The Creative Canine

10/07/2025

☀️ It’s starting to warm up here today so plans are in place!

Here’s a reminder of what to watch out for, and how we can help our dogs stay cool and safe 🐾

Signs to look out for:

• Excessive panting
• Dribbling or foaming
• Bright red or very pale gums
• Wobbly, confused or very tired
• Vomiting or collapse

If you notice any of these, cool your dog immediately using cold water and contact your vet urgently.

💡 Ways to help prevent heatstroke:

✅ Provide plenty of shade – I’ve set up a lovely cool spot in the garden
✅ Use cool mats if you have them for them to lie on, mine are back out and in use!
✅ We’ve ordered a doggy paddling pool too; ideal for paws to splash and cool off 🐾💦
✅ Walk early or late, avoiding the hottest part of the day
✅ Keep dogs indoors if it’s too hot, they won’t be missing out!

🐾🐕

09/07/2025

We all know it’s going to get very hot this weekend (starting tomorrow in some places) even us in Scotland are looking at temperatures of 30 degrees!

Please read ⬇️ follow the advice should you need to and share share share!

❗️Heatstroke in Dogs, Updated Emergency Advice❗️

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, cool them immediately using cold water immersion, this is now the recommended first step.

That means getting them into a paddling pool, bath, or soaking them with a hose using cold water. The faster their temperature comes down, the better their chance of recovery.

Then get them to a vet ASAP.

Delaying cooling to drive to the vet could be life-threatening. Cool first. Transport second.

I’ll say it again…. please share this to get the word out there, it could just save a dogs life this weekend!

🐾🐕

08/07/2025

Week 1 of Mixed Sports ready to go! 😍🐾

07/07/2025

Today hasn’t involved any dog training, classes or scentwork setups… but it has still been about support, problem-solving and learning, just in a different way.

This morning I went to see someone new about my ongoing back/hip/leg pain. It turns out the root cause of the leg pain might actually be an old ankle injury from three years ago. I had no idea it could still be having such an impact, but it makes a lot of sense now. It’s a reminder that sometimes what we think is the problem is only part of the picture.

This afternoon was all about support of a different kind; getting help for my lovely boy Eddie, who’s been finding a few things worrying recently. I spoke with someone I really feel can help us both to understand what’s going on and how to help him.

Sometimes an outside perspective can really help you see things more clearly.

Today has been full of reflection, realisations, and a gentle reminder that it’s ok to reach out for help, whether that’s for ourselves, our dogs, or both.

🐾🐕

04/07/2025

This week’s 1:1 Scentwork gang 🐾

It’s been a real joy seeing these three lovely dogs this week.

Cillian, our newest recruit, made a brilliant start to his Scentwork journey 🤩

Isla had her final session of her package and can now methodically line search and indicate – such a clever girl 🥰

Dougal continues his journey and has started working on scent sports now, with the plan to work up through the levels 😍

It’s always so rewarding to see each dog grow in confidence and skill ☺️

If Scentwork is something you’d like to explore with your dog, I’d love to help you get started.

Wishing you and your dogs a lovely weekend, whatever you’re up to 🐾😊

🐾🐕

03/07/2025

Messages like this just make my day! ❤️

Scentwork and the elements of training within it can be used anytime anywhere 😍

(We use a 10p to work on a freeze indication)

02/07/2025

“Can we still do training sessions if my dog is scared or reactive?”

In all my 1-2-1 sessions, I prioritise making your dog feel happy and comfortable before proceeding with any training.

This is really important as it helps build trust and ensures your dog is relaxed and ready to learn.

Establishing these positive foundations may take the majority of a session or even multiple sessions.

Your dog is unique, and their comfort and happiness are paramount, so l will take as much time as necessary to achieve this. By focusing on your dog's well-being first, we set the stage for more effective and enjoyable training in the future.

If you would like to know more then why not pop me a message to the page or email [email protected] and we can arrange a chat.

