Paws Academy Dog Training

Paws Academy Dog Training We offer professional, reward-based dog training tailored to your dog’s needs.

Led by a qualified behaviourist, we provide puppy classes, behaviour support, and agility training using positive methods to build confidence and create a well-behaved dog. Welcome to Paws Academy Dog Training

With over 30 years of experience, Paws Academy provides professional dog training and behaviour support, both online and through one-to-one and group classes in Co Mayo. Led by a qualified

trainer and behaviourist, we are dedicated to using force-free, science-backed methods to achieve lasting, positive results. Our training is vet recommended, and we specialise in supporting all behavioural challenges, with significant experience working with rescue dogs. Our services include:
* Puppy training classes
* Specialised workshops
* Behaviour modification programmes
* Agility training
* Online training

At Paws Academy, we are committed to helping you develop a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog through ethical, reward-based training.

Has your older dog stopped listening, or are they trying to tell you something?It’s easy to think your senior dog has su...
25/10/2025

Has your older dog stopped listening, or are they trying to tell you something?

It’s easy to think your senior dog has suddenly decided the rules don’t apply anymore. You call them, and they just stand there. You ask them to sit, and they give you that slow, uncertain look. It can feel like stubbornness, but quite often, it’s not. It’s pain.

Arthritis is one of the most common reasons older dogs change their behaviour. When their joints ache or stiffen, simple movements like sitting, lying down or climbing the stairs become uncomfortable. What looks like defiance is often a quiet attempt to avoid hurting themselves.

Many dogs hide their pain well. They’ll keep doing what’s asked of them until it becomes too much. That’s why signs of arthritis can be easy to miss. You might notice your dog taking longer to get up, hesitating before jumping into the car or lagging behind on walks. Sometimes they seem less keen to train, or they flinch when touched in certain areas. These small shifts speak volumes.

The truth is, your older dog still wants to please you. They just need a little help to do it comfortably. Adjusting how you train and moving at their pace can make a huge difference. Shorter sessions, softer surfaces and simple, pain-free commands can restore their confidence and enthusiasm.

If your dog’s behaviour has changed recently, take a moment to look beyond the “stubbornness.” Listen to what they might be saying with their body. A quick check from your vet and a few thoughtful changes at home can bring back that spark you know so well.

Because sometimes, it’s not that they won’t do it. It’s that it hurts to try. ❤️🐾

25/10/2025

Evening biting can make you feel like nothing is working, but it is one of the most common puppy phases there is.

When puppies get tired, their self-control drops and the teeth come out. It is not bad behaviour, it is just part of learning how to switch off.

You do not need to be firmer or louder. You just need calm, consistent routines that help them settle.

This new reel explains why it happens and what to do in those moments so you can both end the day on a calmer note.

Your dog hasn’t forgotten their training. They’re just growing up. One day your dog comes flying back the second you cal...
24/10/2025

Your dog hasn’t forgotten their training. They’re just growing up.

One day your dog comes flying back the second you call. The next, they look straight at you and run in the opposite direction. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

That sudden shift often catches owners off guard, but it’s completely normal. Your sweet, responsive puppy is entering adolescence, a stage ruled by hormones, curiosity and a whole lot of independence. Just like teenagers, dogs go through a period where listening feels optional and impulse control takes a holiday.

It can be frustrating, especially when you know they know what you’re asking. But they’re not being stubborn for the sake of it. Their brain is changing. Hormones are racing. Their world has just become bigger and far more interesting than it used to be.

The good news is that this phase doesn’t last forever. With calm consistency, clear boundaries and short, positive training sessions, they’ll rediscover their focus. Keep things light. Reward small wins. And remember, patience pays off more than pressure.

If your dog is in that tricky teenage stage right now, take a deep breath. This is just one chapter in their development. Stay steady, stay kind, and keep showing them that listening to you always leads to good things.

Because behind that cheeky side-eye is a smart young dog figuring out the world, one test at a time.

🐾 We’re finalists! 🐾We’re so proud to share that Paws Academy has been nominated in the Local Pet Awards Ireland 2025 fo...
24/10/2025

🐾 We’re finalists! 🐾

We’re so proud to share that Paws Academy has been nominated in the Local Pet Awards Ireland 2025 for Dog Trainer / Obedience Class of the Year 🎉

It would mean the world to us if you could take a moment to vote. We are the fourth option down (Paws Academy) on the voting page.

