Paws & Minds

23/07/2025

Training is just one piece of the puzzle…

When things aren’t going smoothly with your dog’s behaviour, it’s easy to think,
"We just need more training."

However, training is just one part of the picture...

Here are some of the aspects of your dog's life that influence their behaviour choices:

✔️ Sleep
✔️ Diet
✔️ Pain and health
✔️ Stress levels
✔️ Breed needs
✔️ Daily routines
✔️ Environment
✔️ Emotional safety
…all have a huge impact on how your dog behaves and responds.

Sometimes, a “training issue” is really a “needs not being met” issue.
Sometimes it’s stress, or discomfort, or a dog simply trying to cope the only way they know how.

Good training is about more than skills.
It’s about looking at your whole dog. Helping them feel safe, supported, and understood.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

22/07/2025

What do you really get when you work with me?

It’s more than just “dog training.”

Yes, I’ll help your dog learn new behaviours. Whether that’s not jumping up, walking calmly on lead, or feeling less overwhelmed by the world around them.

But the transformation goes much deeper than that...

Here’s what my clients tell me they get from working with me:

💬 Confidence
You’ll know what to do in tricky moments, and why it works. No more second-guessing or feeling like you’ve “tried everything.”

💬 Clarity
Clear, kind, step-by-step guidance you can actually follow. No jargon. No pressure. Just practical skills that make sense for you and your dog.

💬 Support
I’m with you at every stage. From 1:1 sessions to follow-up calls, from WhatsApp check-ins to community coffee chats, you’re never left to figure it out alone.

💬 Progress
You’ll see real change, not just in your dog’s behaviour, but in how calm, connected and capable YOU feel.

💬 Understanding
No judgment, no criticism. Just someone in your corner who gets it, and wants to help you and your dog thrive together.

Whatever your dog training challenges are, I tailor support to meet you where you are, to work at your pace, with your goals in mind.

After all, you and your dog are a team. It's important to make sure support is there for both of you as part of the process.

Ready to really understand your dog, to build on a relationship based on trust and teamwork, and to get back to enjoying spending time together? I’d love to help.

Message me to find out more, or visit Paws & Minds website.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

19/07/2025

🐶 Canonbie Flower Show - Fun Dog Show 🐾

Saturday 16th August. Show starts 10:30am.
Canonbie Public Hall and Playing Field.

Rosettes and prizes to win in each category;

🐾 Perfect Pupster - puppies under 9 months.
Is your puppy super cute and full of fun? This category is for you!

🐾 Best Buddy - dogs of any age.
Is your dog your best pal? Got an amazing bond with your dog? This category is for you!

🐾 Outstanding Oldies- dogs over 8 years.
Does your dog have a few more years under their collar? Whether your oldie is very much a puppy at heart, or prefers a slower pace this category is for you!

🐾 Top Tail, Tale or Trick - dogs of any age.
Has your dog got a remarkable tail, an inspiring tale to share, or a trick to wow with? This category is for you!

🐾 Best in Show.

Helen Foster (Admin and all round amazing volunteer for Lost Dogs Dumfries & Galloway) has very kindly agreed to judge the dog show again this year.

Enter on the day at Paws & Minds van or at the stand on the playing field.

Register entries by 11:45am, dog show starts 12pm.

£1 per entry, with all proceeds to the Canonbie Flower Show fund.

See you there!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

17/07/2025

Paws & Minds will be at the North East Dog Festival!

I’ll be there in collaboration with The Dog Log running the Parkour have a go.

This is the amazing list of trade stands and exhibitors. There’s so much going on, to try, and buy over the two days of the festival.

Have you already got your tickets, or are you planning to go?

Keep an eye on the page for more information.

Excited! 🤩

Tara
Paws& Minds
🐾🧠

Get your shopping list ready!

The first draft of our 2025 trade stand list is up....and it's a biggy!

You won't find this many fantastic traders all in one place....all right here in the North East for one weekend only.

You'll find everything you could wish for when it comes to your dog; from handmade dog treats & accessories to some of the UK's biggest and best loved brands. Not forgetting the humans where you can wine and dine with fabulous food and drink plus a range of homemade goodies.

Where are you heading first?

Don’t forget
⏰ Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August
🌲 Kirkley Hall, NE20 0AQ
🐕 Save money and get early bird tickets now at https://www.northeastdogfestival.com

16/07/2025

Visit from Mel - Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy for Woody this afternoon.

Both dogs needed a nap afterwards!

Callie seems back to her mischievous self, so all good. Thanks to everyone who’s messaged and commented ❤️.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

15/07/2025

Safe to say time off has been interesting so far!

