The Canine Way

10/09/2024

That is adorable!!! Such a smile!!

10/09/2024

He's such a clever pup!

10/09/2024

Just look at that smile! Loving life and the great outdoors. Thank you Animal Rescue Cumbria for giving him all the love and care for the year he has been in care.

Share his story to find Mike a home where he can flourish and thrive. ♥️

10/09/2024

Mike is such a special boy, please share far and wide. I can't believe it's been 1 whole year. He has so much love and joy to give and he deserves to find a home where he can be himself, relax and enjoy a loving and trusting relationship with his new people. 🥰

01/08/2024

Teaching your dog to use a ramp for entering and exiting a car is an important skill for many reasons! 🐶🚗 Here’s why:

* Prevents Injury: Reduces joint strain and helps avoid conditions like arthritis, especially for large breeds.
* Supports Health Issues: Eases pain for dogs with arthritis or mobility problems.
* Ensures Safety: Minimises fall risks from the car.
* Builds Confidence: Creating a positive and stress-free experience.
* Provides more Choice: The dog may not like being lifted into the car.
* Convenient: Easier for owners as they don't need to lift their dog.

Take things slow and work at the dogs pace. Never force them onto the ramp or into car, give them choice where possible. Reinforce with treats and praise for a positive experience. Begin with the ramp flat so they get used to the feeling under their feet. Make sure it is secure and not wobbly when you attach it to the car. 🐾✨

If you have a dog who is anxious about the car or car travel - contact me for help. [email protected], 07493 453031.

29/07/2024

Puzzle toys for the win! These are some of my favourite enrichment items to keep pups entertained. These activities tire both the body and mind, they use up excess energy and are perfect for reducing boredom in the home. What's your favourite enrichment toy?

17/07/2024

Walk and Train sessions can consist of many different things depending on what the learner needs: loose lead walking, waiting patiently before crossing the road, walking politely past another dog or person. It also includes time to sniff and take in the smells, to sit and observe, to slow down and allow the dog to watch the world go by and to reinforce them for being calm and relaxed. Here's Bosco doing just that..Happy days!

08/07/2024

I love a "Touch" (Hand Target) behaviour. It can be used for so many things: using up excess energy before going for a walk, building a connection with your dog and creating handler focus, something fun to do on a wet day or when you're not feeling up to a walk.

Reward the nose bump with a tossed treat that your dog can chase and find 😊

06/07/2024

I had the privilege yesterday of witnessing a family of foxes, playing and galavanting in the sunshine.

The similarities in body language to dogs when they are playing well together was fascinating. Loose bodies, taking turns chasing and wrestling (role reversal) , moving backwards and forwards in a loose bouncy way (feint and parry) , playing with open relaxed mouths (jaw sparring), low relaxed tails, frequent breaks and giving space (natural pauses), rolling around on the grass. I’m sure there was more I missed and I wished I could have videoed it!

Learning to observe and interpret animal body language is such a wonderful thing!

06/07/2024

27/06/2024

27/06/2024

27/06/2024

We're not nasty, we're not bad, we are not even mean.
We are just a bit scared or nervous sometimes.
All you need to do is give us some space, and the world feels much less frightening sometimes.
When my human asks you to call your dog back, its not beccause they think your dogs bad or naughty either, We just like different things.
And they are just trying to help me feel safe.
Next time you see a dog wearing yellow, will you do something for me?
Just give them a little more space. It will mean the world to us 💛

11/05/2024

Sharing for Animal Rescue Cumbria

*FOSTER HOME APPEAL*

Shadow is a 11.5year old lurcher looking for a foster home 🐾

Shadow needs a home where there are no young children or cats. She has previously lived with dogs.

Full rescue support will be given.

We don’t want this girl to spend what time she has left in kennels

If you can help give shadow the home she deserves please give us a call on 01539824293 or email [email protected]

25/04/2024

I've made some updates to my website, including testimonials from my wonderful clients and a volunteering and community page. Go to www.thecanineway.biz to check it out. If you are looking for some help with your canine companion drop me a message using the Contact Us page of the website or send me an email at [email protected]

Professional Dog Training

24/04/2024

Become a dog trainer with a mentor by your side. Through self-study, mentor guidance, and hands-on work with dogs, CATCH gives you the training and certification you need to become a professional dog trainer.

