Island Canines

04/12/2024

Do you know how to spot bloat in your dog? 🤔 It can be life-threatening when a dog's stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. It mainly occurs in deep-chested breeds, but it's good to know the warning signs.

B is for breathing problems
L is for a large stomach
O is for an over-production of saliva
A is for agitation
T is for trying to vomit.

Help raise awareness of the dangers of bloat by sharing with your dog-owner friends 🐾

If you'd like to learn more about Bloat in dogs, watch our latest webinar: https://bit.ly/49kU39a

29/11/2024

Do you need help with your reactive, aggressive, fearful dog?

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, reactive and fearful dogs. I volunteered for 20 years with a dog rescue charity, rehabilitating traumatised dogs to enable them to have their best lives in their new homes.

I only use kind, effective and compassionate methods, never any form of aversive/punitive training.

Please don't put it off any longer, don't be embarrassed or think that there is nothing that will help with your dog. Call me on 07863-529856 to have a chat and take the next step.

14/11/2024

ONLY 1 PLACE LEFT ON OUR 6-WEEK FOUNDATION COURSE STARTING ON WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER. WE STILL HAVE THE AUTUMN DISCOUNT ON THIS COURSE - £65.00 instead of £80.00

This course is held at 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.

29/10/2024

How to keep your pets safe at Halloween

With the most spooktacular time of the year just around the corner, our vets have pulled together a Halloween survival guide to help keep pets happy.

26/10/2024

Let's ask not how we can change them but how we can help them.

22/10/2024

Do you know the dangers of Alabama Rot? ⚠️

It can be fatal to your pup, so be sure to take preventative measures such as:
- Avoid extra muddy walking routes
- Wash and dry your dogs paws thoroughly

Be care of the signs and symptoms:
- Lethargy, vomiting and lack of appetite
- Sores or ulcers on the skin, especially the legs and paws
- A change in drinking and urinary habits

What to do?
Call your vet immediately!

Save and share this post to help spread awareness!

22/10/2024

"INTRODUCING - BRAND NEW"
"WALK WITH ME" - ACCOMPANIED WALKS

Our Accompanied Walks offer you additional help and support when you are out with your dog.

They are ideal if you are a first time dog owner, you have a new rescue dog or just lack the confidence in certain situations that may arise on your walk in the park or in town with your dog.

The accompanied walks are particularly suited to dogs with restricted off-lead exercise due to ongoing training, or you would like support to practice newly acquired skills.

I can show you how to handle a long line correctly, show you how to make your walks more stimulating and enjoyable for your dog.

You may even have a new puppy and would like to start off on the right path and an accompanied walk in the park will help establish good social skills and have safe interactions with other dogs early on.

An accompanied walk helps put into practice real life situations, such as taking your dog on a trip into town, walking down a busy high street, sitting in a coffee shop while your dog relaxes.

The walks are tailored to your dog’s needs and can be taken at a location of your choice.

08/10/2024

Such a wonderful surprise. Feeling very honoured that someone has nominated me. Thank you.

03/10/2024

**AUTUMN SALE - £65.00 instead of £80.00**

We are now taking bookings for our 6-week Foundation Course starting on Wednesday 4th December

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 the compassion and care that you and your dog both deserve

26/09/2024

**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?

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

25/09/2024

As we get ready to welcome the new season, we also welcome some autumnal hazards for our furry friends. But, could you spot a poisonous plant before them? 👀

During this time, when the summer blooms turn to autumn leaves, many plants and trees start to produce berries and nuts, which can be both tempting and toxic for pets.

It’s important to be able to recognise those hidden toxic plants so you and your pet can keep away from them ⚠️

Here’s a handy list from our vets, to help you spot some of the most common ones to look out for!

[Visual description: An infographic that outlines which autumn flowers and plants are poisonous to pets. This includes; Ragwort, horse chestnut, amaryllis, autumn crocus, yew, chrysanthemum, rowan and hydrangeas.]

16/09/2024

Do you need help with your reactive, aggressive, fearful dog?

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, 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.

12/09/2024

THE INVOLUNTARY MOHAWK

Technically called Piloerection – when the fur on a dog’s back area stands on end.

Piloerection in dogs is an involuntary response – not within conscious control. It’s usually linked to feeling a strong emotion and could be compared to a person getting goosebumps.

It’s far easier to see in short haired dogs than those with a longer coat.

A breed like the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a clear distinctive ridge of fur on their back. This is formed by a selected gene mutation which causes that particular fur to grow in the opposite direction from the rest. This ridge is standard for this breed and is not related to an emotional state.

Piloerection is commonly thought only to be seen in reactive or aggressive dogs, but that’s not always the case.

Dogs that are feeling aroused, excited, fearful, startled, stimulated, conflicted or insecure in some way, also exhibit this.

As with all behaviour, it’s important to look at the context, in conjunction with other body language, the environment and specific situation in order to establish the cause and decide on the best way to intervene if necessary.

Dr Karen London - an ethologist and highly qualified behaviourist, trained in observing animals and behaviour, has made some very interesting observations about different patterns of raised fur being linked to different emotional states.

In Dr London’s professional opinion -
A thin patch of fur all along the back to the base of the tail is associated with a high level of confidence. These dogs are more likely to be on the offensive and react more aggressively.

A thick patch across shoulders to around ¼ way down the back is associated with a low level of confidence and is seen in dogs that are more fearful.

A patch of fur raised at the shoulders and another patch at the base of the tail – the fur in between is not raised, is associated with dogs that are conflicted and unsure of how to react. These dogs may be unpredictable and more likely to be reactive.

Dr London states that there are many exceptions, but in general, this applies to the majority of dogs that she observes.

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.