Canine Understanding

04/11/2024

Some more exciting news for 2025 ✨WORKSHOPS✨

Are you struggling to walk your dog? Are they dragging/pulling you? Would you like your walks to be less stressful? Then our loose lead walking workshop might be for you! 🐾

Does your dog refuse to come back to you when off lead? Would you like to teach your dog a life saving skill in case they escape? Our recall workshop might be for you! 🐩

*These workshops are taught in a group setting therefore dogs MUST be comfortable around other dogs and people. Dogs who are reactive (bark, lunge, growl or become overly fixated on other dogs/people) will not be suitable and should instead book a 1-1 session*

If you are interested or would like to know more please pm or email - [email protected] 😁

02/11/2024

Firework safety advice 🐾.

01/11/2024

Life skills and understanding over "obedience"! 💗

THE CURSE OF OBEDIENCE!! A Halloween reflection.

I consulted with a dog today who has a gold award in kennel club obedience, recently earnt. Whilst this is not to be sniffed at because some level of training does absolutely have its positives, I do think we need to look behind the scenes of obedience somewhat.

This mornings session was somewhat rushed through because the dog is showing regular signs of aggression in the home. This hasn't suddenly sprouted up it's been brewing over a long time of unhappy experiences and heightened tension. The mum of the house felt absolutely distraught to be in this situation because what has gone wrong? The dedicated training should have been enough to buffer against aggression surely?

When we start to use obedience with our dogs in too many situations we start to pull them away from showing their true feelings in situations. The common one which I've spoken about before, is the "sit to greet" one. Putting the dog in a sit so someone can approach them and pet them can really put a dog in conflict, especially if you're using treats to keep them there.

Aggression kicks off when a dog's ability to avoid is thwarted. On assessment, this dog this morning WAS giving signs of discomfort and communicating dislike with a situation, but they weren't getting read. Further to this, there was nowhere for him to go to avoid. AND he'd learnt through experiential learning that he is sometimes required to just sit and interact, even if he doesn't want to.

Add on top of that a HUGE question mark over pain from an old but reoccurring injury and you've got a recipe for a dog learning they need to start acting out with their teeth to be heard, in defense of themselves. BUT THEY DON'T ACTUALLY WANT TO!

I was consistently picking out signs in session the dog wasn't comfortable. He was trying to AVOID conflict with every body language communication, certainly not cause it. But these signs get missed and we only start listening when the big demonstrations of upset are being shown. But before those big demonstrations are loads of little ones. Including avoidance.

Breaking a sit and walking away is a HUGE sign the dog is uncomfortable with a situation but when a dog is trained to gold standard they know not to break a 'sit'. They know they have to listen, respond and "do" even when every fibre of their being doesn't want to.

We have to allow our dogs the right to choose whether to interact or not. We have to give our dogs a place to go when they don't want to. We have to stop forcing our dogs using obedience to do things like interact with others.

Obedience is us exercising power over our dogs. It's us dictating their behaviours for our good. Unfortunately though it all backfires when our power becomes more important in a moment than their autonomy and feelings.

Be careful what you're training your dog to do in these real life situations. You might inadvertently be training your dog to need to show aggression.

Picture of my senior pulling his howl-oween face. Dogs are so very expressive with their emotions you've just got to learn how to read their language, and know not to push them into discomfort, but allow them to move away 🐾💜

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween from all of us at Canine Understanding!! 🎃🕸️🧟‍♀️🧛‍♀️🧛🦇⚰️🕷️

31/10/2024

Please check out Lakeland Legacy Ash Scattering. Martin is offering a beautiful service for those who have lost loved ones ❤️.

Deciding what you would like to do with your ashes or those of your loved ones is a really important decision. It’s very personal. Everyone is different, we all have our own passions.

For me, I have always loved and been obsessed by water. So much so that I moved to the Lake District in North West England. I spend my spare time kayaking on the lakes and exploring the coast of Cumbria and Scotland. It occurred to me that there is something magical about water. If you dip your toes into the sea, you are simultaneously touching all of the World’s oceans.

I can think of no finer final resting place than the sea or one of our Great Lakes. The carbon that made up your body will be absorbed into plants, fish and all manner of things giving them life for as long as they need it before being recycled once again. Your loved ones will see you in the living lakes every time they visit them.

