Creating Happy, Calm, and Content Dogs

Do you feel like your dog needs more than just a walk to stay happy?

Ever wonder why your dog seems restless, even after exercise?

Mental stimulation could be the missing piece to a calmer, more content dog. Engaging your dog in games and activities helps them use up their mental energy, which is just as important as physical exercise. This mental enrichment can prevent unwanted behaviours, reduce stress, and create a balanced, relaxed dog.

Have you heard of scent work?

It’s a fantastic way to tap into your dog’s natural instincts, providing them with a job they love. Scent work isn’t just for dogs on restricted exercise—it’s a fun and enriching activity for all dogs, no matter their age or breed. From curious puppies to wise seniors, scent work helps every dog build confidence, improve focus, and stay mentally sharp. I offer Introduction workshops, group classes, and 1-2-1 lessons so you can see firsthand how much your dog enjoys it.

What if your dog can’t go for walks due to injury, illness, or other restrictions?

I specialise in helping dogs on limited or restricted exercise, so you don’t have to feel guilty when walks aren’t possible. Whether it’s due to advice from vets or behaviourists, your own circumstances, or even your dog’s preferences, I can provide solutions to keep your dog happy, mentally stimulated, and stress-free.

I’m Laura, based near Montrose in Scotland, and I offer both online and in-person support to help you engage your dog at home. With over 15 years of experience, I’m a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, passionate about scent work, and a competitor in National Nosework Association trials. I share my life with four incredible dogs—a working cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, Pomchi, and Chihuahua—so I understand first hand the importance of keeping dogs content, especially when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Let’s work together to ensure your dog thrives, no matter what their exercise routine looks like!

In-person scentwork classes

Our in-person Scent work classes are perfect for dogs of all ages and breeds, including those that are reactive, nervous, or on restricted exercise. Classes take place near Montrose, Scotland. Whether for fun or with the potential to compete, these classes provide a rewarding experience for both you and your dog.

Join The Club

Wags without Walks is the go-to resource when outdoor walks are restricted due to weather, health, or your dog’s needs. Discover engaging indoor activities and games that keep your dog happy. Join interactive Zoom sessions, explore a variety of dog-friendly activities, earn awards, and connect with a supportive online community.

Buy the book

If your vet has advised against walking your dog while they recuperate from an illness, injury, or surgery, you’re likely facing the challenge of keeping your furry friend entertained and happy indoors. “The Vet Says Rest” offers practical guidance on how to manage your dog’s recovery period, providing creative ideas to prevent boredom without physical exertion.

Enduring Relationships

Laura clients can expect not only immediate solutions to their current challenges but also the foundation for a lifelong bond with their furry companions, built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.

Calm and Content Dogs

Laura’s mission is to ensure that dogs remain calm and content even when their daily exercise is limited. By implementing her strategies, dog owners can rest assured that their pets’ well-being is a top priority.

Tailored Solutions

Laura’s expertise lies in customising activities for dogs with restricted exercise, providing personalized solutions that cater to each dog’s specific needs and limitations.

Compassionate Support

We create bonds between dogs and their owners and employ compassionate training methods to ensure both the dog and owner feel supported.

TESTIMONIAL

Client Reviews

E. Aldridge and Oakley E. Aldridge and Oakley

Having a high energy working cocker spaniel the idea of having him on rest fills me with terror! Laura has given me plenty of tip on how to prepare my dog if he ever needs surgery or to rest. Furthermore, it details ways to stimulate my dog keep him engaged even if we can't go on big walks/runs due to injury/surgery's... which is a bonus for us both!

D. Hickman and Winnie D. Hickman and Winnie

Laura’s style is straightforward with no jargon making the information easy to understand and apply. Not only can the tools and techniques be used for a dog in this situation, they can easily be applied to any situation where your dogs needs to be calm, confined, enriched or even just to build the bond between dog and owner. I also loved that she acknowledges the emotional strain on owners who are worried, often tired and sad for their dog who doesn’t understand why they can’t do what they are normally allowed to i.e. go on walks, climb the stairs or use the sofa.

S. Pitman and Penny S. Pitman and Penny

All our dogs are rescue with varying issues at varying times, and Laura has always been so helpful and patient and gone beyond, over and above a normal structured class to help out wherever possible. Lots of it owner based issues! I cannot recommend Laura Carter highly enough and if you put in the time and effort and dedication, then Laura will more than match it.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dogs and owners benefit from Laura's services?

While regular walks are typically seen as essential for responsible dog ownership, there are situations where this isn't feasible. Factors such as illness or injury affecting either the dog or the owner, the presence of anxious or reactive dogs uncomfortable with outdoor environments, households with young children, extreme weather conditions, or the need to limit exercise for young dogs due to joint concerns, can all necessitate tailored solutions.

What types of activities do you recommend for dogs with restricted exercise?

We primarily recommend 4 different types of activities – useful tricks, enriching the 5 senses, equipment games and scent work. Each of these is designed to stimulate your dogs brain and give him a mental work out.

What types of restrictions or limitations can Laura accommodate?

Laura is equipped to handle a wide range of challenges, including physical limitations affecting either the dog or the owner, as well as constraints such as limited space. While she can guide you to fit training into a busy schedule, a minimum of one hour split into smaller sessions is required for effective guidance. Laura works closely with owners to ensure they can actively participate in their dog's training process.

Can Laura's services be accessed remotely, or is in-person training required?

Laura primarily offers her services online, recognizing that for dogs on restricted exercise, getting out can be challenging and may lead to unwanted excitement. However, she also conducts a variety of in-person workshops nationwide.

Is Laura's training suitable for dogs with specific behavioural issues?

Yes, Laura's training can benefit dogs with specific behavioural issues. Many behaviourists recommend a period of rest, also known as a cortisol holiday, for dogs who find the outside world intimidating, which can significantly reduce stress levels for both the dog and the owner. However, it's important to note that Laura's training does not specifically address behavioural issues, and the expertise of a behaviourist may be needed for this aspect

The Vet Says Rest

Has your vet says you can’t walk your dog while they recover from an illness, injury or operation?

Find out why this book might be for you

Laura specialises in customising activities for dogs with restricted exercise and supporting owners through this challenge. Her mission is to ensure these dogs remain calm and content despite limited daily exercise, fostering enduring bonds between them and their owners through compassionate training methods.