Bringing a baby home is a huge life change, not just for you, but for your dog too. I often support families who are preparing their dog for a new baby, or struggling after baby has arrived. Your dog’s world is about to shift in ways they don’t understand. Suddenly there are new smells, unfamiliarContinue reading “Dog Meets Baby: How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Arrival”
What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t the problem?
Behaviour is communication, not disobedience. So much of what I do with clients isn’t actually training. We talk about the behaviours they want help with. But my starting point isn’t the behaviour — it’s what’s driving it. For me, that begins with how their dog is feeling. Just like us, how a dog feels affectsContinue reading “What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t the problem?”
Dog walking fields Dorset
Sometimes we all need a secure, or safe field for our dogs. Training for puppies, adolescents and rescues, being able to run free when they can’t in public places – reactive or anxious dogs, or safety for our old dogs or ill dogs. Exclusive use secure fields are available to rent usually by the hour.Continue reading “Dog walking fields Dorset”
Let’s talk about arousal
I was working with a dog the other day. The plan was to focus on their reactivity to other dogs. But the more time I spent watching, the more obvious it became that reactivity wasn’t the first thing we needed to tackle at all… Their arousal levels were already sky-high before we even started. AndContinue reading “Let’s talk about arousal”
Use the food
A lot of people feel unsure about using food in training, it can feel like bribery, or like the dog “should just do it”. But food isn’t about spoiling your dog. It’s about communicating clearly. A treat is more than a snack, it’s a reinforcer. That means it strengthens the behaviour your dog has justContinue reading “Use the food”
I love coaching walks
Coaching walks are one of my favourite things to do. When we’re out in the real world together, I get to see who your dog really is, what makes them light up, what makes them hesitate, and what makes their brain go “nope!”. Seeing all of that helps me understand them so much better thanContinue reading “I love coaching walks”
Choosing safe, kind support for your dog
Proud to be a Pet Remedy Professional Partner The dog training and behaviour industry is currently unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer regardless of their experience or methods. A recent article by Pet Remedy has raised important concerns about this, encouraging owners to look for qualified, ethical professionals who prioritise welfare and emotionalContinue reading “Choosing safe, kind support for your dog”
Let your dog lead the way
Giving our dogs small choices can make a big difference to their wellbeing. Just like us, dogs feel happier and more confident when they have some control over what happens to them. While we can’t give them total freedom, like eating whatever they find or walking into unsafe areas, we can offer safe opportunities for choice onContinue reading “Let your dog lead the way”
Because every dog is different: why there’s no single training fix
Being a dog trainer without all the answers might sound ridiculous, but it’s actually the most honest approach there is. There’s no one-size-fits-all method for working with dogs. Each one is unique, with their own history, emotions, and way of responding to the world. That’s why there’s no single “training thing” that works for everyContinue reading “Because every dog is different: why there’s no single training fix”
What do I need to travel abroad with my dog?
It’s not something I’ve had to consider before. Holidays were always human-only, and the dogs were boarded. But now we’ve only got the one, the idea of taking him with us got us thinking – what do we need to do to take him on holiday with us? There’s a lot of information out there.Continue reading “What do I need to travel abroad with my dog?”