If you would like to improve your Yellow dog’s behaviour and learn how to take control and manage difficult situations then Prickly Pooches could be just what you’ve been waiting for!
Prickly Pooches
Course Information
Our classes are suitable for dogs who may be nervous, under socialised or who may have had a negative experience around other dogs. Our classes are supportive, friendly and probably the quietest classes you could ever attend! Yours and your dogs safety is paramount to us. The dogs are able to learn and improve their behaviour over the weeks as the classes are designed so carefully to ensure optimum safety and an environment conducive to learning for all participants.
Due to the nature of these classes we regret that we are unable to permit anyone under the age of 18 to attend.
If you would like to improve your Yellow dog’s behaviour and learn how to take control and manage difficult situations then Prickly Pooches could be just what you’ve been waiting for!
Suitable for…
- Dogs that react badly around other dogs/people
- Dogs that are nervous and worried by other dogs/people and avoid them
- Dog owners who walk their dog at certain times of day to avoid other dog walkers
Introductory Session
There will be an introductory session where there will be complimentary refreshments and a tour of the venue. You will also receive a complimentary goody bag.
The introductory session (without your dog) will cover:
- What is reactivity?
- Realistic owner expectations
- Different methods; counterconditioning, habituation, desensitisation, shaping, extinction, response substitution
- Good dog walking etiquette
- Breed and temperament types
- Types of aggression and is it useful to label?
- What is Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT) and Constructional Aggression Training (CAT)?
- What does ‘under threshold’ mean?
- Stress stacking
- Is dog behaviour static? Can their behaviour change?
- Equipment – advantages and disadvantages
- Legal and Health & Safety considerations
- Generalisations and preventing the ‘snowball affect’
- Aids such as Pet Remedy, Bach Remedies, Zylakene, Adaptil etc
- Pharmacology – Vet prescribed drugs
Practical Sessions
There will be four practical sessions. Your dog is required for all of these practical sessions.
The practical sessions will cover:
- Improving owner confidence and competence
- Management techniques- environment and other owners!
- Modern, up to date training and behaviour methods
- How to handle your dog safely and securely
- How to avoid ‘triggering’ aggressive responses
- Signs of aggression/frustration
- A reward has to be rewarding!
- Different environments-different behaviour?
Complimentary Goody Bag
As part of this course, you’ll be given a generous goody bag containing a Prickly Pooches branded dog walking belt, clicker and a ribbon ‘collar’. You will also receive a squeaky toy and a generous selection of food samples and treats.
Individual One-to-One Session
Also as part of this course, you’ll be entitled to a one hour, accompanied walk in a park, local to the venue or at the venue itself. This may be with just me or me and one of my dogs, to be arranged before the end of the course at a mutually convenient time.
Prickly Pooches Practice Session
Also as part of this course, you’ll be entitled to one Prickly Pooches Practice Session. These are usually held at the venue, on a weekend and are a great way of practicing your new found skills with different dogs in a controlled environment. This session must be taken within four weeks of completing the course. These sessions usually cost £10 for a 60 minute session.
Email Support
After each lesson you will receive an email containing links that you may find useful. This is one of our favourites; CARE is a resource for reactive, aggressive, growly, dogs who bark and lunge on leash. CARE is a positive, effective treatment for dog reactivity. You will also receive email support during the course and for six weeks following the end of the course. Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded with a Cardiff Canine Citizens Prickly Pooches certificate and rosette, to remind you of you and your dog’s progress!
sPecial Pooches Facebook Group
You may also be added, if you wish, to the closed Facebook group, sPecial Pooches, which has in excess of 150 members! I post interesting articles and details of our Rii active Workshops and practice sessions within the group. Previous course participants also organise meet ups and offer support to other members.
After each lesson you will receive an email containing links that you may find useful. You will also receive email support during the course and for six weeks following the end of the course. Upon successful completion of the course you’ll be awarded with a Cardiff Canine Citizens Prickly Pooches certificate and rosette, to remind you of you and your dog’s progress! Prickly Pooches has a limited number of dogs in a class and booking and payment is required to reserve a place. The full course comprises of the Introductory Session with Goody Bag, four Practical Sessions, a One to One Session, a Practice Session and ten weeks of Email Support.
Standard
- Standard Prickly Pooches Course:
- Introductory Session
- Goody Bag
- 4x Practical Sessions
- 1x One-to-One Session
- 1x Practice Session
- 10 weeks of Email Support
Prickly Pooches Packages
Our Prickly Pooches course is available as a stand-alone service or as part of a discounted package. Packages allow for more support.
