Sheila Harper - Canine Education

14/02/2025

💘Happy Valentine’s Day💙

After a quiet period on Facebook we thought a post today was a lovely way to reconnect with everyone.

We just love the connections between us and our dogs and that dogs have with other animals too. Sometimes the connections are immediate and life long. The photo of the 2 Pekingese dogs is of Zully and her son, JJ, who have always had the most wonderful connection.

Often connections need to be nurtured to grow into something that will be life long just like Frankie and Charlie Cat who have spent 18 months learning how to make a comfortable connection 🥰

Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day connecting with your loved ones 💜🐕🐩🐶💘

Our thanks to Carla and Leti for use of the photos.

26/08/2024

On we are thankful for everything that dogs have taught us.

This year we would especially like to remember those dogs no longer with us but who have enabled us to learn so much 🥰 🐶

The photo is Sheila with Percival.

15/07/2024

📣Improving Dogs’ Social Skills🐶🐕🐩🐾

A five day workshop/holiday
16th - 20th September 2024
Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We only have a few places left on this year’s workshop so if you’ve been thinking about it but haven’t booked yet, don’t wait too long and risk missing out!

Do take a look at our pinned post or contact us for more information.

Visit our website to book your place and find our Terms and Conditions.
www.sheilaharper.co.uk

24/06/2024

The Royal Veterinary College also has tips for preventing heat stroke in dogs and cats.

“You can help to keep your pet cool and comfortable in summer by:

🥶Make sure your pet always has access to a cool shaded area, both indoors and outside
🥶Restrict exercise on warm days (dogs should be walked early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day)
🥶Pack a water bottle on walks
🥶Remember, hot pavements can burn paws! If it’s too hold your hand on, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on
🥶Never leave pets in a car or a hot room (eg conservatories)
🥶Ensure your pet always has drinking water available, adding ice can help keep it cool
🥶Ensure your pet is regularly groomed if this is advised for their breed”

See the RVC webpage for more information.

Information about heatstroke in dogs and cats including signs of heatstroke in pets and first aid for heat stroke in pets

24/06/2024

In view of the extreme temperatures we are expecting you might like to take a few minutes to read through this advice from the Royal Veterniary College about cooling your dog - could be a life saver.
Even it you think you know - have a read, there is a lot of misinformation out there!
Stay cool!

The RVC urges owners of hot dogs to “cool first, transport second” Published: 20 Jul 2023 | Last Updated: 20 Jul 2023 07:00:23 A new study by the VetCompass team at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that dogs with heatstroke may be suffering even further due to outdated first aid pr....

20/06/2024

We still have a few places available😁
16th to 20th September 2024

Check our pinned post for more information or visit our website where you can also find our Terms and Conditions and book.

www.sheilaharper.co.uk

09/06/2024

Delighted to have permission to share part of an email from Margaret who has attended a few of our supported walks with her wonderful Border Collie, Bobbie. I thought it was helpful to share Margaret’s thoughts about trusting her instincts. She was feeling a little insecure because of what other dog owners say she should or shouldn’t be doing, especially because Bobbie is a BC and a ‘working dog’!

Needless to say for anyone who knows me and my teaching, I replied ‘Please do nothing to change what you have!’

So many people have specific ideas about ‘working’ dogs and believe that unless their dog is highly active during waking hours they’re letting their dogs down. Indeed I too made this mistake in the early days. But as I observed and learned what my dog really needed I could see that it was quite the opposite; rest, relaxation and gentle time together, just as Margaret describes.

The lovely photo is of Bobbie. Margaret says ‘My favourite photo of us having a rest. I was watching him mooching and he came and sat down beside me.’

Thank you Margaret 😁

04/06/2024

📢 Event Announcement 📢
🐾🐕4 Day IPACS Workshop🐕🐾

We are excited to let our previous students know the dates for our 2024 IPACS workshop. This workshop is specifically for previous students of IPACS or its equivalent. This workshop will be held over 4 days from Monday 23rd September to Thursday 26th September 2024.

Meet friends and perhaps make new ones, all of whom will have completed IPACS (or ISPACS, IDBTS / IDTS + practical handling).

Our aim is to take you further in your understanding and skill level, to answer your questions and allay any fears or insecurities. At the same time your dog will have the opportunity to gain more confidence in his own skill level around other dogs and people, and to become more relaxed in varied environments.
Refresh, recap, enjoy company and feel safe around others who understand the importance of time, space and distance, and who can evaluate situations. Share experiences past and present in a relaxed, non-judgemental and supportive environment.

Enjoy a range of walks designed to help you and your dog have positive experiences around other dogs and people.

🐶Cost for the 4 days🐶
Attendee and 1 dog £325
Attendee without a dog £225

Accommodation is not included and will need to be booked separately.

To book your place and find our Terms and Conditions please visit www.sheilaharper.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you again!

29/05/2024

🐶🐾5 Day Holiday / Workshop: Improving Dogs' Social Skills🐾🐶

We are delighted to be able to share the dates for our 2024 dog centred holiday/workshop which will be held from Monday 16th September to Friday 20th September 2024.

The holiday/workshop is aimed at anyone who wants help their dog to gain more confidence around other dogs and people, and to become more relaxed in different environments. The 5 days are designed to help you to become more proficient in recognising when your dog needs help, how to provide support and how to help your dog to have good experiences.

🐕What to expect🐕
Set in the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural environment of Cannock Chase you will learn to improve your own skills such as:
* How to move from avoidance and management to building up Real Life Skills
* How to use the lead as a support for your dog
* How to use the environment to achieve the best results
* How the use of your body language can influence your dog
* How to improve your dog's skills in a range of situations

Supported and guided by Sheila, Winny and team, you will be able to enjoy a range of gentle walks and calm activities designed to help your dog have positive experiences around other dogs and people.

🐩Cost for the 5 days🐩
Handler and 1 dog £380
Handler, partner and 1 dog £460
Partner with second dog £325
Attendee without a dog £250

Accommodation is not included and will need to be booked separately.

Do take a look at our pinned posts from previous holidays showing some clips of what we got up to!

To book your place and find our Terms and Conditions please visit www.sheilaharper.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you!

27/05/2024

🐶 👀 Look out 👀 🐶
We’ve been planning this year’s holiday/workshop events and are pleased to let you know that we will be posting the dates and details soon.

There will be a 5 day workshop, Improving Dogs’ Social Skills, aimed at anyone who wants to help their dog become more confident around other dogs and people and to be more relaxed in different environments.

We will also be holding a 4 day workshop for previous IPACS (or its equivalent) students. This will take you further in your understanding as well as providing the opportunity for your dog to gain more confidence in their skills.

Both events will be held in the beautiful natural environment of Cannock Chase.

Look out for posts about each event coming soon!

The photo is of Winny and Robbie at the well known look out point on the Chase.