Canine Interaction

05/08/2025

🦮 Not all heroes wear capes… some walking quietly beside us.

This International Assistance Dog Week, we honour the quiet heroes who walk beside us every day — the ones who guide, comfort, alert, anchor, and empower.

These dogs don’t just follow commands — they carry hope, dignity, and freedom in every step.

At Canine Interaction, we’ve had the absolute honour of helping people across Adelaide raise and train these four-legged champions — from selecting the right puppy to preparing them for Public Access Testing (PATS), and everything in between.

Their impact is immeasurable. Their presence? Life-changing.

💛 This week, join us in celebrating the dogs who don’t just wear a harness — they wear purpose.

05/08/2025

Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week

They don’t fly.
They don’t speak.
But they change lives every single day.

Not all heroes wear capes… some wear harnesses.

04/08/2025

Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week: James & Ember
The quiet heroism of a working dog, and the life she helps light up.

At Canine Interaction, we’re honoured to celebrate International Assistance Dog Week by sharing the story of one of our own—James, a linchpin in our team, and his incredible assistance dog, Ember.

James speaks with quiet humility about what Ember brings to his life, but the depth of their connection is undeniable.

“We went out for lunch today,” James shared. “Ember stayed calmly in place for an hour and a half while we ate and caught up. I can’t tell you the relief that brings. Just knowing she’s there—watchful, calm, steady. It gives me ease of mind.”
For James, Ember is more than just a dog. She’s a lifeline in moments that often go unnoticed by others.

“When I start to get anxious, I tend to rattle my leg. It’s a subtle sign to most—but Ember notices. She’s alert, tuned in, and ready to support me in the way I need. That kind of awareness is something people often take for granted.”
In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, Ember brings balance. And in simple day-to-day experiences—like dining out—her presence transforms the experience.

“She also makes starting conversations with people so much easier. Ember becomes a bridge. Instead of awkward silence, she invites warmth, questions, curiosity. And that human connection becomes a little more accessible.”
This week, and every week, we honour the role assistance dogs play in creating freedom, safety, and confidence for the people who rely on them. Behind every assistance dog is a journey of training, trust, and the kind of partnership that reshapes lives.

Thank you, James and Ember, for reminding us that not all heroes wear capes—some wear harnesses.

04/08/2025

04/08/2025

Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week 🐾

Assistance dog work is at the very heart of everything we do here at Canine Interaction. Each week, we have the privilege of meeting incredible humans across Adelaide—each with their own unique story, challenges, and dreams. Together, we explore what it truly means to have a specially trained dog by their side to help them thrive.

It’s not just training—it’s deeply personal, powerful, and purpose-driven work. And we’re honoured to walk alongside each person on their journey.

This week, we’re shining a light on the dogs who change lives—and the people whose lives are forever enriched by them. You’ll hear from our team, our clients, and even our own lived experiences as trainers and handlers.

Stay tuned. There’s a lot of heart to share. 💛

21/07/2025

🎓🌟 Galaxy Graduated! 🌟🎓

Last weekend, we took our Canine Fundamentals program indoors—and it was a huge success! We also celebrated a very special graduation… Galaxy completed the course! 🐾✨

If you’ve been following along, you might recognise Galaxy from our Puppy School days. It’s been such a joy watching her grow in confidence and skills.

Canine Fundamentals is the perfect next step after Puppy School—still packed with fun, but with a strong focus on real-life skills that help pups navigate the big, wide world with ease. From leash manners to focus games, we’re setting our graduates up for success beyond the classroom.

Big congratulations to Galaxy and her handler—you make a brilliant team! 💛👏

08/07/2025

🧠 Pets and Brain Health: New Insights

Dog and cat ownership is linked to slower cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
Dog owners showed stronger immediate and delayed memory.
Cat owners experienced a slower decline in verbal fluency.

🐾 Not All Pets Are Equal

Fish and bird owners did not show the same cognitive benefits.
Researchers suggest this may be due to shorter lifespans, less interaction, or even noise disturbance from birds.

🧬 Why Dogs and Cats Help

Interaction with dogs boosts prefrontal brain activation, attention, and emotional arousal.

Cats stimulate the inferior frontal gyrus, likely due to their unpredictable nature.
Both species increase social stimulation, which can help reduce cognitive decline.

📊 The Research

Conducted over 18 years with adults aged 50+, using data from the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe.
Lead researcher Adriana Rostekova emphasised the species-specific benefits of pet ownership.

