DogTraining Costa Blanca

27/07/2026

Sticky Burr Seeds!!

Are these driving you nuts?

If your dog loves charging around scrubland this time of year, they're almost impossible to avoid. Burr seeds cling to fur and can be a real nuisance, especially at this time of year.

Unfortunately, it's far too hot to put a coat on most dogs during the summer, and they're much harder to remove from long coated breeds.

If you have a long coated dog that loves foraging, you could make a simple lightweight coat from a thin T-shirt. It won't stop the burrs sticking to their legs, ears or tail, but it can help protect a large part of their body and make grooming afterwards a little easier.

The sooner you remove the burrs after your walk, the easier they are to get out before they become tangled in the coat.
Lucky for me Cava is short coated as this is a daily occurrence for us.
Angela & Cava

24/07/2026

Secondary drowning in dogs

Sadly, because so many of us have swimming pools and live near the sea, this can be more common.

Secondary drowning (also called delayed drowning) can occur if a dog inhales water while swimming or playing in the water. The signs don't always appear immediately, so it's important to keep an eye on your dog for several hours afterwards.

Some of the Symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent coughing
• Difficulty or rapid breathing
• Pale or bluish gums
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Vomiting
• Collapse or weakness

If your dog loves swimming, it's worth knowing these warning signs. If you notice any of them after your dog has been in the water, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment can make all the difference.

After all that, don't let it put you off! Swimming is a fantastic way to help cool your dog down, it's brilliant exercise, and most dogs absolutely love it.

Luna in the video is loving the water, and as you can see she's having the best time whenever she goes to the beach. Just be aware of the signs 🐾
Thank you Luna for letting me share your fun 😊
Angela

22/07/2026

Training and having fun! 🐾

Training your dog is a journey, and like any worthwhile journey, it takes time. It should be enjoyable for both you and your dog, so slow down, be patient, and help them succeed.
Attending a class gives you the skills and guidance, but it's the relationship you build every day at home that lasts a lifetime.
These videos are from our Beginners Plus class. No one is rushing. Everyone is using calm hand signals, clear body language, and quiet verbal cues to help their dogs through each exercise.
Their consistency, patience, and calm approach are paying off beautifully. Dogs don't need us to shout they can hear us perfectly. They learn best when we communicate clearly, reward generously, and make training fun.
Progress isn't about perfection. It's about building trust, understanding, and enjoying the journey together. ❤️🐶
Angela

21/07/2026

Real changes happen when both ends of the lead learn something new 🐾🐾🐾

Dogs, just like us, are creatures of habit. They also love attention whether it's positive or negative!
Is there a behaviour your dog keeps repeating that you'd love to change?
The good news is that it's usually not difficult to find what motivates your dog. It might be food, toys, a walk, a game, access to water, or something else they really value. By using what motivates them, we can help replace an unwanted habit with a better one.
Here's the catch.
It's often us, as owners, who find change the hardest. We keep doing and saying the same things, even though we know they aren't helping our dog.
I often meet people who want me to change their dog without changing their own routines or habits. But if what you've been doing hasn't worked for months, or even years! why would it suddenly start working now?
So, when you ask for help, be prepared to make some changes too. We can't reprogramme a dog in a single session, but we can give you the knowledge, the tools, and the ongoing support to help you and your dog succeed together.
Real change happens when both ends of the lead learn something new.
Angela Holt Tel: 696 42 67 83

19/07/2026

When they roll 🤢😂

Boy, Cava smelt bad! 🤢😂
Luckily, I always have my backpack with me. Inside is: • Water • Wet wipes • Poo bags • Tissues • Hand sanitiser
Every single one of them was needed for this particular occasion!
For those of you whose dogs love covering themselves in the most disgusting smells imaginable, you have my complete sympathy. I'm definitely not laughing 😂 well, maybe a little 😂😂
Angela and now clean Cava 🐾

17/07/2026

What can we achieve in just one session?
Quite a lot!
But we can't flick a switch or reprogram a dog like you would a faulty electrical appliance. Dogs don't learn that way.
What we can do is give you the structure, knowledge and guidance to help you understand your individual dog. We'll show you what works, support you every step of the way, and help you build the skills you need. The rest comes down to consistency and practice at home.
This video is from my second visit, just two weeks after meeting a young German Shepherd who came out of rescue at six months old.
I still remember Anja saying during my first visit, "I just want to walk her like you do."
Well, Anja has put in the work, followed the guidance, stayed patient and positive... and just look at the results! ❤️
Yes, you have to make changes. Yes, you have to be patient. Yes, you have to make training enjoyable and rewarding.
But when owners commit, the results can be amazing.
When I first met Linda, she reacted to dogs and cats. In my opinion, it was driven by curiosity rather than fear or aggression.
We worked on using a re direction word that we bridged with food.
With the right guidance and consistent practice, she's made fantastic progress.
Seeing transformations like this is exactly why I love what I do. It's incredibly rewarding and makes every day worthwhile.
Ben & I will be offering loose lead workshops after the summer months.
Angela Holt Tel: 696 42 67 83

14/07/2026

What do you do to keep your dog cool during the summer months? ☀️🐶

I've recently shared some tips on cooling your dog down if they're already too hot, but after chatting with some of you, I've realised there are some brilliant ways to help prevent them from overheating in the first place.
We all have different dogs, different homes and different routines.
I'd love to hear your ideas and experiences, and you might even help another dog owner discover something they've never thought of.
Pop your tips in the comments and let's build a great list of ideas to help keep our dogs happy and comfortable this summer. 🐾
Angela

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

Putting your hand out!!!

Putting your hand towards a nervous dog is one of the worst things you can do. They are likely to immediately back away and may even bark because they feel threatened.
Trust me, dogs can smell you perfectly well without having a hand pushed into their face.
If you’re told a dog is nervous, always listen. Avoid reaching towards them, avoid direct eye contact, and give them the space they need to feel safe.
The best thing you can offer a nervous dog is patience and the choice to approach you in their own time.
So many dogs are forced into situations they don’t enjoy simply because humans think every dog wants attention from everyone. Respecting their space, body language, and choice is one of the kindest things we can do.
I absolutely love dogs, but you will never see me smothering and over fussing a dog I don’t know. Not because I’m scared, but because I want to give them the respect they deserve to feel comfortable around me.
Dusty in the picture is nervous of new people approaching, however she knows me well and was happy for me to use her as a demonstration. 🐾

12/07/2026

Sometimes the walk takes a little longer and that's absolutely okay.
For me, it's a balance between reaching my own step goal and giving Cava the time she needs to enjoy being a dog.
That means stopping to sniff, watching the world go by, exploring new scents, and taking everything in at her own pace.
Not every walk has to be about getting from A to B. Sometimes, the best walks are the ones where you simply slow down and let your dog enjoy the journey.
Angela & Cava 🐾❤️