The Puppy Nanny at Contented Canines Training School

The Puppy Nanny at Contented Canines Training School Helping you raise a happy, well-behaved pup 🐾
1:1 training • Group classes • Puppy Nanny service
Based in Glossop | Run by Nicola Davies The Puppy Nanny.

My name is Nicola Davies, puppy training expert a.k.a. I’m also Mum to Thomas aged 13, and Pet-Mum to Pippi the German Shepherd, and Martha and Kwazi the cats. I love yoga and cuddling up with a good book, and I love our beautiful planet earth and the great outdoors! I actually wasn’t ever supposed to work with dogs! I grew up in a village rural Lincolnshire, the oldest of 7 (yes 7!) children, and

spent most of my spare time drawing and painting. When it came to career choices I decided to take a degree in Architecture. After a few years working in architecture my life completely changed when in 2005 we welcomed a little black ball of Labrador fluff into our home – Joey arrived! Although I had grown up with family dogs I quickly realised I was completely out of my depth and knew nothing about puppies. I loved him to bits but I quickly realised I needed a lot more than love to raise a puppy. So I started taking him to dog training classes and I loved it. I travelled around the country working with different dog trainers learning different training techniques, and in my spare time I started reading everything I could find about dogs, dog training and behaviour. This went from being a hobby to an obsession, and I went from studying to setting up my own puppy training classes, and eventually leaving the world of Architecture completely behind. What I Do

That was over 10 years ago and I now run a successful dog training and walking business in North West England. During the day I visit clients in their own homes to help them to train their puppies and dogs with my Puppy Home Training Package, or to take care of the training and socialisation for them with my Puppy Nanny Service. Then in the evenings I teach my popular Perfect Puppy Course to puppy owners from the local area and beyond! Who Can I Help

Brand new puppy parents, or soon-to-be puppy parents
Experienced dog owners who haven’t had a puppy in a while
Busy parents with a demanding young family I can help
Hard-working professional out at work all day
New puppy parents who just want the best start in life for their precious pup

Why Choose Me

I’m passionate about puppies. I know they are adorable, right? But they grow up into dogs, and dogs are even better than puppies. It’s true! Best friends, confidantes, comforters and companions. Cuddlers and exercise buddies. Personal trainers and matchmakers. Caring protectors. Simply put, dogs make our lives better. And if we give our puppies the perfect start, they will grow up to be perfect dogs. I firmly believe that proper puppy training and socialisation is the recipe for the dog of your dreams. I also believe that proper puppy training and socialisation could significantly reduce the frustrating, stressful and upsetting training and behavioural problems which lots of our pet dogs end up suffering from. I also take a comprehensive approach to all of my puppy training which involves the whole family. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a whole family on the same page to raise the perfect puppy! I’m not just training the puppy, I’m working with you and your family too!

🐾 Stress-Free Strolls: Mastering Recall & Loose Leads 🐾Is walking your dog more stressful than enjoyable? Are you strugg...
05/06/2026

🐾 Stress-Free Strolls: Mastering Recall & Loose Leads 🐾

Is walking your dog more stressful than enjoyable? Are you struggling with pulling on the lead or unreliable recall? If so, our Stress-Free Strolls 1-2-1 training course is perfect for you!

This tailored 4-session course will give you the tools and confidence to enjoy calm, relaxed walks with your dog — even around distractions. Whether your dog pulls on the lead or ignores you when you call, we’ll help you build the skills to make every walk a pleasure.

What’s Included:
✔️ 4 x 30-minute 1-2-1 sessions – Focused, personalised training to target your dog’s specific challenges.
✔️ Leadwork Training – Teach your dog to walk nicely on a loose lead without pulling.
✔️ Recall Training – Build a reliable recall, even with distractions.
✔️ Positive, Reward-Based Methods – Gentle, effective training to boost confidence and trust.
✔️ Real-World Practice – Work in different environments to strengthen skills in everyday situations.

Who is it for?
✅ Puppies and adult dogs
✅ Dogs who pull on the lead
✅ Dogs who struggle to come back when called
✅ Owners who want to enjoy relaxed, stress-free walks

Why Choose This Course?
✨ Personalised attention – Tailored to your dog’s needs
✨ Practical and achievable – Real results you can use every day
✨ Positive, stress-free methods – Build trust and connection with your dog

📅 Limited spaces available – book now to get ready for stress-free spring and summer walks!

👉 [Book Now] – Let’s make walking your dog a pleasure, not a struggle! 🐶💕

Who wants to see my Marvellous May Graduates?!!Everybody does!Congratulations to this beautiful bunch;ArloBrodieLaikaRoa...
04/06/2026

Who wants to see my Marvellous May Graduates?!!

Everybody does!

Congratulations to this beautiful bunch;

Arlo
Brodie
Laika
Roan
Rua
Walter
Willow

You have all done so well!

