Don't Stop Retrievin'

16/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XuQG42mFA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Chris, one of our Registered Veterinary Surgeons, has been working for us and caring for Calderdale’s pets since 1995 and is proud to lead the team at our West Vale branch of West Mount Vets. As Branch Manager, Chris is passionate about supporting both clients and colleagues – including mentoring new graduates, and currently working closely with Issy as she progresses through her Vet Graduate Development Programme.

Chris is also one of our Dog Friendly Advocates, working with the Dog’s Trust to ensure visits to the vet are as calm and positive as possible for our canine companions. This role reflects a deep commitment to understanding dog behaviour and improving welfare in the clinical setting.

Outside of the consulting room, Chris runs Don't Stop Retrievein' , a local dog training business helping owners build well-mannered, confident dogs using kind, reward-based methods. Recently recognised as a Kennel Club Listed Organisation Chris now offers puppies the chance to gain their Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy Foundation Award as part of his structured courses – a fantastic opportunity for any new puppy owner.

Whether in practice or in the training hall, Chris is dedicated to supporting dogs and their families on their journey together.

To follow along with Chris:
https://dontstopretrievin.co.uk
Don't Stop Retrievin'

27/05/2025

🐾 New Puppy? Start Your Training Journey With Us! 🐾

We’re thrilled to announce that Don’t Stop Retrievin’ is now an officially listed organisation with The Kennel Club!
This means your puppy can now work towards a nationally recognised award – the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme: Puppy Foundation Assessment – as part of our course.

🎓 Our next 6-week puppy training course starts on Tuesday 8th July in Hebden Bridge, and places are now open for booking.

✅ Build a brilliant bond
✅ Teach your pup essential life skills
✅ Get support from a qualified vet and dog trainer
✅ Work towards a recognised Kennel Club achievement

Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy or have one arriving soon, this is the perfect time to start their training off right.

📩 Message us now to secure your place – spaces are limited!

11/05/2025

I’ve spent this weekend with some truly lovely people and their wonderful dogs, focusing on building engagement, connection, and mutual understanding.

These are the foundations that help us tune into our dogs’ motivations and build trust—making training so much easier for both them and us.

So go and have some fun with your dog today—connection starts with play! x

03/05/2025

What to Look for in a Puppy Training Course

…and what you’ll find at Don’t Stop Retrievin’

https://dontstopretrievin.co.uk/9cafb-my-services/

Choosing the right puppy class is an important step in giving your new companion the best start in life. At Don’t Stop Retrievin’, we understand that your puppy is more than just a pet—they’re a member of the family. Here’s what you should expect from a well-run course, and how we’re here to help.

1. Kind, Qualified Guidance

You and your puppy will be supported by a professional with decades of veterinary experience and up-to-date training credentials. We use reward-based, force-free methods that are kind, modern, and backed by science—never fear or force.

2. Skills for Real Life

Our six-week puppy course in Hebden Bridge covers everything you need to build good habits from the start:
• Coming when called
• Walking on a loose lead
• Settling calmly at home or in public
• Good manners around people and other dogs
We’ll also help you prevent common struggles like jumping up, chewing, and nipping.

3. Safe, Thoughtful Socialisation

Your puppy will meet others in a calm, structured setting, learning how to read body language, build confidence, and make friends safely. Socialisation isn’t about letting puppies run wild—it’s about helping them feel secure in a wide range of situations.

4. Small Classes, Warm Welcome

Our group sessions are kept small so you get personal support and your puppy gets the attention they deserve. We know it’s not just about training your dog—it’s about helping you feel confident and understood.

5. Convenient Location and Time

Classes run one evening per week in a safe, indoor venue in central Hebden Bridge with parking nearby. The space is clean, warm, and puppy-friendly —perfect for learning and play.

6. Flexible Support

Can’t make a class? Need extra help? We provide clear handouts and follow-up advice, and we also offer one-to-one sessions either at our home or yours, if suitable. We’re here to support you beyond the classroom.

7. Great Value and Real Results

Our course includes expert teaching, take-home resources, and ongoing support—not just during the course, but afterwards too. You’ll leave with more than just a trained puppy—you’ll have a toolkit for life together.

29/04/2025

🐶 Free 15-Minute Dog Training Call — A Helping Paw to Get You Started! 🐾

😫 Struggling with puppy biting? 🦴
Pulling on the lead? 🚶‍♂️
House training woes? 🏠

📅 Book a FREE 15-minute video call this Saturday and get friendly, expert advice! 🐕
💡 Tailored advice on one puppy training challenge—practical steps you can use straight away! ✅
🎥 Limited spots available on Zoom—don’t miss out! 🛑

Book quickly and easily by following this link: https://calendly.com/c-hewison/30min

24/04/2025

Let's give Mike & Vinnie a huge puppy high five for reching the end of their six week puppy course.

During the course they learnt about the foundation skills they will need every day of their lives in the home and while out and about. They are lovely pups and have come on so well with Rachel & Sian.

If you want to join our next group of puppies just message me and i'll get in touch with more details

☺️ Chris 🐾🐾

05/04/2025

This week, as well as hosting puppy classes in Hebden Bridge I'm excited to be going back to college for my third weekend with the APDT.

These weekends are held a couple of times every year to give dog trainers the chance to share ideas and learn new skills together.

I can't wait to share many of the ideas with you once I return.

www.apdt.co.uk

🧑‍🏫 👨‍🎓 📒🖊🐾

27/03/2025

Vinnie is learning so quickly, he's so keen to please 🤩

27/03/2025

This is the gorgeous Dalmatian cross 'Mike' learning his good manners at his Tuesday night puppy class. He really was the star of the show and clearly has a lovely bond with his 'mum'. It a pleasure to have him with us. 🥰

18/03/2025

Becky and I are looking forward to welcoming our new puppy recruits to class tonight! If you have a pup or are expecting one soon, get in touch—we’d love to help you get off to a great start.

🐶 ❤️ 🐾 🥰

11/03/2025

In case you missed our live chat last night, it's now recorded and available on YouTube!

Cat Donald and I introduced ourselves and explained what we can offer dog owners. I’ll be focusing on puppy classes in Hebden Bridge, while Cat And Dogs continues working with clients on a one-to-one basis for more individual needs.

Feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions about training your dog!

In conversation with Chris Hewison and Cat Donald

09/03/2025

🐶🎙️ Meet the Trainers – Live on Facebook! 🎙️🐶

I’m excited to invite you to a Facebook Live chat where I’ll be introducing myself and Cat Donald, the professional dog trainer who I have been working with!

📅 Date: 10th March 2025�⏰ Time: 7:00pm�📍 Join us on Cat’s page! https://www.facebook.com/dogtraininghebdenbridge

This is a great chance to get to know us, hear about our approach to training, and find out what we have planned for puppy owners and dog lovers. Whether you’re thinking about training your new pup or just want to know more about what we do, we’d love for you to join us!

Pop your questions in the comments, and we’ll answer as many as we can during the live. See you there!