Dog Tales

06/01/2025

Happy New Year from Dog Tales! 🎉🐾

Minnie and I kicked off 2025 with our first Canicross session, and it’s given us a fantastic boost to get back into training! 🏃‍♀️🐕 We came in last, of course, but the only way from there is up—and we’re excited for the challenge ahead!

This year, Dog Tales is excited to help you and your dogs achieve new heights. We're thrilled to announce some exciting developments with our Dog Club in Blairgowrie, introducing new ways to keep everyone motivated towards their training goals.

I'm also setting some personal goals for this year, which I'll be sharing soon—stay tuned for more details! 🐶❤️

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas from Kipper and Minnie (and a Little Reminder for Your Dogs Too!)

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year—food, fun, family—it’s got it all. But for dogs, it can be a bit… well, a bit much, and I’ve definitely noticed that with Kipper and Minnie this year.

Kipper’s always been the kind of dog who likes his own space. He’ll sit close by, happy to just be there, as long as you don’t touch him too much. Minnie, on the other hand, is the complete opposite—if you stop stroking her, she’ll kick you until you start again. Normally, they’re a pretty funny pair, but with all the extra busyness this time of year, it’s been a little tense between them.

There’s more food around (yes, they’ve both loved the leftovers, but Kipper’s stomach? Not so much). There are new toys (Minnie shaking hers like she’s pretending it’s prey, while Kipper just tries to chill out on the couch). And, of course, there are the extra people, the different routines, and all the excitement.

Kipper’s been growling at Minnie more than usual, and you know what? That’s okay. It’s his way of saying, “I need a break, thanks.”

Sometimes we forget that Christmas can be a lot for dogs too. So, while we’re enjoying the season, let’s make sure our dogs have time to rest, some space to themselves, and the chance to just be. Without competing for treats and toys or getting jumped on when trying to sleep. A playpen for Minnie where she could chew and play without disturbing Kipper kept the peace perfectly (we had our Christmas meal yesterday)

So, Merry Christmas to all of you—humans and dogs alike! Here’s to a festive season full of happy moments, wagging tails, and plenty of naps (for both you and your dogs).

🎅 🎄 🎁

22/12/2024

🎄 Last Class of the Year! 🎄

Kipper's favourite spot after a busy day of training—right next to the radiator, where it's warm and cosy! This Sunday marks the final Dog Club session of the year, and it’s shaping up to be a festive one. We'll have plenty of activity, lots of progress to celebrate, and maybe even a treat or two (for the dogs, of course!).

As the year wraps up, I'm reflecting on what I'm most proud of with my own dogs. Minnie has made such incredible progress learning to be calmer around other dogs—something that felt so far away not that long ago. And Kipper has come leaps and bounds with his confidence during training. Watching their hard work and growth has been so rewarding.

What about you? What are you and your dogs most proud of this year? Let’s celebrate those wins together!

09/12/2024

What Is Dog Club All About?

Dog Club isn’t just about training; it’s about building a bond with your dog, improving their confidence, and creating a safe, supportive community for both dogs and owners.

In this video, you’ll see some of our members doing a searching activity, a fun and rewarding way to engage their natural instincts. Activities like this give dogs a “job” to do, helping them focus their minds, release energy, and feel accomplished—all while strengthening the connection with their owner.

At Dog Club, we focus on:

Health and Wellbeing: Activities are tailored to suit each dog’s needs, whether they’re working on confidence, managing reactivity, or just having fun.

Building Skills: From calmness exercises to scent work and beyond, we teach behaviours that help dogs navigate the world with less stress and more joy.

Community: Owners support each other every step of the way, creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone can learn and grow.

Whether your dog needs a confidence boost, help with specific behaviours, or just a space to be themselves, Dog Club has something for everyone.

Want to know more? Get in touch—we’d love to have you and your dog join us!

07/12/2024

More Barn Hunt Adventures with Kipper and Minnie! 🐾🐀

Last Thursday was a fantastic day at Barn Hunt! It was Kipper’s second time and Minnie’s third, and I couldn’t be happier with how much they enjoy it.

Kipper was like a completely different dog. It can be difficult to motivate him if he’s not interested, but yesterday he was raring to go from the start, eager to take on the tasks. We worked on indication and discrimination, and his previous training really shone through. He’s learned how to try different things to figure out what works, which is just brilliant to see. When he’s keen to work, it’s so funny to see his body movements—he prances about, shakes his head, and really throws himself into figuring out what we’re looking for. It’s such a joy to watch!

