Calm Canine Training

05/09/2026

Absolute Canine Dog Club

Today was all about shaping 🔺

Firstly they shaped each other 😂
This shows them just how hard it is for our dogs and how important clear communication is 🗣️
Then we talked about setting up our environment, looking at our equipment.
Then we set them a challenge to shape their dogs two paws into a box! 📦

They did brilliantly! 🤩

I do have an apology though as somehow I missed Cooper 💙😢

Well done everyone 👏🏻

Pawsome

05/09/2026

Well it’s bye bye to my wee van 🚐 it’s off to pastures new! You may see it around though as it hasn’t gone far 😜

I was so proud of myself when I got the van and set up my wee business 🩷 so I do feel a little sad today 😔

Dog walking is off the menu as my hand is just not fit for purpose! Onwards and upwards though as I’m solely concentrating on my dog training business so if you’d like any information about my 1-1 training please do get in touch! ℹ️

04/09/2026

Amy from The Curious Dog Company was trying to stock the shop …. She had some helpers 🐾😂

04/09/2026

⚡ Firework Flash 2026 ⚡

Helping your dog feel calmer and more confident around fireworks and sudden loud noises.

📅 Sunday 27th September
🕚 11:00am – 2:30pm
📍 Forde Training Services, Dechmont, West Lothian

If your dog struggled last year through firework season then this is the workshop for you.

Join Ashley, Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist from Reach Your Pawtential Dog Training & Behaviour, alongside Kirsten from Absolutely Pawsome and Arlene from Calm Canine Training, for a practical, informative workshop designed to help you understand your dog's behaviour and give you the tools to support them through noisy events.

During the workshop we'll cover:
🐾 Understanding noise sensitivities and phobias
🐾 Recognising the subtle signs of stress before they escalate
🐾 Why some dogs develop noise fears (and why it isn't your fault)
🐾 Practical strategies to help your dog before, during and after fireworks
🐾 When medication may be appropriate and how it can help

You'll also receive a Canine Personality Profile, helping you understand:
✨ How your dog responds to unexpected or worrying situations
✨ Their individual play style and arousal patterns
✨ Which enrichment activities best suit their personality

Our handler spaces will also enjoy practical enrichment sessions, where we'll demonstrate how to choose and use the most appropriate activities to help your dog relax and cope more effectively.

Every attendee will receive:
🎁 A goodie bag
📖 Practical resources to take home
☕ Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits
⭐ Exclusive access to Ashley's Noise Sensitivity Package (available only to Firework Flash attendees)

Spaces Available:
🐶 Handler Space (limited to just 8 dogs) – £99
Includes the workshop, enrichment sessions and one dog.
👀 Spectator Space – £49
Perfect if you'd like all the knowledge and demonstrations without bringing your dog.

📩 To reserve your place, email: [email protected]

Because every dog deserves to feel a little safer when the world gets noisy. ❤️🐾

03/09/2026

Buttons 💙

The very handsome Buttons was back yesterday — although our session didn’t quite go to plan!

And you know what? That’s training! 🐾

Buttons was trigger stacked before we’d really even got started. He’d met a lady friend earlier in the week who was very close to her season, and for a young teenage boy, that was already a LOT to process! 😂🥜

Then, as soon as we arrived at the park, we met another dog.

By that point, Buttons simply wasn’t in a learning space. And when a dog is overwhelmed, the answer isn’t to keep pushing with the training — sometimes the best thing we can do is recognise it, adjust our expectations and make things easier.

Buttons is going in for his little op 🥜 in a couple of weeks, so we’ve decided to postpone his next session until October and give him some time afterwards.

And just a little reminder about neutering…

Neutering isn’t a quick fix for behaviour.

Some behaviours may change, some may not change at all, and some may change in ways we weren’t expecting. It’s an individual decision that needs to take into account the dog, their age, behaviour, health and circumstances.

Buttons’ owner has thought carefully about the decision and discussed it with her vet, which is exactly how it should be. ❤️

And we did finish our session with a lovely meet and greet with the gorgeous Gonzo! 🐾

Because sometimes the best training session is knowing when to call it a day and finishing on something positive… For the dog, for the owner… and, if I’m honest, for me too! 😂🥰

03/09/2026

🌟 2026 Puppy Classes – Give Your Puppy the Best Start 🌟

Our 6:15pm class is full. Due to demand we’re opening up a second class at 7:30pm - 8:30pm, if you’re interested get in touch 🐾

Perfect for puppies up to 6 months old, designed to help your little companion thrive in our human world.

