The Dog Nose

07/09/2025

Thanks Know Your Dog - Behaviour & Training with Sally Lewis for this timely reminder.

My beagle, Prudence has already shown me that autumn has arrived. A couple of weeks ago when out for a walk on Ideford Common she picked up a scent and if I hadn't recognised her behaviour she would have been off.

We are happy that the beaches will soon be open to dogs again as this is a safe place for us to walk and for her to be off lead at this time of year.

Watching your hounds body language is very important and getting to know when they have picked up a scent so you can intervene before they really get their nose down and they are off.

Autumn Walks with Your Scent Hound

It is that time of year. Autumn arrives, and my clients with scent hounds - those Beagles, Basset Hounds, any dogs bred to follow scents - come to me with the same question: "what has happened to my dog walks?!"

Autumn brings some environmental changes that can mean that your dog’s natural, deeply ingrained hunting instinct kicks into high gear.

Understanding the Instinctive Drive:

It is important to remember that your scent hound is just being who they were bred to be. Their DNA is a powerful force, and as autumn arrives, a perfect storm of environmental factors turns up the volume on their instincts.

New smells: the dropping leaves and the change in moisture create an ideal environment for scent particles to linger. To your dog, every single rustle and fallen acorn tells a story, and they feel a deep-seated need to follow it. Especially when they can smell a lot of squirrels!
Ground level furries: falling acorns and the like mean more small animals like squirrels, rabbits, and mice out and about. Their scent trails are everywhere, and to a scent hound, that can be a bit of a call to action.

This incredible sensory input can easily lead to a state of high arousal. In simple terms, when your dog's nose is in overdrive, it’s like their brain is tuned in to the scent trail. This can make them less responsive to your voice, less likely to come when called, and can even cause frustrated behaviours to emerge. They aren't being difficult or spiteful - they're being a dog that is doing what they were bred for.

Helping your hounds in Autumn

The good news is, we can help our dogs navigate this exciting time of year. By understanding their instincts and using the right tools, you can both have a wonderful, fulfilling walk.

Manage the environment: let’s think about where we're walking. A forest with lots of squirrels might be too much for your dog right now. Consider an open field where you are less likely to have as many little creatures running about. This allows you to give your dog a great walk without overwhelming their senses and without their arousal levels shooting up.
Long lines: I consider a long line to be one of my favourite tools. It gives your dog the freedom to explore and follow those irresistible scents while you still have control. It’s a trust-building tool that allows them to be a scent hound in a safe way.
Incorporate pattern games: when I see a dog getting over-aroused, pattern games are something I encourage people to think about using, especially if scatter feeding might actually fuel their fire in that situation. These can be great for re-engaging with your dog. I call it knocking on the door of the pre-frontal cortex.
Meet their instinctive needs: engage your dog in scent-based games. Scatter feeding at home or in quiet spaces on walks, scent work, controlled tracking games are all easy to do. By giving them a legitimate outlet for their hunting instinct in a controlled way, you're helping to tire out their nose and their brain, and ticking that box for them.

Remember, you are your dog's greatest advocate. By acknowledging and working with their instincts, autumn walks can remain fun for you both. If you need professional help with any of this, reach out to somebody who understands your dog's deepseated hunting needs, and will not punish them.

For further behavioural help and support, visit www.knowyourdogdevon.com

03/09/2025

Food for thought

For those of you with young puppies - please remember - we have to teach them how to be alone.

Free-ranging dogs don’t leave their puppies alone until they are about 7 months old. If they need to be apart then an auntie/uncle dog will ‘pup sit’ or a slightly older sibling would stay with them.

Separation related problems are so distressing for both the dog and their people and helping a dog who struggles with separation is a long, slow process.

When we bring a dog home it is important to help them feel safe and secure in the and with us and only then gradually start teaching them that alone time is nothing they need to stress about.

This can be time consuming and awkward to start as it means organising life so that the dog does not need to be left for extended periods before they are ready.

The time put in during these early stages is absolutely worth it, however - helping a dog who has developed separation related problems can mean a long time of the dog not being able to be left, and working on helping them to feel comfortable in very small increments (seconds at a time to start) takes a lot of work and effort.

