Read my latest blog posts for useful advice and ideas!
- Why Scent Work Is the Perfect Warm Weather Activity for Your Dog
When the weather gets hot, many of us worry about how to keep our dogs happy without risking overheating. Walks become shorter, parks are quieter, and even the most energetic dogs can seem frustrated. The good news is that dogs don’t need hours of physical exercise every day. What they really need is appropriate mental… Read More »Why Scent Work Is the Perfect Warm Weather Activity for Your Dog - Your Pet’s Summer Survival GuideA word of warning: when it’s hot, your dog or pet can’t regulate their body temperature the way we can. They can’t sweat. They can’t make choices for themselves — they rely entirely on us. Sometimes their signals that they’re struggling are subtle, but it’s vital we learn to recognise them. Here’s what to think… Read More »Your Pet’s Summer Survival Guide
- Maru and Me: Finding Wellbeing on Both Ends of the LeadWhen we first adopted Maru—a nervous and reactive rescue dog—we knew we were taking on a challenge, but also that she deserved the chance to feel safe and happy. Early on, we worked with Emma through 1-2-1 sessions, and that was a turning point for us. Her kind, science-based approach helped us understand Maru in… Read More »Maru and Me: Finding Wellbeing on Both Ends of the Lead
- How to Find a Qualified Dog trainer or Behaviourist in an Unregulated IndustryI hear the most horrendous stories of well… blatant animal abuse from people, and some of their experiences with people calling themselves ‘trainers’ or ‘ behaviourists’, all labelled under the guise of ‘dog training or behaviour ’. The UK dog training and behaviour sector is not formally regulated. Anyone can call themselves a trainer or… Read More »How to Find a Qualified Dog trainer or Behaviourist in an Unregulated Industry
- How HRT can affect pets, including dogs and cats, and what to do about it.I am currently looking into HRT for myself, and a great question came up with a client as she started HRT 3 weeks ago and her dog’s behaviour has changed since…If you use HRT and you have pets, this matters. Some hormone treatments, especially topical products such as oestrogen gels, sprays and patches, can affect… Read More »How HRT can affect pets, including dogs and cats, and what to do about it.
- Spring Blooms: A Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening and indoor flowers.As the days get longer and the first green shoots start peeking through the soil, it’s natural to want to fill your home and garden with the vibrant colors of spring. However, as a behaviourist, I often see how a dog’s natural curiosity—or a cat’s penchant for nibbling—can lead to concern. Spring cleaning isn’t just… Read More »Spring Blooms: A Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening and indoor flowers.
- How Dogs Can Mirror Their Kahu’s BehaviourI’m not a fan of using the word ‘owner’ when it comes to companion animals, for obvious reasons, so from here on in I’ll be calling you your dogs ‘Kahu’. Kahu = (Hawaiian) means a guardian, protector, caretaker, or steward, signifying a deep, spiritual bond where the protected is considered part of the guardian’s soul,… Read More »How Dogs Can Mirror Their Kahu’s Behaviour
- Why Calm Is a Skill, Not a Personality TraitA lot of people describe their dog as “just not a calm dog”.High energy. Always on the go. Can’t settle. The problem with that label is simple. Calm is not something a dog either has or doesn’t have. Calm is a behaviour. And like any behaviour, it can be learned. Calm vs tired One of… Read More »Why Calm Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait
- On-Lead Greetings: Why They’re Risky & How to Protect Your DogThe Hidden Danger of “Just Saying Hello” We’ve all been there. You’re walking your dog down the street when another owner approaches with their friendly-looking pup. “Don’t worry, he’s friendly!” they call out as the dogs strain toward each other on their leads. It seems harmless, right? Wrong. On-lead greetings are one of the most… Read More »On-Lead Greetings: Why They’re Risky & How to Protect Your Dog
- Bull Breeds: The Elphabas of Our WorldBull breeds are the Elphabas of the dog world.Judged on sight. Misunderstood. Labelled as “wicked” long before anyone gives them a chance. You don’t need to know the Wicked story to follow this, but in the musical, Elphaba is feared for how she looks, blamed for things she didn’t do, and treated as a villain… Read More »Bull Breeds: The Elphabas of Our World
