Aunty Carla's Dog Training

26/08/2025

Ready for some tail-wagging fun?

Our group dog training classes & workshops are open for sign-ups this month!
Learn new skills, build confidence, and make friends (two & four-legged).

We have the following with limited spaces available over the coming month

✨ Settle Workshop
✨ Adult Dog Beginners
✨ Puppy Love
✨ Canine Climbers
✨ Predation Games

Join the fun 👉 www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk

23/08/2025

Think back to the best teacher you ever had?
What attributes made them so awesome?

My favourite teachers (and the ones that I learned most from) were the ones who were passionate about their subject, but also who made the learning and social space safe.

Safe for mistakes.
Safe for questions.
Safe for negotiation.
Safe for emotion.

They were predictable.
They weren't in a power struggle with me.
They were encouraging and supportive.

As a teacher should be.

And it mattered.

A GOOD leader puts the well-being of their team and students first. They show a willingness to help and for others to thrive.
They do not judge. They do not scare. They do not threaten. And they do not hurt.

That's not a good leader.

People (and dogs) follow and love those who they trust and feel emotional safety with, and who empower them.

Our industry has destroyed and misinterpreted what the world "leader" means. And somehow confused it with a hierarchy or a dictator.

Let's be real and start being bloody kind to dogs.

PUT THE EGO IN THE BIN.

22/08/2025

22/08/2025

PLEASE
PLEASE
If you're a trainer reading this and you're using Slip Leads/Prong Collars/Grots/whatever else as a behaviour solution to manhandle dogs, or if you're a dog parent and reactivity has been worsening...

May I PLEASE ask that you consider doing some research into the most common underlying cause of reactivity.

PAIN.

This is yet another dog who we've had an enquiry about who has been ragged around on a slip lead for her reactivity.

Not only will that have worsened her pain tenfold, it created mistrust with her owner and made her collar shy.

On our suggestion, her owner pushed vets to investigate and VOILA ... Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis at 6 years old. She is IN PAIN and her reactivity is her communication to tell others to be careful around her body ❤️

This year has been awful. So so many dogs experiencing the same chain of events.

1. Reactivity worsening.
2. Desperate owners reaching out for support
3. An advert offering "fix in one day"
4. Aversion work using equipment on the neck
5. Dog either experiencing worsening reactivity (and in this case - directed at owners) or learned helplessness (shut down)
6. No aftercare

This shouldn't be a theme.
And it shouldn't be happening regularly.

A good quality trainer/behaviourist will ALWAYS look into dog health FIRST when looking at reactivity as a symptom.

If you have a dog who's reactivity has developed/changed recently, keep a diary, speak to your Vets and talk to a Trainer/Behaviourist who will encourage you to do so.

Remember - they can't tell us with words ❤️

16/08/2025

🐾 Predation Games for Hunting Dogs – Ethical & Enriching Fun! 🐾
📅 Sunday 31st August | ⏰ 9.00-10.30am | 📍 Dunton Bassett

Do you have a hunting breed or a dog with a strong instinct to chase wildlife or livestock?
Instead of battling their nature, let’s channel it!

Join our Predation Games Workshop – a hands-on, engaging day where you and your dog will learn:
✅ Fun, structured games that mimic the natural hunting sequence
✅ Ethical methods that give your dog an appropriate outlet for their instincts
✅ Ways to strengthen your bond and improve recall & focus

Whether you’ve got a Spaniel, Pointer, Terrier, Retriever, or any dog with a strong prey drive, this workshop is designed to help you work with their instincts – not against them.

Limited spaces so every dog gets personalised attention.
🎟 Book now to secure your spot! [Insert booking link]

📌 Your dog gets to be a hunter… in a safe, controlled, and rewarding way!

Head to https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/workshops

13/08/2025

I'm 99% sure that 99% of dogs would vote that humans talk less.
We are bigggggggg on verbal communication by nature.
And believe it or not with your barker standing in front of you - BY NATURE dogs have a very detailed non verbal language.

People are so often surprised when I visit for assessments and guided walks that I use VERY little verbal guidance. Most of it is noise to our dogs.

