often one big goal:👉 Always ...
18/12/2024

🐾 Stop aiming for perfection—start aiming for progress. 🐾

When I first meet clients, there’s often one big goal:
👉 Always come back when called.
👉 Never pull on the lead.
👉 Get along with every dog.

But here’s the thing—expecting to fix everything all at once is overwhelming and unfair. For you and your dog.
The real magic? Breaking things down. Tackling small, manageable steps that lead to big wins.

💡 If you could take just ONE small step today toward improving life with your dog, what would it be?
Start small. Aim for progress, not perfection.

Need help figuring out where to begin? Drop me a message, and let’s chat about that first step. 🐕✨

🎯 How long will it take?It’s the big question, isn’t it? And here’s the honest answer … it takes time.I know that’s not ...
17/12/2024

🎯 How long will it take?

It’s the big question, isn’t it? And here’s the honest answer … it takes time.

I know that’s not the quick-fix response most people hope for. TV shows might make it seem like everything can be sorted in a neat 30-minute episode, but real life? It’s a bit more complex than that. Those programmes often skip the struggle, the effort, and the time needed—and honestly, I can’t watch them!

Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at estimating how long progress might take. I can give you an idea, but the truth is, every dog, every situation, and every family is different. There are simply too many factors to give a one-size-fits-all timeline or a guaranteed outcome.

Some clients work with me intensively over a week while they’re on holiday in Cornwall, while others commit to a journey that takes months.

Sometimes, it means shifting your perspective, redefining your goals, and accepting that progress might not happen as quickly as you’d hoped.

✨ Tip: Start by focusing on small, realistic goals.

Instead of expecting a complete transformation, pick one manageable behaviour to work on each day.
Small wins build momentum—and motivation!

🎄🐾 Christmas gifts aren’t just for humans 🐾🎁Whether it’s a new toy, some tasty treats, or just extra cuddles, it’s alway...
16/12/2024

🎄🐾 Christmas gifts aren’t just for humans 🐾🎁

Whether it’s a new toy, some tasty treats, or just extra cuddles, it’s always fun to include our dogs in the festive celebrations. And let’s be honest, watching them open up presents with excitement is a gift by itself! ❤️

Our dogs give us the best presents: love, laughter, and maybe even a few muddy paw prints to remember them by! 😅🐾

What’s the best gift you’ve ever given or received from your dog?

🎅🐶 Share your festive stories below! 🎁✨

Pic is of Jess ripping open presents a few years ago. Just like me as a kid, the packaging is just as much fun as the present!😄

🤔 Is my Calm Down Canine Programme going to work for you and your dog? 🤔Typical owners I work with will have feel like t...
15/12/2024

🤔 Is my Calm Down Canine Programme going to work for you and your dog? 🤔

Typical owners I work with will have feel like they have hit a brick wall -
✋ Their dog is barking, bouncing and lunging on the lead, but in some situations can be super sociable.
✋ They will have been in situations which at best are embarrassing, and at worst dangerous.
✋ They will have tried searching on the internet, books or social media.
✋ They may have already worked with other trainers, but found they have got struck with progression.

💖 More than anything else they are committed to helping their dogs be calmer around other dogs and people. 💖

If that sounds like you, then my Calm Down Canine Programme and workshops can help. This is not about a session and then leaving you to work things out, this is a programme over five weeks where we adapt to the specific challenges that you have with your dog ✨
👍 Assessment comes first where we work through and specify the challenges with your own dog.
👍 Then support sessions to help you along.
👍 We can add in workshops as soon as we feel you and your dog are ready.
👍 Plus additional support sessions as needed.

You might assume this sort of programme is for large dogs, but I have worked with all sorts of breeds.
If you're fed up with feeling embarrassed about your dog's behaviour and feel like you have tried everything, then do get in contact.

Make this your goal for 2025.

All training is done with kindness and no harm. You won't be judged and you will likely receive a very fresh perspective on your challenges.

👉 Send me a message and you will get a link to book at call.

Let's get this done! 💪

I often talk to clients about a simple but powerful mindset shift: instead of focusing on the problem you’re trying to a...
14/12/2024

I often talk to clients about a simple but powerful mindset shift: instead of focusing on the problem you’re trying to avoid, think about where you want to go.

Understanding the problem is important, of course, but progress comes from focusing on your goals and the behaviours you want to see.

