As you may have been able to tell, I’ve been, well..absent. This isn’t like me at all. I usually am all-in. Some say obsessive but that’s what it takes sometimes. This time though, I’ve been punched in the gut and I’m down and out. Cancer (prostate) has a way of doing that. I’ve just started on that journey, am going for cure so I have to give That journey my all right now. I made a personal video to explain where I’m at. so sorry that I have no idea when I’ll be back - this really is a wave that has swept me out to sea. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and in that spirit, I will be back in action whenever it is that Fate hands me back the steering wheel. Sorry for the multiple analogies too 🙃🥰

Here’s something I actually see on a regular basis in the emergency room - so often that I can usually diagnose it just by looking at the dog from across the room. They’re wide-eyed, shaking, trembling and wobbling when they try to walk…and when I touch their shoulder, they practically hit the ceiling they're so startled. ​ ⚠️ Visual warning: I’ve linked a short video clip here that shows what this looks like in real life. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s important to recognise. This dog - if we can get treatment started early - should show improvement within a couple hours. ​ What you’re seeing is mycotoxin poisoning - usually from dogs raiding the bin (grabbing mouldy bread), or getting into the compost heap. It tends to show up more often in the autumn, when compost heaps are full of rotting fruit, veg, and garden waste. ​ What it looks like: - Sudden vomiting or diarrhoea - Muscle tremors, shaking, twitching - I mean like there's an earthquake inside their body - Overreactive to sound or touch - Wobbly walk, seizures in severe cases Signs can start within an hour or two of eating the mouldy food. ​ The good news: These days we have a treatment we can add to IV fluids that helps “mop up” the toxins. It’s been a real game changer and in my experience most dogs I see goes home the next day, none the wiser. The catch: But not every dog makes it. It depends on how much they ate and how fast you get to the vet. If you ever see your dog trembling like this after a bin raid, don’t sleep on it, it’s an emergency. ​ How to prevent it: - Keep rubbish bins sealed and compost heaps covered. - Be watchful on autumn walks near bins, picnic spots, or allotments. - Remember: dogs don’t see “mouldy bread.” They see “free buffet.” Best, Paul P.S. Don’t try home remedies for this one. If you suspect your dog’s eaten mouldy food and is trembling, call your vet straight away.

Here’s a great little video from Amy showing how, even if you only have 5 minutes a day, you can use a few simple trainings to stay connected with your dog and keep their/your skills fresh. It doesn’t have to be a big training sesh. Just a few minutes, done regularly, makes a big difference. Here's the link! https://www.skool.com/animal-campfire/this-weeks-video-731e2094?p=b920d679

IT’S A SNIFFARI 🐽🍃🪾🌳 The 5-Spot Sniff Challenge The mission: On your walk this week, find 5 different spots where your dog can safely stop and sniff. At each spot: 1. Let your dog investigate at their own pace. 2. Give them at least 30 seconds of uninterrupted sniffing. 3. When they’re finished, calmly move on. 4. Notice how their body language changes before, during and after sniffing. 🌿 Bonus challenge: Try to find 5 different types of sniffing spots — grass, tree, hedge, lamppost, woodland, etc. 📸 Community challenge: Post a photo/video of your favourite sniff spot and tell the group: “My dog’s favourite sniff spot was ______ because ______.” 🎯 The goal: Not distance. Not steps. Not speed. Connection, enrichment and letting your dog be a dog

Recall isn’t just about calling your dog back — it’s about teaching them to stay connected to you, even when you change direction. 🐾 In this video I’m showing how I use “this way” alongside directional changes to reinforce recall and encourage your dog to pay attention to where you’re going. Small changes in direction = a great opportunity to build engagement, responsiveness and a stronger recall. 💪