Companion Minds

13/09/2025

So so so important. There’s a growing number of people offering training and behaviour modification who are in no way liaison with vets/physios or even considering discomfort as a cause for behaviour. Quicker to label as ‘aggressive’ ‘dominant’ or ‘stubborn’ than consider the possibility of the role of discomfort. Unfortunately our population of dogs are commonly affected by a range of disease and illness. If the person you’re seeing isn’t considering pain, please find one that does… we’re here!

13/09/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to Zoey’s family 🙏

“Our Golden Retriever , Zoey is a completely new version of her self : calmer, more confident and easier to manger .
Kate showed us how to understand and communicate with Zoey in a way that made sense to both human and dog . She took on board any question or concerns and put forward helpful observations toward Zoey’s behavior that we had not even realized were causing problems , which we would then work on in the next session. Not only did Zoey improve as a result but also our confidence when handling her . We came out of every session one step closer to Zoey being how she is today . Kate was very pleasant to work with and Zoey immediately took to her.”

12/09/2025

This gorgeous trio are Leonbergers Ava, Gable 6 month old pup, and Hugo!

Gable completed our puppy course recently and did a great job! We met him at home recently alongside his older siblings to look at helping them all greet their mum a bit more calmly.

Now there’s three dogs to share the love between, Hugo is more excitable and Gable, as a young pup still, is naturally keen to say hi to his mum after periods of separation (5 minutes or overnight!).

Plan in place and we’ll see how things progress 🤞

10/09/2025

This beautiful girl is 9 month old German Shepherd, Honey 🍯

We met on a 1-1 basis recently to support with some teenage mouthing, being a bit unsettled, and troubleshooted ways of helping her.

We had a great game with the Pawstrading Ltd waggle toy too, helping her get a bit excited, then listening to cues, and giving her a great outlet for some chase/grab behaviours. Honey was a BIG fan!

Great to meet you Honey, see you again 👋

10/09/2025

Love this from the great MSK Vets, so important! "Pain in dogs is just like in people deeply personal and sometimes not visible on scans or X-rays. That’s why it’s so important to treat the dog, not just the image."

Poppy is a beautiful 4-year-old Spaniel who first visited us last year with severe anxiety and discomfort from hip dysplasia. Things had gotten so tough that she didn’t even want to leave the house or go for walks.

On examination, we found she was also experiencing pain in her lower back (lumbosacral region), even though her MRI only showed minor changes. We trialled an epidural steroid injection and the results were amazing. Within just 10 days, Poppy was bounding out the door, full of confidence and joy. As you can see in the photo, not even tree stumps can stop her now! 🐾🌳

Her initial epidural gave her nearly 9 months of freedom from pain before needing a repeat. Pain in dogs is just like in people deeply personal and sometimes not visible on scans or X-rays. That’s why it’s so important to treat the dog, not just the image.
We're thrilled to see Poppy enjoying life again and hope her latest treatment gives her another long stretch of pain-free adventures. 💕 This is what it's all about helping dogs live happy, comfortable lives.

Well done, Poppy! 🐶💪

09/09/2025

Changes are on the way to Companion Minds!

Kate has recently accepted a part time position at the RSPCA as Regional Clinical Animal Behaviourist. This is a fantastic opportunity to work back in rescue, where her passion for training and rehabilitation started!

DO NOT PANIC! Companion Minds will be continuing, offering 1-1 training and group classes as normal but only on Thursdays and Sundays. We will still be seeing behaviour cases from November onwards but on a much reduced basis to ensure everyone still gets the high level of input and support they need. All current bookings are still valid.

Please bear this availability in mind when you book with us- we will only be able to offer day time appointments Thursdays and Sundays moving forwards from October.

08/09/2025

This is Monty's mum and his litter (isn't Bracken beautiful?). Monty's breeder spent a huge amount of time and effort in providing Monty and his brother and sisters lots of opportunities to learn about the world, in a safe and structured way, and i believe ALL puppies should have access to the same wonderful first 8 weeks.

Breeding should not just be the housing of a mum and her pups and then selling them at 8 weeks. There is SO much that can be done from a behavioural (and training) perspective to set puppies up for success as adults.

The first 8-10 weeks of a puppies life is crucial (as is mum's experiences during pregnancy!) for how the puppy will develop in later life, and how they adapt to their new homes.

Whilst i do not support random or un planned breeding, i also appreciate that many people ARE breeding their dogs, and often without much behavioural input. This means puppies are often left alone for long periods, isolated, without appropriate exposures and experiences, meaning everything new happens at 8 weeks all of a sudden.

So, i am now offering remote or in person consults to breeders pre - mating, or once puppies are on the ground (the earlier the better), to support socialisation and environmental adaptations for the benefit of the puppies.

It doesn't matter if it's your first litter, or you're an experienced breeder but haven't previously thought about what socialisation you could be doing- here to support. I would also love to offer this service to rescues with litters too at a discounted rate.

Drop us a message for further information or to book a consult.

07/09/2025

Dual representing Spaniel Rescue Foundation - SRF at Paws in the Park at market rase racecourse today!

Come say hi on the SRF stall and grab yourself a raffle ticket or tombolo!

The dog show is underway too. Lots to come see, try out scurry, agility and lots more!

04/09/2025

This scrumptious little sprocker is 3 month old Max! 🤎

We met with max and his dad on a 1-1 basis to get them started on their journey together! This is Max’s first week at home and has settled in brilliantly.

We started with housetraining, puppy biting, discussed exercise and socialisation, and started some loose lead walking. 😮‍💨

Super little pup, looking forward to supporting him as his grows 🥰

01/09/2025

And equal congratulations to the 10:45am group who smashed their course too!

🖤 Keith chihuahua cross Jack Russell
🖤 Sapphire working cocker
🩶 Barnaby Labrador
🤎 Coco cockapoo who had to leave early!

Well done, super recalls and brilliant skills throughout!