Confident Canines NZ

10/07/2025

There is a growing awareness of the importance of understanding predatory motor patterns in dogs. Knowing which parts of the sequence your dog enjoys most can help you manage, redirect, and enrich their life in meaningful ways. Breed traits often give us a strong clue, but every dog is an individual.

The infographic I’m sharing below I absolutely LOVE!

Understanding the predatory sequence is such an important part of truly understanding why your dog behaves the way they do — especially when it comes to play, arousal, or behaviour that’s often misread.

🐾 My English Pointer, Myers, loves to Hunt (Seek) and Orient, and she really loves to Eye — that intense, motionless stare is something she falls into naturally.

🐕‍🦺 Krueger, my Huntaway/Dalmatian, also loves to Stalk and Chase - watch out flies! He’ll occasionally show some Kill Bite, and he definitely enjoys Dissect (especially if there’s fluff involved 😅).

Knowing these patterns has helped me make sense of so much — and it’s made training and enrichment more thoughtful and tailored to who they are.

📌 This infographic is an incredibly useful tool I’m grateful it has been created in an easy to follow format.

This Predatory Motor Patterns infographic is in my book and I've received several requests to make this chart available as a download/poster.

NOTES here: https://doggiedrawings.net/blogs/whats-new/new-free-download-predatory-motor-patterns

DOWNLOAD for free here: https://doggiedrawings.net/products/predatory-motor-patterns

Edit to add: What was the [breed] traditionally bred to do? Buy my book :) http://doggiedrawings.net/pages/dogs-of-the-world-book

10/07/2025

Hands. Off. My. Dog.

There’s this strange belief that if a dog is out in public, it’s automatically there for your enjoyment — to pat, cuddle, or interact with. Let me be clear:

Dogs are NOT public property.
I'll say it again — DOGS. ARE. NOT. PUBLIC. PROPERTY.

Just because you can reach out and touch a dog doesn’t mean you should. Many dogs are out working, training, building confidence, or just trying to exist peacefully in the world. Uninvited interactions can completely derail their progress, trigger anxiety, or even put them in danger.

The rule is simple: ask first. Always.

✅ Ask the human first — they know the dog best.
✅ Then, if permission is given, ask the dog — give them space and let them come to you.
❌ If the answer is no? Respect that. Don’t push it. Don’t take it personally. Just don’t touch.

If you see a yellow lead, vest, ribbon, or tag, that’s not just for decoration. It’s a clear, visible cue that the dog needs space. Please respect it.

Consent isn’t optional — even for dogs.
Let’s normalise asking before touching. Let’s teach kids to ask. Let’s help dogs feel safe in the world.

08/07/2025

Continual learning is part of how I show up for the people and animals I support.

I’ve recently completed the ISCP Diploma in Dog Bereavement Counselling, receiving a distinction. While this doesn’t make me a counsellor, it has deepened my understanding of grief and the grieving process—especially the unique ways we mourn our non-human companions.

At this stage, I’m not entirely sure how I’ll use this knowledge. I already hold space in the Grief Group—a private, gentle place for those navigating the loss of a beloved pet. But I’m also exploring the idea of offering sessions on:

🐾 Understanding the process of euthanasia

🐾 Assessing quality of life

🐾 Preparing for the loss of a family member

🐾 Learning how to grow around grief, rather than “getting over” it

Because the truth is, grief is love with nowhere to go. And when we lose our dogs, cats, horses, birds, or any other cherished companion, it deserves to be seen and supported.

I’d love to know—what do you think would be helpful? Are there topics you wish someone had talked to you about when you were grieving?

Let’s keep learning, together. 💜

08/07/2025

Therapy? Nah.
Spiritual awakening? Not today.
But I am on the couch with dogs who thinks I’m the best thing since liver treats—so I’m calling that a win.

Sometimes the best form of self-care is horizontal, covered in dog hair, and held emotionally hostage by a 4-legged nap partner.

10/10 would recommend.
Especially if snacks are involved.

Where’s your dog’s favourite place to squish into? Bonus points for weird couch positions 🛋️🐶👇

06/07/2025

Find your people.

The ones who get it.
The ones who understand that your dog isn’t “just a dog” — they’re family. A soulmate. Your constant.
And if they don’t fully understand it? They still accept it.
They don’t roll their eyes when you talk about your dog’s latest antics or cancel plans because your dog isn’t feeling well.
They know your dog matters — because you matter.