- How Scent Work Transformed Life with Our Anxious DogTeddie is a dog of big emotions. His anxiety swings like a pendulum—one moment he’s bouncing off the walls with overexcitement, the next he’s so overwhelmed by the world that he refuses to step outside. Living with a dog who experiences the world at such extremes taught us that conventional approaches to exercise and enrichment… Read More »How Scent Work Transformed Life with Our Anxious Dog
- The German Shorthaired Pointer – Built for Scent, Born to WorkFew breeds combine stamina, instinct, and scenting ability as seamlessly as the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). Developed as a true all-rounder, this breed was designed not for one narrow task but to excel across the full spectrum of scent-based work — from tracking and pointing to retrieving on land and water. In modern scent sports,… Read More »The German Shorthaired Pointer – Built for Scent, Born to Work
- Helping Your Pet Through Fireworks SeasonFireworks season can be incredibly challenging for pet owners—watching our beloved companions shake, hide, or panic as the sky erupts in noise and colour is distressing for everyone involved. But whilst it’s heartbreaking to witness, understanding why our pets react this way is the first step towards helping them cope. Why Do Pets Find Fireworks… Read More »Helping Your Pet Through Fireworks Season
- Dachshunds and Scent SportWhat Were Dachshunds Bred For? Dachshunds might be small, but they were bred for serious work. Originally developed in Germany, their name means “badger dog” — and that’s exactly what they were designed to do: track and flush out burrowing animals like badgers and foxes. Their long bodies, strong chests, and powerful noses made them… Read More »Dachshunds and Scent Sport
- Darwin’s Journey: From Savage Sausage to Confident CanineA Client Success Story Sometimes the most profound transformations come wrapped in the smallest packages. Darwin, a miniature dachshund with a larger-than-life personality, recently shared his story with us – and it’s one that perfectly illustrates how the right approach can unlock a dog’s hidden potential while addressing their deepest anxieties. A Big World for… Read More »Darwin’s Journey: From Savage Sausage to Confident Canine
- Surviving the Teenage Dog Years: Hormones, Growing Pains and the Road to AdulthoodAdolescence in dogs is a bit like watching your sweet puppy morph into a stroppy teenager overnight. One minute, they’re listening, cuddly, eager to please. The next, it feels like you’ve moved in with a whirlwind of hormones, selective hearing, and wobbly decision-making. This stage is as much about the body as it is about… Read More »Surviving the Teenage Dog Years: Hormones, Growing Pains and the Road to Adulthood
- What Dogs Hear That We Don’t: A Sound PawspectiveDogs experience the world in a completely different way to us, and their hearing is one of their most finely tuned senses. Let’s explore just how remarkable it is, how it stacks up against cats and humans, and what this means for life with your four-legged friend. Humans can hear sounds from about 20 Hz… Read More »What Dogs Hear That We Don’t: A Sound Pawspective
- From Reactive to Relaxed: How One Rottweiler Overcame Her Fear of ChildrenA heartwarming client success story that shows the power of professional dog behaviour support. The Challenge Begins Meet Lana, a beautiful Rottweiler who came into her owner’s life at just 9 weeks old. Like many puppies, Lana was curious, playful, and eager to explore the world around her. For the first few months, everything seemed… Read More »From Reactive to Relaxed: How One Rottweiler Overcame Her Fear of Children
- Can Dogs Smell That You Love Them?Ever wondered if your dog can actually tell when you love them? The answer is… amazing. YES — in their way, dogs really can smell that you love them. Here’s why: When we feel affection, connection, or that warm, fuzzy feeling we call love, our body releases oxytocin — often nicknamed the love hormone. It’s… Read More »Can Dogs Smell That You Love Them?
- Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? Think Again!We’ve all heard it countless times: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It’s one of those sayings that’s been passed down through generations, used to suggest that older dogs (and people!) are set in their ways and resistant to change. But here’s the truth that might surprise you – this old wives’ tale… Read More »Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks? Think Again!
