A Valentine ❤️
Not every Valentine’s Day comes wrapped in roses and romance, and that’s okay. For some (me included) a wagging tail, a soft nuzzle, and unconditional love are everything. Today, I’m sharing a little poem I channeled 💛
Let this be a gentle reminder that you are never truly alone 🌞🐾
You are loved. You matter. And you are never alone in this beautiful, shared journey we are all on. Just remember if your dog is your greatest love, you are already so deeply loved 💛
✨ If this resonates with you, share it with someone who might need a little love today ✨
#ValentinesDay #GundogLovers #UnconditionalLove #Holistictrainer #SelfCareVibes
🐾 Does your gundog struggle to give things up?
Whether it's a retrieve they won't let go of or a toy that they feel is precious, it's important to address these behaviours with patience and understanding.
One simple tip to help with a dog reluctant to give up an object is to mark and reward the moment they put it down even when not handing it over to you. This helps build a positive association with releasing the item. Over time, your dog will learn that letting go is safe and rewarding. 🐕✨
If you're dealing with more serious resource guarding, seeking professional help is crucial. As a holistic gundog trainer, I’ve helped many owners navigate these challenges.
For more tips and to join a community of like-minded gundog owners, visit confidentcanine.co.uk or holisticdog.co.uk. Let's work together to create a positive and rewarding training experience for you and your gundog. 🌟
#GundogTraining #ResourceGuarding #HolisticTraining #DogBehaviour #ConfidentCanine #GundogLife
One Size Doesn't Fit All: Tailoring Training for Overwhelmed Gundogs
When your dog is overwhelmed and disconnected outdoors, it's crucial to slow down and meet them where they are. 🐾 Using the PAWS™ method, Pause, Assess, Wait, Start again, a simple yet transformative tool. It gives both you and your dog the space to breathe, reset, and reconnect. This approach isn't just about training; it's about understanding and patience. 🌟
Have you tried slowing down with your dog? Share your experiences and let's discuss how tailored approaches can help our canine companions thrive. 🐶💬
#GundogTraining #HolisticTraining #PAWSMethod #DogBehaviour #ConfidentCanine"
What would it feel like to have your gundog ALWAYS come when called? ✨
For many gundog owners, having their gundog come back when called, known as reliable recall, can mean different things 🐾
It could be the freedom to let their dogs explore off-lead, whether around other dogs, people, or even wildlife. For others, it’s about ensuring safety and building trust with their gundog 🦮
Reliable recall is not just a cue for your gundog to follow; it’s about trust, understanding, effective communication and more. As a Holistic Gundog Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-trained recall can transform both the dog’s and the owner’s experience.
So, what does reliable recall mean to you? How has it impacted your life and your dog’s?
Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let’s create a community where we can learn from each other and help our dogs thrive. 🐶💬
#DogTraining #Recall #GundogLife #HolisticTraining #EssexDogs #ConfidentCanine"
Our Gundogs are incredibly in tune with us, often mirroring our emotions. When we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or impatient, it’s no surprise that our dogs pick up on that and respond with behaviours like excessive barking or restlessness.
But here’s the good news: you can use this connection to help your gundog feel calm and secure. 💡
One simple technique I recommend is the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness exercise.
🌿 Next time your gundog starts barking, try this:
1️⃣ Pause and take a slow, deep breath.
2️⃣ Look around and notice:
5 things you can see,
4 things you can touch,
3 things you can hear,
2 things you can smell, and
1 thing you can taste.
This exercise helps to ground you, bringing your energy back to calm and when your energy shifts, your gundog will follow.
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. Your gundog will thank you for it! 🐾💖
🌟 What’s one thing you’ve noticed your gundog mirrors about you? Share your experiences in the comments... I’d love to hear!
#Mindfulness #GundogTraining #BarkyGundogs #HolisticGundogTraining #Gundogs #EssexUK
Why 0ne-size-fits-all doesn’t work in gunog training!
It’s the perfect time of year to reflect on goals, for yourself and your gundog. If you’ve ever bought "one-size-fits-all" clothing, you’ll know it rarely works. Training is no different.
Group classes and generic advice might teach the basics like “sit” or “come,” but they’re often designed for the average dog, not your dog. Every gundog has unique behaviours, stressors, and learning styles.
That’s why I tailor training to suit your gundog and you. Whether it’s behaviour help, pulling, barking, or recall issues, working 1:1 allows us to focus on mindset, energy, and confidence building, the foundation of great training.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with online advice or cookie-cutter options, let’s chat. I offer holistic training that considers both your dog’s needs and your goals as an owner. Together, we can help your gundog thrive.
Let’s start the new year strong! DM me or visit my website to learn more.
#ConfidentCanine #HolisticGundogTraining #GundogTrainingEssex #OneSizeDoesntFitAll #GundogGoals #GundogBehaviour
Overwhelmed Gundogs often struggle to engage in new activities, but with patience and small, manageable steps, transformation is possible. 🐾
At the weekend, I worked with two overwhelmed Gundogs, completely different situations but a similar approach. Both Gundogs initially found even simple behaviour games too much, barely able to engage with what was asked of them. For example, one started by just being able to acknowledge a dummy a few steps ahead. It wasn’t that the dog couldn’t see it, it was too overwhelmed to point it out or interact with it. No pressure, just encouragement and rewards for tiny successes.
