Confident Canine - Nina, the Holistic Gundog Trainer

16/07/2025

Let’s talk about the in-between moments…. I’ll explain! 👇

Not the tidy recall you get when there’s nothing else around.

But the messy middle.

The bit where your gundog locks on to a scent trail and suddenly they’re gone. Whoosh! (IYKYK)

Where they pretend they didn’t hear you.

Or where you call once… twice… and then feel that rising dread in your chest.

Because they’re not coming back. Not yet. Not now.

There’s something better out there. 🫣

It’s not that they’re being “naughty.” They’re just doing what gundogs were literally bred to do.

But that doesn’t mean recall is off the table.

It means we build it differently. Through trust, not tension.

By meeting needs, not battling instincts. By creating connection, even when distractions are loud.

So here’s your permission slip:

If you’ve been told your gundog is “too driven” to have good recall… I’m calling BS. 😆

They’re not untrainable. They’re misunderstood.

Let’s change that. My 1-1 support helps you create recall that sticks - even around birds, scents, other dogs, and squirrel filled trees. 🐿️

🤍 Drop your recall struggle in the comments (you’re not the only one)

🤍 Or hit the link below to book a free call – and let’s work on this together.

https://confidentcanine.co.uk/contact-me/ -form

08/07/2025

Some dogs are already running hot in the summer… physically and emotionally.

Add in new places, new smells, and a group setup, and it’s no wonder they feel overwhelmed. 🥵🐾

That’s why I believe in meeting dogs where they are. And sometimes, that means starting online.

No pressure.
No audience.
No added stimulation.

Just you, your dog, and clear, supportive guidance you can apply right now.

My online 1-1s are designed to gently unravel struggles like 👇

🐾 Recall that vanishes around distractions
🐾 Barky, over aroused walks
🐾 Dogs who seem shut down or switched off outside

Because dog training isn’t about making things harder to ‘proof’ behaviours.

It’s about building your dog’s capacity to cope… with compassion, not chaos.

Ready to get started from the comfort of home? Link below. 👇

https://confidentcanine.co.uk/online-training-behaviour-gundogs/

07/07/2025

I did it… and I’m SO glad I did!

Speaking at Edition Dog Live was a big step for me – but once I got going, it was such fun! The audience were warm and really engaged, and a thoughtful question from a lovely lady at the end helped bring it all together beautifully.

One of the highlights? Having people stop by the stand and say they’d heard me on the A Dog’s Life Podcast ahead of the show. Some even came especially to see me, which absolutely made my day.

It was also so nice to finally connect in person with some of the brilliant (and so lovely) professionals I usually only get to wave at through Instagram stories!

If you came to the talk, stopped for a chat, or even just sent a smile my way – thank you. Your kindness and curiosity reminded me exactly why I do this work.

Got a question you didn’t get the chance to ask on the day? Or a topic you’d love me to cover in a future talk or webinar? Pop it below or drop me a message. 🫶

06/07/2025

All set up and ready for the day at Edition Dog Live 🎉 Come see me in the arena at around 1035 where I'll giving a talk and on stand 58 for a chat and to ask any questions you have. Talking all things holistic, especially gundogs ❤️

02/07/2025

If your gundog feels like a mystery sometimes… this one’s for you. 🤍

Why are so many gundogs struggling in today’s world?

Why do even well loved, well trained dogs still react, shut down, or switch off?

These are the questions I’ll be diving into at Edition Dog Live on 6th July… and if you’ve ever wondered the same, I’d love for you to come and listen. 🙂

Because the truth is, it’s not about obedience. It’s about emotions. Environment. Energy. And understanding.

I won’t be sharing one-size-fits-all training solutions.

I won’t be telling you what your dog “should” be doing.

Instead, I’ll be talking about what it really means to meet your dog where they are… especially if they’re sensitive, overwhelmed, or full of drive with nowhere for it to go.

If that resonates, please come say hello. I’ll be there all day, and I’d love to connect with you… whether we’ve worked together before or you’re just starting to explore this side of dog training.

📍 6th July
📍 Edition Dog Live, Coventry

Let me know in the comments if you’re coming! 🐾

You can watch my recent chat with Anna Webb from Edition Dog Live, 'Understanding the Intricacies Of The Gundog'. Link in comments.

01/07/2025

This month reminded me of something important….

Online doesn’t mean less.

A client of mine – originally booked for in-person sessions – unexpectedly had to move to online due to the current hot weather. We adapted, adjusted… and the results? Brilliant. 🙂

Huge progress. Real change. A calmer dog and a more confident dog guardian.

It was the perfect reminder that remote support can still hold space for everything that matters in training 👇

🐾 Your dog’s emotional wellbeing
🐾 Your need for support that fits your life
🐾 A focus on connection, not control

If you’ve been feeling stuck or assuming online won’t work for your gundog, let this be your gentle nudge….

