Kara's Love Of Paws

30/08/2024

Fantastic freedom field in Dumfries and Galloway for your dogs to have fun, a good run and some peaceful freedom.

If you’ve not been yet then head what are you waiting for!!

28/08/2024

Big Mutt Hub fun!!

In our community group which you get access to within our Big Mutt Hub membership for big dogs, you get more learning!!

Each month we either have a webinar, Q&A or challenge.

This month is a challenge and our hubbers picked boredom busters!!

Here I am having some fun whilst giving a tutorial on yesterday’s challenge!!

Want to get involved. Hit link in comments 🔽

Want a freebie? Get your big dog success eBook in comments below 🔽

Did you know we now have TikTok!! Come and drop us a follow!!

28/08/2024

🔥SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP DATES 🔥

Let's do this!!!! 💪

Our workshop dates and times are:

🌟FOCUS & ENGAGEMENT FOUNDATION (1.5 hours) - 6th of September at 9:45 am

🌟PUPPY SOCIAL (2 PARTS) - 6th & 13th of September at 12 noon

🌟IMPULSE CONTROL (2 PARTS) - 13th & 20th of September at 9:45 am

🌟BE COOL, BE CONFIDENT - 20th of September at 11:30 am

All classes are limited to 4 dogs maximum. This allows for tailored coaching and plenty of space for the dogs.

We believe in quality over quantity. 😉

Let's get learning!!

PM us, text us, call us, (07384395206) email us ([email protected])!!!

27/08/2024

⚠️PUPPY SOCIAL WORKSHOP⚠️

✅Want to learn more without commitment to full puppy classes?

✅ Want to teach your pup good social skills?

Then this 🔽 is the workshop for you!!

It isn’t your run of the mill pup class!!!

We work on:
- correct socialisation
- focus to handler
- engagement
- building neutral skills with distractions
- confident puppy
- confident owners

▶️ Come and learn tasks which help teach your pup how to be calm in the environment with our friendly workshop.

▶️ Help set your pup up for success!!

Want to know more? 🔽

✅Workshops are bitesize chunks of learning to help with your specific issues.

✅Workshops are great for those who cannot commit to our one to one sessions or programmes or great to get training around other dogs.

Our PUPPY SOCIAL WORKSHOP is over 2-PARTS.

It will be held on:

Part one - FRIDAY the 6th of SEPTEMBER at 12noon.
Part two - FRIDAY the 13th of SEPTEMBER at 12noon.

Both are 1 hour duration and held outdoors near Auchencairn.

As always, we offer quality over quantity and we are limiting the workshops to only 4 dogs at a time.

Not to mention personalised coaching for you and your individual pup.

PM or email to enrol or to find out more information.

27/08/2024

Do you live with a reactive dog?

It is never easy.

There are lots of reasons for over reactive dogs and probably at the top two we most commonly see are frustration and fear.

But whichever the reasons for your reactive dog a top tip we can give you today is to be mindful of arousal stacking, or otherwise known as stress stacking.

Stress stacking can occur with our dogs, and with us as humans.

It is basically a build up of stress throughout a day to the point where we, or your dog, are overloaded with stress!!

Let’s use the ‘stress cup’ analogy.

Think of your dogs stress levels as a cup!! When your dog experiences stress you add this to the cup.

Stress may be from triggers, scary things, general stimuli and over excitement.

If your dog experiences a lot of stress, then the cup is going to become quite full.

And may overflow!! And the fuller that cup gets the more likely of quick reactions and meltdowns!!

Now there is no one size fits all. Your dog is individual!! Some dogs have small stress cups which means they cannot cope with as much stress in a day. Some dogs are more resilient and have larger cups.

And guess what!! A stress cup can grow. You CAN build your dogs resilience helping them cope better with life.

Stress can get carried over to the next day and if you dog experiences high levels of stress then it doesn’t take long to overflow…again!!

Ideally you want to learn to understand your dog’s communication and be mindful of your dog’s stress levels, therefore preventing an overflow.

So, when that stress cup fills up, you want to help your dog decompress and empty that stress cup.

26/08/2024

Happy international dog day!!!

Dogs are just simply the best and deserve to be celebrated 🥰💜🐾

23/08/2024

⚠️ Do you feel like your big dog is out of control? ⚠️

⚠️ Do you feel embarrassed by your dogs behaviour? ⚠️

If this is you then read on!!!! 👇

❌Feeling like this can make you feel deflated and not want to go out with your dog.

❌And this can make your relationship with your dog a bit rocky.