Let's strip it back and give ourselves a limit of 3 words.

I'd like to know in the comments here

1. What is the current most-spoken word or short phrase you use with your dog (excluding their name)?

2. If we limit you to 3 for the rest of the next 24 hours, what would you choose?

GO!

12/08/2025

🐾 Fetch, Focus, Flourish
A Baby Gundog Course for Puppies Under 6 Months
Starts: Saturday 30th August | 2:00 PM | Dunton Bassett

Give your young gundog the best start with Fetch, Focus, Flourish – a 4-week outdoor course designed specifically for gundog breed puppies under 6 months old.

This carefully structured programme uses your puppy’s natural instincts to build confidence, reduce the fizz, and create meaningful focus and engagement between you and your pup. Whether your goal is a future working partner or a well-rounded family companion, it all starts here.

🦴 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Short, age-appropriate retrieves
✅ Introduction to whistle training
✅ Calmness and settling skills
✅ Fun engagement games to strengthen your bond
✅ Gentle, effective training tailored to gundog breeds

🗓 Course Details:
📍 Location: Outdoors in Dunton Bassett
📅 Start Date: Saturday 30th August
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📆 Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know:

Puppies must be fully vaccinated

Please bring your puppy on a collar or harness – no slip leads permitted

Open to gundog breed puppies under 6 months

🎯 Build trust, focus, and calm foundations from the start
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families to train together
🐶 Small group size for individual attention

✨ Let your gundog puppy Fetch, Focus, and Flourish – book now!

https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/puppy

NOTE: Booking closes 20th August to start prep work together!

09/08/2025

🧘‍♂️ The Settle Workshop – A Zen Space for Restless Dogs 🐾

Does your dog struggle to settle around distractions? You're not alone — and you're warmly invited to our Settle Workshop: a calm, supportive training space designed to help your dog learn the art of relaxation.

🌿 What to expect:
• Gentle, proven techniques to support self-regulation
• A quiet, spacious environment – perfect for sensitive dogs
• Plenty of patience, understanding, and one-on-one support
• Tools to build calm confidence in everyday life

🗓 When: Wednesday 13th August
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM (1 hour)
📍 Where: Dunton Bassett
🎟 Very limited spaces – booking essential!

This isn’t just another training session – it’s a reset. A chance for you and your dog to slow down, breathe, and grow together.

✨ Let calm become the new normal. ✨

👉 https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/service-page/settle-together-1?referral=service_list_widget 👈

07/08/2025

🐾 Adult Dog Beginners Course – Starts Tuesday 12th August at 7:15pm! 🐾

Got a dog over 6 months who needs a fresh start or a solid foundation? Whether you’ve got a bouncy adolescent, a newly adopted companion, or a family dog in need of a refresher — this class is for you! 🐕💪

✔️ Small class sizes for personalised guidance
✔️ Reward-based training that builds trust and teamwork
✔️ Fun, games, and confidence-building activities that set you both up for success

⏰ 30-minute classes starting at 7:15pm
Open to all friendly dogs 6 months and older

Your enrolment includes:
🎓 Access to our online training hub
📞 A free call with Aunty Carla to help you hit the ground running

Perfect for the committed dog owner ready to see real progress — together. ❤️

🔗 Book now:
https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/bootcamp

(Look for the Adult Dog Beginners option!)
Let’s help your dog be their brilliant best!

06/08/2025

🐾 Puppy Classes Starting Tuesday 12th August – 6:15pm! 🐾

Join us for our fun, friendly and supportive puppy classes, designed for dedicated dog owners who want to build an amazing bond with their pup! 💛

✔️ Small class sizes = tailored support
✔️ Reward-based training = happy puppies
✔️ Fun games + confidence-building exercises = strong foundations for life!

Classes run for 45 minutes, and your enrolment includes:
🎓 Access to our exclusive online training hub
📞 A free call with Aunty Carla to help you get started right

Let’s see where you and your puppy can go together — starting off on the right paw! 🐶✨

🔗 Book your spot here:
https://www.auntycarlasdogtraining.co.uk/puppy

Spots are limited — we can't wait to meet you both!