Alistair Kirk's Canine Academy

09/01/2025

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing last week of Karen Pryor, a true pioneer in the world of animal behaviour and training.

Karen revolutionised the way we understand and teach animals through her work with clicker training and positive reinforcement. Her groundbreaking book, Don't Shoot the Dog! was one of the first two proper dog training books I ever bought (alongside the equally brilliant 'The other end of the Leash' by Patricia McConnell) and it remains a cornerstone for trainers, behaviourists, and pet owners worldwide to this day, offering a compassionate and scientifically sound approach to teaching and communication.

Her contributions to force-free training have shaped the industry, inspiring countless trainers and pet guardians to build relationships rooted in trust, kindness, and mutual understanding.

Although I was never personally lucky enough to hear her speak live, Karen's wider legacy will live on in every click, in every moment we choose to reinforce the behaviour we want rather than punishing the behaviour we don't. She taught us that animals — and people — learn best when treated with respect and encouragement, something that seems all the more important in an age of social media, and the constant demand for easy and quick fixes.

Rest in peace, Karen. You will be deeply missed, but your influence will continue to guide us for generations to come.

31/12/2024

20/12/2024

Wednesday evening saw the last puppy class of 2024 conclude with these two awesome puppy and care giver teams graduating, with another 3 that couldn't make it due to absence or illness. This cohort in particular was a great example of how careful and managed socialisation can build confidence, alongside training to work on behaviours, seeing a massive all round improvement from week 1 to week 6.

This year we've done 10 puppy classes for 40 puppies and their caregivers and I'm looking forward to helping even more people and dogs next year!

25/11/2024

With our Scurry Dog Workshops coming up in December, join us for a chat with Scurry Dog Co-Founder Clare Davies to talk about what it is and why it's great!

25/11/2024

🎯 Motivation gets you started, but discipline keeps you going.

When it comes to dog training, as with many things like diets or exercise, it’s easy to feel excited at the start of your journey.

You picture a perfect recall or your dog walking calmly at your side. But what about the days when you’re tired, busy, or things don’t go to plan? That’s when discipline takes over.

Training your dog isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or the right mood. It’s about showing up, practising regularly, and turning training into a habit.

✅ Daily effort builds trust and consistency.
✅ Small, consistent steps create lasting results.
✅ Your dog thrives on stimulation and engagement.

Make training a part of your everyday life—like making a cuppa or brushing your teeth. A little effort every day is far more effective than a big session once a week. Your dog depends on you, and with discipline, you’ll grow together as a team.

🐾 We want progress, not perfection—and persistence is what gets you that progress!

21/11/2024

Scurry Dog is a Gundog based fun new dog sport with five exciting games and five levels of progression. The Games are based on skills that gundogs need in the field, adapted for all types of pet dog to enjoy.

Kirk's Canine Academy is delighted to be hosting .dog co-founder Aleksandra Borawska for two x 3 hour practical in-person workshops on Sun 15th December at 10.00-13.00, and 14.00-17.00, at a fantastic 60x40m indoor venue near Cross Hands - Silverstone Equestrian.

Check out the website to book, link in bio!

13/11/2024

This is the second time recently I've seen issues of this nature - the other was with some counterfeit Yumove again sold on Amazon.
Make sure you pay close attention to any medications or supplements you're buying - do they match previous packaging and stamping. Are there any spelling mistakes. If you're really concerned, contact the manufacturer and check batch numbers and any other identifying info.

Keep Safe!

07/11/2024

Last night marked the end of our Puppy Progression course for these AMAZING seven puppy and guardian teams 🥰
It was such an awesome group of puppies and people and the progression in their confidence, play and training across the 6 weeks was wonderful to watch! Congratulations all 😁

25/10/2024

What you need to know about pain relief trials!

As a bare minimum for my clients I often request a pain relief trial (analgesic trial), especially if the dog is “sensitive” at the vets and cannot be examined properly.

50% of the time we see results - hooray!

The other 50% of the time, we don’t and the Vet rules out pain and puts the issues down to just being behavioural.

As we all know from my little rant a few weeks back:

“Pain cannot and should not be ruled out” its impossible for one species to say with 100% certainty that another species isn’t in pain … truth is we just don’t know because pain is subjective.

That 50% of the time where the vet says its not pain but just behavioural needs rethinking and more questions asked.

If pain relief is given, and no changes occur, does it really mean the dog is not in pain?

It’s not that simple.

There are many different types of pain that a living being can experience;

Visceral - Visceral pain is pain that originates from the internal organs and blood vessels, such as the heart, lungs, or pancreas. It can feel deep, squeezing, or colicky, and is often difficult to pinpoint.

Somatic - Somatic pain is pain that affects other bodily tissues like muscles, skin, and bones.

