Megan Burnett Dog Behaviour & Training

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! 🥰

09/02/2025

Sunday fun with Donnie 🖤 What a smart boy!

11/01/2025

What a start to 2025 - I currently have an approximately 3 week waiting list for new behaviour clients and training sessions!

If your New Year's resolution is to get on top of your dog's behaviour/training, now is the time to get in touch so I can help you to achieve your goals! Plan ahead and don't wait around, as spots are filling up very quickly and I am receiving new enquiries every day.

Message here on Facebook, or you can visit my website to enquire or for more information about my services, from behaviour consultations to puppy training - mbdogbehaviour.com.

Please bear with me if my replies are slower than usual. I will get back to you ASAP. Thank you for your patience and understanding ☺️🐾

07/01/2025

Happy New Year! ✨🥳

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported me and my small business in 2024; I had the best and busiest year yet and I am so thankful for all the wonderful dogs and dedicated owners I have the pleasure of helping. I'm especially grateful for those who recommend me to others, as I received more word-of-mouth referrals than anything else last year ❤

I had a lovely Christmas break and a really busy start to the New Year, getting back to all the emails and new enquiries I received whilst I was away. It is taking me a few days to get back to everyone so please bear with me!

I'm rubbish at posting regularly on this page but you are always able to message here for help and advice 😀

02/12/2024

Last week was a really busy one for me, with Nelly, Rocco, Enzo and Harlow! They all did so well in their puppy sessions and behaviour consultations 🥰🐾 Ready for another busy week this week!

28/11/2024

Just a quick reminder that I offer gift certificates which can be put towards my training/behaviour services. These were popular last year! 🐾

These are available all year round but might be perfect for Christmas if you know someone with a new dog or puppy 🐶🎄🎁

Gift certificates are available to purchase for ANY value up to £250 and can be sent to you to print at home or send electronically. Alternatively, I can provide a printed certificate and card which can either be sent to you or directly to the recipient.

Please enquire for more information or to purchase!

22/11/2024

Limited availability left before Christmas! 🎄🎅🏻

I now have about 4 weeks until the start of my Christmas break, and I have only a few remaining spots for behaviour consultations/training sessions. Once these are gone, I will be taking bookings for 2025.

If you need help preparing your dog for the festive season, getting on top of problem behaviours before guests arrive, or want to get on top of basic obedience skills, now is the time to get booked in. Don't miss your chance to set your dog up for success for the New Year!

Drop me a message here, or visit my website (mbdogbehaviour.com) for more details and contact information.

05/11/2024

CLIENT PUPDATE! ⭐🐶🐾

Earlier this year, Teddy came to me with severe fear and anxiety at the vets. It is not uncommon for dogs to be worried about vet visits, but Teddy would become so distressed that he would often show aggressive behaviour which was stressful and upsetting for everyone involved.

I was delighted to receive this message from Teddy's owner recently, which shows just how far Teddy has come. Teddy would become very upset even in the waiting room, but he is now able to relax and settle in this environment, which helps to keep his stress levels low, making things much easier when he gets into the consulting room. Teddy wears a muzzle to the vets to help to manage risk, but he is much happier to wear this now without a struggle which makes handling him much less stressful for the vets! He's also making friends with the vets and learning to trust them 😁

Learning to be less worried at the vets takes time and hard work, but Teddy has a brilliant, dedicated owner who has been so patient with him and really persevered with their training!

We've agreed to share Teddy's story to provide some hope for dog owners experiencing the same kind of problems ❤ Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like some help improving your dog's confidence at the vets.

04/11/2024

Adolescence can be really challenging and one of the most frustrating times for both dog and owner, but the good news is, it's temporary!

This is a great post explaining more about what's actually going on inside your dog's brain during this time.

Learning how to manage your dog and set them up for success during this tricky time can help them to come out of the other side a well-rounded dog.

Please get in touch if you need help with your adolescent dog 🐶🧠

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

22/02/2024

Thank you so much to Katie for leaving this very kind review on my Google page! 🥰

The imposter syndrome hits hard sometimes so it's nice to get my own little bit of positive reinforcement to keep me going, and your reviews/testimonials or even just recommending me to your friends really means the world to me! ⭐