Canine Companions behaviour training and walks.

24/07/2026

Smiles, shade and games of bitey face! What more could you want? # #

15/07/2026

Fun Facts From Fudge post 5!!

Today we are debunking the myth that "its all about how you raise them" when it comes to dog behaviour.

Did you know that between 20-40% of genetic information and lineage plays a part of your dog's behaviour? Not only that prenatal stress, difficulty during birth, even the location and environment of the dam and can cause significant changes to the unborn pup's DNA and cause an increase of certain behaviour to occurr even behaviours like OCD, hyper arousal, self mutilation, and idiopathic aggression. I have worked tirelessly 121 with many a dog, using the most ethical and positive based methods both when I was in rescue and with my own clients and have sadly had to make or agree with behaviour based euthanasia decisions for safety reasons because the dog was unsafe either to themselves or other people or dogs.

This is why it is also important to do as much research on any breeder you go to, ask as many questions as possible particularly about health and behaviour of both the dam and the sire, try and find out the previous generation to that as well. Find out about how the pup's interactions were supervised both with each other and with the parents. Its goes without saying that certain breeds are more likely to display certain behaviour, but that isn't the be all and end all, the direct lineage, prenatal and postnatal care, and whether there has been any cases of inbreeding have huge parts to play in whether a puppy is more likely to be happy and well adjusted or overwhelmed by life. This goes to all breeders, but in particular the backyard ones and puppy mills.

11/07/2026

Mr Alf has been doing really well with his reactivity training. Checking in more, trigger stacking less, recovering quicker and generally being more relaxed and confident. In a much busier world with more dogs than ever we need to help guide our furry friends with strategies to help them cope. Alf's guardians have done so well to get him from where he was to where he is now.

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09/07/2026

Fun Facts From Fudge post 4.

Did you know the 3 most important people in your dog's life are you the owner (obviously!), your vet, and your trainer? (If you have a dog walker they would be ranked up there with your vet and trainer as well).

This is because they are all responsible for observing any changes in behaviour and health (both physical and emotional). As the owner you will be the first to notice any changes that may occurr or any worries you have as you spend the vast majority if not all of the time with your dog. The professionals in your dog's core group are there to help you (and them) get through the possibly difficulties and challenges that arise. It is also a good idea (if possible) to create a relationship between your dog's core group so that everyone is on the same page with what your dog maybe going on with their wellbeing.

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03/07/2026

In between heatwaves we had chaos! # #

30/06/2026

Fun Facts From Fudge post 3!

Move at your dog's pace and not your own. This is one of the biggest green flag bits of advice a trainer will give you. It means that they understand the relationship between owner and pet is a partnership, not a dictatorship. Built on trust and love not fear and blind obedience. Understands that learning is not a linear process and it's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to have hiccups, and it's okay if changes take longer than anticipated. Most importantly it's okay to take breaks and just allow them to be a dog for a while, after all it's their first time on the planet too and they're not around for as long as we are.

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19/06/2026

Did someone order some serotonin? #

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

Always stays the same, nothing ever changes. English summer rain, seems to last for ages! #

05/06/2026

Post 2 of Fun Facts From Fudge!!

Did you know that a muzzled dog is not the sign of a dangerous dog but rather a responsible owner?

Dogs might have to wear a muzzle for a number for many different reasons, this can include being uncomfortable around other dogs, needing it for formal handling and veterinary checks/treatments, being nervous out and about, owner confidence, having a high prey drive, scavenging and ingesting foreign objects, and for legal purposes.

Here at Canine Companions we believe in breaking the stigma around muzzles, muzzle training should always be done positively and at the dog's pace so that they are always comfortable to wear one. Its better to have the ability to wear one and not need to, then to need to and the dog being under pressure and stress to learn how to.

Its also important to remember to get a muzzle where the dog has enough room to breathe, pant, drink and have food reward through it.