Island Canines

15/08/2024

**Foundation Course - starting Wednesday 11th September - only 2 places left**

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm - 6 consecutive Wednesday's.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

23/07/2024

I NEED TO FEEL SAFE!

Like all living creatures, including us, dogs just want to feel safe – it’s a basic survival need.

When we think about feeling safe it’s natural to just think about not being harmed or being in danger, but it’s not just about physical safety - feeling emotionally or psychologically safe is just as important.

While physical safety may be obvious and simpler to address, emotional safety is far more complex and not always easy to recognise or identify.

The same applies to our dogs – they are sentient beings whose behaviour is triggered and driven by emotions.

So many behaviour problems that we see in dogs stem from the brain saying– “this is not safe!”

A dog that lunges and barks or behaves aggressively with another dog or person is probably doing so because they feel unsafe. They are trying to make the scary thing go away.

A dog that is guarding resources is doing so because they are afraid that the resource will be taken away – they don’t feel safe when another animal or person approaches that resource.

A dog that is reacting to fireworks or thunderstorms or other noises is doing so because they don’t feel safe. The same can be said for separation distress – the feelings of panic when left alone – “I am not safe!”.

Some dogs may never get over a specific fear, but doing all we can to help dogs feel safe in our world is one of the most important gifts we can give them.

Our first responsibility should not be about training, obedience or trying to change behaviour, but to focus first and foremost on building trust, self-confidence, resilience, creating a safe and secure base and being the person that our dogs can rely on and trust.

In the words of Dr. Gabor Maté - "Feeling safe is the treatment and creating safety is the work".

In my words (as it pertains to dogs) – It is our responsibility to put in the work to enable our dogs to feel safe and when they feel safe, this will be part of the treatment or the solution to the problem.

06/07/2024

**SUMMER SALE - £65.00 instead of £80.00**
for our 6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 24/07/24

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm - 6 consecutive Wednesday's.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

06/07/2024

UPDATE : Kitty is home safely. Thank you to everyone who helped and reported sightings.

Kitty has been missing from Ventnor for over a week. She's been seen in the outskirts of Ventnor and Bonchurch, but not sighted since Tuesday 2nd, she may have moved to a more rural location. If you live in Ventnor and Bonchurch or surrounding area or are visiting, please keep an eye out for her as you go about your daily activities.
Kitty is a very nervous new rescue who isn't familiar with the area. If sighted please do not attempt to catch her, don't chase or call as this will prompt her to run. Contact her owner, Katie Lear-Thompson , immediately with as many details as possible. Katie's number is on Kitty's missing poster.

18/06/2024

Is your dog fearful, over reactive or aggressive?
Are you at the stage where you just find taking your dog out too stressful and don't know what to do next?
Have had training for this issue and it isn't working?

Some owners find it embarrassing that their dog is having these issues, it can be very isolating, you may be having to deal with constant negative comments from people, and all while you are trying to do your best. You may feel as it is your fault and you will be judged by a trainer and put off from getting help. I can assure you that from me you will get nothing but help and continued support.

I can help. I have 30 years of experience as a dog trainer working with all aspects of behaviour and specialising in working with aggressive, over reactive and fearful dogs. I only use kind, effective and compassionate methods, never any form of aversive/punitive training.

Please don't put it off any longer, call me on 07863-529856 to have a chat about your dog and book some one to one training.

04/06/2024

**RECALL/ LEADWALKING PROBLEMS?**

Have you stopped enjoying your walks together because you know that it will be a struggle getting your dog to return to you?

Do you lack the confidence to let your dog off lead because of past experience of them not coming back?

**LEAD-WALKING PROBLEMS?**

We all want a dog that doesn’t pull. Having a dog that walks with a nice loose lead makes your walk a much happier and relaxed experience for you both.

Have you been trying lots of different ways to get your dog to stop pulling on the lead but nothing has worked so far?

I can help - call me to book a one to one Recall or Leadwalking session or combine the both 07863-529856

**SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER**

If you have a friend or family member going through the same problems with their dog, book for them as well at no extra charge.

