Walkies Dog Behaviour & Training

23/06/2026

A great article - thank you Trailie Paws For Thought

FEARFUL FACTS: SOME DOS AND DON'TS!

When tackling an existing fear of something, it is often thought that exposure alone is sufficient to help our dogs get used to something. It seems logical that if they experience something enough times, they will eventually realise that there is nothing to be scared of after all, and get over their fear.

This tactic *may* work for a confident dog who is experiencing something novel and has no existing feelings towards it, but for a more pessimistic, fearful dog, the most likely outcome is that the dog becomes more fearful. Forcing them to face their fears will not only make them feel unsafe, it will also damage their trust in their human. Dogs do not have the ability to reason and rationalise, and are very much reliant upon us for responding with empathy and kindness, regardless of whether we may view their fears as illogical or silly. It may not seem like a big deal to us, but to them, it's huge! By continuing to place them in stressful situations, they will not be in any frame of mind to learn, so they will become more afraid, and this could generalise to other things which they were able to cope with previously.

In order to explore further, we need to take a look at a few terms such as habituation, flooding, sensitisation and socialisation, and consider what their implications are - read on to find your fill of fascinating fearful facts!

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/fearful-facts-some-dos-and-don-ts

©️ Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

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21/06/2026

☀️ Hot Weather This Week ☀️

With temperatures set to be very high this week, the welfare of the dogs I work with will always come first.

Many sessions will need to be rescheduled, so if your session is likely to be affected, I’ll be in touch directly.

Hot weather can impact far more than physical comfort. Many dogs find it harder to concentrate, regulate their emotions, and cope with everyday challenges when they are too warm.

Please take care of yourselves and your dogs in the heat ☀️

19/06/2026

Is Puppy Biting Just a Phase?

If your puppy seems determined to bite hands, clothes, furniture, or anything else they can get their teeth on, you’re not alone!

Puppy biting (or mouthing) is one of the most common concerns new owners contact me about. The good news is that it’s usually a normal part of development, although that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

In my latest blog, I explain:
🐾 Why puppies bite
🐾 What can make it worse
🐾 What actually helps
🐾 When extra support might be beneficial

Read the full article here:

https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/blog/is-puppy-biting-just-a-phase

Is puppy biting a phase? Learn what's normal, why puppies bite, and what helps them learn in our guide.

19/06/2026

A lovely session with Digby this week. 🐾

When we first started working together, Digby found many aspects of the world quite difficult. Like many dogs struggling with reactivity, there were a number of factors influencing how he was feeling and responding to his environment.

One important piece of the puzzle was recognising that physical discomfort may have been affecting his ability to cope. Working alongside his veterinary team has allowed us to better support Digby as a whole dog, rather than simply focusing on the behaviour we could see.

This week, it was wonderful to see how much progress he has made.

He was able to navigate the park with greater confidence, engage with his person, and work around distractions that would previously have been much harder for him.

One particularly lovely moment came when an off-lead dog approached and got a little too close. Rather than feeling the need to react, Digby was able to calmly move away from the situation and continue on. For many dogs, that ability to choose distance and cope calmly is a huge skill.

Progress like this rarely happens overnight. It comes from understanding the individual dog in front of us, addressing the factors affecting their wellbeing, and giving them the support they need to feel safer in the world.

If your dog struggles with reactivity around dogs, people, vehicles or other everyday triggers, feel free to tell me a little about them below or send me a message. I’d be happy to help point you towards the most appropriate next step. 💜

https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/tell-me-about-your-dog

16/06/2026

Is your dog worried about going to the vet?

Many dogs find veterinary visits challenging. Sometimes it’s obvious, but often the signs are much more subtle:

🐾 Reluctance to get out of the car
🐾 Lip licking or yawning
🐾 Refusing treats
🐾 Trembling
🐾 Pulling towards the exit
🐾 Becoming unusually clingy

The good news is that there are lots of small things we can do to help our dogs feel safer and more comfortable.

Waiting in the car rather than a busy waiting room, taking high-value treats, practising cooperative care at home, and advocating for our dogs when they need a little extra time can all make a difference.

I’ve put together a new blog sharing practical ways to help dogs feel more comfortable during veterinary visits, including why I believe every dog can benefit from positive muzzle training.

🔗 https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/blog/dog-scared-of-the-vet

14/06/2026

Cadbury ❤️

Cadbury joined my Puppy Programme a little later than some puppies, by which point he had already developed some well-rehearsed habits. Jumping up at people on walks, becoming over-excited around visitors at home, and finding it difficult to regulate his emotions in exciting situations were all things his family were struggling with.

For many puppies, behaviours like jumping, pulling, mouthing, and over-the-top greetings aren’t about being naughty or stubborn. They’re often signs that a puppy is finding the world exciting, overwhelming, or difficult to process. Emotional regulation is a skill that develops over time, just like it does in children.

By helping Cadbury feel calmer, giving him opportunities to make good choices, and supporting loose lead walking skills we’re seeing some lovely changes emerge.

This week he was able to pass other dogs calmly in the park and navigate the environment with much more confidence and composure. Those moments matter because they show us that he’s developing the skills he needs to cope with the world around him.

Progress isn’t always about teaching more cues. Sometimes it’s about helping a puppy learn how to feel calm enough to make better choices.

If you’re living with a puppy who feels like they’re constantly “on the go”, over-excited, or struggling to settle, you’re not alone. With the right support, puppies can learn the skills they need to navigate the world more calmly.

📩 Get in touch to find out more about my Puppy Programme and how I can help your puppy get off to the best possible start.

https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/puppy-program-bookings

12/06/2026

Social media is full of adorable puppy photos and training successes, but behind closed doors many owners are dealing with sleepless nights, puppy biting, accidents, jumping up, lead pulling, frustration, and the feeling that they’re getting everything wrong.

I’ve spoken to owners who have been reduced to tears before seeking support with their puppy. Some have even admitted that reaching out for professional help felt like a last resort because they had started wondering whether they could cope long-term.

If that sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone.

I’ve written a new blog about the reality of puppyhood, why these feelings are more common than many people realise, and how getting support early can make a huge difference.

🔗 https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/blog//why-early-puppy-support-matters

And if you’re currently in the thick of puppyhood, be kind to yourself. Raising a puppy can be wonderful, but it can also be really hard work.

Both things can be true at the same time. ❤️

10/06/2026

When we bring a dog into our lives, most of us have hopes and expectations.

Maybe you imagined relaxed walks, trips to cafés, family days out, or simply enjoying life together without constantly worrying about what might happen next.

When behavioural challenges arise, it can feel as though those hopes have been put on hold.

Alongside the concern for your dog, there can be frustration, sadness, guilt, embarrassment, or even a sense of loss for the experience you thought you were going to have.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.

One of the things I love most about my work is helping people understand that progress is possible. Not through judgement, blame, or forcing dogs to cope, but through understanding, support, and working at a pace that feels right for both dog and owner.

The journey may not look exactly as you first imagined, but many dogs and their families can move much closer to the life they hoped to share together ❤️

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear about your dog. You can tell me more using my “Tell Me About Your Dog” form here:

https://walkiesdogbehaviourandtraining.co.uk/tell-me-about-your-dog