Canine Thinking

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Canine Thinking

Expert behaviour and wellbeing support, helping you and your dog live your happiest life together.

Fully qualified and insured behaviourist; member of the COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (CAPBT)

One to one training sessions - in your home and out and about! Group activities and workshops
Clicker training
Advice on choosing the right dog or puppy for you; includes rescue dog suitability assessments and settling in support
Dog behaviour consultations on vet referral

Rescue d

og assessment, rehabilitation and rehoming support for organisations

We mostly cover Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands but do work in other areas too, so please just ask!

20/06/2025

We (Lisa, Bug and Rupert) are on holiday for a week!

Fingers crossed the warm weather stays put.

See you on the other side.
😊😊😊

18/06/2025

🐾 Beyond the "Sit": Why Obedience Isn't Always Comfort 🐾

Did you know that "sit" is one of the most commonly taught dog commands? It's estimated that around 90% of dogs know how to sit on cue. It's a foundational part of training, and often seen as a sign of a well-behaved dog. But have you ever considered if your dog genuinely enjoys every "sit" they perform?

We see dogs frequently who will sit when asked to. However, with careful observation, we see that the dog doesn't sit if it has a choice.

🤔 Why "Sit" Isn't Always Enjoyable for Every Dog:

Physical Discomfort/Pain:

🐾Arthritis or Joint Issues: Older dogs, larger breeds, or those with underlying conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia may experience pain when lowering into a sit or holding the position.

Anxiety or Fear:

🐾 In a stressful or overstimulating environment, asking a dog to sit can feel like an imposition that adds to their discomfort rather than helping them relax. Their natural instinct in such situations might be to move or explore, not hold a static position.

Context Matters:

🐾Is the ground too hot, too cold, wet, or sharp? A dog might be reluctant to sit in uncomfortable conditions.

🐾Being asked to sit repeatedly or for extended periods when they'd rather be moving can also lead to frustration.

✅ What You Can Do:

🐾Observe Your Dog: Pay close attention to your dog's body language when you ask for a sit. Do they hesitate? Do they shift uncomfortably? Do they choose a "lazy sit" (where their legs flop out to the side)? These could be signs of discomfort.

🐾Consult Your Vet: If you suspect pain or discomfort, a veterinary check-up is crucial. Early diagnosis and management of conditions like arthritis can significantly improve their quality of life.

🐾Offer Alternatives: If sitting is difficult, consider teaching an alternative stationary behaviour like a "stand-stay" or a "down-stay." These might be more comfortable for your dog.

🐾Make it Comfortable: Ensure the surface is comfortable when asking for a sit.

🐾Prioritise Comfort Over Perfection: A perfect, precise fit isn't always necessary. If your dog prefers a "lazy sit" or needs to adjust, that's often perfectly fine!

🐾 Positive Associations: Keep training positive and fun. If "sit" becomes a source of discomfort, your dog might start to dislike training altogether.

Understanding our dogs means more than just teaching commands; it means listening to their bodies and respecting their comfort. Let's ensure our training methods are always kind and considerate of their physical and emotional well-being!

Does your dog enjoy sitting?

16/06/2025

🐾 Why Punishing Growls & Barks Is Harmful 🐾

Has your dog ever growled or barked at something that made them uncomfortable? It's a common scenario, and our first instinct might be to tell them off. But did you know that punishing these behaviours can actually make things worse?

🚫 Why Punishing Growling or Barking Is NOT the Answer:

❗️It Silences, Not Solves: Growling and barking are your dog's primary ways of communicating discomfort, fear, or anxiety. They're saying, "I'm not okay with this!" If you punish them for it, you're not addressing the underlying emotion. Instead, you're teaching them that expressing their feelings is unacceptable.

❗️Removes a Warning System: Imagine if your smoke alarm went off, and instead of finding the fire, you just smashed the alarm. Punishing a growl is similar! You're removing your dog's vital warning signal. A dog that has learned not to growl might skip this warning and go straight to a bite when pushed past their comfort zone.

