Dog behaviourist- The Canine Counsellor Lytham St Anne’s, England

17/09/2024

Is this you and your family?

Someone visits and your dog goes nuts?

It could even be a friend or relative; but your dog goes crazy and there’s nothing you can do to stop the barking..😝
So much so.. that you put off having friends visit.. or keep your dog locked away.. which can make the problem worse without us realising.. but we just can’t stand the barking.. and blimey does it frustrate us.. ☹️

Don’t stop having your friends round; don’t put off the family visiting.. this can be solved.. with a little guidance your dog can behave when you have visitors round. Promise!
If your dog drives you crazy just get in touch; make some notes about the problems you have with them and we’ll sort them together 😃🐶
What problems do you have with your dog/s that drive you crazy! 😳🤪

14/09/2024

06/09/2024

One of my favourite terriers this one of course being the amazing Jack Russell.. brave intelligent, super alert, (cracking watch dogs!) great characters and very loyal toward their owners.
This sweet female JR I worked with; her owners were having a few problems with her barking.. yep terriers can bark a lot.. no surprises there; but no one wants their dogs barking excessively; and it’s one of the most common reasons I’m called out about.

There’s always a solution, we may have to rethink a few things or do things a little differently; but there’s always a solution; and a simple one, no matter how problematic your dog’s behaviour has become.

Think simply 🐶💕
Think dog 🐶💕

01/09/2024

What do you think this cutie’s issues were?

Answers below if you can guess..👇🏼

I’ll give you a clue… a very common issue; especially in the last 4 years..
Thankfully it’s easily rectified; as are most doggy problems or challenges we may have with our dogs.

The key thing is to try to remember our dogs don’t think like us.
We’re illogical.. dogs are completely logical and instinctive.
We humans are complex; full of uncertainties pressures stress worries.. and that’s on a good day 😁
Our dogs are sooo lucky; in that they literally take each moment as it comes; and enjoy that moment.
It’s only when we start humanising our dogs (and who hasn’t); that we complicate our understanding of them; and create problems without realising 🥹

And we’ve all done that too!

Wherever the problem get in touch;
I can’t promise it will always be easy; but I can promise it will be worth it.
Anything worth having takes effort yes?

Think simply! 💕🫶🏼
Think dog 🐶

24/08/2024

Two dog job and both cuties!
But oh so different in personality: and so they should be 💕😍
The main monkey of the pack I was contacted about is the Daxie on the left.. no surprises there then 😆
What a character this breed is! And blimey do they love to bark 😂
We need to redirect them; so their barking doesn’t get too out of hand; and ensure we’re not accidentally encouraging the barking.
Not easy!

Balancing everything; and having two dogs; on top of family, work, our health.. you name it.

But it can be done; and the owner of these two scamps will sort it of that I know;

all we need is a little guidance, and a sprinkling of understanding; and a handful of genuine love for dogs and dare I say it.. people too.. 🤗

Think simply (not easy!)

Think dog 🐶💕😍

21/08/2024

5 dog job yesterday in the same household.. 😍🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶 yes 5!

Another job that overran oh dear.. well I was rolling on the carpet with them 🙄😆

Just a little guidance asked for; not easy balancing everything.. work, family, responsibilities… we all have them and we all need help in some way 🫶🏼
People often ask me how I know what I do about our dogs.. well. they’ve been my life. That’s it really! 🐶

We all make mistakes; no matter who we are; but it’s always good to have support and a listening ear; and a little friendly understanding 🤗
Think simply!
Think dog 🫶🏼🐶

16/08/2024

It is NOT ok to let your large dog charge at a small dog that is minding its own business.

It is also NOT ok to let your small dog bark and lunge at a large powerful dog; again that is minding its own business.

Neither are ok in the doggy world; it’s bad manners and can create friction between the dog/s and their owners; is that something we really want?
Or would we rather have a relaxing walk with our dog/s while enjoying the fresh air and the amazing coastline we have here 😍

Lack of socialisation direction and stimulation usually creates this problem; I see it everyday both professionally and while out with friends.

It’s just common sense and thinking of others; that’s all we need to try to do when we can 🫶🏼

If anyone needs help with either your small dog or your large dog lunging or annoying or barking at other dogs; get in touch.

As both small and large dogs can have the same issues; and it’s easy to re direct; we just need to have a little guidance and give our dogs guidance too 💕🐶

Thing simply!