- Understanding the “Fool Around” Dog: When Play Isn’t Really PlayBy Emma Goulding-Bosworth Have you ever watched a dog spinning frantically, jumping wildly, and acting seemingly “playful” only to sense that something wasn’t quite right? That dog might not be playing at all—they could be displaying what we call “fool around” behaviour, a stress response that’s often misunderstood and overlooked. The Hidden Fifth F: Beyond… Read More »Understanding the “Fool Around” Dog: When Play Isn’t Really Play
- Dog-Friendly Days Out Near Staines, SurreyWithin 1.5 hours travel time CLOSE TO HOME (Under 30 minutes) Virginia Water Lake Runnymede & Ankerwycke Windsor Great Park The Thames Path Staines Moor & Lammas Lakes NATIONAL TRUST GEMS (30-60 minutes) Polesden Lacey Winkworth Arboretum Claremont Landscape Garden Hughenden Manor SURREY HILLS & COUNTRYSIDE (30-90 minutes) Box Hill Frensham Common & Ponds +… Read More »Dog-Friendly Days Out Near Staines, Surrey
- Enriching Alternatives for Reactive DogsFor many dog owners, the daily park walk is considered an essential ritual. However, for those with reactive dogs, these outings can quickly transform from pleasurable experiences into stressful ordeals. The good news is that traditional walks aren’t the only way to meet your dog’s physical and mental needs. In fact, for reactive dogs, alternatives… Read More »Enriching Alternatives for Reactive Dogs
- Reactive Dog Training: Ghost’s Incredible JourneyWhen we first met Ghost and his littermates, we chose him because he seemed the calm one. How wrong we were. As much as we loved him, our life with a dog did not turn out as we imagined. Those idyllic long walks exploring different areas followed by a café or pub lunch simply weren’t… Read More »Reactive Dog Training: Ghost’s Incredible Journey
- Balu’s Scentwork Journey: From High Energy to Focused Team PlayerBalu is a 4-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo who has always been a very active dog. With a high prey drive coupled with a curious and nosy nature, he would easily become bored and seek his own stimulation—often in ways that weren’t ideal for either of us. When we started scent work with Emma, I couldn’t have… Read More »Balu’s Scentwork Journey: From High Energy to Focused Team Player
- Creating a Safe Sensory Garden for Your DogEngaging Your Canine’s Senses in a Safe Outdoor Haven Our dogs experience the world primarily through their incredible senses—with their noses leading the way. Creating a dedicated sensory garden for your furry friend not only provides mental enrichment but can also help reduce stress, build confidence, and prevent boredom-related behaviours. Here’s how to create a… Read More »Creating a Safe Sensory Garden for Your Dog
- Inappropriate dog play behaviour – “It’s OK, He Only Wants to Play”We’ve all heard it before—that well-intentioned phrase from dog owners as their energetic pup bounds towards another dog: “It’s OK, he only wants to play!”, when it’s actually inappropriate dog play behaviour. But is it really OK? As a professional dog trainer, I witness daily how misunderstanding can lead to stressful situations for many dogs… Read More »Inappropriate dog play behaviour – “It’s OK, He Only Wants to Play”
- Creating Harmony in Multi-Species Households: A Guide to Peaceful CoexistenceWhen we welcome multiple four-legged companions into our homes, we all dream of a multi-species households where everyone gets along splendidly. However, the reality often requires a bit more effort and understanding on our part. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting a wonderful family who demonstrated exceptional commitment to their furry family members. They… Read More »Creating Harmony in Multi-Species Households: A Guide to Peaceful Coexistence
- Building a Strong “Relationship Bank Account” with Your Animal CompanionsWhat is a ‘Relationship Bank Account’? We all have a ‘Relationship Bank Account’ with every relationship in our lives – and this includes our beloved animal companions. Just like with humans, these accounts exist between siblings, parents, friends, children, acquaintances, colleagues, bosses, and even strangers. Some relationships naturally deposit more positive experiences into our lives… Read More »Building a Strong “Relationship Bank Account” with Your Animal Companions
- You’ve Got Time: Making the Most of Life with Your DogIn today’s world, we’re constantly on the go. “I have to be there!” “I must do this!” “I don’t have the time!” “I’m too busy!” “I’m exhausted!” Sound familiar? But here’s a question worth pondering: Have you got time for your dog? More importantly, have you got time for your life? The Tale of Two… Read More »You’ve Got Time: Making the Most of Life with Your Dog
- Ditch the Bowl: Why Food Enrichment Matters for All PetsWe all want our pets to live their happiest, most fulfilled lives. Yet many of us overlook one of the simplest ways to boost their wellbeing with food enrichment: transforming mundane mealtimes into stimulating activities that engage their natural instincts (please note, I recommend feeding half their food normally and using the rest for enrichment).… Read More »Ditch the Bowl: Why Food Enrichment Matters for All Pets
- You want a puppy – essential guide.Making the Right Decision for Your Family Bringing a puppy into your home is a significant commitment that spans up to 20 years. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure a successful, harmonious relationship with your new four-legged family member. Before embarking on this exciting journey, carefully consider multiple critical factors that will impact both your… Read More »You want a puppy – essential guide.
