Cambridge Dogs

29/10/2026

So, I am aware this may be a little controversial, but yesterday I saw an advert for dog friendly cinema screenings, and today I saw an article about a pub that is serving a Sunday roast for dogs, and I have some thoughts on both these things…

Firstly, I need to say that I love dogs. Like, REALLY love dogs. I have three of them, after all. In my opinion, dogs are the purest, most wonderful life form that has evolved on this planet, and yes, I am including humans in that. But, much as I love all dogs, and especially my dogs, I remain very much aware that they are, and always will be, dogs. And their needs, their pleasures, their joys are very different from humans, and that should be respected.

I think things like dog friendly cinema screenings and Sunday roasts for dogs can cause some people to lose sight of what exactly dogs are, and what dogs like doing and what dogs need from life to thrive and be happy and healthy. I’m not saying people should not take their dogs anywhere with them- I know many absolutely wonderful ‘pub dogs’, for example, who love nothing more than popping for a biscuit and a scratch while their owner has a drink in some pleasant and quiet establishment- but equally I have seen many miserable anxious dogs in pubs who want to be anywhere but there, but have been dragged along by their owner . At the same time, I can’t really fault businesses in these awful, difficult times for trying to entice more customers in. But no dog actually WANTS to spend an afternoon or evening at the cinema. And while I’m sure many hounds will happily yum down a Sunday roast, will they enjoy the experience of a busy city centre pub so much, especially one full of other dogs?

Before everyone jumps in the comments insisting that THEIR dog DOES love such things, and is perfectly happy, yes, I am sure there are some dogs who are not bothered by spending a couple of hours in a cinema or a heaving pub. But does it actually make them happy? Who are you doing this for- is it to treat your dog, or because you like the idea of doing this with them?

There is a whole industry built around anthropomorphising animals- but especially dogs and cats. You can buy Halloween costumes and Christmas outfits and advent calendars for dogs. They can go and stay at ‘5* doggy spas’ instead of a kennels, complete with ‘treatments’. There is ‘pawsecco’ so your dog can enjoy a tipple with you, and puppercinos so they can be included in your coffee date (despite the fact that a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant). They can be perfumed and manicured, some even have their poor nails painted (and I consider both of those things to actually be quite abusive, their noses are so sensitive that it must be hell for a dog to be doused in perfume, even if it is ‘meant’ for dogs, and painting their nails is just ridiculous). Pretty much anything we consider a treat for ourselves these days, can also be provided in canine form. And I am quite sure everyone pouring a bowl of pawsecco or a puppercino is doing so with excellent intentions and just wanting to share a little moment of joy with their dog.

But who is it all for? All dogs really want is companionship, food and exercise- depending on the breed both mental and physical exercise. A dog who has those three things in plentiful supply is a happy dog. All the rest is just decoration. And I worry, and again, this is only my opinion, that all these human style experiences for dogs means that some people, especially new and inexperienced dog owners start to view dogs less like animals whose nature is very different from ours and more like humans- and then we start to expect dogs to behave more like humans. And so when the dog ‘disappoints’ by simply behaving like a dog, they are punished or, depending on the transgression, rehomed or sent to a shelter or even put to sleep, for a crime no greater than simply following their nature and being a dog. But when you are expecting your dog to be your best friend, your therapist and your surrogate child all in one, that is a lot of pressure for a dog to live up to, when all it wants is a warm spot on the sofa beside you, and to be told they are the bestest boy or girl.

So if you really want to do something special for your dog, let them be a dog. Take them for a long walk, followed by a snuggle with you. Give them a good meaty bone to chew, not a puppercino or even a ‘Sunday roast’. Play with them. Book a dog field for an hour if you have nowhere safe nearby to let them run. And of course, tell them repeatedly that they are the very very very bestest of best boys or girls.

22/10/2026

DECEMBER WORKSHOPS - Early notification!

In addition to the Freework workshop on 1 December we are running:

2 Dec 7.30pm: Cooperative Care
8 Dec 7pm: Self-Control
9 Dec 7.30pm: Tricks

All held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Arbury in Cambridge.

Each workshop is 1.5 hours long, groups will be small for your dog's comfort and so these are ideal opportunities to try your dog out in a hall environment if they don't have experience of group classes.

Cost: £25 per dog

More information to come!

Contact [email protected] to reserve a space.

