Heal&Lead

30/08/2025

I love new learning and I'm very excited to say I've just signed up for an 18 month diploma to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist - it's Ofqual registered to level 6 and the techniques and learning sit alongside my existing ProDogTrainer qualifications.

This is hugely exciting as it's the first time I've found a course to take my qualifications further that has really lit me up.

As I move to Bude in Cornwall it will give me a focus while I find my feet in a new community, get to know other dog trainers and behaviourists in the area and see how what I hope to offer can fit alongside what they already do.

To all the dogs and owners in Keynsham, I've loved sharing games based training with you over the years - classes will continue for September and I will of course be able to support you over Zoom and/or if you come on holiday to Bude, plus I have a list of trainers in the Keynsham area that I'm recommending.

It's going to be an exciting couple of years!!

22/08/2025

We had a fabulous time this morning playing 'catch me if you can' - Rosie decided she'd had enough and let Gracie carry on and then we all went for drinks in the river 🥰

30/07/2025

Lovely to see everyone for our last class of July - I'm super impressed with how well you have all done and am really enjoying hearing about your progress week on week.

We will be taking a break from our usual classes for August - keep playing games at home!

18/07/2025

I've always loved the iconic Kelston Round Tump - from being dragged up it as a child on family walks, to living in sight of it for so much of my life - one of those views that means 'home'. 🙂

17/07/2025

Gracie and I had fun at on Sunday and learnt loads of new games for loose lead walking which I will be passing onto my students over the next couple of weeks.

Gracie nearly blotted her copy book by trying to steal another dog's food - luckily I was quick enough to stop her, phew!!

16/07/2025

The recent hot weather can throw up all sorts of challenges for us as dog owners and sometimes we don't get to do what we want to do because our dogs come first.

On Saturday we were down in Cornwall and had planned a lovely walk and lunch overlooking the sea, we realised before we even got there that wasn't going to be an option - so we parked up on grass, got our dogs out for a quick toilet break, put them back in the car with a reflective car cover, water bowls and the air con on, then took it in turns to go for a walk, so one of us was in the car with them to make sure the temperature stayed cool enough. Luckily for us we were able to watch the tennis final on our phones and then as soon as it was 4pm and we could get into our accommodation we had a lovely picnic in the shade.

How did you keep your dogs cool when it was so hot - let me know your top tip as I'm always looking for new solutions I've not thought of before 🙂

15/07/2025

Super class last night - well done everyone you and your dogs are doing so well!

One of the things I love most about games based training is it really focusses on keeping the joy of the relationship with our dog - so instead of constantly correcting our dogs (which let's face it isn't fun for us or our dogs) we are creating a relationship where our dog wants to work and join in with us - happy faces for our dogs and humans!!

Sorry to those of you I didn't manage to photograph - will try better next week 😊

13/07/2025

These two make me laugh every single day - Rosie is definitely nice and comfortable, Gracie not so sure 🤣

12/07/2025

Lovely early morning walk for a hot day, just a steady wander around the park before the sun gets up.😊

10/07/2025

There I was teaching with my back to Rosie, when I turned round she'd gone and I just couldn't work out where - she'd found a snug hiding place which was far better for sleeping 😊

09/07/2025

We have a Golden Retriever and Labrador vibe going on at class atm - but seriously, any breed is very welcome!!!

Lots of fun games this week, including some tracking basics which are great for keeping those noses and brains working when it's too hot for walks 🥰

06/07/2025

Gracie learning what a selfie frame is 🥰

music festival