Alexandra's Practically Pawfect

01/06/2026

I've moved to best friend status 💚

Last week, on a visit for his dog friend, I thought it strange that this little guy didn't come to see me like he always does.

Upon searching, I found that he'd got stuck where he shouldn't have been, couldn't get back to the shade/his water, and he was starting to get stressed.

I brought his water to him, and he moved straight to it. Then it was time to move him into the shade and grass, give him some shell scratches, and keep an eye on him.

He had another big drink, had some snacks in the shade, and I messaged his people to keep them up to date.

They've done some more tortoise proofing, so it can't happen again.

Well, he's now after even more love from me than normal and then sat right next to me for ages 💚

31/05/2026

We are 13 this week 🎉

13 years ago, a chance encounter with someone and an overwhelmed, scared, and frustrated adolescent dog found us, and a wisp of a dream turned into a reality.

Before that, I never could have imagined myself being self employed, it's been a learning curve, and I'm still learning every day.

I started as purely a dog walker and have (a good few years ago now) become a professional dog trainer. Alexandra's Practically Pawfect has grown, evolved since then, and continues to do so. I love what I do and the support I get to give to people and their dogs.

Thank you to each and every one of you who supported me and my business - past, present, and future. I simply couldn't do what I do without your support. Whether that's working with me in person, recommending me to others, or supporting my posts on here and Instagram. All of it helps. Thank you so much.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings us, and more exciting chapters coming soon x

30/05/2026

He's cutting out the need for a human and just picking berries straight from the plant 💙

28/05/2026

Is your dog struggling to keep cool in the heatwave?

Try this.

It's super simple and can be done with as little as ONE ingredient.

Simply fill an ice cube tray or other mould, put it in the freezer until ready, and then pop a couple out for your dog to enjoy (I tend to get it out a few minutes before to take the edge off, depending how warm it is).

In terms of ingredients, anything goes as long as it's dog friendly and suitable for your pup.

Here, Phoenix had yoghurt and blueberries.

Other fillings could include:

Bone broth
Pureed meat or fish
Blitzed veggies or fruit
Your dogs regular food
Goats milk

Remember to always supervise your dog when trying something new

27/05/2026

If life with your dog feels extra difficult this week, you're not imagining and you're definitely not alone.

With a heatwave and a bank holiday weekend leading into half term, life has changed overnight for many of our dogs and for many that's a lot to figure out.

With changes to:

▪ When, how long and how often they're going for walks

▪ How much everyone's windows are open so there's more scents, sights and sounds for them when at home or on walks

▪ More comings and goings than normal and kids being at home more

▪ Being sleep deprived if they are they are too hot or wired to properly rest and sleep

▪ Seeing more dogs or people, or at least closer together with less recovery time, when on walks as many of us try to avoid the heat.

They could be
• Stressed and overwhelmed
• Frustrated
• Bored
• Overstimulated
• Understimulated

Their metaphorical 'buckets' could simply be fuller than normal.

Good and bad events all play into how a dog is feeling.

For many of our dogs life is feeling much more intense on all fronts.

This could show itself as:

- Kicking off at things that they wouldn't do usually

- Being less happy about their normal day to day stuff

For example, Aura has a high maintenance complicated coat, especially for one so small. Grooming is no bother for her nowadays but I'd brushed maybe half her and she walked away. That's OK. It's information about how she's feeling in the moment.

- Less appetite

- Less focus and shorter attention span

- Increased vocalisation

- Being restless and fidgety

You're not alone if life is feeling clunky and out of control, there's more choices for our dogs to make and less time and space for them to do it in

26/05/2026

I figure I can either complain about the problem or I can do something to help, so I chose to help today.

5 full bags plus a box and two gas cannisters all from a stretch that would take about 15 minutes to just walk through.

An hour or so later, and it's looking much better, all disposed, and I'm going to try and 'un-melt' myself before I do some visits

25/05/2026

A quick post to say there will be changes this week.

With temperatures, some days this week continuing to be in the 30s, there will be alterations as yours and your dogs' well-being is at the heart of what I do.

It's just going to be far too hot for daytime training sessions and walks this week.

I'm in the process of contacting everyone and will be moving things around to keep everyone safe and sound x

Picture of Phoenix looking proud of his 'find'

25/05/2026

A brilliant way to keep your high-energy dogs happy in the heat 🐾

You'd think a paddling pool should be no problem, especially for a puppy who regularly swims in a large (and deep) swimming pool.

But, he was totally thrown by it.

It was a reminder to us that while his use and function of that front right leg has massively improved since he came to us, he's not the same as other puppies who didn't have to go through a broken leg (effectively two as they had to rebreak it in surgery) at 6 weeks old, surgery, rehab everything else.

First up, he needed to learn how to climb in, then to balance with a little bit of water in it, and then came the extra fun lesson of paddling and bobbing for food.

One small paddling pool filled to the brim with learning opportunities:-

🐾 Mental stimulation
🐾 Problem solving
🐾 Physio exercise
🐾 Tolerance to frustration building
🐾 Confidence building

And so much more

And don't worry, he'd already squashed a blueberry (that's what's floating in the water) before this, and they all got to enjoy some blueberry flavoured water

24/05/2026

23/05/2026

Squirrel recall coming along nicely 🐾

A sunrise walk to beat the heat meant more squirrels out than normal and probably the most he's seen all at once.

So, it was time for a little recall practice with fast-moving distractions