Follow Us...

Over the years, I’ve experimented with many different types of dog toys.

And while I truly believe there’s no single “best” toy for every dog, there are a few staples I keep coming back to because they’re versatile and easy to integrate into both training and play.

Comment ‘play’ and I’ll DM you my personal favourites ⚽️

#dogtoys #dogplay #dogtraining #dogowners #caninesense

...

52 6 instagram icon
Can we help Winnie to trust people?

Meet Winnie, my next residential training dog.

She arrives on Monday and will be staying with me for training for the next six weeks.

Winnie has bitten over 10 times, with several bites drawing blood. She also displays behaviours such as guarding spaces and showing severe aggression during grooming, which has required medication as it was otherwise not possible and she would even bite her owner.

She was previously on a high dose of fluoxetine, which has recently been phased out so we can begin training.

I’m excited to welcome Winnie and truly hope we can change her outlook and improve her quality of life, as well as that of her family.

Follow along to see how Winnie gets on. I’ll also be sharing updates on my stories.

P.S. The first time I met Winnie, she launched straight out of the door and bit my right arm. She would do this with most people who she meets for the first time and she hates the postman too. 

#dogtraining #dogbehaviour #reactivedog #dogtrainingjourney #caninesense

...

206 21 instagram icon
I came across this quote in the book ‘Atlas of the Heart’ by Brené Brown and it instantly resonated with me and the work I do.

For our dogs, boundaries & rules create freedom — not restriction.
They allow communication, safety, and real connection to grow.

Where there is a lack of clear boundaries, there is chaos.
Dogs who don’t come back when called.
Dogs who attack others.
Dogs who end up living restricted lives — kept on a lead because they never learned how to navigate the world safely.

Boundaries are natural.
They exist everywhere in nature.
Insects know it.
Lions.
Horses.
Dogs.
Humans.

Boundaries give clarity.
And there is nothing more beautiful than clarity.

Because clarity creates connection.
And connection is what we’re all looking for.

📸 @debbieharephotography 

#dogtraining #dogbehavior #dogtrainerlife #boundaries #caninesense

...

35 1 instagram icon
There are many ways to approach behaviour challenges in dogs.

One option is management.
You redirect.
You ask for a different behaviour.

And sometimes… that’s enough.

But a much more sustainable option — in my experience —
is changing how your dog feels about the trigger.

Because when the emotion changes,
the behaviour changes with it.

That’s always the goal when it’s possible.

Tossing treats has become very trendy online.
But it doesn’t change the underlying emotion.

That deeper emotional work is what I focus on with my clients
and in my residential training programmes.

#dogtraining #dogbehavior #behaviormodification #dogreactivity #caninesense

...

142 7 instagram icon
They blamed genetics.
I saw a dog who was very intelligent and misunderstood. 

A good connection changed everything.
Clarity gave him direction.
Outlets bettered his life.

Not broken.
Not evil.
Not crazy.

Just misunderstood.

Four weeks ago, I was his worst enemy.
Now look at his enthusiasm to work with me.

Would you have given him a chance?

#caninesense 
#dogrehabilitation
#reactivedog
#obediencetraining
#dogbehavior

...

135 29 instagram icon
Merlin, halfway through his programme

Not a “before & after.” ❌
Not a quick fix ⏳

Earlier, visitors felt overwhelming and unsafe to him — and his behaviour reflected that 😟

Today, you’re seeing the same dog, in the same situation…
but with a completely different emotional response ✨

Behaviour change isn’t about suppression 🚫
It’s about helping a dog see the world in a different light 🌞

This is what real progress looks like in the middle — not the end 🔄

Want to learn more about Merlin and our work? 
Check out our page. 🌟

#dogtraining #dogbehavior #behaviorchange #dogs #caninesense

...

105 8 instagram icon