This is not for everyone. But if you think it might be the right thing for you, please send me an email and we can make it happen. We will agree on a choice of lake (or the sea). I will paddle out into deep water, far from the shore. I can read a poem, say a prayer or just say goodbye for you as I return the ashes to nature. I will note the exact location using what 3 words. I will video the whole process. You will be given a certificate with the date, time and place plus a link to the video.

This is for people and pets. I ask for £140 to cover my costs. No charge for children.

Martin

[email protected]

31/10/2024

✨C O M I N G I N 2 0 2 5✨

New classes!!!🎉

These will most likely run on evenings/weekends. If you are interested please pm or email - [email protected] and I will add you to the waiting list 😁.

*** These are suitable for dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and people and in no way reactive (fixated, lunges, bark, bites other dogs or people). ***

Really looking forward to getting these started - Jodie 🐾

29/10/2024

Congratulations to our recent puppy class graduates! Cooper, Molly, Bruno and Luna did a great job!! 🎓🎓🎓🎓

27/10/2024

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend 😍. I am back from maternity leave at the end of November and I have some weekend appointments available in December 😁. There's some exciting plans happening that I can't wait to share with you all. These will hopefully be announced in 2025 🤩🥳. If you'd like to get booked in with me please pm/email us. - Jodie 🐾

23/10/2024

October is breast cancer awareness month. 🩷 Pawsome Paws Boutique have created some great information to remind us all to check our b***s. As some of you may know, last year I sadly lost my best friend Laura Jayne Mellor to breast cancer. 💜 Please go and check out their items and support this fantastic cause.

PAWS TO CHECK⏱️💗 We really want to continue to spread the message and awareness for us all to - October is breast cancer awareness month but we need to be checking all year round for any differences in our chests🎀

We have created the most stunning pink plaid design called Paws To Check, so you can have the cutest accessories accessories (we have a matching human hair bow too!) whilst encouraging everyone who sees you to Paws To Check!💓

30% of the net sale price is donated direct to CoppaFeel! and you can also donate direct to CoppaFeel! on our website where no purchase is necessary☁️✨🎀

Have you checked your chest recently? Make sure you do💗

21/10/2024

Wallace and Gromit walk launches in Grizedale and Whinlatter forests: https://bit.ly/4f7Usxk

20/10/2024

👇👇

As I hear of another case of a dog losing his life due to extendable leads I really must take the time to write another post to highlight the dangers these leads hold.

I think it's one of those things where we think "oh it won't happen to me and my dog" but trust me, it does happen:

* They happen to be unlocked when the dog lunges into the road after something like a leaf blowing in the wind.
* They get dropped when the dog suddenly pulls to get somewhere then gets chased by the cassette.
* The locking mechanism fails when you need it the most.

I KNOW they're convenient. I honestly know that. I'm not denying they're much easier to use than actual longer lines especially in these wet months. We think we are giving our dog more freedom whilst keeping our hands cleaner.

But when you're using an extendable lead by the road you're not only putting your dog's life at risk but you're potentially going to put other people's lives at risk if a chain accident is caused. I literally cringe driving by dogs on extendables by the road because more often than not they're way up front, or behind on the path and could so easily move into the road suddenly. In fact yesterday Adam and I joked that the dog was still in the next village along, the lead was THAT LONG and RIGHT BY THE ROAD as cars were zooming past. But it wasn't really funny.

I don't say this to be a spoil sport. To be a drama queen. To be a lead snob.

I say this because a dog not only lost his young life, but a family lost their best friend, and another family lost their innocence having accidentally killed someones pet for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It's devastating all around all because the wrong lead was used. An extendable lead was trusted when it absolutely shouldn't be.

Please, please, please.... short leads by roads only. Please please please 🙏🏻

20/10/2024

⛄❄️N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
P U P P Y C L A S S E S❄️⛄

Dates: 10/11, 24/11, 01/12, 08/12 and 15/12 *please note the x1 week break*
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Venue: Blencogo Village Hall

🐾Pups must be fully vaccinated and aged under 20 weeks🐾

19/10/2024

Hi everyone 😊🐾

I'm back from maternity leave next month and I'm super excited to see you and your lovely dogs! 🐶 Mike has done an amazing job holding the fort and whilst he's going to busy with his amazing new job he is still very much going to be part of Canine Understanding ❤️.

For any new followers or clients that haven't met me I thought I'd do a quick introduction!