Think dog 💕🐶🐶

13/08/2024

Another Spaniel to help; owner and dog (as the two come as a package!)
A little guidance offered with this handsome chap- to achieve a bond and enjoyment with our dogs is what we all want isn’t it 😍
And to really enjoy our walks with them; instead of feeling it’s a chore; or even putting the walk off as many of my clients have done; and I understand why completely.
My aim is for my clients to look forward to the time they spend with their dog; including walking them; when we know why they do the things they do, we can manage them effectively 🌸💕

Think simply!
Think dog 🐶🐶☺️

10/08/2024

Beautiful boy; just look at that face 😍😍
A laidback chap and oh so clever, intelligent and willing to please!
The amazing GSD 💕
This breed loves to have instruction; and I know he’s already getting it; even though his owners haven’t had him long 🙌🏼
Here’s to giving our doggies something to do; especially the switched on working breeds 🐶🫶🏼

07/08/2024

Another endearing doggy (they’re all endearing to me 😁)
I never tire of the different breeds and personalities I get to meet and help; helping the owners too, we’re all different, just like dogs 💕🌸

This cutie is another Cavapoo I recently worked with; they’ve become very popular and with good reason; a gentle friendly nature of the Cavalier with the intellect sensitivity and fun personality of the poodle 🥰
This little chap just needed a little consistency; he’s a clever boy!
And our dogs can work out how to get round us, with ease 😆
A great choice to be a therapy dog; they love people and thrive when being given attention and fuss; they enjoy being close to us xx

Any problem or something that is frustrating you with your dog/s: even worrying you regarding their behaviour; get in touch.

I’ll help you understand why they do what they do; and guide you towards having the best pal you can have 🐶🫶🏼🐶

02/08/2024

Mischievous pup alert 😍
This rascal is Paddy; a black Lab pup possibly crossed with monkey? 😂
I always ask for a photo of the dog/s I’ll be working with; wasn’t expecting a cheeky one like this sent today!
This is Paddy enjoying himself at Pets at Home 🥸😁
I might have my work cut out with this scamp 🤭

31/07/2024

Another beautiful powerful breed 💕
Well behaved and well trained; great to see them with a tail too! 😃
I was contacted recently to help with this lovely boy; Rottweilers are calm gentle and pretty laid back; they don’t stand any messing of course 😆
Protective of their family and great guard dogs; not for the faint hearted… this breed can be pretty defiant!
Early socialisation is key; makes sense we need to put a little more effort into owning a larger breed; and a powerful one too; we don’t want to give the breed a bad rep; as they are and can be a great family dog; having a natural affinity with children; though must try to redirect their natural exuberance towards them; as they don’t realise how big they are!

From Chihuahuas to Dachshunds, Cavapoos to Spaniels, Border Collies to Vizslas, GSD’s to Great Danes, and every breed in between!
Think simply!

Think dog 💕🙌🏼🐶

28/07/2024

How many toys is too many 🤔🤭🐶

24/07/2024

Look at that face! Concentration!
This is Clifford; a lovely happy go lucky Lab pup I recently worked with; and from a working line; dogs from a working line need a little more mental stimulation than those who aren’t; most dogs today are generally from a show line (bred to be pets) but I always ask ⭐️
Don’t worry if you don’t know; I generally work it out from your dog’s photo; it’s why I always ask for a recent pic ☺️
His owners contacted me to ensure they were doing the best for Clifford; and if he needed anything else to be balanced; the answer to that was no he didn’t!
Sometimes this happens; owners are doing enough; but it’s always good to have a second opinion; especially from a dog nerd (me!)

I get all types of jobs and that’s what I enjoy; working with different people from all walks of life; and helping them or simply just reassuring them they’re doing what they can, for their dog/s
Because reassurance is great right?
And we all need that sometimes, aswell as a little helping hand 😃
Think simply! Think dog 💕💕🐶