That said, I’ve learned that keeping tasks manageable and varying rewards is key for him. If the tasks get too challenging too quickly, his enthusiasm dips—it’s all about finding the right balance. In the picture his prize was a coffee wood stick, one of his favourite chews.

Minnie, on the other hand, is as bold as ever. She dashes and clambers over the bales without a second thought. She’s still honing her nose for the scent, but as her discrimination improves, I think she’ll get even quicker. Her enthusiasm and confidence are something else—she absolutely loves it!

It’s fascinating to see their personalities shine through in their approaches. Kipper is careful and thoughtful, while Minnie barrels in full of confidence. Watching their progress is not just rewarding—it’s a lot of fun too!

We can’t wait for our next Barn Hunt session. What about you? What activities do you enjoy doing with your dog?

06/12/2024

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted, but I wanted to give you all an update on the Dog Club!

We now have two clubs running, each with its own unique vibe:

🌟 Friday Club
This is a quiet, exclusive group with a maximum of four dogs. The smaller size allows me to focus more closely on each dog—and also bring my own two, Kipper and Minnie, along for the fun.

Kipper’s been attending periodically for a while, and last week, Minnie joined us for the first time! It was a bit eventful at first, Minnie the Minx brought a lot of energy to the group, but the dogs quickly settled. They knew the tasks so well that I focused on scent work—a great way to give dogs a job, helping them tune out distractions and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

🌟 Sunday Club
This one’s much busier, with up to eight dogs and their owners. It’s been wonderful seeing the same faces week after week and building a real sense of community. Each dog comes with its own reason for joining, whether it’s building confidence, managing reactivity, working on specific behaviours, or simply enjoying time with other dogs and people.

Both clubs have been such a joy to run, and I love seeing how we’re growing as a group. Whether it’s through the exercises we’re working on or the friendships forming, there’s a focus on health, well-being, and community.

This week has reminded me of just how much Dog Club is about more than just training—it’s about being there for each other. Take a look at the post about Ruby to see how we’re supporting each other as a team through both the good times and the tough ones. Ruby is back to her usual playful self, just waiting on biopsy results, and we’re all rooting for her.

03/12/2024

Sometimes, he just sits.

When we’re out on a walk, Kipper often decides to sit down. Why? Sometimes I don’t know. Maybe he wants to watch the world go by, soaking it all in. Other times, it’s because he’s decided we should take a different path—like in this picture.

Here, I was ready to head back to the car, but Kipper clearly had other ideas. He wanted to walk towards the trees instead. Usually, I let him lead unless we’re on a tight schedule. If I can’t follow his lead, I communicate clearly: '3, 2, 1'—and off we go in my direction. Kipper will follow, looking a bit dejected.

But this time, I trusted him. I said, 'Alright then, let’s go your way.' His response? He leapt up joyfully, strutting ahead with his happy prance.

This is Kipper: thoughtful, a bit independent, but always looking for a connection. It’s a trait I’ve noticed in other Romanian dogs too, though Minnie, my Beagle cross, has no such patience for getting where she wants to go! Do your dogs have unique little quirks like this?

01/12/2024

It’s been a tough week for one of our valued Dog Club members, Kelly, and her lovely dog, Ruby.

Kelly and Ruby have been part of our training community for a couple of years now, and in that time, Kelly has become such an integral part of Dog Club. Not only does she bring Ruby to the Friday class, but she also assists with the Sunday club, sharing her skills and knowledge with the group.

Unfortunately, Ruby hasn’t been well. After helping out at Sunday’s class, Kelly noticed Ruby was a little off—she had been sick a couple of times and just wasn’t her usual self. Trusting her instincts, Kelly took Ruby to the vet, where tests revealed a liver issue. Ruby had to stay overnight on fluids, and at one point, there was even talk of saying goodbye.

You can imagine how devastating this has been for Kelly. Thankfully, Ruby is a fighter, and she’s now awaiting a biopsy to get to the bottom of the problem. Both Kelly and Ruby have been deeply missed at Dog Club this week, and we’re all rooting for Ruby to make a full recovery. She’s a cracking girl, and we can’t wait to have her back with us when she’s feeling better.

The pictures you see here were taken a few weeks ago when I was dog-sitting Ruby. It’s clear what a special girl she is.

Like many of us, Kelly blamed herself at first, wondering if she’d missed something. But the vet reassured her that Ruby’s liver condition had likely been building for some time and wasn’t something she could have easily spotted.

