Canine Support with Katharine Brunsch

22/08/2024

When we may find things our dogs do problematic it can be very easy to fall into a mindset of just wanting to stop the behaviour, to fix the problem.

The dog in the picture here is one of my own dogs who has struggled with fearfulness and anxiety over the years and expresses his big feelings loudly. I have lost count of how many people have told me that he needs more training, he needs discipline, he needs 'telling off' to fix his attitude problem. On one occasion early on I was told that I should take him home and shoot him.

Of course I did none of those things. None of the training or discipline these people were talking about would have helped my scared boy. He doesn't have an attitude problem. He didn't need fixing - he's not broken. He needed our help and support to learn that the world isn't as scary as he thought.

And, while he will probably never be a dog who can go everywhere with everyone, he is now much more comfortable in the world around him and we can work around any challenges that we might encounter far more easily than we did before.

No dog is broken. They do not need to be fixed. They need our help and support, and perhaps most of all, our understanding.

18/08/2024

Is your dog struggling with anxiety or fear? 🐶🐾🥰 Our new blog post explores the power of TTouch to help calm and soothe your furry friend. Discover how this gentle technique can make a world of difference.

What is Tellington TTouch? Discover how this gentle, heart-centred method can improve your dog's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

17/08/2024

Let your car and apparel do the talking. ShopCanineAesthete.com

16/08/2024

FREE permanent advertising for all rescue centres on our website! FREE listing including your logo, write up about your centre, and your full contact details. Also FREE promotion on our social media accounts.

We have a page on the website dedicated to Rescue Centres. Take a look to see the closest to your area of the UK: www.professionaldogbusinessesuk.co.uk/rescue-centres

We cover all canine services in the UK from behaviourists to dog walkers, so we have a very high number of visitors to the site.

To register your rescue centre email [email protected]

16/08/2024

Is your dog feeling overwhelmed by everyday life? 🐶
Every day, our dogs face a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. This emotional rollercoaster can impact their behaviour and ability to learn. It's our job to help them navigate these challenges with resilience and ease.
Imagine your dog's stress levels as a boiling pot. Each "trigger" - a noise, a stranger, another dog - is like a candle heating the water. When the water reaches boiling point, your dog's ability to cope, learn, and focus diminishes.
The TTouch 'Candle' analogy can help "turn down the heat," enabling your dog to respond rather than react. By understanding the cumulative effects of stress and equipping your dog with coping mechanisms, we can create a calmer, more focused companion. This moves your dog from instinctively reacting for self-preservation to being able to look to you for support and guidance.
Join our Introduction to TTouch Course to learn how to support your dog's emotional balance.
https://www.caninesupport.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-tellington-ttouch-body-work-sept-24

16/08/2024

If you want to know why a dog humps, pay close attention to context—who the dogs are and when it's happening.

13/08/2024

At the heart 💜 of the TTouch approach to dog care is a deep-rooted belief in empathy and understanding. We understand that feeling safe is essential for learning and growth.

🐶 Our methods focus on helping dogs regulate their emotions and make conscious choices rather than simply reacting out of fear or frustration.

🐾 Beyond traditional training, we aim to create positive transformations in how dogs perceive and interact with their world. By offering low-stress, enriching experiences, we help build confidence, cooperation, and a strong sense of well-being.

🌟 Tellington TTouch is a powerful tool that complements existing training methods. It's the missing piece many owners seek to unlock their dog's full potential.

Join us on September 4th as we explore the wonders of TTouch and discover how it can revolutionise your relationship with your dog.
https://www.caninesupport.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-tellington-ttouch-body-work-sept-24

12/08/2024

Are you curious to know how Tellington TTouch can benefit your dog? 🐕🐾
TTouch has been life-changing for me, my dogs, and those I have supported over the years. It all started nine years ago when my Bullmastiff, Keto, became reactive at four years old after my other Bullmastiff, Jinx crossed Rainbow Bridge. Keto became scared of everything: countryside gunshots, hot air balloons, thunder, bicycles, other dogs, motorbikes, oh and not forgetting kite surfers on the beach.

But this sudden change in behaviour wasn't something that 'normal' positive reinforcement training could help with so I searched for that missing piece to the puzzle. That was when I discovered Tellington TTouch, and by using the TTouch techniques, I built a new level of trust with her, making her feel safe and building up her confidence, transforming her into the most incredible dog.

💜 Are you a dedicated dog owner seeking a deeper connection with your furry friend?
🐶 Would you like to discover gentle, compassionate ways to support your nervous or anxious dog?
🐾 Would you like to enhance your dog's level of trust in you?
🥰 Do you have a sensitive dog that needs additional support and understanding?
💖 Are you looking for a peaceful and enriching way to interact with your dog that benefits both of you?
Join me on the 4th of September when my Introduction to Tellington TTouch course starts because with TTouch, the possibilities are endless.
https://www.caninesupport.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-tellington-ttouch-body-work-sept-24

10/08/2024

10/08/2024

TTouch: More Than Meets the Eye 👀
TTouch is a profound method that harnesses the body's innate wisdom to promote healing and balance. With TTouch, our intention is to work with the nervous system, activating neural pathways and improving the function of cells. With light touch and non-habitual movement, we can influence how your dog perceives and responds to the world.

