Blue Dog Canine Services
(102)
(102)
the home of happy puppy and dog training! At Blue Dog we promote "happy dog training" which means we mean that we advocate force free and reward based training using the latest science and evidence. In other words, training that's kind and fun for you and your puppy or dog.
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102 customer reviews
Tara
Karen is simply wonderful - her training not only worked wonders on our pup, but also educated us and changed our perspective on our pup’s behaviours. The 121s were great value for money and we always left with smiles on our faces - pup included. I’d highly recommend to anyone with a pup/dog and we’ll definitely be back! More...
Kirsty Charlton
I was so pleased that I contacted Karen before my puppy arrived. I learnt such a lot to encourage a good start to the training. I work as a Psychologist and I found that the ethos, philosophy and strategies that Karen employs fitted perfectly with my psychological knowledge. Therefore, I was confident about working with her from the start and I haven’t been disappointed. Karen is a good listener, she makes you feel that there is no stupid question and you can be honest with her. My puppy was bitten in the first week of being able to walk him and I believe that Karen’s expert help has prevented us from having lots of problems now. Thank you Karen, I highly recommend you. More...
Helen
Having had a bad experience with another dog trainer, We contacted Blue Dog service in October this year.
We spoke with Karen, arranged the training and we have never looked back.
We had reached the end of our tether with our dog and just could not see the way forward,
Karen changed all that for us. She is so calm considerate and kind. Everything she said made sense.
Not only do we get one to one training with her she also supplies videos and books for us to keep abreast of the whole process and is always available to offer additional support if need be.
Our dog has come on “leaps and bounds” and we now appreciate him so much more, thanks to Karen.
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Mark, Julie and Quincy
We cannot recommend Karen enough. She gave us valuable advice and tips and are over the moon with the progress made. She is very knowledgeable and warm natured, she puts you at ease and gives you confidence. Thank you Bluedog
John & Dianne
We had our pup Fyn at 3 1 to 1 sessions with Karen in July 21. We were well impressed with the knowledge and commitment Karen has. Plenty of well structured training to meet our needs and Fyn's. Supported by lots of online information following each session with access to website for zoom sessions and further information if needed. More...
Victoria
What an amazing training session. Fun and informative from a couple who clearly know and love dogs. Whilst it was a group session, it was individually tailored to the needs and behaviour of my dog. I learnt an enormous amount, and my puppy Loved the sessions. I can't recommend the puppy training sessions enough. Great value. Five stars plus!! More...
Shirley Whitfield
I cannot thank Karen enough for her fantastic puppy training and her endless support that she has provided me with over the last few months. We couldn't have managed without you. Not only did we have one to one training sessions but reluctantly because of lockdown we experienced virtual training. I say reluctantly as I was not convinced this would be of any benefit. I couldn't have been more wrong. I found these sessions equally if not more beneficial. I was able to focus without any distractions. I have definitely been converted. I would like again to thank Karen for not only her training but also for her ongoing telephone advice that she has given us whenever we have needed it. As a result of Karen's commitment we have a lovely cockapoo Puppy Paddy and together we are building each day on the training that has been put into place. Thanks again Karen from Paddy and the humans. I would 100% recommend your services. More...
Tracy Troy
Amazing trainers Karen and Phil.
Reviewed on Facebook
Shannon Kennedy
5 stars- the only dog trainers we’ll ever use! Loved our puppy classes with Blue Dog! They’ve helped us with our past dog doing home visits and they made such an amazing difference with our anxious rescue.
Reviewed on Facebook
Dawn Burns
Murphy loved the ‘doggy mixtures’. He hurt his paw the week after and needed stitches, he wasn’t allowed to walk far so we tired him out with the tricks he learnt with blue dog, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their training workshops!
Reviewed on Facebook
Tyler 'Tasmina' Anderson
Dora had the best time at puppy class! Karen was so attentive and knows her stuff. A huge thank you for all of your tips, hints and advice. Dora loved making new puppy friends! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Melissa Kirby
Penny absolutely loved her puppy classes. So many great tips and tricks, our favourite part was meeting the other puppies, watching them all interact was just glorious. Thank you Blue Dog!