🐾🐕

01/07/2025

Looking for something fun to do with your dog this summer that also builds useful life skills? Our brand new classes are here!

🐶 Mixed Sports – 4-Week Taster Class
Tuesdays at 6:15pm starting 8th July.

Each week introduces you and your dog to a different dog sport:

• Agility Foundations – great for focus, connection and body awareness

• Active Search (Scentwork) - builds calm, confidence and a love of using their nose!

• Movement Puzzles – encourages thinking, problem-solving and coordination

• Dog Parkour – helps boost confidence, core strength and responsiveness in different environments

This class is ideal for dogs of all ages and experience levels. It’s a fun way to build everyday skills like calmness, focus and confidence, and spend quality time together too!

🐾 Agility Foundation Fun – Fortnightly Class
Saturdays from 12th July

These fortnightly sessions are perfect for anyone wanting to build strong agility foundations or just have some weekend fun with their dog.

You’ll learn skills like:
✅ Sendaways
✅ Waits and release cues
✅ Body awareness
✅ Handling skills
✅ Connection on the move

The 2-week gap between sessions gives you plenty of time to practise at home, so you and your dog can grow in confidence week by week.

Both classes will run from our private secure field in Chapelknowe, DG14.

Small, supportive groups for fun, positive learning for both ends of the lead!

Pop me a message or email [email protected] to book your space or find out more 😊

🐾🐕

28/06/2025

If you are in Carlisle and you would like pet care services, including solo dog walks and pet sitting,
I can highly recommend Rachel! She’s looked after my boys on numerous occasions 😍

She is very experienced, knowledgeable and knows an immense amount about dog body language 🐾

She’s taking on new clients from September so get your name down for her help 😊🐾

As of September I will have some more availability for dog walks/drop ins etc. My spaces fill up quickly so please get in touch if you would like to reserve a slot. I always prioritise my regular clients but I will do my best to fit in one-off walks etc where possible 🐾

27/06/2025

⭐️ NEW SUMMER CLASSES & DATES ⭐️

The first of our new summer classes are here! 🥳

🐾 Mixed Sports – A 4 week block with a different sport each week. Great for trying new things and having fun with your dog.
Starts Tuesday 8th July, 6:15–7:15pm

🐾 Agility Foundation Fun – Learn the key skills and behaviours needed for agility in a fun, supportive way.
No contact equipment; jumps and tunnels only.
Running fortnightly on Saturdays: 12th & 26th July, 9th & 23rd August

To book your space or find out more, just pop me a message or email [email protected]

🐾🐕

26/06/2025

Look out for us this Sunday at this event 🐾

Tara Paws & Minds and I will be there to answer your training or behaviour questions, give you and your dog the chance to sample our ‘have a go’ activities or just to chat!

We look forward to seeing you there!

🐾🐕

25/06/2025

Setting Up for Success 🤩

When I run my scent sports classes, one of my top priorities is making sure every dog feels safe and comfortable in the space.

That’s why I allow 15 minutes between each class, this gives everyone time to arrive or leave without bumping into others. It’s especially helpful for dogs who feel unsure around other dogs. It also means no one feels rushed and we can all start the session in the right headspace.

The space itself is also carefully set up:

🟫 I use visual blocks to create privacy between working areas, so dogs can focus without feeling the pressure of being watched or seeing other dogs moving nearby. These also help build confidence for more sensitive dogs.

Depending on the dogs in the class, we can either work all together in the large open space, or split into individual zones where each team has their own area to search and play.

Whether it’s Kong Search, Scent Match or Catnip Retrieve, every activity has its own set-up designed to be safe, enriching and accessible to all levels.

All dogs are welcome in scent sports; from young pups to older dogs, high-energy teens to more nervous dogs who need their own space.

Our next block of classes will be starting mid July, keep your eyes peeled for any spaces that may be available for you to start your scent sports journey 👀

There will soon be 1:1 options too so if you and your dog would prefer this option please do get in touch to find out more 😊

🐾🐕