Gem’s Dog Training

22/05/2026

Great post about consent - so often we miss the small signals and then wonder what’s up with our furry pals !

🐾 Not every dog wants to be touched — and that's okay.

Dogs are not public property, and we should never assume that an unfamiliar (or even familiar) dog is inviting interaction just by being present.

The golden rule: don't approach unknown dogs. Give them space, stay relaxed, look slightly away, and let them come to you.

And even when a dog does approach you, sniffing, standing nearby, or coming close is NOT necessarily an invitation to pat them. Wait for clearer signals — loose, relaxed body language, leaning into your leg, gentle eye contact, a nudge, a paw, or a play bow. Those are consent.

Once you have those signals, you can ask their guardian if it's okay to interact. Keep it brief, and pause to check if they want to continue.

🚫 Avoid: patting on the head, pushing your hand in their face, hugging, or overwhelming them with too many people or too much intensity.

⚠️ Signs a dog is uncomfortable: lip licking, yawning, looking away, moving away, ears pinned back, tail tucked, whale eye (whites of the eyes showing) — and of course snapping or growling, which is an immediate request for more space.

This applies to children too — teaching kids that unknown dogs are not to be approached is one of the most important lessons we can pass on.

I've put together an infographic breaking all of this down — save it and share it! 👆

And if you want to go deeper, I've also made a video exploring whether people should even have the expectation to pat an unknown dog — and why "asking first" doesn't always make it okay 👇
📺 https://youtu.be/K2D8cOGUhs4

10/05/2026

02/05/2026

For those looking, Pawesome Dog Training Cumbria are starting a Puppy Class

Have you got a new puppy ?

Would you like an adult dog that you can let off the lead and who walks nicely on the lead ?

It all starts with great foundations

Our next puppy class starts 8pm Tuesday June 9th

*Change of date due to hall repairs

01/05/2026

Hi everyone,

I'm introducing… The Sensitive Dog Digital Magazine

For the dogs who feel the world a little more — and the guardians (and professionals) who love them.

Something special is taking shape behind the scenes, and I’m finally ready to share it.

For years I’ve wanted to create a calm, intelligent, genuinely supportive space for guardians of sensitive, senior, complex and “big‑feeling” dogs. A place where behaviour, nutrition, gut health, botanicals, first aid, and emotional wellbeing are all treated as one connected picture — because that’s how our dogs experience the world. And, I love writing!

So I’m building The Sensitive Dog, a monthly digital magazine designed to support the whole dog, gently and practically.

And even though it’s still in its early days, I can already promise you this:

It’s going to be AMAZING.
Beautifully designed.
Evidence‑informed.
Guardian and Professional friendly.
And full of the kind of support I wish every sensitive dog guardian had from day one.

What your £5 monthly subscription will include:

🌱 Whole‑Dog Articles
Clear, calm guidance on behaviour, emotions, gut health, skin, nervous system, and the connections between them.

🌿 Botanical & Self‑Selection Guides
Gentle, practical introductions to plants dogs naturally choose — like cleavers, chamomile, plantain — and how to offer them safely.

🌸 Seasonal Wellness Support
What to expect each season, how to reduce load, and how to help your dog feel more settled year‑round.

🩹 First Aid Essentials
Confidence‑building guidance for the things sensitive dogs struggle with most — written calmly, clearly, and without overwhelm.

🍽️ Nutrition for Sensitive Dogs
Simple, supportive feeding ideas that help you understand what your dog needs — without confusion or pressure.

🧠 Gut–Brain–Behaviour Insights
Because behaviour is never “just behaviour”.
You’ll learn how the body and emotions shape the dog you see each day.

🐕 Monty & Shilo’s Corner
Gentle, honest stories about the two dogs who inspired this entire project — and the lessons they continue to teach me.

💛 A Calm, Supportive Community
A space where sensitive dogs are understood, celebrated, and supported — not judged.

🐾 Why £5?
Because I want this to be accessible.
Because sensitive dogs deserve better support. Because you deserve a resource that feels like a deep breath, not another overwhelm.

And... because this magazine will be packed with value — thoughtful writing, practical guidance, and real‑world experience — created with care every single month.

If you’d like to be one of the first to join when subscriptions open, just drop a 💚 below and I’ll keep you updated.

Your sensitive dog is not “too much”.
They’re just more — and this magazine is for them 🫶🐾🫶

28/04/2026

18/04/2026

So many people miss the work required to get the calmness

16/04/2026

If you fancy a fun day out with your dog …

COCKERPAW Dog Show!

Entries close on 21st June...

Please email to book your dog in for your two chosen categories.

[email protected]

As part of our Touch a Truck Family Fun Day, Cockermouth Rotary is please to announce that we will be holding a Dog Show on Sunday 28th June 2026.

Cockermouth is the most friendly dog town in the UK, so it seemed only right that we should hold a Dog Show.

Please read our poster carefully and email :-

[email protected]

for an application form.

Go on! You know your dog is the best dog ever in the whole wide world!

Don't forget to bring along family, friends, and your furry companion for a great, fun-filled afternoon!