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Force Free Behaviour Practitioner
Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant
Gun Dog Specialist

Animal centred & trauma informed practice
Animal Communication | Reiki | Zoopharmacognosy | Kinesiology

BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv
CSAP-BC
Dip.A.C
ISCP & NICE Canine Behaviour Practitioner, Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer and animal communicator using a force free compassionate dog centred approach

* Diploma

in Advanced Canine Behaviour
* BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv (PETbc Accredited)
* Student Member of ISCP
* Puppy Training Specialist - Dog Training College
* Canine Body Language Instructor - Dog Training College
* Reactivity Specialist - Dog Training College
* Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer (certified by Julie Naismith) - CertSAPT
* Animal Reiki Practitioner
* Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner
* Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Practitioner
* Diploma in Animal Communication
* Fully insured and CPD assured

Book a free 30 mins exploration call here
https://eu.jotform.com/220152478109351

Yep and I’m not even sorry for it!! I know there are a lot of people out there at the moment feeling quite anxious about...
07/11/2024

Yep and I’m not even sorry for it!!

I know there are a lot of people out there at the moment feeling quite anxious about what is going on in the world. It can be overwhelming. It's the same for our dogs too.

Here's something to help........

Did you know there is scientific evidence that looking at pictures of our animals gives us a boost of oxytocin.

Anything positive you can do to ‘power up’ a feeling of love, happiness or connection gives you a boost of oxytocin, so get scrolling through those pictures!!!! 😊 🐾

If your dog struggled last night with the fireworks it is really important they are given plenty of opportunity to rest ...
06/11/2024

If your dog struggled last night with the fireworks it is really important they are given plenty of opportunity to rest and be calm today.

You may have felt anxious, angry or frustrated too. Be kind to yourself.

Emotional reactions really take their toll on bodies and minds.

Animals like your dog may react to things they don't usually for a few days - this is normal. They may show unwanted behaviours you thought they'd overcome - this is normal.

Their bodies will be full of stress hormones which will take a while to discharge again.

You can help them discharge this stress though by:

🐾 Prioritising scentwork activities
🐾 Offering plenty of long lasting chews
🐾 Encouraging plenty of rest
🐾 Calm sniffy walk somewhere quiet

Try not to add to the cumulation of stress hormones by carrying on with their busy routines regardless.

We know stress has a negative effect not just on behaviour, but also their physical health.

Let them rest.

Credit : Calvert Canines

05/11/2024

Occasionally someone pops along here with the idea that I have no practical experience with dogs, couldn't handle a working dog and that's why I don't understand why 'tools' are needed for some dog breeds.

I was in a bite suit and operationally searching for live explosives with dogs decades ago. Working breeds are easier to train with positive reinforcement because they are literally born to work. Dogs don't need prong collars - poor trainers do - because they haven't learned or skilled up enough.

And if you can't teach a companion breed to volunteer something, by using a marker, you have a long way to go with your training. I would say you're not a dog trainer, because that's brain work. A prong collar is not brain work.

If you think you need to expose an innocent dog to a prong collar you don't. You need to learn more.

It really is as simple as that.

And here endeth the lesson.

All dogs deserve safety.

It's a welfare right.

Don't poke the bear.

I am the bear 🐻😅

05/11/2024

Let’s Talk About Bad Advice: Why Your Dog Needs Your Comfort and Attention 🐾

Unfortunately, I’ve been seeing some advice circulating in dog groups that suggests we should distance ourselves from our dogs in certain ways: don’t talk to your dog too much, don’t fuss them too often, don’t let them follow you around, don’t let them sit next to you, and don’t comfort them when they’re anxious. All of this, apparently, is to avoid “anthropomorphising.”

Let’s take a step back and talk about why this advice is so misguided.

Dogs Thrive on Communication

Talking to your dog isn’t just harmless—it’s incredibly beneficial! Dogs are social creatures who understand more than we often give them credit for. Verbal communication can help dogs feel grounded, connected, and secure. When we narrate, chat, or gently guide them with our words, it becomes part of a shared language that helps them understand what’s happening in their world.

Fussing Isn’t a Crime—It’s Connection

When our dogs seek out a pat or a cuddle, it’s natural to respond! Fussing over your dog, showing affection, and sharing these moments is part of a healthy, loving relationship. Dogs are emotional beings; they feel joy, curiosity, and contentment. Responding to their need for closeness reinforces your bond and helps them feel secure.

Comfort in Times of Anxiety

One of the most damaging pieces of advice out there is to ignore your dog when they’re anxious. In moments of distress, dogs benefit enormously from reassurance. Comforting them when they’re nervous or frightened doesn’t “reinforce” fear—it simply helps them feel safe and supported. Ignoring a dog’s anxiety can create unnecessary emotional stress, leading them to feel isolated and unsupported. Comforting them, on the other hand, can build resilience over time and encourage a calm, secure mindset.

Is Anthropomorphising Really a Problem?

The fear of anthropomorphising—assigning human characteristics to dogs—often leads to this kind of hands-off advice. But the truth is, dogs share many of the same emotions as we do. They have similar brain structures that process emotions, allowing them to feel joy, fear, and love. While there are, of course, some limitations, empathising with our dogs doesn’t create problems; it builds connection and understanding. Treating our dogs with kindness, empathy, and respect for their emotions aligns more with who they are than trying to keep them at arm’s length.