30/08/2025

Love this and very true in our house - my dogs and I have few secrets and Tollie is fascinated by the toilet flushing! 😅

Privacy? Never heard of it… 🚪🐾😂

Dear Human,

You follow me to the garden to watch me p*e.
But when I follow you into the bathroom, suddenly it’s a “privacy issue.”
Double standards.

Love,
Dog 🐾

08/08/2025

Well said, Know Your Dog - Behaviour & Training with Sally Lewis - very important message.

Suppressing behaviour we don't understand or like in our dogs doesn't make it go away and is emotionally and physically painful for our dogs.

There are much better ways - reach out if you are struggling.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬

As dog guardians, we all want to enjoy peaceful walks and a calm, happy home life with our companions. When our dog pulls on their lead, barks at other dogs, or seems anxious, it's natural to feel frustrated and seek a solution. You may have heard about prong collars and been told they are a quick and effective tool. However, based on my professional experience and scientific research, I want to explain why I do not recommend them and why they often create more problems than they solve.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦: 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

A prong collar works by causing discomfort or pain when a dog pulls, lunges, or a correction is applied through the lead. The blunted prongs apply pressure to the neck, and while the pain may be momentary, the psychological impact can be lasting. A dog quickly learns that pulling or reacting can lead to an uncomfortable sensation.

This creates a constant state of apprehension for the dog. They are not learning to walk behave differently because the cause of the behaviour has improved, they are doing so to avoid discomfort. This constant anxiety can turn a once-enjoyable walk into a stressful experience, where the dog is always on edge, anticipating a correction.

𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐖𝐡𝐲"

This is one of the most critical reasons to avoid prong collars. Challenging behaviours like reactivity, leash pulling, or general overstimulation are not random acts that your dog does to spite you or to be difficult. They are often symptoms of an underlying issue, such as:

Pain: A dog that is reactive or growls when approached may be experiencing chronic joint pain and is trying to protect themselves.
Frustration: A dog that constantly pulls on the lead may be frustrated because they are not getting enough enrichment, exercise, or a chance to sniff and explore.
Anxiety or fear: Barking at other dogs or people is often a symptom of an anxious or fearful dog who is trying to create distance.
Overstimulation: A dog that appears to be "disobedient" on a walk might simply be overstimulated and overwhelmed by their environment.
This is not an exhaustive list of reasons, but a few common causes.

A prong collar completely ignores these root causes. It punishes the symptom—the pulling, the lunging, the barking—but does nothing to resolve the underlying cause.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

When you use a prong collar, you are not teaching your dog a new, desired behaviour, or improving the cause; you are simply suppressing the unwanted behaviour. This can be dangerous for several reasons:

Only teaching avoidance: the dog is simply learning what to avoid. True, lasting training involves teaching a dog to make good choices because they are rewarding, enjoyable, or fun, not because they are afraid of the alternative.
Behavioural fallout: when a dog’s natural response is suppressed without the underlying cause being addressed, that behaviour often resurfaces in a different, and sometimes more dangerous, form. For example, a dog that was reactive but is now quiet because of the prong collar may suddenly become aggressive without a warning, as their stress and anxiety were never resolved.

𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

A strong, trusting relationship with your dog is built on mutual respect, understanding of needs, and two-way communication. A tool that relies on pain and fear can severely damage this bond. We want our relationships with our best friend to be built on trust, and you can teach your dog to behave differently without using anything that will cause them stress.

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

There are many humane and effective ways to train your dog without resorting to painful tools.

Root Causes: the first step is to identify and address the root cause of your dog’s behaviour. This may involve a comprehensive assessment to rule out pain, as well as exploring all other potential factors contributing to your dog's behaviour.
Ethical, choice based methods: ethical methods usually avoid intentional use of fear or harsh handling, will give your dog a voice (an up to date professional should be teaching you how to recognise subtle signs of stress), and explore ways to coach them using kind methods that give them agency.
Front-clip harnesses for strong pullers: for dogs that are strong pullers that you might be struggling to manage, a front-clip harness may help, while you work on the causes for the pulling itself. This might involve some emotional coaching and lead walking training. Choose a Y shaped harness, not one that restricts movement of the shoulders.

By choosing humane and ethical methods, you will build a stronger, happier, and more trusting relationship with your best friend, while working towards your behaviour and training goals.

08/08/2025

Exciting new opportunities coming soon to Dawlish & Teignmouth.

Want to give your dog a purpose then contact me for further information about what is available and what is coming up.