Imagine your dog's nervous system as a superhighway. TTouch helps to optimise the flow of information along this highway, enhancing their ability to learn, adapt, and feel secure. TTouch helps an animal to shift from a state of arousal or fear to a state of focus and with gentle touch and mindful movement, we can activate neural pathways, calming the body and mind.

By understanding how TTouch Body Work interacts with the nervous system, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this transformative technique. But don't worry TTouch is really easy to learn with no need for hours of training every day - in fact we work on the theory of 'moments rather than minutes'.
Start your TTouch journey on September the 4th with our online course:
https://www.caninesupport.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-tellington-ttouch-body-work-sept-24

09/08/2024

Transform Your Dog's Life with Tellington TTouch.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey with your furry friend? I am thrilled to invite you to my upcoming online course, Introduction to Tellington TTouch and Body Work for Dogs and Their Guardians.
Starting on the 4th of September, we'll begin a six-week exploration of this gentle yet powerful method. Through weekly group Zoom sessions at 7pm every Wednesday, you'll discover how TTouch can revolutionise your relationship with your dog.
Imagine a world where your dog is calmer, more confident, and deeply connected to you. Our course will equip you with practical tools to:
🐶 Boost your dog's confidence and reduce anxiety.
💜 How to use TTouch to improve your dog's physical and emotional well-being.
🐾 Using TTouch to address specific health and behavioural problems.
🥰 Magnify the trust and communication with your dog.
TTouch is incredibly versatile and easy to learn, making it accessible for dog owners of all levels, and is easily incorporated into your daily life.
Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your dog's full potential. Secure your spot today!
I am here to support you, so feel free to contact me with any questions.
Click the link for more details:
https://www.caninesupport.co.uk/courses/introduction-to-tellington-ttouch-body-work-sept-24

09/08/2024

Dog Owners visit our website for FREE to find a Reputable Canine Service in your area.

We list all canine service from Behaviourist, to Doggy Day Care, to Dog Walkers, to Dog Products, and so much more!

Covering the whole of the UK, find a reputable canine business near you.

All our businesses listed on our website have been checked and passed a registration process. They all have had to show proof of insurance, licence (if applicable), proof of their qualifications, and that they only use force free training methods. We also check their websites, Social media sites, and their reviews.

Why? Because dogs and puppies deserve the best care! To help make the canine industry more regulated. There are many businesses out there functioning with no canine qualifications, no licence and even no insurance! How would you as a dog owner know this? So we have taken out the worry and done all the checks for you.

Please feel free to save this post and share in your local area, the more dog owners and dogs we can help the better.

Visit www.professionaldogbusinessesuk.co.uk to find who is a reputable business in your area.

If you run a professional business in the UK and would like to join us email [email protected] for a registration form.

07/08/2024

Remi 🐶 always likes to keep me on my toes and last night was no exception! She has this little mouse toy, which is amusing for such a big dog! She quickly pulled the stuffing out of it but loves to chew it and play a little game of tug each evening. And this is exactly what she did last night 🐁🐶 Then she disappeared and a few minutes later started talking to me with woofs and whines - so I thought she wanted to go out. We went out into the garden and she had a wee, then eventually settled back down with me on the sofa.
However, what I realised she was actually trying to tell me was she'd lost her mouse toy - down the toilet! 🚽🫣😲
I only realised some time later when I went into the bathroom and was like "what is that in the toilet bowl?" Well, I can confirm that the mouse toy got fished out and put in the bin! And now she has another new one to play with later when she's not so sleepy 😆
Never in all my years of owning dogs have any of them ever dropped toys into the toilet 🤷‍♀️🤭 Has anyone else had this amusing experience or am I just the lucky one? 🤣🐶 I guess I'll be putting the toilet seat down from now on then 🙄

07/08/2024

Coaching is a process and one that needs following carefully to ensure that the dog fully understands what we are asking of them.

This means remembering to generalise or 'proof' our cues. Start coaching at home and when the dog has the cue reliably there, start going to different areas gradually, increasing distraction levels slowly as the dog is getting the hang of the cue in different places.

Make sure the cue is as established for the dog as it can be before you might need to use it out in the world. The last time you want to be trying your new recall cue out in the world is when your dog is charging away in excitement to explore the environment around them.

Remember also not to always call the dog away from something interesting. One of the fastest ways to have a dog not want to respond to recall is to call them when they have just found a really good sniff spot!

If you are in an environment where you cannot be sure your dog will respond and there is potential for them to get into trouble either by disappearing or bothering others in the area who don't want to interact, use a long line as a safety backup.

06/08/2024

04/08/2024

Well said...do you agree?...

