St Trainians School for Dogs

15/09/2025

Huge congratulations to Rachel Marshall and Ember who is only just 18 months old, gaining two 6th places in what were very large entries for their level, on Saturday at Lichfield obedience show. 6th place in Pre beginners and also 6th place in the Kennel Club Good Citizens Special Pre Beginners.

Also many congratulations to our friend Steph Jones for coming 3rd in pre beginners on Sunday at Lichfield with her Irish Red and White Setter Hugo. Caley and Breacan's cousin.

30/08/2025

Over the years I've tried many different types of headcollar as training aids, and safety for people with strong dogs who make sudden unexpected movement. They all have a downside to them, either being poorly constructed for dogs, great for horses, ponies, goats etc but not for dogs who are much lower down, thereby causing issues with head/neck positions leading to general discomfort.

Those of a better construction for dogs have turned out to be incredibly fiddly to put on, causing them to become twisted, and creating yet more discomfort for the dog.

However, quite recently this type has been recommended to me, and I must say, so far these ones score 10 out of 10 at every level. My dogs are much happier wearing them. I will in fact say they are very happy. No rubbing to get off. They look good. Feel good and from my perspective, very simple to put on.

Join our stress free dog walking revolution, stop your dog pulling

06/08/2025

Sunday at Hatchford Brook obedience was Rachel and Ember's big day. 2nd place in the Kennel Club Good Citizens Special Pre beginners class, also placed in Introductory and Pre beginners, along with our friend Steph Jones and Hugo Irish Red and White Setter (cousin to Breacan and Caley). Very well done to you both on your achievements.

Not such a good day for Breacan, but that's how it goes, they are dogs and not robots, with Breacan finding the environment too exciting and then too hot for his final class.

10/07/2025

Heed warnings. Not only do we have hot weather, but we have very high humidity too being an Island. Despite advice to the contrary circulating on social media, allegedly coming from vets, the old advice still very much applies.

If your dog starts panting excessively, then they are at high risk of getting into trouble. Dogs aren't as good at regulating their body temperature as humans, as their main mechanism for cooling down is panting, whereas we sweat.

If you are concerned, get them into water, wetting legs, belly and head. If this fails, douse completely, preferably plunge. Lift the coat and try to get water onto the skin, especially if you have a collie type dog. Put fans on.

If this fails, get them to eat ice cubes, yes do it. The advice circulating on social media is false. Your job is to bring internal body temperature down.

Should this fail, call the vet and be prepared to be seen immediately. This is a genuine veterinary emergency.

Do not use cool coats or wet towels as they trap the heat!

If you have a flat faced breed, please be even more vigilant.

Keep your dogs safe, and it's better to miss a dog show, or miss winning an agility rosette than to end up loosing your dog! There will be other events.

30/06/2025

Decompression after a busy weekend is so important for our dogs. Most people aren't aware how much dog sports of any kind can take out of our dogs, after they have been in unfamiliar environments, and performing their skills which take a lot of concentration, coordination, stresses, excitement on their part, as well as working as a team with their humans. Do your sporting dogs a favour and give them a chill out time for all their hard work and a special treat for them too which doesn't involve any work at all. Also remember to take care of their needs in the hot weather too as the stress of heat and activities will last for several days in their bodies whether you are aware of it or not. Different dogs react differently to situations. Let them be your guide but remember decompression is an absolute must!

30/06/2025

This weekend, too hot over in England on Saturday for our dogs who didn't fare well, and I withdrew Breacan from the ring early pm. Sunday was cooler, cloudy and much better for them. A qualifying score for Ember Bernese who really still felt the humidity. A non qualifier for Caley who made contact with my hand, but I wasn't worried as she did a fabulous round and showed her ring confidence is now returning after a very bad experience in a sudden wind storm at a show exactly a year ago, but Breacan gave his very best in the heavy conditions and achieved a 3rd in level 3 and 2nd in level 4 with Excellence scores. We would have done better still had I fully understood certain rules, which I do now, so I'm really not worried as I've learned new things, I'm just happy my dogs had a good time, weren't distressed by the conditions on Sunday and enjoyed their time out. Today is definitely decompression day after competing, and maybe tomorrow too. They will tell me.

02/06/2025

Yesterday was Breacan's day at Cheltenham Rally. A lovely relaxed and very well run show, but very windy and rather cold, but still enjoyable. A High Score of Excellence in level 3 and another High Score of Excellence and a 3rd place in level 4. Thanks to the judges.

Training is back this coming Saturday at 10.00am at Garnswllt.

13/05/2025

The Bernese Team have been out again, winning level 2 Rally one weekend, and then Good Citizens Bronze award on Saturday, followed by Silver on Sunday. Congratulations to Rachel and Ember, and also to Rachel and Opal for passing Bronze too.

25/04/2025

Team Rachel and Ember strike again. This time taking 2nd place in Pre beginners class after a run off for first place at Carmarthen obedience. Considering this dog is only 13 months old, this is an incredible achievement. Well done, and watch out, there will be more to come from these two.