Dog behaviourist- The Canine Counsellor Lytham St Anne’s, England

06/12/2025

Aww another poodle mix 😍😍

These hybrids are soo clever!

Poodles are super intelligent; full of fun and can outsmart us given half the chance (I’m owned by a poodle mix.. yup she’s a scamp for sure! 🤭)
Poodles were used in circuses to do tricks- easy to train and want to please, but above all intellect is second only to the equally wonderful Border Collie.
They are also highly adaptable and athletic; mix that with sensitivity and gentility, and you have a loving sweet dog with character ❤️
Ideally!
They can have tendency to yap; like any dog they need consistency with training 🙏🐶
You're not hurting your dog by setting boundaries.
You're helping them feel safe.
Structure doesn't make you a bad pet parent!
Our dogs don't see rules as punishment. They see them as direction and protection; it allows them to relax 🐶☺️

This cutie in the photo just needed a little consistency and kind leadership so he can relax a little more; he lives with another poodle mix who is quite different in temperament.

We forget that just like our children; our dogs can be the same breed, even from the same litter; but different from the other.
And we love them however they are ❤️😍

If you’re struggling with a poodle mix who perhaps lunges or barks at other dogs, maybe it’s people they’re not comfortable with, get in touch.
Because our doggies want to please us (believe it or not 😂)

We just need to try to understand their simple needs ☺️🐶🫶🏼

02/12/2025

😉🫡

30/11/2025

A wonderfully rich red/brown; I was called to help with Charlie a typically handsome Fox Red working Labrador💖

This breed loves to be around people and their family members; balanced and amiable with other dogs and people; one of the many reasons the Labrador is still one of the most popular breeds in the UK ❤️
The working Lab has slightly different needs to a show Lab.. more mental stimulation is important for these to be content; especially if from a field line; though both are well rounded patient and tolerant ❤️. just something to take into consideration when you choose your Lab- working lines need more (work!) to keep them happy; whereas show lines live for snuggles a lot more 😂

Charlie just needed a little help with separation anxiety; a common issue I’m contacted about almost every day.

Does your dog struggle with separation anxiety?
Or is there something else you’d like help with.. please get in touch and let me know 🙂
I look forward to helping you xx

21/11/2025

🙏❤️🐶🐶🫶🏼

Six hours can feel like forever when you’re waiting by the door.

In Sweden, dogs aren’t expected to tough it out alone all day. The country’s animal welfare rules say dogs should be walked at least every six hours during the day. For puppies and seniors, it should be even more often.

That rhythm matters. A break for fresh air. A chance to move, sniff, and reset. It’s not just about peeing - it’s about being seen and cared for.

Leave a dog much longer and it can turn into a welfare issue. Inspectors can step in if a dog’s needs aren’t met. In practice, that means planning your day around your dog or finding help when you can’t be there.

Many Swedes do just that. Dog daycares are common. Neighbors trade midday walks. People build routines that say to their dogs, you matter, even when I’m gone.

If you’ve ever come home to overjoyed jumps after a long day, you know this truth in your bones. Six hours isn’t a magic number, but it’s a humane line in the sand. Because a good life for a dog is made of small, steady acts of care.

References

Så sköter du din hund - Jordbruksverket

Animal Welfare Regulations - Dog - Länsstyrelsen (County Administrative Board)

SJVFS 2019:28: Statens jordbruksverks föreskrifter och allmänna råd om hållande av hundar och katter (L 102) - Statens jordbruksverk

Dog owners in the city - Svenska Kennelklubben

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.

19/11/2025

Another Working Cocker job; brought over from near Darwin with its owners so I could get to see it 😃
I travel extensively to jobs; but sometimes it’s impossible depending on time and others booked in, so occasionally owners travel to see me; we meet on the Fylde coast; nice and relaxed; an open space ☺️

This lovely pup is only 8 months old; and stole my heart of course!
One of my favourite breeds (I think I have quite a few tbh 😆)the amazing Working Cocker is a fit alert happy go lucky, cheery breed bred for ‘flushing’ game and still used for this purpose.

If you ever see them out and about, watch them as they go to and fro from side to side; darting all over…
THAT’S flushing; and these pocket dynamos can go all day everyday; not only do they need physical exercise to stay fit happy and balanced; but lots of mental stimulation too; they like to be busy! 💯

And if they’re not busy uh oh! You’re in trouble 🙃

When given what they need, they are a fantastic enjoyable dog to own… if you love the outdoor life and lovely walks in the fresh air, with a dog that is unlikely to roam far as it will keep its eye on its owner to ‘check in’ (at least it should 😁), then this is the dog for you!
Sensitive, gentle, little athletes, welcoming to dogs and people (with a little input from owners of course 🤓) and happy go lucky, what more could you want.

