West Cornwall Dog Training

06/02/2025

Are You Biting Off More Than You Can Chew With Your Dog?

🐶 Feeling stuck with your dog?
🐾 Tried lots of approaches but nothing seems to work?
🤷 Or do you just need a helping hand?

Maybe it’s time to get a bit of help—without wasting time, money, or energy on things that don’t work.

🙌 Here's what a PROBLEM-SOLVING CONSULTATION can do for you: 🙌

⭐ Understand your dog and how you got to this point.
⭐ Clarify realistic goals that fit your life.
⭐ Have strategies that are achievable—because YOU set them!

Like trying to carry a branch that’s just too big, going it alone can leave you feeling frustrated and weighed down. You could keep googling, watching YouTube videos, buying books, and trying different bits of equipment… but my clients tell me that:

🙈 It leaves them more confused—because every source says something different.
🕑 It wastes time—while the problem continues.
💰 It costs money—and they end up with a pile of things they never use.

💡 My Problem-Solving Consultation might just be the jump-start you need. If you’re ready to stop struggling and start making real progress, message me to learn more and book a call. Let’s get you and your dog moving forward together! 🐾

05/02/2025

Real-Life Training Wins: Celebrating Your Progress! 🎉

Training isn’t just about what happens in sessions—it’s about how things come together in real life. That’s why I encourage my clients to check in between sessions, sharing updates on WhatsApp.

These updates aren’t just for celebrations (though I love hearing about those!). They help:

🐾 Keep training moving forward – If something isn’t working, we can tweak it.

🐾 Spot patterns and challenges – Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

🐾 Recognise progress – Because even the little wins, like a calmer walk or a better recall, all add up.

It’s all part of the ongoing support I offer through my programmes and support packages, helping you and your dog succeed, hand in hand—not just in training sessions, but in everyday life.

What’s been your latest training win, big or small? Let’s celebrate it! 🎊👇

04/02/2025

From puppy classes way back when with West Cornwall Dog Training it's lovely to see Bramble's progress over the years with Vicki at Love Your Paws

01/02/2025

What My Calm Down Canine Group Sessions Look Like 🐾

Following on from my post earlier in the week, I’ve had a few people ask about how I run my sessions for dogs who find the world a little challenging. So, I thought I’d share a bit about how these small, supportive groups work and what makes them so effective for both dogs and their humans.

✨ Small Groups, Big Impact

My groups are always small—usually no more than 4 dogs. This keeps things calm and allows me to offer the individual support each handler and dog needs.

✨ 1-to-1 First

Before joining a group, everyone has a few 1-to-1 sessions with me. This is key because it means we’ve already worked on handling skills and can set the dogs up for success in the group setting. I also take the time to explain exactly how the sessions work—from how we enter and leave the space to risk assessment and how to create the right environment for their dog.

✨ Planning for Success

At the start of every session, we have a quick chat as a group. We talk through each dog’s needs, any potential challenges, and what everyone can expect. Having a plan in place helps everyone feel prepared and confident.

✨ Freedom to Make Good Choices

The sessions are designed to give dogs space to process and make good choices, with handlers stepping in only when needed. Dogs aren’t meeting each other directly—this isn’t about forced interactions. Instead, the focus is on learning how to move around other dogs calmly and practicing handling skills.

✨ Careful Setup

Dogs are always kept at a comfortable distance (usually 5+ metres apart), and we adapt the exercises based on the needs of the group. Sometimes we’ll work on individual patterns while being aware of the environment and other dogs.

✨ Handling, Not Fixing

These sessions aren’t about “fixing” your dog or expecting perfect behaviour. It’s about helping handlers practice their movements, improve their skills, and learn how to support their dog through real-life challenges.

✨ Barking Happens!

Yes, we sometimes get a bark here or there—and that’s okay! When it happens, we pause, chat about it, and come up with a plan together. It’s all part of the process, and there’s no judgment—just teamwork.

These sessions are about creating a supportive space where both dogs and handlers can build confidence and learn together.

If you’re curious about how a small group like this might work for you and your dog, or if you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message or comment below. 😊

31/01/2025

Sometimes, the best training sessions are the ones where we just stop and listen to what our dogs are telling us.

What’s your dog been ‘saying’ to you lately?

30/01/2025

Pop on over to support this great local dog walker in re-building her social media 👍

Important Update – New Business Page.

Unfortunately, it looks like I won’t be getting my original social media profiles back. This means I’ve lost all my photos, posts, history, and reviews.

I’m starting fresh, and I need your help! Please take a moment to like, follow, and share my new business page. If you’ve worked with me before, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could leave a review to help rebuild what was lost.

