COMPREHENSIVE and CARING Puppy Training in Carlisle & Dumfries.
Local puppy training – the fun way!
Paws & Minds’ range of puppy services includes; Pre Arrival & New Puppy In-Home Consultation and 1:1 Puppy Packages. The focus is always on a kind and compassionate approach to training and care for your puppy, supporting you both to lead a fulfilling and happy life together.
IMDT QUALIFIED, KIND and ethical training
At Paws & Minds, the focus is always on both ends of the lead, knowledge as well as practical skills.
Packages offer fully personalised support designed to meet the needs of your growing puppy. Individual training is offered at your home, and within your local area.
My approach is always gentle, working at your puppy’s pace, and yours. Past teaching and mentoring experience guarantees thorough communication, effective delivery, and ongoing support throughout the process. Questions are always welcome.
As an IMDT qualified and approved dog trainer, you can trust that all advice and methods are kind and ethical, and that my knowledge stays up-to-date through ongoing professional development.
My focus is always on supporting you both to lead a fulfilling and happy life together.
Common puppy challenges I can help with include;
Nipping and grabbing
Chewing
Teething
Can’t/won’t settle
Zoomies
‘Witching hour’ and night time routines
Not wanting to walk/sitting down when outside or the lead is put on
Grabbing at, and hanging onto the lead
Toileting in the house
Over excitement around family, visitors, other dogs
A practical and fun approach to training essential, everyday skills.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Tara to anyone with a puppy
Just over a year ago, we at very short notice acquired a puppy, Diggie, a Cockapoo. We had been thinking about a dog for a couple of years after losing our very old and very lovely Jack Russell, Tucker, and my daughter decided one weekend that she had met the perfect pup. However, we were a little unprepared!
Our previous dog had been a rescue when he was almost six years old, and basically he came trained and was not ever keen on changing his ways! Having a puppy was a whole new experience, and Tara was crucial in providing us with essential help and advice in the first few days and weeks of us getting to know each other. Tara was incredibly helpful and nothing seemed to be too much trouble, or even a silly question.
Once Diggie had settled in and was getting the knack of house training and basic instructions, she and I attended puppy training classes in our local village hall. This provided me with an insight on how to handle Diggie, what to expect from her, what was expected of me, and how to be realistic in those expectations. We had support from one week to the next in the series of six training sessions, via a WhatsApp group, which was invaluable in providing a recap of the lessons, and detailed instructions on the steps needed for certain commands. I felt so much more confident after the course in my abilities, not just Diggie’s.
I continued to practice what we had learnt, I think with quite some success. Diggie is a pleasure to walk, she’s not always perfect but then neither am I! Sometimes recall is a bit hit and miss, but after Tara’s advice to go back to basics, it’s improving again.
After Christmas we joined in with another session of six lessons, this time in trick training, which I think Diggie really enjoyed. She will often spontaneously offer up one of her tricks when she is after a treat!
I would wholeheartedly recommend Tara to anyone with a puppy, or an older dog, who needs a little help. She’s clear, concise, but also comprehensive, in her guidance. Tara responds quickly to messages and seems genuinely interested in how we are getting on. I have confidence that if I contact her for anything, she will respond. The whole experience of puppydom has been lovely, and part of this is down to Tara’s wise words.
– Lois & Diggie
Puppy training in
Carlisle, Dumfries, Brampton, Langholm, Annan, Moffat, Lockerbie, Newcastleton
Based in Dumfriesshire
I am happy to travel to North Cumbria, West Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
1:1 Puppy Support
Paws & Minds individual puppy programs include; Pre-Arrival and New Puppy In-Home Consultation, personalised Training Packages with a choice of 3 or 5 training sessions, and follow-on Puppy Adventure Outings.
Choosing a puppy is a big decision, there is so much advice on the ‘dos and don’ts’ and it can be hard to know what information to trust. If you’ve already brought your new puppy home, you’ll be experiencing the joy and excitement of having a new addition in your household.
You’ll also want to make sure you get everything right for your puppy too.
Each bespoke service is structured but flexible to accommodate both your and your growing puppy’s needs.
Plans include practical advice and puppy know-how, everyday essential training tailored to your individual preferences, and are packed with knowledge to support you through your puppy’s growth and development.
You’ll have options to work in-person at your home, in your local area, or at the Paws & Minds secure training field.
After each training session you will receive a detailed recap and a follow-up call. You’ll also have continuous support through WhatsApp between sessions, helping you to stay on course and get quick responses to any questions that come up.
FAQ’s
Do you offer single sessions or packages only?
What support do you offer as part of your training packages?
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Tara is a fantastic dog trainer and I would strongly recommend her
Tara is a fantastic dog trainer and I would strongly recommend her. We have utilised her services with both our old dog and now our young puppy. She was approachable, reliable, skilled and knowledgable. On both occasions we felt it was money well spent.
– Sally & Indie