💥Well, Kara's Love Of Paws can help you take back control and help you enjoy your life with your dog again.💥

I've helped lots of big dog guardians:

✅regain their confidence

✅take back control

✅rebuild their relationship with their dogs

✅have happier walks

Life can be happier with your big dog and you can begin your journey to having a
well balanced dog.

Here at Kara's Love Of Paws I do not judge you or your dog.

And guess what?!!!

Our aim of the game is to always make training fun for both you and you dog.

Want to find out more?

We have our Big Mutt Hub membership which means you can learn direct from your home and at your own pace.

And guess what?!! You get access to me in our very own community group.

Hit link in the comments!! 👇

Or join our Big Mutt Hub newsletters and receive a FREE eBook.

Need one to one or more tailored help then PM me or email me at: [email protected]

21/08/2024

Last minute cancellation for 1 pm on Monday the 26th. Would suit a top up session or 1 hour coaching/training session.

21/08/2024

Dog walking available from Dalbeattie Pet Services. 🥰

19/08/2024

🌟 🌟 You are doing amazing!!!! 🌟 🌟

Life can whirlwind of ups and downs. From chaos to calm and back to chaos again.

Some days you are rocking it like a boss, other days you are running around like a rabbit in headlights!! And you just feel like you are getting nowhere!!

Remember, that is life. 💁‍♀️

Sometimes, you may be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, you set your aims to high!!

When you find yourself trying to achieve too much and then having to give up, this can make us feel a bit down.

And it can make you feel like you are letting your dog down.

But DON'T WORRY...

You can achieve some small steps and work towards small goals by following this simple advice🔽

What can really help and can make a real difference is to consider your minimum and maximum output:

▶ Minimum = when in survival mode

- What one simple thing can you do everyday that won't put extra pressure on your daily schedule.

Give one example.❓

▶ Maximum = a good day/lots of time

- What extra things can you do when you have more time or when you have less other priorities.

Give example.❓

That's it - dog training should be fun and you shouldn't be made to feel guilty or under any added pressure.

So, whoever needs to hear it today - "YOU ARE DOING AMAZING"!! 💜🐾

Do you want more freetips? Then join our tribe; https://www.facebook.com/groups/196834175515109

Big dog crew - we have our amazing Big Mutt Hub. Join us today with link in comments.

PM us to work with Kara on a one to one or group setting. xx

14/08/2024

A common questions I get asked is: Why is my dog my dog reacting on walks?

⚠Firstly, your dog isn't trying to cause hassle. Your dog is reacting for a reason.

Identifying the underlying emotions and why your dogs are reacting will help us best decide how to help them. 💁‍♀️

There can be a number things going on at the same time too so it may not just be one thing!!

▶An important question to ask is ‘how long has this been happening’? ⏰

If it has been a long time then the behaviour is then more ingrained – so a longer learning history.

Behaviour can take time to change!! There is no magic wand....but it can change!!

▶Next thing is too rule out pain or any health issue. Any pain or underlying health issue can have an effect on your dogs behaviour. Pain is a huge reason why our dogs over-react.

The gut can also play a huge part in noise reactivity but also can affect behaviours in other ways.

▶Is it an emotion driving that behaviour?

We have:

🌟 Fear
🌟 Distress
🌟 Over-excitement
🌟 Anger
🌟 Shyness
🌟 Frustration

And maybe a mix of these 🔼and your dog may be feeling conflicted!!!

▶To add to this we also have the build-up of stress and arousal and each individuals dogs resilience to this.

▶Then we have to throw in the question of breed and those genes!!

Some breeds will naturally respond to movement or some individuals are naturally guarding breeds.

▶Even what goes on in the mothers womb is massively important and stress from the mother can transfer before the pups are even born!!

Fascinating isn’t it?!

So you see, your dog is reacting for a reason.

🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺

Do you have a reactive dog?

To help your dog firstly work out why they are reacting.

💜🐾

12/08/2024

🔥 Big shout out to these super star learners 🔥

Last week these two special doggies have joined my Helping Hands programs.

▶️ This unique program is our walk and train service, and can be used for helping your reactive dog build their skills up and provide much needed environmental exposure.

▶️ Also great if you struggle with time for training.

Both dogs did awesome!!

🐾Initially, the sweet GSD was a little nervous but after some time to adjust she decided it was great fun!!

We worked on building predictable patterns for her reactivity plus some safety cues.

🐾The handsome Romanian rescue dog who knows me very well was more than happy to come along for some training.