Reviewed on Facebook
Julia Rodgers
We have just completed doggy mixtures class...what can I say!!! It’s AMAZING, our pug puppy Luna is a dog that would play from the moment she wakes until she falls flat out at bed so I’m always looking for new adventures to keep her entertained. Was recommended blue dog canine services and it did not disappoint, you can see the love both Karen and Phil has for dogs but not only that they have a great way to teach both you and your doggy new tricks, agility training and to get the best out of the course. Only downside was that we didn’t want the course to end it was so much fun . Luckily they have many other courses available and already booked up for Lunas next adventure at their dog detective level 1 scent training course . Thank you blue dog canine service More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Rachel Brodie
Graduation day for Ted! What a fab 5 week course, our little pup is coming away a lot more social, better trained & his parents have learned a thing or two along the way! Thanks Karen & Phil
Reviewed on Facebook
Janice Page
We really enjoyed our puppy classes especially Ollie as he made lots of new friends. Lots of helpful advice and tips to help with our furbaby.
Reviewed on Facebook
Lisa Jones
We would highly recommend Blue Dog training to any new puppy owner. Our boy was quite shy around other dogs, but by the end of his first course he had grown in confidence so much. The atmosphere is controlled but fun which helped our pup not get too overwhelmed. Really fun sessions which lay the foundations for a great bond and a happy healthy dog. We can wait to get going on our next course with Karen and Phil! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Natalie Taylor
My dog Gus and I attended the baby recall class on Saturday and despite the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the class. I learnt a lot and he wasn't as badly behaved as I thought he would be! We will definitely be going back to another class. Thank you More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Heather Williamson
Myself and my rescue dog Robin have loved all the Blue Dog classes! We have had a 1-2-1 Recall session with Karen, the agility class was great fun and we have just started Level 2 of the Dog Detective scent course. Karen and Phil are so friendly, very welcoming and put you at ease. Myself and Robin would definitely recommend Blue Dog to everyone! Thank you More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Louise Liggins
Really enjoyed our first agility session, Karen and Phil were very friendly and great with our very excitable working cocker! We would definitely recommend the session to others. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Julia Healy
Karen and Phil provide a safe supported, environment to enable doggie learning and building a good bond with your dog. My pup Cindy has grown in confidence and made great progress doing activities which are fun for dog and owner. .the follow up resources provide full detailed information about the weeks class and suggested activities to practise at home. We both had a great time.. well worth it. ..Julia and Cindi xx More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Scott Ackroyd
I had 3 1 to 1 sessions with Karen for my boy Mac. He’s a 1 1/2 years old Rottweiler. I explained to Karen that I wanted him to walk better on the leash without pulling and to come back when called when off leash. And it worked! Best £75 I have ever spent. I will be booking more sessions with Karen in the near future. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Nigel Chamberlain
Yes good servise and very friendly my little ted is learning well thank to the servise and lessons we learnt
Reviewed on Facebook
Nichola Rayson
Niko and I have learned so much. Not only commands but our bond. Now he is coming up to six months I feel we have an understanding and he is getting more and more confident with people and dogs. I’m more confident too that I understand his body language. Thank you so much Karen. I’d highly recommend your puppy class to any new owner! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Katherine Tanney
Really enjoyed level one scentwork. Seemed to calm dougal down and it was great to see him working. Karen and Phil are great. Thanks!
