The Dog Guardian

23/04/2025

This handsome chap took 30 minutes before he allowed me to give him a treat. Then another 30 minutes for a stroke. This isn’t rare. Yet many well intentioned people try to stroke him as soon as they meet him. This has caused him anxiety as trust cannot be rushed. One has to go at the individual dog’s pace!

21/03/2025

In over 20 years of working with dogs, I thought I’d seen it all. But this one was a first.

Every evening, around 10 or half past, the dog would start barking. Not at anything in particular, just at his people. They’d be watching TV, nice and cosy, and he’d had enough. Time for bed. So they’d switch off the telly and head upstairs.

You heard that right. The dog was putting them to bed.

It was like watching a child tell the parents it’s bedtime, and the parents actually listening.

Lovely people, by the way. Some of the kindest, most nurturing clients I’ve met. But when dogs are given all the nurture and none of the leadership, things can go a little sideways. And sure enough, this wasn’t the only area where the dog was quietly calling the shots.

It’s a good reminder. Dogs don’t just need love. They need a guide. Someone to protect, coach, lead and nurture them. All four matter, not just one.

Give them only the nurture, and you might find yourself following their bedtime routine.

26/02/2025

This little sweetie was very cautious around being touched. As a result every one of my actions was calculated to ensure I didn’t do anything that would knock her confidence. Then when outside on the walk I made sure well intentioned people didn’t invade her space. By the end of the session I built her trust that I wasn’t a threat and would protect her. Once the right bond has formed - training is much easier. 🐕☺️

13/02/2025

https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/spay-neuter-decision/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1dHyvVVU_Af9-hSAlDp8jFTqGEmPP-DPFRUY88T54Pau5bPr8QFgbmP08_aem_EIN8S85QxIuyl4YvQHVquA

In this month's 'Evidence-Based Medicine' column, Dr. Bruce Christensen emphasizes why gonadectomy decisions should be individualized for each pet and family. From lifestyle to breed-specific risks, he advocates for a tailored approach, treating each case with the same expertise and respect as any o...

12/02/2025

Much of what this little chap did in my presence was about control. From greeting me, to where he wanted to sit, to the speed/direction of the walk and interacting with dogs. He was controlling these situations because he felt both responsible and entitled to. This is a lot of pressure for a dog as it’s a big responsibility to control the world as dogs can’t comprehend how it works. As a result his behaviour was erratic and troublesome. Luckily his owners are now clearly communicating the message they’ll control the events so he doesn’t have to. In just 3 days his behaviour has improved. 🐕

28/12/2024

Sky’s new neck scarf reads ‘I’m friendly’, to reassure others around her. She is never aggressive, however many people tend to judge on the way a dog looks more so than their behaviour. I didn’t experience this with my old dog Rex but do now. Have you had similar experiences?

24/10/2024

Fireworks night is coming. Check out my rant and advice on what you can do, in my latest blog!!

Possibly a controversial opinion, but I wish fireworks night didn’t exist, and frankly, I think we should ban it. Or at the very least, get rid of the loud ones. It’s not that I’m a killjoy, nor am I unfamiliar with big, exciting productions. I was in Sydney for the millennium—one of the big...

25/09/2024

Your Dog Follows Your Lead—Are You Ready to Guide?

Ever caught yourself wishing your dog would just “get it”? Truth is, they can’t read books or magically change overnight. It’s us, their human, who needs to do the work.

Your dog needs you to step up, not just as a nurturer, but as their protector, authority, and coach. Being the leader your dog needs takes time, patience, and a whole lot of self-reflection.

Think about where you’ve succeeded in life—whether it’s your fitness, relationships, or career. All of that progress took work. The same applies here. If your dog’s behaviour feels like an uphill battle, it’s time to ask yourself—what’s holding you back? Too busy? Lack of confidence? Whatever it is, there are solutions.

The change starts with you. Your dog is waiting. Are you ready to lead?

06/08/2024

Evening swim with this beautiful girl 🥰

02/06/2024

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theconsultroom/episodes/Where-are-our-Pandemic-Puppies-Now-e2k0upb

In this enlightening episode of The Consult Room, host Dr Paul Manktelow is joined once again by renowned dog behaviourist Nigel Reed, revisiting the pressing issue of pandemic puppies and their behavioural challenges. A couple of years ago, we discussed the potential crisis facing the UK's dogs due...

31/05/2024

Check out TV vet's Paul Manktelow's podcast where we discuss how our changing relationship with dogs 🐕 over the years has affected their behaviour and confidence.

In this enlightening episode of The Consult Room, host Dr Paul Manktelow is joined once again by renowned dog behaviourist Nigel Reed, revisiting the pressing issue of pandemic puppies and their behavioural challenges. A couple of years ago, we discussed the potential crisis facing the UK's dogs due...

16/05/2024

Dog training is a balance of many factors.
There is such thing as being too soft and too hard. Overbearing or neglecting.
Too much exercise or not enough.
Too many boundaries or too little.
Overfeeding or underfeeding.
Over stimulated or not enough.
The balance is different with each dog and so you have to work out which each dog requires. If you get the balance wrong in any area, you will likely see issues. The more issues you see highlights the need for balance to be restored.
🐕