We worked loose lead, recall, road safety, reactivity cues and heel.

And of course both dogs had great fun alongside their learning.

Can’t wait to see them again this week.

💜🐾

08/08/2024

🌟Check out these super stars 🌟

Aren’t they adorable? 🤩

🐾Yesterday I met the gorgeous Akita for the first session who is just simply adorable!!

He’s enrolled on my full program and looking forward to working on lead skills and basic frustration reactivity.

🐾 Then I met back up with gorgeous wee spaniel. He is lovely and a fab learner!!

We worked on some reactivity protocols, loose lead and handling skills.

🐾 Finally, I met for session 2 with the gorgeous golden retriever who’s got an amazing drive on her! She kept us on our toes anyway. 😂

We worked on window reactions, lead work and engagement and finally the beginnings of her reactivity.

Big well done to all. Fantastic learners 💜🐾

06/08/2024

⚠“All big dogs are head-strong, robust and confident!!”⚠

⚠“If a big dog is reacting then she is out of control and aggressive!!”⚠

⚠“He is a big dog; he needs to put in his place.”⚠

These are often common thoughts when it comes to big dogs…

…and quite often big dogs can be simply misunderstood.

But underneath, not all big dogs are head-strong and full of confidence.

Big and reactive doesn’t always mean aggressive – there is always a reason for this reactive behaviour and quite often, but not always, it is driven by fear.

And just because a dog is big, it does not mean he requires a heavy hand or abusive training.

They are emotional, sentient beings which need the same feeling of safety and trust as all other beings.

And quite often our big dogs are just big sensitive souls.

💜🐾

Did you know we specialise in big dogs and have a unique learning academy & community group just for you and your dogs?

▶Check link in comments for our Big Mutt Hub.

Big dog crew, come and join in the Big dog fun!!

💜🐾

31/07/2024

Do you live with a dog who can be reactive or hyper-vigilant in the environment?

This can make walks just a bit of a struggle, particularly if your dog is big!!

😱🙃

One way you can help your dog is to get them interacting with the environment.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

You can do this by getting your dog sniffing for food!! This will encourage your dogs nose to go to the ground to help him/her sniff more.

You can also encourage your dog to interact with obstacles in the environment.

✅You can teach your dog to do 'two paws' on obstacles.

▶️Practice where your dog feels safe, such as in the home or garden, and get paying your dog for doing two paws on an object.

▶️Once your dog has learned two paws with objects in their 'safe' place you can take this out on walks.


Reinforcing your dog for interacting with the environment will help build good connection between you and your dog, build better focus on you and will help your dog feel more relaxed and feel good about the environment.

It is a win-win!!!

💜🐾

Want to learn more about the work we do with 'reactive' dogs?

Email us at: [email protected]

30/07/2024

And we’re back!! 💜🤩💜

After a lovely break we’re back in action!!

And raring to go!!

Here are some of the beautiful souls we had worked with before we went on holiday.

And some updates:

▶️ Look out for our workshop dates coming soon!!

▶️ We have very little one to one spaces left for August. Get in touch to start your program or book a one off slot!!

▶️ Big dogs can get special attention over in our BIG DOG hub. Link in comments.

▶️ Special online courses coming soon 😉

If your are waiting to hear from us, please bear with us whilst we catch up! 🥰

Let’s get training together 💜🐾

21/07/2024

And that’s a wrap for us at HQ!!

We are taking a break!!!

Don’t worry, all will resume back to normal on the 31st of July!!

We’ve tried to answer all our queries and client emails.

If you haven’t heard from us don’t worry, we will respond on our return.

Looking forward to some much needed decompression time.

And cannot wait to get back and be working with lots of beautiful souls.

Have a lovely week ahead.

💜🐾

17/07/2024

UPDATE: ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT!!!!!

⚠️ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT ON OUR FOCUS & ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP⚠️

❌ Does your dog ignore you on walks?

❌ Do you lack engagement from your dog?

Then this 🔽 is the workshop for you!!

Building focus and engagement is one of our important foundation layers when training your dog.

▶️ Come and learn tasks which help build focus and engagement with our friendly workshop.

✅Workshops are bitesize chunks of learning to help with your specific issues.

✅Workshops are great for those who cannot commit to our one to one sessions or programmes or great to get training around other dogs.

Our FOCUS & ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP - FRIDAY the 19th July at 10:30 am near Auchencairn.

As always, we offer quality over quantity and we are limiting the workshops to only 4 dogs at a time.