20/07/2024

This lovely boy is a Bull Mastiff x Staffy: still a young pup (look at the size of him!)
One of the most gentle dogs I’ve ever worked with; a softy and very obedient.
His owners were concerned about a little possible aggression although it turned out not to be; they did right to address it before he gets any bigger; kudos to them 🙌🏼
Not easy knowing what to do: especially with a larger breed we need to work harder with them, to ensure they don’t accidentally hurt another dog in rough play; or be over protective with other people; as the Mastiff in particular has a tendency to guard their owners as that is of course what they were bred to do.
The couple who owned this gentle giant have worked hard at socialisation; with other dogs and people; not easy to always find the time 😳
When I get a call from clients with a ‘powerful’ breed do I get scared? I’m often asked this 😁
I can’t get scared; because the dog will sense it and will react accordingly; and if entering a house with 3 GSD’s who I’ve been told are aggressive, I have to keep a clear head; which isn’t always easy!
The adrenaline kicks in and I’m prepared.
Don’t ask me how I can stay calm I don’t know! And I’ve been in some precarious situations.
It’s pretty amazing really; to work with clients dogs and to help them achieve a balance with them; I also feel privileged that people trust me to come in their homes, when maybe they don’t have any visitors at all or are very private. And I understand that; as I am too 😆

Our dogs are lucky; in that they don’t have the worries stresses or hang ups we have; they “live in the moment”, now that’s easy to say but hard to do 🙃
Think simply! Think dog 🐶☺️🥸

06/07/2024

This beauty I worked with is a Sussex Spaniel; like other types of Spaniels they are bred to be loyal friendly and amiable with both other dogs and people, some prefer their space some are happy with lots of attention! But above all this paticular Spaniel type is docile and calm; perhaps more so than other spaniels.
This gentle sweet dog just needed a little help with anxiety bless her; lots of dogs struggle with this (just like us humans 😖); patience is the key; not always easy; and to remember there’s always a solution with our dog’s behaviour; and always a lot more straightforward than we think 🙃
We overcomplicate things as our brains are wired differently than dogs; so we humanise them; and we can’t help doing this; we have all done it, usually without realising 😆

Think dog 🤗🐶🐶🥰

30/06/2024

Another Cockapoo and another one barking in the back garden a little more than the owners would’ve liked 😝
Common problem I’m called out about; amongst others it’s easy to sort, hurrah!
We don’t want our dogs to never bark; it can act as a deterrent, a warning, an alert for us, and all sorts of beneficial reasons;
It’s all about balance.
And in a hectic sometimes fast paced world, it’s not easy to achieve balance; we seem to be always on the go; work children friends shopping family relationships yikes it’s no wonder our dogs bark excessively sometimes.
But there are things we can implement so they relax a little more; then we (hopefully!) relax a little more; our dogs pick up on how we feel.
Pretty clever 🐶⭐️💕💕

03/06/2024

From the smallest to the largest and everything in between.. issues and challenges we may have with our dogs-
maybe barking, lunging even biting,
Separation anxiety
Fear aggression/reactivity
Chasing cars bikes scooters joggers!
Confrontational behaviour with other dogs or people (or both!)
Problems with certain members in the family or friends
Not coming back 🥸
Guarding toys or food
Attacking and biting owner 😳
Problems with children (chasing growling lunging etc)
Lead reactivity
Jumping up!
Mounting other dogs male or female
Excessive biting of fur or excessive licking creating sores
Barking at the tv!
Hesitance to go on walks/leave the house
Attacking the postie!
Problems travelling in the car
Aggression/fear toward visitors
Ball possessiveness (not letting go)

And the list goes on.. so don’t worry! It’s all doable 🫶🏼🌻🌸

Let’s get your relationship and time with your dog as enjoyable as possible; as stress free as possible! 😍🐶🐶

22/05/2024

This is Bleu; an adored Sharpei I worked with over the weekend; just a little advice given here and there ☺️

Quite often owners work out why their dogs act the way they do while we’re chatting together; I just very gently guide them toward the solution xx

Sharpeis are a misunderstood breed like many others, a gentle dog (if given their space.. just like us our dogs like their space 👍) and also very mischievous!
An independent breed; they won’t roll over and do what you say; let’s just say they like to do their own thing and def characters ☺️

Dogs have their own personalities; depending on breed and environment some are independent some love to be around people; some prefer company of other dogs, some herd some guard some just look cute!
But they will all want to please us; and that is the unconditional devotion of a dog 💞🐶

15/05/2024

Another impossibly cute dog on the Fylde this is Bonnie; struggling a little with separation anxiety; she’s her mum’s Janeen Witherspoon Cove first dog and it’s not easy knowing what to do for the best; even if we’ve had dogs all our lives it’s easy to forget!
But certainly more tricky when it’s our first dog 😦
Her mum only needed a little guidance with her; sometimes that’s all we need; just a little patient and kind advice;
and I’m happy to report the very next day I was told Bonnie was doing well and things are good!
Shout out to her mum Janeen and well done you smashed it 🥳
see you out with Bonnie on Lytham Green when you’re back in the UK 🐶💞

