Updated July 2026 Dogs are social animals, but that does not mean they automatically know how to relax when nobody is at home. Some dogs naturally settle and sleep when their owner leaves. Others need gradual practice before they feel safe being alone. Puppies, newly adopted rescue dogs and dogs whose household routine has recently…
If your dog suddenly stops, sits down, lies down or refuses to leave the house, it can be frustrating and worrying. You may have somewhere to be. You may know your dog normally enjoys their walks. And when they plant four paws firmly on the pavement, it is tempting to encourage them forward with a…
T First, let me clarify: this article refers to standard collars and NOT, I repeat, NOT check collars, half-check collars, e-collars, pinch collars, or prong collars. As a professional dog walker and passionate dog owner, I would NEVER recommend or even consider using these on my two dogs—or anyone else’s, for that matter. Now that…
Most of us make careful arrangements before going on holiday. We organise someone to feed the cat, walk the dog, clean the rabbit’s enclosure or stay overnight in the house. Far fewer people consider what would happen if they suddenly became ill, were taken to hospital or could not return home. Who would know that…
T Travelling with a dog can open the door to holidays, family visits, countryside walks and days out together. However, a successful journey involves more than putting your dog in the car or taking them onto a train. You need to consider how your dog feels about travel, how they will be kept secure, the…
Most people mean well when they greet a dog. They smile, bend down, put out a hand, and try to be friendly. The problem is that from the dog’s point of view, it can feel like a lot all at once. I see this often on walks around Finchley, Muswell Hill and the local woods….
Updated July 2026 Summer dog walks sound easy. Longer days and Lighter evenings. Greener parks. More time outside. Alas, this is not always the case, as warm-weather walks need more thought than many people realise. A route that felt fine in April may be too much in July. A pavement that looked harmless in the…
A Simple Way to Keep Greetings Safer Updated April 2026 Letting dogs meet on walks can feel awkward. One person says, “Mine’s friendly.”The other person is trying to work out if their dog is comfortable.The dogs are already looking at each other.Then everyone is standing still, leads tighten, and the greeting goes on for too…