- Walking Your Reactive Dog: A Guide to Stress-Free AdventuresDoes walking your dog fill you with dread? Perhaps your furry friend finds walks scary or becomes overly excited? Do you struggle to manage your dog’s behaviour in public? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone—and there’s hope for making walks enjoyable again with a reactive dog. Understanding Reactive Dogs A reactive dog might show… Read More »Walking Your Reactive Dog: A Guide to Stress-Free Adventures
- Dog Rescue Centers local to SurreyIf you’re considering welcoming a rescue dog into your home, Surrey and its surrounding areas offer numerous animal rescue centres where you can find your perfect companion. These organisations work tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need, providing them with medical care, behavioural training, and lots of love while they await their forever families.… Read More »Dog Rescue Centers local to Surrey
- The Power of a Dog’s Nose: Why 10 Minutes of Scentwork is Like an Hour-Long WalkA dog’s breathing rate tells us a lot about their activity and exertion levels. At rest, a dog breathes around 15 times per minute, while light activity increases this to about 30 breaths per minute. But when engaging in scentwork, a dog’s respiratory rate skyrockets to 150–300 breaths per minute. Why? Because scentwork isn’t just… Read More »The Power of a Dog’s Nose: Why 10 Minutes of Scentwork is Like an Hour-Long Walk
- Olfactory Adaptive Behaviour in Scent SportsAdaptation occurs when the brain stops noticing a continuous odour. If we are exposed to a smell for an extended period, our brain gradually stops acknowledging it. This is why, for example, when we enter a kitchen, we initially notice the aroma of food, but after some time, we stop perceiving it. However, if we… Read More »Olfactory Adaptive Behaviour in Scent Sports
- Navigating Dog Adolescence: A Guide for Pet ParentsUnderstanding the Adolescent Phase Dogs, like humans, go through a challenging adolescent period. The duration varies by breed – most dogs from about 5 months to 2 years (but can be longer). Adolescent Challenges During this phase, dogs typically struggle with: Common Behavioral Issues Adolescence can trigger various problematic behaviors: Adolescent Dogs Supportive Strategies Emotional… Read More »Navigating Dog Adolescence: A Guide for Pet Parents
- Winter AdviceWinter Advice for Pets & Christmas Safety Guide: Keeping Your Pets Happy and Healthy Winter Safety Essentials Winter Advice for Pets – Protecting Paws and other Hazards Winter brings unique challenges for our pets’ safety. Two major concerns are antifreeze and road salt: Car Safety for Cats As temperatures drop, cats seek warm places to… Read More »Winter Advice
- Jumping UP!Jumping up:This is something most people who live with a dog struggle with, especially young dogs. As with anything the dog does, it’s a behaviour and it means something to the dog…but what…Dogs jump up for many different reasons. None of the above reasons for jumping up are bad, we just need to learn how… Read More »Jumping UP!
- You’ve given me a headache!I treated myself to a haircut last night, and now I have a headache! What does that have to do with dogs? Well…let me tell you… I am very sensory sensitive, especially to smells. The product that my hairdresser put on my hair smells so strong it has given me a headache. (I must remember… Read More »You’ve given me a headache!
- Low cost, high value, healthy treatsLow Cost, High Value, Healthy dog treats for training (and cats too!) As a dog trainer and behaviourist, I often say the word ‘treats’. But speaking for myself when I say treats I’m thinking of healthy and high-value (to the dog) pieces of food that we can use to reinforce a behaviour. As the cost… Read More »Low cost, high value, healthy treats
