Canine Care, Dog Training and Behaviour

08/04/2025

D O Y O U

At least once per week, I take Percy on a ”do you” walk. Which means I just let him do whatever he wants, we go somewhere quiet where no other people and dogs go - and I just slowly walk around and let him be. These shenanigans he though of all by himself, obviously something he needed to let out!

I think this is especially important if you live in urban areas where your dog is mostly on leash - take some time to go bush! I bet both you and your dog will feel better for it 🌳💚✨

24/03/2025

O H O H

Behaviour is fluid. It can change at any time, depending on our experiences and opportunities. Percy has at 5 years of age, started counter surfing (sigh)....

For some time we had been building a ladder of stools and chairs for my daughter to be able to climb up to the barstool to watch us cook. Percy had been watching her climb up there for a while, then we left him home alone with a freshly baked apple crumble on the bench to cool off. Here was his opportunity! There was easy access to get up to you an extremely reinforcing experience. He ate most of the crumble but left the apples 🍎

I have been watching him on camera to see how he gets up there, and he gets up on the bench with a swift jump even if I take the chairs away. I have a few options now and am going to experiment a bit as the true dog nerd I am. Some might say to put some food up there with hot sauce on it etc, but that's just not the kind of dog trainer I am. Here are my options:

1. Never leave him with access to the kitchen when he's home alone. This would stop him practising the behaviour and he might forget about it...eventually. I'd say chances are the next time I'd leave him with access he'd get up there to check no matter how long it's been.

2. I can make sure the kitchen bench is spotless every time I leave him so it does not provide any reinforcement.

3. Make something else more reinforcing. If I leave snuffle mats and yummy chews for him he might focus on this when I leave and forget to check the bench/if he does, it wasn't as reinforcing and I'll create a new habit.

I'll probably do a bit of all 3 to be honest! If the kitchen is a mess, I'll leave him with no kitchen access. If I manage to do the dishes before I leave I will super change the floor with yummy things so that's his focus when I leave and if he checks the bench after it wasn't as reinforcing. However, now that he knows he can easily jump up on the bench. I can not leave anything up there when I leave the house again, as why wouldn't he? I'll celebrate I got 5 years of not having to worry about it 😆

Is your dog a counter surfer?

www.caninecare.co.nz

21/03/2025

S C E N T

Percy and I have been going to scentwork classes with . Just wanted to do a shout out to Jo and Hope for running such a lovely class with adaptations for each dogs needs.

We get to practice our indications and getting a bit better each week. Percy still goes into scream/excitement mode as soon as I say 'search'... so I have to whisper it 😅😆

19/03/2025

P E P E & K U R I

I often separate our outings. Today was going to be hot and I wanted to do something with both Miki and Percy before it was time to hang in the shade at home. Percy dug a hole for a while and then I suggested he'd 'down' and he just chilled for about 20 min. I was so impressed! I have practised calm in public ALOT, and now I can do things like this.

The walk there was his, the walk home was his, and when I wanted some time with Miki making fairy houses in the sand, he managed to just hang. He's such a little star ⭐

www.caninecare.co.nz

17/03/2025

Is your dog's strength making your walks a struggle? Watch Lavinia from Adaptive Behaviour demonstrate how to use a belay set up to work on walking skills. I use the set up most days and highly recommend it, I love if because it puts all the pressure around my hips vs shoulders and it makes me feel safe walking any dog. No more leads getting yanked out of hands! The walking belt itself can be used to clip a double sided leash to and it's easy to attach a treat bag ✨

Link to belay set up in comments below.

Ps. Big shout out to my amazing Dad who helped me edit this video

Introduction to using a leash belay for dog walking. Belay technique from Grisha Stewart grishastewart.com.Belay setup from kiwicanine.co.nz

12/03/2025

🚨PARVOVIRUS!!!🚨

To everyones horror we are again dealing with a new surge of Canine Parvovirus in Christchurch, and our area is also affected. As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to ensure your pet is protected against this highly contagious and life-threatening disease.

Parvovirus affects dogs of all ages, but puppies under 6 months are most susceptible. However 3 of the dogs seen in our clinic in the last week have been 9 months old and one was 13 years old.
The virus is shed in the faeces of infected dogs and can survive in the environment for extended periods long after the infected dog is no longer there.

Symptoms of Parvovirus include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Sadly not all dogs survive this awful disease 😢

Check your dogs vaccination books or give us a call if you need us to check their vaccine status.