The link to vote is in the comments below 👇

Thank you so much for your support. Every single vote really does make a difference and we are so grateful to have such an amazing community behind us 💛🐶

23/10/2025

If your puppy keeps having accidents, it’s not about disobedience, it’s about clarity.

Most owners focus on stopping accidents instead of teaching success. When you shift to clear routines, calm rewards and start recognising your puppy’s early signals, everything begins to make sense. Toilet training doesn’t need to be stressful or take months. It’s all about consistency and helping your puppy understand what’s expected.

At Paws Academy, we teach kind, reward-based methods that work in real homes with real puppies.
Join our community for calm, practical guidance that helps you feel confident through every stage of puppy training.

Did you know that one wrong move could affect your puppy’s joints for life?When we bring a puppy home, it is natural to ...
22/10/2025

Did you know that one wrong move could affect your puppy’s joints for life?

When we bring a puppy home, it is natural to be excited about long walks, games, or even the thought of training them for sports. But beneath their wagging tail and playful bounce lies something most owners never think about: growth plates.

Growth plates are the soft areas of cartilage at the ends of your puppy’s long bones. They are what allow bones to grow and lengthen. Until these plates close and turn into solid bone, they remain the most vulnerable part of your puppy’s skeletal system. Any excessive stress or high-impact activity before closure can cause permanent damage.

This is especially important because growth plate injuries do not heal like regular sprains. Instead, they can lead to uneven bone growth, joint deformities, or mobility issues that last a lifetime. A four-month-old Labrador may look strong enough to chase a ball for hours or leap from the sofa, but inside, their skeletal system is still fragile.

The timeline for growth plate closure depends on the size and breed of your dog. Small breeds often finish developing around 10 months, while large and giant breeds can take up to two years before their bones are fully mature. Until then, every form of exercise must be chosen carefully.

That does not mean puppies should be wrapped in cotton wool. They still need exercise and enrichment, but it should be controlled and safe. Short walks, free play on soft grass, gentle training, and low-impact activities like swimming are all excellent choices. What should be avoided are repetitive jumps, long-distance running, hard surfaces, or rough play with larger dogs.

If you notice limping, stiffness, swelling, or a reluctance to play, those are early warning signs that your puppy may have done too much. Always give them plenty of rest, and if you have concerns, ask your vet to check whether their growth plates are still open.

The truth is, protecting your puppy’s joints now is an investment in their future. Careful exercise in the first year sets the foundation for a strong, healthy, and active life.

The next time your puppy looks eager to leap off the sofa or join you on a long run, remember this: their body is still building the framework they will rely on for years to come. Protect those growth plates today, and you protect their ability to run, play, and thrive tomorrow. ❤

When memories pop up from 13 years ago….. my absolutely wonderful little Kookie 💛
21/10/2025

When memories pop up from 13 years ago….. my absolutely wonderful little Kookie 💛

🎆 Fireworks don’t have to mean fear for your dog Do you dread fireworks season because your dog trembles, hides or panic...
21/10/2025

🎆 Fireworks don’t have to mean fear for your dog

Do you dread fireworks season because your dog trembles, hides or panics at every bang? You are not alone. Sound sensitivity is one of the most common behavioural issues in dogs, but here is the important part: it is not the same for every dog.

Some dogs are born more sensitive. Others learn to fear noises after painful or stressful experiences. Fireworks, thunderstorms and sudden loud sounds can then trigger overwhelming fear. When we understand the difference between primary (inborn) and secondary (learned) sound sensitivity, we can make much better choices to help our dogs feel safe again.

In this episode of the Barks to Basics Podcast, I explore:
🔹 Why some dogs are naturally more sensitive to sound
🔹 How fear of noise can be learned through trauma, stress or association
🔹 Why fireworks and storms are such powerful triggers
🔹 What the science tells us about the canine brain in fear
🔹 Practical steps you can take right now to create safety and build trust

💡 This is not about “fixing” your dog overnight. It is about giving them choice, safety and the chance to feel calm again, one step at a time.

👉 Listen to Episode 006: Booms, Bangs & Safe Spaces: Helping Your Sound-Sensitive Dog on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
(Links in the comments)

Your dog does not have to go through fireworks season in fear. Let’s help them feel safe together.

21/10/2025

What if saying yes to your dog’s digging was the best thing you ever did for them?