24/04/2024

I love the topic of dog body language and there is always something new to learn. It's such a valuable skill to be able to observe and interpret what your dog is trying to say. This is great introduction to Dog Body Language from PACT for those wanting to learn more about what your dog is communicating. And it's free!

So this year we put together a completely FREE course discussing canine body language. It's available for anyone to watch (not just professionals) so if you're interested or know someone that might be (your clients included) please do sign up and share far and wide💚
https://pact-course.thinkific.com/courses/PACTtastercourse

09/04/2024

We have many educational resources, including articles and downloadable posters, for Bite Prevention week. Find out tips for keeping kids and dogs safe in this printable article: https://hubs.ly/Q02s4hBg0

09/04/2024

06/04/2024

Ever wondered why a puppy's behavior seems erratic during adolescence, which occurs between six months and 18 months of age?

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, s*x hormones are changing which effects the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to modulate sensory processing and subsequent behavior.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control.

So what does this mean? This could mean that your dog, who used to come when called, suddenly cannot. This could mean that your dog, who didn't jump up on guests, suddenly does. Your dog that walked nicely on leash is now pulling. Or perhaps it seems like some days your dog responds to behaviors you ask of them, and some days they don't, without any rhyme or reason.

We also see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, frustration and impatience sometimes cause us to act unpredictably.

This adds to your puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for puppies to adjust.

By understanding this we can gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we can help create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best selves.

26/05/2023

What a wonderful event! There was so much to talk about!
Myself and Animal Rescue Cumbria would like to thank everyone who took time out of their evening to attend Let’s Talk Dogs - A Community Event.

There was great discussion, participation and engagement. We talked about observing and interpreting our dog's body language for better communication, the challenges we face with an increase of dogs in our community, the importance of a reliable recall, when to put your dog on a lead, considerations when out walking our dogs and much more!

We are hoping to run some more events soon, if you would like to know more or would like to register your interest then please email Helen at [email protected] and we can keep you informed. We will also post more information as it becomes available.

Thank you once again!
Helen and Animal Rescue Cumbria

13/05/2023

Watch the world go by is such an important part of puppy socialization.

How close you can get your puppy to activities is not the name of the game.
People interacting with your puppy isn't the goal. Playing with other dogs is not the goal.

This is not a competition to see who can get the closest to activities with their puppy.
Puppies do not need to be close to the activity. In many cases they should be further away.

Grab a coffee/tea and just simply hang out, out of the way, where puppy can observe and be comfortable.
I often bring a chew toy for the puppy and of course a bowl of water.

Take your time with this.

Socialization outings that we have used:
(Sitting at a distance and observing, not interacting)
💚Kids get on/off the bus
💚Construction
💚People with dogs, bicycles, skateboards at the park
💚People at a coffee shop, library, airport
💚Track and field practice
💚People grooming horses
💚People going in to stores
💚Agility trial
💚Baseball games
💚Going to the beach
💚Christmas lights
💚Going for ice cream
💚Sitting in the car in a variety of places
💚Going out during the day and at night

There are some things that I will never include because I cannot get distance.
This includes going to watch fireworks and going through the car wash.

This cute photo is of Robin the day I brought him home. I would find quiet spots in the airport like this terminal that was under construction so that he could rest.

12/05/2023

There are some spots left for May 25th at Castle Street Community Centre. Only those with a ticket can attend so sign up for your human only spot today to avoid disappointment. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Helen and Animal Rescue Cumbria.

I'm excited to announce two dates for a free community talk in Kendal. Join myself and Animal Rescue Cumbria as we talk dogs! More details in the flyer below.

Sign up using a link or QR code below to reserve your (human-only) spot.

7 pm, Thursday 11th May 2023
Beck Community Centre, Heron Hill, Kendal
https://buytickets.at/thecanineway/885914

7 pm, Thursday 25th May 2023
Castle Street Community Centre, Kendal
https://buytickets.at/thecanineway/886370

25/04/2023

Calling all dog owners and dog walkers