❗️Increases Fear & Anxiety: Punishment, especially harsh methods, can heighten a dog's fear and anxiety levels. This can damage your bond, erode trust, and lead to more severe behavioural issues down the line.

❗️No Alternative Behaviour Taught: When you punish, you tell your dog what not to do, but you don't teach them what to do instead. Dogs need clear guidance on appropriate ways to react in challenging situations.

Remember, your dog is always trying to tell you something. Let's listen, understand, and guide them with kindness and positive methods!

If you need help with your dogs barking, growling, snapping or biting then email [email protected] and we will arrange a chat with you.

13/06/2025

Canine communication is about context, as body language is complex and fluid.

When trying understand what our dog is communicating, we have to think about

Situation - What is going on in the moment? two dogs who know each other really well and play regularly may show very different behaviours with a toy to a dog who has their favourite ball in a park with unknown dogs around.

Environment - What is around your dog that might restrict their communication? a dog coming through a doorway will be different to dog in an open space who has a greater range of signals they can use.

Body Type - How a breed of dog looks can impact its body language, and sometimes, it is hard for our dogs to read other dogs. For example some dogs naturally have floppy ears, and some naturally carry their ears more upright. Then there are a whole range of different face shapes, eye positions, natural tail positions influencing body language.

This means you learn to spot your dog’s signals and take a second to consider what they mean in that context. As you watch your dog throughout the day, can you clearly understand what they are saying?

Unsure about what something means? take a quick video, come and join us in The Canine Happiness Hub, and we will help you understand what you're seeing.

Or if you are struggling with your dog's behaviour, reach out to us at [email protected].

12/06/2025

Feel Well. Behave Well.🐾🐾🐾

This is at the heart of what we do at Canine Thinking. We know health is critical at every life stage. Health affects behaviour. Stress affects health. You have to look at them together.

Feeling well is essential for happiness, as it enables us to learn, adapt, cope with life’s ups and downs, and enjoy the important business of having fun.

This applies whether your dog is a tiny puppy or a treasured golden oldie. And even healthy dogs can have day-to-day ups and downs, just like we do.

We see many cases each year of dogs who are perceived as difficult to train, or as being naughty, stubborn, worried, reactive, or who won't sleep through the night. This is where, with the right detective work, we can gather vital information to help the vets, and we find there is a health issue which is having a big effect on that behaviour.

Sometimes these health issues are huge, sometimes they can seem really small, sometimes they are old issues which have clinically resolved, but are still affecting behaviour. It doesn't matter - if it's affecting your dog, you have to address it.

Sort the health, and often the behaviour improves significantly all on its own, or at the very least becomes a lot easier to address.

11/06/2025

We LOVE this by Trick Woofs

'Sometimes we need to go ahead with things our dogs find uncomfortable because it’s a case of welfare. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about that.

Dogs are amazingly forgiving and if we put enough good stuff in, the bad stuff has less of an impact.

But providing more choice and control for our dogs in as many areas we can. Can make getting things done much less traumatic for both of us.'

Many of the dogs we support struggle with being touched, especially at the vets. Teaching them that they have a choice when it comes to handling is a great skill that can make all the difference in tricky vet appointments, grooming appointments, and day-to-day handling.

10/06/2025

Happy tongue out Tuesday from Ally, the Old English Sheepdog who belongs to team member Suzanne!

Share your tongue out Tuesday photos below⬇️⬇️⬇️

09/06/2025

🐾 Dreaming of a well-behaved dog, but feeling overwhelmed?🐾

At Canine Thinking, we recognise that every dog and its family are unique. That's why we don't believe in one-size-fits-all training! Our "Very Best Paw Forwards" program is designed to provide truly tailored, holistic support that gets to the root of your dog's behaviour.

