I've Been Where You Are Today!

Despite being a confident, lifelong dog owner used to handling challenging breeds, my world turned upside down when my husband and I adopted Freya—a powerful, 50kg Tibetan Mastiff x Central Asian Shepherd. At just 18 months old, she was reactive, barking, lunging, and growling at the end of the lead. My dreams of long countryside walks and relaxed afternoons in a beer garden quickly faded.

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We followed so-called ‘expert’ advice, but nothing worked. In fact, we unintentionally damaged our relationship with her, and her behaviour worsened. Guilt weighed heavily on us. Were we failing her? Would she ever lead a fulfilling life? The stress led to arguments over how to handle her, and we even questioned if rehoming was the kindest option. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t give up on her.

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Determined to help Freya, I threw myself into intensive learning—studying science-backed, 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, 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 a 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.

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Freya sadly passed away recently after battling chronic joint issues in her later years, but not before she lived 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 is one of the most challenging behaviours to live with, and many owners never expect to face it—until they do. What once seemed simple, like going for a walk, can become a daily source of stress.

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But here’s the thing: your dog isn’t being ‘bad.’ Their reactions are driven by emotions like fear, anxiety, or frustration. When they bark or lunge, it helps them feel better in the moment, reinforcing the behaviour. The good news? We can teach them a better way.

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No matter your dog’s age or history, a calmer, happier life is possible. And I’m here to help you achieve it.

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Charlotte Lewis
Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviourist
Founder, Canny Canines