Canine Conversations

16/06/2025

It isn't a nice topic but one to give some thought to.

You’re enjoying a quiet walk with your dog when, out of nowhere, an off-lead dog barrels toward you...Your dog tenses. You freeze. The human? Nowhere in sight.This isn’t just frustrating — it’s frightening. And in some cases, it’s dangerous.For dogs recovering from injury, living with fear...

10/06/2025

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why is my dog like this?”“Is my dog just bad?” Maybe it is, your fault?You’re only human. But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as a “bad dog” or “bad behaviour.” Stay with me.What we often label as bad behaviour is usually a dog s...

30/05/2025

Developmental Periods in Dogs — What Happens After Birth?

Your dog is born and from that moment forward, every week matters. Each stage — from neonatal stillness to adolescent chaos — is guided by neurological change, emotional learning, and environmental safety.

Let’s explore the stages:
• When reflexes guide the body
• When fear begins to shape memory
• When confidence builds (or breaks)
• And when behaviours settle into long-term patterns

Dogs don’t grow in straight lines.
They grow through experiences or lack of — each one deeply shaped by support, patience, and experience.

This is why “difficult” behaviour is often developmental behaviour.

If we understand where the dog is developmentally, we can stop asking, “What’s wrong with them?”
And instead ask, “What do they need from me right now?”

With perspective comes compassion.

17/05/2025

Not all behaviour that looks aggressive is actually aggression.

Affective aggression is an emotional response — a reflex to something that feels unsafe or overwhelming.
Whether it’s fear, pain, or frustration, the behaviour is reactive and expressive, often vocal or defensive.

Non-affective aggression is something else entirely.
It’s not emotional.
It’s not reactive.
It’s internally motivated, instinctive, and goal-driven — often part of a predatory pattern.

Calm. Silent. Focused.
It may appear aggressive and feel aggressive to the victim but it’s not founded in threat or fear.

This kind of behaviour is guided by the SEEKING system, described by neuroscientist Dr Jaak Panksepp — the part of the brain that motivates animals to pursue, explore, and act with intent.

I watched Sophie the other day stalk a cricket. Her stillness, her intense focus and prey bow pounce— it wasn’t emotional. It was fascinating to watch!

Recognising this distinction matters.
Because when we know what type of behaviour we’re seeing, we can:
✔️ Understand what’s driving it
✔️ Put thoughtful management in place
✔️ Offer safe outlets that support natural behaviour

Awareness creates safer outcomes — for dogs and the humans around them.

💛 If this post helped you better understand instinctive behaviour, please like, comment, or share to support ethical education.

30/04/2025

Displacement Behaviours vs Calming Signals
What’s the difference—and can they be the same?

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Some behaviours in dogs look the same but mean very different things depending on context.

🌀 Displacement behaviours
These happen when a dog feels conflicted, overwhelmed, or unsure. Think of them like stress relief strategies—e.g. yawning when not tired, sniffing the ground out of context, or sudden scratching.

I twirl my hair or tell crappy jokes. 🙋🏼‍♀️

🐾 Calming signals
These are social tools dogs use to avoid conflict or communicate peaceful intent. You’ll see things like head turns, soft blinks, lip licking toward another dog or person.

Again, me with the jokes and too much chatter. 🙋🏼‍♀️

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But here’s the twist…
The same behaviour (like a lip lick or a yawn) can be both a displacement behaviour and a calming signal—sometimes at the same time!

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Always look at:
✔️ The whole dog
✔️ The environment
✔️ What’s happening before, during, and after

Dog behaviour is layered and meaningful—not random or rude.

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Save & share if you have a dramatic dog who has the loudest yawn at any inconvenience such as waiting for you to walk to the boot when you arrive somewhere fun.

23/04/2025

🧬Ethical Dachshund breeding isn’t about claiming perfection — it’s about reducing preventable suffering through informed, transparent decisions.🧬

Yes, IVDD is in the breed. Most Dachshunds carry the gene linked to it. Pretending otherwise doesn’t protect puppies—it puts them at risk.

Breeders, please stop saying your dogs are “IVDD-free” without spine x-rays or acknowledging the genetic reality. Be proud of what you are doing:
✅ Screening for disc calcifications
✅ Pairing thoughtfully
✅ Calculating COI%
✅ Choosing health and structure over appearance
That’s ethical. That’s responsible. That’s the future of the breed.

