Bone Canis

It is December 20th and today we have a completely different type of advent for you 😲☃️
For Emily's LAST trick video we are letting YOU CHOOSE which trick she explains, it can even be a trick Suzi doesn't know yet.
So comment below with your suggestions for Sunday's video and we will choose our favourite, feasible, suggestion (no jumping through hoops of fire we are afraid 😉) for Suzi and Emily to learn or prep for Sunday's advent.
... Some of our favourites are weaving through legs, 'middle' and finding Elmer (Suzi's stuffed elephant) but you can suggest something completely new.
What would you like to see?
#BoneCanisAdvent2018
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The last outdoor group session of the year. Well done to everyone... Please let me know if you would like a place on the next set starting on the 3rd of January.

Emily got to go out with these lovely lads today, they even avoided the rain! 🐕🌥

No puppy, further obedience or scent classes this week (they all start up again on the 3rd of January - so get in touch ASAP if you want to book) but we didn't want you to miss out on any puppy cuteness so here is this beautiful baby frolicking in the snow 😍☃️
Message the page here or email infobonecanis@gmail.com to book onto next years classes!

Stuck for a gift for Christmas (you now only have less than a week left 😲) or another occasion?
Message us to inquire about our gift certificates for our training and behavioural services!

We hope December 19th has treated you well, and we also hope you find this advent post super useful ✨
Today we have a useful recommendation from Emily for a tool that she personally finds incredibly handy, the independent dog food review site All About Dog Food. 🥩🥦
This is what she has to say about it:... 'We tend to take for granted that whatever dog food available in stores will suffice for our dogs and often don't think too much about it. We go off of recommendations from friends and family who are happy to push you towards what they feed for no other reason than it happens to be what they feed. Yet, just like with the food we eat, there is a HUGE amount of variation in the quality of the food we can buy for our dogs, but without studying canine nutrition how can we hope to know what is what? Allaboutdogfood.co.uk is an excellent resource for this allowing you to search for particular requirements such as cost and quality of food to help you weigh up your options, you can also put in your dog's breed, age and other factors to really narrow things down. What is more, it is completely independent so isn't affected by the bias your friends or the companies themselves may have towards their own brand. This, to me, makes it an invaluable resource, and a great time saver, when trying to check what food or treats to buy for your dog'
What does your dog's food rate on the site? 🦃
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Some fun outdoors for Emily with these two cuties today 🎾💕

Emily got to meet this little one for a 1-2-1 puppy training session but someone was a little sleepy 😴

Some of Mark's behaviour and training sessions from today.

Some photos from Ange’s walks and drop in visits

🐟🎶 '5 Stinky Sprats' 🎶🐟

Ange had a evening drop in visit with this gorgeous boy tonight 😍

Merry December 18th, we hope you are all ready as we are bringing a NEW training tip your way for today's advent 🤩
We tend to see three key issues that people struggle with when rewarding their dog (getting them to work for the reward offered, finding what other people have more interesting, and having rewards that work some places but not others) so we will go over all three of them for you here!
❄️ Firstly, lots of owners get what they think is a fantastic treat, or reward..., only to find that their dog just isn't interested! We need to remember that just like us all dog's are different some may even see blueberries as their version of gold dust and turn their nose up at cheese, we once had a dog in our training classes do a flawless recall for their precious blueberries. It is worth spending some time offering your dog different things and to see what THEY choose and make a list of THEIR favourite rewards, and remember a reward doesn't always have to be edible. You can find out more about rewarding your dog in different ways here: http://bit.ly/BoneCanisAdvent18
❄️ The second issue people have is that they will get to a training class or similar where other owners are around with their own rewards and find that their dog is no longer interested in what they have and just has to have the NEW thing. If you have a specific treat that your dog always gets and is used to something NEW is always going to have a higher value - remember to try and mix it up so what they are getting doesn't just become 'old hat'.
❄️ The last issue is that particular rewards will work some places but not others. Now we LOVE it when people can use their dog's daily food as rewards (we even recommend it) however it may not always cut it. So, when you enter a new, more exciting situation you should arm yourself appropriately with a new and exciting reward. If we look back at your list of what your dog loves there will always be a hierarchy. If chasing a squirrel at the park is really high on that list a piece of kibble for a recall from that chase may not be an equal value reward so why would they come back? Try and think about your dog's hierarchy of rewards and use their most favourite treats or activities to reward them for doing those bigger challenges. 😊
What would be the top things on your dog's hierarchy of rewards?
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We really do have the best customers in the world....!! More importantly for me, is the fact that someone has taken the time to think about us, whether that's as a gift or lovely words. Thank you so much, it means a great deal to us all...

