The Canine Perspective

The Canine Perspective Positive reinforcement training for you and your dog, with an emphasis on helping you understand your dog & vice versa.

02/04/2025

I took Floyd to the gym with me the other day, and I found myself practicing his recall while doing some wall squats (how else do you pass those agonising 60 seconds?)

Why? Well, because recall is high on our priority list - and because I figured if he can come to me while I’m slowly losing feeling in my thighs, we’re onto something.

But it got me thinking... I know he's only 11 weeks old, but how reliable is his recall really?

Would he come away from:

* A group of loud kids?
* Another dog?
* A rotting possum?
* A stranger unwrapping a meat pie on a park bench?

So I rated him. Mentally.

And then I thought - “Hey, why not make this a thing? Other pet parents might like it!”

So I did…

👉 I put together a cheeky little 2-minute quiz, titled: “Is Your Dog Recall-Ready?”

It’s simple. It's fun. It’s free. And it’ll give you a good idea of where your dog’s recall is sitting:

Are they crushing it? Halfway there? Still in the “you talking to me?” phase? Can you see the middle digit in their paw come up as they run in the opposite direction?

Let's find out. Just comment below with the word “RECALL” and I’ll send the FREE quiz straight to your inbox, so you can see how your dog's recall is doing.

Let the rating (and giggling) begin.

Catch you and your selectively-hearing pup soon,

Sarah x

P.S. If you’re thinking “my dog doesn’t need this” - they probably do. 😆 Got dog-parent friends who'd also love to do the quiz? Tag them below and we can send one to them and you can then compare results like the recall nerds we all secretly are. 😆

PPS - Video evidence of said recall while doing wall squats is below... 😆

This post should come with a  .Floyd turns 11 weeks old today! 🎉 And even though we’re knee deep in the p*eing, p**ping,...
31/03/2025

This post should come with a .

Floyd turns 11 weeks old today! 🎉 And even though we’re knee deep in the p*eing, p**ping, biting (and occasional wild zoomies) stage, we’ve officially kicked off training.

One of the most common questions I get is: “What should you teach your puppy first?” And honestly, depending on who you ask, you’ll get 47 different answers and probably one strongly worded opinion from a random at the dog park. 😅

Here’s what we’ve chosen for Floyd:

✅ His name – nailed it in 4 minutes flat.
✅ “Sit” – now his go-to move when he wants anything from snacks to snuggles.
✅ Recall – because nothing makes my heart explode more than those little Pug ears bouncing toward me at full sp*ed when I call. 😭💖

So why recall over things like stay, walking on lead, or give?

Because coming back when he’s called could literally save his life.

Last week, (and here’s the ) - I had two separate conversations with people whose dogs were hit by cars - because they didn’t come when called. 💔

And that’s the last thing I would ever want for Floyd…

It absolutely floors me every time I hear those stories. And it’s why recall is non-negotiable in our house. It’s not just a trick - it’s an essential life skill.

I want Floyd to think coming to me is better than sniffing a dead bird, better than chasing a butterfly, better than harassing a stranger eating a sandwich at the park. (Forget chasing lizards – the stranger and the sandwich take the cake for most distracting thing ever when you have a Pug!).

And I definitely want him to sprint back to me if he’s ever headed towards danger.

So yeah, we’re going big on recall. It’s important. It’s practical. And honestly, it’s one of the most valuable things I’ll ever teach him.

Sending love, patience, and a reminder that puppy biting doesn’t last forever (that could be a reminder to myself there…)

Sarah x

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of puppy cuteness, socialisation tips, and - oh yeah - Floyd made his TV debut ...
29/03/2025

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of puppy cuteness, socialisation tips, and - oh yeah - Floyd made his TV debut like the goodest boy he is. 🎬✨

In case you missed anything (life happens, I get it), I’ve popped it all below so you can catch up:

📺 Floyd on TV!
Our little star had his first big media moment - and he absolutely nailed it!
👇 [See the comments for the link!]

🐾 The Socialisation Checklist
A free, super-practical download to make sure you’re not missing the key confidence-building stuff.
👇 [Check the comments below to get it sent straight to your inbox]

🎥 Facebook Live: The Truth About Socialisation
We busted some myths, talked about what actually works, and I shared what I’m doing with Floyd right now.
👇 [View the comments for the replay]

💻 The Puppy Empowerment Program
My signature 5-week online course that’s been helping new puppy parents everywhere go from “what have I done?” to “I’ve got this.”
👇 [You guessed it - check the comments!]

