Welcome!
One dog represents the catalyst, the trigger for my transformation into a writer specialising in canine training and behaviour with particular focus on the sensitive souls that come under the label of 'reactive dogs'. A dog needing extra help, empathy, and understanding to cope with our world, and my devoted companion laying at — or when cold, on — my feet as I type. Finn is the reason that I found my way into the dog world, and the inspiration behind all that I do now I am here.
Good Guardianship
Understanding of dogs is better now than it has ever been. Science has proof of dogs' emotional lives, reinforcing what many have known for a long time. Kindness and empathy for the dogs in our care is becoming central to how we coexist. We can go further. There is more understanding to gain. More ways we can empower our dogs. Enrich their lives as they enrich ours.
Come with me on a journey towards harmony. Learn how to the very best life for you and your dog together. Join me to discover Good Guardianship – your dogs will thank you!
My Book Recommendations
I was approached recently by a fast growing book recommendation site to put together a list of books on a topic important to me, together with a link to one of my own. It will be no surprise to any who know me that my chosen subject was helping people understand their dogs! This is a topic that has become a real passion of mine as understanding out dogs makes life so much more harmonious and easier for all involved. More understanding will help us find truly cooperative ways to coexist and live the best lives possible together.
Whittling the list down to 5 was SO hard, but it has now gone live and can by found by clicking the picture of Finn with what is, in my opinion, the best book I have written so far.
Imposter Syndrome Support
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive and persistent feeling of fraudulence or inadequacy. Widely experienced but far less widely known of, it can severely damage or even halt career progression. One of the best ways to begin tackling imposter syndrome is to find support. You can do that in my Facebook group Conquering Confidence: Imposter Syndrome Support. I have also started a Conquering Confidence blog.
Live online workshops in small groups or individual sessions will also be available soon. If you want to register interest, send me a message via the 'Contact' page.
Support for Reactive Dogs and Their Guardians
This is something that is so close to my heart, having been there as the guardian of a scared and misunderstood dog. One of my passions has become providing help and support for these dogs and the humans who live with them, My aim is to guide both canine and human towards a more relaxed and easier relationship with the world around them, whether by talking through what the dog is feeling, how to help change those feelings, or providing emotional support and an empathetic ear for the people involved.
Send me a message via the Contact page if you need some completely non-judgemental help and support.
Now Available in Audiobook at Amazon, Audible & iTunes!
Dogs are one of the most popular companion animals, and many of them go through life confident and happy with the world around them. A significant number do not - the scared dogs, the anxious dogs, the ones who are terrified when approached by another dog, person, or a whole range of possible things. These dogs react to the causes of their fear in a range of ways, all of which combine to make what are called 'reactive dogs', the ones who cannot cope and have to find a way to tell us. They may be labelled 'bad’, ‘aggressive’, or 'vicious' when they are none of those things. They are scared, and it is up to us to learn and to help.
Learn how fear, anxiety and stress affect the dog. Follow the chemical and physiological changes that happen in the fear response. Find out the potential causes of reactive behaviours, and how to help a puppy have the best chance of avoiding reactivity as they grow and mature into an adult. Discover how to help the reactive dog develop a better relationship with the world. Finish reading this book better understanding reactive dogs.
News
Purchase Links
Canine Principles Tutoring
Conquering Confidence
Find my ebooks via my Books2Read page. Paperbacks available from Amazon. UK purchasers can order paperbacks direct from me. Message for more details via this site's 'Contact Me' page.
Conquering Confidence
Canine Principles Tutoring
Conquering Confidence
An empathetic guide to Impostor Syndrome, including information on what it is, how to tell if you are suffering from it, and techniques to help reduce its impact and influence on your life and career.
Canine Principles Tutoring
Canine Principles Tutoring
Canine Principles Tutoring
I am very proud to say that I am now part of the wonderful tutor team at Canine Principles. My opinion of the courses CP offer is clear, and I am so happy to have the chance to help future students learn.
Canine Principles Blog
Canine Principles Blog
Canine Principles Tutoring
I have written blogs for Canine Principles on a range of subjects: quality dog walks, dogs as a career, and solving some common problems. Check them out, and the brilliant CP founder, Sally Gutteridge!
CP Skills Hub
Canine Principles Blog
Blue Merle Minion FB
A great subscription learning resource, with a range of courses to help people understand their dogs better. There are also loads of video workshops (including some from yours truly) all for £20/month!
Blue Merle Minion FB
Canine Principles Blog
Blue Merle Minion FB
Blue Merle Minion Facebook page, with links to blogs, some funnies, anecdotes about the chaos of living with a blue merle whirlwind and other snippets of fun and information.
Blue Merle Minion Instagram
Blue Merle Minion Instagram
Blue Merle Minion Instagram
Many pictures of a certain handsome blue merle boy, infographics, funnies and links to interesting things. The original IG account I created, and the busiest.