Bronze
Saving £25!- Standard Prickly Pooches Course:
- Introductory Session
- Goody Bag
- 4x Practical Sessions
- 1x One-to-One Session
- 1x Practice Session
- 10 weeks of Email Support
- Plus:
- One additional one-to-one session
- One additional practice session
Silver
Saving £45!- Standard Prickly Pooches Course:
- Introductory Session
- Goody Bag
- 4x Practical Sessions
- 1x One-to-One Session
- 1x Practice Session
- 10 weeks of Email Support
- Plus:
- One additional practice session
- A two hour Behavioural consultation at your home and regular walk
Gold
Saving £60!- Standard Prickly Pooches Course:
- Introductory Session
- Goody Bag
- 4x Practical Sessions
- 1x One-to-One Session
- 1x Practice Session
- 10 weeks of Email Support
- Plus:
- One additional one-to-one session
- Two additional practice sessions
- A two hour Behavioural consultation at your home and regular walk
Platinum
Saving £85!- Standard Prickly Pooches Course:
- Introductory Session
- Goody Bag
- 4x Practical Sessions
- 1x One-to-One Session
- 1x Practice Session
- 10 weeks of Email Support
- Plus:
- Three additional one-to-one sessions
- Six Additional practice sessions
- A two hour Behavioural consultation at your home and regular walk
Course Dates
Next Dates (February 2024)
Introductory Session
To be advised.
Practical Sessions
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Saturday 4th February 2024: 08:30am – 10:00am
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Saturday 11th February 2024: 08:30am – 9:30am
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Saturday 18th February 2024: 08:30am – 9:30am
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Saturday 25th February 2024: 08:30 – 9:30am
Where: Willows High School, Mervyn Rd, CF24 2YE (Get directions) NB Please use the Mervyn Rd entrance and not the Willows Avenue entrance.
Future Dates (March 2024)
Introductory Session
To be advised.
Practical Sessions
-
Saturday 2nd March 2024: 08:30am – 10:00am
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Saturday 9th March 2024: 08:30am – 9:30am
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Saturday 17th March 2024: 08:30am – 9:30am
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Saturday 24th March 2024: 08:30 – 9:30am
Where: Willows High School, Mervyn Rd, CF24 2YE (Get directions) NB Please use the Mervyn Rd entrance and not the Willows Avenue entrance.
Contact us to book onto the Prickly Pooches (Part One) Course for the complete cost of £245 or the Prickly Pooches (Part Two) Course for the complete cost of £195. Part Two is only available to past attendees of course One.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this course completely cure my dog of his issues?
Won’t all of the other dogs barking make my dog more aggressive?
I am really nervous to meet other dogs with my dog as I usually try to avoid them and I’m worried how she might react to lots of other dogs in the class, should I be worried?
What equipment will I require to attend classes?
My dog has been reacting negatively to other dogs for two years. Is there any point in attending classes?
What methods do you use as I hate the thought of having to dominate my dog?
I have been told by other trainers to use a ‘shake can’ or training discs to stop my dog reacting. It did stop him at first but now he has become even more aggressive and I feel really guilty. Do you use these devices?
I have missed the start of the course. Can I start any time?
Do you recommend Pet Insurance?
We loved watching our dog playing with the activity toys and puzzles. Where can we purchase them from?
How do I reserve a place on the course?
- Complete the online booking form
- Choose venue, date and time preference
- Receive confirmation of availability via email
- Arrange payment
- Attend class at venue, date and time specified
Any further questions?
Testimonials
We’d love to hear about your experience with our services. Contact us.
Before we met Caroline, our German Shepherd Diva was a very reactive dog. She would lunge and bark at other people and dogs. We were constantly on edge when walking her as we never knew what could happen next. We would take to walking Diva in the late evenings in order to avoid any potential situations. Then we started attending Caroline’s Prickly Pooches classes. At our first class, Caroline said how Diva was showing all the classic signs of a very anxious dog, licking her lips, shaking etc. As each week went by, Diva started to relax more and more and the simple techniques that Caroline taught us have given us and Diva so much more confidence. We have learned to avoid potential stressful situations and to praise Diva when she reacts well to a difficult situation. We are now able to walk Diva at any time of day and she has even made some doggie friends in our local park. We have also been able to join a GSD walking group where we have been able to let Diva socialise with other dogs and people off the lead. This is something we would never of thought possible a few months ago. Thank you Caroline!
