Canine Interaction

21/03/2025

🧠💛 March 17–23 is — a time to recognise and celebrate the strengths and perspectives of those whose brains work a little differently.

Neurodivergence is a broad term that includes conditions like:

Autism
ADHD
Tourette Syndrome
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia …and more.
Not all brains process the world in the same way — and that’s something to be honoured, not "fixed."

At Canine Interaction, we know that the way we learn, communicate, and connect is as unique as the dogs we love. That’s why we approach dog training with a lens of empathy, adaptability, and inclusion.

🐾 For some of our neurodivergent clients, structure and predictability in sessions are key. 🐾 For others, a flexible, sensory-friendly approach makes the experience more positive and effective. 🐾 And for many, dogs are not just companions — they are anchors, bridges to connection, and calming presences in a fast-paced world.

We’re proud to create a safe, non-judgmental space where both dogs and their humans can learn and thrive — no matter how their brains are wired. 💛

This week, we invite you to reflect, celebrate, and continue learning how to make the world — and your dog training journey — more inclusive and supportive.

18/03/2025

The Secret Every Dog Trainer Knows: Why Training Through Fun and Games Changes Everything.

Have you ever wondered what the top dog trainers know that hasn’t quite trickled down to the average dog owner yet? The secret is surprisingly simple yet profoundly impactful: train your dog through fun and games. Yes, the power of enjoyment in training is a game-changer, and here’s why.

The Power of Enjoyment

Think about an activity you absolutely love doing. It could be anything that sparks your enthusiasm, something that you look forward to. Picture how it makes you feel both physically and emotionally. Perhaps it’s playing a sport, painting, or even cooking a delicious meal. Now, contrast this with something you dread—maybe it's a visit to the in-laws or spending an afternoon weeding the garden. Reflect on the feelings these chores evoke.

When you compare these experiences, it’s clear which one leaves you feeling energized and which drains your spirit. The activities we enjoy are those we engage in with energy, passion, and a positive attitude. Now, imagine this from your dog’s perspective.

Stepping into Your Dog’s Paws

Dogs, like humans, thrive on engagement and positive experiences. They have an innate desire to play, explore, and learn. However, traditional dog training methods often focus on repetition and discipline, which can feel like a chore rather than a joyous activity for them.

What if we could shift our perspective and approach dog training with the same excitement and fun that we apply to our favorite hobbies? This is what expert dog trainers have known for decades: training through fun and games is not only enjoyable for dogs but also for their owners.

Why Fun and Games Work

Incorporating play into training does several things:

Enhances Learning: Just as children learn better through play, dogs absorb training quicker when they're having fun. The positive emotions associated with play help reinforce the behaviours you’re teaching.

Builds a Stronger Bond: Training sessions based on fun and games strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This connection makes your dog more attentive and eager to please you.

Increases Motivation: Both you and your dog will look forward to training sessions when they're fun, turning a potential struggle into a highlight of the day.

Improves Mental and Physical Health: Play is a great way to provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for your dog, keeping them healthy in body and mind.

Making Training a Delight

So, the next time you plan a training session for your furry friend, choose a method that places fun at the heart of the activity. Look for training programs or trainers who emphasize play and enjoyment rather than strict obedience and drills. When fun is central to training, you’ll be amazed at how quickly and enthusiastically your dog learns.

In conclusion, the secret to effective dog training isn’t a well-guarded technique but an open secret that’s all about embracing joy and playfulness. By making training sessions enjoyable and game-like, we tap into the most natural learning processes of our canine companions, ensuring lasting and positive results. So, let the games begin, and watch as your dog transforms into an eager and happy learner!

27/02/2025

🔥 MYTH: If my dog fails training, I can just re-train them.
✅ FACT: Some dogs simply aren’t suited for the role, and selecting the right dog from the start is crucial.

📢 Want to avoid making costly mistakes? Join our webinar and learn the right way to choose and train an Assistance Dog!

27/02/2025

Resilience—The Other Half of Confidence!
Confidence and resilience go hand in hand, and Galaxy is already showing how quickly young puppies can learn to bounce back! 🚀

What is resilience in a young Assistance Dog? It’s the ability to:
✅ Adapt to new situations without shutting down
✅ Recover quickly from surprises or unexpected changes
✅ Stay engaged and willing to try again after failure

Today, Galaxy was introduced to small, manageable challenges—things that might startle or confuse her at first, but with the right approach and support, she learned that she’s safe, capable, and in control.

By building confidence and resilience together, we’re ensuring that as she grows, she won’t just cope with the world around her—she’ll thrive in it. 🌟

Galaxy’s future as an Assistance Dog is already looking bright! Want to learn more about our Puppy School for Assistance Dogs in Training? Send us a message today!

25/02/2025

Assistance Dog Myths #2

🔥 MYTH: An Assistance Dog will naturally know what to do.
✅ FACT: Owners need training, too! Knowing how to reinforce behaviors and maintain skills is essential.

24/02/2025

What's on in March?

DM for details.

#

24/02/2025

Common Assistance Dog Myths

19/02/2025

🐾❤️ Happy National Love Your Pet Day! ❤️🐾

Today is all about celebrating the furry, feathered, and scaly companions who bring joy, love, and endless adventures into our lives! Whether they greet you with wagging tails, soft purrs, or happy chirps, our pets hold a special place in our hearts.