[email protected]

The Predatory Puzzle
Dogs were born to hunt not for sport, but survival.
They stalked, tracked, and pounced to stay alive.
Today? They’re told to sit, heel, and leave it.
Scent sports don’t just entertain, they restore something ancient the thrill of the hunt in a safe, structured way.
No prey needed. Just a dog, a nose, and a purpose.

💬 If you want to give your dog (or your students’ dogs) an outlet that makes sense, start with scent sport.

👉 Want to learn how to teach it or train with us?
Follow or check out our instructor pathway.

04/08/2025

Have you got a terrier? Have you seen them hop? If so, then please read …… also it’s not just terriers - any small dog breed can show signs of a luxating patella so always wise to get them checked out.

"𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐩": 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 "𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠"

Have you seen your small breed dog doing a little hop with a back leg? It might look like a quick, bouncy skip your small dog does, a movement so brief it's almost like a little hop. It's often so quick that the leg is back on the ground and they're trotting along as if nothing happened. Many refer to this as the "Terrier Hop," a cute and quirky habit of small, active breeds.

This is often dismissed too easily and can be a sign of other things going on. This hop is often a sign of patella luxation.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐮𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Patella luxation means the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal groove on the thigh bone. It can slip to the inside or outside of the leg. When this happens, the dog holds their leg up for a moment to pop the kneecap back into place, which is the "hop" or "skip" you see.

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 & 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫...

Pain isn't always a dramatic limp, or a reluctance to jump, walk, or play. Dogs are naturally stoic and masters at hiding discomfort. Instead of showing obvious signs of injury, a dog experiencing chronic pain will often adapt their gait, posture, and behaviour to cope. They may still play and go for walks, but they do it differently, and it can be very subtle.

As your dog's family, you are a crucial part of the diagnostic process. Pay close attention to subtle behavioural changes, such as:

Decreased tolerance.
Increased anxiety or restlessness.
Slowing down on walks or a reluctance to go as far as they used to.
A change in posture when standing or lying down.
Subtle changes in how they use their body - they may adapt their gait or compensate in other areas.

These small changes, often dismissed as a dog "just getting old," can be some of the most reliable indicators of underlying physical discomfort.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩

Patella luxation is a progressive condition that can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues if left unaddressed over a long period.

Arthritis: Each time the kneecap slips out of its groove, it causes friction and damage to the cartilage and bone. Over months and years, this constant wear and tear leads to the development of arthritis, a condition that cannot be reversed. This can result in discomfort for your dog.
Joint damage: With every luxation, the groove in the thigh bone can become shallower. This means the kneecap will slip out more frequently and more easily over time, making the joint increasingly unstable. Working with a physio to ensure you are keeping muscles around the joint strong can be helpful.
Risk of further injury: Dogs with luxating patellas are at a much higher risk of suffering a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). The instability from the luxating kneecap puts strain on the other structures in the knee. CCL tears are painful injuries that can happen suddenly, and require surgery to fix.
Quality of life: A dog living with unmanaged patella luxation can experience in impact to their quality of life and wellbeing. The little hop can gradually turn into a persistent limp and a life of reduced mobility and comfort.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐭

The "Terrier Hop" and the behavioural changes are often intermittent issues, which means they may not happen during the 5-10 minutes a vet is examining the dog. Dogs are also known to present differently in the vets, due to the stressful environment. This is why it's so important for you, as their guardian, to be prepared. My recommendations are:

Take videos: A video of your dog walking with the hop, or showing signs of restlessness or hesitation, is really helpful. A vet can see exactly what's happening and will take your concerns more seriously.
Use the correct terminology: Instead of saying "my dog does a terrier hop," say, "my dog is doing a quick skip or hop with their back leg. I would like you to specifically check them for patella issues".
Report all changes: Be sure to tell the vet about all the behavioural changes you've observed, no matter how small they seem. A vet should take these changes seriously and factor them into their assessment. It can be tricky to remember everything you wanted to say sometimes, so keeping a log to take with you can be useful.
Ask for an X-ray or referral: If the vet says they can't feel anything, it's perfectly acceptable to ask for an X-ray or a referral to a veterinary orthopedist who specialises in these conditions. You could also ask for a referral to a knowledgable canine physiotherapist who has experience supporting dogs with joint issues.
Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion: if you feel in your gut that something isn't right, you are well within your rights to ask for a second opinion. You pay for your veterinary care and should be happy with the service you are receiving.