So whether you’re curled up with your pup or knee-deep in chew toys and toilet training - take a moment, have a scroll, and grab what you need.

And if you’ve got questions? Just send me a DM - I’m always here to help.

Sarah x

PS - Know someone with a new puppy who missed any of these fabulous nuggets?"

Tag them below, so they can grab some cool puppy stuff!

It’s been almost two weeks since Floyd joined the family - and let’s just say, my floors are stickier, my sleep is light...
26/03/2025

It’s been almost two weeks since Floyd joined the family - and let’s just say, my floors are stickier, my sleep is lighter, but my heart? Freakin’ full!

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. Raising a puppy is... a journey. A wild, p*e-stained, “why is there a sock in your mouth again?” kind of journey.

And even though I do this for a living, yes, I still have those “what the f*ck was I thinking?” moments. Like the 3am toilet run where I was barefoot and standing in something suspicious.

But here’s the thing: this is where it all starts.
The biting. The zoomies. The sofa demolition.
It’s also where the confidence, calm, and connection begin.

The plan is to help Floyd become that dog - the one who can chill at a café, support anxious dogs in training, and charm nursing home residents with his stoic good looks. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It starts right now.

So yes, we’re doing all the cute stuff - socialisation, gentle exposure, new sounds, surfaces, and snuggles.

But we’re also doing the solid stuff - the name recognition, teaching recall, sit, lie down, handling, and lead walking.

Because while socialisation matters, it’s only part of the story.

This is exactly why I created the Puppy Empowerment Program - an exclusive online course for guardians who want to raise a puppy to become that dog, without losing their minds in the process.

What is the Puppy Empowerment Program?

The Puppy Empowerment Program is an online Puppy Preschool, which includes:

🐶 A 5-week, step-by-step program
📽️ Bite-sized video lessons (pun very much intended)
💬 Access to a private FB group + weekly Q&As with me
🎯 Real-world training that works in your home, at your pace

And unlike in-person classes, there's no cutoff at 16 weeks. This program is open to pups up to 6 months because, spoiler alert: puppies don't stop doing puppy things just because they've hit a milestone.

But what about socialising to other puppies?

We cover that too - just in a different way. In fact, we cover it in a way that’s safe, ethical, and actually helps your puppy become more confident. And gives YOU the tools to keep your puppy safe during play time outside the classroom (which most in-person classes don't cover).

✨ Want to check out the full course? Check out the link in the comments to have a squiz at what's covered and all the details.
🐾 Or comment the word “Puppy” below and let's have a chat to see if if it’s the right next step for your newest little mate.

In the meantime, enjoy the Floyd spam—you know it’s coming!

Sending you all the love (and caffeine) for those early puppy days,

Sarah x

PS - Don't have a puppy, but know someone who's currently googling "how to stop puppy biting at 2am?"

Tag them below. You’ll be their hero.

If you’ve got a puppy—or you’re thinking of getting one—you’ll want to join me for a special Facebook Live where I’ll be...
25/03/2025

If you’ve got a puppy—or you’re thinking of getting one—you’ll want to join me for a special Facebook Live where I’ll be chatting all things puppy socialisation:

✔️ What it really is (spoiler: it’s not just “exposure”)
✔️ How to do it safely—even before full vaccinations
✔️ Why now is the most important time in your puppy’s life
✔️ And the secret to truly getting it right so that your puppy grows into the confident dog who can accompany you anywhere!

And yes, Floyd will be making an appearance. 🐾

In just his first week with us, Floyd has been… well, let’s just say living his best Pug life. He has:

🐶 Met friendly dogs and a lovely elderly man
☕ Had a café outing (and was very interested in someone’s croissant)
🚗 Been on car trips, met new people, and visited the gym
📸 Starred in a professional photo shoot
💉 Visited the vet twice for social visits, and again for his vaccinations - and nailed it!
🎥 Been interviewed on TV (yes, really)
🚂 Watched trains, buses, trucks, and even tractors roll by
🦮 Gotten comfy with his harness and lead
🌿 Walked on different surfaces like a champ
💨 And bravely faced off against the hair dryer—like a true little hero

And the best part? He’s loved every single minute.

Want to know exactly how you can get your puppy to be as confident as Floyd? I’m going to show you how, step-by-step, in the live:
📅 When: Tonight at 5pm QLD / 6pm NSW time
📍 Where: On my personal page!