My name is Jodie and I've worked with dogs professionally for 9 (almost 10!) years! I've grown up around dogs with my family having greyhounds, papillons and collies! I completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare Myerscough College and had the amazing opportunity to study wolves for my dissertation 🐺 (where I met Mike! ❤️). I have also worked as a Guide Dog trainer which taught me some amazing handling skills. Mike and I started this business in 2021 and have been gradually building it up from there 🐾.

There will be some announcements about new services so keep an eye on our feed! 🤩

I really want to expand and shape Canine Understanding to meet your needs so please comment below with any suggestions 👇.

18/10/2024

Happy FridYAY lovely people! 🐾

Before we get ready to chill and spend some quality time with our dogs this weekend, I thought I'd hit you with a bit of science! ⚛️🧪👩‍🔬

A new study has just been published looking at the effects of puppy classes on dog behaviour!

Here are some of the key findings -

Dogs that attend puppy classes have:

• A 29 percent reduction in the likelihood of displaying aggressive behavior.

•A 40 percent reduction in the likelihood of exhibiting destructive behavior.

•A 36 percent reduction in the likelihood of having compulsive behaviors.

•A 32 percent reduction in the odds of engaging in excessive barking.

Amazing right?! 🤩 So even if you're an experienced dog owner, taking you pup to classes can have BRILLIANT results! Here's the study for anyone that would like to check it out - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/canine-corner/202410/do-puppy-classes-have-a-lasting-effect-on-dog-behavior

With that in mind, we now have our November puppy class dates and will be contacting those on our waiting list!! 😁🥳

Enrolling a puppy in a puppy class before the age of 6 months reduces the likelihood of adult behavior problems such as aggression and destructive behavior.

15/10/2024

We see this a lot! Some great advice here from See Spot Learn by Emily Dustan 🐾

🐾There are some methods that may seem logical on the surface, but can have unintended consequences when it comes to teaching dogs what we think is ‘good’ behaviour.

One common approach I’ve noticed people do is holding their dog by the collar and asking them to sit. If the dog doesn’t respond the owner pushes their bum down forcing them to sit. While it might seem like this gives you control, it can backfire by causing stress, anxiety, and worsening your dog’s behaviour – and it may also cause discomfort or pain by forcing them with your hand into the sit position.

Let me explain why physically holding a dog in place isn’t helpful and what you can do instead...

The Problem with Physical Restraint: It Increases Stress!

From the dog’s perspective, being held by the collar restricts their ability to make choices, particularly in situations they find stressful. Dogs naturally find ways to feel safe, and one of their primary coping strategies is to increase distance AWAY from something that feels like a threat. When you take away that option by physically restraining them, it can trigger stress and discomfort.

Imagine feeling cornered with no way to move – this is what many dogs experience when held tightly. The more restricted they feel, the higher their stress levels can become.

🔴Loss of Control Fuels Anxiety and Reactivity...

Just like humans, dogs feel more secure when they have control over their interactions. When a dog loses that control—especially in the presence of a trigger, like a strange person or another dog—it can lead to heightened anxiety.

This anxiety can manifest as reactivity, such as barking, growling, or lunging. What looks like 'bad behaviour' to us is often a dog’s way of expressing that they feel overwhelmed and unsafe.
In these moments, holding your dog still adds fuel to the fire. They’re already stressed, and now they have no way to escape the situation. This makes them more likely to react aggressively or develop a pattern of reactivity in the future.

🔴The Impact of Blocking Natural Coping Behaviours...

Dogs have their own natural coping strategies, including moving or looking away from the trigger (avoidance), sniffing the ground, yawning, shake-off, pacing, or licking their lips to self-soothe. These actions help them regulate their emotions and feel safer. But when we stop them from engaging in these behaviours by holding them by the collar, we remove the tools they need to manage their stress.

This sense of being trapped can escalate fear or frustration, leading to an even stronger reaction. If a dog feels they have no way out, their behaviour can quickly spiral, creating more long-term issues.

🔴Adding to Their Vulnerability...

When you hold a dog in place physically, you increase their sense of vulnerability. They now have two things to worry about—the trigger they were already reacting to and the fact that they can’t move. Even dogs with a generally friendly temperament can start feeling defensive when restrained, especially if they’ve had negative experiences in the past.

This is why some dogs may bark, snap, or lunge even more intensely when held by the collar. Their behaviour isn’t about disobedience—it’s a desperate attempt to protect themselves from what feels like a threatening situation.