Stay safe Paw-some pals!

12/03/2025

I had fun sharing my knowledge about cooperative care to the team Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust a few weeks ago 💕

Thank You, Clara from Canine Care, Dog Training and Behaviour

A big thank you to Clara from Canine Care for running a fantastic session on cooperative care for our team at Dogwatch. We learned so much about helping our shelter dogs feel more comfortable with handling, including practical techniques for nail trimming.

These skills are so important in setting our dogs up for success, making vet visits and grooming a more positive experience. We’re excited to put what we’ve learned into practice to help our dogs feel more confident and at ease.

You can check out Clara’s work and find more information at Canine Care, Dog Training and Behaviour

Thank you, Clara, for sharing your knowledge and supporting our team!

06/03/2025

H A P P Y F R I Y A Y

04/03/2025

D I S T A N C E

He will never be a playground dog. However, he can now calmly sit and wait at 10-15 meters away with us whilst the other parent takes our daughter to play. This is a big win for him! He knows he’s safe, no kids will approach for pats (as I ask them not to), and he’s at a distance where he can watch and relax. Before we had Miki he would sit and be very tense listening to all the kids squealing and yelling, even from quite far away. He’s desensitised to the noises tremendously and I’m so proud of him! Start small and who knows how far your dog can come ✨

www.caninecare.co.nz

01/03/2025

☹️

12/02/2025

R E L A T I O N S H I P

…comes first. Does your dog feel loved? Do they trust you? Do you have fun together? Do they feel listened to? This is the foundation to a good relationship 🥰. www.caninecare.co.nz

31/01/2025

H O L I D A Y

I’m heading away to the Marlborough Sounds tomorrow! I’ll be back in the office on Monday the 10th of February.

Hoping to catch a 🐟😊 Wish me luck (I’ll need it haha).

Cheers, Clara

29/01/2025

F I V E

This guy is five years old today!

🍻 to another 15 years of mouse hunting, hiking, snuggling and being fabulous together 💕 I love you wee man.

23/01/2025

A C O R N

Firstly, how amazing is his name? I love working with the little ones. This dude is 14 weeks and was like a sponge during our training session.

When you raise a puppy, firstly it’s about creating a good relationship, including a secure attachment. You need to show your pup that you have got them covered, and that they can explore the world with you by their side for friendship and guidance.

Secondly, teach a few things REALLY WELL. If your young dog can lie down, come back, and wait on cue no matter where they are and what’s going on - that’s an amazing foundation.

Last but perhaps the most important thing, is to show them the world and make new positive memories in regards to things they will encounter in life. This is a big one! Socialising your dog is important and doesn’t have to take too long. One short new experience every few days or so - and you are winning ⭐️

www.caninecare.co.nz

18/01/2025

N A I L S

My monthly nail clinic is coming up! I still have space Saturday the 25th of January. I can show you how to cut your dog’s nails/make a plan for where to start desensitise your dog to be able to cut them in the future. You can read more and book on my website 👇 www.caninecare.co.nz

09/01/2025

2 0 2 5

Happy new year everyone! I hope you had/are having a great break. I'm back to work and am excited about what the new year will bring. Send me an email if you want to chat about how I can help you and your dog this year!

Picture 🖼️ of Percy who had a sore paw but definitely didn't want to miss out on the walk 😆💛

19/12/2024

Have you heard about the AMAZING new dog walking belt? It can be used for long and short leads, and also to belay your dog if you are working with a strong puller. I highly recommend it. Let me know if you are curious about the belay system and I can see if it's a good idea for you and your dog and teach you how to use it!

Love how our awesome CHCH trainers are all starting to rock our new belt. Looking fab'! 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Finally a belay system in New Zealand!
Finally a comfortable and high quality belt that is so multifunctional! I can choose to use the belay system to work with strong dogs to teach them to slow down when we are walking OR clip the training leash on so I know I won't accidentally drop the leash. I highly recommend this!" - Clara

🔎Check out Clara's website for Online Training, CHCH Training and Nail Care Training! https://www.caninecare.co.nz

07/12/2024

This is so great. Please have this conversation with your children! I'm teaching my toddler this at the moment and it's HARD! She is in the 'hugging and kissing' stage at the moment and understanding that she can't hug and kiss dogs like she can do with humans, is difficult... But crucial! Hugging the wrong dog can be dangerous. If you have a dog that likes your child hugging them, I strongly suggest you don't let them, unless your child has invited them over and they 200% consent to it.