Bond and Behave CIC

31/10/2026

We're taking a little break!

Even the people behind the dogs need a little time to recharge! 💜

Bond and Behave CIC will be taking a short holiday break from 30th October until 15th November.

That means we'll be temporarily pressing pause on our usual activities, training sessions and general communications.

During this time, messages and enquiries won't be monitored, but don't worry – we'll be back!

Reopening Monday 16th November

We've got lots more planned for the coming months, and we're looking forward to getting back to doing what we love: helping dogs and their people build better lives together.

In the meantime, enjoy some quality time with your four-legged best friends, and we'll see you soon!

Thank you for your continued support.

29/10/2026

Whoo! What a busy month October has been!

It's been SO busy - I think it's time for a little recap!

This month we have had:

- Our Recall workshop
- Handler Academy
- level 1 assistance dog weekly classes
- level 2 assistance dog weekly classes
- level 1/2 companion dog weekly classes
- level 3 task training 1:1 sessions
- a level 3 Fort Kinnaird Public Access Training session
- an assistance dog group trip (level 2 and 3) to Galashiels via the train!
- a members freedom field dog social
- one of our nervous dog clients received a haircut 💈

- Not 1 - BUT 2 of our Assistance Dog teams PASSED their level 2 assessments 👏🏻

And tonight we finished off October with a smashing class 😊 Each class, 1:1, social, group trip, client success and even a spontaneous haircut - reminds me why I LOVE my job!

A big round of applause for all our training teams 👏🏻, who work hard every week and keep trying - even through those hard times - we have such a lovely community 🥰

27/10/2026

CONGRATULATIONS!

A massive congratulations to 2 of our assistance dog in training teams today who have officially PASSED their level 2 assistance dog assessment today 👏

Team Patch and Ginny are now on their exciting journey, taking on Level 3 where they will be learning their tasks that will enable their handlers to become independent 😊

I am so proud of each of these teams who have worked so hard to get to this stage and so excited for each of them for what the future holds!

Let's give all of these teams a massive round of applause 🙌 👏 onwards to Level 3!

25/10/2026

Every dog deserves to feel safe, understood and supported.

I'd love to share a little success story about Jimmy!

Jimmy has found grooming difficult in the past, to the point where medication was needed to help him through the process. Unfortunately, although the medication would leave him sleepy for the rest of the day, it didn't actually make the grooming itself any easier for him.

When I was asked to groom Jimmy, we took a different approach.

We groom Jimmy in the comfort of his own home, We have his handler there to support and reassure him and we always take our time, working at his pace and allowing him to feel comfortable.

Now, we are on our third grooming session together, Jimmy is able to be groomed and we have never needed medication. We take things slowly, work with him rather than against him and make the experience as positive as possible.

This is exactly why I believe in looking at the individual dog, understanding their needs and adapting our approach rather than expecting every dog to cope in the same way.

There isn't always a quick fix and progress doesn't have to happen overnight. Sometimes, a little patience, trust and understanding can make all the difference.

A huge thank you to Jimmy's handler for trusting me to work with him and for being part of the process!

Because grooming isn't just about keeping a dog looking good. It's about helping them feel safe, too.

24/10/2026

Phew! Have you seen that weather?

Although we got a little soggy at the end of today's members social. Team Ginny took shelter in the wooden train! 😆

All dogs got a great run about 🥰 And us humans all headed home to get in our Jammies and hide under our Duvets, on the couch, eating popcorn 🍿 🤣..... Just me? 🥶

Unleash the Dogs

20/10/2026

WOW! What a day!

Yes our Assistance Dog in Training Teams jumped on board a train to Galashiels today for a Train Training Trip!

6 training teams done so well and should be so proud of all their hard work 👏🏻 While the weather was good - the dogs definitely were 😂

Where should our next training adventure take us? Drop your suggestions in the comments!

19/10/2026

INVISIBLE DISABILITIES WEEK 18th–24th OCTOBER

Not every disability is visible.

