Four Positive Paws

25/04/2025

"Managing Reactivity on Walks Takes Skill, Patience and Courage 🌟"

If your dog barks, lunges, or pulls when another dog or person gets too close—it doesn’t mean your dog is bad or that you’ve failed.

It means your dog needs more space and time and is trying to cope and communicate the best way they know how.

What can help?
✅ Creating distance so that you and your dog can take a moment and decompress
✅ Managing the environment so that you optimise safety
✅ Building trust so that your dog learns that they have your support when they need it
✅ Recovering calmly after tricky moments so that you can reflect and reset.

You’re not alone in this. Many dogs (and their humans) are navigating these challenges every day. Every step you take to support your dog matters and makes a difference

24/04/2025

"Not All Dogs Want to Say Hi – And That’s Okay 🐕❌"

Some dogs need space to feel safe.

They’re not broken. They’re not aggressive.

They’re just communicating a boundary—and we need to respect that.

👀Be aware and look for signs that a dog needs space:
!Yellow coats with I need space written on them
!Body language, do you know if the dog looks relaxed or concerned?
!Space-creating behaviour from the other dog or guardian
!Is the other persons’ dog on lead, are they waiting or trying to move behind a car or create more space?

Sometimes you may not see clear signs. A dog may look okay but that isn’t a green light for another dog to bound up and get into close contact with another unfamiliar dog.

A dog may be recovering from an illness or a bad experience
🤝 Ask before approaching and try not to be offended if the answer is no.
🔄 Give them the option and time to move away so that there is more space for each dogs’ comfort.

Advocating for dogs who need space isn’t about reinforcing fear, being over protective or precious—it’s about understanding, empathy, and agency.

24/04/2025

Why can't you promise to fix or cure my dog's behaviour?

We want that fix.

We want the behaviour to stop.

Is change possible? Absolutely.

Thinking about our own behaviours and challenges. Can we fix and cure them permanently?

What do we need to do to create change, develop new skills and strategies and adjust our lifestyle?

It's human to want quick results.

It's humane to be compassionate and kind to ourselves and our dogs for lasting change over time.

So often when we see the popular 'trainers' on social media, they are talking about how to 'fix problems' with your dog, about how to 'fix' their bad behaviour.

When a caregiver is struggling with an aspect of life with their dog the idea of fixing that problem can seem tempting. Particularly as these trainers are usually promising quick results.

When we look at what they are actually doing with the dogs, a lot of the time it involves tools and punishment. And yes, it seems to work very quickly (although quite often there is a lot of what is going on hidden or not shown) as the behaviour stops.

The difficulty starts to come when we look at the dog in that situation with an educated eye. We will see signs of stress like lip licking, yawning, the white of the eyes showing. The dogs are often leaning away from the trainer, trying to create some space. All of these things tell us that the dog is stressed and uncomfortable and really wants to get away from this person.

The other difficulty is that using tools and punishment doesn't teach the dog what they should be doing, only stops them doing the unwanted behaviour. This is known as behaviour suppression and, while it appears to work for a while, it can lead to a whole new set of problems later. The cause of the behaviour has not been addressed, any issues that the dog has which were triggering that behaviour are still there. All of that means that the behaviour is most likely to come back, or that the dog will have a degree of 'fallout' where things can get much worse because they are still struggling.

A good and ethical trainer or behaviourist will take the time to find out what is causing the behaviour and consider the best way to move forward. This might involve referring the dog to their vet for a health check. It could be simply setting up the situation so we can show the dog a more appropriate form of behaviour for that situation. It might involve a careful programme of behaviour modification to help the dog feel better about a situation. It could be managing the situation so that the dog does not feel the need to show the problematic behaviour. And many other options, none of which are considering fixing the dog, and none involving discomfort, pain, or fear.

For the sake of your dog and the relationship you have (and want to have) with them, if a potential trainer of behaviourist promises they will fix your dog, walk away. It's not worth the risk to your dog and the bond you share with them.

23/04/2025

"You’re Not Being Difficult or Anti-Social – You’re Being a Compassionate Dog Guardian 💛"

When you say:
🚶‍♀️ “My dog needs space.”
🚫 “Please call your dog.”
🔁 “Could we have a minute to turn around”

You’re not being difficult. You’re not being rude. You’re being your dog’s advocate.

Every time you help your dog feel safer, you’re building trust. You’re helping them learn that you’ve got their back.

It can sometimes feel awkward and uncomfortable to ask for space.

Discovering ways to feel comfortable and confident matters more than someone else’s opinion of you and your dog.

22/04/2025

"Unsolicited Approaches Aren’t Always Safe – They Can Be Risky 🚫🐶"

We often hear:
➡️ “Don’t worry, my dog is friendly!”
➡️ “He just wants to play or say hello

Things to consider:
A friendly dog doesn’t get to decide how safe another dog feels.

