Megan Burnett Dog Behaviour & Training

31/05/2026

25/05/2026

This weather really hits our industry hard.

Over the last few days, many of us in the dog industry have had to make the decision to cancel classes, workshops, walks, training sessions, daycare activities and events.

As small businesses, every cancellation has an impact. We lose income, spend hours rearranging schedules, and often absorb costs that can’t be recovered.

But dog welfare will always come first.

No class, walk, workshop or training session is worth putting a dog at risk. When temperatures soar, our responsibility is to keep dogs safe, even when it’s the harder business decision.

So today, I’d love to shine a light on the amazing small businesses who are also putting welfare first. If you know a dog trainer, walker, daycare, groomer, physio, hydrotherapist, pet sitter or any other pet professional who has been affected by the heat, tag them below and give them a follow.

Supporting small businesses costs nothing, but it can make a huge difference.

Let’s show some love to the people who spend every day caring for our dogs. ❤️🐾

22/05/2026

Stay safe in the sun this Bank Holiday weekend 🥵

The weather is really heating up this week! 🥵 Heat stroke can be fatal to dogs so it's really important to recognise the signs ☀️

Here's some tips to help you keep your dog safe and cool in the warmer weather:

☀️ Do NOT walk your dog if the temperature is 23 degrees or above. A missed walk is not the end of the world! Walk your dog in shaded areas away from pavement or at cooler times of the day, i.e., first thing in the morning, or late evening.

☀️ Make sure a supply of fresh water is always available, preferably with multiple water bowls.

☀️ Lay out damp towels or cool mats for resting on top of.

☀️ Encourage them to spend time in shaded areas away from direct sunlight. Have fun with a paddling pool or sprinkler!

☀️ Make up some cool treats by freezing stuffed Kongs or make some ice cube treats using your dog's favourite food.

☀️ If you're staying inside, close the curtains and use a fan if you have one to make the room cooler. Some dogs might prefer to lie on colder kitchen tiles.

Be extra cautious if you have a flat-faced or giant breed, a dog with thick fur or a dog with health conditions.

If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, contact your vet immediately.

21/05/2026

After a much needed refresh, my new website is now LIVE! 🎉

You can now:

🐾 Learn more about the behaviour support and puppy training services I offer, plus read FAQs and reviews from past clients.

🐾 Book a FREE discovery call — a chance for us to chat about your dog, your concerns, and whether I’m the right fit to support you before booking.

🐾 Access a dedicated referral space for vets working with clients who may benefit from behaviour support.

🐾 Get in touch more easily with a new WhatsApp chat option directly through the website.

I wanted to make the whole process feel clearer, simpler, and more supportive from the very first step — making it easier to access the right support for your dog.

Take a look here:
mbdogbehaviour.com 💻🐶

20/05/2026

It's National Rescue Dog Day 🐶❤️

Rescue dogs make up a large part of the dogs I work with, and it's one of my favourite parts of my job. It's so rewarding to see them be loved, learn to trust again, and their quirky personalities come out.

Post a photo of your rescue dog in the comments, and let me know your favourite thing about them!

18/05/2026

If you’ve worked with me before, you’ll know that the JR paté and Arden Grange pastes are my go-to training treats.

Really happy to see that the new pet shop in a Lincoln stocks both — and in a great range of flavours too. It's so handy to have another local stockist! 👏🏻🥳

The paté is so easy to chop into small, high-value training treats and is always a big hit with the dogs. The Arden Grange paste is brilliant for loose lead walking, recall work, and spreading onto Lickimats for enrichment 😋

02/09/2025

New pup on the block! 📣💚 12-week-old Border Terrier pup Ozzy has just started his 1-2-1 puppy course 🐾

11/07/2025

HOT WEATHER & AN INCREASE IN BITE RISK 🥵

We've had some very hot weather recently in the UK, and for many parts of the UK- the next three days are going to be scorchio!

It's important to be aware that being too hot can lower thresholds for tolerance and overt reactions- and not just in 'reactive' dogs.

And not just in dogs!

There's a correlation between human riots and an increase in crime during a significant rise in temperature (27 to 32 degrees).
It is well established that in people, heat stress causes irritability and an increased likelihood of aggressive behaviour.

Being hot and bothered is a physical stressor - the body works hard to return to homeostasis.

Cognitive processes can be negatively affected. So if your dog is not responding to as they would normally, consider the effects of heat.

Furthermore- being too hot can interfere with a dog's ability to rest and sleep. During rest and sleep, stress is lowered, and subsequently compromised rest and sleep affects behaviour.