Early intervention can prevent a lifetime of discomfort for your companion, and allow you to provide them with relief if needed, or adapt their exercise regime. Being a vigilant guardian and speaking up on their behalf can make all the difference.

If you aren't sure about a way that your dog is moving, and want a simple, thorough assessment of anything that you think might not be right, then read about my online movement assessment and data gathering service, which is designed to support you in getting answers for you & your dog.
https://knowyourdogdevon.com/online-movement-assessment-data-gathering/

03/08/2025

Now you might well be wondering why on earth a dog professional is posting a photo of a dustpan and brush.

It’s a new item in our house today and my 15 month old golden retriever is worried about it.

I couldn’t have foreseen this but as soon as I brought it in she ran away and I could see she was scared of it.

This is very normal at this age. Adolescent dogs go in and out of fear periods and are often worried about unfamiliar things. Their awareness of the world is changing and they see items they don’t understand differently to how they might see them as a puppy.

My 6 yr old dog wasn’t worried by the dustpan at all.

What should we do?

Don’t force an interaction.
Don’t insist they investigate
Don’t place treats near it to try to coerce them to get closer

Instead, reassure them and then place the item to one side in the room but not near anything your dog needs to access (their bed or water bowl).

Ignore the item and observe your dog’s behaviour. If they avoid that area then it’s probably worth removing the item from the room.

Let them explore in their own time with no pressure and when they are ready.

11/07/2025

Many of you will know that I embarked on some study back in 2022. I finally finished my course this week after some set backs (broken leg but let's not mention that).

I'm really pleased to blow my little trumpet and say that I passed my Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour with Distinction so you can rest assured that when/if you contact me for advice about your dog, I am more than qualified to help.

I already have a Masters in Animal Welfare and Behaviour and am a retired veterinary nurse but this course was dog specific and is the icing on my professional cake so to speak.

In a world where dog training is unregulated it is really important to work with professionals who have studied to a high level and can verify their training. In South Devon we are incredibly lucky to have some amazing professionals who I am lucky to call my friends. They are:
Know Your Dog - Behaviour & Training with Sally Lewis
Canine Bond Dog Behaviour & Training - Donna Bond
Speak Dog with Ruth Haynes
Exemplar Dog Training - Kerry South

There is also Train Positive with Andy Hale although he is moving more into supporting professionals and speaking at conferences I believe.

09/07/2025

If you have a dog that reacts to people or other dogs then this course will really help you to understand why this is happening. email Know Your Dog - Behaviour & Training with Sally Lewis to book your place as they are limited.

Does your dog bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs, people, cyclists, traffic, or other things on their walks?
Do you want to help your dog to behave differently, and understand why they behave that way in the first place?
Do you work with dogs, as a dog walker or other canine professional?

I will be running my "Understanding Reactivity in Dogs" seminar on 23rd August, 9:45am - 11:45am (plus Q&A time at the end) in Holcombe (just outside Dawlish). This is my third time running this seminar, it has sold out on previous occasions and the feedback has always been very positive, with attendees saying that they learnt a lot of new things which enabled them to help their dog.

In this seminar we will be going through lots of potential causes of reactivity, talking about what is happening within your dog's body during reactions, contributions to reactive behaviour, buckets and bubbles (this will make sense after the seminar!), having a brief look at body language, and more. Your reactive dog is not being stubborn, naughty, or dominant. Come along and join us for an informative, but informal two hours. Only £18 per person.

There are no dogs at this event, this is an opportunity for you to learn more about reactive behaviour, causes, and some ways you can start to help your dog. Prior booking essential. This usually sells out so don't miss out. Message this page, or email [email protected]

About me: I'm an award-winning, highly qualified canine behaviourist with eight years of professional experience working with dogs of different breeds, sizes, and ages. I specialise in helping reactive dogs. I am also a published author on the topic of dog behaviour.

Where: Holcombe, EX7 0JT
When: 23rd August 2025 9.45am - 11.45am
How much: £18 per person
Who can come: anyone who lives with or works with dogs, prior booked attendees only
In-person or online: in-person

08/07/2025

My friend and colleague Rebecca (The Dog Witch: Whole Health for Healthy Behaviour) sums this up perfectly. This is my ethos, my style of training/respecting my dogs.