22/05/2024

Struggling with your dog's unmanageable, frustrating and exhausting teenage behaviour? At the end of your tether? Not sure what to do next?
You are not alone. It is a very sad fact that the most popular age of dog's being sent to rescue is between 6 - 24 months (adolescence).
I can help you work through your dog's trying teenage behaviour together to become that wonderful adult dog that you so dream of.
Call me on 07863-529856

08/05/2024

Do you have a dog that needs help with behavioural issues?
Do you have a fearful, over reactive or aggressive dog?
Have had training for this issue and it isn't working?
Don't know what to do next?

I can help. I have 30 years of experience as a dog trainer working with all aspects of behaviour and specialising in working with aggressive, over reactive and fearful dogs. I only use kind, effective and compassionate methods, never any form of aversive/punitive training.

Some owners find it embarrassing that their dog is having these issues, it can be very isolating, you may be having to deal with constant negative comments from people, and all while you are trying to do your best. You may feel as if you just don't want to take your dog out anymore. You may feel as it is your fault and you will be judged by a trainer and put off from getting help. I can assure you that from me you will get nothing but help and continued support.

Don't put it off any longer, call me on 07863-529856 to have a chat about your dog and book some one to one training.

Send a message to learn more

26/03/2024

IF DOGS COULD WRITE ….A BILL OF RIGHTS

Dogs are held captive in our human world but and are not born to understand our human ways.

We expect so much of them. We expect them to know, conform and behave in ways that are “acceptable” to us.

So many dogs are subjected to force, punishment, intimidation, aversive tools or outdated training methods as humans attempt to change and control them.

There is nothing admirable, ethical or intelligent in physically or emotionally forcing any sentient being to comply.

Take the time to learn and understand how they communicate, their emotions, their needs and use updated, modern, scientifically based methods to modify unwanted behaviour.

Guide them with understanding, with patience, with compassion and kindness.

If dogs could write a Bill of Rights, these are some of the things I believe they would want us to know.

23/02/2024

When considering the ethics of how we treat small dogs, it's crucial to take their growling as seriously as we would with larger breeds. This approach respects the emotional state and communication efforts of the dog, regardless of size. Growling is a clear expression of a dog's discomfort, fear, or stress. By acknowledging and responding appropriately to these signals from small dogs, we validate their feelings and provide them with a sense of security and understanding.

Ethically, it's important to recognise that all dogs, regardless of size, have the same basic emotional needs and ways of communicating. Dismissing a small dog's growl can lead to a misunderstanding of its emotional well-being and potentially exacerbate their distress. This can result in a dog feeling misunderstood, ignored, or not taken care of, which is contrary to ethical pet ownership principles that emphasise understanding and responding to an animal's needs.

Furthermore, by taking a small dog's growling seriously, we promote a more compassionate and empathetic approach to animal care. It reflects an understanding that a dog's behaviour is a reflection of its emotional state. Addressing the root cause of the growling, whether it be fear, anxiety, or discomfort, shows a commitment to the ethical treatment of animals, where their emotional and psychological well-being is given priority.

In essence, ethically responsible dog ownership involves recognising and respecting the emotional expressions of all dogs, big or small. It's about creating a nurturing and understanding environment where dogs feel safe to communicate their feelings, and where their signals are respected and addressed appropriately.

23/02/2024

**BOOKING NOW for our 6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 03/04/24**

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm - 6 consecutive Wednesday's.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

13/02/2024

BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

The challenges of teenage dogs

The saying - "Parents with teenagers understand why some animals eat their young" is something that many parents of teenagers will relate to.

Many people are unaware that dogs also go through a teenage stage and are frustrated and unprepared for the changes it may bring.
Statistics show that many dogs are surrendered or re homed during this phase as their owners no longer “like” the way their dogs behave, can’t handle them and just give up on them.

The teenage brain is going through many changes. Think of it as being “rewired”. The rewiring process can cause some parts not to work at all, work sporadically or have too much current. The re wiring process often causes new, out of character or unexpected behaviour.

There are many similarities to the changing human teenage brain. There’s a valid scientific reason why car insurance premiums for young adults under 25 are more expensive. The brain is not fully matured – irrational decisions, risk taking, poor choices and accidents are more likely to happen.

Be patient, understanding and most of all consistent with your teenage dog.

Don’t give up on them. They are feeling just as frustrated as we are.