Your support means the world to me—thank you so much.

💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖🩵💖

30/01/2025

I’d love to have a chat with you ☺️📞

You may have had a look around my page or my website and are thinking about what help you might need. 🤔

I do my best to make things as clear as possible, but sometimes it is better to give someone a call to have a chat about options.

You may just want to get a feel of what I am like, to ensure that we are a good fit and that I am the right person to help you.

The best way to find out is to arrange a free initial call. These calls last around 15 to 20 minutes. I can find out a bit more about you and your needs, I can let you know if I am the best person to help you, and we can talk about next steps.

To make those even easier for YOU to book I have set up booking on my website. You book in a date and time that suits you, and that means you know I will be at the end of the phone so that you can ask any initial questions and I can talk about the different options I have available.

Pop me a message and you will get a link to book a call.

I look forward to chatting with you.

Carolyn

29/01/2025

Calm Down Canine Group: Nothing Fancy, Just Progress 🐾

Another calm group session on Saturday.

It might not make for flashy photos but that's the whole point! These sessions are all about dogs being dogs, while learning to navigate the things they find challenging—with their humans building the skills to help them through it.

Why are these groups so valuable?

Because the foundation for success starts with understanding and practice. Handling skills don’t always come naturally, and that’s okay! Many of us have habits we’ve picked up over the years, and these groups provide a safe, structured environment to unlearn old patterns and build new ones.

That’s why every team joins after 1-to-1 sessions with me (or a trusted trainer). This ensures you’re confident in the principles and protocols we use to create a safe space for both dogs and handlers.

Every session is discussed with all the handlers, planned, adapted to the conditions, and designed to meet the needs of the dogs and handlers present. At points in this session, dogs were working around 5 to 10 metres apart—always at a distance where they could succeed and always with space to move away if they needed to.

And if a dog barks? That’s no big deal here. Dogs express themselves, and we’re all okay with that.

So, while the photos might not be "exciting," with dogs within a whisker of each other, they show the quiet progress that happens when we work together—step by step, calmly and with intention.

That’s what Calm Down Canine is all about.

What do you think? Would your dog thrive in this kind of environment? 🐶💛

28/01/2025

From my other page, thought you all might appreciate this 😊

The Best Trainer in the World... 🐾

…isn’t the one with the fanciest moves or the most ribbons. It’s the one whose dog is having the most fun. 🐕✨

Training, whether it's me training my dog or you training yours, isn’t just about obedience—it’s about building trust, strengthening your bond, and making life joyful for both of you. Whether you’re on a Cornish coastal path, at home in the garden, or anywhere in between, the key is to make it enjoyable for your dog.

Because when they’re happy, you’re doing it right. ❤️

25/01/2025

😬 Embarrassed, frustrated, feel your dog is out of control? 😬

Let me tell you a bit about Stan. There he is, snoozing with the daisies like butter wouldn't melt.

It was about 17 years ago when I was walking with him down the footpath through our field and suddenly a little terrier appeared and shot past. Stan ran. He ran hard. Barking and lunging.

He was on a retractable lead. The tape caught around my hand and ... well, I still have the scar. It was a big lesson for us about handling dogs and equipment. 👍

That was around the time that we started to see a change in behaviour around other dogs, barking, lunging and pulling. From that first incident the situation worsened. I was really struggling. I tried to find help, and what I found seemed to make the situation worse. I tried things I now regret.

When I say 'I know how you feel' ... I really do. I felt I didn't have the skills to cope. I was lost. There must be a better way, I thought, so I asked for help, and so began my exploration into training and behaviour.

I have learnt from some amazing people over many years, but as soon as I started to listen to my dog I realised Stan was a great teacher and I am a better person for listening to him. 💖

Stan ended up living with a variety of dogs in his lifetime, competed in agility competitions, was happy out on walks, and without him I can truly say I would not be doing what I am doing now.

If you'd love some support to help you help your dog, I am here to listen so pop me a message and let's chat.

24/01/2025

🐾 A Different Way to Start Lead Training 🐾

When I work with clients on lead walking, we often start without the lead at all. I know that sounds strange, but hear me out—it’s not about control; it’s about connection.

By taking the lead out of the equation (in a safe, enclosed space, of course), we remove that physical crutch. Instead, the focus shifts to your training skills and the communication between you and your dog. They start learning to walk with you because they want to, because they understand what you are asking of them, not because the lead tells them to.

It’s a chance to tune into your body language, your energy, and your dog. By the time we add the lead back in, it’s no longer about control—it’s just there for safety.