December 2016 Update
Hi Caroline
I wanted to send you email to show you how far we have come with Diva. We finished the prickly pooches class a year ago and attached are some pictures that show how far Diva has come. As you can see, she has now learnt to play and socialises in groups of 10+ dogs at times, both GSDs and lots of other breeds.
My main reason for getting in touch is to say a massive thank you to you. Without your guidance a year ago, we would never be where we are today. We are out with other dogs most evenings and weekends and have visited so many new places. Without learning the techniques you gave us, I’m sure we would still be walking Diva late at night and avoiding other people and their dogs. We have made so many new friends and Diva has the best social life!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope you and your pooches are keeping well.
Initially we didn’t know what to do or how to live with her – every day was a struggle and getting worse. We went to a trainer who was recommended to us, but unfortunately some of his techniques were aversive and for a sensitive girl like Lyra just made her worse – she actually started redirecting her reactivity on us when she saw anything she was scared of. After doing our own research and starting to understand more about reactivity and Lyra, we found Caroline and the Prickly Pooches course.
The methods Caroline uses throughout the course are all positive and about make positive associations and keeping the dogs below their threshold of reactivity whilst having some fun! Lyra really has fun at the sessions now and is learning to be more relaxed around new people and dogs, and with the regular practice sessions following on from the course, we’ve been able to continue building on the foundations set by the course. We still have a long way to go, and she’ll always be a sensitive dog, but with the help of prickly pooches we’ve been able to gradually build positive associations for Lyra, around people who completely understand the stresses of having a reactive dog in the family.
Thank you Caroline!
We are absolutely DELIGHTED with the results we have seen and the difference we now have with Charlie out on walks. Whilst he is still nervous around motorbikes and to occasional other dogs, we have learned some fantastic techniques by means of distraction and shifting his focus. Gone are the days where we have to hide in some stranger’s driveway to avoid a motorbike and whilst we know that the training will be an ongoing process, we really couldn’t be more pleased with the results we have seen so far. Caroline uses simple and effective techniques which are easy to work into your dog’s regular routine, the additional links and information she gives you are also very useful. We would recommend anyone with a reactive dog give Prickly Pooches a try. We thought we might have to struggle with some of Charlie’s problems for the rest of his life, but thanks to Caroline there is light at the end of the tunnel and we are on our way to a happier, more confident and relaxed dog. Thank you!
Having attended the ‘Prickly Pooch’ classes led by Caroline Cowan, it was clear that the dog and owners safety was paramount. The venue was perfect and the equipment provided ensured that all dogs remained as calm as possible during their training. Initially Sooki was highly reactive, not only did she require training but I was desperate to know how to handle these situations.
Caroline experience brings a wealth of knowledge and she has provided an invaluable insight to Sooki’s behaviour. Clearly, Caroline is adaptable to each dogs training ability and needs, and she has demonstrated how to counteract aggressive behaviour. With each class and having practised the techniques taught by Caroline between each session, Sooki was able to walk within metres of another dog without reaction. Sooki has finally turned a corner and we are very optimistic about the future. We no longer avoid other dogs but look for opportunities to practise the good behaviour. The training is hard work but the reward is astonishing.
Not only has Caroline inspired me with confidence, she has given me the tools and skills that I need to develop Sooki further. Sooki has achieved so much from the sessions, we will sign up for any follow on course available.
I am so glad I worked with Caroline, her help and advice has been hugely beneficial to us, and I know her on going support is always there if needed. Caroline knows so much about dogs and is a true professional in her area. I would definitely recommend Caroline to anyone who has any sort of problem with their dogs behaviour, particularly the prickly kind of behaviours, which are so undesirable.
Before we met Caroline, our German Shepherd Diva was a very reactive dog. She would lunge and bark at other people and dogs. We were constantly on edge when walking her as we never knew what could happen next. We would take to walking Diva in the late evenings in order to avoid any potential situations. Then we started attending Caroline’s Prickly Pooches classes. At our first class, Caroline said how Diva was showing all the classic signs of a very anxious dog, licking her lips, shaking etc. As each week went by, Diva started to relax more and more and the simple techniques that Caroline taught us have given us and Diva so much more confidence. We have learned to avoid potential stressful situations and to praise Diva when she reacts well to a difficult situation. We are now able to walk Diva at any time of day and she has even made some doggie friends in our local park. We have also been able to join a GSD walking group where we have been able to let Diva socialise with other dogs and people off the lead. This is something we would never of thought possible a few months ago. Thank you Caroline!
