Cara’s Canines: Dog Training, walking and Care services

Cara’s Canines: Dog Training, walking and Care services Essex Dog Trainer, Walker & Dog Sitter | Reactivity, Resource guarding, Creating calmness and home etiquette specialist 🐾

03/07/2025

🐾 From high-drive working dogs to companions… we’ve worked with them all. 🐾

With over half a decade in business – and nearly a decade of combined hands-on experience with dogs – we’ve had the privilege of working with countless breeds, temperaments, and training needs.

From Malinois, Kelpies, Dutch Shepherds, and GSDs to Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Staffies, and Chihuahuas, we understand that every dog is different. Whether bred for sport, work, companionship, or something in between, we tailor our training approach to suit each dog’s instincts, needs, and lifestyle.

✨ Whether you’re struggling with reactivity, pulling on lead, puppy training, or advanced obedience – we’re here to help.

📋 Take a look at the list of breeds we’ve worked with (you might spot your dog there!)
🐶 And if you’re unsure, reach out – chances are, we’ve worked with a dog just like yours.

📩 DM us to chat or book a session or free assessment
💼 Proven experience. Passionate approach. Tailored training.

02/07/2025

🐾🦮If Your Dog’s Behaviour Hasn’t Changed — Something in the Routine Needs To…👀

If your dog is still…
🔁 Barking at every dog they see
🔁 Pulling on the lead
🔁 Ignoring you when it really matters
🔁 Acting totally differently at home vs. outside…

It’s time to ask:
Has anything in the routine actually changed? 🧠

Because behaviour doesn’t shift by accident — it changes when the environment, the expectations, and the training shift too.

And one of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle?
🛏️ Sleep and rest.
Most dogs — especially young or reactive ones — are overtired and overstimulated.

📦 Crate/rest time isn’t punishment. It’s essential.
Just like toddlers, dogs need structure, boundaries, and downtime to regulate themselves and learn.

If you’re doing the same walk, same commands, same chaotic environment every day — without giving your dog time to decompress —
Your dog is going to keep giving you the same results.

💡 Real progress comes from:
✔️ New structure
✔️ Clear boundaries
✔️ Proper rest
✔️ Purposeful training
✔️ Practising calm before chaos

If your dog’s behaviour hasn’t changed, it’s not because they’re “bad.”
It’s because they’re missing clarity — and calm.

📩 DM us if you’re ready to stop repeating the same cycle — and actually change the routine.

01/07/2025

🐾How long will it take to train the reactivity out of my dog?🕣⏳
It’s one of the most common (and valid) questions I get — but the honest answer?

👉 There’s no quick fix. And there shouldn’t be.
Because reactivity isn’t just “bad behaviour” — it’s often fear, frustration, or overwhelm showing up in a loud way.

Here’s what it realistically takes to work through it:

1️⃣ Confidence Building – Helping your dog feel safe in the world.
2️⃣ Trust Building – So they look to you in tough moments.
3️⃣ Motivation Building – What drives your dog to work with you?
4️⃣ Command Control – Reliable obedience in low-stress environments.
5️⃣ Heel & Loose Lead Walking – Calm, connected movement together.
6️⃣ Desensitisation – Low-level exposure to triggers at a safe distance.
7️⃣ Counter-Conditioning – Changing your dog’s emotional response.
8️⃣ Testing / Flooding – Gently seeing if the training holds under pressure.

😰 Sounds like a lot? That’s because it is — and that’s exactly why working with a professional trainer helps.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
A good trainer will guide you through each step, tailor it to your dog, and walk beside you the entire way — no judgment, just support.

⏳ You’re not expected to have all the answers. That’s OUR job.

We’ll support you for as long as you need — whether it’s weeks, months, or more. Because real change takes time. But you don’t have to do it alone.

📩 DM us if you’re ready to stop guessing and start training properly — with clarity, compassion, and calm.

30/06/2025

🎉Overexcited Doesn’t Mean Happy👀

If your dog is:
🚀 Jumping up on guests
🎉 Barking non-stop when the lead comes out
🏃‍♂️ Zooming wildly on walks
🌀 Can’t settle even at home…

…it’s easy to think:
“They’re just excited!”