Some of Mark's sessions from today.

A few photos from Ange’s walks and drop in visits, in between the showers

Emily’s adventuring pals for today, braving the wet muddy weather 🌧🌲

What a difference a day makes! From crazy, hyper alert, stubborn spaniels who had definitely got the upper hand, we can see the light and have calm and settled digs this evening after s visit from Mark. Some simple and comprehensive tips have made such a difference. Lots of consistency and brain games to tire them out and this evening they are both flat out!!

We needed some help with our rescue puppy Otto, who was mouthing. Within a few days of following Mark's advice the mouthing stopped and generally Otto was much happier and more engaged with us. Amazing, we really didn't expect such quick results!! We now feel that we can trust him to be around children, which before was becoming a bit of a concern.



Mark is a lovely man and clearly understands what is going on in the human/dog relationship.



If you need some help..Marks your man!!

Rosie, our Greek rescue dog has been with us for only 3 weeks. She's a very gentle and timid dog which seems to be making her very edgy and reactive. We've no idea what she has been through but I guess it's not been good.Thank you so much, Mark, for your amazing advise on Rosies behaviour. Here's a photo of her- enjoying a walk on the beach. The change in her in just 2 days is remarkable! We already have a much more relaxed and calmer dog. The postman rang the doorbell today - no barking. She didn't actually move! 2 small children arrived this morning and Rosie greeted them with a horizontal waggy tail and 4 feet on the floor!! She hasn't barked at my daughter again so we're continuing with our efforts and I'm sure she'll settle down completely. Thank you again for your help! Janine.

Our golden retriever pup went to Friday puppy club and loved it. It was great as Shadow was picked up and dropped back as we work long hours on a Friday. We always came back to a sleep happy pup and can't thank Mark enough. This is a great idea and a brilliant way to socialise your puppy. Cannot recommend highly enough!!! Thank you.

Mark started walking our dog for us about a year ago now. I think our boy thought/thinks Mark is God he loves him so much. Late 2017 Mark told me due to expansion of his business he had to get some help so we would have a new dog walker! Yikes we thought...!! Who was this new person....would they be ok for our dogs...would our dogs like them etc etc. Well we needn't have worried as Ange Rowland is equally as brilliant with them and they love her just as much....sorry Mark Bridger but that's the way it is!! � Absolutely no hesitation in recommending Bone Canis' services to anyone. Thank you all so much for all your care given to our two furbabies. Please don't ever think on going back to your "day jobs"!!! � xx ��

Mark is really helpful, knows exactly what he is talking about and got on very well with Duggee. I would recommend if you’re having some training issues �

Mark is really amazing and knows what he’s doing, a great trainer!! Thank you for today’s one to one session with Coco, and all the great tips.

Can’t wait for our next session.

Highly recommended ! ���

Mark is just such a lovely man, he came out and spent some time with us and our half pint sized hooligan pup and her behaviour improved just after that one session ! Of course she's still going to be a naughty pup, anything else just wouldn't be normal... But the difference is, now she's engaging with us more rather than just being a crazy whirlwind ! Lots more work ahead but I know whose advice I'll be turning to ! :)

Mark is brilliant at what he does. He has helped us out on various occasions with different doggie troubles. He offers insight into the world of dog and provides easy, kind, sensible solutions. He provided an instant fix with 1 of our dogs who refused to go in the car and we've since had no problems. The other problems have been ongoing training with great results. I would always strongly recommend Mark to anyone with dogs. He is a pleasure to be around and our dogs (and children) adore him.

Mark gave me some advice over the telephone regarding issues with our new rescue dog. He was so helpful and informative, I really can’t thank him enough. He certainly knows his stuff and we’ve implemented what he’s suggested straight away. Just from one conversation I already feel like I understand both of my dogs much more and how our actions impact them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mark.