You can't always tell if someone is autistic, living with chronic pain, struggling with fatigue or managing a condition that affects their everyday life.

Someone might look perfectly fine on the outside whilst fighting battles you know nothing about.

- A person doesn't have to look disabled to be disabled.
- Not all disabilities require a wheelchair or mobility aid.
- Assistance dogs can support people with disabilities that others cannot see.
- Everyone deserves understanding, respect and reasonable adjustments without having to justify their existence.

At Bond and Behave CIC, we believe that disability awareness means looking beyond what you can see. We support assistance dog teams, including handlers with invisible disabilities and recognise that every person's needs and experiences are different.

Please remember: you don't know someone's story just by looking at them.

Let's start a conversation!

Have you ever felt that your disability or support needs were dismissed because you didn't look disabled? Share your experiences in the comments if you're comfortable doing so.

Please share this post to help us raise awareness. You never know who might need to hear this today.

18/10/2026

Team Ricksen is learning a new task!

Meet Ricksen, a Shih Tzu who is learning Light Pressure Therapy (LPT) as part of his assistance dog training!

But what exactly is Light Pressure Therapy?

It's not simply a dog giving their handler a hug!

Light Pressure Therapy is a trained assistance dog task where the dog applies gentle, controlled body contact or pressure to their handler. Depending on the individual's needs, this can help with emotional regulation, grounding, sensory overload, distress or even pain.

The key is that it's purposeful, trained and tailored to the handler's needs — not just cuddles!

Ricksen is learning how to position himself and provide this contact when needed, building the foundations of a task that could make a real difference to his handler's daily life.

Let's take a moment to celebrate him! 👏🏻

Assistance dog training isn't just about learning to behave in public or walk nicely on a lead. It's about developing practical skills that support a disabled person's independence, wellbeing and everyday life.

Every new skill takes time, patience and practice and Team Ricksen deserves a huge well done for this milestone! 💜

Small dog, important job!

💜 Help us spread awareness! Share this post with someone who would love to learn more about the incredible tasks assistance dogs can be trained to do.

12/10/2026

Did you know you can raise FREE donations for Bond and Behave CIC EVERY time you shop online.

Just use ! Over 8,000 retailers will donate, including all the big names like John Lewis & Partners, BT, Expedia, Argos, ASOS, Just Eat, Uswitch and many more!

Please support us: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bond-and-behave-cic/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pmc&utm_content=fb-1

10/10/2026

Does your dog suddenly forget you exist when it’s time to go home? 😂

You call them, they look at you… and then run in the opposite direction!

Whether your dog has selective hearing, takes forever to come back or thinks recall is completely optional, our Recall Workshop is here to help!

- Build better recall
- Suitable for dogs at any stage of training
- Indoor venue + enclosed field
- Just £40 for TWO sessions
- Only 6 dog teams per workshop!

Let’s make coming back to you the best part of your dog’s adventure!

Message us to book your place before spaces fill up!

🐾 RECALL WORKSHOP — £40 🐾

We’re excited to announce our next Recall Workshop, open to dog teams at any training stage!

This workshop will take place across two sessions, giving you the opportunity to build and strengthen your dog’s recall in two different environments.

🏠 Session 1 — Indoor training
We’ll focus on the foundations of a reliable recall, building engagement, responsiveness and understanding.

🌳 Session 2 — Outdoor enclosed field
We’ll take those skills into a secure outdoor environment, adding more space, distractions and freedom.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve an existing recall, this workshop is suitable for all training levels.

📅 Date: Indoor Session- 13th October 2026 - 2pm-3pm,

📅 Date: Outdoor Session -22nd October 2026 - 12pm-1pm

🐕 Only 6 dog teams
💷 £40 for the complete two-session package

Your £40 booking includes both sessions — giving you the chance to learn, practise and then put your recall skills to the test in a different environment.

⚠️ Only 6 spaces available, so once they’re gone, they’re gone!

📩 Ready to work on your dog’s recall? Message us to secure your place.