Sue Tappenden Headspace for Change

24/01/2026

Dogs will only be "aggressive" for a reason, usually driven by fear.

It's not spiteful and just for the sake of it.

The fear may be connected to many things but, in their world, it will be a necessary, functional response based on survival and avoidance of pain in some way.

In that moment, it will be all they have to deal with the situation.

With more understanding of why they behave as they do comes more opportunity to help them to change.

❤🐾

20/01/2026

EYESIGHT

Your dog's eyesight operates differently to our human sight in many ways, with a focus on spotting motion/movement and for coping well in low light.

They have a limited colour range, with Blue 💙 and Yellow 💛 being the colours that are the brightest and most distinctive for them. Red and Green look grey and dull.

So ... if you want to buy your dog a toy that they can more easily see and find, buy one that is contrasted Blue and Yellow! Likewise, if you want them to more easily find you in a crowd, you might want to consider your fashion choices ... 😁😉

Canine colour distinction is particularly key if you have a visually impaired or older dog whose eyesight is deteriorating to help them out with navigating the world.

Interested to hear if this rings any bells in relation to your dogs ....

20/01/2026

In the same way that humans do, dogs will (metaphorically!) sit somewhere on a continuum from Optimistic to Pessimistic.

Every single thing they encounter in the world - a noise, a smell, an object, an environment, another dog, a person, a bus etc etc - is filtered through their judgement bias lens to decide whether it is something to worry about or not.

Would you say your dog is more Optimistic or Pessimistic about the world around them? Worried about everything or super-chilled and takes everything in their stride as an exciting adventure? Or somewhere in between?

It might be interesting to watch them and see what you think.

❤🐾

16/01/2026

Yes - this is me! If you didn't know already, I'm studying to be a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (Canine).

A bit of a right (or maybe left?) turn from my human behaviour focus but it's something close to my heart and driven by the ongoing struggles of our gorgeous rescues, despite a lot of advice and support over the years. I've been curious as to why many things haven't changed in a sustainable way and now I get it.

I'm currently working my way through 18 months of the most incredible learning that is opening my eyes SO wide about how to teach our dogs to live happily in the world. The course is detailed, it's scientific, it makes my brain hurt at times but it's feeding my soul and my curiosity in so many ways.

So these "Did You Know" posts are just going to be a bit of fun and will hopefully be of interest to those of you with dogs or who hang out with them ...

I hope you enjoy them.

There is so much about dogs that I'm pretty sure most owners aren't aware of - or at least don't take account of - in the context of their dog's "good" or "bad" behaviour.

The deep levels of my on-going training (I'm just emerging from 6 weeks of Dog Neurology 😊) is providing me with so much insight and understanding as to why they behave as they do and why it's so important to see it for what it is.

Over the coming weeks and months, I'm going to share some dog-related nuggets with you that I hope you will find both insightful and interesting.

Do let me know what you think.

04/12/2025

Please can everyone in my Kent/Surrey network keep their eyes open please.
Mum was found in Kent. So awful that the puppies are now away from her. They need to be found!
Please share far and wide and keep a look out.
Beyond awful and a situation that’s close to my heart.
Thank you. X

03/12/2025

Some new news ...!

I'm so excited to be gently getting my dog behaviour learning out in to the world. I'm undertaking a (degree equivalent) Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour (Canine) and loving every moment of it!

Understanding why dogs behave as they do has been a growing interest of mine as our 3 rescues have struggled with their place in the world. So much of the advice we've paid for over the years hasn't made the difference they needed and I knew pieces must be missing from the jigsaw.

I'm learning the Why of canine behaviour from a deeply scientific, evidence-based perspective (feeding the geek in me!) and truly understanding how complex, sensitive and emotional dogs are. They are incredible creatures who constantly make meaning and associations - which results in their struggles and issues, but also means their reactions and behaviour can change for the better with the right help and support.

I'll be offering help and guidance that's beyond just the What and the How of dog training - individualised and practical support plans and frameworks for dog and owner, designed to bring lasting and positive change. There's no escape from my human psychology/change expertise that will undoubtedly come as part of the package!

I'd love you to follow my new page if you'd like to. I'll be sharing some nuggets of wisdom that I hope you will find useful for your own dogs or those that you know.

If you have any questions or would like to chat through how I might be able to help your dog, do get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.

Understanding your dog, changing lives.

Clinically-led behaviour support for real-life, lasting change.

Getting to the root of problem behaviour to create an individualised, practical, supportive plan to change life for your dog - and for you!

26/11/2025

I co-founded Business Spa Escapes with my best biz-buddy Sheree Owen. We bring together a powerful mix of business and personal strategy expertise and experience to support values-led business owners, founders and leaders.

We’ve a free Webinar next week and our ever-popular Reset and Strategy Day returns on 23 January 2026.

Both are focussed on supporting you to step in to 2026 with clear direction, confidence and purpose, both for you and your business.

Take a look and please get in touch if you have any questions or want to check out if they are right for you. 😊

13/11/2025

You’ve built something meaningful - now it’s time to grow it with purpose.

Join me and the brilliant Sheree Owen for Map Your Next Move, a FREE LIVE WEBINAR for founders who want to lead with greater clarity, energy and aligned strategy in 2026.

Let’s pause the white noise in your head and all around you and help you to get intentional about what’s next.

Vision alone isn’t enough anymore - but a clear strategy, rooted in your values, is going to be unstoppable!

More information and to reserve your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1909121466699?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/11/2025

When business gets noisy in your head and around you, clarity becomes your superpower.

If 2025 left you tired of reacting and ready to plan with intention, this FREE WEBINAR is for you.

🗺️ Map Your Next Move

For values-led founders, coaches, and consultants ready to grow with purpose in 2026.

We’ll share grounded strategies, creative client attraction ideas, and practical tools to stay energised and clear.

🎟️ Free registration and more information here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1909121466699?aff=oddtdtcreator