It absolutely can. 🤍

If you would like to learn more about working together online, please do pop me a DM or head over to the link below.

confidentcanine.co.uk/online-training-behaviour-gundogs/

30/06/2025

Someone kindly asked if they could share this so Ive made a public post, please feel free to share away

25/06/2025

So many of the gundogs I work with are labelled as “difficult,” “distracted,” or “disobedient”…

But when we pause and look a little deeper, it becomes clear they’re not trying to get it wrong… they’re trying to cope.

They weren’t bred to be still. They notice everything. They want to do the right thing… they just don’t always know what that is.

And no, they don’t need louder cues… they need softer energy. 🤍

These are the quiet truths your gundog is trying to tell you, every day.

This post is a gentle reminder that behind every “behaviour” is a being… sensitive, intelligent, emotionally driven… doing their best in a world that often asks too much, too fast.

Let’s listen. Let’s meet them with understanding.

Because when we stop pushing for control, and start building connection… everything changes.

Which slide in this carousel spoke to you the most today? 🐾👇

Tell me below, I’d love to hear.

23/06/2025

Have you had a peek at this month’s Edition Dog Magazine? 👀

If so, you may have seen my latest article about loose lead walking on page 17 and 18!

As always, it’s such a pleasure to contribute to Edition Dog’s brilliant magazine, it’s an absolute treasure trove for dog owners!

You can order your copies at: https://editiondog.com/products/subscriptions-to-edition-dog-magazine-1

18/06/2025

Ways to work with me this July 🐾

I’ve just opened up space for two new dogs in my 1-1 behaviour programmes this July.

These aren’t quick fixes or cookie-cutter sessions… they’re calm, in depth journeys designed to uncover what’s really going on underneath the surface of your gundog’s behaviour.

Whether you're seeing reactivity, shutdowns, frantic energy, or just a sense that something’s not right, I’ll help you tune in to your dog’s needs, meet them with clarity, and start moving forward… together.

And you don’t need to be local to Essex.

Most of my behaviour clients now work with me remotely, with fully personalised support, no overwhelm, and gentle guidance that actually works in the real world.

You'll receive 👇

A full consult and pathway plan tailored to your gundog and situation
A structured, holistic plan that makes sense in your day-to-day life
Ongoing WhatsApp support so you're never left wondering what to do next.

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Let’s bring calm, confidence, and real connection back to both ends of the lead.

Message me to chat, or head to the link below to book your free discovery call. 🙂

https://confidentcanine.co.uk/

13/06/2025

✨ Energy is finally gaining momentum in the dog world, and I’m here for it, more and more dog trainers are approaching me to find out more and thats so exciting!.

But while it’s lovely to see more people recognising that dogs feel more than just commands or cues, we need to talk about what real energy work involves.

It’s not just about “lifting the vibe” with a smile or a quick breath. It’s not hype or performance. True energetic change is layered, physical, emotional, mental, and more, and dogs feel all of it.

I’ve been teaching Reiki since 2006, and every part of my work weaves in the energetic thread. Because behaviour change that lasts? That comes from deeper connection, not surface-level fixes.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is picking up on something beyond what you’re saying, they are. This is where we begin.

🌀 Where thought goes, energy flows.

13/06/2025

Important to know especially this time of year!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14FtRXyBhLg/

🐍 Adders 🐍

With the glorious weather recently, we have seen an expected increase in calls regarding adder bites.

The adder (Vipera berus berus) is the only venomous snake native to the UK, and is also found across northern Europe. It is a protected species in the UK. Adders are most commonly, but not exclusively, found on dry, sandy heaths, sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorlands and woodland edges. The clinical signs of an adder bite can include rapid and progressive swelling around the bite site, pain, lethargy, vomiting, bruising, bleeding and collapse.

What should you do if your pet has been bitten by an adder?
❌Do not panic.
❌Do not interfere with the bite.
❌Do not apply a tourniquet.
❌Do not attempt to touch or catch the snake.
❌Do not kill the snake – it is a protected species.
❌If practical, carry your dog to your car and go to your veterinary surgeon - do not delay seeking advice even if your pet is well as things can change quickly.

Adders are not aggressive and generally only bite when provoked. They hibernate in the winter and as a result most bites occur in the summer. Pets are frequently bitten on the leg, head or neck. If your pet has been bitten by an adder (even if you did not see the snake or are not sure what happened) – contact your vet immediately. Your vet will examine your pet to determine the location of the bite and extent of the swelling.

Veterinary professionals can call us any time on 02073 055 055 if required for assistance with managing cases of adder bites. We also hold a list of antivenom stockists across the UK. Please note that antivenom is not indicated in all cases.