Unskilled, off-lead dogs rushing up to unfamiliar dogs can cause:
🔺 Fear
🔺 Fights
🔺 Setbacks in training
🔺 Injury

Let’s normalise giving space. Let’s normalise asking first. Let’s normalise safe walks for every dog.

21/04/2025

"Advocating for Your Dog Isn’t Rude – It’s Responsible 🐾"

Is it rude to cross the street when another dog approaches?

Is it anti-social to ask someone to give you space?

It isn't anti-social, it’s advocacy and compassion.

Some dogs need space for different reasons. It’s our job to support them.

It isn’t always easy to not worry about what others might think. However, it is a skill we can learn so that we do feel more comfortable when we may need to create space.
✅ Crossing the road so that you naturally create distance
✅ Using a parked car as a barrier so that you can support and shield your dog
✅ Calmly saying “No, thank you” when someone’s dog approaches so that you can prevent an inappropriate or up too close and personal interaction
✅ Turning around if a walk is feeling too much so that you can take the pressure off in the moment.

These are not rude actions. They’re considerate and thoughtful.

You're putting your dog’s needs first—and that’s something to take credit for.

18/04/2025

“When You're Dreading the Walk…”

If you’re putting off the walk because your stomach’s in knots I can relate.

You’re not lazy. You’re not making excuses. You’re trying to protect yourself from more stress, more judgement, more unknowns.

Let’s take the pressure off:
🌿 You don’t have to go far, you can pick a short walk that you feel most comfortable with and least concerned about.

🌿 You don’t have to go during busy hours. Instead if you can't walk during a quiet time consider a walk free day, giving yourself and your dog the day off or choosing a nice activity to do at home instead.

🌿 It is okay to prioritise safety and time for decompression and connection with your dog and park the “should”.

And when you’re ready, you can plan a walk tailored to you so that next walk feels a little bit less daunting.

It can also be helpful to recognise your successes and wins. What worked well and what you are pleased with. Be kind to yourself and give yourself recognition for a walk well done.

17/04/2025

“A ‘Good’ Walk Doesn’t Have to Look Perfect”

Do you ever come home from a walk thinking “That was a disaster”?

Maybe your dog barked or lunged. Maybe someone gave you one of those looks. Maybe you just felt on edge or concerned.

Here's a gentle reminder:
A ‘good’ walk doesn’t mean your dog never reacts.
A ‘good’ walk means you stayed connected, did your best, and came home safe.

💛 Progress can be quiet, gentle and in small, incremental steps

💛 Courage isn't always easy so you may need to adjust your walk for a shorter sniffari instead.

💛 Every safe walk — even short ones — can make a difference.

Let’s redefine success. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be safe. For both of you.

16/04/2025

“Feeling Safe Starts with You”

Many reactive dog guardians focus entirely on managing their dog’s stress — and forget their own.

But your nervous system matters too.

When you feel calmer, more prepared, and more supported, your dog notices.

And your walks can slowly start to feel less like a battle and more like a bond.

💡Start here:
✔️ Choose a quiet route you both know well and feel comfortable with
✔️ Go at a time of day when it’s less busy so that you have less on your plate to thinks about
✔️ Don’t push beyond what feels manageable so that you reduce overwhelm

Feeling safe isn’t just about managing what you can in the outside world. It’s about building confidence from the inside out. One day at a time.

15/04/2025

“You're Not Alone”

💬 "I love my dog, but walks are exhausting..."

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

So many brilliant, compassionate dog guardians feel the same —

worn down by tense walks, scanning for triggers, feeling judged or worried about what might be around the corner.

It’s OK to admit this is hard. It is hard.

It's not a sign that you're failing.

It’s a sign that your dog needs a different kind of support — and so do you.

💛 You deserve to feel safe.
💛 Your dog deserves to feel safe.
💛 And with the right strategies and guidance, safer walks are possible.

We can start by being gentle with ourselves. You're doing your best.

That matters and makes a difference. 💕

If this post resonates, why not follow my page?

I create my posts to help people feel supported and confident with their reactive dog, one step and walk at a time.

09/04/2025

From Reactivity to Relief on our walks with our dogs.

I remember clearly how nerve jangling our walks were.

Mainly because of off lead, unskilled dogs making inappropriate approaches.

We would wear yellow vests and choose off peak times and spaces and we thought were safe.

But, even though we were doing this the anticipation of a situation from another dog felt horrible.

Gradually, over time, I started to feel more comfortable as we enjoyed more safe and relaxed walks that were calm.

The more I could see, feel and believe the benefits of what I had learnt and been taught the less fearful and more confident I felt.

