Heather's Happy Hounds

Heather's Happy Hounds APDT-ATI -ABTC member My name is Heather Dugdale and I am a local lass who has always loved animals, especially dogs and horses. Come and have some fun!

My Grandfather had a small holding in Kilwinning where he bred Clydesdales and Springer Spaniels, so I think it’s definitely in the genes. After many years of working with the Council as an IT Technician I decided to start studying dog behaviour in the hope that I could become a Dog Trainer when I retired, lucky enough for me I was given the opportunity to take early release (sounds like a prison

sentence!) and follow my passion . In 2017 I gained an Ofqual recognised level 4 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Management and Training from Animal Jobs Direct, and passed an Animal Behaviour and Welfare course from the University of Edinburgh, successfully completed a Dog Emotion and Cognition course with Duke University , then went on to assist a fully qualified Kennel Club Instructor with her Canis Dog Training Classes , which where invaluable, and gave me the hands on experience I needed to start my own classes. I continued my education and became a member and accredited trainer with the IMDT , having passed my exam with a distinction in 2021. At present I am also a member of the Kennel Club and my club is listed for the Good Citizen Award Scheme, which is probably the most well known training scheme in the world, but if you would like to find out more then please visit https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/good-citizen-dog-training-scheme/ some of my students just attend for fun, but if you feel ready why not try it? I also provide 1-2-1 training for those people who need to set their own timetable or need help with unwanted behaviours. In the near future I hope to become a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor which is a Kennel Club accreditation for Companion Dog Training, which is highly valued in the Dog Training Industry. In the distant future my hope is that I can study dog behaviour science and be able to add behaviorist to my list of services. I think training should be fun , and I believe happy dogs make for happy owners so that’s why I chose the name Heathers Happy Hounds.

Some fantastic pics of the fun dog show. It was extremely difficult to judge as you can see by the entries. 👏🐾
30/05/2026

Some fantastic pics of the fun dog show. It was extremely difficult to judge as you can see by the entries. 👏🐾

27/05/2026

I know most of my followers already know the dangers of walking their dog when its warm, but I still see people doing it. So if you aren't sure, here's a little test you can do without your dog.
Put on your warmest coat, take off your shoes and go for a walk....😆
I don't know anyone whose dog died because they didn't get walked, but if your pooch needs out, for whatever reason , then use the 8 rule, walk before 8am and after 8pm.
Keep cool and keep safe. 😎 🐕

25/05/2026

We would like to thank everyone who attended our fun dog show. We raised a massive amount for our dog charities and we are very grateful. Special thanks to Hooked on Pets Saltcoats who donated an amazing variety of Burns Pet Nutrition Scotland to Saving And Rehoming Strays SCIO and Greyhound Trust - West Scotland which will be lifesaving for some dogs. We would also like to thank our stall holders , demonstrators and organisers for their donations and for their support in making this event such as success, and for those of you who didn't see Heather Smith from Trainyourdogs with Heather Smith perform her heelwork to music , check out her page, she is an absolute genius. We would also like to thank Kilwinning Fire Station for not only keeping us safe but allowing budding Firefighters to climb on board their engine.
I think its safe to say we will be back with an even bigger event next year! Whoo hoo we can't wait! Thank you all again, you were fantastic 👏

24/05/2026

Nearly ready!!!

Fun dog show tomorrow, hope to see you there.
23/05/2026

Fun dog show tomorrow, hope to see you there.

These are the classes for Sunday, looking forward to judging all your beautiful dogs.
22/05/2026

These are the classes for Sunday, looking forward to judging all your beautiful dogs.

The weather forecast is good! 🐾🥳🥰
22/05/2026

The weather forecast is good! 🐾🥳🥰

🌊🐾 BEACH PARTY REMINDER – WOOF YOU WAITING FOR?! 🐾🌊

Right troops… paws up if you’ve not planned your Sunday yet… 👀🐶

Because we’ve got the ulti-mutt day out lined up and trust us… your dog is already packing their imaginary beach bag 🏖️🎾

📍 Doon the Beach Community Hub & Cafe, Ardeer Beach, Stevenston
📅 Sunday 24th May
⏰ 12pm – 3pm

Expect wagging tails, sandy zoomies, cheeky sniffs and probably a few “I swear they were clean before we came” moments 😂🐾

Whether you’ve got a diva dog, a mud magnet, or a professional snack hoover… they’re ALL invited 🐕💅

So come along, bring the whole pack (humans included… we suppose 😜) and let’s make it a paw-some day to remember! 💛🐶

👉 Don’t be the one watching the stories thinking “we should’ve went…”

🐾

18/05/2026

Hope to see you there on Sunday!

Cakes and puppies! My dream day out! 🥳🥰
16/05/2026

Cakes and puppies! My dream day out! 🥳🥰

16/05/2026

On today's walk and train we started to fade out treats and only reward the best responses, which improves performance and speed. The dogs were still praised for slow responses but they didn't get a food treat. Think of it as a bonus incentive scheme! 🥳🐾

Address

Irvine
KA11

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm

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