Canis Amicus

14/09/2024

It makes us sad to see some of the posts on our social accounts where "trainers" are clearly causing dogs distress in order to get a "quick fix" for the camera.

We believe that every dog has the right to live without fear, pain or uncertainty.

A dog’s sense of safety and wellbeing should always be our top priority, ensuring they thrive in an environment where they are free to express themselves as the individual free thinking beings they are and grow confidently.

The abundance of research supporting positive, science based training methods clearly evidences that these approaches not only promote healthy, happy relationships between dogs and their owners but are also more effective in the long term. Using kindness, patience and an understanding of how dogs learn leads to lasting, trustworthy behaviour.

If you are using outdated methods or harmful tools that inflict pain or discomfort just to force a dog into compliance, it’s time to rethink your approach.

This way of thinking belongs in the dark ages, and to continue on this path is not only illogical, but undeniably cruel.

Dogs are sentient beings, deserving of respect, not subjects to be controlled through fear or pain.

Positive reinforcement is not just a choice – it’s the only humane, intelligent way forward.

We need to keep being the voice and speaking up because dogs can't.

We need to keep showing people that there is a kinder way.

Sending positivity and love to you all ❤️

31/08/2024

23/08/2024

Finally took a photo of me showing off my new bike which is certainly an upgrade from the previous bike 👍🙂

04/08/2024

A crazy week for me...
Took my Apollo bike for a service but would not be ready for at least a week so had to rely on buses to get to my jobs. Unfortunately the routes and times had all changed which meant some of my jobs had to be cancelled. The hot weather and extra walking made my Achilles tendons swell up so much that more jobs had to be cancelled. I needed a bike so visited local bike shops and found my next bike. Mum very kindly purchased it for my birthday. I had my first ride to a dog walking job today which went okay. Still need to make adjustments but pleased to be back pedalling! My other bike will be kept as a spare.

14/07/2024

So a few weeks ago while out on a dog walking job found a ball that looked Eddie proof (see pic) I took it with me on Eddie's walk and it survived (see videos). The next time I walked him he gutted it!! 🤣

09/06/2024

Gizmo finally went to the groomer. Owner has been searching for a suitable groomer and made an appointment with Scruffymutz. I saw Gizmo today and he had turned from a scruffy shaggy dog to a short haired cute handsome dog. He seemed pleased with his new look and personally think the groomer did a good job. Not seen the owner so don't know if she is pleased!!

02/06/2024

Good advice

Walking with worried dogs can make walks hard, emotional and even scary. It's important to remember that even when a dog lunges forward, they are just trying to stay safe. We can help you to understand your dog and learn howe to make walks better, just drop us a line below.

26/05/2024

Saturday is usually my day off but sometimes I do walk dogs,this Saturday afternoon I went to walk Eddie. Took a ball with me however did not last long 😂
A couple of pics of Eddie demolishing the ball

19/05/2024

On Sundays I walk Gizmo if he is the only job and the weather is nice he gets a longer walk usually to the fields. Today I decided to video some of the walk

19/05/2024

13/05/2024

Took Dexter for an afternoon walk and we ended up up on a hill away from the mad crowds and with no one around took in the lovely views

22/04/2024

Last week I had some walks with Dexter and one of the walks took him to the fields which we have not visited for some time. He seemed pleased with the change but to my surprise thankfully did not go for a dip in the water 🤔🤣

15/04/2024

Sundays I usually have one dog to walk which is Gizmo but this Sunday had also Buddy to walk. It was another nice day not as warm as Saturday but pleasant with some wind 👍

14/04/2024

Saturday is usually my day off but sometimes I do walk dogs in the afternoon. This Saturday it was Buddy's turn for an afternoon walk. It was a nice warm afternoon all be it fairly windy!

22/03/2024

Decided to get new business cards so searched for a place to get it down. Found Banana Print and created my business card. It was easy to do and in no time had placed the order. The new cards arrived quickly. I should also mention they have a very good customer service. Here is pics of my card showing front and back.

20/03/2024

For some time now I have been wanting to get new equipment for my dog walking, I decided to look online and checked out Etsy, a site where small businesses can sell their goods. I ended up buying the following:

A dog walking bag provided by LJsgiftsandclothes

A dog treat bag provided by EmmaJoyDesignCrafts

A standard and lightweight slip leads provided by Mako Pet Supplies

A standard and lightweight rope leads provided by Petwiz

29/02/2024

If your dog sits on the sofa, they are dominating you. If your dog goes through the door before you, they are dominating you. If your dog barks at other dogs they are dominating you. Time after time, the choices dogs make or the behaviours they display are blamed on dominance. Aversive trainers continue to promote the myth that dogs are obsessed with being the top dog and that any display of unwanted behaviours is supposedly evidence of that, but lets review...

We choose where they go, what they eat, when they eat, when they are walked, where they are walked, what they wear, when they are played with, what they play with, who they see, where they sleep; need I go on. We control every aspect of their life and that started the moment we chose to bring them home. We subject them to scary situations and complain when they don't cope. In fact, social media is full of videos and photos of dogs forced into positions where all choices are removed and people comment how hilarious it is. We deny them of opportunities to display natural behaviours and expect them to conform to unreasonable standards.

Who is the one in control? Who in the relationship is taking advantage of the other's vulnerabilities? Dogs aren't obsessed with power or dominance, we are. Dominance does exist in canine behaviour, however, its meaning and application are very different to how we use it, thus it does not belong in our relationship. Lets leave it behind and remember that dogs are family members, not competitors. - Holly Leake

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