The Rewarding Dog Trainer

31/05/2026

*Dog Walking Clients*

May Invoices have been sent out.

Hope you’ve had a lovely half term!

Many thanks!

27/05/2026

This 🙌🏻

And this is what frustrates me when I see people taking their dogs out in this heat.

Luckily this week coincided with time off. But there will be other weeks where the schedule is turned upside down to put welfare first.

Would I do it any other way? Nope. These dogs mean the world to me. Even if they do roll in fox poo on the regular 😂😂

Here’s to all the dog walkers who have had to cancel walks this week.

To the ones living paycheck to paycheck, making the heartbreaking decision to put the welfare of the dogs first — even when rent is due, bills are piling up, and the food shop still needs paying for.

You are my heroes.

I feel incredibly lucky that my main outgoings are my vehicles, because I know for so many others, these weather extremes are hitting hard. And sadly, this is becoming our new normal — wet winters, unbearable spring and summer heat, one extreme after another.

Over the couple of years, so many new dog walkers have started their businesses, stepping into this industry at one of the toughest times imaginable.

The weather hasn’t just affected our income — it’s affected our mental health too. The stress, the uncertainty, the constant worry… it takes its toll.

And on top of all that, the cost of living has risen so dramatically.

Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, food prices, rent, mortgages, utilities — everything has gone up, while many of us are earning less because of cancelled walks and unsafe temperatures.

It’s an exhausting balance trying to keep a business afloat while also trying to survive personally. For so many dog walkers, it feels like no matter how hard we work, we’re constantly trying to catch up.

But still, we keep going.

Why?

Because this is more than just a job to us. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a passion. It’s something we pour our whole hearts into every single day.

No matter the weather, no matter the setbacks, we continue showing up because we love these dogs like they’re our own.

So to every dog walker struggling quietly this week — I see you, I respect you, and I hope you’re proud of yourself for putting the dogs first, even when it costs you.

23/05/2026

Check out this free course!

This mini course include lots of cool ideas for keeping your dog entertained on hot days, when it is unsafe to walk. Learn about canine enrichment, easy tricks and scent games to really work your dogs brain and nose!

23/05/2026

It is going to be super hot this coming week!

Keep your dog safe by walking early morning and late evening.

The risk of heatstroke is very high, and it can be fatal. It’s an unnecessary risk exercising your dog in hot weather.

If you’re worried about keeping them entertained, check out my free course for ideas:

https://therewardingdogtrainer.thinkific.com/courses/hot-days-survival-course

22/05/2026

Please welcome the very cute Chunks the chihuahua onto TRDT Puppy Programme.

Chunks is 6 months old and full of beans!

We had our first training session yesterday, he did really well!

He really enjoyed playing with Tug-E-Nuff chasers toys between training exercises. A little bit of play makes the sessions really for the pups, but also helps them process what they are learning!

My Puppy Programme is currently full, but get in touch if you would like information about joining my online training community!

More info can be found here too:

https://www.rewardingdogtrainer.co.uk/plans-pricing

11/05/2026

At the weekend we continued Hamish’s training at our local, The Granville - Barford.

Hamish can be a little vocal when he’s at the pub. If you’ve been following a while you will know we have been working on disengaging from distractions in this environment. For Hamish, this would be whenever someone new entered the bar/pub, and new dogs.

He has done really well with people. We are still working on new dogs, but having the ice cream in the pub really helped with managing his arousal levels, which meant he could engage his thinking brain a lot more!

If you are looking to manage arousal in your dog during training, think about introducing an activity which involves licking, sniffing or chewing. For example, sprinkle treats for your pup to sniff out, or bringing a chew along…. Or Doggie Ice cream!!!

10/05/2026

Hamish enjoyed his doggie ice cream so much!!

It also helped him feel calm in a busy environment. Licking (as well as sniffing and chewing) can lower arousal levels, whether that be excitement or feeling anxious.

A lovely treat and a great calming activity all in one!!

06/05/2026

Little reminder:
April dog walking invoices have been sent out.
Many thanks ☺️

04/05/2026

📰 Big news dog friends!
🏡 We have moved to Moreton Morrell and have a wonderful field to share from next weekend.
🤩 It’s 1️⃣0️⃣ acres about 3 times bigger than our last field!
Any questions then please let the humans know…

04/05/2026