Canine Needs - Dog Training & Behaviour

09/10/2025

13 years ago I did a dog behaviour course at in East Sussex with the late, great John Rogerson. This year I come on board with as an organiser as well as a Judge.

I am so happy that the GBT Festival is representing Raystede Charity, not only because I believe in supporting local dogs but also because they are a part of my career story 🥹

Throughout my career some of the greatest dogs I have ever met have been rescues, mixed breeds and mutts and I'm super happy that we get to make a space for that at this year's festival.

Tickets are available to purchase at thegreatbritishtrufflefestival.co.uk

07/10/2025

Omg those ears 😍☺️

07/10/2025

One of the biggest misconceptions in the World of the dog is the term 'Socialisation'. 🐕 🌍

Anyone who has ever picked up a puppy will have no doubt had the importance of puppy socialisation repeatedly stuffed down their throats, but did anyone actually explain what Puppy Socialisation is? No. They did not. 🚫

Did you know? Incorrect puppy socialisation is the leading cause of dog-to-dog aggression?

Symptoms of incorrect socialisation can look like your dog:

🐾 Runs over to other dogs, barks and then runs away
🐾 Runs to their owner when another dog gets too close
🐾 Barks at other dogs
🐾 Growls at other dogs
🐾 Lunges at other dogs
🐾 Plays incessantly/obsessed with other dogs
🐾 Is more interested in other dogs than their owner

Of the 2 definitions of socialisation outlined in the image, which one do we think is meant when it comes to puppies?

06/10/2025

I can't wait for this festival next month!

Experience the enchantment of truffles at The Great British Truffle Festival | Enjoy gourmet cuisine, and engaging workshops in East Sussex.

01/10/2025

What is this omg? 🤯
Zuni hardly ever goes to the vet, especially not needing to be left there without me! It was his little face looking back at me as they carried him off that got me good 🥺

Rationally I knew that Zuni was good to go, I have a great vet that I trust and he passed all the prep tests with flying colours! 💪

Unfortunately however, the logical side of my brain left the building (my head) and I was left with my imagination, which was not helpful! 🧠

Fortunately, I do have a technique for unwanted, invasive thoughts but I had to use it over and over again during the 5 hours we were apart! 🎡

Zuni has always been responsible for cleaning his own teeth as he has plenty of raw bones that he loves (his favourite is raw chicken feet) and the vet said for his age his teeth were good and they didn't actually need doing, however knowing that a leading cause of issues in senior dogs are problems with their teeth I want him to be heading into his golden era with sparkling clean pearly whites! 🤍

Now to teach him to accept having his teeth brushed by me...! 🪥

❤️

07/09/2025

I might be biased because of my work, but every time I’m out in public, I see dogs being let down left, right and centre.
I recently went to a dog café in London and honestly, it was horrendous. 😔🐾

Our society is becoming louder, faster, and more overwhelming for dogs. And the truth is… there’s only one way they can survive it: YOU.
Call it guardian, carer, owner, whatever you like but it’s a sacred role, and your dog is 100% dependent on you.

Too often, we fail our dogs by seeing them only through a human lens.
They need us to step up and advocate for them from their perspective. Because they will never see the world as we do.

Still not convinced? Try explaining the concept of the postman to your dog. 📬🐕

04/09/2025

That little voice that says: “Go on… just test your dog. See if they can handle it.”
Yeah. That voice is a liar. 🫠🐶

Because here’s what happens:
You test your dog → they fail spectacularly → you cry inside → your dog stares at you with zero clue why you're upset 😭

💡 The trainer secret no one tells you:
👉 NEVER test your dog. Don’t do it.
With clients? Sure, I’ll test—because they’re literally paying me to prove progress 💸
But with my own dogs? Nope. I keep stacking wins until one day I realise, oh, they’ve been solid for ages and I didn’t even notice.

That’s the difference:

Trainers: keep their dogs winning 🏆 over and over, even when it’s boring.

Average owners: set their dogs up to fail 💥 over and over, then get mad about it.

So next time you feel that itch to “see if they’re ready”…
Grab a snack 🍪, pat yourself on the back, and DON’T. TEST. THE. DOG.

Your sanity will thank you. 🙏

29/07/2025

There’s something ancient about foraging blackberries with your dog. I absolutely love it and look forward to it every year 💕

Long before leads and kibble, humans and dogs wandered side by side, hunting, sniffing, delighting in whatever the land gave for free.

The humble blackberry must be the most joyous to forage with your dog, with berries normally at the exact right height for both of you!

Even now, when you pause on a walk to pick a few, and your dog watches you (or joins in!) You’re not just snacking, you’re continuing a tradition, bonding, just as your ancestors did with their dogs 🐾💕

No phone, no rush. Just the two of you, the brambles, and a bit of shared instinct. Take a tub and pick some for the freezer for when you can be bothered to make that apple and blackberry crumble 🤤

13/07/2025

Throw back to socialising this darling litter when I lived in Wimbledon, outside the cute window display of 😍

I just had a huge flair up of anticipatory grief around my dog Zuni (the dad) and I hope to take some time to organise my feelings to share some deeper stuff with you ✌️