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Niki French is the go-to trainer for anxious and reactive dogs struggling on walks. Walking Your Dog

Giving stressed out dog parents hope and practical help with Pup Talk 1-2-1 training, community membership and best selling book STOP!

16/07/2025

Why is my dog so different on walks?

Calm at home, but a bundle of nerves or over-excitement as soon as you step outside?

Walks can be overwhelming – with all the sights, sounds, smells and movement, it’s a lot for sensitive dogs to process.

That’s why I often recommend building confidence and calm at home first.

If the outside world feels too much, there are kind, effective alternatives that can make a real difference.

📍 Based in Twickenham – I cover a 5-mile radius, and online sessions are available for dogs who need space.

Want to find a better way forward? Book a discovery call and let’s chat.

03/07/2025

It's Bodie's gotcha day - let's make it a Gotcha Day Party! Share your dog's gotcha day photos and tag me in so I can share.

On this day 6 years ago we brought home this fella from . Bodie was 8 months old.

He struggled as a teenager. He had more energy and excitement than he (or we) knew what to do with to start with. It was a testing for all of us as we struggled to get to know each other.

Early on, walks were chaotic. Most of it was spent managing him pulling and pogoing on the lead. Given the chance he'd have run up to any dog or stranger. The long-line was a permanent fixture for 'off-lead' time in parks.

After a while, two walks a day dropped down to one. Bodie easily got over-stimulated and over-excited, and in the evenings he used to be really hard work. Especially barking at Ash and grabbing and mouthing him.

The first 18 months were hard. For all of us. But from that point onwards each year has been more and more enjoyable.

When he reached the age of 2 I felt a bit less stressed on walks.
When he was 3, I felt like we really started to connect.
When he was 4, there seem to be a big step forward. The longline was a thing of the past.

He's now 6.5 and he's pretty relaxing to be on walks with. There is still occasional excitement with a person, so we have to do a little management. But around other dogs he's brilliant.

I love him more with every passing year. I'm so proud of the dog that he has grown in to. He's a central part of our family, my business sidekick. I wouldn't change a thing about him or our journey.

02/07/2025

Like a lot of dogs, Bodie has problems with his eyes.

Before he came to us he'd had recurring conjunctivitis and was very scared of anyone going near his head, let alone his eyes.

The first photo is Bodie today. He's had a flare up, probably brought on by the hot weather and humidity.

The next 2 photos are from over 2 years ago.

We used to be in a cycle of infections and needing ointment from our vets.

Then after speaking to Joe Flanagan from on Pup Talk The Podcast, I was converted to a more natural approach.

It's worked so well for Bodie. We keep a close eye (pun intended) on his eyes. As soon as there's any side of redness we're on it!

We use a little of the Eye Care when we need it and we've been off any meds for over 2 years.

Fingers crossed we can keep this run going.

https://ingenious-probiotics.com/product/probiotic-pet-eye-care/?ref=puptalk

They also do a great product for ears.

I am an affiliate for this product because I've seen first hand how it's worked for us.

Of course you should speak to your vet if you have any health concerns about your dog.

10/06/2025

So happy to be on the Barks From The Bookshelf podcast.

There are a couple of occasions where I listen to myself and think, what was I talking about 🙃 But for most of it I seem to be making sense!

Thank you to everyone who has bought, read, listened and reviewed my book so far.

If you love geeking out about dogs and dog books, this podcast is brilliant!

The brilliant team from PACT - Steve, Corrin and Nat - host the show.

You can see all the episodes on the show website https://www.pact-dogs.com/barksfrom

See the links in my bio for Spotify, Apple Podcast etc.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac0ef1ec

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/84-niki-french-stop-waking-your-dog/id1490703799

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MzGHtJCcqY08JlIqPqC7W?si=boJEE79yTx6tY8h9Vo7LAg

Barks from the Bookshelf

06/06/2025

It's a special birthday girl today - the beautiful soul that is Ruby. Thank you Thomas for bringing her into my life.

She made my first photoshoot possible.

She's Bodie's sweetheart.

She's become my Kids Around Dogs superstar, helping kids scared of dogs change how they feel.

She's is an absolute joy ❤❤❤

Happy birthday Rubydoobs! ###

29/05/2025

Just a quick reminder for anyone in Pup Talk The Pack membership that we have a drop in Zoom session tonight at 8pm GMT.

Yes it's nearly past my bedtime 😁 but hopefully it will give some of you time to get home from work, sort out dogs etc.

Getting a little support if you've had a tough week, or getting a niggling question answered, can really help you.

If you're quick, you can sign up today and be chatting with me on Zoom tonight.

To find out more checkout https://pup-talk.mykajabi.com/the-pack

You can join for £15 for your first month - get 50% off your first month using code THEPACK50.

14/05/2025

Tonight’s the night!

If your dog’s recall vanishes the moment they spot wildlife, you need this session 👇

In Pup Talk The Pack this evening, Sarah from (a qualified Predation Substitute Training instructor) will teach:

✔️ Why chasing is natural, not ‘naughty’
✔️ How to work with your dog’s instincts, not against them
✔️ Simple games and skills to build focus outdoors

Doors close for tonight’s live session at 6pm - join now so you don’t miss it (or the replay!).
⁠
🐾 Live session: Wednesday night, 7.30pm GMT⁠
🐾 Replay available in the membership⁠
⁠
👉 Not a member yet? Join now so you don’t miss it!⁠
⁠
Sign up now and get your first month HALF PRICE (just £15) with code THEPACK50⁠
⁠
👉https://pup-talk.mykajabi.com/the-pack

12/05/2025

Does your dog live for the chase?

Squirrels, birds, cats, deer, joggers, bikes… sound familiar?

You’re not alone - and help is at hand.

This week in Pup Talk The Pack, guest expert Sarah Hawkins from Barkshire Dog Training is joining us to talk about Predation Substitute Training (PST).

Created by Simone Müller, PST is a kind, fun and force-free way to help dogs who love to chase. You’ll learn how to give your dog safe, satisfying alternatives and build better focus - even in the most exciting outdoor situations.

🐾 Live session: Wednesday night, 7.30pm GMT
🐾 Replay available in the membership

👉 Not a member yet? Join now so you don’t miss it!

Sign up today and get your first month HALF PRICE (just £15) with code THEPACK50

👉https://pup-talk.mykajabi.com/the-pack

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