A reactive dog may bark, lunge, freeze, spin, pull forwards or try desperately to escape. From the outside, the reaction can appear aggressive or unpredictable. However, the behaviour may be driven by fear, frustration, overexcitement, pain or an urgent need for more space. Reactivity is a description of what happens. It does not explain why…
Updated August 2026 Older dogs change. They may walk a little more slowly, sleep for longer or prefer a gentle sniff around the local park to the energetic walks they enjoyed when they were younger. But getting older does not make every change normal. Weight loss, increased thirst, reduced appetite, difficulty exercising and new lumps…
Updated July 2026 Mother’s Day often brings flowers, chocolates, cakes, candles and beautifully wrapped gifts into the home. Most presents are perfectly safe when they are stored and used sensibly. However, some common Mother’s Day gifts can create serious risks for dogs and cats. A dog may smell chocolate through its wrapping. A cat may…
Be aware – some dogs need space! Many dogs need space – something I encounter quite often in my work as a professional Dog Walker. A dog off the leash will often bound up to the dog I’m walking, with its owner running after it, yelling at the top of their voice for it to…
Updated August 2026 This guide provides general puppy-care information. It does not replace advice from your vet or an appropriately qualified reward-based behaviour professional. Bringing a puppy home can be exciting, exhausting and slightly alarming, sometimes all before breakfast. Your puppy has left their mother, littermates, familiar people and everything they previously recognised. At the…
Updated August 2026 Taking your dog out should be enjoyable, but it also comes with responsibilities. Your dog does not need to walk perfectly at heel or ignore everything around them. They do need to be managed safely. That means considering other dogs, people, children, wildlife, cyclists and anyone who may not feel comfortable around…
Pet correctors are often sold as quick ways to stop barking, jumping, pulling, chasing or other behaviour that people find difficult. Some release compressed air. Others use sound, spray, pressure, pain or surprise. And they can appear to work. A dog barks. You use the corrector. The dog stops. The problem is that stopping a…
Looking at Christmas from a dog’s perspective, lots of exciting and unusual things appear in your home, making it a very appealing time for them to get into all kinds of mischief. There are many interesting wrapped gifts, sparkling decorations, enticing foods and unusual trees and plants. Your dog will no doubt be interested in…
