Ballycotton · East Cork

Calm, confident dogs are made, not born.

Dog training and a safe, fully enclosed field where your dog can run lead-free — right next to the sea in Ballycotton. 1:1 sessions, group training, socialising and space to just be a dog.

  • Safe, closed-off field
  • 25 years with dogs
  • World Championships for Ireland
The secure grass field at Coastal Canines, fenced along its far edge, looking out over the estuary and open water at Ballycotton.
the field, Ballycotton 🐾

Training

Help for every stage of dog life

Whether it's training you need, somewhere to socialise your pup, or just space to play — Coastal Canines has you covered.

01

Secure Field Hire

A safe, closed-off area in our field where your pup can play lead-free to their heart's content. Perfect for zoomies, recall practice, nervous or reactive dogs — or just quality time together off the lead.

  • €15 1 dog
  • €20 2 dogs
  • €25 3 dogs

Per hour · the field is yours alone

02

1:1 Dog Training

Private sessions tailored entirely to you and your dog — obedience, recall, loose-lead walking, confidence building or behavioural training. You set the goals, we build the plan.

Taught by a World Championship competitor

03

Group Training Sessions

Learn alongside other local dogs and their humans. Real-world distractions, shared wins and a bit of craic — the skills stick better when practising around company.

Small, friendly groups

04

Dog Socialising

Gentle, structured socialising in a safe space — ideal for pups learning the ropes or older dogs who need calm, positive experiences around others. Kind, judgement-free, at your dog's pace.

Confidence first, always

How it works

Three easy steps to a happier walk

  1. 1

    Say hello

    Send a booking request below with a bit about your dog. You'll get a reply within a day or two to arrange a time.

  2. 2

    Meet up

    Come along to the field in Ballycotton — we chat through your goals, meet your dog and get straight into it.

  3. 3

    Practise & progress

    You leave every session with simple homework and clear next steps. Small wins, stacked weekly, become big changes.

your trainer 🐕

About

The human behind the hounds

25+ years with dogs · IGP tracking, obedience & protection · Irish Nationals & multiple World Championships

My name is Claire Higgins, and I have been involved with dogs for over 25 years. What started as an interest quickly developed into a lifelong passion for working with dogs and understanding their behaviour.

I began my journey in IGP — tracking, obedience and protection — a sport I quickly grew to love. Over the years I competed in numerous competitions, including the Irish Nationals, and was fortunate enough to go on to represent my country at multiple World Championships with my German Shepherds.

I feel incredibly lucky to have turned my passion for dogs into my profession. Today I work with dogs and their owners to help with a wide range of training needs — from basic obedience and socialisation to behavioural challenges and more advanced training.

I offer both one-to-one and group sessions, so I can work with each dog and owner according to their individual needs and goals.

Whether you're looking to improve your dog's obedience, build confidence and social skills, address a particular problem, or simply develop a stronger relationship with your dog — I'm here to help. I love being able to share that experience with other owners, so please feel free to get in touch anytime. I'd be delighted to help you and your dog.

Follow our page — @_coastalcanines

Before you visit

How a visit works

A few simple rules keep every dog on the premises safe — including yours. Please have a read before your first visit.

  1. Arriving

    All dogs must be on the lead as you come onto the premises. Pop over to the cabin to sign in, and we'll point you to your field.

  2. Inside the enclosed field

    Once the gate is shut behind you, leads can come off and your dog is free to run. The field is yours for your booking — no other dogs, no surprises.

  3. Heading home

    Lead back on before you come out of the enclosed area, and please close the gate behind you. Dogs stay on the lead until you're off the premises.

  4. The fields & the beach

    You're welcome to walk the full length of the fields and down onto the beach — but dogs must stay on the lead at all times outside the enclosed field.

Book a session

Let's get those tails wagging

Tell us a little about your dog and what you'd like help with. It's a request, not a commitment — you'll get a friendly reply to arrange a time that suits you.

Prefer Instagram? Send a DM instead.

When suits you best?

We'll only use your details to reply about training. No spam, ever.