Reviewed on Facebook
Jamie Bogle
Karen & Phil have been brilliant helping us get our puppy Dexter through training classes. We've done the puppy training and the bronze award and have seen a noticable difference in Dexter. It's also given us much more confidence with him as well as lots of great training techniques to use at home. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Angela Mcmanus
Karen & Phil are amazing from the first session with my puppy Monty in the Bronze class to passing they've been amazing gave not only me but mainly Monty the confidence to be such a confident little puppy loving his play time with me & the family, highly recommend & can't wait to get back with Monty to see what else he can learn :)
Reviewed on Facebook
Danielle Rigbey
Absolutely worth doing. Karen and Phil were amazing our dog Milo loved doing his pawfect puppy foundation course. Will certainly be attending different classes with him. big thumbs up from us
Reviewed on Facebook
Sarah Southam
Murph Just loved his puppy class and has become so confident in just a few weeks! We will miss Karen, Phil and all his pupper friends but will definitely be enrolling on other courses xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Pam Wilde
We have just completed Level 2 Scentwork. The course was well structured to allow the dogs to test their skill in different environments. Lovely atmosphere in the group, Karen and Phil are very friendly and welcoming. This is the third course we have done and would recommend Blue Dog to anyone. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Mary Atkinson
Great scentwork class totally recommend lots of fun for dogs and owners. Doggy Mixtures also a great class. Our dog Pip loves the classes and Karen’s instructions are clear and easy to follow. It’s obvious they love dogs and and helping owners to get the best out of their own dog . More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Dawn Wilson
We’ve just completed the Pawfect Puppy foundation and Cooper really enjoyed it! A lovely relaxed atmosphere where the pups (and hoomans) can learn and socialise with every care taken to not overwhelm the more nervous pupsters. Karen and Phil run a fantastic selection of courses - both formal training and some just more fun - something for every hound. I can’t wait to try some of the other courses with Cooper and our other dog. Doggy detectives is next on my list... More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Laurie Shaw
Just finished puppy foundations class and have really learnt a lot! As my daughter would say it’s ‘Ruby’s happy place’. Super friendly class, thank you so much xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Katharine Rogers
I’ve completed a number of courses with my dogs Ted and Dougie which have all been fantastic, fun and friendly. The courses are always packed full of activities which keep the dogs motivated and with the range of courses they offer there is always something new to try. Karen and Phil are also lovely to work with. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Claire Weedy
Highly recommend Blue Dog Canine services!! My cockapoo has just completed her introduction to scentwork and will be moving on to level 2. She gets so excited when we arrive as she loves attending the classes. She is learning new skills which we can incorporate into play at home making her a much happier and relaxed dog. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Mandy Robson
The puppy training classes are a great way for puppies to gain confidence with other dogs. The classes are fun and friendly and easu to follow and emailed tips/homework are helpful to keep up the training at home.
Reviewed on Facebook
Lynn Stacey
I would highly recommend Blue Dog classes and training, being a dog trainer myself I like to be 'the learner' sometimes and continue my own dogs training, we recently did the scentwork level 1 with my older dog and loved it, we have now signed up for level 2 and am re doing level 1 with my young dog.
Reviewed on Facebook
Tracy Smith
Having just completed Scent Work Level’s 1 & 2 with my Collie Doodle Rafa, I wholeheartedly recommend this class. Karen & Phil are fab, creating an informed environment with a relaxed atmosphere. Rafa and I have learned a lot and Rafa loves searching for the articles. Dog’s noses are amazing and Rafa loves to play ‘FIND IT’ More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Gemma Dougal
We've just booked onto our third course, the classes are great and best of all our puppy loves it. He loves learning new things and is doing it in a fun way. I don't know what kind of puppy we'd have if we didn't go to the classes! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Mick Wilkes
Just finished 6 weeks bronze puppy class and it was brilliant. Really useful stuff for our dog and all our family members thank you Karen and Phil. See you in the New Year for the more training although Milo just loves the social side of the sessions!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Chloé Louise
Aurora just completed the bronze class. Absolutely fantastic. Can’t wait to start the silver and see what else we can learn
Reviewed on Facebook
Karen Fox
Fun scentwork classes that proved that my 7 year old poodle cross wasn't too old to learn new tricks!