💬 A Broader Message on Ageing

Andrew Scott, longevity expert, says we must rethink health beyond hospitals — pets may play a fun and meaningful role in healthy ageing.

🧭 Final Thought

Owning a cat or dog might be more than companionship — it could be an investment in your cognitive future.

📖 Read the full article on The Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jul/05/dog-cat-ownership-could-preserve-specific-brain-functions-as-we-age-cognitive-decline?CMP=share_btn_url

Owning dog or cat could preserve some brain functions as we age, study says

07/07/2025

🐟 Adelaide Dog Owners, Please Read 🐾

We’ve seen a lot over the years, but what’s currently happening on our coastline is both concerning and dangerous for our dogs.

A recent algae bloom has caused a mass fish kill along many Adelaide beaches. These fish are washing ashore in large numbers—and while they might seem like a fun find for curious canines, they could be deadly.

Thankfully, Ryder's solid “Leave it” and reliable recall paid off today. As you’ll see in the photos, that one cue—trained and proofed in all sorts of situations—may have been the difference between a safe beach walk and a trip to the vet (or worse).

This experience really made me reflect...

👉 What’s the one skill you WISH your dog had down-pat—but don’t feel like you’ve nailed just yet?
👉 Is it recall?
👉 A bombproof 'leave it'?
👉 Loose leash walking?
👉 Calmness around distractions?

At Canine Interaction, we believe life-saving training doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent, kind, and relevant to the real world you and your dog live in.

👇 Drop a comment below and tell us the skill you're still working on or want to prioritise. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

Let’s keep our dogs safe and thriving, together. 🐕🌊

07/07/2025

🎥 Training Update with Hazel: Learning to Leave It – Without Stress or Struggle
🐾 Today’s focus: Safety, Self-Control & Success

Teaching Hazel to choose to leave tasty lunchtime morsels vs a leash pop or jerk away.

06/07/2025

🎉🐾 Huge Congratulations to Teddy! 🐾🎉

Teddy has officially graduated from our Fundamentals Program — and what a journey it’s been! 👏🐶

With a name like Teddy, it’s no surprise this pup is equal parts cuddly, clever, and full of heart. His name brings to mind warmth, comfort, and companionship — all the things he’s clearly bringing into the lives of his devoted humans. 💛🧸

This program is all about laying the groundwork for real-life success beyond the home — helping dogs like Teddy build focus, confidence, and essential urban living skills. And Teddy? He’s absolutely nailed it. 🙌

To his amazing family — well done on investing the time, energy, and love to give Teddy the best start possible. These foundations will serve you all for the next 15 years (and beyond!) as you grow together, navigate life’s adventures, and build an unshakeable bond. 🐕‍🦺❤️

We can’t wait to see what comes next for Team Teddy!

30/06/2025

🎓🐾 Congratulations Ozzy! 🐾🎓

A big round of applause to Ozzy the Jack Russell and his devoted humans for graduating Puppy School! 👏🎉

Ozzy might be small in size, but he's bursting with big energy, big personality, and an even bigger future ahead of him! With a name like Ozzy, we knew from day one this little rockstar was going to make a statement—and he hasn’t disappointed. 🤘🐶

As a Jack Russell, Ozzy was born to move, explore, and think for himself—so setting a strong foundation early on has been key. Puppy School has helped Ozzy and his family build solid skills and a strong connection, setting the stage for success in everything that lies ahead.

We can't wait to see where this clever little guy goes next—whether it’s more training, fun adventures, or just being the superstar of his neighbourhood. 🌟

Way to go, Ozzy and crew! 🐕💫

26/06/2025

What is a "Behavioural Vaccination"?

You wouldn’t skip your puppy’s health vaccinations – so why delay their behavioural vaccination?

Think of Puppy School as your pup’s immune‑booster against future behaviour problems. During the irreplaceable 8‑16‑week socialisation window they absorb social skills, emotional resilience, and focus that will shape the next 15 years of life with you.

We get asked all the time, “How much is Puppy School?” A smarter question is:

“What’s my investment in 15 years of calm walks, happy neighbours, and a dog I’m proud of?”

A quick story: last week a client rang about her 5‑month‑old who now goes BARK BARK BARK all day. She says “Stop that… shush!” and the pup just shouts louder. The real issue isn’t the barking – it’s that, without early coaching, she’ll repeat that scene for the next decade. One early class could have given her the why behind the bark and a prevention plan that saved years of frustration.

That’s why our programme stretches beyond a simple four‑week “tick‑the‑box” course. Good behaviour needs boosters – just like health.

Invest now – enjoy a lifetime of harmony.