I have an adolescent - I have to say No at times, I have to teach her boundaries. This is ok. Don’t struggle - reach out to a like minded behaviour expert if you are feeling overwhelmed.

There’s a quiet revolution happening in canine care. More and more of us are moving away from rigid, formal “training” and embracing something more human: relationship building. It’s not that we’re ditching training altogether, far from it. We’re adding nuance.

But like anything, this shift comes with its downsides.
One of the big ones? We start ignoring human needs. In our well-meaning mission to prioritise the dog, we risk swinging the pendulum too far. Suddenly, if your dog doesn’t come back, it’s all on you. “It must be a relationship issue.” And while sometimes that’s true, sometimes, your dog might say no. Not because they don’t respect you, but because they have autonomy. Because they’re living beings—not obedient props.
I hear things like:
- “You’re cruel if you raise your voice.”
- “Saying no causes trauma.”
- “Arguing with your dog damages the bond.”
But the reality is more complex. Just like with people, the health of any relationship depends on frequency, intensity, and repair. My husband and I argue. We’re stubborn, I’m fiery, and yet we communicate well, respect each other, trust one another and make one another feel safe. Some dogs are peaceful companions who ask for little. Others are just as spicy as I am. And sometimes, yes, we disagree.
The idea of a perfect, zen relationship sounds lovely. But honestly? That’s bloody hard. Life gets messy. We get tired. Dogs get stubborn ( yes I believe dogs can be stubborn. Often what we think of as being stubborn, isnt, and we are reading the situation wrong. Other times, dogs might say, I know exactly what you want and I dont want to do it) . And that’s okay.

What’s not okay is pretending those moments don’t exist, or shaming people for them. We need to normalise conflict and focus on repair. To say:
- “This isn’t working. Let’s change it.”
- “I feel guilty—but I won’t let it eat me. I’ll act on it.”
- “We’re both allowed to say no.”
Relationship-based care isn’t a rulebook—it’s a practice. A daily commitment to do better, love harder, and respect both the dog and the human in the equation.
So if you’re struggling, please know this:
- You’re not broken.
- You’re not failing.
You’re learning. Just like your dog.
And that’s the most compassionate, courageous thing you can do.

20/06/2025

This is a very good value course. Even if your dog is not reactive I would suggest attending!

The knowledge you will gain about dogs is fantastic!

Do you have a dog that barks or lunges at people, dogs, cyclists, traffic, or anything else?
Do you work with dogs?

I will be running my "Understanding Reactivity in Dogs" seminar on 23rd August, 9:45am - 11:45am (plus Q&A time at the end) in Holcombe (just outside Dawlish).
In this seminar we will be going through lots of potential causes of reactivity, talking about what is happening within your dog's body during reactions, contributions to reactive behaviour, buckets and bubbles (this will make sense after the seminar!), having a brief look at body language, and more. Your reactive dog is not being stubborn, naughty, or dominant. Come along and join us for an informative, but informal two hours. Only £18 per person.

There are no dogs at this event, this is an opportunity for you to learn more about reactive behaviour, causes, and some ways you can start to help your dog. Prior booking essential. This usually sells out so don't miss out. Message this page, or email [email protected]

19/06/2025

Lovely post from Canine Bond Dog Behaviour & Training.

I love the comparison with books on a library shelf but maybe that’s because I’m a book nerd! 🤓

Just like us our dog’s brain is like a giant library. Every experience they’ve had is recorded as a book on a shelf, each one tied not just to a memory, but to emotional experiences.

When our dogs are finding things difficult, If a walk always feels scary, if the environment they face with other dogs, people, traffic they find uncomfortable, their brain will keep reaching for the same book, with the same emotions, same reactions we might see.

The stronger the emotion at the time, the more deeply those stories settle into their memory. Although their brain is doing what it’s designed to do, keeping them safe. The more often those books are read, the faster the brain reaches for them next time.

Just like in a library, new books can be written by them, with new emotional experiences that feel safe, predictable, positive ones to build a different collection, supporting them through with our compassion, patience, and understanding, helping to replace their books with new stories. Not the ones we write or choose for them.

Eventually, those old books can start gathering dust. They will always be on the shelf, but they won’t be the first ones our dog reaches for, building a new collection for their library, one book and one page at a time.