This situation got us thinking about how important it is to recognise the signs that something might be wrong with our dogs. One of the simplest but most telling checks you can do is to look at their gums.

Healthy gums are usually pink (or black in some breeds) and moist. When you press your finger gently on the gums, the colour should return to normal within 1-2 seconds.

Unhealthy gums can look pale, white, yellow, or bluish, and they might feel tacky or dry. If the colour doesn’t return quickly when pressed, it could be a sign of illness.

Checking your dog’s gums regularly can help you catch potential health problems early, so it’s worth making it a habit, especially when you dog isn't feeling well.

Kelly, we’re all thinking of you and Ruby, and we’re here to support you both in any way we can. Fingers crossed for good news soon!

24/11/2024

🌟 Continuing the Journey: Learning from Others 🌟

One of the things I love most about being a dog trainer is that the learning never stops. Every dog, every situation, and every trainer has something unique to teach. That’s why I’m on a mission to work with as many skilled trainers as possible to not only help my own dogs but also to expand my knowledge and perspective.

This week, Minnie and I had the pleasure of training with Sharon from K9 Track and Train, and it was such a valuable experience! Sharon’s empathy and patience shone through—not just for Minnie but for me as well. Her three happy, well-balanced dogs played a big role in helping Minnie practise being calmer around strange dogs, which was a huge win for us.

What struck me most was how Sharon’s real-life, hands-on experience added layers of depth that you don’t always get from textbooks or accredited courses. These courses are fantastic for building foundational knowledge, but every dog is an individual, and the lived experience of working with different dogs is truly invaluable.

As a trainer, I believe it’s essential to stay curious and open to learning from others. Collaborating with talented trainers like Sharon not only helps me grow but also enables me to bring fresh perspectives and tools back to my clients at DogTales.

To anyone out there on their own training journey: never stop learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to seek out different viewpoints. Together, we can continue to grow and make a difference for our dogs.

Thank you, Sharon, for a wonderful session! Minnie and I are so grateful for your kindness, wisdom, and support. ❤️

20/11/2024

🌟 Dog Club Spotlight: Our Beautiful Boxer Friend! 🌟

One of our regular stars at Dog Club is a gorgeous boxer who absolutely adores making friends. She's very friendly—so much so that she just can't resist jumping up to say hello! While her enthusiasm is heart-warming, her size makes it tricky for her to get away with this behaviour as easily as her smaller canine companions might.

We're focusing on teaching her a more polite way to greet people, one that humans appreciate and that keeps everyone safe and comfortable. And let me tell you, she’s picking it up so quickly! This clever girl has a fantastic bond with her human mum, which is really helping her to understand and thrive in training.

It’s a joy to see her progress week by week, learning how to channel her excitement into more appropriate greetings. She’s proof that with patience, consistency, and a little guidance, even the most exuberant dogs can shine.

We’re so proud of this bright girl—what an amazing transformation she’s making! 💕

17/11/2024

Welcome to Dog Tales!

It’s been well over a year since my last introduction, so I thought it was time to reintroduce myself and share a bit about the person behind Dog Tales. My name is Claire Downie, and I’m the heart and soul behind this page, dedicated to helping you and your dogs lead happier, healthier lives together.

A Bit About Me:

I have a Master’s degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law, which has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to ensure animals are thriving physically, emotionally, and ethically. I’ve also spent years working at a dog daycare, where I developed hands-on experience managing groups of dogs and understanding their unique behaviours and needs.

I’ve attended countless dog training courses over the years—too many to list!—and I’m constantly expanding my knowledge. Whether it’s learning cutting-edge techniques or revisiting the fundamentals, I believe in staying curious and adaptable to ensure I’m always providing the best advice.

What We Offer:

At Dog Tales, we focus on empowering dog owners to build stronger bonds with their dogs. Here are a few of the services we offer:

Dog Club: A supportive and structured training environment where owners and their dogs work on creating consistent habits, improving communication, and tackling challenges together.

One-to-One Training: Tailored sessions in your own home or familiar environments, focusing on your dog's specific needs.

Dog First Aid Workshops: These are Offqual-regulated, and you can even become a qualified dog first aider through our workshops.

Beyond Dogs:

Outside of training, I’m also a dedicated member of Toastmasters International, where I work on my public speaking and leadership skills. This helps me communicate effectively with clients and create engaging workshops and seminars.

