Cafe Ready Canines

Imagine enjoying a coffee, a cake, or even a pub lunch with your dog calmly by your side. No pulling, no jumping, no fidgeting under the table – just a relaxed outing you can both enjoy. That’s exactly what my Cafe Ready Canines course is all about.

If you’re looking for dog training in Aberdeenshire – near Montrose, Johnshaven, or Stonehaven – you’re in the right place. I’m Laura Carter, a professional dog trainer with almost 20 years of experience, and I love helping dogs and their people gain real-life skills in a fun, relaxed way.

What is Cafe Ready Canines?

This is a unique, practical training class designed to give you and your dog the skills to confidently enjoy cafes, pubs, garden centres and other social places together.

We’ll practise in my cosy training bothy, transformed into a pop-up café. It’s social for dogs and humans alike – think of it as training mixed with a friendly coffee morning.

The Key Skills We’ll Teach

Settle on a Mat – so your dog can relax while you chat, eat, or sip your coffee.
Lead Control with Distractions – making it easy to walk through a busy café or bar without pulling.
Wait Patiently – at the counter while you order, or while you carry a tray of drinks.
No Jumping Up – greeting others politely and staying calm around food, people, and other dogs.

These aren’t stiff obedience drills – everything is taught through reward-based games, with plenty of laughs and tail wags along the way.

Who is it For?

Cafe Ready Canines is perfect for:

Puppies learning the ropes of polite behaviour
Energetic young dogs who need some guidance in real-life situations
Older dogs who could use a refresher on calmness and manners
Owners who love the idea of including their dog in more outings

You don’t need to have a “problem dog” to join – this class is for anyone who wants to enjoy more relaxed time with their dog in public spaces.

Why Choose Cafe Ready Canines?

Because life with your dog should be fun – not stressful. These skills aren’t just for cafés – they carry over into daily life. Imagine:

A dog who can wait calmly at the vet reception.
A dog who doesn’t pull when you’re juggling shopping bags.
A dog who settles politely at friends’ houses.

Once your dog learns how to relax in one setting, you’ll find the benefits ripple out everywhere.

Cafe Ready Canines – FAQs

How does the monthly rolling course work?
When you sign up, you simply book for a month at a time. You can keep coming for as many months as you like, and there’s no long-term commitment – just rebook each month to keep your spot.

Is this suitable for puppies?
Definitely! Puppies benefit hugely from learning how to settle in busy places early on. It’s also brilliant for older dogs who could do with a refresher on calm behaviour.

Does my dog need to be sociable?
Your dog doesn’t need to be best friends with other dogs or people, but they do need to be comfortable sharing a room with them. This course isn’t suitable for dogs who are reactive or struggle to cope around others.

What about bitches in season?
Sorry, bitches in season can’t attend. You’re welcome to rejoin once their season has finished.

What do I need to bring?
A mat or blanket for your dog to settle on, plenty of tasty treats, and a short lead (no extendable leads please). A toy or chew your dog enjoys can also help them relax.

What if my dog pulls on the lead or jumps up?
Perfect – that’s exactly what we’ll be working on! The course is designed to help with those real-life challenges.

How many dogs are in the class?
I keep groups small so everyone gets individual support – usually only 3 dogs.

Is it serious obedience training?
Not at all. It’s relaxed, game-based and fun. We’re working on practical manners that make life easier, not stiff obedience drills.

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.