I've Been Where You Are Today!

I’ve always been a confident dog owner, but everything changed when my husband and I adopted Freya - an 18-month-old, 50kg Tibetan Mastiff x Central Asian Shepherd.

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She barked, lunged, and growled at the end of the lead, making simple walks a nightmare. We followed expert advice, but nothing worked - in fact, it unintentionally damaged our bond and made things worse. The guilt was overwhelming. Were we failing her? Would she ever have a good life? The stress even led to arguments between me and my husband about how to handle her.

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Determined to help Freya, I threw myself into intensive learning - studying science-based, ethical behaviour modification methods and gaining hands-on experience. Through this journey, I developed a training approach that truly works. That’s why I founded Canny Canines: to support owners who feel lost, frustrated, or overwhelmed like I did, whether they’re struggling with reactivity or simply want to raise their puppy the right way from the start.

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I now share my life with my young German Shepherd, and I’m passionate about preventing behavioural challenges before they start. If your dog is still a puppy, we can lay the best possible foundations. And if you’re already dealing with difficult behaviours, you’re not alone - I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how to help.

 

Freya sadly passed away at the end of 2024 after struggling with chronic joint issues, but not before living a fulfilling life. She even became my training partner, helping to socialise and build the confidence of dogs who were once just like her.

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Reactivity can make everyday life stressful. Before your current dog, you may never have given it a second thought - now, even the idea of a walk feels daunting. But your dog isn’t being ‘bad’ - they’re reacting out of fear, anxiety, or frustration. And because their behaviour brings short-term relief, they keep doing it.

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The good news? We can teach them a better way. No matter their age or history. A calmer, happier life is possible. And I’m here to help.

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Charlotte Lewis, BA (hons)

Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

Founder, Canny Canines