Dog Behaviour Clinic

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Dog Behaviour Clinic

Dog Behaviour Clinic was first established in 2007, covering N Cambs, S Lincs W Norfolk

Accredited dog behaviourist and trainer
Relationship centred, kind, fair, positive reinforcement training
No force, no fear, no pain
Joint Principal of The International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP) www.theiscp.com

26/11/2025

Progress in behaviour work is non-linear and choice-led.

Dogs may pause at familiar stressors or rehearse safe behaviours before advancing. This isn’t regression — it’s consolidation.

Agency, predictability, and emotional safety guide the pace.

Photo ref: Kia with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

23/11/2025

Walks aren’t just exercise — they’re your dog’s newsfeed.

Photo ref: Kia with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

20/11/2025

Share your dog's best sniff‑spot — where does your dog love to explore?

Photo ref: Little Luna with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

18/11/2025

Scent work gives dogs something they rarely get in human spaces: control. When a dog follows a trail, chooses where to investigate, and solves a scent puzzle, they’re not just “working”—they’re regulating.

Sniffing lowers heart rate, reduces stress, and builds confidence. It’s a gentle way to offer autonomy, navigating new environments, or simply needing a moment to decompress.

So when your dog pauses to sniff, let them.

If you would like to learn more about nose work with your dog, have a look at this mini-ebook course written by fellow behaviourist Ela. https://www.withoutworrycanineeducation.co.uk/ownersguidetonosework

16/11/2025

Scent work isn’t a modern invention. When we offer scent-based activities, we’re not just teaching a skill—we’re restoring a function rooted deep in their evolutionary story.

When a dog sniffs, they are not simply detecting a scent. They are gathering information, recalling memories, and processing emotions. Scent activates the brain in powerful ways, helping dogs make sense of their world, connect with others, and feel safe.

That’s why scent work is so much more than a game—it’s a way to support your dog’s emotional wellbeing through the sense they trust most.

The real gift of scent work isn’t performance—it’s perspective. It reminds us that to truly support our dogs’ wellbeing, we must first step into their sensory world and see the environment as they do: rich, layered, and alive with information.

14/11/2025

Calm observation reflects a dog feeling secure and relaxed, while intense observation shows heightened arousal or focus, which can tip over if prolonged.
These photo comparisons aren't perfect, but hopefully they help.

Calm Observation
When a dog is simply watching or taking in their environment without stress or arousal, their body language is loose and balanced:

☑️ Posture: Weight evenly distributed across all four paws; spine straight but relaxed.
☑️ Muscle tone: Soft, not rigid.
☑️ Tail: Neutral position (varies by breed), often wagging loosely or still.
☑️ Eyes: Normal shape, blinking softly; gaze may wander.
☑️ Ears: Resting in a natural position, not pinned back or sharply forward.
☑️ Mouth: Slightly open, relaxed lips, sometimes panting lightly.
☑️ Overall impression: The dog looks comfortable, approachable, and safe to interact with.

Intense Observation
When a dog is highly focused, alert, or potentially stressed, their body language shifts to tension and forward engagement:

🔘Posture: Body stiffens, weight shifts forward; spine may arch slightly.
🔘Muscle tone: Noticeably taut, ready for action.
🔘Tail: Often raised or even held high and rigid, sometimes wagging quickly but narrowly (varies by breed)
🔘Eyes: Staring, pupils dilated; “whale eye” (whites showing) may appear if stress is present.
🔘Ears: Upright and forward, tracking the stimulus.
🔘Mouth: Often tight around the mouth area or even closed tightly; lips may be drawn back.
🔘Overall impression: The dog looks focused, intense, and less approachable — signalling vigilance or potential discomfort.

These aren't comprehensive lists - it would be an even longer post! But do look for changes in these areas.

Photo ref: Kia with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

12/11/2025

When dogs watch quietly, they’re not ‘doing nothing’—they’re absorbing.

Calm observation helps dogs map the environment, learn about the world, decode social cues, and build emotional predictability.

It’s how they learn without pressure.

We honour this by resisting the urge to interrupt, redirect, or ‘keep them busy.’

09/11/2025

In recent months, I’ve supported three dogs whose behavioural challenges were significantly worsened by prior interventions by individuals presenting as canine “professionals”.

These cases would likely not have required my input had the initial support been grounded in fear-free practice, emotionally safe handling, and a sound understanding of canine behaviour. Instead, each dog was subjected to methods that undermined their emotional safety and trust—leaving them with heightened sensitivities, increased fear responses, and a reluctance to engage with unfamiliar people.

Little Luna’s story is a poignant example. (Search this page for her story.) She was sent to residential training before being relinquished to the German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund. Her journey illustrates the profound and lasting impact that these outdated and misguided methods can have.

It’s heartbreaking to witness the aftermath of these approaches. These dogs didn’t fail training—they were failed by it.

Please choose professionals who demonstrate a deep respect for canine welfare and a commitment to evidence-based, emotionally safe practice. The welfare of your dog depends on the values behind the methods.

Photo ref: Little Luna with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

07/11/2025

Resilience doesn’t come from pushing through—it comes from being heard.

When dogs are allowed to pause, retreat, and re-engage on their terms, we’re not just shaping behaviour—we’re building trust.

We don’t demand or train resilience. We co-create it.

Photo ref: Una with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

04/11/2025

Resilience is built in micro-moments.

A dog who chooses to sniff closer. Who glances, then looks away. Who chooses to stay a second longer.

These aren’t ‘small wins’—they’re foundations.

We don’t push for progress. We notice it. We honour it. And we let it unfold at the dog’s pace.

Photo ref: Little Luna who is with German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund

01/11/2025

Stress and anxiety in dogs aren’t always loud. They can show up as hyperactivity, clinginess, avoidance—or simply a dog who’s no longer enjoying life as they should. Whether caused by a one-off event or ongoing triggers, these patterns affect wellbeing and strain the relationship you share.

We help you see behaviour differently. By reducing stress, building resilience, and supporting confidence, we strengthen your dog’s welfare—and your bond.

30/10/2025

🎃 Halloween Tips for Dog Guardians (and Why They Matter)

Walk before dusk. Why: Costumes, fireworks, and trick-or-treaters can be overwhelming. Early walks reduce exposure to startling sights and sounds.

Create a calm retreat space. Why: Dogs need a predictable, low-stimulation area to decompress. A cosy den away from the front door helps them regulate during noisy evenings.

Use enrichment to support regulation. Why: Long-lasting chews or food puzzles offer sensory engagement and emotional grounding. They redirect focus and reduce stress during doorbell activity.

Keep sweets and chocolate out of reach. Why: Many Halloween treats—especially chocolate and xylitol-containing items—are toxic to dogs. Even wrappers can cause digestive issues.

Avoid costumes unless medically necessary. Why: Dressing dogs up can cause discomfort, overheating, or inhibit natural behaviour. Most dogs prefer agency over novelty.

Manage door access with gates or leads. Why: Prevents accidental escapes and reduces the chance of dogs jumping up at unfamiliar visitors. It also protects nervous dogs from direct exposure.

Use signage for nervous dogs. Why: A simple “Nervous dog—please don’t knock” sign can prevent distress and support emotionally safe boundaries.

Address

Saracens Head

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 05:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 05:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 05:00
Thursday	09:00 - 05:00
Friday	09:00 - 05:00
Saturday	10:00 - 12:00

Website

http://www.dogbehaviourclinic.co.uk/

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