South West Dog Skills

30/12/2025

We are absolutely lost for words. Since our first encounter of Sarah's presentation at the Dog Rescue conference in Bath back in 2018 we knew she was going to change our lives and my goodness she did just that. It has been an honour to learn so much from such an inspirational person.

Sarah had a unique ability to connect with both humans and animals in a very profound way and many people will be feeling a great sense of loss.

We will take time to process this very sad news whilst holding on to the many amazing moments we shared together.

18/12/2025

This morning we went to Bristol Dog Field. Before we could go off and play Rojo had to remind us of the rules.

17/12/2025

Unfortunately the review trolls have hit us. In the last 2 hours we have received several fake 1 star Google reviews from people we’ve never worked with. Although we have reported them they are still showing.

Positivity will always prevail and we hope that anyone looking at our reviews will read the countless 5 star reviews from actual people and realise that we are providing a good service.

Feel free to take a look

4.5 ⭐ · Dog trainer in England

16/12/2025

Sometimes our dogs don’t ask with noise or big gestures.
They whisper instead, if we know how to listen.

That look right there 👀
It’s quiet. Unassuming. Easy to miss if you’re rushing.

Jonty isn’t jumping, pawing, barking or making a fuss - but he is communicating.

Soft eyes.
Still body.
Mouth closed.
Sitting close and holding the gaze.

This is a request.

Those tiny cues are communication, practiced and listen to over years, avoiding the need for the louder and bigger requests for support.

If we’re busy, distracted, or focused on what we want to happen next, it’s easy to miss them. But when we slow down and really look, our dogs are telling us exactly how they’re feeling and what they need.

So… what do you think Jonty is requesting here?

There’s no trick answer, just an invitation to observe, reflect, and get curious. Because the better we get at reading the quiet signals, the safer and more understood our dogs feel.

Knowing your dog’s cues, especially the subtle ones, is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. Thanks to ACE - Tilley Farm for supporting us to support Jonty and understand communication in its truest form.

13/12/2025

Here are my 5 top tips for helping someone feel more comfortable around dogs.

11/12/2025

Working with Sally has been an absolute pleasure. I was blown away by her openness to change and the desire to feel different around dogs.

The dedicated and supportive work of our volunteers have made a huge impact of Sally and she wanted me to pass on her thanks to them.

Thank you Sally for your review. It was a joy to work with you and I hope we keep in touch.

08/12/2025

Grab THE perfect gift for dogs before they are all gone. We have just a few of our Hampers left.

They are:
Christmas Dinner x5
Duck the Halls x6
Three Bird x5

07/12/2025

I saw this and so much more of what Sir Ken Robinson says and I thought this could just as easily be said about dogs and their education.

Understanding the individual and supporting them to flourish is a huge passion for us. Whether that be dogs or humans. We aim to create an environment where all life is valued and therefore can develop.

I am honoured to support several young people that for them standardised education was not appropriate. But by providing a safe space for them to grow and discover, they have be able to achieve amazing things and I am incredibly proud of them.

28/11/2025

Our Walk with Cody programme is on the look out for volunteers.

Walk with Cody supports children and adults who have a fear of dogs. Over the years our vital volunteers have supported us change the lives of countless people that find it challenging to be around dogs, and we are now on the look out for new volunteers and their dogs to grow our volunteer pool, due to a growing demand.

Without the help of our dedicated volunteers this vital service would not be able to run.

We are specifically looking for 3 types of dogs:

- Calm dogs that are really relaxed around people
- Dogs that are used to following cues from other people
- Dogs that are energetic but don't jump up

Details:
- Sessions happen during the week between 10am and 6pm at our centre in Hunstrete (BS39 4NT) or Tilley Farm (BA2 0AB)
- Dogs must be fully insured and have public liability insurance as part of their policy.
- All dogs will go through an assessment with us before the volunteering position is confirmed

To express your interest please email us at [email protected]

28/11/2025

Come and see us tomorrow!

20/11/2025

I'm very lucky to support some amazing young people. Heather has started a page Gorgetop Goats to share her journey as she grows her Goat herd and creates a business. Please show your support by following her page to keep up to date with all the amazing things this inspiring young person is doing.