But here’s the truth:
👉 Overexcited doesn’t mean happy.
Often, it means your dog is:
• Overstimulated
• Lacking self-regulation
• Unsure what’s expected

True happiness in dogs looks like:
🧘‍♂️ Calmness
👀 Engagement
🤝 Trust
🐾 Confidence

Your dog doesn’t need to live in a constant state of chaos to enjoy life — and neither do you.

📩 If you’re ready to swap mayhem for calm, let’s chat.

29/06/2025

💕🥰You’re Not ‘Too Soft’ — You Just Need Structure.🐶🐕

We hear it all the time:
💬 “Maybe I’m too soft…”
💬 “I don’t want to be harsh…”
💬 “I feel bad saying no to my dog.”

Here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be harsh. You need to be clear.
You don’t need to dominate. You need to lead.
You’re not too soft — you’re just missing the structure your dog needs to feel safe, secure, and calm.

Dogs thrive when they know:
📍 What’s expected
🚫 What’s not allowed
🎯 Who’s in charge (and that it’s not them)

💡 Kind leadership isn’t weakness — it’s exactly what your dog is craving.

If your dog is calling the shots and it’s starting to feel overwhelming… it’s time to change that story.

📩 DM me and let’s build calm, confident structure — without guilt.

28/06/2025

🐾If You’ve Tried Everything… And It’s Still Not Working.😬
If you’ve tried all the things…
🦴 Treats
🚫 Ignoring the behaviour
📱 TikTok hacks
🐕 New harnesses
🔊 “Leave it” fifty times a walk…
… and nothing’s changing — it’s not your fault.

It’s just that real behaviour change doesn’t come from tricks — it comes from understanding.

📌 What’s actually triggering your dog?
📌 What are they learning in that moment (even if you’re not “training”)?
📌 Are your responses clear and consistent — or confusing without you realising?

💡 You don’t need more hacks. You need a strategy that’s tailored to your dog.

Because once you understand why the behaviour is happening, the path forward becomes a whole lot clearer — and calmer.

📩 DM me if you’re ready to stop guessing and start making real progress.

27/06/2025

🐕It’s Not About Training Your Dog Every Day — It’s About Training Them in Everyday Moments💕
Don’t have hours to train your dog every day?
Good news — you don’t need to. 🐶

What actually creates results?
👉 Training in real-life, everyday moments.

✅ Waiting at the door before going out
✅ Practising calm when guests arrive
✅ Asking for a sit before food or walks
✅ Getting the dog to nap when not training/walking/playing
✅ Rewarding check-ins on walks
✅ Teaching how to shut off and rewarding the calmness
✅ Interrupting chaos with calm redirection

These tiny moments — done consistently — create a dog who’s calm, confident, and connected to you.

🎯 You don’t need more time. You need more intention.
And we can show you how.

📩 DM us to get started with real-life training for real-life results.

26/06/2025

🤯Your Dog Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time — They’re Having One🐾
Ever feel like your dog is pushing your buttons on purpose?

Here’s a mindset shift that changes everything:
👉 Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having one.

🐶 Barking on walks?
🐾 Lunging at other dogs?
🛋️ Ignoring recall at the park?

These behaviours aren’t personal — they’re communication. Your dog is trying to tell you they’re:
🐾Overstimulated
🐾Underprepared
🐾Lacking confidence or clarity

It’s not about being “naughty.” It’s about being overwhelmed or undertrained in that moment.

💡 When you respond with calm leadership and guidance (not frustration), you help your dog feel safe — and that’s where progress begins.

📩 Ready to go from chaos to calm? DM me to book a training session that works with your dog, not against them.

25/06/2025

“Your dog doesn’t need to be barking all the time — no matter the breed.” 🐾

Yes, some breeds are more vocal by nature — but constant barking isn’t just “what they do.”
It’s a signal. And it’s usually telling you something is missing:
• 🧩 Boredom
• 😟 Anxiety
• 🔊 Attention-seeking
• 🚪 Overstimulation/ overtiredness
• 📏 Lack of boundaries

The good news? You don’t need to shout, spray water, or buy another gadget.
You need to understand why your dog is barking — and meet the need underneath.

With structure, calm leadership, and the right outlets, your dog can be:
✔️ Quieter
✔️ Calmer
✔️ Happier

📣 No breed should be barking all day long. Barking is communication — not a lifestyle.

Want help turning down the volume? Let’s get started 🐶👇
📩 DM to book a 1:1 session.

