The Dog Academy

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The Dog Academy

The Dog Academy provides positive dog training near Minehead on Exmoor. We offer puppy, agility, scentwork, gundog, socialisation and much much more.

The Dog Academy offers group and private training, from puppy to adult dogs. Activities including puppy classes, agility, scentwork, positive gundog and trick training. Whether you want to train for fun, build on your relationship with your dog or looking to get some exercise we can offer a session to suit. Lessons are fun, safe and can provide great mental and physical stimulation for your dog. Please do get in contact to find out how we can help.

21/01/2026

I’m really excited to be launching a new training pathway called The Calmer Walk Series!

Walking your dog should feel enjoyable, not stressful, but for many owners, walks can involve pulling, over-excitement, poor focus, unreliable recall, or emotional reactions to dogs, people, or environments.

The Calmer Walk Series is a structured set of courses designed to help you and your dog move through the world with more calm, clarity, and confidence, step by step.

There’s no quick-fix approach here. Instead, we focus on foundations, emotional regulation, and skills that genuinely transfer into real life.

You can join one course, combine two, or follow the full pathway depending on what you and your dog need.

The three parts are:

• Calm on the Lead
Focusing on calm exits, understanding the lead, and loose lead walking without force or frustration.

• Freedom with Recall
Building reliable responses through trust, orientation, clear cues, and working around distractions.

• Walking with Confidence
Supporting dogs who find walks emotionally difficult, including reactivity, thresholds, co-regulation, and emotional safety — for both dog and owner.

It is open for booking! You can grab your space by clicking here: https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/calm-on-the-lead?utm_medium=page_links

20/01/2026

One of the biggest myths in puppy training is that we need to start by teaching puppies things.

Sit.
Down.
Stay.
Look at me.

But what I see time and time again is that puppies don’t struggle because they don’t know enough cues, they struggle because the world feels big, busy, and overwhelming.

That’s why Puppy Club looks the way it does.

It’s not about drilling commands or expecting puppies to “perform”, it’s about helping them learn how to be in the world.

How to settle around other dogs.
How to explore without becoming overstimulated.
How to engage with their human even when exciting things are happening nearby.
How to build confidence through curiosity, play, and problem-solving.

These foundations matter.
They’re what make future recall, loose lead walking, and calm behaviour possible later on.

Each Puppy Club session is carefully structured to support puppy wellbeing:
– small groups (max 6 puppies)
– plenty of breaks and choice
– guided activities rather than free-for-all play
– real-time coaching and space to ask questions

This isn’t about rushing puppies through milestones.
It’s about giving them the skills to grow into calm, capable dogs who feel safe and confident in themselves.

You can book sessions individually or attend monthly, whatever feels right for you and your puppy.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, supportive start rather than a tick-box puppy class, Puppy Club might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Find out more and book your space here:
👉 https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/puppy-club

Because how we start really does matter!

15/01/2026

NEW PUPPY CLUB IN ALLERFORD!

Rather than drilling commands, Puppy Club focuses on:
Helping puppies settle and engage around other dogs
Building confidence through exploration and problem-solving
Strengthening connection and play with their owner
Introducing gentle foundations for recall and loose lead walking

Each session is carefully structured to support puppy wellbeing, with plenty of breaks, choice and support throughout. Dogs are not expected to “perform”, this is about learning how to be present, curious and connected in a social environment.

What to expect:
Small groups (maximum 6 puppies)
A calm, supportive environment
Guided activities and real-time coaching
Time to ask questions and get individual tips

This is not a free-play session, it’s a supported learning experience designed to help puppies grow into confident, capable dogs. You can book both sessions together or just the individual sessions as you go.

Find out more and book your space here: https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/puppy-club

15/12/2025

New: 4-Week Foundations Training Skills Course!
Starting 5th January in Allerford.

This is an in-person course, available at a special sponsored price of £49 for the full 4 weeks.

Completion of this course (or a 1:1 session) will be the entry requirement for:

- Joining Dog Academy group classes membership
- Attending Exmoor Dog Club training sessions

This ensures that every team arrives with the same core understanding, skills, and communication foundations, setting everyone up for success.

By the end of the course, you will leave with:
- A clear understanding of how dogs learn
- Confidence using shaping, luring, and capturing behaviours
- Improved timing, clarity, and reinforcement mechanics
- A deeper understanding of your dog’s emotional needs
- The ability to break skills down into achievable steps
- A calm, positive foundation ready for group classes
- A stronger relationship with your dog

Book your space here: https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/foundation-training-skills-group-class

29/09/2025

New Puppy Course Starting This October! 🐾

Got a new puppy and want to give them the very best start?
I’m so excited to share our brand-new Puppy Training Programme, designed to combine hands-on learning with ongoing support, so you never feel stuck between classes.

You can choose the option that works best for you:

Option 1: In-Person Puppy Classes - Only 3 spaces left!
📍 Porlock
🗓 Six fortnightly Sunday mornings: 12th & 26th Oct, 9th & 23rd Nov, 7th & 21st Dec
⏰ 10am
💰 £149
What you’ll learn: manners, focus, loose lead walking, recall, impulse control, preventing common problems, and so much more.

Option 2: Online Puppy Support
🖥 Twelve weekly Zoom sessions
💬 Ongoing WhatsApp support through the week
💰 £97
Perfect if you’d love tailored support without travelling.