Reviewed on Facebook
Claire Noble
I cannot recommend Blue dog enough for the fab selection of classes as well as breed specific classes that are available. Myself and Bono have participated in fun agility, scentwork and recently cockapoo capers which both myself and most importantly my gorgeous boy Bono loved
Reviewed on Facebook
Tracey Anderson Green
Just finished 6 weeks puppy class and it was fantastic. Olive loved it and both she and her hoomans learned a lot. Friendly class and Karen and Phil are fabulous with the dogs xx
Reviewed on Facebook
Terry Stokoe
Angus loved attending the Pawfect Puppy foundation course. It was a great opportunity for him to socialise with other dogs. We all learned so much and we are really looking forward to joining the bronze group. Thank you Karen and Phil. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Sally
I highly recommend Karen and her training classes. Not only is she very knowledgeable about dogs - but her classes are great fun. The classes were varied and interesting & I learnt loads. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Dawn Purdy
Lillie completed her first puppy session this morning, she absolutely loved it and so did � Karen is fantastic X
Reviewed on Facebook
Tim Tayler
Poppy was late starter because my wife and I struggled to find a trainer that had classes that fit the times we could do so the range of times was great. We found the follow ups emails after the session are great outlining the points covered in the session are a great way to keep up training and keeping it consistent. The great thing about Karen and Phil is their approach to training is not a one size fits all. They are very understanding that all dog are different even if they are the same breed this comes across very clearly having so much patience input and enthusiasm for the doggles and explaining what works for one might not work for the next but taking small steps to build behaviours and understand behaviours works. The principles are easy to follow very relaxed and not over complicated and most importantly fun. (Egg and spoon races to teach loose lead walking) Poppy at the time was 8 months old and started with bronze training Karens methods are fun and easy to follow and replicate at home so we got the basics and moved on to silver. After Silver it was clear Poppy was never going to always do as she was told but that’s border terriers for you. During the silver sessions she loved to sniff. rarely paying attention to what was going on and just having a good old nose around. Karen suggested we do scent work together and Poppy loves it she engaged in what’s going (dare I say she is more obedient in these classes) and has moved on so quickly. She is about to start level 2 scent work. For this I could not thank her more and we look forward to “sniffs school” on a Sunday. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Paula Moncur
I would definitely recommend this service. Our puppy has just completed his bronze training and we have already booked the silver. Karen and Phil made the class very enjoyable for both puppies and owners. Thank you very much indeed Jasper has learnt some great things. We'll See you soon More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rachel A Quinn
My Vizsla, Lanza absolutely loved the fun agility foundation course. We both learnt so much and can’t wait to do more agility. Thank you for a great session!
Reviewed on Facebook
Bethan McGorie
We took our 1yo golden retriever Josie for the fun agility foundations class at swalwell and she absolutely loved it! We learnt a lot and so did Josie she had the best time and was such a happy dog you could see how much she enjoyed it, we can't wait for the next one!
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
Working with owners and their dogs to identify solutions to the issues they are having and supporting them to implement them. I love it when I support owners so that they can stick to the plan we've agreed and so start to see real progress quickly. It's lovely to see an owner and dog develop a deeper bond and understanding and to see them having fun together.
What inspired you to start your own business?
A love of dogs and a desire to help dogs and their owners have a happier and more enriched life together. I started reading up on canine behaviour as a result of my youngest dog Missy becoming increasingly reactive to other dogs and I wanted to help her so she wouldn't be stressed out. I found it fascinating and then went on to accredited studies and extensive training.
Why should our clients choose you?
The testimonials on our website and facebook page will give clients confidence that the service offered is both high quality and effective. Our methods are modern, ethical and are scientifically proven. Dogs learn better when they are having fun, and we are different from many other trainers as we develop activities that place an emphasis on having fun with your dog while you both learn.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes I offer virtual puppy and dog training consultations, virtual separation anxiety consultations and have a range of online learning opportunities and ebooks.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
All UK Government best practice guidelines are followed.