Next time you’re practicing, try imagining that the lead isn’t there, even if it is. See how it changes the way you move, speak, and guide your dog. You might be surprised by the results!

Have you ever thought about lead training this way? Let me know! 🐕✨

23/01/2025

Does your dog have a signature sleeping pose?

Are they all legs in the air, like they just don’t care?

Snuggled under a blanket?

Or stretched out, claiming every inch of the bed or sofa?

Here’s one of Jess’s favourites: curled up, legs in the air, and smiling like she’s dreaming of treats.

What’s your dog’s funniest or sweetest sleeping position?

Share it in the comments—I’d love to see! 🐾✨

22/01/2025

Are You Missing Out?

This week, I am sharing some thoughts with my mailing list on something that happens so easily—overwhelming our dogs without even realising it. It's an idea that’s been resonating with a lot of people.

If you’re not already on my mailing list, you might want to join! I keep emails useful, practical, and to the point—sharing insights and tips that you won’t find on social media. Right now, I send them out about once a week, so it’s not overwhelming (for you or your inbox!).

Want to get exclusive advice and thoughtful ideas to help you and your dog? Don’t miss out!

👉 https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/signup

Hope to see you there!

18/01/2025

Off on my travels tomorrow 😊

I'm off on Sunday up to Dogtaggs Dorset with Jess. It's important to me, my business and my clients for me to take some time out to rest and recharge and learn some new things.

I have been in doing this job for nearly 20 years now and know it is easy to get stuck in your ways and think that what you learnt 10 or 15 years ago is still the best way.

It's also important for me to have some fun with my dog, and make sure that she is having fun too. We'll be doing some tracking and some Shepherd School, always good for exercising both our brains. And she is getting used to staying on a new campsite with all the different layout and smells that it brings.

What fun things are you doing with your dog over the next few days?

Picture: Jess first exploration of Wareham Forest dog walking field, looking a bit bemused in a slightly soggy grass field surrounded by woodland.

18/01/2025

Catching up with clients this week, I was reminded how much patience and kindness matter—not just for our dogs, but for us too. 🐾

Progress is never a straight line. Some days, it feels like we’re making big leaps forward; other days, it might feel like we’re standing still—or even going backwards. But that’s okay. That’s normal.

The key is to give yourself and your dog the grace to learn, grow, and sometimes stumble. Patience builds trust, and kindness keeps us connected, even when things feel tough.

No matter how tricky the journey might feel, it’s always worth it. ❤️

17/01/2025

🌊🐾 Long lines and seaweed shenanigans! 🐾🌊

Long lines are a game-changer for beach adventures. They give your dog a sense of freedom while still keeping them safe and connected to you—perfect for recall training or letting them explore without worry. 🐕✨

But… bring the seaweed into the mix, and suddenly it’s a whole new challenge! Jess had a great time running, sniffing, and splashing, while I was left untangling the seaweed! 🌿😂

16/01/2025

💡 Training Between Sessions: Small Changes, Big Impact! 💡

Wondering how to make the most of your time between dog training sessions? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In my latest blog post, I talk about how to:

👉 Fit training seamlessly into your daily routine.

👉 Keep sessions short and effective (yes, even 5 minutes works!).

👉 Make it fun for both you and your dog.

Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency and enjoyment! 🐾

Read the full post to discover how small tweaks can lead to big results: https://www.westcornwalldogtraining.co.uk/blog-post/trainingbetweensessions/

15/01/2025

📢🐶 It’s problem-solving time!

I do a lot of PROBLEM SOLVING PROGRAMMES with my clients. They do exactly what they say on the label... over a series of sessions they help you solve any problems you have with your dog, your relationship with your dog, or your dog's relationship with everything else.

Here's how to make the most out of our session. 👌

🐾 Take a few minutes to jot down the problem(s) you are facing. This is what I call the "WHERE ARE YOU NOW?" moment. When I ask, be honest about what you have tried before, because I won't be judgmental—I'll appreciate your efforts.

🐾 Think about your goals. This is your "WHERE DO I WANT TO BE?" moment. It often starts with the sentence, "I would like to be able to..." This can be the most challenging part, as it requires making some decisions.

During our session, we will focus on strategies to help you reach your goals—the "HOW DO YOU GET THERE?" part.

Sounds simple, right?

Well, yes, it should be. I have successfully worked with numerous clients over the years who were struggling and felt they had tried everything.

In the last week I have spoken to clients about home alone issues, excitement around other dogs, multi-dog households, unable to be calm in the house, puppy life stages, and much more

Want to find out more? Drop me a message and you will get a link to book in a call, let's have a chat and go from there. 📩🗣️