Those are your people.
Hold them close.

05/07/2025

Welfare Over Wallet

Dog welfare should always come before money.
Before profit.
Before convenience.
Before cost-cutting.

Whether you're a trainer, breeder, vet, walker, groomer, daycare, or guardian—welfare must come first.

If something causes harm, stress, or fear to a dog just to save time or make a quick dollar, it's not good enough.

We owe them better.

Because dogs aren’t business tools.
They’re not accessories.
They’re not here for our entertainment or income.

They’re living, feeling beings—and their wellbeing should never have a price tag.

05/07/2025

Sponsor Spotlight – Dukes Barkery

We’re excited to have Dukes Barkery on board as a sponsor for our Confident Canines Buried Hide Trial on 11th July!

Founded two years ago by Amii, Dukes Barkery began with handcrafted pupcakes and donuts at Smackbang store and quickly expanded into a full line of fresh weekly specials, bagged cookies, and themed treats. Today, Amii offers a wide range of custom cakes, cookies, and goodies not only for dogs, but also for cats and horses — all available online.

Amii has generously provided a special discount for all trial entrants — you’ll find the details in your Confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out their Instagram for some drool-worthy creations: 🐾💛

05/07/2025

What else belongs on this list

You know you are a dog lover when......

04/07/2025

Ever said “you’re so cute I could just bite you!” or felt the urge to squeeze something adorable? You’re not alone — and you’re not weird.

That feeling is called cute aggression, and it’s a real psychological response.

Scientifically, it falls under a category called dimorphous expressions — when intense positive emotions are expressed in ways that seem contradictory, like saying something aggressive when you’re overwhelmed by cuteness, or crying when you're overjoyed.

Researchers believe this happens because your brain is trying to maintain emotional balance. When you experience extreme positive feelings — like looking at a baby animal or even your own dog being ridiculously adorable — your nervous system counters it with a contrasting response to help you regulate and return to baseline. Think of it as emotional homeostasis.

Interestingly, studies using brain imaging have shown that cute aggression activates reward and emotion-processing areas like the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus, similar to how we respond to strong social bonding or caregiving instincts.

So next time you feel like growling “I just wanna squish you!” at your pup, know it’s your brain doing a little emotional fine-tuning.

02/07/2025

Let’s Not Laugh When Dogs Are Scared

It might seem harmless.
A dog shaking in the bath.
A pup barking at a shadow.
A dog refusing to walk past the bin.

But here’s the thing—it’s not funny.

That’s fear. Real, uncomfortable, overwhelming fear. And while we might understand there’s nothing to be scared of, your dog doesn’t. To them, it’s very real.

So when your dog is trembling, hiding, barking, or panicking—please don’t laugh.
Don’t grab your phone.
Don’t turn their fear into content.

Comfort them. Help them feel safe. Let them know you’ve got their back.

Because trust is built in these moments.
And fear isn’t funny when you’re the one feeling it.

01/07/2025

Some breeds just seem to confuse people! 🐾🤷‍♀️

Whether it's a mix or a lesser-known variation, some dogs are always getting mistaken for something else.

🐾 Krueger (Dalmatian x Huntaway) often gets called a GSP.
🐾 Myers (English Pointer) has been mistaken for a Great Dane and a Dalmatian.
🐾 Craven, my long-haired Weimaraner, constantly got asked “What’s he crossed with?” — turns out not many people know long-haired Weimaraners exist!

It’s not always a bad thing — but it is interesting how often it happens.

Does your dog get mistaken for another breed all the time?

Share your stories below — I’d love to know which ones confuse people the most!

28/06/2025

🐾 Sponsor Spotlight: Fetching Designs 🐾

We’re thrilled to have Fetching Designs as a sponsor of the Confident Canines Buried Hide Trial!

From custom clothing and quirky keep cups to glasses and coolers featuring your favourite doggie quotes, Fetching Designs adds a splash of personality to everyday items. They're also part of the creative team behind all our Confident Canines, Good Enough Club, and CCSI merch—bringing our ideas to life with style and heart.

Give them a follow and check out their pawsome range—you’re bound to find something fetch-tastic!