The Bottom Line

Respecting your dog’s emotional needs—through communication, affection, and comfort—won’t make them “clingy” or “demanding.” It’s a foundation for a healthy, trust-based relationship. Our dogs depend on us, not just for food or exercise, but for emotional connection and reassurance. Let’s honour that bond by listening to their needs and being there for them, just as they are always there for us.

So, go ahead and talk to your dog, give them a fuss, and offer comfort when they need it. They deserve to feel valued, understood, and loved. 🐾💛

05/11/2024

Strange request but who fancies volunteering to do a past life regression for my studies please?!

I need 5 case studies to be assessed🙏

A new law has passed in crazy land. You MUST own one breed from every group, or you face capital punishment. Once you've...
05/11/2024

A new law has passed in crazy land. You MUST own one breed from every group, or you face capital punishment.

Once you've chosen, you are stuck with your choices for a hundred years or life, whichever comes last.

There’s just too many for me to pick 😩🐾

Gundog - Working Cocker Spaniel
Terrier - Jack Russel
Pastoral - Rough Collie
Hound - Dachshund
Toy - Poodle
Utility - Shiba Inu
Working - Doberman

What breeds will you choose?? Let me know below🐾🐾

04/11/2024

💥Bonfire Night Advice💥
(and all the other nights that fireworks are let off)

Put in some preparation now, don't assume that your dog will be ok with it all.
🐾 A new puppy? - don't risk developing a life long fear
🐾 A puppy that seemed fine on their first Bonfire night? - this could be very different on their second
🐾 An older dog? - they may find it more scary than previous years
🐾 A dog that is in pain? - they may also be more scared this year as pain and sound sensitivities are massively linked. (you may have no idea that your dog is in pain remember)

Plan and prepare as if they will be scared, you will have plenty of tools in your tool kit when the fireworks are upon you. Trying to scrabble around at the last minute when your dog is distressed, can be really ineffectual.

Just telling your dog that everything is ok and not to be scared - IS NOT ENOUGH!

Apart from the obvious advice about walking them in daylight, keeping their microchip details up to date, keeping them on lead etc..... you can do lots in the house.

🔥Watch for more subtle signs your dog is becoming scared - being more vigilant, attention seeking behaviour, panting, lower body posture- don't let it get beyond this. to full blown panic
🔥 Prepare a safe space, close blinds, make it cosy, put food toys in there, always allow your dog to escape there if they want to
🔥 Distractions are great - tricks, tug, ball play, super tasty Kongs, snuffle mats, chews etc.
🔥 Noise and light blocking - use of white and brown noise (get your dog used to these in advance if you can) If your dog retreats to the bathroom, you can run the taps. I find classical music has too many pauses and quiet moments and doesn't cut the mustard!
🔥 Calming supplements and weighted clothing 'may' help
🔥 Never punish your dog
🔥 If you can't distract them with fun and food, provide as much comfort to them as needed.
🔥 Shower them with treats after every noise they notice and keep a happy tone of voice
🔥 Never leave them alone at home
🔥 In more serious cases, speak to your vet, they may prescribe a short term medication, that lasts a couple of hours.

Here is a link to a 3 minute video from the wonderful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFF52aLgQow&t=36s

And a link to the eBook and infographic
https://illis.se/en/eliminating-firework-and-thunder-phobia-in-dogs/

Remember, loud noises can be terrifying for animals, but you can help yours through it ❤️

Hi everyone! Just a heads-up that I’ll be offline and unable to respond to any messages for a short time. I appreciate y...
26/10/2024

Hi everyone! Just a heads-up that I’ll be offline and unable to respond to any messages for a short time.

I appreciate your patience and will get back to all queries as soon as I can.

If you do need support please browse my FB page, click the three dots at the top right hand corner and seach for what you need.

I also have some great online resources to help you too. You can find them here https://pawsforthoughtcaninecoach.newzenler.com/

For any urgent support or queries, you can always speak to Matrix Dog Development, Wülfgang Dog Training or KALEE - Canine Wellbeing & Education

Thank you for your understanding!

Dogs are extraordinarily empathic. 🐾🤍They can feel what you are experiencing in their own bodies. They may even try to c...
25/10/2024

Dogs are extraordinarily empathic. 🐾🤍

They can feel what you are experiencing in their own bodies. They may even try to comfort you when you are upset. This can also happen at a distance ⋆°🐾˖°

They feel what you feel so this is a sign to make sure you take care of your emotional self ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

You can learn how to do this through my short course 'Transform Your Dog : Heal Yourself' please comment below if you are interested.
♡🐾

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Paws for thought.......my story

"Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem." ― A.A. Milne

I love all animals, especially dogs. They make us better humans and we have a lot to learn from such an incredible animal. I have been so lucky to own such amazing dogs through the years but one dog came into my life that made a huge impact and taught me so much. I was lucky enough to learn from some amazing trainers and behaviourists and want to share this knowledge with other dog owners and help make a difference to the lives of our dogs.

I see so many people struggling to try and understand their dog’s behaviour and thinking they have the naughty dog, the one that doesn’t listen, the one that plays up, the one that nevers recalls or barks at everything! Let’s pause.....and think about what is our dog really saying to us? Why do they act the way they do? How can we understand and listen to what they are telling us? How can we help them?

More importantly how can I help YOU to help them?