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Why More Exercise Isn't Always The Answer: How To Actually Tire Out Your Dog

If your dog is bouncing off the walls, it’s easy to think the solution is more exercise. Another walk around the block. A longer walk. An extra game of fetch before dinner.But here’s the truth we teach every day at Your Canine Compass:Most dogs don’t need more walks, they need better quality walks.A fulfilling walk isn’t measured in kilometres. It’s measured in connection, engagement, fulfilment and mental enrichment.Let’s turn your everyday outing into the highlight of your dog’s ...

Surviving The Bitey Puppy Stage

🐶 Surviving (and Thriving in) the Puppy PhaseBringing home a puppy is exciting, but let’s be honest, it also feels like a full-time job. I can relate to just how tiring it is right now as we have Mav the 4 month old puppy foster with us at the moment! I may have taken a cheeky nap here and there when he's been napping too!Between the nipping, constantly keeping my eyes on him for toilet training, sleepless nights, and the crazy energy bursts, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing it right...

Am I Failing My Dog?

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m failing my dog”, you’re not alone. So many loving dog owners come to me feeling like they aren’t good enough, that their dog “doesn’t listen,” or that they’re doing everything wrong. And I'll be honest, sometimes I have those feelings myself about my own dogs too. Let me tell you the truth: you are not failing your dog.Why So Many Dog Owners Feel This WayLife with a dog often looks very different from the picture we h...

Why Your Dog Listens at Home but Struggles Outside (And Why It’s Not Your Fault!)

If you’ve ever wondered why your dog can respond perfectly in your kitchen but seems to “forget everything” the second you step outside…You’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong either. Most dog owners are told to start their training at home where there are no distractions.But very few are shown how to progress that training into the real world - where life is messy, unpredictable, and full of exciting things your dog naturally wants to explore.This isn’t a failur...

3 Things I’d Prioritise When Bringing a New Puppy Home

Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) moments in your life.You’ve got the new dog bed, all of the toys, the pretty tiny collar… but what about the things that will truly shape your puppy’s future?If I could only focus on three things in those first few weeks, here’s what they would be:1. Positive, Calm SocialisationSocialisation isn’t about meeting every person and dog you see — it’s about creating experiences with the world around ...

From Fearful to Free: How Dog Training Helped One Owner Transform Her 2 Year Old Dog’s Behaviour

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely a creature of habit sometimes — same morning routine, same tea order, same trusty walking routes with my dogs.And let’s be honest, when you have a dog who can be a little challenging at times, that same daily route can feel like the safest option. You know the layout. You can avoid the known hard bits, like that one dog that always barks at the fence. There’s comfort in familiarity.Trying a new walking spot? That can feel terrifying....