There were many times that the walks felt too much, when I felt tired of trying to plan and discover new safe spaces, when I wished for a dog that I could take anywhere, anytime.

Acceptance came alongside the realisation that my dog was doing her best and I could support and advocate for her.

Acceptance became a way of life and a release from the shoulds and the what if's.

Acceptance enabled me to focus on what we could do, where we could walk and how we could optimise our walks for fulfillment instead of fear.

Acceptance meant I could let go of my grief, my conflict about why my dog was like she was and instead accept her for the dog she was.

She taught me a lot, she is a beautiful girl and I am so glad she came into my life.

She was the catalyst for me to study and qualify in Behaviour and my inspiration to specialise in fearful, anxious and reactive dogs.

I love teaching and supporting people and their dogs to gain confidence on walks, to reduce the stress and develop skills that can make walks feel safer.

I hope this story inspires you.

Change and progress is possible.

07/04/2025

🐾 Helping You and Your Reactive Dog Feel Safe, Seen & Supported 🐾

Does walking your reactive dog feel more like a battlefield than a bonding experience?
You're not alone – and you don’t have to do this on your own.

I help loving, worried dog guardians like you enjoy calmer, safer walks and more peaceful lives with their reactive dogs. 💛 Whether it’s barking, lunging, or just feeling constantly on edge, I’m here to guide you with kindness, clarity and compassion.

✨ Together, we’ll work at your dog’s pace – and yours – with tailored support that really works in real life, not just on paper.

✅ Positive, practical techniques
✅ Safe, shame-free support
✅ A focus on connection, not control

🗓️ Ready to feel more confident with your dog?
Book a free discovery call or send me a message – I’d love to hear about your dog and how I can help.

👇 Comment “SAFE” below if this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, or tag a friend who needs to see this.

05/04/2025

I cannot cope with my dog!

I don’t know what to do or who to ask for the right help.

I’ve watched videos on Tik Tok and YouTube, I have had lots of information from other people with dogs, I have spoken to my Vet and I am in lots of dog groups on social media.

Nothing is working. I am going to have to rehome my dog.

Relinquishment can include a rescue place, a private re-home, euthanasia or abandonment.

How do we change the narrative and interrupt the purchase, adopt, relinquish cycle?

1. Research
Why do you want a dog in your life and are they the right reasons for the dog? Consider the breed, the rescue organisation, the breeder, health, welfare and are your expectations realistic?

2. How much time do you have to tend to your dogs needs? This includes education for you and the dog, settling in time, feeding, walking, picking up p**p, washing bedding, cleaning up after accidents, care during illness or accidents, grooming, visits to the vet. Introducing a dog into our homes can add up to the equivalent of a part time job. Do you have the time and support structure for the extra hours needed?

3. How much do you know about dogs? How much experience do you have of dog behaviour, communication, welfare and well being, health and is it up to date and the best match for you and your dog.

4. Have you researched insurance costs and cover? Vet fees and complimentary support?

5. Do you have a support network? Trusted friends or family that can help if you need it.

6. Do you have financial means to cover illness and injury if your insurance doesn't cover the full cost or doesn't pay out at all?

7. Have you got the space and time in your life and home to meet all of the dogs needs?

8. Have you considered the potential challenges and stress that can happen when things don't go according to plan?

These are just a few considerations to take into account before bringing a dog into a new life and home.

04/04/2025

🐶 Is Your Dog Really Playing or Sending a Different Message? 🐶

On three recent walks, my dog met other dogs on lead, and it looked like he wanted to play. Why? Because he did what’s often called a "play bow"—a common sign of excitement and playfulness, right?

❌ Wrong! He didn’t actually want to play.

🔎 Dog body language is often misunderstood. A sudden movement can look like a play bow, but it may mean something completely different.

📢 Not all dogs are great communicators, and even dogs can misinterpret each other!

✅ Understanding canine body language in different contexts helps prevent misunderstandings and stress.

🐾 Key things to remember:
✔️ Too close is too late – Some dogs dislike face-to-face greetings.
✔️ Head-on approaches can be unnerving.
✔️ Saying hello doesn’t have to be up-close & personal!

💬 What about your dog?
🐕 Does your dog seem friendly but actually need space?
🐾 Is your dog too friendly and gets too close?
📸 Drop a photo and share your experience in the comments!

03/04/2025

🚨 The Invisible Line: Risk vs. Reward in Dog Training 🚨

We rarely expect that our own dog could harm another person or dog—until that first unexpected moment happens. The shock can be overwhelming.

🐾 Was it truly unpredictable, or were there warning signs we missed?
🐾 Were risks taken in the name of training?
🐾 Did we jump at the first quick-fix solution without considering the long-term impact?

