Cumbria Dog Training

04/06/2026

My special boy
Buoy ?!!
❤️🐾

04/06/2026

Out of office until June 12th

And breathe!!!

02/06/2026

Officials have confirmed a new law is now in force which affects all dog owners taking their pet out for a walk.

Earlier this year, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) introduced a new law which is aimed at stopping dog owners allowing their pets to cause mayhem among livestock.

The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased. Livestock worrying, occurs when a dog the person owns or is in charge of chases, attacks, or causes distress to livestock on agricultural land. The aim is to prevent livestock death and injury, which will save farmers thousands of pounds each year.

The fine has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine and police now have powers to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe it has attacked or worried livestock and that there is a risk it could do so again.

The Moorland Association said the law means the dog does not even have to touch the animal. It said: “A dog does not need to make physical contact for an offence to be committed. Chasing, cornering, or simply being loose among sheep is enough. Livestock can be seriously harmed or killed by fear and stress alone, even without a bite or a scratch. Pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable, the stress of being chased can cause them to abort.

“The law now treats attacking livestock as a separate offence from worrying, making the violent nature of a physical attack explicit in the legislation for the first time.”

The definition of livestock has also been expanded. It now includes:
Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs
Horses
Camelids (llamas and alpacas)
Ostriches
Farmed deer
Enclosed game birds
Poultry

Courts can also order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining a dog during an investigation or court proceedings. Previously, those costs fell on the police or local authority. Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock.

“Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government’s strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare.”

Advice to dog owners:
Follow The Countryside Code when visiting these areas
Any dog is capable of livestock worrying - always keep dogs under control and in sight
It is good practice to keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept, but let go of the lead if chased by cattle
Always follow local signs
Report any incidents of livestock worrying to the police or local farmers
Ensure dogs cannot escape from homes or gardens near livestock fields

A survey of farmers from the National Sheep Association found that almost four in five (87%) sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024. Many have reported multiple incidents. Recent National Farmers’ Union research found that the cost of livestock worrying has risen by 10% from the previous year. This has now reached almost £2 million. The midlands alone saw an estimated £438,000 worth of livestock harmed by dog attacks, followed by the Southeast at £330,000.

DEFRA said police will now have greater powers and can investigate incidents more effectively. These powers include entering premises to secure evidence or animal DNA. Alongside this, courts will also be able to require offenders to cover the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog.

✍Ben Hurst

02/06/2026

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01/06/2026

Interesting and worrying.

I spoke with a prospective client with a new pup, some lessons had been booked in for some puppy "training" when the pup was old enough approx 14weeks or so.

He was stuck with not knowing what to do

Breeder says he is far too young to do anything until he is 6mths old. She does have many years experience Janet as a cruft’s judge of the breed so she does know what she is talking about but then you are saying to start younger Janet, I don't know what to do

Ok.......

I am not saying that the training is formal.
But, there needs to be consistency brought in for the young lad as well as fun interaction, positive exposure to the world, and some boundaries and basics trained through play.

I am NOT suggesting obedience training ready for cruft’s..........

If youngsters don't get some guidance they will start making their own decisions which won't necessarily be the right ones, confusion can creep in and the dog will enjoy self entertaining away from the human. and what ever bond there was can weaken.

Engagement, bonding, working the brain, fun, love, building trust are so important.

Don't wait until your pup is 6mths or older before you start.

Rant over........

Edit......
In contrast just had a lovely lady with 11 week pup needing help and has booked the puppy course for when I return from my holiday.

31/05/2026

ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OVERRIDING YOUR DOG’S CAPABILITIES?

Are You Expecting Too Much, Too Soon?

What do I mean?

Consider whether your dog actually has the skills, maturity, experience, or emotional state needed to do what you're asking.

Examples:
• Expecting a young puppy to ignore distractions in a busy park before they've mastered the behaviour at home.
• Expecting a rescue dog to be comfortable with strangers after only a few days in a new home.
• Expecting a dog with fear or anxiety issues to remain calm in situations that overwhelm them.
• Expecting perfect obedience when the dog hasn't had enough practice, reinforcement, or gradual exposure.
• Coping with being on an open fell/area and expecting it to remember any training if you go out for several hours when your dog has only been out and about for shorter periods.

If your dog is struggling….. ask:
1. Does my dog understand what I'm asking?
2. Has my dog successfully done this in easier situations first?
3. Is the environment too distracting or stressful right now?
4. Am I progressing at a pace my dog can handle?
5. Has my dog had enough practice but also with longer sessions to build resilience?

If the answer to any of these is "no," the solution is usually is to:-

🐶Lower the difficulty
🐶Break the task into smaller steps,
🐶Build success gradually
🐶Reduce the pressure on your dog.
🐶Reduce length of walks or time out in busier places.

When our dogs struggle, it's easy to assume they're being stubborn, distracted, or choosing not to listen.
But often, the real issue isn't a lack of willingness—it's that we're asking for more than they're currently capable of giving.

Just because your dog can perform a behaviour perfectly in the living room doesn't mean they can do the same thing in a busy park full of smells, people, dogs, and distractions. Just because a puppy understands "sit" doesn't mean they have the impulse control to remain focused for long periods. And just because a rescue dog has settled into your home doesn't mean they're emotionally ready to handle every new experience with confidence.

✨Learning takes time. Confidence takes time. Emotional regulation takes time.✨

❗️Progress isn't always a straight line. Some days your dog will shine, and other days they'll need a little more support. THAT IS NORMAL.❗️

Great training isn't about demanding perfection. It's about meeting your dog where they are, recognising their individual capabilities, and helping them build skills step by step.
When we adjust our expectations to match our dog's stage of learning, we create more success, less frustration, and a stronger relationship built on trust and understanding.

Sometimes the most powerful question isn't, "Why won't my dog do it?"
It's:-
🐾"Have I given my dog the tools, experience, and time they need to succeed?"🐾

💙 Train the dog in front of you, not the dog you hope they'll be tomorrow. The rest will come with patience, consistency, and practice. 🐾

29/05/2026

Have a read 🐾👀

27/05/2026

25/05/2026

Should be common sense……

It’s hot here in Cumbria so hotter elsewhere I’m sure.

No dog died from not having a walk.

25/05/2026

😳🤬😞