Practical buying advice to help older dogs move more comfortably, rest safely and enjoy everyday life. If you’ve shared your life with a dog for many years, you’ll probably recognise the little changes that come with getting older. Perhaps they take longer to get out of bed. The sofa that was once conquered in a…
Practical advice on chicken, pâté, fish treats, everyday rewards and high-value training food from Finchley Dog Walker. What are the best dog training treats? You might expect a professional dog walker to have a definite favourite. A secret ingredient, perhaps. Something that makes every dog suddenly decide that squirrels, other dogs and suspicious things on…
Halloween decorations seem to appear earlier every year. Pumpkins on doorsteps, skeletons in gardens and those stretchy white artificial cobwebs covering hedges, fences and bushes. They certainly create a spooky atmosphere, but many people don’t realise something about fake Halloween cobwebs. They can be dangerous to wildlife. Birds, bats and small animals can become tangled…
A snuffle mat may look like an unusual rug, but for many dogs, it can turn an ordinary handful of food into an enjoyable search game. Instead of eating everything from a bowl, your dog uses their nose to find small pieces of food hidden amongst the fabric. It is a simple idea, but one…
A lick mat is a simple dog enrichment product that can be surprisingly useful. It doesn’t need batteries, complicated moving parts or an expensive collection of accessories. Just a suitable mat, a little food and a dog who enjoys licking. I’ve worked with dogs around Finchley and North London since 2011, and I’ve learnt that…
Halloween and Bonfire Night bring plenty of excitement, colourful lights and celebrations. But once the crowds have gone home, some of those colourful decorations can become a hazard for dogs. I’m talking about glow sticks, luminous bracelets and glow necklaces. They’re popular with children at Halloween parties, funfairs and organised fireworks displays. Unfortunately, they don’t…
Most of us know we may eventually have to face losing a dog, but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes. I know this from personal experience. I lost Missy in August 2023, and then Roxy in March 2025. Both are still very much missed. When a dog has been part…
Fireworks can be frightening for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets too. Dogs often get most of the attention during fireworks season, but small animals can also be affected by sudden bangs, flashes, unfamiliar smells and changes happening around their home. The difficulty is that fear may not always be as obvious. A rabbit…
