Canine Coaching with Sam

25/05/2026

Lily is SO ridiculously gorgeous that everybody wants to pet her.
But Lily absolutely does not want to be petted.

People leaning over her, reaching towards her or trying to fuss her is a hard no in Lily’s world. She’s a nervous little dog, and however kind people mean to be, it can feel really overwhelming for her.

I think sometimes people assume that because a dog looks cute and adorable, they must want interaction. But dogs don’t owe us that.

When I first met Lily, it took a full 90 minutes before she felt comfortable enough to sit next to me for treats, and even then I still hadn’t touched her. That trust mattered far more than my overwhelming urge to scoop her up because honestly… LOOK AT HER 🥰😍

But unless Lily explicitly asks for touch or interaction, I won’t force it. Because in her world, that would be really unfair. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for dogs is admire them from a distance and help them feel safe 💛

12/05/2026

✨ Susie appreciation post ✨

Since November, I’ve had the privilege of supporting lovely Susie and her humans and Friday really reminded me just how far this girl has come.

Susie is intermittently reactive towards dogs and some people, alongside anxiety and physical discomfort that was clearly impacting how safe and comfortable she felt in the world. Once that discomfort was identified and supported with physio alongside behavioural work, things started to improve.

Because behaviour is communication. Sometimes dogs are shouting because something doesn’t feel right physically, emotionally… or both.

On Friday, Susie:
🐾 walked past several dogs with zero interest
🐾 calmly greeted a couple of dogs on lead
🐾 settled under a picnic table while people walked past nearby
🐾 coped with the unexpected appearance of a “film crew” without becoming overwhelmed.

Months ago, some of those situations would have felt really hard for her. And while she still needs support, that is absolutely okay.

Progress is rarely linear. There are good days, tricky days, setbacks and breakthroughs. There is no quick fix. What creates change is consistency, patience, support between sessions, thoughtful management, and humans willing to truly listen to what their dog is communicating.

Susie’s humans have done exactly that.

Watching Susie grow in confidence, stay engaged, and start to feel safer in situations she previously found difficult has been so lovely to see.

She really is an absolute little star ⭐

12/05/2026

🐾 Please help support the appeal for Shady Glades Dog Park 🐾

Safe, secure exercise spaces can make such a huge difference for dogs and their humans, especially nervous, reactive, rescue, elderly or training dogs who may struggle in busy public spaces.

The appeal for Shady Glades Dog Exercise Park is now being considered by the Planning Inspectorate through written representations, and there is still time for supporters to have their voices heard.

💬 If you would like to support the appeal, any further representations must be submitted by 21 May 2026 and should quote:

📌Ref: 6007277

You can view the appeal documents and submit comments here:
https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/enter-appeal-reference

Every respectful, constructive comment helps demonstrate the value these spaces bring to dogs, owners and the wider community. 🐶💚

07/05/2026

Some dogs find their own way to 'not pull' on the lead 🤣 Mine does a spin to give me a second to catch up! What does yours do?

26/04/2026

Brilliamt morning doing Barn Hunt - giving Rocket the opportunity to put his nose to work sniffing. Great confidence building activity and fun too!

26/04/2026

I worked with Alfie and his human mum the other day. He’s still a baby, figuring the world out.

Right now, when he sees another dog… he barks. A lot.

In that moment, Alfie’s feeling everything at once...
unsure, excited, a bit scared.

So his go-to is to shout about it. Not exactly polite… but he’s not choosing it either. He’s just stuck.

And that’s the bit that matters. Because he doesn’t have to stay stuck.

He just needs us to show him he has other options, and help him build the confidence to choose them.

P.s isn't he just cutest!

07/04/2026

Got a nervous, anxious or reactive dog? I have space on this Thursday’s (9th april) Buddy Up Session (6:30–7:30pm in Poole).

🐾 No more than 3 dogs
🐾 Fully guided, calm & supportive
🐾 No pressure, no contact

We focus on building confidence around other dogs, managing and helping reduce reactivity - with the session tailored specifically to individual dogs' needs.

