Devon Dog Boarding School

20/04/2025

FREE Online dog conference😀
Link to register in the comments

Dogs are our much-loved companions and family members.

We want them to have happy, healthy and fulfilled lives—whether that’s joining us on family days out, cosy evenings at home, or big outdoor adventures.

But let’s be honest—bringing up a dog can feel hard sometimes.
Whether it’s your very first, or you’ve had dogs for decades, we all face training challenges or behaviours that leave us unsure what to do next.

The good news? It’s never too late to make a difference.

No matter your dog’s age, background or the struggles you’re facing, there are so many kind, effective and force-free ways to make things better—not just for your dog, but for you too.

I’d love to introduce you to my colleague Holly.

Holly is both a behaviourist and a clinical psychologist who helps dogs and their humans build stronger, more trusting relationships—in a way that feels positive and empowering.

She’s hosting a completely free 14-day virtual event starting on Monday 21st April, and I’m really proud to be speaking as part of it.
It’s called: “Kindness Is Essential, Not Optional”: The Dog Behaviour Conference

I’ll be talking about Adolescence Through a Compassionate Lens, alongside 27 other incredible guest experts, all sharing knowledge, strategies and support to help you and your dog feel more connected and confident together.

👉Get your FREE spot by registering with the link in the comments

29/06/2023

Calling all cocker spaniel owners! 😀

Do you ever find it challenging to get your Cocker Spaniel to listen while out on a walk? Are you hesitant to let them off the lead due to concerns about their recall skills? If so, I have an exciting opportunity that will help you overcome these hurdles and deepen the bond between you and them.

I'm thrilled to invite you to join my FREE 5-Day Recall Challenge, starting on Monday, July 3rd. This exclusive challenge is specifically designed for Cocker Spaniel owners like you, who want to enhance their dog's recall abilities!

To secure your spot in the 5-Day Recall Challenge and ensure you receive all the free resources and daily training materials, simply sign up through the following link: https://www.thecockeracademy.com/f/recall-5-day-training-challenge

26/05/2023

CALLING ALL COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS!

Are you struggling with a barking Cocker? Do you find yourself constantly shouting or dealing with excessive barking? I've been there, and I understand the frustration. That's why I'm thrilled to invite you to an upcoming webinar that can help you say goodbye to all that noise and bring peace back into your home and on your walks.

Introducing my free "Stop Barking" Live Interactive Webinar! Join me on 29th May at 7pm for this not to be missed session.
During the webinar, I will share practical strategies and techniques that I have personally found success with. You'll gain valuable insights into understanding the reasons behind your Cocker Spaniel's barking and receive an actionable plan that you can put into action right away.

Here's what you can expect from our webinar:
👉 Understanding the root causes of barking in Cocker Spaniels.
👉 Tips for creating a calm and peaceful environment for your dog.
👉 Q&A session to address your specific concerns and challenges.
👉 Bonus resources and handouts to support your training journey.

Date: 29th May 2023 Time: 7:00 PM (BST)

To secure your spot in the webinar, simply click on the following link to register: https://www.thecockeracademy.com/live-webinar/stop-barking/register

11/10/2022

Impulse control is certainly a challenge, especially if you have a working lines breed. There are lots of fun games you can play which will help them to manage themselves and find it rewarding to do so.
What games do you play with your dog?

28/09/2022

Free masterclass on understanding our adolescent cockers

Free online masterclass to help you not just survive but THRIVE your cocker's "teenage" phase!
The teenage phase is usually 6-18 months, but can sometimes be longer.
Remember how proud you were of your puppy's training results?
How quickly he learned to sit, to lie down, to come, to leave it, to drop it, etc.?
Where did all of those skills go?
Do you feel like you wasted all your time at the puppy classes?
Rest assured it's not all doom and gloom!
Join us in this masterclass to learn not only how to survive but to thrive through this phase with your cocker:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cockeracademyconnection

26/09/2022

This is your friendly reminder that adolescence is not the time to take your foot off the training accelerator!

Your dog might appear to have forgotten everything you’ve taught them, but please don’t give up. Just stay consistent and you’ll come out the other side with a well-behaved adult dog.

Found this useful? Be sure to share with fellow dog owners.

07/09/2022

“It’s been proven that dogs go through a rebellious teenage phase.”
If you’re feeling like your well-mannered puppy has turned into a mischievous rebel, you’re not imagining it.
Studies have shown that adolescence is a “vulnerable time for dog–owner relationships”*.
When they hit this stage, dogs are less responsive to cues and are deemed less trainable. It’s not something you are doing wrong; it’s just your dog going through some “dramatic hormonal changes and reorganisation of the brain”*.
*https://royalsocietypublishing...

02/09/2022

After the figures released by Spaniel Aid UK yesterday in regards to their August intake, I was feeling quite sad about the number of dogs who are being put up for rehoming or rescued for various issues. This video is all about Understanding The Background of your cocker so please take the time to watch.

If you want to learn more about understanding your Cocker, join our free live training in September, here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cockeracademyconnection

26/08/2022

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾
Drop a photo of your dog in the comments, we'd love to see them!