The Dog Nose

31/05/2026

This is a great graphic. So much of what our dogs do is labelled incorrectly.

Actually dogs being dogs means they feel safe and that their welfare needs are met - unfortunately for us this means some of their dogness conflicts with our human requirements.

For example, one of my dogs likes to dig! Digging is a natural behaviour but I don’t want her to dig in my flower beds because I like my flowers.

It’s therefore my responsibility to enable her to dig somewhere that is acceptable to both of us. I won’t tell her off for it even when there is earth all over the place!!

So next time your dog does something doggy - give yourself a pat on the back for giving them a good standard of welfare and think outside the box so they can enjoy their dogness!

Thanks to Kim Brophey and L.E.G.S for the graphic

19/05/2026

This made me laugh today! How many times do I say to clients - trust your dog and stop looking for the ‘hide’!

The Self Searcher
Bent over. Pointing. Searching harder than the dog. Human eyes working overtime.

Dog wonders why the handler is doing the job they already brought a nose for.
Does this sound like you, or tag the person who searches harder than their dog.

21/04/2026

Highly recommend Atticus Academy of Animals. And it’s not just for dogs - cats, rabbits, guinea pigs - all featured.
Learn from the best at a very low cost.

We are so often taught about dogs through a very human‑centred lens.
How can we get them to stop chewing?
How can we get them to sit quietly in the pub?
How can we stop them jumping up?

But what if the real answers don’t start with “how do we stop…” at all?
What if they start with understanding what dogs genuinely 'need', and even what they 'want'?

For years, guardians have been handed myths like “a tired dog is a happy dog” or “they just need to know who’s boss.” These ideas don’t just miss the mark; they let so many dogs down. Because behaviour isn’t about obedience. It’s about needs, emotions, safety, and the choices a dog has available to them.

So… what if there was a course that actually taught you those things?
A course that helped you understand dogs from 'their' perspective, including what they choose when they’re given true freedom.
A course that didn’t cost the earth, didn’t overwhelm you, and didn’t require hours of spare time you don’t have.

Something simple.
Something accessible.
Something that gives you written lessons, audio versions, and bonus videos for deeper dives, so you can learn in the way that works best for you.

Well… now there is.
And it’s only £16.99.

Because we want you to be the best dog person you can be — and we don’t believe good information should only be available to people with big budgets.

Take a look. Explore. See what resonates.
And if you do join us, let us know what you think.

Your dog will thank you.

https://www.atticusacademy.co.uk/

07/04/2026

Further to my post about the free rabbit course and my involvement with Atticus Academy of Animals in helping to spread the knowledge of how to best care for bunnies, I am sharing this post from Animals in Distress in case anyone can give these two a fabulous home.

31/03/2026

Most of you know me for my work as a dog professional but it’s not just dogs that are my knowledge base.

I was very happy to help my friend and colleague with her new project Atticus academy of animals.

Rebecca is offering a FREE course this Easter on all things bunnies! Rabbit welfare is poor and rabbits deserve better.

If you have a bunny or are thinking of getting one, please take this course. You’ve got nothing to loose and bunnies have a lot to gain when you expand your knowledge!

As we get closer to the big launch we couldn't be happier to introduce to you our first Atticus contributor. Liz Cox not only has an enormous list of academic achievements within the animal world but also a wealth of experience and enough heart for all of us.

Liz is an experienced Veterinary Nurse with a demonstrated history of working in the veterinary industry. Skilled in Veterinary Medicine, Pet Sitting, Customer Service, Wildlife, and Anesthesia. She is a strong community and social services professional with a Masters in Research focused in Animal behaviour and welfare from University of West England.

One of Liz's passions is rabbit welfare and she has joined our Co-founder Rebecca in an in depth chat about how we can support our bunnies better. We will be releasing this as part of our free rabbit course, launching this Easter, to raise awareness of the plight of rabbits and how they are treated.

A massive thank you to Liz for being a part of our “Behind the Easter Bunny: The Truth Rabbits Live With” campaign. We hope you will join us to spread awareness.

31/03/2026

What do dog professionals do for fun? Well CPD actually! We attend awesome conferences and meet up with like minded colleagues and friends.

The Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference 2026 was held in Torquay and along with my friend Donna from Canine Bond, I attended and listened to some amazing speakers.

To be surrounded by like minded people who want the very best for our furry four legged friends is healing for the soul.

Looking forward to the 2027 conference already.

Thank you, Andrew Hale and Pet Remedy for hosting

16/02/2026

Yeah yeah I know I’m always banging on about not throwing balls for dogs - it’s not just me!

Love this graphic from ABCdogsNZ - nice and simple and easy to understand.

It’s not good for them even though they like it. I like wine, chocolate and cheese but if I ate (drank) it all the time I’d be fatter and drunk! 🥴

Of course I have these things but in moderation. If your dog enjoys a toy/ball then hide the ball and get your dog to find it - uses the brain in a good way and doesn’t hurt the body!

13/02/2026

Kim Brophey, a great ethologist, giving us dog-centric (from the dog’s point of view) thinking and questions about social bonds that dogs need. We (all animals) all need bonds within our species specific requirements.

20/01/2026

Always get great advice from Victoria Stilwell so passing it on!

17/12/2025

🎄 CHRISTMAS ADVICE 🎊

Please read this ahead of Christmas. Particularly important if you have a young or adolescent dog.
Honestly just if you have a dog ……

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