Oh and pretty cute too 😍💖🐶
Any problems with your W Cocker? Or indeed any Spaniel or breed.. Heinz 57 😍

Here to help xx

18/11/2025

❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️🐶👍

15/11/2025

Another Daxie job today right on the Fylde coast; 17mth old male fun of mischief and fun (as they should be!)
I was called to help offer suggestions to prevent him chasing the family cat 🫣 yup it can be done!
A little reactivity and excessive barking too; cheeky monkeys aren’t they 😁
Takes time patience and consistency; but yes our dogs (even dogs bred to hunt like the Dachshund) can live side by side without drama
Dachshunds are clever dogs! Work their clever brains and try to give boundaries 🙂

Just a little thought is needed; and remembering that our dogs need to play and have fun.. or they’ll create their own fun!

Like chasing our cats 🥴😅

Do you have a monkey of a Dachshund? 🙈🐶🐶

13/11/2025

Everything was calm and peaceful.. I was on one of our beautiful parks here on the coast.. waiting for my next client.. birds tweeting in the trees.. not a cloud in the sky..
and then suddenly I heard a noise that could only be described as a loud, high-pitched frustrated squealing, the kind of noise that tells you a dog has very big feelings. This one was still in the car, and I could hear him long before I could see him! 🙂
His lovely owner had reached out because reactivity was making life incredibly stressful for them. The moment he spotted another dog, he'd launch into a full meltdown.. throwing himself around, squealing at the top of his lungs and creating absolute chaos and if another dog came too close, he'd lunge and, in moments of pure overwhelm, even nip 😵‍💫
It wasn't aggression, it was panic, frustration, and a dog who didn't know how to cope.. but his owner was exhausted and not knowing what to do frustrated.. as was his beautiful dog

Our focus was simply helping him feel safe and capable on lead around other dogs, no meltdowns, no lunging no attempted nipping at other dogs (or humans! 😬)
This meant a little work on his owners part.. and half way through our session the lunging and reactivity lessened and the nipping stopped completely
The way we plays a crucial part; and it’s not easy feeling calm if we have a dog that goes crackers when it’s near another dog, or just out on a walk like this one.

It takes practice like anything, but it’s always good to know why our dogs act the way they do, then maybe with a little help we can start looking forward to our time with them, instead of dreading our walks or putting them off 🫶🏼🐶

Do you have a lunging dog or a squealing dog; one that barks like a mad thing or even one that nips you when on a lead.. ouch!

I look forward to helping you enjoy your walks together 🐶🫶🏼

11/11/2025

Silence can say so much 🙌🏼

07/11/2025

Beautiful sweet Vizsla pup I was asked to help, away from the coast this time ❤️🐶
A few basic pointers on (possible) resource guarding (a very common plea for help at this time; often misinterpreted but easily rectified! 😃)
Basic behaviour advice and prevention of possible problems that may arise.

It’s easier than we think xx
Even if it’s your first dog or you’ve had dogs all your life, we can all get problems that we need help with;
the first step is reaching out to someone; and hopefully that someone is a genuine dog lover and understands why they do what they do 🙏
Compassion
Kindness
Gentility
Patience and understanding.. not just of doggy problems and challenges but peoples too 🤗
We all struggle in some way with something; every single one of us on the planet.
Our dogs (and other pets!) can help us; but we need to know how we can help them 🥰

29/10/2025

🫶🏼🩷🐶

Dogs are extraordinary companions who seem to understand us in ways we can't quite explain. They can sense when something's wrong and will often offer comfort by cuddling, even when we don’t say a word. Their silent support reminds us of the emotional connection that exists between humans and their pets.

This sensitivity to our emotions is one of the most beautiful aspects of the dog-human bond. Their ability to pick up on our sadness and respond with love, affection, and companionship is a simple, yet powerful reminder of the deep bond we share with them.

Dogs are often the best comforters when we need them most, offering unconditional love without hesitation. Their presence is always a source of joy, and they truly are the best friends ever. What’s your dog’s most comforting gesture when you’re feeling down? 🐶❤️

28/10/2025

Love this ❤️❤️

SECONDS COUNT
This post is not advocating that dogs meet every other dog, but rather about how to go about it in a safer way, if and when it does happen.

The 3 second rule for dogs meeting each other is used as a guideline to help foster positive introductions, prevent either dog from feeling overwhelmed or trapped and prevent any potential reactivity and stress.

A short 3 second introduction is enough time to provide important information to both dogs.

Enough time and information for dogs to decide – “are you a threat?”, “do I like you?”, “do I want to learn more about you?”, “do I really dislike you?”, “do I want you to go away?” etc. Both dogs may not feel the same way – one may not be happy to engage while the other may want to.

All interactions should ideally happen like this, not just initially. Just like us, dogs can have off days – things like pain, trigger stacking, lack of sleep or a host of other reasons can influence a dog’s emotional state and whether a dog wants to interact or not.

There are countless times I have witnessed meetings or introductions between dogs that have gone on just a few seconds too long and have not ended well.

This can have long lasting effects on future behaviour when meeting other dogs.

Understanding body language is critically important. If we are going to share our lives with another species, protect them, advocate for them and help them feel safe, then we need to understand and respect their language.

The examples in this post of red and green flags are just a few general ones to look out for – there are many more and these will differ depending on the individual dog, context and circumstances.

Here are some resources that provide more detailed information about body language –

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://bit.ly/4hwC8k1

On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://bit.ly/4oftWqW

Make sure those first 3 seconds count – they can make all the difference.