Canine Mates Club

13/05/2026

Free webinar!
Living with kids and pets doesn’t have to feel uncertain. In this practical panel, we’ll look at how to read your pet’s body language, understand the behaviours children bring into the space, and make simple changes at home that reduce risk. You’ll leave with a clearer idea of what to watch for and what to do next.

Register here for this free webinar https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/event-6682895

02/05/2026

Every dog deserves respect. Every person deserves safety.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this message in our community 💜

A big thank you to:
1. Mannum Mag for publishing my articles each month, including “The Yellow Dog Project” in May’s edition.
2. Lions Club of Mannum for inviting me to present Dog Bite Prevention Education to their members on Tuesday night.

I’m excited to offer FREE Community Education Sessions for schools, clubs, and community groups. These include "Dog Bite Prevention Education" [as per the Lions Club of Mannum] and “Act Like a Tree” presentations for young children—helping build safer, more confident interactions between people and dogs.

If your group would like to book a session, feel free to reach out—let’s work together to create safer communities for both people and dogs.

30/04/2026

A great opportunty for your training. It is free and has a free dog treats recipe ebook which I downloaded and plan to try a few recipes. Susan Garret has a lot to offer, is force-free and a leader in the dog training community.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Brc24dsMb/

The ItsYerChoice Summit teaches dogs how their choices create rewards. Build focus, self-control and a stronger connection with your dog.

27/04/2026

I think Nano misread the sofa instructions on what body part an armrest is intended for.

Please share your dogs unusual interpretations.

17/04/2026

Debra has been putting in the work with Nala in Bronze Class, and it’s clearly paying off! 🐾✨

Nala was so excited she couldn’t help but celebrate with a little dance 💃🐶

We’re so proud of their progress and can’t wait to see Nala continue to flourish in Silver Class next term!

12/04/2026

🐾 Dog Bite Prevention Week starts today (12–18 April)

Most dog bites are preventable—and it starts with understanding our dogs a little better.

Dogs don’t bite “out of nowhere”… they’re usually feeling scared, stressed, or overwhelmed and trying to communicate the only way they know how.

This week is all about helping our community learn how to:
✔️ Read the signs
✔️ Respect a dog’s space
✔️ Keep both people and dogs safe

If you remember just one thing:
💛 Space = Safety = Happy Dogs

Let’s work together to create safer, more dog-friendly communities. 🐶

27/03/2026

Term 2 enrolments are now open at Canine Mates Club! 🐾

Looking for fun, positive training for your dog? Join us this term and build skills, confidence, and a stronger bond with your pup.

📅 Dates: 3rd May – 5th July
📍 Location: Mannum Show Grounds

We keep our classes small so every dog gets plenty of attention — and we currently have just 4 spaces left!

Whether you’re starting out or continuing your training journey, our sessions are relaxed, supportive, and focused on real-life results.

👉 Don’t miss out — secure your spot today! Book now.

25/03/2026

Gave them a scrub and a clip, now they're even more adorable, my little Dewi and Nano puppers are my world.

17/03/2026

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mannum Mag for publishing my second article on dog safety in the March 2026 issue, which focuses on Consent Testing. 🐾💕👍

17/03/2026

Term 1 of 2026 marks my 8th term running Canine Mates Club and the beginning of my 18th year teaching dog training classes.

Every term brings new faces, new dogs, new challenges, and plenty of doggie slobbers and enthusiastic “mow-downs”! It’s a real joy to spend my Sunday mornings during term time with such wonderful dogs and their dedicated owners.

One of the best parts of teaching is that I’m always learning too. Every class brings new insights, which keeps me motivated to continue sharing my knowledge and skills with our community.

🐾 Thinking about joining the next term of Canine Mates Club? Comment “DOG” below and I’ll send you the details and enrolment info.

04/03/2026

A great reminder...

A lot of “calm behavior” doesn’t start with obedience. It starts with regulation.

Dogs have natural ways to bring their nervous system down, and they often look simple: licking, chewing, sniffing, and even shredding. These are not random habits. For many dogs, they’re self soothing activities that help release tension and create a sense of control when the world feels too loud or too fast.

Licking can be calming for some dogs, especially with a lick mat or frozen spread that keeps them busy. Chewing is another classic decompressor, but the right chew matters for safety and for the dog’s chewing style. Sniffing and foraging are huge because they give “smart tired” instead of just physical tired. And shredding can be surprisingly helpful when it’s directed into a safe outlet, like a cardboard box, paper packing, or a designated shredding toy, instead of your couch.

The key is to offer these activities before stress overflows. They work best as prevention, not punishment. And if your dog’s stress signs are frequent, intense, or suddenly new, it’s worth checking for pain, routine changes, or anxiety triggers.

Which one calms your dog the fastest: licking, chewing, sniffing, or shredding?