Being aware of what is happening in their brain as it develops to full maturity helps us to be more accepting.

Remember that this is just a phase and it will get better.

13/02/2024

**BOOKING NOW for our 6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 20/03/24**

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm - 6 consecutive Wednesday's.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

excellence is our standard dog walking and training with compassion and care

05/02/2024

Have you a dog that needs help with behavioural issues?
Do you have a fearful, over reactive or aggressive dog?
Have had training that isn't working?
Don't know what to do next?

I can help. I have 30 years of experience as a dog trainer working with all aspects of behaviour and specialising in working with aggressive, over reactive and fearful dogs. I only use kind, effective and compassionate methods, never any form of aversive/punitive training.

Some owners find it embarrassing that their dog is having these issues, some feel as it is their fault and they will be judged by a trainer and put off getting help. I can assure you that from me you will get nothing but help and continued support.

Don't put it off any longer, call me on 07863-529856 to have a chat about your dog and book some one to one training.

16/01/2024

I’M NOT GUILTY!
Dogs might look guilty, but that doesn’t mean that they feel guilty.

“My dog knows that he’s done something wrong, just look how guilty he looks!" This is something that we hear so often.

People are highly amused and entertained on social media and even dedicated websites where pictures of “guilty” dogs are seen.

The “guiltier” the dog looks, the more popular these posts are and the funnier people find them.

I find this really sad because it’s a complete misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of a dog’s body language.

That “guilty” look is actually a dog showing the signs of fear, stress, anxiety or appeasement.

The fear of being punished, the stress and anxiety of hearing the person’s tone of voice, demeanor and noticing the person’s body language, appeasement behaviour in an attempt to calm the angry person down.

As people, it’s natural for us to want to believe that our dogs feel guilt and remorse about whatever they’ve done wrong. Maybe thinking that they really do feel guilty somehow makes their behaviour more acceptable and is a form of an apology.

Dogs are capable of a wide range of emotions that could be compared to that of a 2 to 2½ child, but it’s highly unlikely that they feel more complex emotions, like guilt, regret, remorse or shame.

Guilt is a complex emotion and defined as an unhappy feeling that you have because you have done something wrong or think that you may have done something wrong. It’s a feeling of shame, regret or remorse. The feeling of guilt requires an understanding of cause and effect and is relative to time.

Do dogs spend the day feeling guilty, waiting for us to come home to find a mess or a chewed-up couch or shoe, or are they waiting excitedly for us to come home because they really missed us and are looking forward to some attention?

For the emotional wellbeing of our dogs, let’s seek to understand them more and focus less on how we believe they should feel just because it makes us feel better.

02/01/2024

** 2 places left - book now**

*New Year Discount of £10 if booked by 06/01/24*

6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 10th January 2024

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

excellence is our standard dog walking and training with compassion and care

15/12/2023

A massive congratulations on passing your KCGCDS Bronze Award on Wednesday to: Mandy & Poppy and Kerry & Max. We are so very proud of you both x

15/12/2023

**Christmas Sale - £10 off Foundation Course**
If you book now and pay before 01/01/24

6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 10th January 2024

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm.

For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

We can start your training on this course to gain your KCGCDS Awards if you wish to take part.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

08/12/2023

As the guardians of our dogs, we have a moral obligation to provide them with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.

This includes the way we teach and train them.

Resorting to threats, force, or punishment not only jeopardises their physical health but also harms their emotional wellbeing. Dogs, like humans, respond best to positive reinforcement where good behaviour is rewarded, which in turn builds trust and mutual respect.

Understanding and employing ethical, force-free methods of training helps us communicate effectively with our dogs, enhances their learning experience, and strengthens our bond with them. By choosing to teach our dogs without resorting to fear or pain, we prioritise their welfare and affirm our commitment to a relationship that is rooted in empathy, patience, and respect.

Learn more with Canine Principles - and try before you buy with our super value Skill-Hub Membership. https://www.canineprinciples.com/subscription/skill-hub-membership

08/12/2023

A massive congratulations on passing your KCGCDS Bronze Award on Monday to: Jenny & Bob and Dave & Evie. We are so very proud of you both x

28/11/2023

**6-week Foundation Course - 10/01/24**
*only 2 places left*

We are now taking bookings for the above course starting 10/01/24

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm.
For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

28/11/2023

A massive congratulations on passing your KCGCDS Puppy Assesment Foundation to: Nancy & Dougall, Pat & Maisy and Sara & Fern. We are so very proud of you all x

09/11/2023

Yes they work, we know they work - lots of things work to stop things we don't like.

