Paws & Minds

30/07/2025

If you’ve not yet discovered Track & Trail Canine Outfitters at Heathhall, Dumfries let me introduce you to something special…

Amy, the founder and face behind the business, doesn’t just stock outdoor and training gear for dogs, she and her dog Max test it all first!

That means every lead, harness, longline, treat pouch, coat, and accessory on the shelves comes with real-life experience and expert advice.

But what really makes Track & Trail stand out is the level of care and understanding Amy offers, especially for dogs who find busy environments tricky.

If you have a nervous or reactive dog, you can book a private appointment, meaning the shop is all yours; no other customers, no pressure.

Amy can even guide you through the harness fitting process without needing to touch your dog, if that’s what works best for them. How thoughtful is that?

Today I got the loveliest message from Esme & Daisy’s guardians, just after our 1:1 session chatting about harnesses…
📸 Next thing I see are two dogs modelling their new, perfectly fitted kit from Amy!

🐾 Daisy, the little escape artist, now has a secure 3-strap harness to keep her safe.

🐾 Esme, who finds head-over harnesses uncomfortable, was matched with a harness featuring both neck and chest clips.

Happy dogs, happy guardians, and a great example of what happens when care, experience, and kindness come together.

Go check out Track & Trail, especially if you want support that goes far beyond just buying kit!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

29/07/2025

Mowing the training field didn’t go entirely to plan yesterday…

There was a soft ground incident, best not to ask about that!

…and then part of the exhaust detached 🫣.

Thankfully my hubby arrived and sorted it, so the mowing could be completed.

Woody and Callie did give the field the seal of approval when I finished mowing last night, so all’s good!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

28/07/2025

Saturday was initial assessment day for our dog and guardian teams, ready for our group reactivity course.

All of the teams have worked with us before in some capacity, and are part of our Capable Canines Community.

Dog and guardian teams were worked individually in this first session so we could evaluate current skills and identify any support they need in place for the first group working session in a couple of weeks.

Krysia The Creative Canine and I will be working with 4 dog and guardian teams over an initial 4 sessions to help them with:

- Understanding current skills sets.
- Body language observation and interpretation.
- Management strategies to build confidence.
- Practical skills.
- Desensitisation.

The training sessions will allow us to work with each team at their pace, taking a gentle, calm and measured approach to help on an individual basis within the group setting.

No drama, no excitement - not great social media, but exactly what all of these teams need.

Great work from all the teams in their initial assessment, and we're looking forward to seeing how everyone gets on during the course.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

25/07/2025

Sleep is a superpower.

We talk a lot about behaviour, exercise, stimulation…

One of the most powerful things you can give your dog is rest.

💤 Adult dogs typically benefit from around 12 hours of rest in a day.

💤 Puppies benefit from around 18 hours of rest a day. That’s a lot, and often lack of rest is the reason for the evening “witching hour”!

💤 Older dogs and dogs with medical conditions typically benefit from more rest a day than a healthy younger dog.

💤 Interrupted or broken sleep can lead to irritability, frustration, and poor behaviour choice.

Just like us, dogs struggle to learn, stay calm, or listen when they’re overtired.

So if you’re finding your dog’s behaviour challenging, or training just isn’t sticking, ask yourself:
“Is my dog getting enough rest?”

Safe, quiet rest where they can fully relax, not just “switch off” near busy humans or in loud environments.

Dogs are individual and they’ll have their own amount of optimum rest.

Sometimes, the biggest shift comes not from training harder… but from letting dogs rest and sleep more.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

24/07/2025

Pain changes behaviour.

…and potentially reduces the effect of any training you’re doing.

One of the most important things I’ve learned in my work:
Pain and discomfort don’t always look how we expect.

Your dog doesn’t have to limp, cry, or flinch to be in pain.

Sometimes pain shows up like this:

❌ Sudden reactivity or over response.
❌ Growling or snapping.
❌ Reluctance and sensitivity to being touched.
❌ Restlessness, pacing, or unable to settle properly.
❌ Seeming “Stubborn” or “ignoring” you.
❌ Avoiding walking on certain surfaces, and stairs.
❌ Less interest in activities, play, walks, training.
❌ Reduced interest in food.
❌ Wanting more quiet time, own space.

Before we train through a behaviour, we need to check it isn’t coming from something physical.

Dogs are masters of adapting and masking discomfort. It can sometimes take persistence to get answers for anything that isn't obvious!

Sometimes I'll suggest asking for more information to "rule out" anything that might be influencing behaviour choice based on information you provide and observations of your dog.

I’ll always advocate for working with another canine professional if something doesn’t seem quite right; your dog's vet, or a canine physiotherapist for example. Your dog's vet should always be in the loop and legally only a vet can diagnose.

You know your dog best, and if your gut is saying “something’s off,” it’s always worth investigating.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

23/07/2025

Training is just one piece of the puzzle…

When things aren’t going smoothly with your dog’s behaviour, it’s easy to think,
"We just need more training."

However, training is just one part of the picture...

Here are some of the aspects of your dog's life that influence their behaviour choices:

✔️ Sleep
✔️ Diet
✔️ Pain and health
✔️ Stress levels
✔️ Breed needs
✔️ Daily routines
✔️ Environment
✔️ Emotional safety
…all have a huge impact on how your dog behaves and responds.

