Katherine Brown - Cat & Dog Behaviour Consultant

29/03/2025

Interesting insight into cat history and evolution.

28/03/2025

Amazing ideas!

28/03/2025

Never forget how it felt.

Quarantine might be temporary for us, but it is extremely similar to the way which we commonly feel is acceptable to keep dogs.

There is so much more to life. Unsure where to start? Check out Canine Enrichment: Reviews & How Tos 🧠

*
*
*
ℹ️ If you choose to share my posts, THANK YOU! however, please share them in their entirety - via the "SHARE" button. Cutting off my business information or logo is copyright infringement of my intellectual property. 🐶

28/03/2025

Classic from Thinkdog

28/03/2025

Unusual or scary activity in the home raises stress levels, making conflict more likely.

28/03/2025

Thank you to all my awesome clients this week!

As always your dedication to your beasties' mental health is inspiring 😉

27/03/2025

When the training doesn't work because it's a needs problem or an emotional problem, come to me.

Living with dogs involves understanding and meeting their emotional, physical, and social needs, not just teaching behaviours. It’s about building trust, recognising their natural instincts, and providing enrichment through activities like sniffing, exploring, and play. Supporting their well-being means creating a safe, nurturing environment that helps them live the life they deserve.

27/03/2025

The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful image that helps many cope with the devastating impact of losing a dog or cat, or any companion animal.

Regardless of what your beliefs may be, it's had a unifying effect for all of us who deeply grieve our beasties.
We all know what it means, what it tells us about the people who use or understand it.

What does the Rainbow Bridge mean to you?

Great article. I wasn't properly aware of the origins, and I'll forever be saying Rainbow Bridge in a Scottish accent in my head now.

It’s become part of the pet-parent vernacular as an important source of comfort. ❤️

https://kinship-pets.visitlink.me/f4H2DE

27/03/2025

One of the many reasons I advocate for positive reinforcement training.

27/03/2025

If you want your dog to have more freedom, get a long line.

26/03/2025

I've supported Bull Terrier, Adora-Bull Rescue and Rehabilitation for many years because of their progressive, gentle approach.

If you're looking to donate, look in their direction.

26/03/2025

If I'm using food, I toss it away from me, behind or to the side of the dog.
Then I move away a little, even a small adjustment away can help, and avert my eyes to give some space.

Helping dogs who are scared is a steady process. Trying to encourage a dog closer with food may seem to make sense and that it will help the dog understand that we're safe to be around. The problem is that it puts too much pressure on the dog and could backfire when they find themselves too close for comfort.

We can use food to help fearful dogs understand we're no threat to them but it involves careful reading of stress signals and tossing pieces of food towards them so they can reach it without having to come closer than they are comfortable with. As their confidence grows, the food doesn't need to be thrown so far.

Patience and trying for slow and steady progress as much as possible is the best way to work with scared dogs.

26/03/2025

Progress!

This morning was the first since last going to the vet 16 days ago that St John spent inside with me.

She's been spending a lot of time in the cottage, where she has plenty of warning of human approach.
She lies by the window where she can get away quickly if she needs to.

This is one sign of her post-traumatic response.

Which I can't cure.

But I can improve her resilience.
I can learn how best to support her through stressful and scary times.
I can help her recover more quickly.

16 days may sound ridiculous.
Like a small win.

But it's a massive win.

It's only in the past half of their 13 years that they've been easily touchable, accepting of some medical handling rather than being forced, and often quite confident (bordering on harassment) in their pursuits of affection and brushes.

Although they've eaten their dry food inside their whole lives, mainly due to lack of choice,
(Although I've always given them some kibbles and snacks outside too)
They've always preferred eating wet food outside, getting startled easily if fed inside due to weather. St John wouldn't eat at all if closed inside. She'd pace the perimeter, looking for a way out until it was given.

For over a year now, they've eaten inside.

They still like at least one door open, and at least one of their hideaway options.
Especially if someone's been to the vet.
Or if I've put on Shoes.

But inside.

So 16 days to be back inside, helping me work, and getting chin scritches is extremely awesome.

Because there was a time it when it didn't happen at all.

The small wins are the big wins my dudes.
Treasure them 😉

Side note: I made a video of one of the typical behaviours St John shows as part of her trauma response.
I wrote a looong story to accompany it.
And then lost it 🤦🏻‍♀️
I'll share it soon, it's quite interesting.
I talk about trauma a lot, but what it does it look like.

26/03/2025