Threatening and harming a child works to stop their natural behaviour that we don't want, until it doesn't.

Until that child is 60 years old and realises that those threats have affected their ability to trust people, for their entire life.

It's not good enough to threaten those who can't defend themselves.

It's not good enough to say "I'm doing it for their own good".

We need to be better at kindness, empathy and ethics for our dogs.

If you can't teach every single dog without using a prong collar - then you need to develop yourself, not change your approach to the dog.

Dogs who are struggling need our love and our help.

Not our lack of knowledge and our threats.

Let's be people who bring love and autonomy to the dogs we share the world with. Let's do that.

11/10/2023

**6-week Foundation Course**

We are now taking bookings for the above course starting 01/11/23

Northwood Village Hall - 8.15pm - 9.15pm.
For all dog's from the age of 14-weeks onwards, trained in a gentle, kind, positive and effective way.
Limited to 6 dogs ensuring that we can give you and your dog the best possible attention.

Full details of everything covered on this 6-week can be found on the Foundation Course page of our website www.islandcanines.co.uk or call us on 07863-529856 for further details.

26/09/2023

**puppy classes - only 2 places left**
starting Monday 2nd October 2023
Incorporating the KCGCDS Puppy Foundation Assessment
4 x 1 hour classes - 1.00pm - 2.00pm with further ongoing optional classes
Northwood Village Hall
to book call us on 07863-529856 or e-mail us at [email protected]
www.islandcanines.co.uk

25/09/2023

Understanding dog language enables guardians to read their dog's state of mind, anticipate their needs, and respond appropriately.

By interpreting signals like tail wags, ear positions, and facial expressions, we can gauge whether a dog is relaxed, anxious, or alert.

Recognising signs of discomfort can prevent negative situations, while noticing signs of happiness can foster positive experiences.

Learning dog language deepens the bond between guardian and dog, ensures the dog's well-being, and creates a harmonious living environment.

Knowledge of this language is fundamental to compassionate, ethical and effective guardianship.

22/09/2023

XL BULLY BAN: FREE WEBINAR ON SUNDAY AT 3PM

We have more than 250 people booked onto this Zoom chat already but we do still have more spaces available. Please sign up using the link below and we will send you a link. Our panel will aim to answer as many of your questions as possible and we can confirm it will consist of:-

Trevor Cooper : Solicitor
Mel Rushmore & Andrea Phillips : Deed Not Breed
Michelle Ikin : Dog Warden
Mike Webb : Battersea Dogs' & Cats Home

Thanks to everyone who is giving up their time for free to help with this important event. The panel won't necessarily have all the answers but will give you their best guess of what is likely to happen based on their experience.

If you are unable to attend, we will aim to upload a recording onto YouTube next week.

https://forms.gle/59EfhUbiyZPNstxJ6

18/09/2023

18/09/2023

**LEAD-WALKING PROBLEMS?**

We all want a dog that doesn’t pull. Having a dog that walks with a nice loose lead makes your walk a much happier and relaxed experience for you both.

Does your dog pull tirelessly on the lead?

Do you end up with aching arms and shoulders?

Has your dog pulled you over?

Does your dog end up choking and coughing through pulling on the lead?

Have you been trying lots of different ways to get your dog to stop pulling on the lead but nothing has worked so far?

Call me on 07863-529856 to book a 90-minute one to one training session to help make your walks a pleasure again.

Dave Island Canines

16/09/2023

**RECALL PROBLEMS?**

Have you stopped enjoying your walks together because you know that it will be a struggle getting your dog to return to you?

Worried about letting your dog off lead for the very first time?

Does your dog come back but stop a few feet away from you and refuse to come any nearer?

Do you feel as if your dog has “selective hearing” when out in the park?

Do distractions stop your dog coming back to you?

Will they only come back when they are ready?

Have these problems resulted in a lack of confidence?

I can help - call me to book a one to one Recall session concentrating entirely on recall. 07863-529856