Paws 4 Thought Dog Training School
Before I came to France I attended various courses on puppy socialising and the benefits of this for the puppy and eventually the adult dog. I became more and more interested in dog physiology and moved on to courses in training with the understanding of why we do it and how the dog understands it. I was able to put into practice all that I had learnt with my own puppy at the time, a black Labrador called Tarka. I began to work at weekends and then a couple of evenings a week. Unfortunately I still had to work a ‘proper’ job daily to pay the mortgage etc!! So was not able to set up my own school.
When I arrived in France October 2003, with my 3yr old black Labrador Tarka and a 3 1/2 yr old Parson Jack Russell named Bernie. I had the ‘dream’ most Brits arrive with!! To buy a cheap old French house may be some renovations needed, big garden, a few chickens, time to sit in the big garden drinking wine with new friends, BBQs, etc, etc, etc. It does sound so familiar but oh such a long time ago!!!!! I also wanted to experience raising a litter of puppies, something I had wanted to do since I had been a child. I made enquires among my new friends to find a stud dog and discovered a rather handsome yellow Labrador who was willing to oblige. Tarka was a wonderful mother. The puppies were wonderful everything was great!! I kept one puppy and called her Sweet Magnolia Blossom, and the dream lived on.
Paws 4 Thought Dog Training School at Bluebell Wood Boarding Kennels, how did it all start? This is a question I have asked myself on several occasions. I did not plan to run a training facility in France or, for my 2nd Labrador, Blossom, to have her first litter in 2006. On discovering that Blossom was pregnant by the beautiful farm dog next door, a Boarder Collie named Titif, I panicked not knowing how many she may have or how I would find homes for them. But what I did know was that Blossom is the most sweet natured loving eager to please Labrador I know!! ( I’m not at all biased of course !) I was also aware that Titif was a working Collie dog.
I discovered that in America this cross of breeds were sort after and known as ‘Borradors’ It was at that moment I realised that if I was to offer some puppy socialising sessions with basic puppy manners when advertising the puppies maybe it would attract people interested in having a puppy with some after care available.
But where could I hold such sessions? There are no ‘church halls’ like in England, or even children’s parks that are enclosed. You’ve guessed, the outdoor runs at Bluebell Wood. After discussion with Tracy, the owner of Bluebell wood it 
was agreed that I could use the enclosed outside runs.
Word got around that training sessions were being held, both Tracy and I were getting more and more enquires before I knew it I was holding several sessions per week, with more enquires being made. It became clear that I needed to create a proper training area. So Paws 4 Thought Dog Training School was created.
Up until mid November 2007 I had been holding training classes on land, fenced and secure, just in front of the kennel block at Bluebell Wood. Now there is a purpose built training area just behind the kennel block. It is fenced and gated with an added bonus; a puppy recall lane to ensure straight recalls every time! The area is divided into two spaces, one for puppy classes and the other for adult dog training sessions and agility classes.
Training and socialising classes for all ages are available. The school uses the positive reinforcement training method in all groups with a friendly and non-competitive environment. The school operates from Tuesday to Friday, training sessions running morning and afternoon. SEE TIME TABLE and MORE PICS
Meet my dogs; left to right Tarka 8yrs old and the mother of Blossom. Blossom 4yrs old and the mother of Chilli. Chilli just 1yr and Sam 7yrs old and the father of Chilli. My dogs will often come with me to work and are used for demonstration purpose. Chilli was part of the puppy socialising class, and Blossom has been involved with the socialising of adult dogs. Her calm nature is a wonderful influence on other dogs.
Also available are 1:1 sessions if you have a particular training/behaviour problem that you would like help with.
If you would like any further information about the groups, one to one sessions or just to chat over a training/behaviour issue you may have with your dog please don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Joy Ward
joy ward.60@hotmail.com
0555 296098 Or mobile: 0681037228