Keep your eyes on the destination, and you’ll guide both yourself and your dog in the right direction. 😊

It's a busy time of the year. Rushing around getting things ready for the festive season can be stressful on everyone. I...
13/12/2024

It's a busy time of the year. Rushing around getting things ready for the festive season can be stressful on everyone.
I've said it before, and I will say it again ...
If there is one thing I would suggest you do on your walk today it would be to take time to breathe, simply pause, absorb the world around you, and allow your dog to do the same. 💙

It's Blog time!When Your Dog Doesn’t Come Back: A Reality Check for Dog Owners (and Trainers)As dog trainers,  we’re oft...
12/12/2024

It's Blog time!

When Your Dog Doesn’t Come Back: A Reality Check for Dog Owners (and Trainers)

As dog trainers, we’re often caught in the pressure of presenting a picture-perfect image. Videos, social media posts, and training success stories can make it seem like everything is always under control. But the truth is, we’re human too. We make mistakes, we have off days, and our dogs—just like yours—sometimes have minds of their own. In the spirit of transparency, let me share a recent experience where I didn’t get it right.

Spoiler: My dog didn’t come back when I called.

https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/blog-post/notcomeback/

As always, feel free to drop me a message with your thoughts, any questions, or stories of your own – I love hearing from you.

Click the link to read the blog and let me know what you think!

🎄🐾 Just a quick update as we head into the festive season! 🎄🐾My last day working with clients is Friday, 20th December, ...
11/12/2024

🎄🐾 Just a quick update as we head into the festive season! 🎄🐾

My last day working with clients is Friday, 20th December, and after that, I’ll be taking a break. I’ll be back doing some admin on 2nd January 2025, and then back with clients the following day.

I’ll pop in occasionally for a bit of admin and planning, but messages will be responded to once I’m officially back in January.

In the meantime you can book a discovery call. Just message me and you will get the link.

Enjoy the build up to the festive season, and here’s a little throwback to the happiest snow dog from a few years ago! ❄️☃️🐾

Who’s heading out of town this Christmas? Or even just doing a local visit to relatives or friends?🎄🚗Whether you’re visi...
10/12/2024

Who’s heading out of town this Christmas? Or even just doing a local visit to relatives or friends?🎄🚗

Whether you’re visiting family for a week or just popping over for the day, it’s important to remember that any change in routine can be a big adjustment for your dog. 🐕✨ New environments, unfamiliar smells, and different people can all be a lot to handle.

If you’ve got holiday plans, it might be worth thinking about how to set your dog up for success. Will they feel comfortable at your destination? Do they need a quiet space to retreat to? Could some extra mental stimulation or exercise before the visit help them stay calm?

Let me know your strategies to help your dog settle during the holiday chaos, and any questions you have! 🐾

It’s always interesting when I chat with new clients about how they found me—and it’s rarely a straightforward answer! S...
09/12/2024

It’s always interesting when I chat with new clients about how they found me—and it’s rarely a straightforward answer! Some spend time searching to find the right fit, while others land on their ideal trainer right away. With so much information out there, it’s no wonder people sometimes feel overwhelmed.

Most clients find me through a mix of methods—recommendations, search engines, social media, or hearing about me through their vet or other professionals. What’s lovely is that nearly 60% of my clients come to me either as repeat customers or through personal recommendations. That speaks volumes about the trust and value people place in our work together, and it means the world to me. 😊

If you’re looking for help with your dog, I always say—take your time. Find someone whose approach aligns with your values and who makes you feel comfortable. Whether you’re after practical training advice or just need to chat through your dog’s needs, I’m happy to help. Have a look at my website, explore my social media, and feel free to get in touch. Sometimes a quick chat can be all you need to decide if I’m the right fit for you and your dog. 💛

🐾 Feeling overwhelmed by your dog’s behaviour? Not sure where to start? Let’s make it simpler. 🐾✨ Sometimes, you just ne...
08/12/2024

🐾 Feeling overwhelmed by your dog’s behaviour? Not sure where to start? Let’s make it simpler. 🐾

✨ Sometimes, you just need someone to talk things through with:
💡 Maybe you’re feeling stuck with training and need a fresh perspective.
🐶 Perhaps you’re welcoming a new puppy or rescue and want to set things up for success.
🤷‍♀️ Or you’ve tried different options but aren’t ready to commit to a full programme just yet.