Guardians, your role matters too:
✅ Keep your dog lean
✅ Avoid jumping from furniture and stairs
✅ Build strong muscle through safe movement
✅ Know the signs of pain early
Preventing IVDD isn’t just about genes—it’s about how we raise and support these dogs every day.

This is how we do better—together.
With transparency. With compassion. With science.
For healthier, happier Dachshunds who can move through life with comfort and confidence.

23/02/2025

Exciting News! 🎉

This members' area is tailored for dog trainers and behaviour enthusiasts. But don’t worry, pet dog parents—I have some fantastic surprises in the works just for you, too!

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when we launch. Yey

Progressive Canine Coaching: a community to learn and grow.

21/01/2025

Why is Asking for Space Such a Trigger?

Today, I experienced something that left me both frustrated and disheartened. While with a sweet little Staffy and her Mum, a man with two Groodles allowed his dogs to approach us. I asked, “Can you please call your dog?” As I turned to walk away and create space.

His response was unexpected and quite confronting: “Don’t you dare talk to me like that!” He pointed at me as he spoke, and I was shocked and shaken by his reaction.

A lovely passerby stepped in, kindly telling him that he needed to control his dogs. It made us feel supported, but the situation only worsened when the dogs ran off the designated beach and headed to Pinnaroo, clearly out-of-bounds for the dogs. This highlighted a complete lack of control.

When they eventually returned, they went straight for my bag, trampling through my belongings and eating my food. I laughed nervously as this unfolded—not because it was amusing, I felt uncomfortable and in disbelief. Once again, “Can you please get your dogs off my things and stop them from eating my food?”

What followed was disheartening. He ignored me for what felt like 20 seconds before finally attempting to retrieve his dogs—one slipped its collar and ran back. Not once did he apologise. Not a word of accountability. It felt as though he was purposefully waiting, defying the request to exert some kind of control over the situation.

Meanwhile, the dog I was supporting, alongside her mum, watched as our belongings were trampled and my food eaten. It was upsetting on so many levels.

Here’s what I truly struggle to understand: why are people so angry when others ask for space or control of their dogs? A simple apology or acknowledgment would have defused the situation. I wasn’t rude, nor was I unreasonable.

The law is clear:
• Dogs are required to remain on lead in certain areas and times.
• Dogs must be under effective control at all times.

This isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about respect and safety. Imagine if my children helped themselves to someone else’s picnic; it wouldn’t be acceptable. So why is it different for dogs?

I know most dog guardians are responsible, but I can’t help but wonder: why do some feel so triggered when reminded of the boundaries we all share? Respect and communication go a long way.

To the kind lady who spoke up, thank you. Your support was a bright moment in an otherwise upsetting interaction. ( especially as you didn’t have a dog on your hot girl morning walk!)

Let’s continue to advocate for responsible dog ownership and respectful community spaces.

Have you experienced something similar? How do you handle these situations?
Please; if you feel angry when asked for space can you help me to understand why?

Yes I know I can’t spell. 😅🤍☀️

12/01/2025

Every being—human or animal—processes trauma, fear, and the world around them in a way that is entirely unique to them. Their experiences, boundaries, and adaptations are valid, even when we don’t fully understand.

Some dogs will always have boundaries, and that’s okay—it’s a healthy response to who they are as individuals. I’ve seen senior dogs show remarkable resilience, adapting to new environments and processing emotions. And yet, I’ve also worked with puppies struggling to navigate the world simply because of who they are at their core.

On a personal level, I feel scared and anxious most of the time, sometimes crippling anxiety. It’s stopped me from flying to England to say goodbye to my Nan who passed last year on my birthday.

Working with your dogs, some yes, they are dangerous to me, is a privilege. Maybe people would prefer a flight to England than working with dogs who could bite?

Just because we don’t fully understand someone’s experience doesn’t mean we can’t respond with empathy and patience.

Let’s honour individuality—in humans, dogs, and beyond. 🤍

What fears have you or your dog overcome or working to? 🖤

05/01/2025

Hi peeps, I’ve put together a little survey to make sure I’m creating information that is helpful and delivered in a format that suits your time, learning style and budget. 🐾

Please take this oppurtnity to tell us what you need. How can we be more accessible and affordable, with the relevant infomation to support you virtually.