Updated July 2026 Giant hogweed is an invasive plant that can cause serious injury to people and pets. The sap contains chemicals called furanocoumarins. These make exposed skin extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light. Contact may cause inflammation, burns, and blistering when the affected area is exposed to sunlight. A dog’s coat provides some protection, but…
Updated August 2026 A dog confidence course uses simple objects, surfaces and slow movements to give your dog safe, achievable experiences. It is different from agility because the aim is not speed, jumping or completing every obstacle. Your dog should be able to investigate, pause, move away and choose whether to participate. Begin with flat,…
Updated July 2026 This guide provides general dog-care information and does not replace veterinary advice. Changes in how much your dog drinks or how much it wees can be a sign of illness. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet. You fill your dog’s water bowl in the morning. Later, you look…
Seeing plenty of other dogs on your walk is always a pleasant sight, especially now the weather is getting warmer. However, dog walking is etiquette, so it’s essential to be aware of how your dog approaches other dogs, particularly those on leads or those wearing a yellow ribbon. If you see a dog on a…
Biting is a fundamental part of being a dog. Dogs use their mouths completely differently to us – to explore the world, carry things, and identify objects by their taste and smell. This means that even our gentle, beloved pet dogs have the potential to bite – even if it is not in a vicious,…
If you’re here because your dog has just eaten chocolate, take a breath. This happens all the time. Dogs are quick, quiet, and led by smell. Chocolate gets left out during busy moments. Guests arrive with gifts. Kids drop sweets. Someone puts a bar “up high” and forgets the dog can jump. I work with…
Updated May 2026 This article is for general information only and does not replace veterinary or individual behaviour advice. If your dog is in pain, becomes unusually tired, struggles to breathe, or shows a sudden behaviour change, contact your vet. For serious fear, aggression or anxiety, speak to a qualified reward-based behaviour professional. Most dogs…
Updated August 2026 Since establishing Finchley Dog Walker in 2011, I have spent a large part of my working life outside with dogs. Dogs give us a reason to step away from a screen, leave the house and notice what is happening around us. They can bring routine to the day, provide companionship and start…