11/05/2024

Another multiple dog household job; this time a Golden Retriever- a big gentle softy with another doting mum 😍
Golden Retriever’s may be considered a larger breed but these dogs are placid and calm; when a little older!
When they’re young they can be a bit giddy; like every dog. And like us of course 😁
The Retriever I worked with in the photo (the smaller one) had lost his pal and was struggling a little; not easy knowing what to do; people giving well meaning advice can confuse us and it’s best to have a little consistency with advice.
Golden Retrievers were bred to please their handler; and are very sensitive to people’s needs it’s a wonderful thing; and why they’re used as Guide Dogs and therapy dogs around the world 💞
I’m a little biased of course; having owned 2.. and the male definitely more defiant than the female; certainly in my household 😆
We must try to lead them; give them a job to do; they love to please us!
Anything is solvable with a little help.
And that’s what we all need sometimes 💯🐶🐶

08/05/2024

Beautiful friendships can be created by having more than one dog; like with the Dachshund here I was asked to advise about; snuggling up with his pal 💞🐶🐶
I’m often asked to advise with a multiple dog household; once we know the love we receive from one dog.. it’s also a playmate and company for the dog we have 😃
It’s not easy! Having just one dog can be a challenge at times; so much information on the internet we don’t know what to do for the best and can be confusing.
When we have more than one dog, we need to try and remember they will copy each other, the good and the not so good.. like children 🙈
But if we try and give them what they need, and it’s always simpler than we think it might be; our dogs can live in harmony with each other; and we can enjoy the benefits of dogs content and managed in our home; without friction or conflict.
Our dogs can provide us with so much- company, support, a routine, protection, security, an exercise buddy, therapy, stress release, unconditional love, lots of snuggles!

If you feel you’re struggling with a problem with your dog/s that is just getting you down, or you feel you’d benefit from a little advice, get in touch and we can resolve it together, to have your little (or big!) bundle of mischief the way it can be; you and your family’s best friend 🐶🥰

04/05/2024

Very cute we have another Daxie job here on the Fylde coast; looks like he’s sucking his thumb! 😍

This little monkey isn’t listening to his owners; and guess what.. barking a little too much 🙈😁
Not unusual but we need to try and address it, sooner rather than later if possible.
All dogs can be helped; regardless of age; but always easier to address the issues before they become ingrained; when we can.

And try not to give into the cute face oh dear.. I know it’s hard!

Think simply!
Think dog 🤗

01/05/2024

Cute doesn’t cut it with this one 💞

This is Paddy; a handsome sweet Lab I’m helping in Manchester; chewing toes and anything goes 😁

Ouch! He’s still a pup.. aah the joys of nibbled feet and fingers!

Labs (aswell as the Golden Retriever) are one of the breeds that can be a little mouthy when young; perhaps more than most pups.

They like to have a job to do; it’s good to remember what they were initially bred for; to hold things and retrieve for their owners; hence the name Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever!

This natural instinct is evident even when they’re very young; that’s why they can mouth much more than other breeds.

Pretty clever really.

Except your feet and fingers might not agree 🙈😆
Redirect the nibbling; work that clever brain that’s so eager to please; be patient, and you’ve cracked it.
Paddy here obviously agrees.
But then he had just chewed his owner’s foot prior to this photo apparently 😂
Think simply!
Think dog 🐶🤗

25/04/2024

Incoming GSD! 😃💖💖

Is there any breed this girl won’t work with and help?
Answers below… 😂

Anyone who knows me or has seen me while out with my own dogs or while working with a clients pooch..will know my passion and natural love for animals, nature and of course.. that includes dogs!
People often ask me what’s the most aggressive breed I’ve worked with.. put it this way.. it wasn’t a GSD!
You read that right 😲
You’d be surprised what it was.. or maybe not I don’t know; but the incredibly loyal smart alert and yup protective (when necessary) GSD like this one I worked with in the photo; isn’t the most aggressive breed I’ve encountered.

I’ll give you a clue… you might’ve encountered this breed while out walking.. it may have jumped up, barked in your face, followed you, even scared you 😬

It wasn’t a GSD. In fact the one in the photo here was a real cutie; gentle loving and sweet with people and other dogs 💖
It wasn’t an Akita. Nor a Doberman, Rottweiler, Staffy, Cane Corso, Mastiff, or any of the other “powerful” breeds I’ve worked with.
I don’t just work with the ‘cute’ looking dogs; any breed with any problem you name it.