December 2016 Update
Hi Caroline
I wanted to send you email to show you how far we have come with Diva. We finished the prickly pooches class a year ago and attached are some pictures that show how far Diva has come. As you can see, she has now learnt to play and socialises in groups of 10+ dogs at times, both GSDs and lots of other breeds.
My main reason for getting in touch is to say a massive thank you to you. Without your guidance a year ago, we would never be where we are today. We are out with other dogs most evenings and weekends and have visited so many new places. Without learning the techniques you gave us, I’m sure we would still be walking Diva late at night and avoiding other people and their dogs. We have made so many new friends and Diva has the best social life!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope you and your pooches are keeping well.
It was fairly obvious from our first meeting with Caroline that she knew what she was talking about, but if we had any doubts, these were dispelled in the first few minutes of the first Prickly Pooches session. Imagine 8 reactive dogs, with their anxious owners, all in the same room together. It ought to have been utter chaos and a recipe for disaster. It wasn’t: Caroline used the session to assess the dogs, (and no doubt the owners) and to introduce us to the techniques and skills we needed to address our dogs’ problems. What we learnt in that first session set us up for the next few weeks on the field outside, during which Patch learnt to attend far less to the things that stress him out, and far more to us. Week by week, we saw his behaviour getting better, and could see similar improvements in the other dogs in the group at the same time. By the final week we found ourselves in the middle of the field with Patch on a long leash, playing fetch with his favourite ball, completely ignoring and being ignored by, all the other dogs circling around him.
To round the course off we had a one to one session with Caroline and one of her dogs. Caroline was very generous with her time and advice, the dogs got on well together, and the walk in the local park couldn’t have gone better. The training has paid off at home too. Patch is less needy, more relaxed and responsive, and seems a lot happier. He’s still got a way to go with his behaviour outside, but he’s much improved and, thanks to Caroline, we now have a clear view of where we’re going with him, and a good idea of how to get him there.
September 2016 update.
It’s now 18 months since Patch completed his Prickly Pooches course, and things couldn’t be better. We followed up the course with regular attendance of the practice sessions, and with plenty of reinforcement at home, and had fantastic results. We’ve seen an obvious, week on week reduction in his anxiety, and an ongoing, (amazing) change in his behaviour. To see him now, it’s difficult to imagine that anxious, reactive, unhappy dog we had before the course. In the house, he’s pretty much perfect; no being shut in another room when visitors come, or barking every time a neighbour makes a noise. We’ve had friends in the house of all ages, and even some canine visitors, with no problems. Out and about, he no longer even notices cyclists and is easily distracted and contained when we meet joggers, horses or other dogs. Life is a whole lot easier for all of us, and the lycra brigade are a whole lot safer than they were. But the best thing is that Patch is happy, relaxed, much more attentive and interactive, and clearly enjoying life a lot more than he did, or could before. I think there’s probably more improvement to come; watch this space.
The Prickly Pooches course is excellent. Caroline is a brilliant and very experienced dog trainer. My dog Sophie has always been fearful and reactive; the other one Chika had always been really friendly. Last year they both got attacked by four large dogs, and although they weren’t physically injured, they both were very scared of dogs after that, and would bark and lunge at other dogs, and start screaming if another dog came up to them. Walking them was a nightmare!!
During the Prickly Pooch classes the dogs work at a distance to other dogs that they can easily cope with, and we worked through a series of exercises designed to increase confidence, teach them alternative behaviours and start to change their perception of other dogs being scary. Following the course, we now go to ‘practice sessions’ once a fortnight to continue to work on confidence and being able to be around other dogs calmly. It’s made a huge difference to my two, and will continue to do so. I really can’t recommend this course highly enough!!
I am the owner of an 18 month old French Bulldog named Reggie. He is my absolute world, as I’m sure your dog is to you.
Reggie was attacked a few months ago by a Husky while we were out walking. He was such a friendly little dog with a fantastic temperament until he was attacked and then unfortunately he changed. He started becoming aggressive towards other dogs because he was scarred that all other dogs were out to get him! As a result it also knocked my confidence and I became very nervous whilst out walking him which drove me insane and I wasn’t prepared for either of us to continue this way.
I did a bit of research looking at different dog trainers but none of them really caught my eye and then I found Caroline and knew I didn’t need to look any further. She was everything I’d been looking for.
I signed Reggie and myself up for the four week Prickly Pooches class and I can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did.