🐶🐱🐾 Give them an extra cuddle, a special treat, or an extra-long walk today—because they deserve it! 💕

Drop a pic of your beloved pet in the comments and let’s spread the love! 📸🐾

19/02/2025

So, you want an assistance dog?

Join us to find out more about how you can make that a reality in our online webinar with guru Megan Molloy as she steps you through the process, considerations and follows up with a Q&A session to take your specific questions.

DM for details on how you can join in - March 3rd, 2025 7pm via zoom.

18/02/2025

Clancy has officially graduated from our Fundamentals Program, and we couldn't be prouder! 🎉 This young dog has worked hard to build a strong foundation, developing skills that will set him up for success in the big, wide world.

With his keen spirit and boundless enthusiasm, Clancy is ready to take on new challenges, explore with confidence, and continue growing into the amazing dog we know he is! 🐾✨

Well done, Clancy! The adventure is just beginning! 🚀🐕

18/02/2025

A big round of applause for Mulga, who has just graduated from our Fundamentals Program! 🎉 This young dog has shown incredible growth, mastering the essentials with enthusiasm and determination.

Just like the resilient Mulga tree, known for thriving in tough conditions, our Mulga has proven to be strong, adaptable, and ready to take on the next adventure with confidence! 🌱🐾

Well done, Mulga! The foundation is set—now go out and show the world what you can do! 💪🐕✨

14/02/2025

🚨 HIGH PRIORITY ALERT – URGENT NOTICE FOR PET OWNERS 🚨

Attention all pet owners! If your pet is microchipped with HomesafeID, please take immediate action.

We have been made aware of a critical issue affecting microchip registrations with HomesafeID, which could impact your ability to reunite with your pet if they become lost.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CeuNzR7fm/

IMPORTANT ALERT: If your pet's microchip is registered on the national pet registry called HomesafeID, you need to take action URGENTLY.

The HomesafeID microchip registry has warned that the registry may become unavailable at any time (posted on website 5 Feb 2025) and if this happens, no one will be able to access your information.

Our CHIPBLITZ partner, Global Micro Animal Registry has offered to register any pet registered with HomesafeID on to their national database for free, providing ownership is the same as existing registration.

This offer is available only to those that may be affected by the possible shutdown of HomesafeID.

The potential shutdown is due to financial issues not cyber crime.

Remember, all dogs and cats in SA are required to have their microchip recorded in DACO.

You can check your HomesafeID registration on www.petaddress.com.au
Please note: Petaddress will only check any national registrations not DACO. So if it doesn't appear on Petaddress it is not affected by this issue.

To transfer your registration from HomesafeID to Global Micro, download the ONLY form you can use here: https://bit.ly/HomesafeID-Registrationchange

and email to: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SCAM

12/02/2025

🌟 Exciting Developments at Canine Interaction in 2025! 🌟

We want to start by expressing our heartfelt thanks to all our clients for your patience and support during the challenging times we faced in late 2024. Megan Molloy navigated through these difficulties with your encouragement, and we're excited to announce that 2025 is well underway with innovative plans and a renewed spirit!

🐕Cool Under Chaos: Tackle the challenge of distractions head-on with our targeted training group sessions, teaching you, the step by step techniques to work on your dog remaining focused in challenging environments.

🎓 Assistance Dog Webinars and Training: Dive deep into the world of assistance dogs through our comprehensive webinars and hands-on training courses, empowering those in need with incredible canine partners.

👶 Dogs & Storks: Preparing for a new baby? Our "Dogs & Storks" program is here to help your dog accept your newest member of the family.

📞 Reliable Recall Workshops: Let's not worry about your dog straying too far with our reliable recall strategies to work on this all important life saving skill.

🌱 Launching a Groundbreaking Mentoring Program: As 2025 progresses, we're excited to develop a mentoring program initially aimed at children, with plans to expand to adults. This program focuses on education, engagement, and using the power of animals to boost confidence and communication skills.

🏠 Home Schooling Program: We're breaking new ground with a unique initiative for the home-schooled community. Our program creates a space where children can connect over their shared love of animals, fostering teamwork and social interaction in a supportive environment.

So there is a small taste of what Megan and the team at Canine Interaction have in store for our valued existing clients and new clients joining the Canine Interaction family.

Let's make 2025 a year of growth and learning with our beloved pets! 🌟🐶

11/02/2025

So you've graduated from puppy school, and whether you enrolled because you believed it would shape your dream dog or simply because it seemed like the thing to do, you're likely on the brink of a new phase in puppy-dog ownership.

As your puppy sheds their baby fluff and steps into early adolescence, you might notice some challenging behaviors emerging. Perhaps the obedient pup who once trotted nicely beside you now pulls on the leash, eager to sniff every blade of grass or piece of litter.

Maybe your once reliable recall has vanished, or it feels like you're no longer the center of your puppy's world.

If phrases like "He's become so stubborn!" or "He won't listen anymore!" are becoming common in your household, know that you're not alone—and help is readily available.

The habits your dog forms now can last a lifetime, and the prospect of spending the next 15 years with a dog that pulls on the leash or struggles to interact politely with other dogs can be daunting.

That’s where our Canine Fundamentals Program comes in. It's designed to build on what you've learned in puppy school and address these new challenges.

If you're the kind of person who understands that this isn't just a phase to outgrow but a critical learning opportunity, we encourage you to reach out for a chat about how this program can be the next step forward in your journey with your dog.