Canny Canines - The Reactivity and Anxiety Specialist

13/06/2026

I hear this ALL the time and it's simply not true!

If your dog is pulling on the lead then the harness is NOT CAUSING or encouraging it!

It can make it more comfortable for a dog to pull, but if your dog is going to pull, I'd personally prefer them to be more comfortable than choking themselves out on a collar. I've know some dogs turn their own tongues blue, burst blood vessels in their eyes and even PASS OUT from pulling so hard on a collar

A couple of reasons your dog probably is pulling on lead:
- You haven't built enough value for being in your proximity with distractions
- Your dog hasn't been taught how to walk on lead, where you want them to be and how to earn rewards from you (whether that's a treat or verbal praise) and built in real life distractions to this
- Your dog is struggling to regulate their nervous system when they're on a walk or around certain distractions - like dogs or cars
- You've inadvertently rewarded your dog for pulling on lead EG pulling you to get to sniffs or dogs

Phoenix walking like this is NOT a coincidence. We've had to ride the crazy wave of adolescence and health conditions affecting her moods and behaviour, and I've had to stay steadfast in my consistency, keeping training despite all of that and my own back problems. Literal blood, sweat and tears!

Need help with your dog? Check out the comments 🐾

02/06/2026

Something has been brewing for a while and it's nearly ready to launch 🐾🔥

29/04/2026

Beautiful Mila had her 4th and final session with me today, after growing incredible confidence in such a short space of time. When her lovely owner contacted me, Mila wouldn't even leave the house for a wee and was panicking at small everyday noises.

At 10 years old, its not true you can't teach an old dog new tricks!

By collaborating with her vet, and putting in the work to gently build her confidence, Mila is now back her old happy self and many happy tears have been shed 💜🥹

Need help with your dog? Book a FREE call at cannycaninesuk.com/getstarted

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27/04/2026

Today I met marvelous Monty who is struggling with over arousal on walks which is manifesting as reactivity to cars, pulling on lead and vocalising. We laid some foundations to help him cope with getting ready for a walk without losing his head and he even managed a mini walk with no reactions 😲✨️

At only 10 months old, his guardians have done exactly the right thing getting help now rather than later... I can't wait to see his progress over the coming weeks 🐾

20/04/2026

✨️ Dog training is not like calling a plumber ✨️

It struck me recently that dog training is sometimes misunderstood as a service where you bring in a professional, they fix the problem, and that’s that.

But behaviour doesn’t really work like that.
If you have a leaking pipe, a plumber can repair the fault, solve the issue and leave. It’s a fairly black and white process.

Working with dogs, particularly around behaviour, is much more complex. We’re not repairing a mechanical fault. We’re working with sentient beings, with emotions, learning, habits, past experiences, nervous systems, environments and relationships.

That’s why I often think dog training is much closer to seeing a dentist.

A dentist can assess what’s going on, treat what they can, give you a plan and support you…
…but what happens between appointments matters enormously.

🐾 The day-to-day practice matters
Just like brushing your teeth, the practical bits your trainer or behaviourist leaves you with are where progress is built.

🐾 Consistency matters
You won’t keep healthy teeth if you only brush once a week. Behaviour change doesn’t happen once a week either.

🐾 Your input matters
If you only go through the motions half-heartedly, progress will be slower. The more engaged you are in the process, the more opportunity there is for change.

Real behaviour change often happens gradually, through repetition, support, and small changes that build over time.

I think this is important to talk about, because understanding that can completely change expectations, reduce frustration, and help people recognise progress for what it often is: incremental, meaningful change.

Done well, dog training isn’t about “fixing” a dog.
It’s about helping dogs and humans learn, adapt and do better together.

As I often say, the magic happens between the sessions. I’m there to teach you how to make it happen. ✨

18/04/2026

Come say hello to me tomorrow at Chorley Vets

I'll be there running the dog Enrichment room 🐾🥂

⭐We are excited to be hosting a family fun day here in the practice on the 19th of April for our 10th birthday!!🎂

What's on:
🐾 Prosecco reception
🐾 Tombola and raffle
🐾 Imagination stations for kids
🐾 Client information talks
🐾 Live demo's in our lab and CPR
🐾 Chorley Vets movie room
🐾 What's in the box
🐾 Sensory room for dogs
🐾 Practice tours
🐾 Colouring competitions
🐾 Face painting

Well behaved kids and dogs welcome!

We cannot wait to see you all there 💗

01/04/2026

From Cockapoos to Cockatoos 😂

I’m usually there for the dogs, but every now and then another member of the household decides they’d like some attention too 🦜

Peggy was very clear that cuddles were required yesterday, and who was I to argue? 🥰

01/03/2026

Phoenix met some of the fab paramedics at today 💚🧡

20/02/2026

Practising some impulse control at Midge Hall Dog Field yesterday

02/01/2026

Training and watching the birds at the park today 🦢

She'd just tried to chase a squirrel up a tree and would have done anything to chase them birds 😆

She still has her moments of idiocy, but overall she's maturing so well and consistency really pays off! 🥰✨️