I get it. That’s why I created something just for you: Online Strategy Sessions.

A 45-minute video call designed to give you clarity, practical tips, and a clear plan for your next steps. This is the only one-off session I offer—and it’s perfect if you’re looking for guidance without diving into a full programme straight away.

Sometimes, all you need is that first step to get on the right track. Let’s take it together. 🐕

Interested? Take this link to find out more and book your session. 🎯 https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/1-to-1-training/online-strategy-session/
If you know you need more long-term support or want to dive deeper with your dog’s training, reach out, and we’ll find the best option for you. 💬

Let's get a smile back on both you and your dog's faces ☺

07/12/2024

🌬️ HIGH WINDS WARNING: STORM DARRAGH 🌬️

With Storm Darragh bringing forecast winds of 70-80 mph tomorrow and an amber weather warning in place, we’d like to remind you to think carefully before letting your dog off lead on walks.

High winds can be overwhelming for our dogs:

🌪️ Assault of the senses: Swirling scents can be disorientating, and loud noises may startle even the most confident dogs.

🌳 Hazards: Flying debris like tree branches or rubbish could pose a risk of injury.

🐕 Flighty behaviour: Some dogs become more anxious or reactive in windy conditions, increasing the chance of bolting if frightened.

If your dog is startled and runs, the combination of swirling scents and disorientation makes it much harder for them to find their way back to you. The risk of losing your dog is significantly higher in extreme wind.

Instead, consider keeping them on a lead or long line for safety. A calm lead walk won’t hurt them, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Take care, stay safe, and let’s look out for our dogs in these challenging conditions.

I hope you're all holding up okay in the storm so far!  Yesterday’s appointments, including a home visit, were cancelled...
07/12/2024

I hope you're all holding up okay in the storm so far!

Yesterday’s appointments, including a home visit, were cancelled due to the amber weather warning—it just didn’t feel safe to be out on the roads. So, today has turned into a day at home for me, catching up on admin and project work.

I can’t say I had the best night’s sleep with the wind howling away, though Jess, as usual, slept right through it! A quick check around the property this morning shows we’re all in one piece, and I’ve already clocked up 3,000 steps without even leaving home. Jess enjoyed a good trot around the fields earlier, and now we’re settling in for a quiet day of keeping ourselves entertained indoors.

If you're letting your dogs out, be sure to check fences and gates first—and stay safe, everyone! 🌬️🐾

And here's a pic of Molly from a good few years ago having a bad hair day on a windy day :)

What breeds or breed types do you think I’ve worked with the most this year? 🤔Your guesses from earlier in the week were...
07/12/2024

What breeds or breed types do you think I’ve worked with the most this year? 🤔

Your guesses from earlier in the week were really interesting and you might be suprised at the results! 🐾

Just a bit of clarification first. I record this to give me information that helps me underestand the dogs that I work with, so I am interested in breed types. It gets a little tricky since many of the dogs I’ve seen this year fall into multiple categories. That means some dogs might show up in more than one category such as a Labradoodle that will appear under Labrador and Poodle. And I have grouped some breed types together so under “Retrievers,”what I have done is grouped Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and any Lab crosses. Hope that makes sense!

Top of the list?

🏆 Retrievers! No surprises here—these lovely dogs are super popular and very common in rural areas.

Coming in second are Spaniels—everything from Cockers to Springers and all those adorable mixes in between.

And third place goes to Collies and Collie crosses.

Here’s the full breakdown of the top 6 :
1 Retrievers: 26%
2 Spaniels: 22%
3 Collies: 17%
4 Terriers: 11%
5 Poodles: 10%
6 Boxers: 5%

And then a whole load of other breeds of all different shapes and sizes, everything from Bernese to German Shepherds to
Dachshunds.

It’s interesting to see how things have shifted over the years. A few years ago, I would’ve expected dogs like French Bulldogs and poodle crosses to rank much higher.

On that subject some of you mentioned cockerpoos and labradoodles which will appear under Spaniel or Labrador and Poodle, but if I single those poodle cross out they are still only 9% of the total.

There were a few people mentioning 'rescues'. When I collect this data I am interested the breed types in terms of providing input to understanding behaviour rather than recording if they are a rescue or not, but that might be something I can flag in the future.

What do you think of the list? Any surprises? 🤔

Address

Lebanon, Church Street, St Just
Penzance
TR197HA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm
Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

07815 167247

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