24/06/2025

🐾 From Chaos to Calm: Lead Walking Transformation! 🐶✨

Meet Casper the Labrador — a powerhouse of energy who used to drag his owner down the street like a sled dog! 😅

When Casper first came to us, he:
🚫 Pulled relentlessly
🚫 Ignored commands
🚫 Made walks stressful, not enjoyable

But with clear communication, consistent training, and the right tools, Max made a complete 180. Just look at him now👇
✅ Walking calmly beside his owner
✅ Checking in for guidance
✅ Enjoying his walks without chaos

What if I told you… the before and after videos were only 1.5 hours apart? 👀

That’s the power of focused, tailored training — no gimmicks, just proper understanding and technique.

This didn’t take weeks or fancy equipment. It took patience, timing, and trust. Even the most enthusiastic puller can learn to walk beautifully on the lead 🐾💛

Thinking of giving up on those daily tug-of-war walks? Don’t! We’re here to help you and your dog enjoy every step together 🐕‍🦺

📩 DM us to book a 1:1 session or find out more about our training programs.

23/06/2025

🌞🐶 Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer 🐾🍧
We might love basking in the sunshine, but for our dogs, hot weather can be downright dangerous.
Once temps hit 22°C or higher, many UK-born pups start to feel the strain — especially flat-faced breeds, seniors, or those with thick coats.

So while we’re grabbing iced coffees and throwing on sunnies, let’s make sure our dogs stay cool, comfy, and safe (no sunbathing sausages on our watch! 😎🌭).

✅ DO:
🐾Lay down a cool mat or wet towel for chill time
🐾Walk early in the morning or later in the evening or not at all if still hot
🐾 Check the pavement heat with your hand if you can feel the heat don’t walk them
🐾Keep a bowl of fresh water available at all times
🐾Make sure they’ve got plenty of shade
🐾Keep indoor spaces cool and breezy

❌ DON’T:
🐾Walk your dog between 9am-7pm (temps over 22 degrees)
🐾Leave them in the car (even for “just a minute”)
🐾Don’t let them sunbathe (they won’t stop until it’s too late)
🐾Ignore signs like heavy panting or restlessness

🚨 Watch for Signs of Heat Stroke:
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Lethargy or wobbling
• Red gums or glassy eyes
• Vomiting or collapse
📞 Call your vet immediately if you spot any of these signs!!
❌Do not give them ice or force them to drink
❌Do not cover them in towels as this traps heat
❌Do not use any “hacks” seen on the internet (e.g lemon juice, etc)
✅Wet their body with cool water
✅Get them in shade
✅Make sure the vet is the first call as heat stroke can be fatal to dogs.

Let’s keep those tails wagging and paws cool all summer long 🐾💦

20/06/2025

🐾 What Does Insecurity in a Dog Look Like — and Where Does It Start? 🐾

Insecurity in dogs can look like:
🐾Barking, lunging, or growling on the lead (reactivity)
🐾 Barking at everything in general (NO dog breed should be barking at everything all the time)
🐾Avoiding people, dogs, or new places
🐾Freezing or shutting down in public
🐾Clinginess or refusing to explore
🐾Tail tucked, ears back, lowered body
🐾Overreactions to small triggers

This can happen to all dogs but it usually develops from a puppy or from being a rescue dog.

For puppies, insecurity often starts during the critical learning period (up to 13 months - inc their fear periods at approx. 6 and 12 months ) — when they’re building their view of the world. If they’re always picked up when unsure or not exposed to new things properly, they miss the chance to grow confident and curious. If the dog/puppy is stressed or scared, removing them from the situation or picking them up, they can learn:
🔹 “I can’t handle things on my own.”
🔹 “The world is overwhelming.”
🔹 “Avoidance is safer than trying.”

Over time, this creates a dog who feels they must be on high alert just to cope with daily life.

For rescues, insecurity may come from past trauma, lack of socialisation, or unpredictable environments. Both need patience, guidance, and structure.

🙌 The goal isn’t to “fix” the dog — it’s to help them feel safe in the world.

That’s where training comes in. With the right support, your dog can learn to:
✅ Navigate the world calmly
✅ Build real confidence
✅ Let go of stress and reactivity
✅ Enjoy life without fear

If your dog is showing signs of insecurity or reactivity, don’t wait — a professional trainer can help you build trust, confidence, and calm.

💬 Need support with your pup or rescue? I’m here to help — message me any time.

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