🟢Positive Alternatives of What to Do Instead…

Rather than relying on physical restraint and forcing a sit give your dog distance AWAY from the trigger. Allowing them space helps de-escalate a potentially tense situation and helps them feel safer, reducing the chances of a reactive response.

Gradually expose your dog to their triggers from a comfortable distance—far enough that they notice the trigger but don’t react. This isn’t about your dog focusing on you; instead, you want them to visually engage with the trigger and calmly process it. When they stay relaxed while observing, reward them to build positive associations. Over time, this helps reduce their reactivity.

A well-fitted ‘Y’ shaped harness with a handle allows you to guide your dog gently without restricting their movement. It’s a safer and more comfortable alternative to holding their collar - which also puts pressure on the oesophagus and trachea.
helping
Training your dog isn’t about control—it’s about teaching them how to navigate the world with confidence and helping your dog develop the coping skills they are missing. Physical restraint, such as holding them by the collar, may seem like a quick fix, but it can actually undermine your training efforts and your dog’s trust in you.

If you're having difficulty managing a highly reactive dog, seek out a qualified force-free trainer in your area who uses science-based methods.

10/10/2024

Today is world mental health day, something that affects me personally having both OCD and GAD. 💚

Did you know❓

💚 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health issue. In England, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem annually, and 1 in 6 experience a common mental health problem weekly.

🐾 Dogs can have several positive effects on mental health. These include -
💚 Reduce stress. Studies having shown stroking a dog can lower your blood pressure and reduce both stress and anxiety.
💚 Ease loneliness. Having a dog provides a sense of companionship.
💚 Encourages exercise. Walking your dog can give you a sense of accomplishment and exercise itself has a positive effect on your mental health.
💚 Improves mood. Positive interactions with your dog releases dopamine and oxytocin.
💚Helps you to meet new people. Attending classes, walking your dog etc allows you to meet other dog owners.

How wonderful are our four legged besties 😘❤️🐶.

- Jodie

08/10/2024

Would you like to see our classes (puppy, intermediate and more) in your area? Please send your suggestions our way! Venue recommendations would also be hugely appreciated! 😁🐾

07/10/2024

Today I saw something that really put me on edge. A small dog was tied to a fence with an unsupervised child stroking its head. The dog was tense, avoiding eye contact and showing whale eye. This dog was not happy about the interaction. I find these situations really upsetting as this is where we get cases of "the dog bit someone out of the blue" "the dog gave no warning before biting". This dog was giving lots of signals that it was not comfortable but the child was unable to read these.

This may be a controversial opinion but I don't think dogs should be tied up and left unattended.

There are several reasons for this -

1. Your dog feels restricted and is more likely to feel anxious because of this and the fact they have been left alone. This leads to more defensive behaviours such as growing and biting.
2. Your dog may experience interactions such as this one.
3. Your dog is vulnerable to being attacked by other off lead dogs.
4. There is a risk of them being stolen.
5. You dog may chew through their lead and escape.

Something we should all be hot on is teaching our children about safe interactions with dogs.

We advise -

• Not allowing your child to approach any tied up/unsupervised dogs.
• Asking the owner before interacting with any dogs.
• If the dog or child looks uncomfortable, end the interaction.
• Teaching your child about dog body language.
• Never leaving you child unsupervised with ANY dogs.

06/10/2024

As a small business reviews mean so much to us! Unfortunately ourselves and other small businesses have had some reviews disappear from Facebook. If anyone would like to leave a few words about their experience with us it would mean so much ❤️.

Thank you 🐾

01/10/2024

🐾 I N T E R M E D I A T E C L A S S E S 🐾

What are they? 🤔
They are a continuation of our puppy and beginner classes. They teach owners how to advance their life skills to help deal with things in the 'real world'. An example of this could be keeping focus off lead around other dogs.

Who can attend? 🙂
Dogs who have attended EITHER our puppy classes or beginners classes. These dogs must NOT be reactive (aggressive or overexcited) to other dogs or people.

Want more information or to join our waiting list? 🤩
Send us a message on here or email - [email protected]

29/09/2024

🐾Puppy classes are starting this evening!🐾

Please remember to bring all your essentials and park *behind* the hall (across the cattle grid, down the slope).

Looking forward to meeting you all!! 🤩🐶

24/09/2024

❗️PLEASE SHARE❗️ - UPDATE (FOUND)

Missing - Male, Black & Tan, Dachshunds.

Missing from Wigton.

Please contact the practice on 016973 42174 if you have any information.☎️