20/10/2026

Some dogs should never meet at all.
And saying that doesn't make you mean. It makes you the one who is paying attention.

A bouncy, in-your-face teenager and a shut-down, disinterested, low-energy dog?
A dog who's had very few good experiences with other dogs and a dog who wants to take on and wrestle the world?

That's not an introduction.
That's a setup.

I know, there's so much pressure to get it perfect.
Pressure from friends and family to meet their dog.

You can say yes. There just needs to be a bit of prep first.

What we do need to be wary of is setting them up. And not in the good way.
Certain things do need caution. They can create competition before there's even trust. And that's a longer road you really don't want.

Parallel walks are still my favourite. Same direction. Enough space that both dogs can breathe. No forced hellos. Sometimes it's one walk. Sometimes it's a few. Both are completely normal.

If your last intro went sideways and got barky, stressy and messy, that doesn't mean your dog failed.

Maybe the situation failed your dog.
And next time, you get to do it differently. Or not at all.

Both can be the right answer.

19/10/2026

Fantastic DogX conference in Wi******er last weekend held by PACT. Along with the amazing Rachel from Puppy Potential in Chelmsford, we benefited from the considered insights from some amazing speakers and of course the Montezuma chocolate shop.

14/10/2026

New workshop - Limited places!
Have you heard of Freework? An excellent low impact activity to stimulate your dog's mind, build confidence and help develop engagement and your skills in reading your dog.
1st of December at 7 - 8.30. £20 per dog. Email [email protected] for more info and to book your place.

07/10/2026

https://www.petbehaviourcompany.co.uk/video-resources If your vet or behaviourist ask for gait videos, this is a nice guide on how to do this.

This page contains video resources related to training and behaviour

02/10/2026

The Dog’s Diary:

8 AM - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9 AM - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12 PM - Gravy bones! My favourite thing!
1 PM - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3 PM - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5 PM - Dinner! My favourite thing!
6 PM - Bathtime! Bummer :(
7 PM - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

The Cat’s Diary:
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

(Author unknown: I was unable to find the originator for the Dog's Diary - if anyone knows who I can credit please let me know!)

Like many seniors, my 96 year old mum enjoys Mini-Magnums - she says that, as it claims on the packet, it brings her " 'a moment of pleasure' - and I have many moments of displeasure!"

I love the dog's diary as it illustrates all those 'moments of pleasure' that our dogs can enjoy during the day. With the inevitable, but hopefully only occasional 'moment of displeasure'!

If your dog has one big main enjoyable event of the day - one meal, one walk, one chance to play and interact with their human, or other dog friends - this will be of deep significance in their lives and you may see an excessive build up of excitement before it and 'reward crash' afterwards. There may be small things we can give them or do with them to break up periods of monotony at other times, so we can avoid extreme peaks and troughs of excitement.

How many moments of pleasure is your dog getting a day?

27/09/2026

Lindsay has been presenting at the Dog Geeks Conference this weekend, on embracing your dog's individuality! Because "Who are you?" is the very first question we should be asking our dogs, before we ask anything from them. You are not communicating with a species, or a breed, but an individual - and that is so important to us at Cambridge Dogs. As well as having fab hair :)

24/09/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHlJODYBLKs If you have not watched this video yet please do! These are all rescue dogs, trained to participate, with fantastic results!

https://linktr.ee/okgomusic Website | http://www.okgo.netInstagram...

30/08/2026

A grot collar (also called a French collar, dominant dog collar, or influence control cord) is a thin nylon slip collar designed to sit high on the dog's neck right behind the ears and directly under the jawline, rather than low on the trachea like a standard flat collar. It is used by some trainers to administer quick corrections (pulling/tightening the collar quickly then releasing) in order to train a dog to walk to heel. They argue that high placement offers immediate pressure release and clear handling for working or reactive dogs.

We do not use, we do not promote the use, and we STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST the use of such collars.

They function by applying a physically aversive and uncomfortable sharp pressure to sensitive areas of the neck. They aim to change the dogs behaviour through the use of punishment (dog wants to avoid the sensation so pulling is punished). They can also be a physical risk to the dog. Sudden tightening on the upper neck can risk increased ocular (eye) pressure, soft tissue or tracheal damage.

The lead and collar are management tools, not training tools (although dogs should be trained to be comfortable wearing them and how to respond to subtle changes in pressure).

