Heather Thomas Clinical Animal Behaviourist

19/08/2025

Do you work from home?
🏡 More people working from home means dogs are rarely alone. When routines change, separation anxiety can suddenly appear.

🐶 I can help you prepare your dog for being left, so future changes don’t cause stress—for them or you!

📌 Behaviour support: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

18/08/2025

Reactivity
🚫 Myth: “Reactive dogs are aggressive.”

✅ Truth: Most reactive dogs are scared or frustrated, not “bad.” With the right training, they can learn calm, confident behaviour.

🐾 If your walks are stressful, there’s hope.

🔗 Find out more: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

18/08/2025

🤖 AI and pet behaviour tracking: New tech is giving us 24/7 insight into pet wellbeing, helping trainers and owners spot stress before it becomes a problem.

👉 Read more: https://www.the-scientist.com/tag/animal-behavior?

The Scientist's content tagged with: Animal Behavior.

17/08/2025

You’re Not Alone!!

💛 Living with a dog who can’t cope when left alone or who reacts to others on walks can feel isolating. You love them, but it’s stressful.

🐶 My job is to support both ends of the lead with compassionate, practical training that fits your life.

📌 Let’s work together: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

17/08/2025

👥 Social facilitation in training: Dogs learn faster in group settings when they see others perform behaviours. Harness this in classes and multi-dog homes for better results.

🔗 Learn about it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_facilitation_in_animals?

Social facilitation in animals is when the performance of a behaviour by an animal increases the probability of other animals also engaging in that behaviour or increasing the intensity of the behaviour.[1][2] More technically, it is said to occur when the performance of an instinctive pattern of be...

16/08/2025

Handling Dog-to-Dog Reactivity

🐕 Training tip: If your dog reacts to others on walks, distance is your friend. Start far enough away that your dog notices but doesn’t explode, and reward calm behaviour.

✨ Small wins add up! If you’re struggling, I can create a personalised plan for you and your dog.

👉 Book a session: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

16/08/2025

🌙 Wildlife going nocturnal: Over 50 % of mammal species are shifting active hours to avoid humans. A reminder of our impact and the need for mindful coexistence.

👉 Full story: https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/animal-behavior-diurnal-nocturnal-shift/?

A new study revealed that more than half of the 400 mammal species studied don't follow the activity patterns we've assumed for years.

15/08/2025

Step-by-Step Separation Support
🔑 My separation anxiety programmes break training into manageable steps so your dog builds trust and confidence without stress.
🐶 Start small, achieve big results.

👉 www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

15/08/2025

📺 Do dogs really watch TV? A recent study found it depends on personality: curious, confident dogs engage, while anxious ones avoid. Tailor enrichment to your dog’s needs, not trends.

👉 Read more: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/pets/do-dogs-watch-tv-new-study-reveals-it-depends-on-their-personality/articleshow/122903216.cms?

A new study reveals that dogs do watch television. However, their engagement varies with personality. Auburn University researchers surveyed dog owner

14/08/2025

“Can reactivity be fixed?”
💡 Answer: Absolutely. With the right plan, patience, and positive methods, most reactive dogs make huge progress. My job is to help you and your dog rebuild trust and calmness.

🐾 Start now: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

14/08/2025

From separation anxiety to resource guarding, my consults focus on lasting behaviour change, not quick fixes. Let’s get your pet back on track.

👉 Learn more: www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk

13/08/2025

When Home Alone Isn’t Happy
🐶 Dogs struggling with separation anxiety need understanding, not punishment. My behaviour sessions teach them to feel secure when you’re away.

✨ Compassion-led training for worried pups.

🔗 www.Heather-Thomas.co.uk