Nicola x

WE ARE RECRUITING! JOIN OUR TEAM!We are looking to build up our fantastic team of professional dog walkers working in Gl...
03/06/2026

WE ARE RECRUITING! JOIN OUR TEAM!

We are looking to build up our fantastic team of professional dog walkers working in Glossop and the surrounding areas. We have been training and walking dogs for over 15 years and have developed a reputation for reliability, professionalism and high quality pet care.

The ideal candidate must be a genuine animal lover with experience of living or working with dogs. You must be trustworthy, organised and motivated. You must also have a good level of physical fitness and be happy to walk in all weathers, all year round. You must have access to a road worthy car that you are willing to use for the position and have a mobile phone.

If you are interested, please get in touch to request an application form or complete the Google Form below;

https://forms.gle/HJkQfhHawfEH6xaT8

Let me know if you have any questions!

Nicola x

We are absolutely spoiled in Glossop for dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants, aren’t we?That’s exactly why I create...
02/06/2026

We are absolutely spoiled in Glossop for dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants, aren’t we?

That’s exactly why I created my dog friendly Glossop map. So many people don’t realise just how many places we can take our dogs once we get a puppy or move into the area. And it’s not just a treat for us… it’s a brilliant training and socialisation opportunity for our dogs too.

Because what’s better than a long walk in the Peak District, followed by a coffee and a well-earned slice of cake while your dog settles calmly under the table?

But it doesn’t feel quite so relaxing if your puppy is barking, jumping up at people, or trying to steal food from the table (or someone else’s plate). It’s stressful, embarrassing, and can make you feel like you’d rather not bother going again.

I’ve been there myself. My old Labrador Joey was very food motivated, and we tried a pub lunch once… just once. He launched himself at the table and tried to claim half my lunch. That was the end of that experiment for a while!

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be like that.

If you want café and pub trips to work with your dog, we need to teach them how to settle first, then build it up gradually. Start at home with a mat and teach a simple sit and lie down on it until it becomes second nature. We want the mat to become a clear cue that says “this is where I relax and earn rewards”.

Once that’s reliable, start taking it out with you, but keep it easy at first. A quiet coffee shop is perfect for early sessions, not a busy Sunday pub lunch.

One of my favourite tips is using a gentle “anchor” with the lead. Once your dog is settled on the mat, you can stand slightly on the lead to help keep them in position. It prevents constant popping up, gives you hands free, and helps build that clear picture for your dog that mat = settle time.

The more you practise in different places and at different times, the more reliable it becomes. There might be a few wobbly outings at first… but stick with it. It’s so worth it when your dog can walk into a café, lie down, and just relax while you enjoy your coffee in peace.

Let me know how you get on,

Nicola x

They say never to work with kids and dogs, but I honestly love it. Bringing children into training isn’t a “nice extra” ...
01/06/2026

They say never to work with kids and dogs, but I honestly love it. Bringing children into training isn’t a “nice extra” for me, it’s essential. When kids learn how to be part of the process, the bond with the dog grows in a really special way — and I’ve seen some brilliant young dog handlers over the years because of it.

Of course, when you’ve got puppies and little ones together, management is everything. Think crates for safe downtime, pens when you can’t supervise, and baby gates to create simple separation between rooms. It’s not about keeping them apart forever, it’s about making sure every interaction is safe, calm and set up to go well.

I recently worked with a golden doodle puppy called Randall, who also had a two-year-old human sister. We started with simple clicker work, teaching him sit, down and going to a mat, then built a little routine of calm behaviour. Only then did we add the toddler into the mix, so he could practise being settled around her rather than excited and bouncy. What was lovely to see was that as he got calmer, she got braver too.

That’s really the goal — not just “managing” dogs and children, but teaching both sides what a safe, calm relationship looks like. If you’ve got a new puppy and small children at home, practising a simple mat settle with rewards can make a huge difference.

Let me know if you need any help with this,

Nicola x

29/05/2026

Have you accidentally taught your dog a recall cue without even realising it?

The other day I was working with a Boxer puppy on recall training, and we were chatting about what recall cue to use.

His owner said:
“He always comes running when I shout CHICKEN!”

And honestly? Perfect.

Because a recall cue isn’t about the actual word or sound you use. It’s about what that sound means to your dog.

It got me thinking about the completely accidental recall cue I’ve taught Pippi…

At the back of our house we have a tiny, very overgrown, “wildlife friendly” garden.

Pippi LOVES it out there. Rain, cold, wind… she doesn’t care. She’d happily live outside all year if I let her!

And I realised that whenever I quietly unlock the back door, she comes THUNDERING through the house at top speed.

Even if she’s upstairs.
Even if I barely make a sound.
Even if I’m just trying to hang washing out in peace.

So I tested it…

I quietly turned the key in the lock — the tiniest little noise — and instantly she came charging through the house and launched herself into the garden.

What’s happened is this:

Tiny key noise = access to the garden
Garden = HUGE reward

So the sound of the key turning has accidentally become a recall cue!

That’s exactly how recall training works.