Preparing for puppy video calls
A video session with Karen. This could be right at the start of your journey to finding a pup to look at choosing the right breed, what to look out for in a breeder, and how to identify things that should ring alarm bells.
Maybe you've chosen a breeder and need some help with choosing the right pup? Or perhaps you'd like some support to work with the breeder to get pup ready to come home with you?
Or maybe just a little bit of help in getting ready for that all important first night and week at home with you - what to buy, how to set things up in the home, introducing the "den, settling pup in, housetraining and all other "new puppy" preparations.
Karen can help with all of these things!
Support for puppy parents
Are you a new puppy owner?
Do you have a puppy under 6m old?
Are you struggling with puppy issues such as biting, housetraining, jumping up or over excitement?
Do you just want to make sure that your 'get it right' and give you puppy the best start in life?
Are you finding it difficult to address the issues you are having?
Would you like individual guidance and support from a qualified dog trainer?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then try one of our support packages.
Karen offers in person, mix and match and virtual support sessions for owners with pups up to 6 months old. She will provide tailored guidance and support to answer your puppy questions, address the struggles you are having and help you with training your puppy essential life skills and manners.
If you are experiencing challenges with your puppy, please don't wait as the clock really is ticking for our young puppies. Things that can be easily sorted out now with the right support and guidance will be almost certainly become more and more difficult to address the older your puppy gets!
121 and family puppy and dog training
In these sessions, held at The Winlaton Centre, you'll be supported by Karen to enable you to overcome your training struggles, and to teach your dog life skills and to strengthen their ability to learn, think and make good choices.
Sessions use reward based methods, including fun training games and activities that you can easily do together at home to:
Improve focus on you and listening to you
Build value of being close to you
Come back when you call
Walk nicely on the lead
Be calm even when there are distractions
Chill out when asked
Build your dog's confidence, their ability to deal with novel situations and optimism
Reduce problem behaviours
Virtual puppy and dog training
f you are worried about virtual sessions, don't be! All you need is a small, quiet area at home, access to a laptop/tablet/smart phone, an internet connection and some treats...oh and of course your dog! If you have a dog training need and you’ve been holding back on trying a virtual session, we urge you to take the leap and give them a go. We think you’ll be surprised how easy and useful they can be!
Virtual puppy or dog training consultations can be used to sit down with Karen and work through the struggles and challenges you are having, answer your questions and put a plan in place to help. Common issues that are covered include many puppy issues such as housetraining, crate training, biting, nipping and chewing.
Or maybe you need a bit of support with some common training issues such as:
jumping up,
recall,
loose lead walking,
focus,
calmness,
reducing unwanted behaviours,
confidence building
teaching life skills
Please note these are not behavioural consults, please contact us if you have any questions before booking. Choose to pay as you go or a more cost effective three session package.
Separation Anxiety support
We want to help you and your dog overcome separation anxiety so that you can both get your lives back. Karen specialises in helping dogs and their owners overcome separation anxiety and has trained with Julie Naismith, the author of the separation anxiety training guide, Be Right Back! on her SA Pro Trainer Programme. There is so much (incorrect) advice out there about how to 'fix' separation anxiety, often using inhumane and damaging methods. Let Karen help you help your dog overcome separation anxiety using kind and evidence based methods that work.
If you book 121 support with Karen, you can be sure that you are working with someone who knows how to ethically help you and your dog get over separation anxiety. You are also choosing to work with someone who has a lot of experience and who has helped and supported hundreds and hundreds of puppy and dog owners. So if you are looking for someone who really knows what they are talking about, then choose to work with Karen. Yes it can be hard to stay the course and there are no quick fixes, but you'll be supported by her on your journey to freedom. Every step of the way! The support is delivered virtually as this approach has been proven time and time again to be exceptionally successful in the treatment of separation anxiety. It is not useful or necessary to have the 'trainer' in your home when you are doing the separation anxiety training exercises. This creates a totally false situation and can create unnecessary stress for your dog which will inevitably cause the training to fail.