This can affect (lower) the dog's threshold for emotional stress.


🐕 Two unfamiliar dogs meeting while both are hot and bothered is less likely going to result in a healthy interaction. Now is the time to largely keep yourselves to yourselves on walks, or monitor the body language of both dogs very carefully.

🏡 Extra caution should be taken in situations that your dog may struggle with, such as around visitors to the home.

🧒 But the greatest caution of all should be taken around up-close interactions in ALL dogs, especially those who live children.

Remember these basic safeguarding rules;

1. No faces near faces.

2. Let sleeping dogs lie.

3. Do not forcefully take resources (toys, food or anything the dog has found/picked up) off a dog.
Children should never take things off a dog.

4. Do not 'box dogs in' with your interaction.

- Always ensure they can easily move away by not blocking a dog's ability to move forward/away (for example, wrapping your arms around to hug a dog front on makes it near impossible for them to easily disengage).

- The safest way to interact is to invite a dog to come to you.
Alternatively, if you do approach then do so when they are awake and instead of swooping straight in with strokes- wait for them to signal to you they are keen for an interaction.

- Stop stroking after 2-3 seconds, and see if your dog communicates to you they would like more, or if they are done.
This is called the consent test, and it's something all children (and adults) should be aware of.


Most people who get bitten by a dog know the dog well, didn't think their dog would ever bite someone and didn't see the bite coming.

Most dog bites are on faces and hands of someone close to the dog, and this tells us a lot about what the person was LIKELY doing (Note, there are always exceptions).


As I always say to my clients ......

🗣️ Never take your dog's current level of tolerance for granted.

19/04/2025

The Role of SSRIs in Canine Behavior Management

Last week, I was disgusted to see a local behaviourist share a post that implied that there is no way medication like SSRI, ie Fluoxetine, can help with multiple problems like anxiety, separation anxiety, OCD, among other conditions. It was basically shaming owners who use medications for their dog.

The post was wildly misleading (it couldn't even explain how SSRIs work), hateful and judgmental, and worse still, their followers liked the post.

How and why SSRIs are used.

When behavioral challenges arise, we often explore training, enrichment, and routine adjustments. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our dogs need a little extra support—and that's where medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be game-changers.

If your veterinarian has recommended an SSRI like fluoxetine for your dog's anxiety, reactivity, or compulsive behaviors, please know: it's okay. There's absolutely no shame in it, and it doesn't mean you've failed as an owner.

Here's why needing an SSRI is perfectly acceptable for your dog:

1. It addresses a Biological Imbalance: Just like humans, dogs can experience chemical imbalances in their brains that contribute to behavioral issues. SSRIs help regulate serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood, anxiety, and impulse control. Think of it as providing the necessary support to help their brain function more effectively.

2. It Can Significantly Improve Their Quality of Life: Imagine living with constant anxiety or being driven by overwhelming compulsions. These situations are stressful and can severely impact a dog's well-being. SSRIs can help reduce these intense feelings, allowing your dog to feel calmer, more secure, and ultimately happier.

3. It Often Makes Training More Effective: When a dog is constantly in a state of high anxiety, learning new behaviors through training can be incredibly difficult. By reducing their overall anxiety levels, SSRIs can create a "window of opportunity" where your dog is more receptive to training and behavior modification techniques. Medication can help them reach a state where they can better process and respond to what you're trying to teach them.

4. It's Not a "Quick Fix" or a Replacement for Good Management: SSRIs are typically used in conjunction with behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and consistent routines. They are a valuable tool in a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone solution.

5. Veterinarians Recommend It Based on Scientific Evidence: Just like with human medicine, the use of SSRIs in veterinary medicine is based on research and clinical experience. Veterinarians prescribe these medications because they have been shown to be effective in managing certain behavioral conditions.

6. You're Prioritizing Your Dog's Well-being: Using medication when recommended shows immense care and dedication to your dog's happiness and comfort. You're acknowledging their struggles and seeking the best possible outcome for them.

Think of it this way: If your dog had a physical ailment causing them pain, you wouldn't hesitate to seek veterinary care and administer prescribed medication.

Behavioral issues are just as real and can cause just as much suffering. Treating them with appropriate tools, including medication when necessary, is a responsible and loving choice.

So, if your dog needs an SSRI, hold your head high. You are doing what's best for your dog, helping them live a calmer, happier, and more fulfilling life. You are a wonderful dog parent for recognising their needs and seeking the right support.

23/03/2025

It's and I had a puppy-filled Sunday with Donnie and Monty! 🥰