Neuropathic - Neuropathic pain is nerve pain - spinal cord, peripheral nerves etc.

When a being experiences pain, they can experience one or a combination of the above types.

Consider this…

- Quite often Metacam, for example, is a vets first port of call which targets Somatic pain and inflammation - what happens if the dog is experiencing a different type or combination of pain? Is the dog on the right dosage, does it need to be and can it be increased?

- Quite often the course of the pain meds is only given for 10 days largely due to licensing of the drug - but is this enough time to get on top of CHRONIC long term pain (Sarah Heath recommends 6 - 8 weeks)?

You smashers know I like to put a human spin on things, and I quite often use my own experiences to get my point across so it will be of no surprise when I tell you I threw my back out yesterday morning. I'm in agony. No position is comfortable, standing, sitting or lying. I'm waspy as hell.

I am taking Paracetamol and Ibuprofen regularly and NOTHING is touching the discomfort I am experiencing!

The difference between me and a dog is that I can tell you that the pain meds aren’t working and I am still in pain.

So where does that leave our dogs?

17/10/2024

We're delighted to be hosting a Recall and Loose Lead Walking workshop over half-term - check out the details below!

A 2.5 hour workshop to improve your dog's Recall & Loose Lead Walking skills!

13/10/2024

Don't ever let anyone tell you positive reinforcement training won't work with high drive working dogs.

It works on a massive range of species across the animal kingdom, and there's a difference between they can't get it to work and it won't work full stop.

A trainer's use of aversives (including prong collars, shock collars and other harmful tools and methods) tends to be inversely proportional to their knowledge and skill as a trainer.

12/10/2024

Slippery floors can pose a real challenge for our dogs, especially for older pups or those dealing with injuries and mobility issues, and I often discuss this with my clients.

The CAM rallying cry of "rugs not drugs" has for a long time highlighted the significance of environmental adjustments to enhance our dogs' daily lives. However, toe grips offer a revolutionary solution for improving grip and stability. These little wonders can make a big difference, helping our furry friends navigate their spaces with confidence. Let’s prioritise their comfort and safety!

Dr Buzby’s ToeGrips from K9 Mobility

Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips are the only product on the market that use dogs’ natural bio-mechanics, by providing traction through their toenails. ToeGrips are designed for senior, rehabilitating, and special needs dogs.

Dr Buzby’s ToeGrips are available in the following sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL & ###L.

Please refer to our measuring instructions to determine the correct size for your dog.

N.B. ToeGrips are supplied in packs of 20.

Help support CAM and your dog at the same time by purchasing Dr Buzby’s ToeGrips from Orthopets.

Check it out via:
https://www.camonlineshop.com/dr-buzbys-toegrips-from-orthopets/

10/10/2024

Another Dynamic Dog Assessment submitted to the vet 💪 - another dog will hopefully now receive the help it needs to feel better and change its behaviour. 🤞
Dynamic Dog Assessments can help give vets more information on what might be happening and where they might want to start further investigations🩻, highlighting behaviours and physical gait adaptations that the vet wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to see. 👀

27/09/2024

Wednesday evening saw these amazing puppy and guardian teams graduated from their Puppy Progression Course and I'm so proud and pleased for all of them. As a cohort they were an absolute pleasure and I love how it comes through in the photos how well they've done to build focus and engagement (and some relative calmness 😂).

Congratulations all!

25/09/2024

Dogs aren't wolves. Wolves don't act like that anyway. No one should want to hurt or be nasty to their dog, AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE to get them to do stuff.

Work WITH your dog in a partnership.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐱𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Fact 1: We humans created domestic dogs (over hundreds of generations) to be our friends and companions. We literally made them to need and want to please us.

Fact 2: Despite this, some dog trainers still believe dogs act like wolves in wolf packs. These trainers think dogs need to be told or shocked to avoid being dangerous or difficult. This is based on a theory that was debunked many decades ago.

Fact 3: Wolves in wolf packs are family groups who use subtle and highly intelligent communication to maintain peace within the family.

So, according to this idea, dogs are strutting around thinking they are wolves and that we too are wolves,. Dogs trying to take advantage of us by leading our "pack"—even though wolves themselves don't lead packs in this way. Despite the fact that dogs have been bred for hundreds of years to want to be with us and to please us.

Let's be a bit more aware than that shall we?

17/09/2024

Check out Happy Hounds Dog Training's great analysis of the full paper referenced in my latest reel below!

Dog Chases Animals? Try THIS Step-by-Step Prey Drive Training Tutorial.►🙋‍♀️COMPLETE DOG TRAINING SOLUTIONS: •❓🤨 STRUGGLING WITH LEASH TRAINING? 👇 ✅...