Digging isn’t bad behaviour. It’s instinct. When dogs dig, they’re releasing energy, relieving stress, and expressing what comes naturally. The problem isn’t the digging; it’s where they’re doing it.

By giving your dog a safe place to dig, like a sandpit or a spare patch of soil, you’re redirecting their instinct rather than suppressing it. This simple enrichment can reduce frustration, prevent boredom, and create a calmer, happier dog.

Enrichment like this helps your dog feel more balanced, confident, and fulfilled. It’s not about stopping their behaviour. It’s about understanding it.

How does your dog show their natural instincts? Do they love to dig, sniff, or chew? Tell me in the comments.

Follow Paws Academy for more expert guidance on dog enrichment and behaviour.

A lovely afternoon off work today, and to spend time with Matthew & Sully…. It’s nice to chill out and get some downtime...
20/10/2025

A lovely afternoon off work today, and to spend time with Matthew & Sully…. It’s nice to chill out and get some downtime. Beautiful spot by the lake for a picnic lunch and then exploring some off route tracks 💛

Think a Miniature Poodle is just a pretty face? Think again. Behind that elegant coat is one of the sharpest minds in th...
20/10/2025

Think a Miniature Poodle is just a pretty face? Think again. Behind that elegant coat is one of the sharpest minds in the dog world.

This is not a lapdog who wants to be left alone. The Miniature Poodle is alert, aware and mentally wired for engagement. They pick up on patterns, tone and movement faster than most owners expect. They learn quickly and remember clearly.

They can be silly and playful or sharp and focused. Which one you get depends on how you lead. These dogs are easy to live with when they are challenged. When they are not, they will make their own fun and it rarely lines up with your idea of calm.

They need clear communication, meaningful interaction and plenty of variety in their day. If you are switched off, they will know it.

Miniature Poodles are not just intelligent. They are intense in their own quiet way. They suit homes where the human is just as switched on as they are.

Click the image to find out what really matters when training a Miniature Poodle. Full post will be added to the comments.

Did you know your dog’s muscles often show the signs before their behaviour does?Most owners only notice reactivity once...
19/10/2025

Did you know your dog’s muscles often show the signs before their behaviour does?

Most owners only notice reactivity once their dog barks, lunges, or snaps. By that point, the dog is already stressed . But if you look closely, your dog will give you much earlier signals through their body, starting with muscle tension.

On the tense side, you may see stiff shoulders, a rigid tail, tight muscles across the body, and a hard expression. This is the point where adrenaline has taken hold, and the body is preparing for action.

On the relaxed side, the muscles are soft, posture is loose, the tail hangs naturally, and the face appears open with softer eyes and an easy expression. This is the state where calm focus and learning can take place.

The key is spotting the shift before the reaction happens. When you notice tension building, you can calmly create space, change direction, or redirect your dog’s attention to something rewarding. These simple actions can prevent a full outburst.

Think of it this way: tension is the whisper, reactivity is the shout. If you learn to notice the whisper, life with your dog becomes far less stressful.

Practical tip: Next time you are out walking, stop for a moment and watch your dog when they see something mildly interesting. Do their muscles soften quickly, or do they stay locked in place? That single observation will tell you whether they are heading towards calm or towards a reaction.

Dogs do not suddenly react. There is always a build-up, and muscle tension is one of the most reliable early clues. Learning to read it gives you a chance to support your dog before the behaviour spirals. 💛

Address

Aughness South, Ballycroy, Westport
Mayo
F28YR65

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+353857574185

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About Kola-Beanz

Kola-Beanz Equestrian and Pet supplies is a family run business in Co Mayo, Ireland. We are proud to be working with some of the best equestrian and pet brands, all hand chosen by us, to ensure that we only stock products that we know and trust.

This ensures that we only sell items which are superior quality, hardwearing, have a great design, plus are the latest in high end fashion.

We specialise in the HAAS Brushes and HAAS Brush Sets and have exclusive Brush Packs designed for your horses particular colour and coat. As well as stocking all the HAAS brushes individually.

At Kola-Beanz we are dedicated to providing award winning customer service, and have a fantastic customer loyalty reward scheme, called ‘Blue Points’. Blue-Points are given for every purchase made, plus bonus blue-points are awarded for sharing to FB, Twitter or following on Instagram. Plus you get money off vouchers as part of our refer a friend scheme. Your Blue-Points can then be used for money off purchases or great gifts! It’s good to be rewarded!