Fast forward a few weeks, and this Gundogs is running in, tail wagging, excited to play “Go Find”! The difference? Confidence built over time and no pressure to succeed!
If your gundog struggles to engage, don’t give up. Break the game down into baby steps, celebrate every small win, and watch how they grow. Remember: progress is progress, no matter how small it looks to others. Have you tried breaking things into baby steps for your dog? Let me know!
#ConfidentCanine #GundogTraining #OverwhelmedGundogs #GundogTrainingJourney #HolisticGundogTraining
Stop saying no to your reactive gundog. 💔
Growling isn’t bad behaviour, it’s communication. Saying "no" to your reactive gundog doesn’t help them feel better; it just teaches them to stop expressing their discomfort, which can lead to worse behaviours happening ‘without warning’ because we have told them that giving that warning is not appropriate3.
Instead, respond with calm reassurance: "It’s okay, I’m here to help" Starting working on changing their environment, reducing their stress, helping them feel more confident and emotionally supported and let them know you’re listening.
Need a plan and support? Reach out for professional guidance and create a plan to help them thrive. 🐾
#GundogTraining #ReactiveGundogSupport #HolisticDogTraining #CalmCanine #GundogBehaviourHelp #ConfidentCanine
🐾 The importance of early puppy training for your gundog puppy🐾
Bringing a new gundog puppy home is such an exciting time! They’re so cute, playful, and full of potential. But here’s the thing, if you don’t prioritise the right training early, those little quirks can quickly turn into big problems.
🐕🦺 Common issues I see include:
✅ Puppies pulling on the lead, which becomes a challenge when they’re older.
✅ Shy pups not building confidence, leading to reactivity later.
✅ Puppies "taking you for a walk" rather than learning to walk nicely.
✅ Puppies without recalls because no value has been built or because recall cues have been 'poisoned'
✅ No connect when out because they have become 'self-employed' rather than having learned to work with their owner on a walk.
You don’t have to wait for problems to arise before seeking help. A professional perspective can spot potential issues before they escalate, helping you raise a confident, well-mannered gundog.
👀 You can’t read the label from inside the jar, sometimes it takes an outside eye to see what’s unfolding. Let me help you get it right from the start.
Get in touch to learn how I can support you and your gundog through those crucial early months. Visit www.confidentcanine.co.uk, drop me a message, or comment below to find out more. Let me help you raise your gundog puppy the right way!
#GundogPuppyTraining #HolisticGundogCare #ConfidentGundogs #EssexGundogs #PositiveGundogTraining #PuppyTips
When working with reactive gundogs, the goal isn’t just to manage their reactivity, it’s to help them discover joy in the spaces they might have found stressful 💖
Recently, I worked with a reactive gundog at a local park. This was a place they typically associated with tension and anxiety. On arrival their body language was tight, and their focus was consumed searching for triggers. But, we didn’t just focus on helping with reactive behaviours, we worked on transforming their experience entirely.
Through carefully tailored games and exercises, we shifted the emotional experience for this lovely gundog. Instead of treading the park nervously, the gundog started sniffing, exploring, and anticipating play 🐾
By the end of our session, their body language was open, their expression joyful, and their entire energy had transformed ✨
This is the power of focusing not only on challenges but on opportunities to create joy. If you have a reactive gundog, think about the spaces they find stressful. How can you bring in games, sniffing opportunities, or fun exercises to shift their focus?
Reactivity isn’t just a challenge to be managed ❤️
Where can you create joy for your gundog today? 🐕
#HolisticGundogTraining #ConfidentCanine #ReactiveGundogHelp #GundogTrainingEssex #JoyfulGundogs #CalmAndConnected
🐾 How Reiki can transform your gundog’s well-being 🐾
Did you know that Reiki is a holistic energy practice that can support your gundog’s emotional and physical balance? 🌟 As a Reiki master's teacher, I’ve seen how it works wonders for animals (and people!), especially those dealing with stress or anxiety.
Here’s just a few things that Reiki can do for your gundog:
✅ Promote deep relaxation and calmness
✅ Help balance energy and support natural healing
✅ Offer a gentle reset for anxious or overwhelmed dogs
✅ Promote healing
Imagine your gundog feeling more relaxed, balanced, and ready to take on the world. 💖 Whether they’re working in the field or a cherished companion at home, Reiki can make a huge difference in their lives.
Want to know more? Check out www.confidentcanine.co.uk, comment below, or send me a DM. I’d love to answer your questions! Let’s help your gundog thrive holistically ✨
#GundogWellbeing #HolisticGundogCare #EnergyHealingGundogs #ConfidentCanine #EssexGundogLovers #ReikiForGundogs
🐾 Let’s talk about guilt 🐾
As gundog owners, we put so much pressure on ourselves to get everything perfect, every cue, every session, every decision. But here’s the truth: guilt doesn’t serve you, and it doesn’t serve your gundog either.
So, if you’re feeling guilty about something today, here’s a simple mindset shift:
✨ Think of three things you got right, no matter how small they seem. Maybe it’s a moment of patience, a walk that felt connected, or simply showing up for your gundog despite a busy day.
When you focus on what’s going well, you break free from guilt and step into a space of growth and understanding. Training isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection, learning, and building trust together.
💛 What three things can you celebrate today?
Let’s share and inspire one another in the comments!
#HolisticGundogTraining #PositiveGundog #GundogOwnerSupport #GundogsOfInstagram #EssexGundogTrainer #GundogTrainingMindset