You will be provided with a preparation guide, the 1.5 hour in-person workshop and a PDF with all your tasks so you can continue the training at home.

Not to mention personalised coaching for you and your individual dog.

PM or email to enrol or to find out more information.

15/07/2024

⚠️Does your dog react like a Tasmanian devil? ⚠️

⚠️Is your big dog showing you up on walks? ⚠️

⚠️ Find your dogs behaviour having a negative impact on life? ⚠️

🙋‍♀🙋‍♀️We know that it can make you feel so overwhelmed and as though you are being judged by Joe Blogs next door.

🔥When you find yourself feeling like this...take a deep breathe in...

And remember, no-one can judge you...

and your dog is an individual, sentient being with his/hers own amazing personality...you cannot possibly compare your dog.

Remember, you are doing amazing!! 🔥

💥You are living your life and following your own journey with your special four legged companion.

▶️Think of all the amazing things about your dog. Smile at their cute moments and laugh at those funny memories.

▶️Now think of the things that maybe both you and your dog could improve upon.

▶️Next, set some small achievable steps on how you may achieve this.

▶️Take one small step at a time to help you leap to happiness with your dog.

Your journey with your dog should be fun, not stressful!!

Needing some inspiration then comment below⬇️⬇️⬇️

Don't know where to start then do get in touch.

We can help you and your dogs from anywhere in the world!!

⚠️Pm us, or email us at [email protected]

⚠️Join our Big Mutt Hub online membership with link in comments 🔽

💜🐾

14/07/2024

Only one space left!!! 💜🐾

UPDATE: ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT!!!!!

⚠️ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT ON OUR FOCUS & ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP⚠️

❌ Does your dog ignore you on walks?

❌ Do you lack engagement from your dog?

Then this 🔽 is the workshop for you!!

Building focus and engagement is one of our important foundation layers when training your dog.

▶️ Come and learn tasks which help build focus and engagement with our friendly workshop.

✅Workshops are bitesize chunks of learning to help with your specific issues.

✅Workshops are great for those who cannot commit to our one to one sessions or programmes or great to get training around other dogs.

Our FOCUS & ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP - FRIDAY the 19th July at 10:30 am near Auchencairn.

As always, we offer quality over quantity and we are limiting the workshops to only 4 dogs at a time.

You will be provided with a preparation guide, the 1.5 hour in-person workshop and a PDF with all your tasks so you can continue the training at home.

Not to mention personalised coaching for you and your individual dog.

PM or email to enrol or to find out more information.

13/07/2024

Update: space now gone!!

⚠️One space left this month for one to one training.⚠️

Space available is for a one hour coaching session on Tuesday the 16th of July at 10:30 am.

This can be for previous clients for a top up session or for newbies looking to work on teaching their dog new cues or changing some issues with behaviour.

The session can also be taking in person or on video call.

Pm for details. 💜🐾

Photo of my dogs for cuteness 😍

08/07/2024

Pssst!!!! Did you know about the Big Mutt Hub?

The doors are open right now and, what is even better is that you only pay £17 per month.

🔥Join now and your fees stay the same for as long as you are in there. 🔥

We currently have over 70 resources on:

✅Training skills.
✅Understanding your dog.
✅Building engagement.
✅Focus training.
✅Loose lead skills.
✅Impulse Control.
✅Recall foundations.
✅Confidence building.
✅6 webinars on hot topics.

More content being added!!

Alongside this we have our community group where we have weekly info posts & videos, monthly challenge weeks, Q&A or webinar, and also feedback Friday from Kara at Kara's Love Of Paws.

Lot's going on in our exclusive Big Mutt Hub.

Join us for link in the comments. 🔽

05/07/2024

🔥Who's got those Friday vibes?🔥

We do!! 🐕‍🦺🐕

🌻Let's all end the week with some pawesome positivity🌻

What has been your big win with your dog recently?

Comment below 🔽

04/07/2024

WHAT YOUR DOG WISHES YOU KNEW!!

⚠️Give your dog more choices!!⚠️

Why?

In today's world, we control so much of our dogs life.

We bring them in to our lives and make so many decisions about how they live.

We decide when and where they walk. Times they eat and times they play.

We control their daily routines.

Of course we must to a certain extent as some dogs left to their own devices would have a hooley...and let's face it...they may not make the best choices.

➡️And it will differ for every dog.⬅️

But it is important we help empower them and at least let them have some choice and control in their lives.

So how can we do this safely:

🌟You can let them choose which chew they would like. Simply have two different chews, one in each hand, and let them decide.

