From The Ashes - Canine & Equine Behaviourist

05/07/2025

Competition season is in full swing and I get it's a full on season but let's not forget our horses are our priority.

Just because there's an event every week doesn't mean our horses should be pushed past their limits. We need to be mindful around our horses consider their limits - health. Age, body score, fitness etc

There will always be another day, enjoy and love the horse you have on the day. I personally didn't have the opportunity to grow up around horses as a child we were not in that position financially to own one. So I will always remember the little girl with her face pressed against the car window dreaming of having my own one day - beg, stealing and borrowing rides, pets and pony cuddles.

- never forget owning a horse is a gift.

03/07/2025

The amount of videos of children climbing in or pulling at dogs is staggering atm.

Dogs can only communicate discomfort in limited ways - body language, eyes, growling, showing teeth and eventually biting/snapping.

These videos are not cute - they are child endangerment and animal abuse.

We love a sweet moment between a dog and a child—but let’s be honest: not everything that looks cute on social media is actually safe ❌

Too often, viral videos and photos show dogs being hugged, climbed on, or surrounded by toddlers without any escape route.

These moments may seem heartwarming, but if we pause and look closer, we often see signs of stress, discomfort, or even fear in the dog’s body language.

✨ Just because a dog tolerates something doesn’t mean they enjoy it—or that it’s safe.

Dogs and kids can absolutely have safe, positive relationships, but it takes:

✅ Active supervision
✅ Body language awareness
✅ Respect for boundaries and understanding proximity
✅ Management tools for success stations (like gates, crates, and space)

Let’s shift the narrative from “cute at all costs” to “safe and supported always.” Because the safest interactions are the ones that never go viral—for all the right reasons. ❤️

✏️

01/07/2025

Hks Kavanagh-Smith looking like an absolute boss on Sunday at charleville ❤️‍🔥 credit to for the photos

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

Danielle and Sadie were on great form last week 👏❤️‍🔥 can't wait to see what this team can do in the future

29/06/2025

Cancellation for Monday (30/6) at 2pm mallow/doneraile area - taken

29/06/2025

The ladies are absolutely smashing it this season and I couldn't be prouder 👏❤️‍🔥

Hks Kavanagh-Smith Zoë Kavanagh-Smith Shauna O Keeffe

29/06/2025

Bravo to Hks Kavanagh-Smith on her amazing jumping at charleville 🎉❤️‍🔥 on the absolutely stunning Esme!

26/06/2025

Shauna O Keeffe congrats girl for getting in the paper with gorgeous sally!!! ♥️🎉

26/06/2025

Socialisation for dogs is very different to humans. Dogs should not be put face to face meeting other dogs.
People often think of a dog that runs up to every dog in the park is social in reality that dog isn't. A dog that can pass by other dogs without overly reacting, lunging or staring is a balanced well trained dog.
Puppy classes and socialising days can often do a lot of damage as the dogs struggle to regulate their behaviour and emotions around other dogs.

Not every dog wants to greet other dogs, and thats OK!

Some maybe rescues, nervous, had trauma. Be your dogs advocate and safe space, not everyone (human or dog) gets to meet/pet your dog.

There is a way to build acceptance.
It starts outside of the home.
Two bits to this....and both of those areas can go very wrong.

Introducing a new dog into your own home.👈
Maybe you have just adopted and have concerns already because of other dogs that have entered your home.
It is a big deal for dogs and many won't take kindly to another dog just waltzing in, especially if they have never met them before.

Some have criticised these tried and true methods....that is ok.
You do you.
However, these are approaches that have worked, they are safe and they are not based on "individual highly social dogs" but looking at a much bigger picture.

Meeting a dog out and about?👈
Different again.
Try the 3 second "rule".
The meet and retreat is a great way to encourage everyone (dogs and humans alike) to read what is happening.

Do dogs "need" to meet all other dogs when out and about?
No.
They don't.
If you have a highly social dog....that may be difficult to hear.
You likely don't have the same challenges as others.
Your dog can easily socialise and read signals.
Others need a helping hand.

If you do struggle with helping your dog meet others....try this.
It also give dogs confidence.

Everyone can benefit from those little "I can do this" moments.

24/06/2025

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