Whether you’ve got a puppy now or one on the way, you’ll walk away with real-world, practical tips to help your dog feel safe, confident, and ready to take on the world (even if the world includes vacuum cleaners, tractors… and terrifying hair dryers).

Bring your cuppa, bring your pup, bring your questions - and I’ll see you there!

Sarah x

PS - Interested in watching, but can't make the LIVE?

No sweat! Just comment "recording" below and we'll send you a link (or tag you in it afterwards) so you can get all the juicy hacks that we'll be sharing!

PPS – Have a friend with a puppy who you know would benefit from watching this LIVE?

Tag them here! We'd love to see them too! x

24/03/2025

For those who didn't get to see Floyd's first TV appearance...here it is!

A massive thank you to Lizzie Henebery from Sunny Comms for giving us the opportunity, and Channel 7 for a great interview. 🌟🙏❤️

I’ve been talking a fair bit about puppy socialisation this week because this is what we’ve been going through in our ho...
21/03/2025

I’ve been talking a fair bit about puppy socialisation this week because this is what we’ve been going through in our house with Floyd. But the truth is that how you socialize your puppy now will shape the dog they become for life.

That might sound dramatic, but the science backs it up—puppies who have positive socialisation experiences between 7-11 weeks are more likely to grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs. Those who miss this window? They’re at a much higher risk of fear, anxiety, and reactivity down the track.

I’ve seen the difference early socialisation can make. And my clients have seen it too.

Tom enrolled in my online Puppy Empowerment Program with his new puppy “Luna” at the beginning of last year. During the program’s weekly Q & A, Tom mentioned how his last dog was super anxious because he didn’t socialise him properly, and how he didn’t want to make the same mistake with his new pup. He had been told by the vet not to socialise “Luna” until after she was fully vaccinated (at 16 weeks), but through the course he had learnt how to socialise her safely.

And he had noticed the difference. “Luna” was confident. She would investigate new things, go up to strangers and wasn’t barking or reactive to other dogs.

Tom and “Luna” now go everywhere together, and they both love the experiences they share – something that Tom could only dream of doing with his previous dog.

In just his first week with us, Floyd’s already had a bunch of gentle, positive experiences with the big, wide world. He’s met three lovely, friendly dogs, been out to a café (where he was extremely interested in croissants), gone on a few car trips, and met a lovely mix of men and women. He’s tagged along to the gym, spent short stints alone, and even hung out with a friend of mine—without me there (a big deal for a baby Pug!).

We’ve also popped into the vet—twice, actually—not because anything was wrong, but just for happy, stress-free social visits. No needles, no poking and prodding. Just pats, treats, and good vibes.

I’ve been really intentional about not overwhelming him—no deep-end diving here—but I have noticed how each calm, positive experience builds his confidence just that little bit more. His little nervous system starts to regulate, his body softens, and instead of freezing or panicking, he quietly observes, sniffs, and explores with that wonderful puppy curiosity.

just like Luna, he’s well on his way to becoming the kind of dog I can take anywhere - calm, curious, and comfortable in his own skin. I know Floyd will one day be the kind of dog who can help others -a grounded, neutral presence for anxious or reactive dogs who just need a safe space and a steady friend.

So, what’s your experience?

What was your dog’s early socialisation like? And what’s their view of the world now? Please share your story below - I’d love to hear it!

Sending lots of love to you….and your dog.

Sarah x

Socialising your puppy the right way is one of the most important things you’ll ever do - but did you know the critical ...
18/03/2025

Socialising your puppy the right way is one of the most important things you’ll ever do - but did you know the critical socialisation window starts closing at just 11 weeks?

That means waiting until they’re fully vaccinated (which often isn’t until 16 weeks) could actually do more harm than good.
The good news? You can socialise your puppy safely before they’re fully vaccinated - you just need to know how.

But then the next question is - what do you socialise them to?
I’ve just finished putting together a FREE Puppy Socialisation Checklist - a simple guide that's great if you've ever wondered:

✅ WHAT to socialise your puppy to.
✅ HOW to pair good things to the potentially scary stuff (called "this crazy human world")
✅ HOW to have your puppy grows into that confident, happy dog who can go anywhere and everywhere with you (wouldn't we all love that!?)

👉 Interested? Just comment "Puppy" below and I'll get a copy sent straight to your inbox.