The training comes from teaching your dog to walk WITH you (whether or not they are on a lead) and respond to considered and communicative tactile cues when you change direction, slow down or stop (not yanking or pain!).

If your trainer proposes using one of these collars on your dog please stop the session and speak to your vet or consult the advice from ANY of the main animal welfare organisations in the UK first.

You got a dog to have a friend. Treat him like one.

Let’s Talk About Grot Collars 🚫

It’s come to my attention that some dogs locally are being trained using what’s commonly known as a grot collar. I feel it’s important to explain why these should never be used - especially on growing puppies.

Grot from the French word 'garrotte', was used for executions by hanging.

A grot collar (a thin cord or slip line placed high on the sensitive part of the neck and tightened sharply) works by causing discomfort, pain, or airway restriction when any pressure is applied. The idea is to 'correct' behaviour through physical aversion.

Here’s why I, and many training and behaviour organisations, do not support or use them:

🔴 They rely on fear and pain. Dogs learn best when they feel safe. Training through discomfort may suppress behaviour temporarily, but it does not teach understanding.

🔴 They can cause physical harm. Used incorrectly (and even sometimes when used “as intended”), they can damage the trachea, thyroid, cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck, particularly in young or small dogs.

🔴 They increase stress and anxiety. Aversive tools are linked to increased fear responses, defensive behaviour and, in some cases, reactivity or aggression.

🔴 They damage trust. Our relationship with our dogs is built on safety and communication - not intimidation.

At South Wales Dog Training Academy, I am committed to ethical, science-based, positive reinforcement training. That means I teach dogs what TO do, not punish them for getting it 'wrong.'

If you’re ever unsure about a training method or tool, please ask. No judgement - just honest guidance.

Here’s what we know from trusted welfare organisations:

👉 The RSPCA strongly recommends positive, reward-based training and advises owners to avoid harsh, painful or frightening training methods. Their guidance says dogs should be encouraged to behave through rewards rather than punished for mistakes, because training based on fear or pain can compromise welfare and lead to behavioural issues.

👉 They also specifically highlight that punishment-based tools, like prong, choke, or shock collars, are painful, can cause distress and do not teach dogs what is expected of them.

👉 DEFRA’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs states that trainers and owners should “only use positive reward-based training” and to avoid harsh, potentially painful or frightening methods, exactly the kind of methods grot or correction collars rely on.

Dogs trained through fear do not learn better, they can become stressed, anxious, confused and even develop new behaviour problems. Trust, confidence and clear communication are the foundations of good training, all of which are compromised when aversives are used.

Organisations That Champion Kind, Ethical, Positive Reinforcement
🐶 UK Welfare & Rescue Organisations

Dogs Trust
The UK’s largest dog welfare charity. Advocates reward-based training and promotes humane, science-led behaviour guidance.

Woodgreen Pets Charity
Promotes compassionate, welfare-centred training and behaviour support for adopters and owners.

RSPCA
Recommends positive reinforcement training and advises against harsh, painful or fear-based methods.

Blue Cross
Provides behaviour advice focused on positive techniques and strengthening the human–animal bond.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Supports reward-based behaviour modification and ethical training practices.

🏛 Government & Policy Guidance
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs encourages reward-based training and avoidance of methods that cause pain, fear or distress.

🩺 Veterinary & Professional Bodies
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Supports welfare-centred behaviour approaches and ethical professional standards.

British Veterinary Association (BVA)
Promotes best practice in animal welfare, including humane behaviour management.

British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
Provides education and guidance emphasising positive reinforcement and fear-free handling.

🎓 UK Training & Behaviour Organisations
Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
Sets standards for animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK. Promotes ethical, evidence-based, reward-focused practice.

Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT UK)
Encourages continuing education rooted in learning science and positive reinforcement.

Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT)
Advocates modern, science-based, force-free training methods.

Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT)
Promotes ethical standards and positive reinforcement in professional dog training.

Victoria Stilwell Academy
International academy promoting force-free, science-based training education.

UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter
A coalition agreement between leading UK animal welfare and training organisations committing to humane, reward-based methods and opposing aversive techniques.

Key Takeaway-
These organisations - spanning welfare charities, government bodies, veterinary regulators, and professional training associations - all align on one core principle:

Training should not rely on fear, pain, intimidation or distress. Reward-based, ethical methods protect welfare and create lasting behaviour change.

Always protect and stand up for those that cannot speak. 🐶🐾