Whether you have a mischievous puppy or an adult dog with challenging habits, our team of expert behaviourists is here to guide you. We offer:

✅ Individualised Plans: No generic advice – we create a strategy specifically for you and your dog.
✅ Holistic Well-being Assessment: We examine everything, including potential health issues that may be impacting behaviour.
✅ Flexible Session Formats: In-person or online, short sessions or longer ones – we adapt to what works best for you and your dog.
✅ UNLIMITED WhatsApp Support: Get ongoing guidance and cheerleading when you need it most, because real learning happens every day!
✅ Expert-Led Guidance: Work with experienced behaviourists who are passionate about helping you succeed.
✅ Health and Behaviour Observations Report: We create a unique, detailed, and comprehensive report for your veterinarian to ensure we can identify the root cause of behavioural challenges.

Imagine a life where you feel genuinely confident about your dog's behaviour, where walks are a joy, and your bond is stronger than ever.

That's the promise of "Very Best Paw Forwards."

Ready to put your dog's best paw forward?

🔗 Email [email protected] and we will arrange a chat with our lead behaviourist, Lisa!

05/06/2025

What Can You See?

Remember Archie from Monday, we asked what observations you could make based on this clip? This was after he had recovered from two ear canal removals, while Lisa was on a home visit.

Did you spot
🔘 Slight droop to the left side of his face.
🔘 Reduced blink rate on the left.
🔘 Dry/crusty nose

Bonus points if you spotted
🔘 A small mark forming on the surface of his left eye!

One of the risks of this type of surgery is that it can affect some of the facial nerves. If this occurs, treatment may be necessary to maintain the eye surface's health and comfort.

Based on the videos Lisa took, the vet has developed a treatment plan. Lisa is working with Archie's guardian on cooperative care to ensure Archie can manage his eye treatments effectively.

Also, the dry/crusty nose could indicate intolerances or allergies, so Lisa and the vet are working on an exclusion diet and nutritional plan, too. It's all happening for Archie, but it means that he can enjoy life without silently struggling.

04/06/2025

🥰 We're blown away by these kind comments from dog gaurdian Kerri. 🥰

You and Archie have been a dream to work with, you worked hard and kept moving forwards.

"We were at our wits end to be honest and couldn’t contemplate how we were going to cope long term. His behavioural issues were having a huge effect on us as a family.

Lisa listened and helped us build a plan to tackle each issue.It was a huge weight off our shoulders to offload all the stress.

It was also incredibly helpful that you (Canine Thinking Team) were able to work alongside our vets to formulate a plan.

We were at the point of feeling unable to cope. It was heartbreaking thinking we’d have to give him up. But 2 years on, we are in a much calmer place and have gained the knowledge to read his behaviours and adapt"

If you are finding life with your dog and their behaviour challenges tough, and are feeling at your wits' end, reach out for a chat with us. Our approach is truly holistic, and the results we get for our clients speak for themselves.

Email [email protected], and we will arrange a chat.

03/06/2025

What do you see?

This wee dog is Archie, he recently recovered from two ear canal removals. Archie doesn't cope with close handling, as his ears and face have been historically very painful. His post op checks were ok.

Lisa conducted a home visit to check in with Archie and his guardian. As Lisa has built a positive relationship with him, she can get closer to him, can handle him, and he knows that as soon as he indicates he is uncomfortable, Lisa will stop and move away.

Upon her visit, Lisa noticed some changes in Archie and was able to take some videos to share with the vet. Based on Lisa's observations and the videos, the vet has been able to put a treatment plan in place.

What can you see going on for Archie based on this wee clip?
Say what you see. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Seeing how your dog behaves when they are relaxed in their home environment (either in person or via video) allows us to capture important health observations. Dogs show so much more than they do in the clinic.

This is especially important with dogs who find examination very stressful or where we have built a relationship that enables us to handle the dog calmly and comfortably at home. Still, they can't be handled at the vets without sedation.

Doing this enables us to help your vet detect issues early, minimise stress for your dog (and you), and be proactive with your dog's healthcare.

Come back on Thursday to see if you were right with your observations!

02/06/2025

It's National Greyhound Day!

We love a greyhound at Canine Thinking, though to be honest, we really LOVE any version of a sighthound!

To make everyone smile today, show us your Sighthound below!

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http://www.caninethinking.com/

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