👉 Don't have a puppy, but know a friend or family member who does? Why not tag them here so we can send them the freebie? We're happy to share the love!!

Every puppy deserves a confident, happy start in life - and this checklist helps to give them just that.

Sending much love to you....and your dog.

Sarah x

Meet Floyd, our brand-new 9-week-old Pug puppy, who arrived yesterday! He’s 2kg of wrinkles, attitude, and questionable ...
17/03/2025

Meet Floyd, our brand-new 9-week-old Pug puppy, who arrived yesterday! He’s 2kg of wrinkles, attitude, and questionable decision-making skills.

He’s also about to learn one of the most important lessons of his little life: how to be a confident, well-socialised dog.

And here’s the thing…

The #1 mistake I see so many new puppy guardians make?

Is often thinking that socialisation means throwing their pup into as many new experiences as possible and hoping for the best.

🐶 Taking them to a chaotic dog park on day one? Bad idea.

🐶 Letting every stranger pat them even when they’re unsure?
Nope.

🐶 Thinking they’ll “just get used to it” if you expose them enough? Not how it works.

If I did that to Floyd, he’d either (a) feel overwhelmed and turn into a nervous wreck, (b) feel scared and decide that the world was a terrifying place, or (c) confidently take on the world… until the world moves, makes a noise, or looks at him funny.

Instead, socialising a new puppy needs to include the perfect mix of the following:

✅ Pair new experiences with positive ones - treats, praise, play, and distance make a world of difference. If Floyd sees a loud truck and gets chicken, suddenly trucks aren’t so bad.

✅ Quality over quantity - socialisation is about positive experiences, not just exposure.

✅ Let them set the pace - Floyd may be tiny, but he will let me know if he’s unsure. It's up to me to listen and advocate for him.

✅ Keep it short & sweet - puppies have the attention span of a goldfish on caffeine. One great experience is better than five stressful ones.

✅ Let them observe first - new things are less scary when you get to check them out before diving in.

✅ Praise bravery, not pressure them - I want Floyd to love new things, not just tolerate them.

But wait… what about vaccinations? 🤔

Ah, yes. The age-old debate. Many vets still say “keep your puppy home until they’ve had all their shots” - which sounds logical, except for one tiny problem:

By then, they’re past the critical socialisation window (which closes around 16 weeks).

So what’s the solution?

The solution is to do it SAFELY.

🐾 Carry them to new places so they can still interact with the world (remember - make it positive!).

🐾 Have puppy playdates with vaccinated, friendly dogs.

🐾 Expose them to surfaces, sounds, and sights - without putting
them at risk.

🐾 Visit pet-friendly shops, outdoor cafes, or even the beach (walk along the wet sand and avoid dog poo).

Because here’s the deal: diseases are scary, but so is raising a fearful, anxious adult dog. And in truth, I work with SO many dogs struggling with anxiety and reactivity, because they either weren't socialised as a puppy, or it wasn't done right.

Socialisation done safely gives your pup the best chance at growing into a confident, well-adjusted dog. Because a well-socialised dog isn’t just one who’s seen the world (or been forced to "deal with it") - it’s one who feels safe and confident in it.

So if you’ve got a puppy, ask yourself: Are they having positive social experiences, or just experiences? Because trust me, there’s a BIG difference.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to stop Floyd from trying to befriend the vacuum cleaner.

Sarah x

Settling in is SO exhausting...
16/03/2025

Settling in is SO exhausting...

16/03/2025

Doug & Floyd's first meeting! 🐶🥳❤️

I think Doug was more interested in the lamb ears in the bag from Pet Barn, to be honest....🤦‍♀️

He's here!!! 🎊🎉🐶❤️
16/03/2025

He's here!!! 🎊🎉🐶❤️

As Cyclone Alfred looms off the Queensland coast and we're all in "preparation mode", it's also important to ensure our ...
04/03/2025

As Cyclone Alfred looms off the Queensland coast and we're all in "preparation mode", it's also important to ensure our dogs stay safe, secure, and calm before, during, and after the storm.

Just like for us, preparation is key, as is remaining calm. Remember,
our dogs don’t understand what’s happening, and the combination of roaring winds, flying debris, pelting rain and their humans panicking can make them feel highly stressed and unsettled.

So, here's 10 things you can do to get your dog prepared, and kept safe during the next few days.

1. Create a pet emergency kit – pack 3–5 days’ worth of food and water, medications, vet records, a lead, harness, and familiar comfort items like a blanket or toy.

