This morning I was out walking two girls currently staying with me for training — a Springer Spaniel and a young Labrador who live together. The Labrador is in season (if you’re unsure what that involves, I’ve written about it here: https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/blog-when-your-bitch-comes-into-season ). The Spaniel was off lead a little way ahead. I saw her stop — that still, alert pause — something had caught her eye around the bend. I called her immediately and clipped

Sophie had some understanding of walking to heel but we can always look for improvements as we see here! Sophie is a German Shepherd, born in 2021. She didn’t arrive into chaos or uncertainty. She arrived into a home shaped by experience — a family who had lived with German Shepherds before, who understood the breed, and who welcomed her at eight weeks old from a breeder they trusted. This was Sophie’s first home, and her early foundations were steady. That matters. Because w

I spoke to a new client today about her 18-month-old Sprocker, and her opening sentence was one I hear often: “He’s really good… except on walks.” In training, this dog shines. He settles into class, focuses well, works off lead for retrieves and ignores other dogs appropriately. At home he’s calm, relaxed in the car, engaged with his people. And yet , outside the home, the picture changes.He lunges, barks and strains at other dogs — even across the street. This is where owne

And how calm, thoughtful guidance can change everything Dogs are wonderful companions, but sometimes their behaviour can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even upsetting. When things go wrong, many owners quietly blame themselves — or their dog — without realising that most behaviour is simply communication. Understanding common dog behaviour issues is the first step towards building a calmer, more trusting relationship. When we learn why  a dog behaves in a certain way, the p