Puppy Class Programme – £120
Includes:
🔸 5 weekly sessions (1 hour each)
🔸 Dedicated training facility in Uphall with large outdoor space
🔸 Two accredited trainers in small classes
🔸 Essential skills like focus, loose lead walking and recall
🔸 Support with socialisation, biting and jumping up
🔸 Safe play and polite introductions
🔸 Private Facebook support group
🔸 Online follow-up video tutorials

📅 Start Date: 17th September
⏰ 7:30–8:30pm
📍 Forde Training Services, 5A Houston Mains, Dechmont, EH52 6JU

Ideal for first-time puppy owners or anyone who wants early reassurance and clear direction.

Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention.

Message us to secure your place:
[email protected] 🐾

02/09/2026

This class is now full but due to demand we are possibly putting on another class starting 17th September at 7:30 - 8:30pm. Get in touch for more information.

🌟 2026 Puppy Classes – Give Your Puppy the Best Start 🌟

Perfect for puppies up to 6 months old, designed to help your little companion thrive in our human world.

Puppy Class Programme – £120
Includes:
🔸 5 weekly sessions (1 hour each)
🔸 Dedicated training facility in Uphall with large outdoor space
🔸 Two accredited trainers in small classes
🔸 Essential skills like focus, loose lead walking and recall
🔸 Support with socialisation, biting and jumping up
🔸 Safe play and polite introductions
🔸 Private Facebook support group
🔸 Online follow-up video tutorials

📅 Start Date: 17th September ⏰ 6:15–7:15pm
📍 Forde Training Services, 5A Houston Mains, Dechmont, EH52 6JU

⭐ Recommended: The Best Start Puppy Package – £170
We’ve found that many families struggle in the first few weeks at home — sleep deprivation, biting, toileting accidents and over-excitement can quickly become habits.

This package is designed to provide you with help and support tailored to your individual needs.

As well as the group classes detailed above, you’ll receive:
🏡 A 45-minute 1–1 home visit in West Lothian with Arlene or Kirsten before the classes begin.
Tailored support covering:

😴 Sleep routines and settling
😬 Biting and mouthing
🐾 Jumping up
🚽 Toileting
📦 Crate training
🐕 Early socialisation guidance

We work in your home environment so you feel confident from day one. You’ll then join the full 5-week class programme.

Ideal for first-time puppy owners or anyone who wants early reassurance and clear direction.

Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention.
Email us to secure your place: [email protected] 🐾

02/09/2026

🐾 Absolute Canine Walk Club 🐾

Walk Wise with Absolute Canine

Take your training beyond the training centre and into the real world!

We're excited to introduce our next Absolute Canine Walk Club – designed exclusively for our current and previous Absolute Canine clients.

Join Arlene and Kirsten for a relaxed, supportive group walk where we'll help you put your training into practice in everyday situations.

During the walk we'll cover:
🐶 Navigating encounters with other dogs.
🐶 What to do when an off-lead "friendly" dog approaches.
🐶 Reading your dog's body language.
🐶 Rewarding calm, confident choices.
🐶 Engagement in real-life environments.
🐶 Building your confidence alongside your dog.

This isn't just a group dog walk – it's a guided walk where you can ask questions and continue developing the skills you've already been working on.

📅 Walk: Wednesday 9th September
🕜 Time: 1:30pm (approximately 1 hour)
📍 Location: Eliburn Park, Livingston
Parking available at Livingston Community Football Club EH54 7EE - this will be our meeting point.
💷 Cost: £15 per dog

We'll be meeting at the car park where there's plenty of parking and ample space to keep comfortable distances from other dogs, making it an ideal place to practise real-life skills.

These walks will run every three weeks, with different locations and training opportunities throughout the year.

Spaces are limited to keep the walks small and ensure everyone receives individual guidance.

If you'd like to join us for our Walk Wise with Absolute Canine session, send us a message to reserve your place:
[email protected]

01/09/2026

Snacking 🍇😂

31/08/2026

Sambo 💙 and his brother Jovi 🐾

Sometimes, in a multi-dog household, training can be a little more challenging — especially when the dogs are used to doing everything together!

So, we’re stripping things right back to basics and building their skills gradually. 🐾

We’ll start by working with each dog individually, helping them learn that they can focus, listen and work with their humans without being distracted by each other.

Then we’ll bring them back together — initially with a barrier between them, gradually building up their ability to work around each other before eventually working them together.

The goal - Two dogs who can enjoy working with their humans, as well as enjoying being together. 💙