Mark came to talk to me about some settling in issues I had bringing a rescue dog into our home with 2 other dogs.

I wasn't really sure what to expect but he very quickly explained dog behaviour to me in a way that made total sense.

He gave me strategies to work with for all 3 of our dogs and gave me the reassurance I needed.

He's a lovely man and I would really recommend him to anyone with even minor issues with their dogs.

Mark came out to help me with my cross breed dog Mabel, who suffers with extreme over-friendliness! I've never quite been able to get on top of her jumping up at people and Mark has given me loads of advice and tips on how to cope with managing this with kind, force free methods. He has also highlighted other areas that we need to work on, that all come together to help myself and Mabel deal with her enthusiastic personality! Highly recommended.

Mark I cannot thank you enough for everything you do to help us with our Greek rescues. Your advice is always spot on and I know you have helped many of our new families to over come teething problems with their new canine friends. I will continue to recommend your services, you give me a great peace of mind to know you are there when we need you. Sue x x

It took me ages to find a dog walker for my two dogs for a Sunday because a lot of dog walkers don’t work on a Sunday but luckily Ange said yes and she came when she said, texted me when she left and gave me a update ! And as she is a trainer and a behaviourist I knew they were in good hands thank u soo much !! Isabel

I spoke to Mark a while ago about separation anxiety in our rescue dog who barked the whole time he was left home alone. Thanks to the advice Mark gave us Louis now settles down happily and even sleeps when he’s home on his own - no more barking!

It’s an amazing difference in him and hard work, time, patience and following great advice has certainly paid off and left us with a contented dog.

Thank you so much for the advice you have given us with Louis - it’s so lovely to see him happy and contented when we have to leave him home alone.

I love my dogs to pieces; they are family to me, not pets. But bar Sit, Paw, Stay and Away... I’m not much cop at training them!!

Heelwork was a big issue! My puppy Merlot’s recall is fantastic so I usually walked her in country roads and fields where she could be off a lead; free to explore ... and my arm wasn’t ripped out it’s socket.

Obviously that’s not ideal for day to day and quick trips up the road to post letters or walks in crowded places.

Cannot praise Bone Canis enough...! They’re brilliant; I never felt stupid or told off ... neither did Merlot!

I got way more than just heelwork advice and support from Mark.... Merlot is a bit of a jumper so I had help stopping that too!

Plus advice on treats, puzzles, feeding and much more.

A happy and healthy dog is all that matters to me; but a lot of that is given through nurture to the dogs minds as well as exercise.

We’re super pleased with the progress made today ���

I have been working with Mark now for just over a year. Piper was badly bitten by a boxer several years ago and bad advise, followed by our actions left us with a tense, fearful and aggressive dog. Being a sight hound she is particularly sensitive. Mark has worked with myself and Piper and we have now turned a massive corner.

Tonight we walked along the seafront with between 10-15 dogs walking passed and she was able to ignore all of them and remain calm and happy.

I am sure anyone else with a reactive dog will know the daily struggles and stresses a reactive dog can bring to your life.

There were times when I never thought I would never be able to walk her in public places nor with other dogs.

The embarrassment of on lookers reactions to my dog going crazy on the end of the lead etc.

I accept that she will never be cured but every dog we walk past that she does not react to is a massive bonus.

Piper and I would like to say a massive thank you to Mark and of course Bear and Ava xx

I cannot recommend Mark Bridger highly enough! He came to help me after I’d had a few concerns regarding our cockerpoo Jess. The primary one being the way she’d started behaving towards my daughter (aged 9). Whilst there hadn’t been any aggression demonstrated I didn’t understand it or feel comfortable with it and over the Christmas period they been separated from each other for 3 weeks. To be honest I feared that we may have to look at rehoming Jess and even the thought was heart breaking.

After just an hour with Mark I understood what was going on and he’d given me concrete advice on what to do. He completely filled me with confidence and reassurance. I’ve used a dog behaviourist for Jess in the past but Mark was honestly just brilliant!