02/08/2024

Has the heat changed your dogs behaviour?
How are your dogs coping with the continued high temperatures? 🌡🐶🐶
Are they sleepy during the day and then come alive when the temperature drops? Have you noticed any changes in their behaviour? If you own a reactive dog, do they seem more reactive at the moment? It could just be the heat affecting them and affecting their sleep.
Just like we struggle to sleep in these extreme temperatures, so will our dogs. Getting enough sleep is vital for all dogs. Just like us, when our dogs are lacking in sleep, we often see reactivity increase. If you wake up feeling tired and grouchy due to lack of sleep, it makes sense that our dogs can feel the same. A dog who is exhausted from lack of sleep is very often over-reactive. They also don't understand that it is too hot to be outside; their routines have altered with walks, so everything is confusing for them right now.

What can you do to help your dog with their sleep?
Help your dog get their sleep by creating a calm space in your house, free of sudden noise and distractions. Ideally, set up multiple places to give your dog choice. Make sure their sleeping places are comfortable and cool, close the windows and curtains to keep the heat out, and have a fan in the same room. Your dog may like to curl up, but lying flat helps to promote REM sleep. This is the stage of the sleep cycle that is most rejuvenating and is when you will see your dog dreaming. So make sure that sleeping flat is always an available option.
Dogs are social sleepers, so allowing them to sleep in the same room as you or another animal can help improve their sleep. Wherever your dog likes to rest, make sure they can nap throughout the day. Their daytime sleep will often be shorter, which doesn't allow for deeper REM sleep to kick in. So it's important to ensure they also get the opportunity for longer periods of rest daily.
When it is cool enough for a walk, have a stroll in a quiet location, avoiding locations with triggers that might upset your dog. Increase the amount of enrichment activities you do with your dog, whether a Kong, Toppl, snuffle mat, or Licki Mat, in a shaded spot. Hide some treats and toys around your garden, giving your dog a garden sniffari as a novel activity, or have a Free Work session.
Don't forget that a dog has never died from missing a walk, so never feel bad about not taking them out if they are struggling right now. 🥰🐶🐾🐾
Next time your dog is having a difficult day, take a look at how much sleep they are getting. Rest for the body and mind can make all the difference!

02/08/2024

⭐️ GRAND OPENING ⭐️

*Spaces are filling up quickly for September, drop us a message if you would like to be booked in* ☎️

Open day - Sunday 1st September 2024
White post, Langford Budville, TA21 0RW
10am - 2pm

We will be officially opening our doors on Sunday the 1st of September to showcase our new Physiotherapy clinic including a fully equipped canine gym and dry treadmill 🐶

Come and pop by to have a look at our new premises and there will be free treats for the dogs 💚

Services will include: ⬇️

🐶 Canine Physio
🐱 Feline Physio
🐢 Exotic Physio
🐶 Dry Treadmill sessions
🐶 Canine conditioning for sporting dogs
🐶 Canine weight loss programmes
💡 Laser therapy sessions

👤 Human Physiotherapy
👤 Sports massage

Get in touch to find out more information or book a slot via www.springmeadowvetphysio.co.uk
[email protected]

02/08/2024

Absolutely this!! 🐶

👁️👁️

01/08/2024

Keeping Your Dog Hydrated This Summer
As temperatures soar, it's crucial to prioritise your dog's hydration. Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat efficiently, relying primarily on panting to cool down. This makes them highly susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues.

Why is hydration so important?
🌡 Temperature regulation: Water helps dissipate heat through panting.
🦴 Joint health: Proper hydration keeps joints lubricated.
💩 Digestion: Water aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
🩸 Circulation: Water is essential for healthy blood circulation.
💦 Kidney function: Adequate hydration supports kidney health.

Signs of dehydration in dogs:
😴 Lethargy
😬 Dry gums
🫢 Decreased appetite
💧 Thick, sticky saliva
🤒 Loss of skin elasticity

How to keep your dog hydrated:
💦 Fresh water: Always provide clean water, changing it frequently to keep it cool and appealing.
🥒🫐 Hydrating treats: Offer water-rich fruits like watermelon (seedless), blueberries and cucumber.
🦴 Flavoured water: Some dogs may be more inclined to drink water if it's flavoured with something tasty. Have a separate bowl and add a small amount of water and something tasty so that they only drink little and often rather than a huge amount at once. You can add a small amount of bone broth or spring water from a can of tuna (not Brine, as this includes salt), or I cook some liver in water and then mix a small amount of this flavoured water in a small bowl.
🧊 Portion control: To enhance the hydration potential, add a little water to their meals, especially if you feed them dry food.
🐾 Hydration on the go: Always carry water for your dog on walks, even in warm weather.

Some dogs are more prone to dehydration:
🐶 Short-nosed (Brachycephalic) breeds: These breeds are more prone to overheating.
🐕 Older dogs: Their ability to regulate temperature may decline.
🐩 Overweight dogs: Extra weight can increase heat stress.

Remember, prevention is key. By taking these steps, you can help your furry friend stay cool, comfortable, and healthy throughout the summer. If you notice severe signs of dehydration, seek veterinary attention immediately.