Sometimes, a “training issue” is really a “needs not being met” issue.
Sometimes it’s stress, or discomfort, or a dog simply trying to cope the only way they know how.

Good training is about more than skills.
It’s about looking at your whole dog. Helping them feel safe, supported, and understood.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

22/07/2025

What do you really get when you work with me?

It’s more than just “dog training.”

Yes, I’ll help your dog learn new behaviours. Whether that’s not jumping up, walking calmly on lead, or feeling less overwhelmed by the world around them.

But the transformation goes much deeper than that...

Here’s what my clients tell me they get from working with me:

💬 Confidence
You’ll know what to do in tricky moments, and why it works. No more second-guessing or feeling like you’ve “tried everything.”

💬 Clarity
Clear, kind, step-by-step guidance you can actually follow. No jargon. No pressure. Just practical skills that make sense for you and your dog.

💬 Support
I’m with you at every stage. From 1:1 sessions to follow-up calls, from WhatsApp check-ins to community coffee chats, you’re never left to figure it out alone.

💬 Progress
You’ll see real change, not just in your dog’s behaviour, but in how calm, connected and capable YOU feel.

💬 Understanding
No judgment, no criticism. Just someone in your corner who gets it, and wants to help you and your dog thrive together.

Whatever your dog training challenges are, I tailor support to meet you where you are, to work at your pace, with your goals in mind.

After all, you and your dog are a team. It's important to make sure support is there for both of you as part of the process.

Ready to really understand your dog, to build on a relationship based on trust and teamwork, and to get back to enjoying spending time together? I’d love to help.

Message me to find out more, or visit Paws & Minds website.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

19/07/2025

🐶 Canonbie Flower Show - Fun Dog Show 🐾

Saturday 16th August. Show starts 10:30am.
Canonbie Public Hall and Playing Field.

Rosettes and prizes to win in each category;

🐾 Perfect Pupster - puppies under 9 months.
Is your puppy super cute and full of fun? This category is for you!

🐾 Best Buddy - dogs of any age.
Is your dog your best pal? Got an amazing bond with your dog? This category is for you!

🐾 Outstanding Oldies- dogs over 8 years.
Does your dog have a few more years under their collar? Whether your oldie is very much a puppy at heart, or prefers a slower pace this category is for you!

🐾 Top Tail, Tale or Trick - dogs of any age.
Has your dog got a remarkable tail, an inspiring tale to share, or a trick to wow with? This category is for you!

🐾 Best in Show.

Helen Foster (Admin and all round amazing volunteer for Lost Dogs Dumfries & Galloway) has very kindly agreed to judge the dog show again this year.

Enter on the day at Paws & Minds van or at the stand on the playing field.

Register entries by 11:45am, dog show starts 12pm.

£1 per entry, with all proceeds to the Canonbie Flower Show fund.

See you there!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

17/07/2025

Paws & Minds will be at the North East Dog Festival!

I’ll be there in collaboration with The Dog Log running the Parkour have a go.

This is the amazing list of trade stands and exhibitors. There’s so much going on, to try, and buy over the two days of the festival.

Have you already got your tickets, or are you planning to go?

Keep an eye on the page for more information.

Excited! 🤩

Tara
Paws& Minds
🐾🧠

Get your shopping list ready!

The first draft of our 2025 trade stand list is up....and it's a biggy!

You won't find this many fantastic traders all in one place....all right here in the North East for one weekend only.

You'll find everything you could wish for when it comes to your dog; from handmade dog treats & accessories to some of the UK's biggest and best loved brands. Not forgetting the humans where you can wine and dine with fabulous food and drink plus a range of homemade goodies.

Where are you heading first?

Don’t forget
⏰ Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August
🌲 Kirkley Hall, NE20 0AQ
🐕 Save money and get early bird tickets now at https://www.northeastdogfestival.com

16/07/2025

Visit from Mel - Browns Veterinary Physiotherapy for Woody this afternoon.

Both dogs needed a nap afterwards!

Callie seems back to her mischievous self, so all good. Thanks to everyone who’s messaged and commented ❤️.

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

15/07/2025

Safe to say time off has been interesting so far!

The good 🙂:
👍 Field mowed in the very hot weather on Friday.
👍 Dogs safe & occupied during hot weather.
👍 Trip out to Eskdalemuir Sunday with friends.
👍 Catch up with family Monday morning.

The not so good 🫤:
👎 Very hot weather, trying to keep the house cool.
👎 Late night call out Sunday to the field, gate open.
👎 Emergency vet visit Monday night with Callie.
👎 Very wet weather, again 🙄.

Callie is resting today and seems more settled. We’ll be monitoring her closely to make sure she’s ok.

Woody is being very patient and we’re working on his physio exercises and co-operative care whilst the weather is wet.

Looking forward to some drier weather this week, and a bit less excitement 🤣

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠

11/07/2025

'Out of office', back Monday 21st July.

I’m taking this next week to spend dedicated time with my family - human and canine!

We'll be making some progress on a garden project, taking a few trips out locally both with and without dogs to familiar and new places, slowing down and relaxing (or trying to!), and of course there will be time made for coffee and cake too 😉.

There will consequently be a longer than typical delay in responding to enquiries, messages & emails.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the sunshine!

Tara
Paws & Minds
🐾🧠