Carlys Canine Care

12/10/2025

When a change of scenery helps

We all know how it feels when everything starts to feel a bit too much. Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what we need, a quiet place to gather our thoughts, breathe, and reset. A different environment can shift our perspective and help us feel more at ease.

When our dog is struggling out on walks, sometimes the best thing we can do is change where we walk with them.

A quieter environment can shift how our dogs feel. Maybe the park we usually visit is too busy or the route we take has too many triggers.

Going somewhere calmer more open, driving to a location instead, can give our dogs space to think, breathe and engage with their surroundings, using their senses, without the pressure of them and us having to manage other distractions.

It also gives us time to observe. Subtle signals can tell us a lot about how they feel. Are they spending time sniffing? Is their body relaxed? Or is their body tense, alert, looking around? Are they able to move over different surfaces, or are they reluctant to step forward? Do they hold their ears back, or upright? Is their tail tucked, or held up higher than their normal? Is their mouth closed, tensed, or loose and relaxed? Are they panting more than their normal?

We know our dogs are always communicating how they feel, but in a quieter environment we have more opportunities to notice and reflect. By observing, we can better understand their experience and adjust what we’re doing to help them feel more supported.

29/08/2025

Will be closed while grieving the loss of one of my pets

30/07/2025

Sharing space

Navigating the world means constantly making choices about space, where to go, how close to stand, sit, to engage or pass by around others.

Most of us do this without even thinking, adjusting our paths to avoid brushing past others , choosing where to sit or stepping aside on a narrow path.

We all have preferences around how much space we need, this might depend where we are and how we feel, also who we’re sharing space with, people we know well, we might stop for a chat, share a hug, or sit close by. But around strangers we might smile as we walk by, share a good morning or just carry on with our day.

Not every dog wants close interaction with every person, dog or other animal they see. They might not feel comfortable interacting with or being approached by unknown people or other dogs. They may need their own space, space to eat, sleep and rest at home without being disturbed. They may need space without walking close by another dog, person and or other animals.

Some dogs need more space to move freely, providing a wide curve gently to create distance or more space to just watch.

Keeping dogs on lead around other animals or when we see other dogs on lead, really helps to manage potentially situations that might arise, respecting the shared space, making sure everyone stays safe to enjoy the outdoors.

Creating space isn’t about avoiding the world, it’s supporting our dogs and others to feel safe, it isn’t just about what we’re comfortable with. It’s about listening to what our dogs are telling us too.

05/07/2025

We often talk about providing our dogs with a “safe space.”

But when our dogs are struggling, whether at home or out in the world, it’s easy to forget that safety isn’t something we can decide for them. It’s something they have to feel for themselves.

What feels safe to one dog might be unsettling to another..Some dogs may seek safety in their bed in a corner, off the ground, lying at the back of the sofa, or on top of their crate in a different room away from visitors. Others feel more secure when they can see and hear the world around them.

Some dogs feel safe inside their home or car, quietly observing people, dogs, and traffic from their chosen spot. Others may only feel secure in an open outdoor area, with plenty of distance between themselves and others.

Some dogs, when frightened may not feel comfortable being petted, some feel safe being near their caregivers, while others feel safe being stroked or petted just by their known people.

True safety comes from offering choices and trusting our dogs to choose what feels right for them, sharing their emotions to truly understand the world a little more from their perspective.

We can learn a lot by watching their body language. Subtle signals speak volumes: how they move, how they hold themselves, the direction they turn, their breathing, facial expressions, eyes soft or staring, whether their mouth is open, closed, tense or relaxed, if they’re panting. Are their ears relaxed, held back, or alert? Is their tail loose, tucked, or tense?

These small but important signals give us valuable feedback about how they’re feeling. Communication isn’t always loud, but just as important. When we pay close attention, we start to understand what safety means to them, not just what looks right to us.

Safety isn’t just about a space, it’s a feeling that needs to be felt.

28/04/2025

Struggling with a training challenge or looking to reach a new goal with your dog?

I'm offering a special type of 1:1 Training Consultation.

For just £30, we'll spend an hour:

➡️Getting clear on your specific goal

➡️Understand the potential underlying reasons for your dog’s behaviour

➡️Find a way forward that works for you and your dog with initial recommendations

But here's the special part. After our consultation, I'll go away and tailor together, 2 or 3 bespoke Training Package options for you to choose from, based on the level or type of support that suits you best.

Flexible, practical, made just for you.

Ready to take the next step?
Send me a message to see if a bespoke package is right for you.

12/02/2025

For those it may concern.
I am not taking on any new dog walking clients and am booked up for dog sitting jobs from now until September

10/12/2024

For those it may concern

i will be closed for the holidays from the 22nd December to the 3rd of January. Hope you all have a great festive season!

07/12/2024

Home enrichment is excellent way to keep dogs entertained so with the storm rolling in it is the perfect time to implement them

Indoor Enrichment Time!!

There’s many things that Murphy enjoys and one of his favourite indoor enrichment activities is shredding boxes 📦

Enrichment should be something your dog enjoys doing, wanting to take part in and is safe for them.

Every dog is different and they all have their likes and dislikes. What’s your dog’s favourite home enrichment activity?

26/11/2024

Dog sitting highlights with Ted

10/11/2024

We're not mean.
We're not nasty or bad.
We’re just a little scared sometimes.
A yellow muzzle or harness isn’t a sign of aggression — it’s a gentle ask for space.
For some of us, close encounters can feel overwhelming.
When my human asks you to call your dog back, it’s not because they think your dog is naughty or unfriendly.
We just like different things, and they're just trying to help me feel safe.
So next time you see a dog wearing yellow, could you do one small thing for us?
Just give us a little extra room.
It would mean the world to us.

31/10/2024

EMERGENCY PLEA

We are more than desperate for a foster home /adoptive home for our lovely Gus.

He was rehomed as a 5 month old pup and has been returned due to not getting along with the cat, the owners were super pushy and threatened to take him to another rescue if we didn't take him back immediately despite not having a suitable placement for him.

He is currently in a busy foster home, which really isn't working out. We have tried him in a different foster home, but the issue stands the same, and the majority of dogs really dislike Gus because of his size and the fact that he is so boisterous.

Gus is a Caucasian shepherd mix and will probably be 60 plus kg when he's fully grown. He needs an experienced owner and would be best placed with no other pets.

He's very people friendly, and he is dog friendly. The issue is dogs not liking him very much.

He is facing kennels very soon if we can't find anything more suitable for him.

He's a big baby who needs further training, he can't live with small children due to his size and he needs a pet free home.

Please message the page if you can help and as always please share. Kennels will ruin this gorgeous boy.

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