My Dogs:

I live in Scotland with my two wonderful dogs, Kipper, a 7-year-old Romanian rescue who amazes me with his understanding of language, and Minnie, a spirited 3-year-old Beagle cross who keeps me on my toes. They often make appearances in my posts, training videos, and workshops, showcasing different techniques and behaviours.

At Dog Tales, I strive to combine my academic background, practical experience, and passion for animal welfare to create a space where we can learn and grow together. Whether you’re here for training tips, workshops, or just to share stories about your canine companions, I’m so glad you’re part of our community.

Thank you for following along, and I look forward to connecting with you and your dogs!

Feel free to comment below and share a bit about you and your dog(s)—I’d love to hear your stories!

16/11/2024

A Dive Into Dog History: Lessons from 1927

I’ve just finished reading Dogs of Character by Cecil Aldin, a book written nearly 100 years ago. It’s part biography, part reflection on a man’s life with his dogs—and it’s fascinating.

The book captures a time when dog ownership was very different. Grooming and dog shows were just gaining popularity, but they hadn’t yet led to the poor breeding practices we see in some show dogs today. Aldin shares insights into his dogs’ daily lives, routines, and even their food—giving a snapshot of how much things have changed for our canine companions.

Dogs back then had remarkable freedom compared to today. With fewer cars, they could roam wherever they pleased. Behaviour issues were addressed differently too. For example, dogs who killed livestock might be rehomed to a town where livestock wasn’t an issue—or, sadly, put down if training didn’t work. Harsh training methods were common, reflecting a very different understanding of dog behaviour. There was a lot of kindness and understanding, too. Dogs were clearly loved just as much back then as they are today.

There are also some quirky details that stood out. Aldin lived with a monkey named Sally who got on well with his dogs (imagine that dynamic!). He recommended giving dogs weak tea to drink—a common practice at the time. Of course, we now know caffeine can harm dogs’ hearts, so that advice isn't popular today.

There were also sobering moments, like an accident involving a dog tethered to a platform, which tragically ended in strangulation. It’s a stark reminder to have good safety standards.

If you enjoy seeing the world through a historical lens, I’d recommend giving this book a try. It’s not my usual read, but I’ll definitely be hunting for more historical dog books.

Have you ever come across a book that made you look at dog ownership—or history—in a new way? Let me know in the comments!

14/11/2024

We're just back from Barn Hunt!

Barn hunt is a type of nose-work for dogs. The dogs are tasked with locating the scent of an object hidden in bakes of hay.

This was Kipper’s first time, and he took to it like a duck to water. We've done indication of a scent training before, so when it came to that, he was right on it and absolutely shone! The tricky part for him was navigating the straw bales and tunnels; standing on straw isn’t the most stable surface, and with tunnels and platforms to jump on, it took him a little time to get comfortable. But by the end, he was jumping over bales, walking over them, and cruising through tunnels like a pro!

Minnie, on the other hand, is a natural when it comes to climbing and clambering. She might not always be the most graceful, but she gets stuck in and powers her way through! Watching both of them enjoy the challenge and have a blast was amazing.

Susan at Coastal K9 in Carnoustie is a fantastic instructor, keeping the dogs motivated and guiding us every step of the way. I’m really enjoying what I’m learning and can’t wait to bring some of these exercises to the Dog Tales Clubs for our nervous dogs or anyone looking for a fun, ski building, confidence-boosting project.

If you’re curious about Barn Hunt and want to try it yourself, Coastal K9 in Carnoustie is the place to start!

Safe to say, Kipper’s zonked out now, and Minnie’s chilling with a chew – mission accomplished!

09/11/2024

Meet Our Malamute Mentor at Dog Club!

At Dog Tales, we’re thrilled to have a very special Alaskan Malamute as part of our Friday Dog Club sessions.

Malamutes are one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, originally bred for their strength and resilience in pulling heavy loads across icy terrains. While their powerful, dignified presence often turns heads, it’s their calm and gentle nature that truly shines in our club.

This lovely boy is the definition of calm, and he brings such a positive influence to our group. His relaxed energy is something that the other dogs can really learn from, helping them settle and feel more at ease.

Although he’s calm, he’s also working on his high prey drive—a trait common in his breed—and we’re using predation substitute training to help him redirect this energy in safe, positive ways.

Watching him work on his impulse control while staying calm is truly inspiring, and it shows just how much we can achieve with understanding, patience, and the right training techniques. 🐾

Whether you have a working breed, a playful companion, or a gentle giant like our Malamute friend, Dog Club is here to help you and your dog grow together. Come and see how our classes can make a difference for you both!

