Understanding the Link Between Pain and Behaviour As a behaviour consultant, one of the most important lessons I have learned is that...

It’s one of the most common things I hear from dog guardians: “I’ve been told not to use a harness because it makes my dog pull.” It’s a simple idea, but it’s also misleading. Harnesses do not inherently cause pulling. Dogs don’t pull because of what they’re wearing; they pull because of what they’re feeling, experiencing and learning. Pulling on the lead is usually a symptom, not the root problem. For some dogs, it’s excitement; the world is fast, stimulating, and full of th

If you work with dogs long enough, you start to notice a pattern: many behaviour problems have a physical component. As a dog behaviourist/behaviour consultant working with anxious, reactive, and rescue dogs, I see cases where behaviour changes are a sign that something in the body isn’t right VERY often. Pain in dogs is widely under recognised. Not because vets or guardians don’t care, but because several persistent myths about pain make it easy to overlook. These myths can

If you’ve recently seen headlines about a study from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons suggesting that Cockapoos and other mixed breeds may display more behavioural issues than purebred dogs, you’re not alone. Searches like “are cockapoos prone to behaviour problems”, “why is my doodle reactive”, and “best family dog temperament UK” have been steadily rising, and as a behaviourist working across Berkshire, I can see exactly why this conversation is gaining traction. In

“I’m a dog trainer and my rescue puppy slept in my bed from the first night he came home… and here’s what happened.” This is one of those topics that always divides opinion. If you’ve spent any time googling things like “should my puppy sleep in my bed” or “will my dog get separation anxiety if they sleep with me”, you’ve probably come across some very confident answers. Usually along the lines of: “They’ll become too dependent.” “It causes separation anxiety.” “They’ll think

If your dog lunges at other dogs (or anything else!) on walks, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common reasons frustrated owners search for a dog trainer or behaviourist. It can be embarrassing, stressful, and sometimes even scary when your dog suddenly pulls hard on the lead, barks, growls, or charges toward another dog. The good news is that this behaviour is very common, and with the right approach it can improve significantly. Why Dogs Lunge at Other Dogs on Walk

If your dog growls at other dogs, it can feel worrying, embarrassing, or even frightening. Many guardians are told that growling is “bad behaviour” that needs correcting, but in reality, a growl is one of the clearest and healthiest ways a dog can communicate . Understanding why your dog is growling and what they’re trying to say is key to supporting them safely and compassionately. Growling Is Communication, Not “Bad Behaviour” Growling is a normal, natural part of canine c

When our dogs do something we find frustrating like barking, pulling on the lead, growling, or ignoring us, it’s easy to label it as “bad behaviour.” But from your dog’s point of view, there’s no such thing as good or bad. Dogs don’t make choices based on right or wrong; they just do what works for them in that moment. Every behaviour your dog shows is a form of communication. It’s how they express their needs, emotions, or discomfort. Barking might mean “I’m worried” or "The

When life feels overwhelming, we usually think of taking a holiday: somewhere quiet, calm and free from our day to day stress. For some...

Let’s talk about a game nearly every dog guardian plays: fetch. It seems like the perfect activity; your dog gets exercise, you bond and everyone ends up happy and tired, right? While it may look harmless on the surface, repeatedly throwing a ball can pose some serious risks to your dog’s health, both physical and mental. Think Before You Throw: The Hidden Dangers of Fetch The Psychological Impact of Constant Fetch First let's talk about what’s going on inside your dog’s mind

It’s a question almost every dog owner has asked at some point: “Why does my dog eat grass?” You’re out for a walk or watching your dog...

When our dogs feel scared or overwhelmed, they can’t always tell us in ways we easily understand. Instead, their bodies automatically...

Does your dog bark, lunge, or overreact to other dogs, people, or unexpected triggers on walks? You're not alone, and your dog isn’t “bad”. Romanian rescue dogs often come with a history of trauma, neglect, or harsh conditions, which can lead to heightened reactivity. Whether it's fear based barking, aggression toward other dogs, or anxiety around new people, reactivity is a common coping stratergy for dogs overwhelmed by their environment. The good news? With the right stra

As dog guardians, we often focus on training, obedience, and structure; but what about our dogs’ emotional well being? Just like us, dogs can carry stress from their environments, daily routines and interactions. Whether it's after a busy walk, a vet visit, or a training session, they need time to reset. That’s where Freework comes in. Freework is a simple but powerful approach that supports your dog’s emotional decompression through natural, exploratory behaviour. It encour

Learning to read your dog and understanding what they are saying is one of the most impactful things you can do to improve your...

As a canine behaviour consultant, one of the most common challenges I see is dogs reacting to situations in ways that might feel...

Commonly asked question, with a wide range of answers online. Puppy biting is one of the most frequent problems faced by owners. It can...