Dogschool Axarquia

09/07/2026

28/06/2026

🐾 Collar or harness? Maybe the best answer is: both.

One of the questions I hear most often is whether a collar or a harness is better. My answer is usually simple: they both have their own purpose.

I like to use both, each in a different situation.

✔️ A harness is ideal when I want my dog to have a little more freedom, for example on a long line or a retractable leash. It allows the dog to explore, sniff and move more naturally.

✔️ A collar is my choice when I expect the dog to walk calmly beside me on a short leash. There is one clear rule: the leash stays loose.

Dogs are perfectly capable of learning this difference. They quickly associate a collar and a harness with different expectations, as long as we are consistent in our training.

It is important to remember that neither a collar nor a harness teaches loose-leash walking by itself. Good training does. By consistently using each piece of equipment for a specific purpose, we make it much easier for our dogs to understand what is expected of them.

This creates less confusion, less frustration and much more enjoyable walks together.

The five key takeaways:

🐕 Use a harness when your dog is allowed more freedom.

🐕 Use a collar when practising calm, loose-leash walking on a short lead.

🐕 Be consistent—each piece of equipment should always mean the same thing.

🐕 Reward a loose leash far more often than you correct pulling.

🐕 Clear communication and consistent training matter far more than the equipment itself.

Dogs don’t only learn what to do—they also learn when different behaviour is expected. And that clarity builds confidence for both dog and owner.

23/06/2026

Does your dog really want to be petted? That is a good question and we always think dogs like it. But it is all about under standing your dogs communication. Attached a YouTube video which really explains this very well. So what is your answer to this question ? Have a look here.

Lots of dogs tolerate being petted but don't really enjoy it. Learn...

16/06/2026

☀️ SUMMER BREAK ☀️

As the Andalusian summer heat arrives, Dogschool Axarquía is taking a well-deserved summer break until September.

Before we pause our classes, we would like to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us during the 2025–2026 training season. 🐾

What a fantastic year it has been! From puppies attending their very first lessons to more experienced dogs tackling new challenges in obedience and agility, it has been a pleasure to watch so many dogs and handlers grow together.

We have celebrated successes, worked through challenges, shared plenty of laughs, and watched friendships develop—both on two legs and four. Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition.

While the classes may be taking a break, your dog’s education shouldn’t! Just 10–15 minutes of training each day can make a big difference. Keep practising the basics, stay consistent with your rules and boundaries, and most importantly, continue enjoying the journey with your dog.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, commitment, and trust throughout the season. Dogschool Axarquía is more than a training field—it is a group of people who want the very best for their dogs, and we are grateful to be part of that journey.

We look forward to welcoming you all back in September, refreshed and ready for another great season.

Until then, stay cool, enjoy the summer, and give your dogs an extra cuddle from us! ☀️🐶

See you in September!

The Dogschool Axarquía Team Miranda & Karel

14/06/2026

This week we have a double introduction: meet Nyka and Morris!

Nyka, the German Shepherd, is the matriarch of Dogschool Axarquía. She firmly believes that fighting is unnecessary and will happily step in whenever she thinks things need calming down. Although she’s one of our more senior dogs, she still loves learning new things in agility. Around the school she is affectionately known as “The Tank” – not because of her size, but because once she sets her sights on an obstacle, absolutely nothing stands in her way… sometimes not even her handler Miranda!

Morris, the Belgian Shepherd, is one of the friendliest dogs you could ever meet when it comes to people. Around other dogs he prefers to keep an eye on things, especially when his brother Lukas is involved. But put Morris on an agility course and his entire focus shifts to his handler Ron. He wants to get everything right, immediately and at full speed. The result? Plenty of enthusiasm, plenty of speed, and occasionally a creative interpretation of the course!

Despite having had a disagreement in the past, Nyka and Morris now completely ignore each other. However, they do share one very important passion:

🎾 THE BALL. 🎾

And if a ball appears, all diplomacy, dignity, and good intentions may temporarily disappear!

07/06/2026

🐾 Lola 🐾

Meet Lola, our wonderful 12-year-old Dalmatian!

Every week, Lola and her handler Nicola join us for an agility session. At this stage, it’s no longer about speed, perfect timing, or winning. It’s all about having fun, staying active, and enjoying time together.

Lola is proof that agility isn’t just for young dogs. With the right approach, dogs can continue to enjoy exercise, mental stimulation, and teamwork well into their senior years.

And does Lola enjoy it? Absolutely! The moment she starts barking, we know she’s having the time of her life and is completely on a roll. 🎉

We’re always delighted to have Lola in class. She reminds us every week that age is just a number and that enthusiasm never gets old.

🎥 Check out Lola in action in the comments!

06/06/2026

It’s June, it’s summer and it’s warm! We are getting closer to the end of the season, but for now, after a good class, the puppies have a wonderful time playing in the “pool”.

29/05/2026

Summer has started and the temperatures are at Spanish level! A great way to cool down for a dog is to get the paws and belly wet, so swimming is an excellent idea! And though dogs have a natural instinct to swim, they are not robots to step automatically into the water! If not socialized to it, they could develop a fear for water for life. This morning we had our first “swimming class” for puppies at Dogschool Axarquia. Some really had to take time to get used to wet feet, others were so comfortable to lay down and get the belly wet! In the end Coco, Lio and Jessie had fun!

21/05/2026

Meet Luna! 🐾

Luna is a Spanish Breton with a very special soul. She is one of the happiest dogs you could ever meet — always full of excitement, energy and enthusiasm for life.

But sometimes, being too enthusiastic can make life a little difficult. When we started training about a year ago, the main focus was not only obedience, but also helping Luna find more calmness and self-control. We worked on clear rules, consistency, rewarding good choices, and especially impulse control.

We knew from the beginning this would not be a quick fix. It takes patience, time and dedication. Luckily, Luna’s owner Yvonne showed exactly that. Through her calm, consistent and patient approach, Luna has grown into a different dog.

She is still the same happy Luna — just more balanced and more in control. And that has made life easier and more enjoyable for both of them.

And as a bonus? Luna has also turned into a little Agility star! ⭐🐕. In the comments a video of Luna at agility.