2. Secure a safe space indoors – set up an enclosed, window-free area where your dog will be safest. Most dogs feel more secure when they’re close to their guardians.

3. Check microchip & ID tags – ensure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and that they’re wearing a secure collar with ID, in case they become separated.

4. Stock up on calming aids – if your dog experiences storm anxiety, have calming products ready, such as a Thundershirt, Adaptil spray, or vet-prescribed support.

5. Plan for evacuation – not all evacuation centres accept pets, so research dog-friendly options now to avoid last-minute stress.

6. During the cyclone - Stay inside & keep routine as normal as possible. Dogs thrive on routine so stick to regular feeding and toilet schedules where safe, and if needed, stock up on indoor toilet solutions like p*e pads or artificial grass mats.

7. Mask the noise & stay calm – use white noise, calming music, or a TV to help drown out the sound of the storm. Dogs pick up on human emotions, so keep your energy calm and reassuring.

8. Use distractions & enrichment – comforting your dog is fine, but keeping them mentally engaged is even better. Use chew toys, stuffed kongs, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats to redirect their focus.
Keep walks on lead – if outside toilet breaks are necessary, keep them short, on-lead, and in a sheltered area. Sudden winds or flying debris could startle your dog and cause them to bolt.

9. After the cyclone - check for dangers. Be alert for fallen power lines, broken fences, sharp debris, and displaced wildlife, such as snakes or injured possums. Keep your dog on-lead until you’ve assessed the area.

10. Expect some stress – even confident dogs can feel unsettled after a major storm. Watch for signs of anxiety like pacing, excessive panting, clinginess, or changes in toilet habits.
Provide extra love & reassurance – a return to normal routines, gentle reassurance, and a quiet, safe space will help your dog regain confidence. If behavioural issues persist, seek advice.

How's your dog fairing so far? Are you noticing any signs of stress as the weather changes? Comment below and let us know.

Sarah x

I had a conversation the other day with a client who was at her wit’s end. Her dog’s behaviour had become so intense tha...
01/03/2025

I had a conversation the other day with a client who was at her wit’s end. Her dog’s behaviour had become so intense that she was seriously considering rehoming her. She was heartbroken and feeling like she had no other option.

After chatting through what was going on (and asking some rather interesting questions about p**p!), I had a hunch—this wasn’t a “behaviour” issue at all. It was a gut health issue.

Sure enough, after just a week of probiotics, the difference was night and day. Her dog was happier, more relaxed, and even playing more than she had in ages. And that got me thinking…

How long had this poor dog been feeling awful without anyone realizing?

Behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve been taught to see behaviour as a battle of “who’s in charge.” That if a dog is acting out, they must be:

❌ Trying to be the boss
❌ Being “dominant”
❌ Just plain “disobedient”

(Wow—so many outdated labels in one post!)

But the truth is, behaviour is often just a symptom of something deeper. And just like us, our dogs can struggle with things that affect their mood, energy, and well-being.

Here are just a few examples:

🐾 Hormones – Hormones can play a massive role in behaviour - especially for entire males and females as they are coming into season.
🐾 Diet & Gut Health – What’s in their bowl directly affects their body and brain.
🐾 Pain – A sore back, aching joints, even an ear infection can make dogs irritable or reactive.
🐾 Unmet Needs – Mental, physical, social… if these aren’t met, behaviour will show it.
🐾 Stress – Big changes, loud noises, new routines—dogs feel stress just like we do.

What If we saw behaviour differently? Instead of labeling behaviour as “good” or “bad,” what if we saw it as a message?

A way for our dogs to tell us:
💡 “Hey, something’s not right.”
💡 “I don’t feel great.”
💡 “I need some help here.”

When we shift our perspective, we give ourselves the space to figure out what’s really going on—and in doing so, we can help our dogs feel better, not just behave “better.”

Has your dog ever acted out because of something unexpected? Pain? A new pet? Moving house? A health issue? I’d love to hear your story—comment below and let's chat about it!

Sending love to you....and your dog.

Sarah x

Introducing.....Floyd!!!Floyd will be joining our family on March 16th! 🐶❤️In the meantime, we'll be getting Doug ready ...
28/02/2025

Introducing.....Floyd!!!

Floyd will be joining our family on March 16th! 🐶❤️

In the meantime, we'll be getting Doug ready to be a big brother again (and ourselves prepared to have a puppy in the house!)

We can't wait!

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