📅 Fridays 📍 Rattray Hall, Balmoral Road 💷 £12 per session or £36 for a four-week block

Join us in building a calm, confident, and connected relationship with your dog. Message us to book a spot!

05/11/2024

Just a wee reminder of why it's important to keep your dog on a lead when there is a chance fireworks will go off.

Hope your dogs all feel safe tonight ❤️

It is understood the man, 33, had leapt into the water after his dog, which had been spooked by the sound of nearby fireworks.

04/11/2024

🌟 Dog Tales Sunday Club Update – 2pm Session 🌟

Today at our 2pm club, we had a wonderfully calm and focused training session, ideal for those who enjoy a slower pace and a relaxed environment with their dogs. This session has naturally become popular with retired dog owners, creating a lovely, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can work at their own speed.

🐾 What We Worked On Today:

Walking Side-by-Side: Teaching dogs to walk calmly alongside others, helping them feel comfortable seeing other dogs without barking.

Impulse Control Through ‘Wait’ Games: Practising patience and focus, giving everyone the chance to master this valuable skill through gentle repetition.

Personalised Support: Each dog and owner had time to share their individual challenges and work together on tailored, supportive solutions.

Our 2pm club is especially suited to retired dog owners who are looking for a peaceful, easygoing environment to build a stronger bond with their dogs and connect with others who share a similar pace and outlook.

Interested in joining us? We’d love to welcome more retired owners and their dogs who value a calm, fulfilling approach to training and companionship. 🐕✨

Message us to book your place and make Sundays a time for connection, progress, and community!

03/11/2024

Understanding Your Female Dog’s Cycle: A Glimpse at Minnie’s Current Phase 🐾

Living with a female dog during her heat cycle has been an eye-opener. Everyone around her has been curious (or caught off guard!) by the changes in behaviour and interactions they’re noticing now that she’s in the part of her cycle where she’s most receptive to male dogs – known as the oestrus phase.

For Minnie, this means hormonal changes that make her scent very appealing to intact males. Thankfully, Kipper, our other dog, is neutered, so we don’t have to worry about any accidental puppies. However, he’s definitely noticed Minnie’s new smell and spends a bit of time with his nose near her tail. It doesn’t help that she keeps putting it there too – a pretty classic behaviour during this phase!

The cycle of a female dog generally has four main phases:

1. Proestrus – This is the beginning, when a dog’s body starts preparing for the possibility of pregnancy. She’s usually not receptive to males yet, but there may be some spotting and signs like increased clinginess. Minnie wants even more cuddles and biscuits than usual during this time.

2. Oestrus – The main event, when a female is receptive to males and might actively seek out attention. Her scent is strong enough to catch the interest of nearby dogs. This is where Minnie is now, and while Kipper isn’t too fussed due to being neutered, he still can’t resist the occasional sniff! Luckily, he’s easy to gently divert away when he tries to get a leg over 🙈. My time working at dog daycare means I got plenty of practice stopping dogs from hu***ng each other – an unusual brag, I know! 😄

3. Dioestrus – After oestrus, this phase is the “cooling off” period. Hormones begin to balance out, and a dog’s behaviour gradually returns to normal. If a dog were pregnant, this is when her body would support the pregnancy.

4. Anoestrus – The resting phase, when the cycle quiets down and there’s little hormonal activity. A female dog’s focus and mood become steady during this period, and it’s usually when we see our dogs back to their usual selves.

Each dog’s cycle is unique, with some phases being more intense than others. For Minnie, the oestrus phase usually means extra attention from Kipper – even though he’s neutered, he’s still drawn to her smell. I always take this time to give Minnie a bit more space and ensure she’s comfortable, as the cycle’s hormonal shifts can sometimes make her feel slightly out of sorts.

Most dogs go into heat once every six months, but once a year is also normal for some breeds. Minnie goes into heat every five months, and this is her third heat cycle with us. It’s important to keep an eye out for things like pseudo-pregnancy or pyometra in an intact dog.

Luckily, Minnie sails through her cycle, and while she’s more sleepy than usual at the beginning, she soon returns to her playful self.

31/10/2024

Reminder for Dog Club Attendees 🚀🎇

With fireworks season upon us, there's a chance fireworks might be audible around our club times over the weekend If your dog is anxious or scared of fireworks, it's best to keep them safe and comfortable at home for this weeks session. 🐾💙