Aunty Lou's Animal Care

09/06/2026

Annual leave update:
Apologies, I need to add an extra day as we are going to the Flyball Champs!

6th August 2026

07/06/2026

A really enjoyable busy week! Much cooler weather for walking and having fun 😊

30/05/2026

We sent two teams to a very hot BFA Flyball competition at Ashton, Cheshire today. Due to the heat the afternoon racing was reduced to best of three so significantly reduced the margin of error. The open team racing for the first time this season under Kiddy Minsters team name consisted of Venom, Saffron, Mabel, Shelby, Skye and Brianna won four of our six races to finish in a four way tie for first place. Sadly on fastest time count back we finished 4th. To show how close this result was we lost one leg by 0.01 seconds if we had won that leg we would have won the division with five wins.

Our foundation team did much better winning the division with a 90% clean run ratio. Experienced foundation dogs Roman and Shuri were back up by Bumblebee who had a 100% clean run ratio, and in her first competition Poppy only made one mistake in the last race as she finally succumbed to the heat, but had run perfectly up to that point.

Many thanks to AJ and Karen for box loading and everyone who supported the teams when not involved in racing.

25/05/2026

A few pics from last week’s walks. 😎

25/05/2026

REMINDER:
Upcoming annual leave
25th June to 5th July
(Note: Slight change to dates)

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

A very warm welcome to Lady to Aunty Lou’s walks! So much fun today 😊🥰

05/05/2026

REDEFINING REACTIVITY

Reactivity is a complex topic that requires an individual approach for each dog and their specific circumstances. But the underlying driver is often the same — it’s an emotional response.

Trying to “fix” it through obedience training, corrections, or punishment-based methods focuses on what a dog does, instead of how a dog feels. It doesn’t address the root of the problem—and often creates new ones.

Reactivity can quickly become self-reinforcing because it works. When the trigger moves away, the dog experiences relief—and that emotional shift strengthens the response. The more it’s repeated, the more it becomes a default or a habitual behaviour.

Changing an emotional response is not a quick fix. Real change takes time, patience, understanding, and consistent practice.

Behaviour is the symptom. Emotion is the cause. Work on changing that emotion and the behaviour will follow.

Understanding that behaviour is driven by emotion, should change how we respond to our dogs. They’re not being difficult—they’re struggling.

Looking at reactivity from this perspective should encourage us to be more empathetic and understand that we need to support them rather than control them.

03/05/2026

5 Reasons Why You Should Try a Dog Sport 🐾

If you’ve got a dog, especially a busy, brilliant mind like a Border Collie, dog sports aren’t just a nice extra, they can be a complete game changer.

Here’s why 👇

1. It gives your dog a JOB (that isn’t self-employed chaos 😅)
Many behaviour struggles come from dogs creating their own outlets like chasing cars, herding joggers, barking out of the window.
Dog sports channel that natural drive into something structured, healthy, and fulfilling.

2. It builds a stronger connection between you and your dog
Dog sports aren’t about control. They’re about teamwork.
You learn to communicate clearly, read your dog better, and move with them instead of constantly trying to stop them.

3. It provides the right kind of mental stimulation
A long walk doesn’t always equal a tired and satisfied dog.
Thinking, problem-solving, and learning new skills will tire your dog out far more effectively than just physical exercise alone.

4. It can reduce unwanted behaviours
When your dog’s needs are being met, everything else becomes easier.
Recall improves. Focus improves. Reactivity often decreases.
Not because you’ve “trained it out”… but because your dog is more fulfilled.

5. It boosts confidence (for BOTH of you)
Whether you’ve got a nervous dog or you’re feeling unsure yourself, dog sports create small, achievable wins.
And those wins build into real confidence over time.

And here’s the thing…
You don’t need to compete.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to start.

Because for many dogs, especially Border Collies…
This is what they were made for.

Have you ever tried a dog sport with your dog? Let me know below 👇