£25 for the session
Message or email for more details [email protected]

03/04/2026

Preparing your dog for a brand new (very loud, very smelly!) human is SO important 🐾👶

If you, or someone you know, is expecting a baby, this is a must-read
https://caninecoachingwithsam.co.uk/2026/04/03/dog-meets-baby-how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-a-new-arrival/

Because...
For us, a baby is exciting.
For our dogs? It can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… a bit scary.

When I brought my baby home (many years ago), my Staffy cross Poppy literally screamed the entire first evening.

Her anxiety went through the roof, even though I’d tried to prepare her by sending home baby-scented items! But it wasn't enough.

Looking back, it’s not surprising:
• I’d been away in hospital for a week
• Her routine had completely changed
• Then suddenly… this noisy, unpredictable tiny human arrived

That’s a LOT for any dog to process.

The good news is with the right preparation, you can make this transition much smoother, for both your dog and your baby.

If you want to help your dog feel safe, calm, and included (rather than stressed and overwhelmed), take a read and feel free to share with anyone who needs it.

P.S no baby was ever left alone unattended with the dogs on the floor! Harvey and Poppy were the perfect nanny dogs once given the time to settle and become accustomed to the tiny human!

02/04/2026

BOOKINGS BEING TAKEN FOR THURSDAY EVENINGS IN APRIL
Buddy Up Walks pairs two dogs and their handlers to practise being in the same space calmly and confidently without pressure and without contact. Ideal for dogs that struggle around other dogs in public places due to anxiety, fear or frustration.

You can find out more and book on the link below. Or drop me a message.

Guided confidence-building walks for dogs and their humans Buddy Up Walks are carefully guided walks* designed to help anxious, nervous and reactive dogs (and their humans) build confidence, calmne…

01/04/2026

We’re currently away for the week in Norfolk, and Rocket is absolutely living his best life 🐾
Off-lead freedom all day, every day in our own private, fenced fishing lodge… honestly, it’s dog heaven.

But today? Today we went for a pub lunch. And if you’ve got a reactive dog, you’ll know, that’s not always the most relaxing outing.

So here’s your reminder: always advocate for your dog.

We arrived somewhere new, and I won’t lie, I had that moment of bracing myself before getting Rocket out of the car. New place, unknown dogs, tight spaces… all the usual challenges.

So, I sent my husband and son ahead to check the route in was clear. No surprises, no unnecessary stress.

When we walked in, a lovely member of staff asked if we needed help. I explained Rocket needs space from other dogs and that we’d need a table where we could keep everyone comfortable and safe.

And do you know what?
“No problem at all.”

They found us the perfect spot and even better, they gave us a heads-up whenever another dog was being brought through. That meant we could manage Rocket calmly, without him being pushed over threshold.

That’s what advocacy looks like.
It’s not about avoiding life, it’s about making things possible by asking for help.

Huge thank you to the team at Acle Bridge Inn for making what could have been a stressful experience feel easy and enjoyable 🙌

Because when we speak up for our dogs, and people listen…everyone wins 💛

27/03/2026

So, it doesn't always go to plan for us trainers too! Rocket nearly ate a french bull dog today 🙄

We were standing at the entrance to our local park, having a sniff in the bushes, but not going in as there were alot of offlead dogs. There was plenty of space to give us a wide berth as we weren't actually on the entrance path, and I was wearing my training jacket with STAY AWAY in big yellow letters on the back - clear for anyone to read coming up behind.

But someone decided to try and walk up behind us and squeeze past - and Rocket, who struggles with dogs in very close proximity, spotted the poor little frenchie before I did, lunged and barked and lunged again. But he didn't make contact as his lunging is followed by backing away, and I quickly regained control.

No dog or human was hurt. Shocked and suprised yes.

But I wanted to share, as some times things don't go to plan. Sometimes wearing yellow and big warning signs doesn't get the message across. But it wasn't the end of the world.

The frenchie shook it off, Rocket was most ashamed of himself and wondered why he'd made such a big fuss, and we went on with our day.

Picture of the muppet for your pleasure!