Halcyon Hounds

05/12/2025

Don’t forget that our Halcyon Hounds Award Winners will be announced at 7pm this evening 😀😀

04/12/2025

Our Festive Christmas Skills workshop, running from 3pm to 5pm in Severn Beach Village Hall on Sunday 21st December, is now available to book.

During this session we will work on a variety of exercises, including recall, lead walking, tricks, play and more, and all will have a festive twist.

There will be a break in the middle, refreshments and a present for each dog.

Dogs must be comfortable in the presence of dogs and people.

The cost is £35.00z

https://www.halcyonhounds.co.uk/service-page/christmas-skills-training-session?referral=service_list_widget

03/12/2025

Roly visited Almondsbury Garden Centre today, which is very dog friendly.

Socialisation includes helping a puppy be as confident and happy in our crazy world as possible.

My aim with Roly was for him to experience different sights, sounds, textures and smells.

A puppy does not have to interact with something for it to be a great experience for them. We don’t want puppies to be overwhelmed.

Roly said ‘Hello’ to two people and happily walked past lots more.

Singing reindeer were no problem 🤣🤣.

Other, local dog friendly places include John Lewis, B&Q, supermarket car parks, Shirley’s Cafe, Central Pook, Go Outdoors and Pets at Home.

I also love wandering around Aust and Gloucester Services.

Please add your suggestions.

Thank you 🐾🐾

02/12/2025

Hoopers class space at 11am today at The Dog Field at Pilning.

£11.00.

Dogs are worked individually so the slot is suitable for most combinations.

Message or comment to book please.

02/12/2025

🎄🎄Sunday 21st December 🎄🎄

Would any of you be interested in attending a workshop at Severn Beach Village Hall from 3pm on Sunday 21st December?

I know it’s a busy time of year but I can offer a workshop if there is enough interest.

Christmas Games, Training Club Exercises, Recall, Lead Walking, Impulse Control, Sports Foundations, Mixed Activities?

Please comment below.

Thank you 🐾🐾

01/12/2025

Our 2025 Halcyon Hounds award winners will be announced on this page at 7pm on Friday 5th December.

How exciting 😬😬

01/12/2025

Travelling puppies.

There are various ways to safely transport puppies in vehicles and what you choose depends on you, your puppy and your vehicle.

These include crates, harnesses that attach to seatbelts, hammocks, boxes and more.

My personal preference is for crates, starting with a crate in the front of the van for young pups and then moving them into the crates in the back of the van when older.

Try pairing the puppy being in your stationary vehicle with nice things, such as the puppy having a chew whilst you read a book and have a coffee.

If possible start with really short journeys and build from there.

A puppies balance system takes time to develop so some can find it harder to travel in the rear of a vehicle and are happier nearer to the front.

Beds with sides can help puppies feel secure, as can smaller crates where they don’t have a huge amount of space to move around.

If your puppy is struggling with sickness please speak to your vet.

Happy travels 🐾🐾

30/11/2025

This is a really great article written by several professionals.

Please take time to read it.

Muzzle training is so useful and should just be a fun exercise for the dog.

All dogs should be happy to wear a muzzle.

You never know when you may need a muzzle and if the dog is already happy to wear a muzzle, you are so many steps ahead.

We teach muzzle training, as well as other really useful handling exercises, in our classes.

Do your clients know the benefits of muzzle training? Discussing muzzles with new and established dog parents can reduce muzzle stigma.

29/11/2025

Toilet training puppies takes time and consistency.

It’s especially hard at this time of year when the weather is wet, cold and windy.

Take puppies outside after they eat, play, chew, train, wake up, and lots in between.

Watch puppies carefully for signs of needing the toilet, such as sniffing and circling.

When outside praise your puppy when they have finished toileting, rather than as they begin, or you may disturb them before they empty fully.

If your puppy doesn’t toilet when you take them outside, bring them back inside, watch them carefully, then take them outside again a short while later.

If gardens are an exciting and distracting place to be, try keeping the puppy on a line, scattering a few treats to encourage sniffing or using a pen to create a smaller toileting area.

If accidents happen in the home try and stay calm and clear up with a pet safe cleaner that breaks down the ammonia.

I choose not to use puppy pads as I feel they teach puppies to toilet in the home and are often just used by puppies as a chew toy!

If you are doing all the above and problems still persist please speak to your vet.

27/11/2025

It’s been a great week for Training Club passes🥳🥳

Congratulations to -

Wendy and Ralphie - Level 7

Colette and Bonnie - Level 6

Very well done 🌟🌟🌟🌟