The cue itself doesn’t matter nearly as much as the association behind it.

“Chicken” works because chicken is exciting.
A whistle works because it predicts amazing things.
The key works because it predicts garden adventures.

The magic ingredient is the reward!

So now I’m curious…

What accidental recall cues have you taught your dog?

The fridge opening?
Picking up the lead?
The biscuit tin?
Your takeaway order arriving?

(SOUND ON FOR HOW RIDICULOUSLY EXCITED PIPPI IS ABOUT THE DOOR OPENING!!!)

It really feels like spring has finally arrived, doesn’t it? We’ve had some gorgeous sunny days lately, and there’s that...
28/05/2026

It really feels like spring has finally arrived, doesn’t it? We’ve had some gorgeous sunny days lately, and there’s that lovely warmth in the sun again that makes getting outside with the dogs feel like a real treat.

One of my favourite things about this time of year is all the wildlife waking up. I’m a bit of a nature enthusiast at heart, so I’ve got bird feeders, bug hotels, and nest boxes all set up in the garden. When we moved into our house nearly 10 years ago, one of the things that made it so special was the previous owners already encouraging wildlife — including a nest box with a little camera where we could watch birds raising their young.

For years we’ve had activity in the boxes, but never actual nesting… until this spring. Over the last week or so, we noticed a pair of great t**s busy going in and out of one of the boxes, and last night I sat quietly in the garden and could hear the unmistakable sound of chicks inside. I’m absolutely thrilled, and now I’m very much on “watch daily and hope to see them fledge” duty!

Out on walks, spring is showing itself in another beautiful way too — lambs everywhere. It’s lovely to see them bouncing around the fields, but it’s also a really important reminder for all of us dog owners.

Please be extra careful around sheep and lambs at this time of year. Legally, if a dog worries or chases sheep, farmers are allowed to take action, and while it’s rare, when it does happen it’s devastating. And “worrying” doesn’t mean physical contact — even chasing can be enough.

Even the most reliable dog can react suddenly. A split second of instinct is all it takes. So no matter how strong your recall is, I’d always recommend keeping dogs on lead around livestock. It just isn’t worth the risk when you weigh it up against the potential consequences.

Let’s all do our bit this spring to keep dogs safe, sheep safe, and everyone able to enjoy these beautiful walks without incident.

Did you miss us at the Fun Dog Show on Saturday? No worries – we’re extending our Show Day Special Offer until Sunday 31...
27/05/2026

Did you miss us at the Fun Dog Show on Saturday? No worries – we’re extending our Show Day Special Offer until Sunday 31st May!

Get 10% OFF all dog training bookings (classes and 121 training)

Plus a FREE gift with every booking!

Whether you've got a bouncy new puppy, a cheeky adolescent, or just want to brush up on some training basics, we’re here to help – with kindness, fun, and positive methods.

Spots are limited and once the free gifts are gone, they’re gone – so get in touch now to grab your spot!

Discount code is dogshow10

Message us here or visit www.thepuppynanny.co.uk

Nicola x

Gosh it's scorching isn't it!!! 🔥For small dog businesses like mine this creates big problems! This week I've had to can...
25/05/2026

Gosh it's scorching isn't it!!! 🔥

For small dog businesses like mine this creates big problems! This week I've had to cancel my training classes and change the length and timings of dog walks.

It might not be in the best interests of the business but it certainly is for the dogs, and that's always my main priority - the dogs come first.

You probably know already, but our dogs don’t cope well with the heat and heat exhaustion can be fatal. Some dogs are more at risk than others, such as younger or older dogs, brachycephalic dogs (like boxers), and large or overweight dogs, especially those with thick coats.

Common warning signs to look for are excessive panting and dribbling and wobbliness on their feet.

As dog professionals we will be taking the following steps;

1. It is much cooler in the mornings, before 10/11am so if we can move your dog walk to then please let me know.

2. If you need a lunchtime walk but it is too hot, we will make sure your dog has had a toilet break and then we will bring them back home for training, cuddles and play. Training and mental exercise will tire them out just as much as a good run!

3. We will be avoiding taking them in the car as much as possible.

4. Shorter walks are better than longer ones whilst it is warm, so let me know if you would like to reduce your hour long walk to 30 minutes during the hot weather. We will cut walks short if we are worried about your dog and amend the charges.

5. If we are able to take them for walks we will walk them slowly in the shade and close to water, we will carry water with us at all times for them. We won’t be letting them do any running around or chasing/fetching of toys. They won’t know when to stop! We will concentrate on sniffing and exploring instead of running around.

6. If you can leave a cold snack in the freezer or fridge (like a filled Kong or doggy lolly) for when we get back that will help to cool them down. We will as usual make sure they are left with plenty of fresh water. If they like a paddle or hosepipe in the garden let us know!

Here are some of our cool customers this week 😎

Address

3 Bexley Close
Glossop
SK137BG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 10pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 10pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441457512422

Website

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