Emily Judith Ann Talmadge has been walking my 2 pups twice a week for me, for the past few months and I couldn't ask for a better person. Emily is so attentive and always goes over and above what's expected and always reports back after each walk. Am very much looking forward to doing some 1:1 training with her soon, to enhance what the boys already know and to increase their skills....and mine! They already know and adore Emily, so it will be brilliant for them to have the consistency.

Thank you Mark for bringing such a kind and caring girl, into our lives. X

What a difference a day makes! From crazy, hyper alert, stubborn spaniels who had definitely got the upper hand, we can see the light and have calm and settled digs this evening after s visit from Mark. Some simple and comprehensive tips have made such a difference. Lots of consistency and brain games to tire them out and this evening they are both flat out!!

We needed some help with our rescue puppy Otto, who was mouthing. Within a few days of following Mark's advice the mouthing stopped and generally Otto was much happier and more engaged with us. Amazing, we really didn't expect such quick results!! We now feel that we can trust him to be around children, which before was becoming a bit of a concern.



Mark is a lovely man and clearly understands what is going on in the human/dog relationship.



If you need some help..Marks your man!!

Rosie, our Greek rescue dog has been with us for only 3 weeks. She's a very gentle and timid dog which seems to be making her very edgy and reactive. We've no idea what she has been through but I guess it's not been good.Thank you so much, Mark, for your amazing advise on Rosies behaviour. Here's a photo of her- enjoying a walk on the beach. The change in her in just 2 days is remarkable! We already have a much more relaxed and calmer dog. The postman rang the doorbell today - no barking. She didn't actually move! 2 small children arrived this morning and Rosie greeted them with a horizontal waggy tail and 4 feet on the floor!! She hasn't barked at my daughter again so we're continuing with our efforts and I'm sure she'll settle down completely. Thank you again for your help! Janine.

Our golden retriever pup went to Friday puppy club and loved it. It was great as Shadow was picked up and dropped back as we work long hours on a Friday. We always came back to a sleep happy pup and can't thank Mark enough. This is a great idea and a brilliant way to socialise your puppy. Cannot recommend highly enough!!! Thank you.

Mark started walking our dog for us about a year ago now. I think our boy thought/thinks Mark is God he loves him so much. Late 2017 Mark told me due to expansion of his business he had to get some help so we would have a new dog walker! Yikes we thought...!! Who was this new person....would they be ok for our dogs...would our dogs like them etc etc. Well we needn't have worried as Ange Rowland is equally as brilliant with them and they love her just as much....sorry Mark Bridger but that's the way it is!! � Absolutely no hesitation in recommending Bone Canis' services to anyone. Thank you all so much for all your care given to our two furbabies. Please don't ever think on going back to your "day jobs"!!! � xx ��

Mark is really helpful, knows exactly what he is talking about and got on very well with Duggee. I would recommend if you’re having some training issues �

Mark is really amazing and knows what he’s doing, a great trainer!! Thank you for today’s one to one session with Coco, and all the great tips.

Can’t wait for our next session.

Highly recommended ! ���

Mark is just such a lovely man, he came out and spent some time with us and our half pint sized hooligan pup and her behaviour improved just after that one session ! Of course she's still going to be a naughty pup, anything else just wouldn't be normal... But the difference is, now she's engaging with us more rather than just being a crazy whirlwind ! Lots more work ahead but I know whose advice I'll be turning to ! :)

Mark is brilliant at what he does. He has helped us out on various occasions with different doggie troubles. He offers insight into the world of dog and provides easy, kind, sensible solutions. He provided an instant fix with 1 of our dogs who refused to go in the car and we've since had no problems. The other problems have been ongoing training with great results. I would always strongly recommend Mark to anyone with dogs. He is a pleasure to be around and our dogs (and children) adore him.

Mark gave me some advice over the telephone regarding issues with our new rescue dog. He was so helpful and informative, I really can’t thank him enough. He certainly knows his stuff and we’ve implemented what he’s suggested straight away. Just from one conversation I already feel like I understand both of my dogs much more and how our actions impact them. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mark.

Mark came to talk to me about some settling in issues I had bringing a rescue dog into our home with 2 other dogs.

I wasn't really sure what to expect but he very quickly explained dog behaviour to me in a way that made total sense.

He gave me strategies to work with for all 3 of our dogs and gave me the reassurance I needed.

