Canine Mates Club

28/05/2026

Good reminders here for reading a dog's body language when patting.

I can. But I’m not going to.

I don’t want your dog to shrink away while I insist on ruffling their hair up.
They don’t need me to touch them to prove “I’m safe”.

What they actually need is for me to keep my hands in my pocket and wait for some signals of consent.

We have a tactile “obsession” when it comes to dogs.

Maybe it starts when they’re puppies and their squidginess draws our hands in.
100% their fur and wee fat rolls combined are irresistible.
From there though, it can become a habit.

We see a person up the street we haven’t seen for a while, stop for a chat and our hand goes down to pat while we say “Aww whose this wee girl”.
That’s how easy these habits grow.

They’re ingrained.

How about we start to normalise not touching?
And start normalising watching for consent.

24/05/2026

Part of the silver curriculum is gate manners, folks! Watch Max, Marley, and Oakley show us how it's done without getting the gate slammed on their paws. Kudos on the progress, they're learning fast!

16/05/2026

Another great reminder of how children can safely interact with dogs.

THEORY THURSDAY

Supervision isn’t just being in the room.

It’s being able to answer:
“What is my pet feeling right now?”

If you’re unsure, that’s your cue to:
➡️ Increase distance
➡️ Pause the interaction
➡️ Give the pet space

Kids and pets can build beautiful relationships if we help our kids understand their pets better.



*created with the assistance of AI

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.