The good 🙂:
👍 Field mowed in the very hot weather on Friday.
👍 Dogs safe & occupied during hot weather.
👍 Trip out to Eskdalemuir Sunday with friends.
👍 Catch up with family Monday morning.

The not so good 🫤:
👎 Very hot weather, trying to keep the house cool.
👎 Late night call out Sunday to the field, gate open.
👎 Emergency vet visit Monday night with Callie.
👎 Very wet weather, again 🙄.

Callie is resting today and seems more settled. We’ll be monitoring her closely to make sure she’s ok.

Woody is being very patient and we’re working on his physio exercises and co-operative care whilst the weather is wet.

Looking forward to some drier weather this week, and a bit less excitement 🤣

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

11/07/2025

'Out of office', back Monday 21st July.

I’m taking this next week to spend dedicated time with my family - human and canine!

We'll be making some progress on a garden project, taking a few trips out locally both with and without dogs to familiar and new places, slowing down and relaxing (or trying to!), and of course there will be time made for coffee and cake too 😉.

There will consequently be a longer than typical delay in responding to enquiries, messages & emails.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

11/07/2025

Mixed Sports Class started this week.

First up - Agility introduction.

After the initial excitement of being in a class environment all the dogs settled well, worked hard and had fun trying some foundational skills for:

- wing wrapping
- start line waits
- eye contact
- forward drive

Well done everyone 🤩

Scentwork next week!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

10/07/2025

Been thinking about doing a Canine First Aid course?

They’re as much an essential for dog guardians as for professionals working with dogs in any capacity.

Would you know what to do, when and how to help your dog in an emergency?

Gemma - Cydymaith Dog Training is hosting a Canine First Aid course on 24th August at Kettleholm Village Hall, near Lockerbie.

Please contact Gemma for information and to book. Contact and general information is on the photo.

Let me know if you’re going in the comments ⬇️

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

09/07/2025

Meet Esme & Daisy...

These Jack Russell sisters may share the same genes, but they're three years apart and each bring their own quirks to the mix!

Their lovely guardians got in touch from a small village near Dumfries, wanting support with some of the common, and often overwhelming, challenges that can come with sharing life with energetic terriers.

They mentioned wanting help with the essentials:
🐾 Understanding ‘no’.
🐾 Coming back when called.
🐾 Walking calmly on the lead.
🐾 Barking at home and especially in the car.
🐾 Socialisation skills.

What stood out most from the information they provided was that they were feeling disheartened and a bit stuck, knowing things could be easier and more enjoyable for everyone with the right help, and wanting to make life better for their dogs.

That honesty and caring is where the change starts.

My job is to support dogs and their humans, with kindness, clear guidance, and a plan that fits real life.

I’m really looking forward to working with this little duo and helping them build calmer, more connected walks and experiences together.

If you’re finding things tricky with your own dog and don’t know where to start, get in touch to find out how I can help.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

08/07/2025

How good do these lick mats look?👀

Great for cooler and warmer days… All sorts of lovely ideas on Hedgerow Hounds page.

04/07/2025

Max’s milestone moment...

This week marked the final in-person session of Max’s 1:1 training package, and what a journey it’s been!

Max, a 5'ish-year-old bull lurcher, joined his forever family last autumn, bringing with him a history that left him uncertain of other dogs and wary of new people.

Out on walks, he was highly reactive, barking and lunging, with past incidents in rescue that understandably had his new guardians feeling a bit anxious about how best to support him.

Reactivity in the car, to sounds at home, visitors, and people near the garden made day-to-day life feel pretty intense.

But… just look at him now.

With consistency, understanding, and some tailored support, Max has made huge progress 🤩.

His training journey is ongoing, but things are so much more manageable for his guardians now.

Max is making great choices for himself, showing growing confidence, and adapting to a more peaceful rhythm of life.

One of his guardian’s hopes was to be able to enjoy a quiet drink at the local pub with Max, and they’ve done just that! 🐾🍻

He’s also been away on holiday in the family motorhome 🚐, navigating new places with increasing calm.

During our final session this week, Max was a world away from the unsure, on-edge dog I first met back in February.

It’s been a privilege to walk alongside Max and his family during this part of his journey.

I’ve got a real soft spot for this boy, and I’m delighted it’s not goodbye, as he and his guardian are joining our Canine Confidence Collective this summer for supportive group work.

Here’s to Max, a brilliant reminder that progress isn’t always fast or flashy, but with patience, empathy, and the right kind of support, big changes are possible. 🧡🐕

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