Both options are designed to give you and your puppy confidence, connection, and calm foundations for life. You can combine both options too!

Message me on here if you’d like more details or to grab one of the final in-person spaces!

23/07/2025

It’s here! I can finally tell you what I’ve been working on behind the scenes…

If you’re living with a Cocker who struggles with reactivity, whether it’s barking, lunging, growling, or just feeling constantly on edge, I’ve created something just for you.

The FREE 5-Day Reactive Reset Challenge is officially OPEN for sign ups!

This isn’t about fixing your dog.
It’s about resetting you both, gently.
So you can feel calmer, clearer, and more connected again.

Here’s what’s inside:
✅ 5 days of grounding voice notes, calming practices & emotional support
✅ Learn why your dog reacts (and what actually helps)
✅ Tools that feel good for both of you, no more “just try harder”
✅ A safe, supportive Facebook space where you’re never judged for doing your best

This is for the Cocker owners who are tired of second-guessing and just want to breathe again.

We start on the 5th August and it’s completely free.

Comment RESET below and I’ll send the link.
I can’t wait to walk through this with you!

20/04/2025

Dogs are our much-loved companions and family members.

We want them to have happy, healthy and fulfilled lives—whether that’s joining us on family days out, cosy evenings at home, or big outdoor adventures.

But let’s be honest—bringing up a dog can feel hard sometimes.
Whether it’s your very first, or you’ve had dogs for decades, we all face training challenges or behaviours that leave us unsure what to do next.

The good news? It’s never too late to make a difference.

No matter your dog’s age, background or the struggles you’re facing, there are so many kind, effective and force-free ways to make things better—not just for your dog, but for you too.

I’d love to introduce you to my colleague Holly.

Holly is both a behaviourist and a clinical psychologist who helps dogs and their humans build stronger, more trusting relationships—in a way that feels positive and empowering.

She’s hosting a completely free 14-day virtual event starting on Monday 21st April, and I’m really proud to be speaking as part of it.
It’s called: “Kindness Is Essential, Not Optional”: The Dog Behaviour Conference

I’ll be talking about Adolescence Through a Compassionate Lens, alongside 27 other incredible guest experts, all sharing knowledge, strategies and support to help you and your dog feel more connected and confident together.

👉Get your FREE spot by registering with the link in the comments

07/04/2025

Brainwork is real work.

This is Hetty, completely zonked after our Cognitive Challenges Workshop last week!

Her lovely owner Jane sent me this photo and said:
“Thanks for such a great afternoon, Emma. Lots to think about now when I ask Hetty to—or more interestingly—expect her to do things!! She is absolutely shattered after all that brainwork, and I’m hoping I can now control my excitement at her accomplishments and stop being her cheerleader 😂🤣😂”

Workshops like this aren’t about flashy results or ‘fixing’ behaviour. They’re about learning more about how our dogs think, so we can meet them where they are, and build a better partnership. 😀

It’s not always about doing more—it’s about understanding more.

And when we do? That’s where the real change begins. 🐾

Thanks to everyone who came along!

17/03/2025

If you have, why not join me for a fun and interactive workshop where we’ll explore how dogs think, learn, and solve problems? This session will give you a deeper understanding of your dog’s cognitive processes and teach you simple mental challenges to help shape their learning.

Workshop Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, 3rd April
🕑 Time: 2 PM
📍 Location: Allerford Hall

This workshop is perfect for owners who want to:
🐶 Understand why their dog behaves the way they do.
🐶 Challenge their dog’s mind beyond regular training.
🐶 Learn how to work with their dog’s natural learning style.

Spaces are limited, so if you’re interested, click below to reserve your spot!

Grab your slot here: https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/cognitive-challenges-workshop?referral=service_list_widget

14/03/2025

Free Walk & Talk for Owners of Reactive Dogs – Without Their Dogs!

Do you have a reactive dog and sometimes feel isolated or overwhelmed? You're not alone! Join our free Walk & Talk event – a relaxed, judgment-free space for dog owners to connect, share experiences, and support each other.

🐾 Who is this for? Owners of reactive dogs who want to chat, learn, and enjoy a peaceful walk without the stress of managing their pup.

🚶 What to expect? A casual group walk with like-minded owners, discussing challenges, tips, and ways to support our reactive dogs.

📍 5th April at 10am, Selworthy National Trust Car Park

This is a great opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the journey of owning a reactive dog. No dogs, no pressure—just fresh air, good conversation, and community!

Grab your space here: https://www.the-dog-academy.com/service-page/free-walk-talk-for-reactive-dogs?referral=service_list_widget

24/02/2025

Exciting News- I’m Now a Certified Family Dog Mediator! 🐾

I’m thrilled to share that I am now a Certified Family Dog Mediator! This training has deepened my approach to dog behaviour by looking beyond just “how” to train and really understanding why behaviours happen in the first place. 😃

Too often, we see behaviour as something to "fix"—but real change comes when we address the root causes. This certification allows me to support owners even more effectively by:
- Understanding behaviour through the lens of evolution, genetics, learning, and self (L.E.G.S.®).
- Helping dogs and their families work together, rather than just “correcting” symptoms.
- Providing training that focuses on the whole picture, not just quick fixes.

I can’t wait to bring this knowledge into our sessions and help you and your dog in a way that truly makes a lasting difference!

Looking forward to seeing you and your dog in training soon!

Address

Porlock
TA24

Website

https://www.the-dog-academy.com/

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