What is a Canine Retreat?
It isn’t training. It’s time.
A retreat day isn’t a class where your dog learns to sit or walk to heel. It’s a gentle day, built around the relationship between you and your dog rather than what either of you can do.
We slow right down. We breathe. We notice things: how your dog is feeling, how you are feeling, and how the two tend to go together. Everything I bring to the day comes from my own background, with Animal Aromatics, Canine Flow and all my years of listening to animals, but I keep it simple. You don’t need any experience of meditation or anything like it. You just need to turn up with your dog and an open mind and heart.
What you may experience
The shape of a retreat day.
These are the things my previous retreat days have included. Each day is a little different, so the exact programme for the next one will be in its own listing, but this will give you a feel for it.
Breathing and grounding
We begin by stopping. A few simple breathing exercises, feet on the ground, dog beside you, so that everyone arrives properly before we do anything else. There’s no need to rush; this is time to arrive and notice how you both feel.
Understanding emotions
We talk, gently, about how you’re feeling and how your dog may be feeling, and how the two tend to go together. No judgement; just noticing.
Guided meditation and relaxation
A chance to become still with your dog. There’s nothing to get right. We make space for each dog and guardian to take part in a way that feels comfortable.
Canine Flow and canine hypnotherapy
Gentle approaches from my own training, which I’ve offered on previous days, aimed at calm and connection rather than fixing anything. I always explain what we’re doing and why, and nothing is compulsory.
Animal Aromatics
Self-selection is where the animal chooses, and I’ve been practising it since 2006. On a retreat day I introduce it carefully and supervise it throughout. I’d never suggest using essential oils with your animals at home without proper guidance.
Mindful walking
A slow walk together through the countryside, paying attention to what your dog notices. Not a route march. Just the two of you, outside, taking it in.
Time together
Space in the day with nothing scheduled at all, because sometimes that’s when the best things happen. Lunch and refreshments have been part of previous days; each listing says exactly what’s included.
A day to spend together
A day of connection with your canine companion.
A day together gives you time to notice your dog and enjoy simply being with them. Guided relaxation, a quiet moment, time to settle beside one another: these ordinary things can mean so much when we give them our full attention.
Moments from a canine retreat day
Small groups, personal experiences
A more personal way to spend the day.
I keep my retreat days deliberately small. My last one was limited to ten places, and I like it that way: it means I get to know every dog and every guardian, and I can adapt the day to who’s actually there rather than running through a script.
Group sizes and suitability for each retreat are always set out in that retreat’s own listing, so you’ll know what to expect before you book.
Kind words
From guardians who’ve joined a retreat day
What can I say, to see it is to believe it. Dawn has the most incredible gentle gift, her work is truly testament to it. I've had the pleasure and privilege of attending 2 Canine Retreat events. Both left me profoundly moved. My dearest companion Myla had the most wonderful time. Dawn's dedication, passion, care, support and compassion has been invaluable through the years.
I cannot recommend Dawn highly enough. I have attended various Canine Retreat Days and currently attend her monthly Meditation and Visualisation Class for Guardians of All Animal Companions. Dawn is a very gifted, compassionate and deeply intuitive Animal Empath. Her work is genuine, heartfelt and truly special. I will definitely be attending more retreats and events.
My day with Dawn’s Canine Retreat was one to cherish. Dawn guides toward a deeper understanding of our dog’s needs in the moment that we can take away to further support our partnership and develop a deeper and deeper bond. Without doubt, the day all dogs would choose. So looking forward to the next one.
Upcoming retreats
The next retreat day.
I’m currently planning future retreat dates.
If you’d like to hear about the next one before it’s announced, please do get in touch and I’ll let you know as soon as it’s confirmed.
Questions people ask
Before you come along.
Anything that varies from one retreat to the next is set out in that retreat’s own listing. If you’re not sure, just ask me.
What happens at a Canine Retreat?
A small, unhurried day in the countryside for you and your dog. Previous days have included breathing and grounding, a gentle look at emotions, guided meditation and relaxation, Canine Flow, Animal Aromatics and a mindful walk, with time together in between. The exact programme for each retreat is in its listing.
Do I need previous experience with meditation?
Not at all. You don’t need to have done anything like it before. I explain everything as we go, and nothing is compulsory.
Can I attend with my dog?
Yes, that’s the whole point. Retreat days are for dogs and their guardians together.
Are retreats suitable for every dog?
Each retreat has its own notes on suitability in its listing, because venues and group sizes vary. If you’re unsure whether your dog would be comfortable in a small group, please ask me before booking and we’ll talk it through.
Where are retreats held?
In the countryside, and so far in Shropshire. The venue for each retreat is given in its listing.
How long does a retreat last?
My previous retreats have been full days. Timings are confirmed in each listing.
What should I bring?
A full list comes with each retreat, but it’s usually your dog, a lead, water for both of you, something to sit on, and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Are refreshments provided?
They have been on previous days. What’s included is confirmed in each retreat’s listing, so please check there.
How can I find out about future dates?
Get in touch and I’ll let you know as soon as the next one is confirmed. New dates also appear on the Journal.
Can I speak to Dawn before booking?
Of course. I’d much rather you asked me anything you’re wondering about first. Phone, email or the form: whichever suits you.
A personal invitation
If this sounds like a day you and your dog would enjoy…
…please do get in touch. I’d be very happy to tell you a little more about the experience, answer any questions, and let you know when the next retreat is planned. No obligation, and no rush.
With blessings, Dawn