Positive Dog Training and Behaviour

05/08/2025

As some of my clients may know, I’ve spent the past few years studying to become a counsellor. I’ve been doing this alongside my work as a dog behaviourist, and I’ve often found that the two go hand in hand. Both practices require compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding.

After years of hard work, I’m proud to share that I’ve now achieved my qualification in Therapeutic Counselling. With this milestone, I’ve made the difficult decision to say goodbye to my work as a dog behaviourist and trainer. Over the past five years, I’ve truly loved this job and will miss it greatly. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many fantastic, dedicated people and wonderful dogs. It’s been an honour to be trusted by so many, and to support you and your dogs on your journeys together.

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all my clients and everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll definitely miss this work, but I’m excited for what lies ahead in my counselling career. So, thank you all!

And finally, a special shout-out to my boy Freddie — whose complex behaviour (and the joy he brought, and continues to bring, into my life) inspired me to become a behaviourist in the first place. He has always been, and will always be, my muse and my best friend.

18/06/2025

With temperatures set to rise again today, we are urging anyone with a dog in their life to keep them safe. Whilst some dogs may cope with the heat, many don't. Don't take that risk and learn the hard way that your dog doesn't.

Those at increased risk should take particular care, which includes:
- elderly dogs, especially those with an underlying medical condition
- young dogs
- flat-faced breeds,
- overweight or unfit animals,
- large breeds,
- thick coated breeds,

Research from the Royal Veterinary College indicates that more dogs present for veterinary care due to heat-related illness after exercise than those left in hot cars.

www.allwindsdogfirstaid.co.uk

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas to everyone and their fur babies. Freddie spent the morning running on the beach and watching the beautiful sunrise. Freddie and I hope you are all enjoying your day. 🎄❤️🐾
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01/12/2024

Happy 7th birthday to my soul dog whose two favourite things in life are sleeping and causing chaos. We’ve both gained a fair few grey hairs over the years but it’s been a privilege to walk (and sleep!) next to him. Throughout all my years of working with dogs, I’ve never met one quite like Fred and although it can be difficult and challenging, I wouldn’t be without him. 🧡🐾

29/11/2024

!! URGENT NOTICE !!

There appears to be a scam targeting pet owners and their microchips!

If you receive an email from a company claiming to be Petchip.network - https://petchip.network/petchip-network advising that your pet’s microchip registration has expired and you need to pay for it to be updated then THIS IS A SCAM. PLEASE IGNORE.

The email comes with a link taking you to a page showing your pet’s name, microchip number, your contact phone number and looks very convincing, but please be advised you will never usually have to pay to update your pets details. Charges to register a microchip often only come when you first register your pet.

If you are unsure there is a list of approved databases on gov.uk: Get your dog or cat microchipped - GOV.UK

While we agree keeping microchip details up to date is a vital part of pet ownership, please only use a recognised service to do so.

26/11/2024

Meet Basil and Rosie, two lovely rescue dogs I have been working with recently. They are very friendly and super enthusiastic. We have been working on various things including their lead work and responses to dogs on walks. 🐾🧡

04/11/2024

The face Fred pulls when you tell him there’s going to be fireworks 🙄 Although we may find fireworks beautiful, many dogs do not. They are loud, sudden and unexpected noises that most dogs are not familiar with and have no understanding of what they are or where they are coming from. Here are some tips for looking after your dogs during bonfire night.

- Create a safe space. Dens can help them feel safe so creating one for them (if they don’t already have one) can give them somewhere to go. Fred particularly likes the upstairs bathroom so I will be putting his bed there in preparation.
- Classical music. Studies have suggested that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs. Make sure it is specifically for pets to avoid loud drums.
- Try to find out timings of any local displays or if neighbours will be letting them off. This way you can avoid walking your dog when they go off.
- If they look to you for comfort, give it to them. There is a common misconception that comforting a dog when they are anxious reinforces the behaviour. But what it actually does is help them feel safer and reassured.
- Calming supplements or prescription medication may help some dogs but this should always be discussed with a vet first.
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04/11/2024

Not my usual dog post but a reminder to look out for wildlife 🧡

🦔 IMPORTANT 🦔

As Bonfire Night approaches, we want to remind everyone to be extra vigilant for our spiky friends, the hedgehogs!

These nocturnal creatures often seek shelter in warm, cosy spots, making bonfires a potential hazard. Before lighting any fires, please check thoroughly for hedgehogs or other wildlife that might be hiding.

Let’s keep our hedgehogs safe this Bonfire Night! 🪵🔥

➡ If you spot any hedgehogs in need, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Secret World.

20/08/2024

I am on holiday from 20th August - 3rd September! If you have an enquiry, please feel free to still contact me and I will be in touch when I am back. 🐾🧡

01/08/2024

3 years ago today I qualified as a dog behaviourist. Although I’m a qualified dog trainer too, the learning does not stop! Every dog I meet has a unique personality and gives me something new to consider. For me, working with dogs isn’t about getting them to do what we want all the time. It is about treating them as individuals with their own personalities, likes and dislikes, warts and all! Understanding the emotion behind the behaviour is vital to my work as is working with the person to help them understand their dog better and build on their relationship. Relationship and understanding is at the heart of every session I do and is the key to living a happy life alongside our companions. 🧡🐾
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23/07/2024

Just a handful of some of the lovely dogs I have had the pleasure of working with in the past couple weeks. All completely different and yet all so gorgeous!
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