Puppy or Rescue Dog? Why the easier option might not be the one you think!
A puppy is a blank canvas, right? And a rescue dog comes with baggage? If only choosing a dog were that simple! One of the biggest misconceptions I come across in my work as a Canine Behaviourist is that getting a puppy means you can avoid behavioural problems, while adopting a rescue dog means you’re […]
Your dog is talking to you. Are you actually listening?
We spend a lot of time teaching our dogs how to behave. We teach them to sit, stay, come back when called, walk nicely on the lead and not jump up at visitors. We spend hours trying to understand why they bark at other dogs, pull towards something interesting or suddenly refuse to move. But […]
Is Your Dog Ready For Autumn? 7 Things Every Dog Owner Should Think About…
There is something lovely about autumn. The temperature starts to drop, the leaves begin to change colour and those hot summer walks become a little more comfortable. For dogs, however, the change of season can bring several changes that owners need to think about. Autumn is not simply summer with cooler weather. The days become […]
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 […]