There is no problem in this world that cannot be helped; regardless of what we think, or how we feel others judge our dogs, even family and friends; however well meaning.

Our dogs don’t think like us.
Thats the first thing we need to try and remember.

Our dogs don’t see things as we do.
Thats the second thing that can help us.

Our dogs don’t judge; they don’t see breeds.

They don’t see colour they don’t see class.

They don’t care if you’re fat, thin, black, white, wealthy, poor.
It’s not easy to think like our dogs do; our brains are so complex compared to theirs 🙈

But with a little guidance and help, we can understand our dogs behaviour; and have the best companion, walking buddy, confidante, therapist, security guard, SOULMATE.. that we ever thought possible.

Man’s best friend? (or woman’s 😆)

You’ve got it 💯🐶

22/04/2024

All breeds all problems any issues; this is another of the many breeds I’ve been asked to help with- the aloof and independent Chow Chow! 🐶
This one over Wyre this time 🥰
it’s always easier than we think; regardless of size or colour our dogs can all have problems just as we can; there are no two dogs the same! Even from the same litter 😊
The problem usually comes from us assuming our dogs think like us.. they don’t; when we realise and understand why they do what they do we are half way there; and it takes courage to admit we may have done something wrong; we have all made mistakes 🥸
Fortunately our dogs don’t hold grudges or remind us of our mistakes.. phew!
When we try and think like a dog.. instinctively.. life can be simpler; and we get to understand our dogs so much more.. which of course results in a happier partnership 💖
And that can only be a good thing 🫶🏼👌xx

19/04/2024

Cute very cute!
Sometimes I’m called out on a job with a multi dog household; this particular job was for two lovely Cockerpoos; both different in every way- looks personality and size!
One was encouraging the other to get upto mischief 🙈 just like children 😁
Can be hard to know what to do.. hard enough with one.. but when we have two.. or three…can be challenging!
Especially when we have so much going on in our lives; not just our dogs but family work relationships.. all the stuff that can add to happiness and contentment but also stress 🤮
If you’re struggling managing with any aspect of your dog(s!) behaviour; get in touch.

I’ll provide a doable management plan; so your dogs’ unwanted behaviour can be one less thing for you to stress about; in fact.. lets get them so they’re a pleasure for you to own!

Promise 💖🙋‍♀️🐶🐶

10/04/2024

Another Dachshund job on the Fylde coast! 😁
These cute characters were bred to do a job; it’s no wonder they (can) bark excessively; it’s how they communicate with us after all!
But.. and this a big but.. excessive barking is a no no; not just with this breed.. and yes Dachshunds if allowed and not managed correctly, can be a little excessive with their communication 🙈😆
ANY dog regardless of breed can bark too much.. I’ve been out to see all different breeds with a similar problem; sometimes we can accidentally encourage it; sometimes we just don’t know how to manage it.
This sweet dog was also chasing the family cat 🙈; no surprise there as this breed was bred to hunt!
But we must try and channel the chasing into something more cat friendly; dogs and cats CAN and do live together in harmony and can be the best of friends 💖
There are many things we can do; with this little chap patience is the key; and to stay calm; as our dogs can and will react to how we’re feeling; they’re smarter than we think!
Stay calm, be patient; and think dog 💖🙋‍♀️🐶🥸

06/04/2024

Two beautiful G Retrievers; one adult and very strong, one a pup and a little pup squeak! (for now 😆)
The adult if you can see in the photo is holding a stick very gently; not tugging hard but allowing the younger dog to hold it; bear in mind the adult is an alpha male; very powerful in the dog world! They lead the pack; calmly and without fuss.
He could’ve easily pulled the stick away from the younger dog; but allowed her to interact in a gentle father like way.
This is called “self handicapping” in dogs;
when a physically stronger dog inhibits their strength or agility to match the ability of their play partner; and its used as a way of teaching the younger dog how to interact in a balanced way; without hurting them or frightening them.
one
One of the many things I find fascinating about dog interaction 💖🥰
Our older dogs can teach our younger dogs so many things!
But we must be mindful it’s also down to us; to teach them too 😍😊🐶
Speak dog! Woof woof 😁🐶🐶