Could your dog’s fear of fireworks have something to do with pain?
Could your dog’s fear of fireworks or thunderstorms have something to do with pain? When a dog panics at fireworks, thunder, gunshots or even everyday noises such as motorbikes, household appliances or doors slamming, we often think of it purely as a fear or anxiety problem. But there is another possibility that is important to […]
Does Your Dog Really Need To Say Hello To Every Dog?
There is a common assumption among dog owners that when two dogs meet, they should say hello. Your dog spots another dog approaching, pulls towards them and the other owner says, “They’re friendly!” Before you know it, the dogs are nose to nose and the leads are wrapped around each other while both owners try […]
Let me help you back to routine! Helping your dog cope when summer ends
The end of summer can be a surprisingly big change for dogs. During the holidays, many dogs have enjoyed having their people around much more than usual. There may have been later mornings, extra walks, days out, visitors, children at home and plenty of opportunities for company. Then suddenly September arrives and everything changes. The […]
How To Spot Red Flags When Choosing A Dog Trainer!
Choosing somebody to train or work with your dog is a decision that deserves much more consideration than simply finding somebody nearby with a good-looking Facebook page. Your dog cannot tell you whether they are frightened, confused or uncomfortable during a training session. They cannot research a trainer’s qualifications, question their methods or decide that […]
Can a Solar Eclipse Affect Your Dog’s Behaviour? What Dog Owners Need to Know
There is something rather extraordinary about a solar eclipse. In the middle of the day, the light begins to fade, the temperature can change, shadows behave differently and, for a short period, the world starts to look and feel more like evening. We know exactly what is happening, but our dogs simply experience a very […]
Is Your Dog Really Being Protective?
Have you ever heard someone proudly say, “My dog is just protecting me”? Sometimes that’s true, but very often what people are seeing is territorial guarding. Territorial behaviour is completely natural. Dogs evolved to protect valuable resources, and territory is one of the most important. Your home, garden, car, favourite walking route, or even the […]
Dogs on the Rampage
There are definitely 2 types of dog owners in this world. Those who make sure they teach their dogs a recall, engage with their dogs on a walk and wouldn’t let their dogs just head over towards other dogs. The other lot seem to think its totally acceptable for their dogs to go at speed […]
Don’t leave dogs alone outside shops!
If you’re anything like me, your dogs, along with your family, are the most precious things in your life. You couldn’t put a value on them, you’d be devastated to lose them. Why then, do people leave dogs tied up outside shops??? Would that same person leave their iPhone X on the wall outside the […]
Dogs and children…..best of friends or potential enemies?
The first thing I note as I contemplate the relationship between children and dogs is how wonderful that relationship can be. My 13 year old daughter walked down the stairs this morning to be greeted by 5 happy faces and 5 lovely, waggy tails. There are literally millions of positive interactions like this between children […]
Is there a physical reason for your dog’s behaviour?
In my behaviour practice, I see many dogs who are anxious/aggressive or reactive to either dogs or people. Or both! Or dogs who are hyperactive, compulsive and non-attentive. These issues can be quite difficult to resolve. My starting point is always to investigate whether underlying pain and discomfort is causing or exacerbating the problem. Most […]