Many training methods promise instant results. Quick fixes can create a false sense of security, making us believe our dogs are “cured” in all situations. But behavior isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing journey.

It is human nature to push boundaries, to dismiss risk over the desire to have our dogs off lead even when we may observe rough play, pestering, growling, offensive and defensive barking, a lack of recall or worse.

The invisible line can be a way to describe a behaviour coming out of nowhere with no provocation or cause. That invisible line gets crossed sometimes. It is rare for there to be no reason, completely unpredictable or out of the blue.

It is understandable to believe it was out of the blue because there are often signals, communications and warnigs that get missed or misinterpreted.

⚠️ Is it worth the risk? What’s the worst that could happen if we trust the wrong approach? If a mistake is made—by you, your dog, or someone else—what are the consequences?

As a Certified Behaviourist who prioritizes safety, welfare, and well-being, I understand the temptation to take shortcuts. But sustainable progress comes from having a deeper understanding about our individual dogs needs, developing skills and knowledge and making some adjustments to meet our dogs needs.

We often see positive progression in a relatively short time when we set ourselves and our dogs up for success, This isn't about making our dogs face their fears, wrapping them up in cotton wool, depriving them of fulfilling walks, avoiding all other dogs forever or creating a very small world for our dogs.

It is about a sustainable, positive connection with appropriate exposure with the right support at the right time and celebrating those new skills.

💬 Have you ever faced a moment where you questioned your dog’s behavior? What did you learn from it? Share your thoughts below. ⬇️

02/04/2025

Why does my dog lunge, bark and growl at other dogs?

This is a great question.

The answer depends on the context of the behaviour and the individual dog.

Where does the behaviour happen?

How intensely does the dog react and how long has this been practised for?

How long has the dog been living in your home?

These are some of the questions I ask before working with new people and their pups.

Is change possible? Absolutely.

When we explore the reasons for our dogs behaviour we open up a world of better understanding and an optimum opportunity to meet our dog where they are at.

This understanding provides us with important information about our dog so that we can take the right steps forward for reducing the lunging and barking and making walks feel more enjoyable and safer.

Has our dog experienced a traumatic event?

How do we know what our dog has experienced in their lives whether we have a Puppy, Adolescent or Adult Dog?

Often we don't know, so, meeting our dog where they are at is a good start for positive progress.

I love keeping up to date with all things dog so that the information, guidance and support clients experience is current.

I recently completed the Canine Principles Trauma and Rescue Course and have successfully been assessed.

Understanding and being trauma and rescue informed means that the dogs needs are front and centre when we start to work on making life better, both ends of the lead.

In addition to having our dogs needs front and centre it is equally important to consider the human needs and the human experience so that we develop an optimum connection and a life best lived.

Whilst I have worked with many dogs that have experienced trauma over the years it is important to have my knowledge, skills and experience assessed and validated externally assessed.

If you are curious about a dog centred approach for help with your dog you can contact me for a complimentary discover call via the link in the comments.

01/04/2025

🐶 **Accepting the Dog We Have: A Game Changer for a Happier Life** 🐶

Bringing a dog into our home is exciting—we dream of long walks, pub lunches, and fun adventures. But sometimes, reality doesn’t match our expectations.

👉 Maybe your dog pulls on the lead, barks at strangers, or struggles in social settings.
👉 Maybe training isn’t delivering the results you hoped for.
👉 Maybe you’re feeling frustrated and wondering, *"Why isn’t my dog behaving how I expected?"*

Here’s the truth: **Every dog is unique.** Their breed, genetics, skills, and past experiences shape who they are. Instead of forcing change, what if we paused and asked:

🐾 *Are my expectations realistic from my dog’s perspective?*
🐾 *Can I adjust and meet my dog where they are?*
🐾 *How can I support them in a way that strengthens our bond?*

Training and guidance matter, but so does **acceptance**. When we stop trying to "fix" our dogs and start understanding them, everything changes.

💬 **Tell us—what’s one thing you’ve learned by embracing your dog’s true self?**

27/03/2025

🐶 The Lead: A True Game Changer for Your Dog’s Walks! 🐕✨

Many dogs struggle when off-lead—whether it’s bolting towards other dogs, ignoring recall, or chasing wildlife. While off-lead freedom works for some, a lead can be a life-changing tool for dogs that lack confidence, social skills, or reliable recall.

✅ Security & Peace of Mind
✅ Better Socialization & Training
✅ Safer, Stress-Free Walks

A 5-meter lead provides flexibility, allowing dogs to sniff and roam without restriction—unlike standard or retractable leads, which may pose safety risks.

🐾 Not all dogs are ready for off-lead walks, and that’s okay! Responsible walking means ensuring every dog and owner feels safe in public spaces.

💬 What’s your experience with lead vs. off-lead walking? Share below! 👇