He's a lovely man and I would really recommend him to anyone with even minor issues with their dogs.

Mark came out to help me with my cross breed dog Mabel, who suffers with extreme over-friendliness! I've never quite been able to get on top of her jumping up at people and Mark has given me loads of advice and tips on how to cope with managing this with kind, force free methods. He has also highlighted other areas that we need to work on, that all come together to help myself and Mabel deal with her enthusiastic personality! Highly recommended.

Mark I cannot thank you enough for everything you do to help us with our Greek rescues. Your advice is always spot on and I know you have helped many of our new families to over come teething problems with their new canine friends. I will continue to recommend your services, you give me a great peace of mind to know you are there when we need you. Sue x x

It took me ages to find a dog walker for my two dogs for a Sunday because a lot of dog walkers don’t work on a Sunday but luckily Ange said yes and she came when she said, texted me when she left and gave me a update ! And as she is a trainer and a behaviourist I knew they were in good hands thank u soo much !! Isabel

I spoke to Mark a while ago about separation anxiety in our rescue dog who barked the whole time he was left home alone. Thanks to the advice Mark gave us Louis now settles down happily and even sleeps when he’s home on his own - no more barking!

It’s an amazing difference in him and hard work, time, patience and following great advice has certainly paid off and left us with a contented dog.

Thank you so much for the advice you have given us with Louis - it’s so lovely to see him happy and contented when we have to leave him home alone.

I love my dogs to pieces; they are family to me, not pets. But bar Sit, Paw, Stay and Away... I’m not much cop at training them!!

Heelwork was a big issue! My puppy Merlot’s recall is fantastic so I usually walked her in country roads and fields where she could be off a lead; free to explore ... and my arm wasn’t ripped out it’s socket.

Obviously that’s not ideal for day to day and quick trips up the road to post letters or walks in crowded places.

Cannot praise Bone Canis enough...! They’re brilliant; I never felt stupid or told off ... neither did Merlot!

I got way more than just heelwork advice and support from Mark.... Merlot is a bit of a jumper so I had help stopping that too!

Plus advice on treats, puzzles, feeding and much more.

A happy and healthy dog is all that matters to me; but a lot of that is given through nurture to the dogs minds as well as exercise.

We’re super pleased with the progress made today ���

I have been working with Mark now for just over a year. Piper was badly bitten by a boxer several years ago and bad advise, followed by our actions left us with a tense, fearful and aggressive dog. Being a sight hound she is particularly sensitive. Mark has worked with myself and Piper and we have now turned a massive corner.

Tonight we walked along the seafront with between 10-15 dogs walking passed and she was able to ignore all of them and remain calm and happy.

I am sure anyone else with a reactive dog will know the daily struggles and stresses a reactive dog can bring to your life.

There were times when I never thought I would never be able to walk her in public places nor with other dogs.

The embarrassment of on lookers reactions to my dog going crazy on the end of the lead etc.

I accept that she will never be cured but every dog we walk past that she does not react to is a massive bonus.

Piper and I would like to say a massive thank you to Mark and of course Bear and Ava xx

I cannot recommend Mark Bridger highly enough! He came to help me after I’d had a few concerns regarding our cockerpoo Jess. The primary one being the way she’d started behaving towards my daughter (aged 9). Whilst there hadn’t been any aggression demonstrated I didn’t understand it or feel comfortable with it and over the Christmas period they been separated from each other for 3 weeks. To be honest I feared that we may have to look at rehoming Jess and even the thought was heart breaking.

After just an hour with Mark I understood what was going on and he’d given me concrete advice on what to do. He completely filled me with confidence and reassurance. I’ve used a dog behaviourist for Jess in the past but Mark was honestly just brilliant!

Emily Judith Ann Talmadge has been walking my 2 pups twice a week for me, for the past few months and I couldn't ask for a better person. Emily is so attentive and always goes over and above what's expected and always reports back after each walk. Am very much looking forward to doing some 1:1 training with her soon, to enhance what the boys already know and to increase their skills....and mine! They already know and adore Emily, so it will be brilliant for them to have the consistency.

Thank you Mark for bringing such a kind and caring girl, into our lives. X