Caroline is great at what she does. It’s clear she’s very passionate about her training classes and committed to the wellbeing of all dogs. Caroline is very knowledgeable on all breeds and behaviours and is fully aware of modern training methods and does not use any aversive methods which is brilliant. Nothing is too much trouble and she is very patient and understanding. She treated all of the dogs and owners in our class with respect and the help needed relating to their own individual problem.
The on going help, support and advice we still receive from Caroline is fantastic and means a lot. She truly does care.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Caroline to others as I already have to all of my friends and family and anyone else who will listen.
She worked wonders with Reggie, working on his aggression, and confidence building for us both. I can happily say I’ve got my friendly, happy go lucky Reggie back. He loves nothing better than going for a run with his B.F.F. (Best Friend Forever) Hope.
I can’t thank Caroline enough for the help and support she gave us and still gives, and I now class her as a good friend of mine.
Thanks Caroline.
It was only after wasting our time and money on another so-called “Dog Trainer”, that we discovered Caroline and then we instantly realised that we were in the hands of an expert, watched her in action and had an object lesson in how a canine training course should be run. We enrolled Misty on her Prickly Pooches course which begins with an initial meeting (sans dogs) where she fully explains her methods and the direction the series of weekly sessions will take. You know that feeling that you get when you meet an expert in their field? Any field….plumbing, computer repair, driving instruction…any vocation. You instantly realise that they fully understand their profession in every sense, the way they discuss it, talk about it, answer questions about it…these are the people you want to go to for help…Caroline’s one of those. The courses take place in a perfect environment in Willows school, lots of room, plenty of space and are controlled and stress free, both for dogs and owners. Caroline, with skill and endless patience, explains the psychology behind the canine problems and week by week informs, explains and formulates strategies to reduce each individual dog’s aggression, all based on kindness and never domination or fear. At the end of the course she accompanies owner and dog on a personal one to one walk around the local area. Misty has improved beyond our expectations, this will be ongoing and it is no exaggeration to state that enrolling on Caroline’s course has changed both our and Misty’s lives. Caroline provides a complete back up service with regular tips and emails and is always there for anyone who has a query or problem. Add in the fact that she is a lovely lady and as you can probably tell we would unhesitatingly recommend her…..and her equally lovely daughter Latichia to anyone experiencing problems with their dog.
He was a rescue from Cardiff dogs home after a long 8 months there. He was picked up with dog bites over him and was very distressed in his kennel. I think he’s a naturally reactive, nervous dog with a high prey drive but his past circumstances couldn’t have helped!
As he was approximately 2 years old, we knew we needed to learn ways to avoid his extreme behaviour around other dogs to have a long and happy life with Freddie.
The classes really helped equip me with the skills to recognise when his anxiety is building and how to avoid it being triggered in the first place. He is still anxious and on alert if he comes close to dogs but he trusts my guidance now as I am more confident.
Freddie is a very extreme dog with intense emotions (both positive and negative). I now understand him better and how to keep him and other dogs safe. The classes also showed me that we aren’t the only ones with a ‘Prickly pooch’, which was comforting as it can be a difficult having to look around corners for other dogs and have walkers with their perfectly behaved dogs making remarks when your dog’s going nuts!
I recommend the classes and will be eternally grateful to Caroline for her wisdom, support and patience.
Hi….This is Crixus, my 4 year old staffie….
When he was a lil pup, he and his sister attended Caroline’s puppy class and they soon learned all the good manners of well behaved dogs and he was a playful and friendly boy. He would enjoy running about and interacting with other dogs.
Then one fateful day on the beach, he was challenged by a much smaller dog, bringing about a very unpleasant scene. Shortly afterwards, a simillar incident occured with a small dog again, leading to another aggressive incident. This seemed to set the tone whenever Crix met a small dog, he was fine with medium and bigger dogs, however, it got to the point that I was dreading walks, fearful he would fight. I would only walk with him with a muzzle, thinking I was protecting him. He was clearly distressed and would not run around,walking slowly next to me, he would not even go to the toilet outside. He was obviously depressed and we both found walks were very stressful…..I would panic when I saw a jack russel and Crix was obvioulsy picking up on my feelings.
Then, I enrolled Crixus in Prickly Pooches….I can’t thank Caroline enough for the support and advise. Crixus is a happy boy again, no muzzle, he is running about and enjoying his walks again, cocking his leg and pooing without a care in the world! It is a joy to walk him and see him having fun again. I would not call Crixus a prickly pooch any more…I know what situations will cause him anxiety and now I know how to manage it.
If you have a dog with some “issues”, then contact CCC…I can’t recommend Caroline enough!!