🌟Where and when it is safe to do so, let them choose which direction to go on a walk.

🌟Lay out enrichment items with different food types and textures and let them choose which to investigate first an din which order.

🌟Let them pick their fav toy to play with!!

Like I say, it will differ for each dog.

🐾Our lovely Luna can make lots of good choices so she gets a more varied choices on walks.

🐾Our lovely Diego can get overwhelmed easily on walks so cannot get as many choices here so he gets choices in toys and also what his choice of chew is. 😉

So go on, help empower your dog today and provide appropriate choices.

💜🐾

Come and learn more about what your dog needs in our Big Mutt Hub.
Link in comments. 👇

One to one coaching diary is open for August!! PM or email us at [email protected]

03/07/2024

WHAT YOUR DOG WANTS YOU TO KNOW!!

Dogs enjoy your companionship.

So it is important to spend time with them.

Sometimes your dog will enjoy being right with you and sometimes your dog will want to be left alone.

🤷‍♀️Like me, sometimes I want to go the party and other times I just don't.

🔥What you must do is learn to read and understand your dogs communication.🔥

Does your dog really want hands on engagement right now, or would he prefer to lie by your side and not be touched.

If you go to hug or touch your dog, do they turn their head away?

If yes, then they may not want the hands on engagement right now.

One thing you need to do is acknowledge this communication and listen to your dog.

➡️Learn to listen⬅️

Dogs are only with us for a short time. Let’s make the most of their time.

💜🐾

Come and learn more about what your dog needs in our Big Mutt Hub.
Link in comments. 👇

One to one coaching diary is open for August!! PM or email us at [email protected]

02/07/2024

WHAT YOUR DOG WISHES YOU KNEW!!

🚫Stop!!

Slow Down!!
🔽🔽🔽🔽

So often our dogs walks are rushed to fit into our busy schedules.

Time is short and we must walk for 45 minutes and get as far as we can as fast as we can.

But what would your dog choose? 🤔

All dogs are different in what they need physically and mentally....BUT...all dogs have that need to sniff and engage with the world.

Sniffing is how your dogs SEES the world.

The more rushed the dog is the less information he takes in.

The more the dog is rushed the more he will rush to gain as much information as she can.

When we rush a sensitive dog, then this can make them worse!!

Stop - slow down - help your dog take in the world.

Even better, and where safe to do, let them lead the way and follow them.

The journey can be quite fascinating.
💜🐾

Come and learn more about what your dog needs in our Big Mutt Hub.

Link in comments. 👇

One to one coaching diary is open for August!! PM or email us at [email protected]

01/07/2024

WHAT YOUR DOG WISHES YOU KNEW.

❌When you took on your dog, did you imagine lovely walks and social meets in the dog park, but instead have a crazy dog?

❌Did you imagine long walks together, but instead have a dog who is hyper-vigilant and anxious?

All what you imagined just isn't happening!!!!

➡️Remember, ALL dogs are different and individual.

Each dog is different with a unique personality.

Special in their own little way.

‼️What is so important for you as their owner is to see this.

💥Don't compare your dog with the dog down the road, or the dogs you see walking in the park.

💥Don't compare your dog to your previous dogs.

Each are very different.

"See the dog in front of you, not the one in your mind". This is one of my favourite quotes by Chirag Patel, a wonderful fellow animal trainer.

Don't get frustrated because your dog doesn't fit the typical and perfect dog.

Let's not dwell on it. Our time with them is short...enjoy it!!!!

✅Let's help the dog in front of you...and not think about the dog you are wanting him to be.

💜🐾

We see the people in front of us too!! 😉

PM us or email at: [email protected]

Join our Big Mutt Hub membership for our big dogs with big hearts, link in comments. 👇

28/06/2024

Any clients coming from Dumfries for our loose lead workshop please be aware of road closure on a711

28/06/2024

‼️ Finding those walks a little crazy‼️

‼️ Tired of struggling with your dog‼️

We thrive in helping you regain self confidence on walks and rebuild connection with your four legged friend.

▶In fact, we help you learn to understand your dog behaviours and work your way to a happier relationship and to a well-balanced dog.

✅This helps you feel once again confident and have much more relaxed walks...together!!

💜It is time to enjoy your life with your dog 💜

We can help you through our:

▶One to one training & behavioural programmes

▶One off sessions

▶Helping hands (I train your dog through training walks)

▶Big Mutt Hub membership

▶Online coaching video training

▶Our group workshops

Let's get training together.

To get in touch or find out more:

Contact links in comments 🔽