Muzzles can be an emotive topic, but I feel that muzzles are a great management tool, allows dog to be safer, and have more freedoms. They show responsible ownership - as long as it's the right muzzle for your dog of course. Listen here to find out more, and about how to get the right muzzle for your dog. I refer to the Muzzle Movement, the Muzzle Shop, Chirag Patel's muzzle training on youtube and the Dogs In Yellow day on 20th March (to respect space for muzzled dogs who are in yellow). The Muzzle Movement has a great factsheet too to help you decide the right material and sizing for your do ..read more

What is scent detection training for pets? We teach our dogs to hunt for a specific target scent, and get prizes for finding it. Most dogs find their way through their noses, and it taps into their natural instincts to give them pleasure. It also lowers their heart rate so its perfect for all dogs, especially the nervous or reactive ones. It can be done indoors or outside, and ideal for all ages and mobility levels. It's my girl's favourite game, and it tires her out much more than any physical exercise, as it uses a larger part of the brain. If you listen to this on the release, February 202 ..read more

I have the pleasure of chatting with the wonderful Tom Candy, champion and specialist of rescue dogs, as well as being Senior Behaviourist for Dogs Trust. Rescue dogs sometimes get the unnecessary labels of broken or helpless dogs, and for that reason can be easily overlooked. We bust a few myths about some of these labels, talk about the reality of these dogs, and just how much work and effort is done by some of the amazing rescue centres to help these dogs not only adjust but thrive so that they get snapped up into new homes as soon as they can. It's a long chat- an hour, but so insightful a ..read more

The XL Bully has been added to the Breed Specific Legislation under the Dangerous Dog Act. But what does this mean, what do owners have to do, and is it really going to work? I give my thoughts on this new addition to the legislation, and what I think would be better instead ..read more

This is such a common dilemma for dog owners, and especially those that are worried that if their dog sleeps on their bed, they may cause the separation anxiety. Let me dispel some myths here, and say that if you want your dog on your bed, go for it! You're more likely to trigger or exasperate separation anxiety if you shut your dog downstairs and leave them to cry all night. Have a listen here, and also my tips on how to move your dog from your bed to their own if that is what you are wanting to do ..read more

What does this actually mean? Not ever going out? When we train for separation anxiety, for best progress and results, we don't want your dog to get distressed again and this means to never leave them longer than they can currently cope with. However, you do need to go out so this is where you create a village of helpers to sit with your dog for every time you pop away. Hassle - yes, but..... just think that in the future you won't need them at all as your dog will be much happier and settled home alone as you have taught them to feel safe when left in the house without you. It really is one ..read more

To ensure success for your dog, you need to plan. Knowing what you are doing, and how to progress the exercise or skill is essential for your dog to learn it. How do you know if the training has worked if you don't plan! This applies to tricks, skills, scent detection and separation anxiety. Don't despair - I've released a lovely dog training journal on Amazon that will help you. Fill in the blanks, look back on how far you have come, and look forward to how amazing your dog will be! Quick link here for you! https://amzn.eu/d/eAI04IQ ..read more

It's often the first thing owners want to get their dogs to do, but this really should be the last. Your relationship with your dog, building the trust and meeting their welfare needs should be the priority. I have a real problem with the Sit position for most dogs - it can be uncomfortable, exhausting, inappropriate and can bring on early pains and arthritis. In this episode I go through my reasons why I don't teach this anymore. What do you think ..read more

Collies, and collie x's, are exceptional dogs that will work till they drop! But can they make good pets? This is the question I put to Martina Miradoli, the Collie Specialist who runs That'll Do Academy. Being a collie owner for years, she has a deep understanding of the breed, and the differences between the working and show lines, and which type would suit you best depending on what you are wanting to do with them (think time and energy!) She goes through how to keep them happy if you don't have your own farm and how to really get the best out of them without them getting self employed ..read more

There is nothing more frustrating than not getting any consistency or reliability in trying to get your dog to be home alone and happy. But what may be stopping you? One of the key reasons is that we are not consistent in coaching our dogs. In this episode, I go through some tips to help you become more consistent, and therefore get better results - and more spontaneity in your life ..read more