Updated October 2026 Winter does not mean your dog has to stop going for walks. It does mean you may need to change the plan. Cold rain, frost, ice, shorter daylight hours and strong winds can turn a perfectly ordinary local walk into something much harder for your dog. Puppies, senior dogs, nervous dogs and…
Updated September 2026 Knowing what to do when your dog is injured or suddenly becomes unwell is very different from trying to learn it for the first time while something is actually happening. I know that from experience. When one of my own dogs had an epileptic seizure, there was still that moment of worry…
Updated August 2026 lder dogs do not always make it obvious when movement has become uncomfortable. They may not cry out or suddenly refuse to walk. More often, the changes are subtle. Perhaps your dog takes longer to get up, hesitates before using the stairs, walks more slowly or becomes less tolerant of being touched….
A calm, practical guide for new owners Bringing a rescue dog home is a big step. Most owners want to do the right thing. But it’s very easy to do too much, too soon, without realising. That’s not your fault. A lot of common advice doesn’t take into account how overwhelming those first few weeks…
Updated October 2026 | By Derek (Del) Chambers, Finchley Dog Walker If you’ve ever found cat hair on your clothes, furniture, in your tea and somehow inside a freshly cleaned cupboard, you’ll know that shedding is part of life with cats. During warmer months, some cats shed more noticeably, particularly as their coat responds to…
Is your dog struggling on group walks? Maybe they seem overwhelmed, get overexcited, or struggle to get along with other dogs. You are not alone. Group dog walks sound convenient, but they’re not always the best fit for every dog. Let me tell you about Barney, a lovely rescue who joined me a few months…
Introduction Life gets busy. I know how easy it is to feel stretched between work, errands and family. That’s where a trusted dog walker can make all the difference. But not all walkers are the same. The real game-changer? Someone trained in canine first aid. When people ask me how I protect my dog when…
Going away but leaving your dog behind? You’re not alone. Many pet owners are now choosing staycations not just for themselves, but for their dogs too. Whether your dog is spending the night with a trusted house sitter or a home boarder, while you’re away, planning properly makes all the difference. Forget just throwing a…
